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Poppy

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What do you do when the hand you held becomes the touch you crave?

I’ve loved her for twenty years.
She’s a rare beauty luring with a dangerous high.
And I’m addicted.
I can’t get enough. 
There is only one problem.

She is my father’s wife.

He’s an abusive monster, destroying her down to the very root.
He won’t get another chance.
I’ll beat him to it.

And steal his precious drug—my princess—my Poppy.

There must be good things on the other side of bad.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2018

77 people are currently reading
430 people want to read

About the author

Kailee Reese Samuels

48 books626 followers
Just a girl who loves pushing boundaries in original, addictive noir/dark fiction with genre-busting elements from dark romance, romantic suspense, psychological thriller, mafia, MC, and realism. Intense, thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat, gripping page-turners that stick with you long after the last sentence. TAT Books are the perfect escape with a delicious beverage, a box of chocolate, and plenty of tissues.

Dear Readers (Raniero Fangirls) have come to expect my emotionally crippling writing style.

Storyteller embracing diversity. Coffee addict. Mango lover. Blueberry fetishist. Sweet peach tea crazy. Red wine devout. Whiskey deviant. Tattooed & pierced. Bare feet. Sand. Sun. Collects rosaries. Fanatical organizer/cleaner/list-maker. Never sleeps. Hermit and recluse. Social media avoider. Sexy trucks, bad mofo alphas, hot ink, loud music, long nails, and good football. Brisket is a birthright, y’all. Being in the water is a good thing—mermaid in a former life.

I worship everyone who reads one of my books, whether they enjoy it or not, and firmly believe they should all wear a crown.

🥀 FOLLOW KAILEE:
FB Page → http://bit.ly/DirtyPoetry
Instagram → http://bit.ly/InstaKRS

🥀 VISIT my website, blog, and store for signed books → https://kaileereesesamuels.com

🖤 Sal’s Reading List → http://bit.ly/LovetheSal

Peace. Love. & SAL.🖤🥀

Have a beautiful day!

And have FUN reading!

Thank you!

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5 stars
114 (51%)
4 stars
53 (23%)
3 stars
29 (13%)
2 stars
13 (5%)
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12 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Birjis.
457 reviews304 followers
July 6, 2020
BR read with the cheerful Lara, ❤ I can't stop praising ourselves for picking this read. We did good.


A new author to me who had me wonderstruck by her first book that I picked. Dealing with abuse and trauma, she created a hard, tragic romance with utmost patience from the heroine. The scenes here are created of a predictable selfless person.
No, I didn't expect the ending the author gave us, if I knew such was an ending I would've stayed away from Poppy but then I wouldn't have known this heartbreaking story. I highly recommend this book if you can digest a whole emotional mess. I don't know if Kailees' other books have this kind of ending because I'm looking forward to reading more of her books and I don't want the ending that I endured here.

Marcus Abel Parker was Poppy's everything. Optimism or devastation Poppy's determination to give Abel everything through every challenges was an incredible feat.
Poppy was 17 when she met Kane, Abel's father, who was 20 years her senior. Charming when he needs to be, he provides everything Poppy needs. She marries him,

"I knew when I said I do to Kane that meant accepting his kindness and cruelty. There was never any real reason for what drove one or the other, but after several years of his abuse, I began to see the warning signs and fought to avoid them."

Despite the toxic relationship she was in Poppy held on for Abel,

“I was staring at my bloodied lip in the mirror and thinking how easy it would be to give up. Stop fighting. Stop his fists. And end my life. But what I realized as I heard you (Abel) knocking on the bathroom door, I did know what love was, and it was three feet tall and covered in ketchup. I stayed upright because of you. I bounced back because of you. So, when you ask me what you did for me—you gave me enough unconditional love to survive through my daily hell. That is what you did, Abel.”

The bond between Poppy and Abel was of facing a similar situation. While Poppy's mother whored herself around Abel's father was abusive, meaning both were from toxic families.

"The whole thought process got me thinking a lot about my mother and the cycles of our life. I hated to think I had become her, but then I realized—I hadn’t. I merely went from her shelter of abuse to his. I was trapped, spinning around and around, with no end in sight. The only possible end came at the hands of a three-foot-tall terror. If I could change his outcome, I would change my own. No one bothered to save me, but I believed saving Abel granted freedom under his umbrella. I would be permitted to seek something other than what I always had."

