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The Marked Blooms Syndicate #1
Broken Surrender
He offered me a choice: be his, or suffer.
The Marked Blooms Syndicate is filled with elite, powerful men who select their wives—rescuing women from troubled pasts, then molding us to their exact desires. Like me.
My new life seems perfect, but everyone has secrets. The rich. The dangerous. Even the helpless.
My secret? I committed a crime punishable by death.
And Desmond Callen saw everything.
Like a devil in a black suit, Desmond makes me a deal:
Pretend to be his lover by sacrificing myself to the Marked Blooms Syndicate, and my secret will disappear.
Refuse? I will pay for my crime with my life.
I despise Desmond, but I find myself craving his dark urges, his sadistic training, his degrading punishments.
I may have to agree to his deal, but I will never give him my heart.
Author’s Note: Broken Surrender is the first standalone book in the secret society series, The Marked Blooms Syndicate. It contains dark, steamy, and disturbing content. Reader discretion is advised.
The Marked Blooms Syndicate is filled with elite, powerful men who select their wives—rescuing women from troubled pasts, then molding us to their exact desires. Like me.
My new life seems perfect, but everyone has secrets. The rich. The dangerous. Even the helpless.
My secret? I committed a crime punishable by death.
And Desmond Callen saw everything.
Like a devil in a black suit, Desmond makes me a deal:
Pretend to be his lover by sacrificing myself to the Marked Blooms Syndicate, and my secret will disappear.
Refuse? I will pay for my crime with my life.
I despise Desmond, but I find myself craving his dark urges, his sadistic training, his degrading punishments.
I may have to agree to his deal, but I will never give him my heart.
Author’s Note: Broken Surrender is the first standalone book in the secret society series, The Marked Blooms Syndicate. It contains dark, steamy, and disturbing content. Reader discretion is advised.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2021
66 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Rush
48 books1,229 followersAudrey Rush writes kinky dark romance and erotic horror. She celebrates spooky season every day, and she is obsessed with Disney. You can find her in the South, drowning in coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 27, 2021
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes (mild)
Male: intense & Sexy
Series: Book 1
Pages: 224
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
So this story surprised me. The way it started, I thought, ok, but as the book progresses, the twist and revenge aspect really had me flipping the pages to see what Desmond would do. In regard to Desmond and Lena, their relationship was that of Dom tendencies and submissive tendencies. Lena’s past was not the best and can be a trigger for some. She did not have the best marriage prior to Desmond and felt she gave in a little too easy to him, but then again, she was being blackmailed. Desmond is out for blood. In the beginning of the book, he came off intense and cold at times. However, as the story progresses he mellowed out but kept that intensity in the bedroom. I liked the idea of the Marked Bloom Syndicate. The organization for the wealthy, but don’t feel that I knew enough about them either. They weren’t dominant for me in the story.
With all that being said, this was still a very interesting read with some contents that are dark.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were pleasing. Desmond was definitely dominant in the bedroom and both Lena’s and Desmond’s scenes border on BDSM, or BDSM adjacent as I would say. At times his treatment could seem rough and commanding, so be sure this is your thing.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I really like Desmond’s sister. She was a pleasant to read. I was not a fan of her past so be prepared for what comes to light. Wouldn’t say anyone stood out a great deal for me.
OVERALL:
A quick read that gave me a little dark, mix with good sex scenes and an interesting twist.
TRIGGERS: domestic abuse, child assault and rape.
****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
Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes (mild)
Male: intense & Sexy
Series: Book 1
Pages: 224
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
So this story surprised me. The way it started, I thought, ok, but as the book progresses, the twist and revenge aspect really had me flipping the pages to see what Desmond would do. In regard to Desmond and Lena, their relationship was that of Dom tendencies and submissive tendencies. Lena’s past was not the best and can be a trigger for some. She did not have the best marriage prior to Desmond and felt she gave in a little too easy to him, but then again, she was being blackmailed. Desmond is out for blood. In the beginning of the book, he came off intense and cold at times. However, as the story progresses he mellowed out but kept that intensity in the bedroom. I liked the idea of the Marked Bloom Syndicate. The organization for the wealthy, but don’t feel that I knew enough about them either. They weren’t dominant for me in the story.
With all that being said, this was still a very interesting read with some contents that are dark.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were pleasing. Desmond was definitely dominant in the bedroom and both Lena’s and Desmond’s scenes border on BDSM, or BDSM adjacent as I would say. At times his treatment could seem rough and commanding, so be sure this is your thing.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I really like Desmond’s sister. She was a pleasant to read. I was not a fan of her past so be prepared for what comes to light. Wouldn’t say anyone stood out a great deal for me.
