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Cutting Through the Darkness
I am broken.
I am trapped in a sea of darkness with no way out.
I found him when I was at my worst, wondering if life was worth living.
He is everything I am afraid of.
Tall, handsome, strong.
He tries to piece me together and make me whole again.
But, I'm too broken, too lost.
I want to live, but fear consumes me.
There is a darkness that lingers no matter what I do.
I am trapped in a sea of darkness with no way out.
I found him when I was at my worst, wondering if life was worth living.
He is everything I am afraid of.
Tall, handsome, strong.
He tries to piece me together and make me whole again.
But, I'm too broken, too lost.
I want to live, but fear consumes me.
There is a darkness that lingers no matter what I do.
- GenresBDSM
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
5 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Love
20 books219 followersIvy Love is a paralegal by day and writer by night. When she's not working or writing, she can be found playing with her rescue dogs.
Want to stay in the know for all things Ivy Love, check out her website. You can also visit her Facebook page for her latest updates.
Ivy writes keep you on your toes, romantic suspense with a twist and dark romance. She's been writing her whole life and publishing since 2017.
Ivy currently lives on the East Coast, but she's bounced back and forth across the country. She loves reading, horror movies and animals.
Whether you end of liking her books or not, she appreciates that you took the time to read the books she loves to share.
Amazon: tinyurl.com/25mv75ha
Facebook: tinyurl.com/yrv994sr
Instagram: tinyurl.com/mryuemam
TikTok: tinyurl.com/ywjxa4xj
Bookbub: tinyurl.com/2th3hxb4
Reader Group: tinyurl.com/2376uvrh
Want to stay in the know for all things Ivy Love, check out her website. You can also visit her Facebook page for her latest updates.
Ivy writes keep you on your toes, romantic suspense with a twist and dark romance. She's been writing her whole life and publishing since 2017.
Ivy currently lives on the East Coast, but she's bounced back and forth across the country. She loves reading, horror movies and animals.
Whether you end of liking her books or not, she appreciates that you took the time to read the books she loves to share.
Amazon: tinyurl.com/25mv75ha
Facebook: tinyurl.com/yrv994sr
Instagram: tinyurl.com/mryuemam
TikTok: tinyurl.com/ywjxa4xj
Bookbub: tinyurl.com/2th3hxb4
Reader Group: tinyurl.com/2376uvrh
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 38 reviews
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July 16, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/16/2018)!💝
Blurb:
***WARNING***
This book does touch on some sensitive subjects, such as abuse and rape, and may contain triggers for some people. It is not meant for readers age 17 and under.
I am broken.
I am trapped in a sea of darkness with no way out.
I found him when I was at my worst, wondering if life was worth living.
He is everything I am afraid of.
Tall handsome, strong.
He tries to piece me together and me whole again.
But, I’m too broken, too lost.
I want to live, but fear consumes me.
There is a darkness that lingers no matter what I do.
Kat has been through hell and back. This is her story, as she tries to break through the darkness.
Blurb:
***WARNING***
This book does touch on some sensitive subjects, such as abuse and rape, and may contain triggers for some people. It is not meant for readers age 17 and under.
I am broken.
I am trapped in a sea of darkness with no way out.
I found him when I was at my worst, wondering if life was worth living.
He is everything I am afraid of.
Tall handsome, strong.
He tries to piece me together and me whole again.
But, I’m too broken, too lost.
I want to live, but fear consumes me.
There is a darkness that lingers no matter what I do.
Kat has been through hell and back. This is her story, as she tries to break through the darkness.
June 30, 2016
Cutting Through the Darkness lives up to its title. This book deals with some very dark issues. The author wrote a very compelling story dealing with ways to deal with grief and our dark sides. Kat has gone through more in her short life than most people could handle. She deals with her pain by cutting her self. Her best friend Jess introduces her to Derek in hopes that he can help her finds different ways to deal with her pain.
I enjoyed this book and the story line/love story was great. The only thing that I would say about this book is that right after Derek and Kat met, the books jumps head 6 months to them in love and then the book ends. I would of liked more about their relationship developing. The ending of the book came completely out of the blue and surprised the heck out of me. Overall it was a great book, but not for the light of heart.
I enjoyed this book and the story line/love story was great. The only thing that I would say about this book is that right after Derek and Kat met, the books jumps head 6 months to them in love and then the book ends. I would of liked more about their relationship developing. The ending of the book came completely out of the blue and surprised the heck out of me. Overall it was a great book, but not for the light of heart.