Poppy waited for Abel to grow up, together they made plans where they can be away from Kane. Poppy and Abel have 13 year age gap. Poppy wasn't his step-mother nor his caretaker although that's what she is legally to him. They have a connection of sharing the same sensibility and being mature beyond their age. It did feel a little strange when they have adult talk which is very different from school and bed time stories but the writing was clear from the beginning, Poppy didn't want Abel to turn like Kane and he needed saving from his abusive father and she was going to save him.

"Luck had a way of picking the broken ones to win misfortune."

The sole reason for the ending the way it was of Poppy's determination to save Abel, when no one did for her. They fell in love and their resilence knew no bounds. I'm honestly an emotional mess. I originally thought to rate it 4.5 stars only because of the ending but I didn't have the heart to rate as such. This book is not our typically happy fiction, but a heart squeezing beautiful read. Poppy is going to stay in my heart for a long time.

"I was no hero, Abel.
I was only your temporary shield."
Profile Image for ⋆Lara⋆.
112 reviews50 followers
July 6, 2020
4 stars 🌟⭐🌟⭐

I was originally going to give this 4.5 stars but after sleeping on it, i think 4 stars is more appropriate. There are mild spoilers in my review, so proceed with caution.

BR with the amazing, Birjis

Poppy wasn't anything that I expected. If you'll read the blurb, you'll know that the author clarifies nothing except that it is a dark romance. To say that I was intrigued would be an understatement. We started on the book on July 4th, and ironically, the story too starts with the 4th of July fireworks.

Fast forward, this book is the story of a woman, Poppy Higgins and the hardships she faces throughout her life. At an early age, her father dies, leaving her to care for her junkie/whore mother. She desperately hopes not to become anything like her mom. She wants to do something good with her life so she graduates early to study psychology.

At 17, she is bar tending part time to pay her bills when she meets him.

Kane Parker, is a widower with a 4 year old son, 20 years Poppy's senior, who is hell bent on luring Poppy to his bed. One mistake leads to another and Poppy, who swore never to be anything like her mother is married to an asshole in an abusive relationship. Why does she stay?

Abel Parker, the 4 year old son of Kane has never known a childhood where he doesn't hate his father. He saw his mother being abused by him, his sister and himself beaten regularly, but this new woman, Poppy is different. She saves him. And he promises that he would save her too.

The story is highly emotional and totally deep. Not just dark but pitch black with twists and turns that I never saw coming. It is raw and gritty, making you face the harsh realities of life. It shows that life isn't always a bed of roses, there are thorns that make you bleed. This is the story of a woman that doesn't lose hope till the end, believing that Good things are always there on the other side of bad. I loved it.

I had an amazing time with this book.

Warning - The book deals with sensitive themes-


Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
697 reviews41 followers
November 27, 2018
"There must be good things on the other side of bad."


Kailee Samuels is still a rather new-to-me author, but each time I open one of her books I'm awestruck by her talent. In Poppy she delves into the psyche of Poppy, a young woman who dreams of leaving her life of abuse under her mom's roof. Working as a waitress when she isn't studying, she meets Kane during one of her shifts. 20 years her senior, he charms and seduces her and in no time, brings her to his home, where she meets his 4 years old son, Abel. Poppy's life will then be changed forever. Or... will it?

“If you take nothing else away from this, take yourself.”


Poppy is a read that deals with the extremely difficult topic of domestic violence. It is definitely not your typical love story, but rather a story about love and selflessness. Utterly unconventional, highly emotional and incredibly dark, it's an experience I'm not going to forget anytime soon. 

I don't know how many times a heart can break but mine broke several times throughout the chapters. I found myself challenged (in a good way) by the level of realism of the story. Besides, the author gave life to characters who touched me and made me think a lot.  Poppy fought with with all her being, heart and soul, I couldn't stop fearing for her life.  At such a young age, she shows an incredible maturity and a poignant determination to finally break the cycle of violence that surrounds her and Abel.

I felt for Abel from the beginning. His courage and resilience know no limits. The beauty of his and Poppy's bond brought out of me both tears of joy and sadness. 

“You’ll get to the top. I promise you. Don’t ever give up.”


Hope and hopelessness, optimism and despair warred all along, in a devastating whirlwind. The brilliant plot and the huge twists and turns absorbed me. If you are familiar with Kailee Samuels' work, then you know that there always is a bigger picture; Poppy is no different. When I eventually connected the dots, it was simply magnificent.