OVERALL:
A quick read that gave me a little dark, mix with good sex scenes and an interesting twist.
TRIGGERS: domestic abuse, child assault and rape.
****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
February 27, 2022
This is the first in a series about the rich and powerful members of The Marked Blooms, one of those shadowy and secretive syndicates popular in the Dark Erotica genre. Here, aspiring member Desmond blackmails murderess Lena into posing as his lover for impossibly convoluted reasons. What starts out as a Fake Relationship concocted for the sole purpose of revenge soon turns into something more...
Short Version: This will probably be the only kink book to ever begin with a quote from "The Yellow Wallpaper;" too bad this author so completely misunderstands that the author of Herland really wasn't, err, a fan of the kind of patriarchal societies this book extols.
Long Version: I downloaded this book because I'm in a reading slump and it came up in my GR recommendations. Though the blurb contained all the usual overused tropes in this genre (forced relationship, D/s, sexual sadism, enemies-to-lovers), I thought: "What do I have to lose?" Well, it turns out, about three hours of my evening because this book was a trainwreck.
There's so much wrong with this book that I initially thought that it was written by a first-time author and was prepared to review it as such (that is, more sympathetically). Since this is not, in fact, the case, all I can say is that the Beta readers and editors Ms. Rush thanks so profusely are doing her no favors. Here are the three most serious problems with the book:
1) Character Incoherence: Lena is a two-time survivor of domestic violence, yet not 18% into this book, she's allowing a man she barely knows to strip, verbally humiliate, and paddle her. Desmond keeps telling himself that at least he's honest with her (unlike her two other men), but he isn't: he never once tells her that his revenge plan might kill her. In fact, there isn't one single thing that Desmond does for her that explains Lena's feelings for him or, given how horribly he speaks to her, what she does for him towards the end. Despite her awful past, she's such a one-dimensional doormat of a heroine that I couldn't even summon up sympathy for her.
2) Poor Pacing/Weak Narrative/Plot Holes: I've already mentioned that at the 18% mark Lena totally gives into Desmond; that means that for about 80% of this book there's no conflict -- which, you know, is an important aspect of any literature (even kink). Then there's all the unnecessary torture-porn: Lena is three times (why, I asked myself, did those ?). Why on earth would a man who is desperate to impregnate his wife pump her full of drugs that would cause birth defects? And, finally, it's never explained how this society came to be; how they go about recruiting women; how they go about recruiting men; why they allow abused women to show their blackened eyes in public if secrecy matters so much; why no one from his past recognizes Desmond; or why anyone would "sacrifice" someone they really care about.
3) Problematic Prose: At first, I thought this author wasn't a native English speaker (which would be fine). From her bio, I now realize that isn't so, but little else explains why in a book set in the United States, she uses the English word for "baby carriage," or why she confuses "compromised" with "comprised of," "composition" with "disposition," "swayed" with "leaned," and "debate" with "discuss." And what on earth is a "staunch disposition?"
All of this is too bad because lost in this absurdity is a potentially interesting (and very "Yellow Paper"-like) storyline about the ways in which the medical profession uses and abuses feminine bodies -- never more timely than right now when so many states are happy to treat women as little more than broodmares, ignoring the mental, emotional, and physical consequences that these women suffer.
2 stars. The only saving graces were the author's very descriptive passages about the pills and the painting (too bad they got jettisoned after the beginning), Corinne, and Zira. But, throughout, the MMC and MFC behaved in a manner best described as "TSTL," making it impossible to invest in them. YMMV.
Short Version: This will probably be the only kink book to ever begin with a quote from "The Yellow Wallpaper;" too bad this author so completely misunderstands that the author of Herland really wasn't, err, a fan of the kind of patriarchal societies this book extols.
Long Version: I downloaded this book because I'm in a reading slump and it came up in my GR recommendations. Though the blurb contained all the usual overused tropes in this genre (forced relationship, D/s, sexual sadism, enemies-to-lovers), I thought: "What do I have to lose?" Well, it turns out, about three hours of my evening because this book was a trainwreck.
There's so much wrong with this book that I initially thought that it was written by a first-time author and was prepared to review it as such (that is, more sympathetically). Since this is not, in fact, the case, all I can say is that the Beta readers and editors Ms. Rush thanks so profusely are doing her no favors. Here are the three most serious problems with the book:
1) Character Incoherence: Lena is a two-time survivor of domestic violence, yet not 18% into this book, she's allowing a man she barely knows to strip, verbally humiliate, and paddle her. Desmond keeps telling himself that at least he's honest with her (unlike her two other men), but he isn't: he never once tells her that his revenge plan might kill her. In fact, there isn't one single thing that Desmond does for her that explains Lena's feelings for him or, given how horribly he speaks to her, what she does for him towards the end. Despite her awful past, she's such a one-dimensional doormat of a heroine that I couldn't even summon up sympathy for her.