June 27, 2016
Let me say first this book was extremely sad, but it had a lot of love and happiness in it. Kat and Jess both struggle with their past. The darkness threatens to consume them. They find two men who help them learn to fight it, without doing harm to themselves. They are set on a path of self destruction from an early age. Kat finally find her happiness with Derek and he makes her life worth living again. Ian has done the same for Jess.
There is a tragic turn in this book. It made me cry. I screamed at it not to happen, but it did. I am not going to tell you all to ruin and have a huge spoiler.
Please if you feel like you are struggling with something you can't handle reach out to a friend, find someone to talk to. There are people that care. Those people that struggle every day with this pain inside them, I hope you find relief in a positive way.
I know I am trying. I may be struggling but Ivy has shown me that all hope is not lost. I can do this or maybe I can find a friend to reach out to for help. Maybe I can find someone to talk to that won't judge me for how I feel.
Thank you so much Ivy.
There is a tragic turn in this book. It made me cry. I screamed at it not to happen, but it did. I am not going to tell you all to ruin and have a huge spoiler.
Please if you feel like you are struggling with something you can't handle reach out to a friend, find someone to talk to. There are people that care. Those people that struggle every day with this pain inside them, I hope you find relief in a positive way.
I know I am trying. I may be struggling but Ivy has shown me that all hope is not lost. I can do this or maybe I can find a friend to reach out to for help. Maybe I can find someone to talk to that won't judge me for how I feel.
Thank you so much Ivy.
June 29, 2016
"When I’m in that place, there is only one thing that helps. Only one thing that helps pull me from the darkness that threatens to take me from the living to the dead."
Cutting Through The Darkness is an emotional,raw and heartbreaking story written by Ivy Love. It is a story that truly makes you feel sad and even makes you cry a bit. Thus is my first book written by Ivy Love and I truly enjoyed. The book itself captivated me and I was really amazed at how devoured it.
Cutting Through the Darkness is a story about Jess a woman who likes to cut. She meets Ian, an experienced Dom who gives her pain through BDSM to help her cope without having to cut. She decides to introduce her friend Kat, another cutter to experience the lifestyle with her friend Derek who will help her. These two women I truly felt for them because their pain was truly heartbreaking to me. Ivy Love really highlighted their pain through her writing. I was able to see the journey and too see Kat's transformation. I was able to understand what goes on in a mind of a cutter to the point it was heartbreaking to read. Depression can be a cruel thing and it truly showed in this book. The author was able to show the vulnerabilities of the characters.
I also loved the cover because it showed a broken woman with cracks in her life but wanting to break free from them. This describes Kat's nature. She was sick of having the datkness control and she wanted to be free and I commended her for that. Her willingness to be strong and to get better made this story breathtaking.
However, this book was too rushed. I would have loved it if there was more plot to the story. It was lacking in character development and also it needed more scenes. I was not convinced enough with the BDSM scenes snd they were not as strong as they should be. The chemistry between Derek and Kat was too rushed that their chemistry was not believable. I would have wanted mote background on Derek and Kat. As a whole, the story was great. The theme was superb and I loved it but I needed more of it. I wanted to feel.the connection between Kat and Derek. I wanted to feel the connection to Jess and Ian.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. A few things needed to be included but the story was beautiful and the theme itself truly touched me and truly just made me feel emotional. Ivy Love really wrote a story that truly touched my soul.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Cutting Through The Darkness is an emotional,raw and heartbreaking story written by Ivy Love. It is a story that truly makes you feel sad and even makes you cry a bit. Thus is my first book written by Ivy Love and I truly enjoyed. The book itself captivated me and I was really amazed at how devoured it.
Cutting Through the Darkness is a story about Jess a woman who likes to cut. She meets Ian, an experienced Dom who gives her pain through BDSM to help her cope without having to cut. She decides to introduce her friend Kat, another cutter to experience the lifestyle with her friend Derek who will help her. These two women I truly felt for them because their pain was truly heartbreaking to me. Ivy Love really highlighted their pain through her writing. I was able to see the journey and too see Kat's transformation. I was able to understand what goes on in a mind of a cutter to the point it was heartbreaking to read. Depression can be a cruel thing and it truly showed in this book. The author was able to show the vulnerabilities of the characters.
I also loved the cover because it showed a broken woman with cracks in her life but wanting to break free from them. This describes Kat's nature. She was sick of having the datkness control and she wanted to be free and I commended her for that. Her willingness to be strong and to get better made this story breathtaking.