 

If you haven't experienced this author's world yet, Poppy is the book you need, as it can be read as a complete standalone. Give it a try, grab a bottle of wine and a box of Kleenex, and.... enjoy!

"I was no hero, Abel. I was only your temporary shield."


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Profile Image for Bookish.Midnight. and. black.
1,449 reviews73 followers
December 21, 2020
This was unexpected. I read a review about this book a while ago but I forgot about it and I began reading it without knowing the plot and I liked it a lot! It was a heartbreaking story about sacrifice and about why it is not ok to settle.
The heroine, Poppy, wished a better life but she settled with less because she gave her heart to a little boy, the child of the monster that shattered her dreams. She never blamed him and for years he was her only happiness. After 14 years things happen and it is, finally, the time for her to live, because the boy is now a man, and it is safe to walk away from her husband, not being afraid that the boy will suffer his wrath.
The plot was perfect and I hoped for something SPOILER ALERT!!!!
SPOILER ALERT
SPOILER ALERT
but I was profoundly disappointed by the last 10% of the book. I did not have a problem with Poppy's ending because somehow I expected it, but I have a problem with the side character, Sean, the one that appears only once, in the first page of the book. And I have a HUGE problem about how Abel decided to say goodbye. The last chapter and the interaction between Sal, Amber and Abel made me modify my rating from 4 to 3*. This was Poppy's story, not Abel's without Poppy ...or maybe I am bitter and sad about the fact that she was happy only 6 years, less than a quarter of her life.
Profile Image for Allyson.
494 reviews47 followers
December 16, 2019
I can't even right now !!! I will be back later !!

Ok so its been a few since I finished this book and I am still trying to process. At first I didn't think I was going to like where the book was heading but I stuck with it and so glad I did. There are triggers in this book so be prepared. This book has sadness, violence, strength, courage, devotion, love and so many other emotions. Poppy my goodness what a strong as hell heroine. She had such love and devotion to Abel. Their bond was off the charts amazing. She loved with all of her being and helped Abel become the man he became to be. Abel was amazing to have been through so much hate! He became a strong man and I hope I get to maybe see him in other books. Sal oh Sal I can't wait to learn more about you!!
Profile Image for Expresso.
876 reviews138 followers
November 29, 2018
I rarely step outside my comfort zone to read outside my faithful list of dark authors, but I took a chance on a new to me author, Kailee. One of the best reading decisions I’ve made!

I had the pleasure of devouring Poppy! Wow! This dark story fed my soul. The characters, the scenes, the words are so heartfelt. I love a story that reads as if I’m watching a movie. It speaks highly of the author’s incredible talent.

Although not dark in the traditional sense of a cookie cutter dark novel, I would advise to proceed with care. Some experiences may be perceived as triggers. If you’re a lover of dark reads, I highly recommend this story!

Five fabulous stars!
Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
697 reviews41 followers
November 28, 2018
"There must be good things on the other side of bad."


Kailee Samuels is still a rather new-to-me author, but each time I open one of her books I'm awestruck by her talent. In Poppy she delves into the psyche of Poppy, a young woman who dreams of leaving her life of abuse under her mom's roof. Working as a waitress when she isn't studying, she meets Kane during one of her shifts. 20 years her senior, he charms and seduces her and in no time, brings her to his home, where she meets his 4 years old son, Abel. Poppy's life will then be changed forever. Or... will it?

“If you take nothing else away from this, take yourself.”


Poppy is a read that deals with the extremely difficult topic of domestic violence. It is definitely not your typical love story, but rather a story about love and selflessness. Utterly unconventional, highly emotional and incredibly dark, it's an experience I'm not going to forget anytime soon. 

I don't know how many times a heart can break but mine broke several times throughout the chapters. I found myself challenged (in a good way) by the level of realism of the story. Besides, the author gave life to characters who touched me and made me think a lot.  Poppy fought with with all her being, heart and soul, I couldn't stop fearing for her life.  At such a young age, she shows an incredible maturity and a poignant determination to finally break the cycle of violence that surrounds her and Abel.

I felt for Abel from the beginning. His courage and resilience know no limits. The beauty of his and Poppy's bond brought out of me both tears of joy and sadness. 

“You’ll get to the top. I promise you. Don’t ever give up.”