2) Poor Pacing/Weak Narrative/Plot Holes: I've already mentioned that at the 18% mark Lena totally gives into Desmond; that means that for about 80% of this book there's no conflict -- which, you know, is an important aspect of any literature (even kink). Then there's all the unnecessary torture-porn: Lena is three times (why, I asked myself, did those ?). Why on earth would a man who is desperate to impregnate his wife pump her full of drugs that would cause birth defects? And, finally, it's never explained how this society came to be; how they go about recruiting women; how they go about recruiting men; why they allow abused women to show their blackened eyes in public if secrecy matters so much; why no one from his past recognizes Desmond; or why anyone would "sacrifice" someone they really care about.
3) Problematic Prose: At first, I thought this author wasn't a native English speaker (which would be fine). From her bio, I now realize that isn't so, but little else explains why in a book set in the United States, she uses the English word for "baby carriage," or why she confuses "compromised" with "comprised of," "composition" with "disposition," "swayed" with "leaned," and "debate" with "discuss." And what on earth is a "staunch disposition?"
All of this is too bad because lost in this absurdity is a potentially interesting (and very "Yellow Paper"-like) storyline about the ways in which the medical profession uses and abuses feminine bodies -- never more timely than right now when so many states are happy to treat women as little more than broodmares, ignoring the mental, emotional, and physical consequences that these women suffer.
2 stars. The only saving graces were the author's very descriptive passages about the pills and the painting (too bad they got jettisoned after the beginning), Corinne, and Zira. But, throughout, the MMC and MFC behaved in a manner best described as "TSTL," making it impossible to invest in them. YMMV.
February 23, 2022
Trigger Warning: Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault, Non Consensual Drug Use, Raw, Rough, Demeaning and Humiliating Sex.
The Marked Bloom Syndicate is a secret society filled with rich and powerful men who select their wives by rescuing them from troubled pasts and training them into the wife they desire. These women life no longer belong to them but to their husbands and however your husband used you was his prerogative.
Lena after suffering through brutal attacks and forced experimental drug usage administered by her husband she finally had enough; pushing her to the edge and committing a crime punishable by law. Although the perfect crime Lena didn't anticipate that she had a witness to her crime.
Desmond Callen was literally Satan incarnate. This man was beyond Dark and Deplorable. He made a deal with Lena in order to keep her crime a secret. He wanted to be a member of The Marked Bloom Syndicate and wanted to offer her up as his sacrifice. This man literally blackmailed her into a demeaning sex relationship. I literally cringed while reading some of their sex scenes because he was that twisted.
As Lena and Desmond's twisted relationship progressed she was able to learn more about this dark and twisted soul. Desmond was on a mission to enact revenge on the men who drugged and raped his 16 year old sister 5 years ago when she was only 11 years old.
This story makes you cringe, angry, shocked and disgusted with the way Lena was treated in this book as well as the horrible ordeal Desmond's sister went through. Lena was a constant target because of her ex husband's shady dealings as well be being linked to Desmond. This book was NOT an easy read but it did end with a HEA. THANK GOD
As cringe worthy as this book was I am actually looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Marked Bloom Syndicate is a secret society filled with rich and powerful men who select their wives by rescuing them from troubled pasts and training them into the wife they desire. These women life no longer belong to them but to their husbands and however your husband used you was his prerogative.
Lena after suffering through brutal attacks and forced experimental drug usage administered by her husband she finally had enough; pushing her to the edge and committing a crime punishable by law. Although the perfect crime Lena didn't anticipate that she had a witness to her crime.
Desmond Callen was literally Satan incarnate. This man was beyond Dark and Deplorable. He made a deal with Lena in order to keep her crime a secret. He wanted to be a member of The Marked Bloom Syndicate and wanted to offer her up as his sacrifice. This man literally blackmailed her into a demeaning sex relationship. I literally cringed while reading some of their sex scenes because he was that twisted.
As Lena and Desmond's twisted relationship progressed she was able to learn more about this dark and twisted soul. Desmond was on a mission to enact revenge on the men who drugged and raped his 16 year old sister 5 years ago when she was only 11 years old.
This story makes you cringe, angry, shocked and disgusted with the way Lena was treated in this book as well as the horrible ordeal Desmond's sister went through. Lena was a constant target because of her ex husband's shady dealings as well be being linked to Desmond. This book was NOT an easy read but it did end with a HEA. THANK GOD
As cringe worthy as this book was I am actually looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2021
Score: 6/10
Would reread: no
I can't quite place why I did not enjoy this book more. Dark, a bit disturbing, or psychotic isn't a problem for me so it wasn't the genre of the book, but more of a feeling of useless cruelty.