However, this book was too rushed. I would have loved it if there was more plot to the story. It was lacking in character development and also it needed more scenes. I was not convinced enough with the BDSM scenes snd they were not as strong as they should be. The chemistry between Derek and Kat was too rushed that their chemistry was not believable. I would have wanted mote background on Derek and Kat. As a whole, the story was great. The theme was superb and I loved it but I needed more of it. I wanted to feel.the connection between Kat and Derek. I wanted to feel the connection to Jess and Ian.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. A few things needed to be included but the story was beautiful and the theme itself truly touched me and truly just made me feel emotional. Ivy Love really wrote a story that truly touched my soul.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2016
Ivy Love has written a book that is Emotional, Raw, Heartwarming , Heartbreaking and A Book that will have you reaching for the tissues without a doubt.
Kat a young woman who has overcome so many traumatic issues from her past but still struggles with some darker issues that she never thinks will go away. Jess her best friend who always has her best interest introduces her to the one man who might help her get through it all.
Derek a attorney but also a Dom feels that Kat is a woman worth helping but in such a short amount of time the feelings become real and the love becomes true and between the two of them everything becomes right.
As Kat becomes the woman she always wants Jess struggles to overcome the darkness also but will she
Allow herself to be as happy as Kat or will she allow the darkness to win. This book will definitely have you feeling all the angst that comes with the topic at
Hand but it will also make you understand how people handle life situations differently and without the selfishness you may think they have.
Kat a young woman who has overcome so many traumatic issues from her past but still struggles with some darker issues that she never thinks will go away. Jess her best friend who always has her best interest introduces her to the one man who might help her get through it all.
Derek a attorney but also a Dom feels that Kat is a woman worth helping but in such a short amount of time the feelings become real and the love becomes true and between the two of them everything becomes right.
As Kat becomes the woman she always wants Jess struggles to overcome the darkness also but will she
Allow herself to be as happy as Kat or will she allow the darkness to win. This book will definitely have you feeling all the angst that comes with the topic at
Hand but it will also make you understand how people handle life situations differently and without the selfishness you may think they have.
June 28, 2016
This was a super read on a sensitive subject and I was totally hooked within the first few pages.
Kat's story was on a subject I have little knowledge of and is, I would imagine, quite difficult to write about, but it was done with heart wrenching beauty.
Ivy delves into Kat's mind and describes her thoughts, feelings and pain in such a way you find yourself turning the pages and hoping that this young, dark soul finds her way back to the light.
She meets Derek, who fights his way to the route of her problems the only way he knows how and gains her trust.
Within this story there is a side story that broke my heart AND left me wanting to throw my kindle at Ivy Love's head (in the best way of course).
You need to indulge us readers Ivy, don't leave us hanging.....Please!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, it was fabulous!
Kat's story was on a subject I have little knowledge of and is, I would imagine, quite difficult to write about, but it was done with heart wrenching beauty.
Ivy delves into Kat's mind and describes her thoughts, feelings and pain in such a way you find yourself turning the pages and hoping that this young, dark soul finds her way back to the light.
She meets Derek, who fights his way to the route of her problems the only way he knows how and gains her trust.
Within this story there is a side story that broke my heart AND left me wanting to throw my kindle at Ivy Love's head (in the best way of course).
You need to indulge us readers Ivy, don't leave us hanging.....Please!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, it was fabulous!
June 27, 2016
What an emotional ride. The author truly poorer her heart into this story.
I really could identify with the struggle of these characters. Each of these Characters, Kat and Jess's stories rip my heart out!
I highly recommend this book. I give it five fabulous stars.
I really could identify with the struggle of these characters. Each of these Characters, Kat and Jess's stories rip my heart out!
I highly recommend this book. I give it five fabulous stars.
June 29, 2018
The Darkness
I don't know what to make of the ending... Don't get me wrong. I loved the story but the ending was WOW. The author didn't paint a pretty picture especially when it came to Jess and Kat's lives. I hope there is more. I hope there will be another book for Ian. He sure as hell needs it.
I don't know what to make of the ending... Don't get me wrong. I loved the story but the ending was WOW. The author didn't paint a pretty picture especially when it came to Jess and Kat's lives. I hope there is more. I hope there will be another book for Ian. He sure as hell needs it.