Hope and hopelessness, optimism and despair warred all along, in a devastating whirlwind. The brilliant plot and the huge twists and turns absorbed me. If you are familiar with Kailee Samuels' work, then you know that there always is a bigger picture; Poppy is no different. When I eventually connected the dots, it was simply magnificent.

 

If you haven't experienced this author's world yet, Poppy is the book you need, as it can be read as a complete standalone. Give it a try, grab a bottle of wine and a box of Kleenex, and.... enjoy!

"I was no hero, Abel. I was only your temporary shield."


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Profile Image for Vellini.
132 reviews31 followers
Read
April 8, 2020
A DNF that I won't rate, bc I stopped at 70% sensing there won't be a hea (and there wasn't). It was a dark, very depressing story with a very taboo subject imo, that made me unconfortable. I told myself no way it will go the way I thought in the first chapters, but it did.

I need to add, as a lover of dark read, that this author looks very talented (it's my first book by her). But this story was not my kind of dark
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cory Diaz.
35 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2018
Kailee Reese Samuels never ceases to amaze me. Her books are brilliant and they keep you in the edge of your sit. Let me assured you that you’ll never be the same, because they change the way you see life.

Poppy is a story of a seventeen year old girl that wants to get out from the abuse she endures by her mother.

Poppy has two goals in mind, get her own place to live and get into college. She wants to become a better person, but she can’t while living under her mother’s roof.

In the process of working hard to try and fulfill her dreams she meets Kane. She finds herself very much attracted to him, even though he is 20 years older than her.

But like my mom always says not everything that shines is gold.

Poppy decides to live a life of torture all in the name of love. Her love for Abel, Kane’s son.

(“I married the man, fell in love with his son, and found the strength to fight for us both.”)

This story is about the great lengths that you’ll go because of love and how much are you willing to sacrifice for it.

(“This is about winning the game of life.”)

This love story is a train wreck waiting to happen, and I can’t stop reading it. I know it’s going to break my heart but I really can’t stop reading it.

(“Good things are what happens on the other side of bad.”)

Let me assure you that you won’t regret reading Poppy.
Profile Image for Candy.
408 reviews38 followers
March 24, 2019
This is a sad, tragic story about a young girl who decides to sacrifice her own happiness to save the soul of a toddler. What Poppy never saw coming was she learned to accept & give love unconditionally. She gave her youth & freedom to watch a young boy become a man & vowed to give him a chance to become more than what he was born into.

This book is an extreme read & if you are easily triggered please do not attempt to read it. It can be brutal & ugly yet there is a love & a bond that grow from the abuse that is unstoppable. The story is part of the Juliet world & this specific story tells the truth about Sal's objective to stop human trafficking.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
January 1, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/1/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
What do you do when the hand which held you becomes the touch you crave?

I’ve loved her for twenty years.
She’s a rare beauty luring with a dangerous high.
And I’m addicted.
I can’t get enough.
There is only one problem.

He’s an abusive asshole, destroying her down to the very root.
He won’t get another chance.
I’ll beat him to it.

And steal his precious drug—my princess—my Poppy.

There must be good things on the other side of bad.
Profile Image for Hanan .
2,021 reviews20 followers
November 25, 2018
For me the evidence of a truly talented author is not just an amazing storyline and plot,which Ms. Samuels delivers in Poppy but it’s how the author strings the words together to give an incredible description that’s so vivid I feel I’m witnessing exactly what’s happening. Ms. Samuels is one of these authors.
The way she chooses the words for each sentence and each paragraph and each metaphor just makes everything pop and come to life!
The characters in Poppy are unforgettable!
They are outstanding either for how good they are or how evil they are.
I loved Poppy. She was such a giving caring strong lady.
What she endured for the sake of a young boy’s future was something only an incredible kind of love can do.
Abel was such a sweet boy. So perceptive,so aware and so sweet.
Only a pure selfless love and person can see him through the other side.
The journey of Poppy and Abel is filled with intense heart pounding moments,moments of sadness and moments of hope. The twists and turns are jaw dropping and so unpredictable!
I finished Poppy in one sitting that’s how good and compelling this book is!