I quite liked the concept of the Marked Bloom Syndicate and it fits very well with this type of story. A society for the wealthy where you need to make a sacrifice for entry. It seems quite fitting for the type of fucked-up characters in this story to have such a group with such requirements.
This was not a bad book, but I would not reread it or probably think of it again. I tried very badly to like Desmond but sometimes he had a particular brand of cruelty and dumbness that just did not fit with his character description and just pissed me off so much. Every "he's not like the previous lovers" just got negated by how even though he was protecting Lena and Corinne, he just kept using them as pawns in his fixation.
Overall, although the love story was interesting as a skeleton, Desmond kind of kept ruining it for me. All the intimate scenes were more than fine, but he just kept messing up in terms of how to act regarding his sister or Lena.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC I received via BookSirens.
Would reread: no
I can't quite place why I did not enjoy this book more. Dark, a bit disturbing, or psychotic isn't a problem for me so it wasn't the genre of the book, but more of a feeling of useless cruelty.
I quite liked the concept of the Marked Bloom Syndicate and it fits very well with this type of story. A society for the wealthy where you need to make a sacrifice for entry. It seems quite fitting for the type of fucked-up characters in this story to have such a group with such requirements.
This was not a bad book, but I would not reread it or probably think of it again. I tried very badly to like Desmond but sometimes he had a particular brand of cruelty and dumbness that just did not fit with his character description and just pissed me off so much. Every "he's not like the previous lovers" just got negated by how even though he was protecting Lena and Corinne, he just kept using them as pawns in his fixation.
Overall, although the love story was interesting as a skeleton, Desmond kind of kept ruining it for me. All the intimate scenes were more than fine, but he just kept messing up in terms of how to act regarding his sister or Lena.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC I received via BookSirens.
September 24, 2021
I am afraid that this book was far outside my comfort zone, despite reading the information before downloading I still found it dark and disturbing.
I found it a bit hard to comprehend how Lena, after two failed relationships and murdering her second husband who, incidentally was pumping her with unlicensed, harmful drugs to try to get her pregnant, Lena would quickly fall for the dubious charms of Desmond who was to blackmail and humiliate her.
Lena was in danger from an unscrupulous drug company who were desperate to locate a drug vial that had been used on her by her husband.
Desmond's sister's life was also in danger so he had kept her locked away for five years to keep her safe, I found Corine's abuse particularly disturbing. Desmond enlists the help of a dark secret society but there is a high price to pay.
I am sure that there are many people who will really enjoy this story but I have to base my review on my own experience.
I was given a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
I found it a bit hard to comprehend how Lena, after two failed relationships and murdering her second husband who, incidentally was pumping her with unlicensed, harmful drugs to try to get her pregnant, Lena would quickly fall for the dubious charms of Desmond who was to blackmail and humiliate her.
Lena was in danger from an unscrupulous drug company who were desperate to locate a drug vial that had been used on her by her husband.
Desmond's sister's life was also in danger so he had kept her locked away for five years to keep her safe, I found Corine's abuse particularly disturbing. Desmond enlists the help of a dark secret society but there is a high price to pay.
I am sure that there are many people who will really enjoy this story but I have to base my review on my own experience.
I was given a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
July 21, 2021
This was a really intriguing, Handmaiden’s Tale-esque book. Audrey has basically sold herself to her husband in exchange for a life of leisure, but she quickly finds out that all is not what it seems.
There are a lot of dark themes in this book, but the plot is interesting and the main characters are well developed. I was confused a few times because there are a lot of characters for a book that takes place within a very confined community.
Lena is not used to anyone showing interest in her. Not her husband, not her previous boyfriend. So when a stranger does give her attention, even negative attention, she finds herself getting swept up in it. Desmond has secrets on top of secrets, on top of ulterior motives - he is one crafty character.
For two people who trust no one, they form an unlikely alliance, one that is definitely sexual, but not romantic in nature. And there are plenty of steamy scenes. And I really enjoyed the banter between Des and Lena.
If you like your books on the darker side, this is definitely one to check out.
I received an advance copy of this book from Book Sirens and these are my honest opinions.
There are a lot of dark themes in this book, but the plot is interesting and the main characters are well developed. I was confused a few times because there are a lot of characters for a book that takes place within a very confined community.
Lena is not used to anyone showing interest in her. Not her husband, not her previous boyfriend. So when a stranger does give her attention, even negative attention, she finds herself getting swept up in it. Desmond has secrets on top of secrets, on top of ulterior motives - he is one crafty character.