June 29, 2016
>Book review - Cutting through the Darkness
>I am an independent reviewer. This is a standalone novel which may have a few triggers for some readers. Kat and Jess are roommates who are cutters. Jess meets Ian and finds another outlet for her issues, rather than cutting. Jess introduces Kat to a Dom, Derek, in a bid to help her stop cutting as well. On the surface, this book could be about BDSM and how pleasure can balance out pain, especially in a personality type that needs pain. Beneath the surface, the issues of trust show how the break of that trust can cause severe psychological damage in a person.
>I never understood why people would cut themselves on purpose. This book explained the thought process behind cutting. I actually can understand why cutting would appeal to certain people. This book was worth reading just for that fact alone. The BDSM relationship Derek has with Kat was a bit far fetched in the beginning. Kat was sexually abused. To me, going to a Dom on advice from a friend would not be something Kat should have been comfortable with. Was therapy ever an option? Their relationship was a positive one, ending in a love match, but even that ending was a little far fetched. Derek states he doesn't have relationships, yet he does. Kat tells him her secrets, but hints there is more. No additional secrets are revealed, however.
>The book jumps back and forth from Kat's to Derek's point of view. The end introduces Ian's and Jess' point of view , yet they didn't figure too much in the story. I hated the ending, but only because the aftermath is not shown. How do all these characters react to the actions taken at the end of the story? I felt as if I was reading a cliff hanger, only no additional books are coming.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the book 4 stars. I liked the insight into the reasons why people cut themselves on purpose, but I felt the storyline was incomplete.
>I am an independent reviewer. This is a standalone novel which may have a few triggers for some readers. Kat and Jess are roommates who are cutters. Jess meets Ian and finds another outlet for her issues, rather than cutting. Jess introduces Kat to a Dom, Derek, in a bid to help her stop cutting as well. On the surface, this book could be about BDSM and how pleasure can balance out pain, especially in a personality type that needs pain. Beneath the surface, the issues of trust show how the break of that trust can cause severe psychological damage in a person.
>I never understood why people would cut themselves on purpose. This book explained the thought process behind cutting. I actually can understand why cutting would appeal to certain people. This book was worth reading just for that fact alone. The BDSM relationship Derek has with Kat was a bit far fetched in the beginning. Kat was sexually abused. To me, going to a Dom on advice from a friend would not be something Kat should have been comfortable with. Was therapy ever an option? Their relationship was a positive one, ending in a love match, but even that ending was a little far fetched. Derek states he doesn't have relationships, yet he does. Kat tells him her secrets, but hints there is more. No additional secrets are revealed, however.
>The book jumps back and forth from Kat's to Derek's point of view. The end introduces Ian's and Jess' point of view , yet they didn't figure too much in the story. I hated the ending, but only because the aftermath is not shown. How do all these characters react to the actions taken at the end of the story? I felt as if I was reading a cliff hanger, only no additional books are coming.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving the book 4 stars. I liked the insight into the reasons why people cut themselves on purpose, but I felt the storyline was incomplete.
July 31, 2016
Wow! Ivy love blew me away with this very, very sensitive subject and a somewhat taboo subject of things only talked about in hushed tones in the corner of the room while everyone else is having fun.
Five stars to the author just for tackling such a difficult and sensitive subject.
**Warning**
This book may trigger those of you who have had experience with cutting, molestation, rape and more. I do not suggest this book be read by anyone who is under the age of 18, nor by anyone who is a cutter, as this sometimes can cause a cutter to start cutting again once they've tried stopping; thus, a trigger effect.
Ivy introduces two young ladies who have had similar painful childhoods and they learn to lean on each other and support each other through the rigors of daily life. While one of the girls moves on to try a new way of feeling pain, rather than cutting, the other is curious about how her best friend could have possibly found happiness in her life without cutting. She wants it. She wants to try to find the same happiness her best friend has found through a different method. So, they both venture into a world of BDSM and I won't tell you more because I don't do spoilers, but this book touched me on so many levels, pulling out all of my emotions at once and I simply could not put the book down.
Serious, humor, pain (in many ways), love, laughter and a little bit of romance. This story is rich and I highly recommend you traverse down this path of Cutting Through the Darkness with Ivy Love and her ability to create characters so real you'll feel their pain as your own.
As I've said all along regarding this book, bring tissues and tequila because you'll need both!!!
Great work, Ivy Love!!!!! Oh yeah, five stars on the incredible book cover you selected, Ivy Love! Just gorgeous! Introducing cover model: Tanna Lane.
Have You Heard? Book Blog
Five stars to the author just for tackling such a difficult and sensitive subject.