48 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2018
How can one person take so much in her life? A mother who ignores her has her looking for love, and she thinks she finds that peace with Kane, and older man with a young child. But things can be very deceiving, the hell this young woman goes thru and the lengths she goes to save and protect Abel is both heartwarming and heart wrenching!! Ms. Samuels makes you feel everything like your in the same space as her characters, you won't leave untouched I promise you. There are scenes that the despair touches your souls, then the times you feel hope, love. For all her demons and the way she sometimes deals with them, she is so strong, has so much heart. Can she show Abel there is a better way, a life not full of fear? The monster is this story is truly that, no redeeming qualities AT ALL, there's a special place for people like him. This is a beautiful story, but at the same time a story that is terribly hard to read, warning there is abuse, and if you have triggers, go in with that knowledge. I've read Ms. Samuels before and this book is one of her best to date.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,013 reviews431 followers
November 28, 2018
This author is taking me on an epic journey with her writing and I’m loving every moment of it. Once I start a book by her I am reluctant to put it down until I’ve finished. It really is that good.

Poppy. Wow. A heart breaking story that pulled my heart through a wringer. My heart broke for Poppy. Seriously how can someone go through so much. I felt I was going through it all with her.

Kailee has written an amazing heart wrenching story that will have you holding your breath and wishing all the best for her main character. Can’t wait to see what this author writes next. Brilliant read.
Profile Image for Em Dorsey ~ A Darlin’ Doll and Her Books ~.
334 reviews9 followers
November 28, 2018
“Be you. Be brave. Break the cycle.”

I don’t know how Kailee Samuels does it but once again she has wrote another book like nothing that I have ever read before. How she continues to pop my cherry is beyond me. Truthfully, I was a little scared going into this story but KS never fails to deliver.

“You’re a dangerous and heady intoxicant to my depleted soul.”

I have said this before and I will say it again, anytime I read one of Kailee’s books I know to go in expecting the unexpected and just when I think I figured it all out or every is perfect...holy shit...the plot thickens and she flips the script on me turning my world upside down...again. To say I was surprised is a definite understatement. I was shocked, I cried, I lost hours of sleep reeling over the events that happened in this book. It is on a whole new level and is truly unforgettable.

“His powerful and consuming kiss surged through my body until I was caught within his tidal wave. It was hot, pure, and powerful. I would never escape.”

Poppy is young, hard working, going to school, looking for a better life but her fate was sealed the minute Kane laid his eyes on her. Kane is dark, deceitful, manipulative and charming when the situation calls for it. And he happens to have a son named Abel. Abel has seen too much for his young age. He has cut himself off emotionally but is mature and wise beyond his years, and he had me at cheesecake.

“We are trapped inside of this cocoon, you and I. No one knows us here. No one would ever know.”

This book has worked its way into my veins and will stay with me for years to come. Even writing this review makes me emotional. If I had to pick one song for this book it would be The Perfect Drug by NIN. If you want a dark book with a strong heroine, read this book. If you want a memorable love story, read this book. If you are dying for a story that will blow your mind, READ THIS BOOK!

“I’ll be waiting on the other side of tomorrow.”

~ Read on behalf of Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review Blog
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
November 25, 2018
Poppy is heartbreaking, intense, dark and so much more. This story had me glued to the pages wanting to know more and more. Poppy I just wanted to be her friend and take her far away from everything. It’s a very good story that really eats at your heart. 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Angela.
475 reviews7 followers
November 27, 2018
I’m left speechless.... but at the same time always wanting more. Ms. Samuels always sets the story so you feel the characters & what they are going through. I couldn’t put this down. If you haven’t read her work you need to! Poppy was an amazing read!
Profile Image for Erika P.
1,016 reviews163 followers
November 28, 2018
"I was going to break the cycle. His. And mine. That didn't make it easy, but it restored my convictions and rejuvenated my soul enough to fight one more day."

When I was offered to read this, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into!! This story is one of those gritty, raw, and real, emotionally charged ones that really stick with you. I became so invested with Poppy, and as the story unfurled it really affected me when her tragic, yet remarkable life was put to the pages. Not your typical romance, not even close, but it was engrossing, heady, soul crushing, and just really deeply moved me. I may have cursed the Author quite a bit of how it turned out, and I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about how it ended, but it certainly left me reeling, and full of heartache at the lasting effects of abuse. Keep a tissue box handy, and maybe a stress ball, but this one had so much heart that it eclipsed a lot of the twists this story took that I wasn't sure how to process when I was reading. Definitely unconventional, but absolutely worth every second!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!