For two people who trust no one, they form an unlikely alliance, one that is definitely sexual, but not romantic in nature. And there are plenty of steamy scenes. And I really enjoyed the banter between Des and Lena.
If you like your books on the darker side, this is definitely one to check out.
I received an advance copy of this book from Book Sirens and these are my honest opinions.
July 19, 2021
Broken Surrender is a dark read and some of the content might upset some people
A clandestine society (Marked Blooms Syndicate) is based on nefarious activities by the members and also by the pledges that want to become one. Lena (FMC) signs up with the Syndicate hoping for a new life with a loving & caring husband but what she gets is not what she signed up for. When things come to a head and her seductive next-door neighbour - Desmond uses what he finds out about her to blackmail her by. So has no choice but to agree to what he wants. Kicking off with plenty of steamy hot scenarios between the both of them. Theres also this will he, wont he story line running through this book with regards to if he will go through his plans including Lena. It certainly kept me on my toes. If you like your books darker then this is a book for you. I do and i liked it a lot. I loved the dynamic between Lena and Desmond too. Its a great read
A clandestine society (Marked Blooms Syndicate) is based on nefarious activities by the members and also by the pledges that want to become one. Lena (FMC) signs up with the Syndicate hoping for a new life with a loving & caring husband but what she gets is not what she signed up for. When things come to a head and her seductive next-door neighbour - Desmond uses what he finds out about her to blackmail her by. So has no choice but to agree to what he wants. Kicking off with plenty of steamy hot scenarios between the both of them. Theres also this will he, wont he story line running through this book with regards to if he will go through his plans including Lena. It certainly kept me on my toes. If you like your books darker then this is a book for you. I do and i liked it a lot. I loved the dynamic between Lena and Desmond too. Its a great read
August 11, 2021
What do you do when you cannot catch a break, and all your options are out? You do the unthinkable and get caught. I enjoyed the push-pull from Desmond and cannot wait to read more about The Mark Blooms Agency and the resilient women who go through their doors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2021
Lena committed a crime and now is being blackmailed into sacrificing herself to the Marked Blooms Syndicate. Desmond has plans of his own and he is using Lena to move them along. What will happen when sparks begin to fly between them. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. This read is dark with plenty of twists and turns. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!
March 5, 2022
I do enjoy Rush's book but this one was not one of my favorites. I had a hard time differentiating how past men used the heroine to how the hero treats her and expects of her. It was very similar to me yet the heroin kept saying how different he was. It promises to have great follow up books and I'll keep reading Rush's book as they do tend to be addicting.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
October 26, 2022
its honestly impressive how many times the mfc got kidnapped in such a short book
December 27, 2021
Beside Lena's breakfast plate was a small jewelry box and a jar with red and yellow capsules. Her husband John informed her that she is to take one every morning with her meal as they will make her nauseous. She listens in horror as he tells her they are fertility pills and he needed an heir.
When she said what if she didn't want a child (at least not his!), he just looked dispassionately at her nose and eye and said maybe he should make different arrangements with the Board of the Marked Blooms Syndicate. Which meant she would either be returned to Oakmont or killed.
As the owner and CEO of a pharmaceutical company her husband has made sure that her medicine cabinet was full of a regiment of pills for everything that ailed her. As she looked in the bathroom mirror and saw the purple tinge under her eye she remembered why she had agreed to an arranged marriage through the Marked Blooms syndicate to begin with.
She had been happy in the past to live her days in a vacant state, but no more. She jabbed a toothbrush off the counter and forged it down her throat until her breakfast and those pill expelled from her stomach. And then she started pouring pills after pills down the toilet. But then she realized what she had done and knew she had to find replacement pills for the bottles. She was luckily allowed out by herself so she could hit the vitamin store in hopes to find similar looking pills to the drugs she had just flushed.
Desmond watched her every night when she came onto her balcony and even though she held still you could see the tears flowing down her face. He had to laugh because what did the wife to the owner of Shin & Co Inc have to cry about. There were rumors of near bankruptcy, but that a past project was being resurrected. He wondered how much Lena knew and how long before the bored neglected wife gave him the information he needed.
Desmond had been interviewed by Upchurch and Saunders Bloom but was in his final meeting which included the head of the Marked Blooms Syndicate, Gore Bloom. He would be given 3 tasks. One - save the life of someone who many believed didn't deserve to live. Two - eliminate a target of one of the existing members. And three - an offering at the next Masquerade Ball as the true purpose of the Marked Bloom Syndicate was purely sadistic pleasure and indulgence.