**Warning**
This book may trigger those of you who have had experience with cutting, molestation, rape and more. I do not suggest this book be read by anyone who is under the age of 18, nor by anyone who is a cutter, as this sometimes can cause a cutter to start cutting again once they've tried stopping; thus, a trigger effect.
Ivy introduces two young ladies who have had similar painful childhoods and they learn to lean on each other and support each other through the rigors of daily life. While one of the girls moves on to try a new way of feeling pain, rather than cutting, the other is curious about how her best friend could have possibly found happiness in her life without cutting. She wants it. She wants to try to find the same happiness her best friend has found through a different method. So, they both venture into a world of BDSM and I won't tell you more because I don't do spoilers, but this book touched me on so many levels, pulling out all of my emotions at once and I simply could not put the book down.
Serious, humor, pain (in many ways), love, laughter and a little bit of romance. This story is rich and I highly recommend you traverse down this path of Cutting Through the Darkness with Ivy Love and her ability to create characters so real you'll feel their pain as your own.
As I've said all along regarding this book, bring tissues and tequila because you'll need both!!!
Great work, Ivy Love!!!!! Oh yeah, five stars on the incredible book cover you selected, Ivy Love! Just gorgeous! Introducing cover model: Tanna Lane.
Have You Heard? Book Blog
August 10, 2021
Words can not adequately describe the emotions that Ivy Love is able to convey throughout this book. She makes you feel each and every one to your very core. The topics dealt with in this book are dark but oh so real in this world that can be so cruel and ugly.
Through the eyes of hurt and pain something new pushes to take shape. Hope takes hold when other avenues are sought. Friendships and bonds are formed.
But as you approach the end, everything that you thought you knew will be revealed as half truths. A gut wrenching end to a world of hurt exposed.
Ivy Love once again you've humbled and wowed me at the same time!
Through the eyes of hurt and pain something new pushes to take shape. Hope takes hold when other avenues are sought. Friendships and bonds are formed.
But as you approach the end, everything that you thought you knew will be revealed as half truths. A gut wrenching end to a world of hurt exposed.
Ivy Love once again you've humbled and wowed me at the same time!
February 11, 2017
Wow!
Ok, let me rephrase that! HOLY WOW!
This is the first book I have read by Ivy Love, and I swear it broke me to pieces just to make me whole again. I absolutely loved this story, from beginning to end. Each chapter giving you more and more to look forward too. The back story of Kat is devastating and truly sad, but watching her transform and find a different outlet is just amazing. She finds happiness and love, which makes this heart breaking story worth the tears and totally worth the read.
I can not wait to read more from Ivy. Five out of Five stars from me!
*Review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official*
Ok, let me rephrase that! HOLY WOW!
This is the first book I have read by Ivy Love, and I swear it broke me to pieces just to make me whole again. I absolutely loved this story, from beginning to end. Each chapter giving you more and more to look forward too. The back story of Kat is devastating and truly sad, but watching her transform and find a different outlet is just amazing. She finds happiness and love, which makes this heart breaking story worth the tears and totally worth the read.
I can not wait to read more from Ivy. Five out of Five stars from me!
*Review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official*
October 1, 2017
Very intense story, somewhat dark. Well written and I loved it, just wasn't expecting so much emotional turmoil in myself. Would recommend it to anyone who can handle dark, emotionally challenging books.
June 26, 2018
OMG This was an amazing book!! It was well written and kept me so interested I never wanted to put it down. I love that the chapters were written from different characters POV. You will never believe the ending!! Definitely suggest this book to all!!
June 29, 2018
The ending
This book talks about real life and the truth about mental illness issues which are very serious but it shows that you can persevere through the pain and sometimes the darkness is a bitch to deal with
This book talks about real life and the truth about mental illness issues which are very serious but it shows that you can persevere through the pain and sometimes the darkness is a bitch to deal with
August 26, 2020
Well, I didn't see that coming...
I enjoyed reading this ebook and was rooting for the young gal to find her hero and her happiness. Well, let's just say I was not expecting the ending...
I enjoyed reading this ebook and was rooting for the young gal to find her hero and her happiness. Well, let's just say I was not expecting the ending...
July 30, 2023
This book takes you to a world no one really talks about - mental health and BDSM. This is a story of strength found through dealing with emotional instability, mental illness, and the need for an escape. Mental health has always been seen as a weak ess, but in this book, she tells a story of two young women who found an outlet for their pain from past trauma and abuse. They found strength together, they found a deep friendship by bonding over their pain. You can truly see love defined differently, unexpected love. A must read! Will forever recommend!