"I will be in love with you for the rest of my life, Poppy Elizabeth Higgins. You were the one. You were the magic in this mayhem of us. You are the heart in the monster of the man we built."

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Profile Image for Genevieve.
Author 16 books11 followers
October 21, 2022
“They say it’s a gift; it’s not a gift. It’s a coping mechanism, so I don’t become him.” - Abel.

I avoid certain topics as a reader. Not due to dark levels, but because rarely a balance is achieved between accurate portrayal and overly fictionalised. While no two DV experiences are the same, common threads exist for those who stay in a toxic relationship believing there’s no way out.

This is a tragic, dark, on page emotional story. It is graphic. There is nothing pretty, nor does anyone have the right to judge the parties attempting to survive it. Ms. Samuels handled this with skill. To be inside Poppy’s head throughout, be prepared to step back and put this down.

It is a book I’m hesitant to rate. Star ratings on a book such as this—a journey through hell—we need to read and empathise as human beings. It is fiction, but it’s a cycle too many endure, believing there’s no escape. Too many authors use this as entertainment, to shock readers—this book is shocking—in its raw and honest portrayal of a depressing darkness hidden behind closed doors.

DV—I can’t highlight strongly enough, check the content warnings. If you think you’ve read books on this topic before, think again. Taboo themed. Content warnings may be found on the author’s website.

This is not trendy. There’s no shock value. This is a different kind of explicit dark. Know your limits. If you check the author’s website, there are links to services offering assistance. In October if you truly wish to support and understand a cause, this in no way glorifies SA, pick this up.

This contains aspects of a bittersweet romance, but it is a thriller. If you’re a romance only reader, don’t pick it up expecting chocolates and flowers. It’s heartbreaking.

I can’t low ball a rating, but it’s not a book I can love. The style, care taken, yes, but I won’t re read in a hurry. Those are my five stars to rave about. I’m torn on this. However, my five star stands for the research, empathy and amazing insight provided. I debated not rating, in hopes someone who needs to read an in-depth account would pay attention.

Regardless, Ms. Samuel’s craft remains something to aspire to. For those who believe DV doesn’t occur, it has no place in fiction, shame! Not every book we read is for entertainment. Poppy exemplified compassion towards others, Living her own hell, to save a child and create a healthy balanced man. Abel rose from a life of abuse. This was her gift—his survival.

Contacts for counseling and assistance my may be found in the rear of the book. 🙏
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,034 reviews22 followers
November 27, 2018
When I embark on reading a new book by Kailee Samuels, I know that I am going to fall into her words and not come out until it's done. Poppy is a book which perfoms on so many levels. It is a thriller, a romance, a study of brutality, vulnerability, resolve, commitment, aloneness (a new word), youth and naivety....just so very many levels. I sat thinking about it for ages after I finished. Thought about choices and the lack if them. Our thought patterns when we are very young. How isolated you can be even in a crowd, and the courage to be found within our bones and hearts to withstand the most awful situations in order to protect others and ensure their safe passage to adulthood. Poppy is stunningly brave and determined. Abel wise beyond his years. Kane, a devil in human clothing.
I am not going to say anything further about the plot as it is so very complex and so very well conceived, that I would be doing both you and the author a huge disservice to reveal any more than the spare details I have given you. My sincere advice is one click now, put your head into top gear and hang on for this amazing ride. Bravo Kailee!
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,203 reviews39 followers
November 25, 2018
This one was extremely interesting from beginning to end. I felt like I was in the book feeling everything that Poppy was feeling at the hands of the monster. I absolutely loved the characters in Poppy. All of them are completely unforgettable especially Poppy. Poppy is the hero everyone wants in their life. She is extremely strong giving caring and would do anything for that little boy no matter what happens to her. So very well written you feel every single emotion Poppy goes through.This was a very well written book of Hope, loyalty ,love,abuse and surviving. This was definitely not what I expected at all the first couple of chapters then the story swifts and grips you and you realize what you are getting pulled into. Read this in one setting that is how gripping this one is. You have to hold on to see what happens. Highly recommend you won't regret reading this one at all. I was a fan of Kailee before but this one pulled me in and has me wanting to read the rest of her books that I havent. Kailee blew this one out of the park. 5 plus stars.
Profile Image for Barb.
131 reviews10 followers
November 25, 2018
Wow, another knock it out of the park for Kailee Reese Samuels! A story of abuse,love,loyalty,and Hope. I am so addicted to her stories in my mind they just get better and better. This can be a stand alone read, though after reading this story I do believe you will go in search of other awesome reads from this author. She started my addiction with A&E, and the He/She duet.
Poppy trying to excel in high school to get out of the town and her mother’s house meets a man who thinks will be her salvation. She unfortunately found a new abuser. Abel, the small child that Poppy is determined to save from the monster of a father and groom him into a real man, a caring, sensitive, attentive, real man.