I loved this book! This is a dark romance full of intrigue, suspense, danger, humiliation and pain. This book is action packed and full of twists and turns. Another great story by Audrey Rush who is the queen of depravity! Highly recommend this book!!!
When she said what if she didn't want a child (at least not his!), he just looked dispassionately at her nose and eye and said maybe he should make different arrangements with the Board of the Marked Blooms Syndicate. Which meant she would either be returned to Oakmont or killed.
As the owner and CEO of a pharmaceutical company her husband has made sure that her medicine cabinet was full of a regiment of pills for everything that ailed her. As she looked in the bathroom mirror and saw the purple tinge under her eye she remembered why she had agreed to an arranged marriage through the Marked Blooms syndicate to begin with.
She had been happy in the past to live her days in a vacant state, but no more. She jabbed a toothbrush off the counter and forged it down her throat until her breakfast and those pill expelled from her stomach. And then she started pouring pills after pills down the toilet. But then she realized what she had done and knew she had to find replacement pills for the bottles. She was luckily allowed out by herself so she could hit the vitamin store in hopes to find similar looking pills to the drugs she had just flushed.
Desmond watched her every night when she came onto her balcony and even though she held still you could see the tears flowing down her face. He had to laugh because what did the wife to the owner of Shin & Co Inc have to cry about. There were rumors of near bankruptcy, but that a past project was being resurrected. He wondered how much Lena knew and how long before the bored neglected wife gave him the information he needed.
Desmond had been interviewed by Upchurch and Saunders Bloom but was in his final meeting which included the head of the Marked Blooms Syndicate, Gore Bloom. He would be given 3 tasks. One - save the life of someone who many believed didn't deserve to live. Two - eliminate a target of one of the existing members. And three - an offering at the next Masquerade Ball as the true purpose of the Marked Bloom Syndicate was purely sadistic pleasure and indulgence.
I loved this book! This is a dark romance full of intrigue, suspense, danger, humiliation and pain. This book is action packed and full of twists and turns. Another great story by Audrey Rush who is the queen of depravity! Highly recommend this book!!!
July 28, 2021
She grew up fighting for every scrap.Her boyfriend didn't really care about her.When she was approached by a man who said if she agreed to an arraigned marriage she would never want for anything again.Her every dream an wish would be fulfilled.So Lena agreed to marry John Dalton but he was a controlling abusive man who keep feeding her pills to keep her his sex doll.If she dared to ask a question or say something she would get punched over an over.One more pill he wanted her to take she asked what it was he said don't worry about it.When he said a fertility pill he wanted her to get pregnant she thought not by you.When he said if she had a problem he could always readjust the contract with the Marked Bloom Syndicate. She didn't say anything else.Late when he got home she said she was tired but he forced himself on her anyway an then punched her in the eye again.Later he shot her up with something she said something an he hit her again.after he leaves she tries to think of how she can get away but she knows the only way is to kill him.There are more twists an turns than a rollercoaster you will be riveted until the very last page an it will leave you begging for more.Will she kill her husband?Will Desmond the new man in the neighbourhood see her?Will he blackmail het to do whatever he wants?I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes an you can feel their emotions an their pain.
December 5, 2021
The blurb for this book sounded like something that was right up my alley. On the most parts it was.
Lena for the first third of this book annoyed me. Straight off the bat. I am not sure what it was but I couldn't connect with her or her thought process and behavior. First time this has ever happened. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and give her a shake. Wake up women.
For the remainder of the book it didn't really improve I am sorry to say. I think she had a good heart but was just so beaten down by previous relationships that she didn't really know what a proper relationship was meant to be.
Desmond I rather liked but its amazing what happens when feelings become involved. The further book went along the more his priorities changed back and forth and indecision. Again i think he meant well and on the most part it came off.
It was a bit of a mish mash with these characters. Desmond and Lena did have some nice chemistry both in and out of the bedroom which was good.
Overall, it wasn't too bad. It wasn't the best book I have read by this author but it was reasonably good to carry on reading till the end.
It will be interesting to see where this series goes to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lena for the first third of this book annoyed me. Straight off the bat. I am not sure what it was but I couldn't connect with her or her thought process and behavior. First time this has ever happened. I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and give her a shake. Wake up women.
For the remainder of the book it didn't really improve I am sorry to say. I think she had a good heart but was just so beaten down by previous relationships that she didn't really know what a proper relationship was meant to be.
Desmond I rather liked but its amazing what happens when feelings become involved. The further book went along the more his priorities changed back and forth and indecision. Again i think he meant well and on the most part it came off.
It was a bit of a mish mash with these characters. Desmond and Lena did have some nice chemistry both in and out of the bedroom which was good.