April 25, 2019
not what i was looking for, skimmed
June 28, 2016
This book is dark, dark, dark. I would rate it closer to a 3.5 than a 4, but there's a lot of potential with the book. The prologue opens with Jess telling us her background story, and she has had it rough. Then Kat starts telling us about her coping mechanisms to help her get through her rough times. Then the story begins...
The story mainly focuses on Kat and Derek. Kat and Jess were roommates, and Jess seemed to find something she was seeking at the Sugar & Spice club, and she thinks Derek can help Kat with some of the same darkness that held Jess hostage. Derek is a Dom and Kat hopes that Derek can help her deal with the pain in her past.
Things I liked: The characters' background stories are told really well. The language is very descriptive and you can find why the characters came to be so broken and why the act the way they do. I also liked the ending. I've read some reviews about wanting more, but I think the ending is good. If there were to be more to the story, I'd take it, of course!
Things I didn't like: There seemed to be the instant connection between Derek and Kat. If Kat had been through as many bad things as she claims, it would have been so difficult for her to connect with Derek and trust him that quickly. I didn't like Kat's coping mechanism, but that's just a personal thing and it made me cringe every time, which means it was also told with visual descriptions.
I do not know, but I have the feeling there might be more to this story coming.
Narrative Style (POV): It was told from several people's POV, and that was good. There were more than 2 people who had stories to tell.
Grammar: There were a few things, but it didn't detract from the overall story much.
Dialogue: There were a couple of times that Kat seemed to be very comfortable with joking and laughing with Derek, which was out of line with her troubled character. Other than that, it was fine.
SEXUAL CONTENT: There's quite a bit of darkness, from sexual abuse to Dom/Sub roles, but also some Vanilla.
Level of Violence: The Prologue starts you off with a bit of unhappy violence, and there's a bit in the Dom/Sub relationship.
WILL I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK? Yes-as long as you understand this is dark, and it's not a kind book.
The story mainly focuses on Kat and Derek. Kat and Jess were roommates, and Jess seemed to find something she was seeking at the Sugar & Spice club, and she thinks Derek can help Kat with some of the same darkness that held Jess hostage. Derek is a Dom and Kat hopes that Derek can help her deal with the pain in her past.
Things I liked: The characters' background stories are told really well. The language is very descriptive and you can find why the characters came to be so broken and why the act the way they do. I also liked the ending. I've read some reviews about wanting more, but I think the ending is good. If there were to be more to the story, I'd take it, of course!
Things I didn't like: There seemed to be the instant connection between Derek and Kat. If Kat had been through as many bad things as she claims, it would have been so difficult for her to connect with Derek and trust him that quickly. I didn't like Kat's coping mechanism, but that's just a personal thing and it made me cringe every time, which means it was also told with visual descriptions.
I do not know, but I have the feeling there might be more to this story coming.
Narrative Style (POV): It was told from several people's POV, and that was good. There were more than 2 people who had stories to tell.
Grammar: There were a few things, but it didn't detract from the overall story much.
Dialogue: There were a couple of times that Kat seemed to be very comfortable with joking and laughing with Derek, which was out of line with her troubled character. Other than that, it was fine.
SEXUAL CONTENT: There's quite a bit of darkness, from sexual abuse to Dom/Sub roles, but also some Vanilla.
Level of Violence: The Prologue starts you off with a bit of unhappy violence, and there's a bit in the Dom/Sub relationship.
WILL I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK? Yes-as long as you understand this is dark, and it's not a kind book.
June 28, 2016
Wow! The title of this book makes the declaration of the story. The book opens and we meet Kat, self destructing and she is a cutter. She often refers to her "darkness", which read to me is the place she is at or dwells in inside.... someplace out of the light. We meet her best friend, Jess too who has her own history as well. Jess is now in a relationship with Ian, who she met at a BDSM club. Jess is so worried about Kat, she talks to Ian and his best friend Derek and Derek decides to intervene. And wow did he ever... he's a Dom, but he's loving and gentle with her, firm yet doles out the pain she needs as well as the pleasure so she no longer needs to cut to feel. Understand that part psychologically that cutters primarily cut to feel. Kat takes to Derek like a fish to water. I really liked their banter and playful side, as well as the way he really did take care of her and cared deeply for her. The BDSM is very very light. I will tell you there are trigger warnings in the book, those scenes take place early on and are the reason for Kat's need to hurt. To hear her describe herself at times was painfully funny... and in a way I could relate to that. "I did this, but I wasn't really good at it"... You have to read it. It was nice to watch the evolution of Derek and Kat's relationship. Buckle up because there is a major twist toward the end of the book.