Profile Image for Written Word Addict.
229 reviews13 followers
November 26, 2018
Literally just finished the book and I just don't know what to feel, think..I'm just wow. I can't say much because this book.just has to be read, I refuse to give anything away. I will say it's a beautifully tragic story of absolute love. Poppy's strength is astounding, her life a story of abuse and she is so freakin strong. Go into this book with an open mind, no expectations, just know it's about love, a beautiful love.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,943 reviews23 followers
November 25, 2018
Five plus stars.

I cannot put into words how fantastic this story is. Poppy is not what I expected at all and that is a good thing. This is a darker story that kept me enthralled to the bitter end. The characters with the twists and turns kept me so intrigued that I simply could not put this book down. I am always kept on my toes with her books and it is what keeps me coming back for more. Highly recommend. Another well done story.
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
631 reviews76 followers
November 27, 2018
I’ve been emotionally drained and wrung out and pieced back together. I am utterly speechless. Be prepared to go on a journey of strength, determination, and unconditional love for another to make it through the hardest moments life could hand our Heroine. I can’t breathe after this book. So many times I held my breath, waiting for the next page. This Author always does a remarkable job at throwing the unexpected your way. You won’t be disappointed in reading Poppy.
523 reviews19 followers
November 29, 2018
There are going to be LOTS of spoilers in this review so don't read any further if you have not read this!


The first 85% of this book, I absolutely loved. As soon as I opened it, I planned to read the first chapter and then do other things but I couldn't put it down. I was sucked in immediately and completely caught up in Poppy and her relationship with Kane. I loved the way the book flowed without hurrying through the terrible things that were happening to her and her fierce protection of Abel.
I felt the pace of the book change after Abel was recruited to a professional team. Then suddenly years were going by in a few sentences. A statement was made regarding Sal being Abel's best friend and I wondered when that happened. At one point, Abel ordered alcohol at dinner and I still thought he was underage. I didn't realize years had gone by.
I really agreed with the fact that Poppy was killed. Tragedy followed the couple and it needed to happen. I thought the way she was killed was not random enough. Why would a cousin be jealous of Abel? His entire life was a mess. It didn't make sense to me that he would suddenly want him dead. Then a week after her death, he was getting blowjobs from her best friend?? This was a guy who resisted other women his whole life because of Poppy.

I don't want to make this out to be horrible because I loved the concept and I loved most of the book. It just felt rushed and disjointed at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for We Like them Dark Book Blog.
828 reviews110 followers
November 28, 2018
In this huge indie world sometimes I come across an author that makes me feel so deeply about their words, it’s hard to form a sentence. At that same time-I feel so absolutely horrible that I hadn’t discovered them sooner. Kailee Reese Samuels is truly one of the most talented writers in this world, and her work proves to be some of the most heartbreakingly beautiful of the year.
This book was out of this world-it’s emotionally taxing, and filled to the brim with an angst that is like no other. It’s dark and gritty and filled with things that make you squirm, but I love this author that much more for taking the leap and pushing the envelope.
If you can handle dark-you’re going to want to catch up on everything by this author as soon as possible. Poppy is a complete masterpiece! One of my favorites of the year!
Profile Image for Megan Alexis.
171 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2018
How to start? Poppy was utterly breathtaking. I cant truly find the words to describe how I felt reading this story. Kailee takes this incredibly difficult topic and shows the reader the whole journey. She doesnt just plop you into Poppy and Kanes toxicity, you get to feel the passion for him in the beginning and understand how Poppy got to where she was and why she couldn't leave. Women dont just fall into abusive relationships. She takes the reader on a journey that opens the door to tough conversations. The friendship between Amber and Poppy is almost more beautiful than the love between Poppy and Able. I loved everything about this story. I laughed, I cried, I yelled. I cried. This story was simply beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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