Overall, it wasn't too bad. It wasn't the best book I have read by this author but it was reasonably good to carry on reading till the end.
It will be interesting to see where this series goes to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2022
Broken Surrender
Audrey Rush
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Marked Blooms Syndicate is filled with elite, powerful men who select their wives by rescuing women from troubled pasts, then molding them to their exact desires. Like me I'm one of those molded wives or should I say was?
Anyway my new life seems perfect , but I know everyone has their secrets. It doesn’t matter if you are rich, poor, or even dangerous, we all have secrets.
Want to know my secret? I commited a crime that is punishable by death. And Desmond Callen saw everything.
Like the devil he is, Desmond makes me a deal. If I pretend to be his lover and let him use me as his sacrifice when its time, to the Marked Blooms Syndicate, my secret will disappear. If I Refuse? I will pay for the crime with my life.
Right now I despise Desmond, but oddly enough I find myself craving his dark urges, his sadistic training, and those degrading punishments.
I may have had to agree to his blackmail, but I will never give him my heart.
Audrey Rush is brilliant. And I say that because after reading a few of her stories I think I'm addicted to them. Some of these characters have been so hurt that they want their revenge and I for one cant blame them. I found myself cheering Desmond on at a certain part and that was wonderful in itself. This is a dark book, but I really enjoyed it and cant wait to read another book from Ms. Rush.
Audrey Rush
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Marked Blooms Syndicate is filled with elite, powerful men who select their wives by rescuing women from troubled pasts, then molding them to their exact desires. Like me I'm one of those molded wives or should I say was?
Anyway my new life seems perfect , but I know everyone has their secrets. It doesn’t matter if you are rich, poor, or even dangerous, we all have secrets.
Want to know my secret? I commited a crime that is punishable by death. And Desmond Callen saw everything.
Like the devil he is, Desmond makes me a deal. If I pretend to be his lover and let him use me as his sacrifice when its time, to the Marked Blooms Syndicate, my secret will disappear. If I Refuse? I will pay for the crime with my life.
Right now I despise Desmond, but oddly enough I find myself craving his dark urges, his sadistic training, and those degrading punishments.
I may have had to agree to his blackmail, but I will never give him my heart.
Audrey Rush is brilliant. And I say that because after reading a few of her stories I think I'm addicted to them. Some of these characters have been so hurt that they want their revenge and I for one cant blame them. I found myself cheering Desmond on at a certain part and that was wonderful in itself. This is a dark book, but I really enjoyed it and cant wait to read another book from Ms. Rush.
May 12, 2022
** Triggers **
S++ual abuse of a child is described after the fact, not gratuitous but be prepared.
Lena is married to Dalton, a man she married to have a better life. As an arranged wife in the Mark Blooms Syndicate, she entered a world where she gets a life of luxury but choice in little else. Her husband is abusivwe and the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, so he keeps her well medicated. One day she just decides she has had enough.
She wants to quietly get on with her life, but Desmond, her neighbor and man that sees her crime, blackmails her for his own purposes. Desmond was after her husband and others who harmed his sister. He has Corrine in hiding until he can get his revenge. Oh, but there is so much more going on with the company and their research, Desmond's involvement, and how he uses the Marked Blooms Syndicate to eliminate the last of his sister's abusers.
What starts out as a relationship based on blackmail, turns into something more. Des is a beast and enjoys dominating Lena. Conversely, she likes his version of domination because the pleasure is not one sided and tipped to Desmond's benefit. The scenes between these two were very hot.
There are two more books in this series, all standalones with characters that were introduced in this story. I'm looking forward to see how this word evolves.
S++ual abuse of a child is described after the fact, not gratuitous but be prepared.
Lena is married to Dalton, a man she married to have a better life. As an arranged wife in the Mark Blooms Syndicate, she entered a world where she gets a life of luxury but choice in little else. Her husband is abusivwe and the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, so he keeps her well medicated. One day she just decides she has had enough.
She wants to quietly get on with her life, but Desmond, her neighbor and man that sees her crime, blackmails her for his own purposes. Desmond was after her husband and others who harmed his sister. He has Corrine in hiding until he can get his revenge. Oh, but there is so much more going on with the company and their research, Desmond's involvement, and how he uses the Marked Blooms Syndicate to eliminate the last of his sister's abusers.
What starts out as a relationship based on blackmail, turns into something more. Des is a beast and enjoys dominating Lena. Conversely, she likes his version of domination because the pleasure is not one sided and tipped to Desmond's benefit. The scenes between these two were very hot.