This was a good read... a really good read and I could have kept reading....Ivy does this sensitive topic justice, as well as the other sensitive areas in the book. Nice work Ivy!!
**I received an copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion**
This was a good read... a really good read and I could have kept reading....Ivy does this sensitive topic justice, as well as the other sensitive areas in the book. Nice work Ivy!!
**I received an copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion**
June 29, 2016
Two women whose lives were hell managed to find each other. What they have in common is cutting themselves. This stems from tragic issues that they each endured in their teenage lives. Jess has found a man Ian, who has helped her direct her cutting and the pain into another direction, which appeared to be working, from what Kat could see she looked happy. Jess knows that Kat is still having trouble, so she introduces her to Dereck, he like Ian is a experienced Dom. Derek and Kat have a great connection, so Derek takes Kat under his wing. He can help her to an extent experiencing some failures, but they keep pushing forward making headway.
Ian knows something is wrong with Jess, but just can't put his finger on it. Kat and Derek commit to each other. Kat hears Jess dropping eerie comments but couldn't address them at that moment. Ian was picking up odd vibe's also and knew he needed to give her space was it a mistake?
This story was so different from what I normally read. The book explores the emotions of why Jess and Kat do what they do. I could picture these women protecting each other from slipping past the point of no return or helping each other achieve it. They both want to reach toward the light, but sometimes the darkness is a strong calling. When you think, peace is waiting on the other side regardless what anyone else tells you. They wear a veil of smiles and happiness around others fooling them. These are one of those books. Where happiness and fairy tale endings are hard to come by. Listen to the soft words they speak like Jess had maybe if you listen to you could save someone.
Ian knows something is wrong with Jess, but just can't put his finger on it. Kat and Derek commit to each other. Kat hears Jess dropping eerie comments but couldn't address them at that moment. Ian was picking up odd vibe's also and knew he needed to give her space was it a mistake?
This story was so different from what I normally read. The book explores the emotions of why Jess and Kat do what they do. I could picture these women protecting each other from slipping past the point of no return or helping each other achieve it. They both want to reach toward the light, but sometimes the darkness is a strong calling. When you think, peace is waiting on the other side regardless what anyone else tells you. They wear a veil of smiles and happiness around others fooling them. These are one of those books. Where happiness and fairy tale endings are hard to come by. Listen to the soft words they speak like Jess had maybe if you listen to you could save someone.
June 28, 2016
Kat is Barely living Shes barely holding on to life. Being Raped is her first sexual experience on her bday. She couldnt handle the pain or the lies that would be told she was young and ran away from the only Person she had and know. Then to have it happen again on the same date is crushing. Running away from demons again landed her with Jess her only friend who also had secrets and pain of her own. Together they were supporting of each others demons but NOT helping in solving the pain. Till Jess who thought she was fixed told Kat how this place Sugar & Spice a BDSM Club. Kat has no clue how they would help with her demons but she sees they helped Jess with her and willing to give it a try. Derek a Dom at Sugar & Spice he only knows about Kat from Jess and what little she has told he has to figure out the rest and get Kat to talk to him to see how he can help her with her demons and how dark is to dark. How to replace one pain with a good pain. Bad Memories of Sex with New Memories. How to break someone who thinks theres nothing to save. Together Kat & Derek Work on bringing light back into dark. When Kat fully lets Derek take control will it be enough. Jess is hiding a big secret and could set Kat back further than before
November 3, 2016
Where do I start! Overall, it was a wonderful book. It is wonderfully written with a great storyline. It really taps into your emotions. Ivy does a wonderful job of getting you into the characters in the book. It is such a sad story. You hate to see this happen to anyone in their life. It just yanks at you heart. I love the way that Kat finally finds someone who she can open up to and talk too about what has happened to her in her past. I feel like there is so much more there that needs to be told. I really hope this is not the end of this series! I hope there is more to come from these characters; I so what to know how they end up further down the road. I do recommend this book but it is not for the weak hearted. It is dark and twisted but it is so good. It is not for everyone. Not everyone is in to this kind of a read or can handle it. So if you don’t like things like this, this is not for you. But if you are looking for something a little different with a little dark side and twist, this is perfect.
July 4, 2016
Jess and Kat have been best friends since they were 18 years old and bonded over terrible childhoods and deep dark secrets.
When Jess introduces Kat to Derek she hopes that he will help her climb out of her darkness and change her methods of coping with her pain.
But sometimes the darkness is just too overwhelming.
Wow - this was definitely a dark story dealing with some issues that are not covered much in society yet is a big problem with many people. I like how Kat and Jess have each other and truly try to help each other through the dark times. Neither of them judge and therefore support each other very well.
It's interesting what Kat and Jess use as coping methods as they are introduced to their respective boyfriends. I can understand how they would seek comfort from that.
The ending was a complete cliffhanger and I'm desperately hoping the author writes another book so I can get the closure that I want!
When Jess introduces Kat to Derek she hopes that he will help her climb out of her darkness and change her methods of coping with her pain.
But sometimes the darkness is just too overwhelming.
Wow - this was definitely a dark story dealing with some issues that are not covered much in society yet is a big problem with many people. I like how Kat and Jess have each other and truly try to help each other through the dark times. Neither of them judge and therefore support each other very well.
It's interesting what Kat and Jess use as coping methods as they are introduced to their respective boyfriends. I can understand how they would seek comfort from that.
The ending was a complete cliffhanger and I'm desperately hoping the author writes another book so I can get the closure that I want!
June 28, 2016
Very powerful book! Cutting is very real and Ivy Love really took great care with the subject and offered an interesting way to deal with it.
I was not that familiar with Domination until reading this book. It opened my eyes to a different way to find love.
This book dealt with some very raw situations and is not for the faint of heart. While a fairly quick read, it has left a lasting impact on me.
Without sharing any spoilers, I must say that I was moved to tears when nearing the final pages. When an author can make you feel that much emotion with just words, you know how powerful it must be.
I was not that familiar with Domination until reading this book. It opened my eyes to a different way to find love.
This book dealt with some very raw situations and is not for the faint of heart. While a fairly quick read, it has left a lasting impact on me.
Without sharing any spoilers, I must say that I was moved to tears when nearing the final pages. When an author can make you feel that much emotion with just words, you know how powerful it must be.
July 7, 2016
Very serious and sad quick read that touches issues a lot of people deal with. I felt like a whole new light was being shown on bdsm and maybe some therapies it could provide.
There was very sweet insta-love that I really reading. Derek seemed to be such a regimented man that was thrown off course.
I really wish that I had gotten more from the storyline. It is such an incredible idea with sooo much content just waiting to be told. I hope that there is a book 2 that can expand on some of the plot. I would definitely pick up a second book, I want to know how things end up.
There was very sweet insta-love that I really reading. Derek seemed to be such a regimented man that was thrown off course.
I really wish that I had gotten more from the storyline. It is such an incredible idea with sooo much content just waiting to be told. I hope that there is a book 2 that can expand on some of the plot. I would definitely pick up a second book, I want to know how things end up.
June 29, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is very sad, but it's a very well written story. I missed to know a little more about the characters.
I liked the story's development, as Derek was able to help Kat get out of the darkness, but at the same time, I thought things happened very fast between them.
And about Jesse and Ian, I'd like to know a little more about their life together.
And the end, which twist! I still can't believe what happened, but I think it makes a lot of sense with everything that happened in the story.
This book is very sad, but it's a very well written story. I missed to know a little more about the characters.
I liked the story's development, as Derek was able to help Kat get out of the darkness, but at the same time, I thought things happened very fast between them.
And about Jesse and Ian, I'd like to know a little more about their life together.
And the end, which twist! I still can't believe what happened, but I think it makes a lot of sense with everything that happened in the story.
July 4, 2016
Cutting Through the Darkness was aptly named. This book follows two girls who had horrific pasts that led them to cutting in order to deal with their emotional pain. This brought them together as friends. It also led them to two amazing men who gave them a safe way to deal with their pain. This book has some very hot and sexy moments and some that will cut your heart out. This was a great book but may be hard for some to read due to the emotional and sensitive nature of this book. I'm hoping for another book to help heal my heart.
April 6, 2017
Wow. This book really touches some tough subjects. Jess and Kat are lucky to have each other for support as well as the men that help them through their struggles. I was surprised by the ending and wonder if there will be a follow up as to letting us know what happens next? A great read and introduction this author. I agree with some of the other reviews to that I felt that there is more to the story than was told and I do hope there will be a follow up as I can't see that the ending will go over well with the other characters. There needs to be a continuation to let us know :-).
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