There are two more books in this series, all standalones with characters that were introduced in this story. I'm looking forward to see how this word evolves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
CAWPILE Rating: 7,17
Characters: 6
Ambient / Worldbuilding: 6,25
Writing style: 6,75
Plot: 7,25
Intrigue: 9
Logic / Relationships: 7
Enjoyment: 8
First of all, thank you so much Book Sirens and Audrey Rush for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Not bad at all, not bad. I'm surprised about how interesting the plot was, given the genre this book belongs to. It is not very often that I find myself engaging in the suspense / mystery part of the plots. Especially towards the end, we have lots of action and the story gets a riveting pace.
I really liked it, and I don't rule out continuing with this series. The dark erotica part, though, I didn't really see, or I expected it to be darker, I am not sure.
The characters are well built, and you feel like you get to know them, which is a very important thing to me when it comes to reading novels.
Also, the smutty scenes are well written, although I would have preferred them to be more developed instead of just using obscene language. Nevertheless, I've read much worse ones.
The relation smut / actual plot seems logical and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I do recommend it if you enjoy the genre.
Characters: 6
Ambient / Worldbuilding: 6,25
Writing style: 6,75
Plot: 7,25
Intrigue: 9
Logic / Relationships: 7
Enjoyment: 8
First of all, thank you so much Book Sirens and Audrey Rush for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
Not bad at all, not bad. I'm surprised about how interesting the plot was, given the genre this book belongs to. It is not very often that I find myself engaging in the suspense / mystery part of the plots. Especially towards the end, we have lots of action and the story gets a riveting pace.
I really liked it, and I don't rule out continuing with this series. The dark erotica part, though, I didn't really see, or I expected it to be darker, I am not sure.
The characters are well built, and you feel like you get to know them, which is a very important thing to me when it comes to reading novels.
Also, the smutty scenes are well written, although I would have preferred them to be more developed instead of just using obscene language. Nevertheless, I've read much worse ones.
The relation smut / actual plot seems logical and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I do recommend it if you enjoy the genre.
July 22, 2021
I really like the Idea of The Marked Blooms Syndicate.....
Broken Surrender is the first installment in The Marked Blooms Syndicate and the story between Lena Dalton and Desmond Callen. It's in the spectrum of dark romance, it does work with triggering themes and a fake relationship troupe.
I really liked the idea of The Marked Blooms Syndicate: in the lines of a secret society of rich, powerful and crminals as well, with its own set of rules and where its members are given rights and duties.
I found the plot very creative and original, with suspense, intrigue, a forced 'relationship' by blackmail, h.o.t. trysts and some kink made for a good commitment to the narrative, but I would have loved more defiance from Lena's part - I think she gave in too soon to Desmond's demands and lust, but it wasn't clear if it had something to do with the fact that she might still be under the influence of Eros. At 84% mark, I had wished for her to tell Desmond that she would do his bidding as a sacrifice, but for Corine only, not him and that she had demanded her freedom and never wanted to see him again, BECAUSE...he f#cking deserved it!
I'm really excited for more and can't wait for Finn's turn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Broken Surrender is the first installment in The Marked Blooms Syndicate and the story between Lena Dalton and Desmond Callen. It's in the spectrum of dark romance, it does work with triggering themes and a fake relationship troupe.
I really liked the idea of The Marked Blooms Syndicate: in the lines of a secret society of rich, powerful and crminals as well, with its own set of rules and where its members are given rights and duties.
I found the plot very creative and original, with suspense, intrigue, a forced 'relationship' by blackmail, h.o.t. trysts and some kink made for a good commitment to the narrative, but I would have loved more defiance from Lena's part - I think she gave in too soon to Desmond's demands and lust, but it wasn't clear if it had something to do with the fact that she might still be under the influence of Eros. At 84% mark, I had wished for her to tell Desmond that she would do his bidding as a sacrifice, but for Corine only, not him and that she had demanded her freedom and never wanted to see him again, BECAUSE...he f#cking deserved it!
I'm really excited for more and can't wait for Finn's turn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2021
This is the first book in the Marked Blooms Syndicate series. One of my favourite tropes these days features a secret society, so I was pretty excited to see the blurb for this book. Powerful men can obtain women to mold into their perfect wives, in whatever way they choose. This story starts off with some Yellow Wallpaper vibes-a sense of sameness everyday and a helpless depression with no foreseeable end. But this woman is not going to sit around and descend into madness. Lena has a well-executed plan until Desmond Callen interferes and offers a trade—keeping her secret in exchange for her life. If you’ve read anything by Ms Rush before, you’ll see Des as a villain/hero, and this duality is fast becoming a favourite of mine. A villain to one person’s eyes, yet a hero to another’s. Des’ sexual involvement with Lena turns into something completely different. As the events unfold, the secret society aspect is only part of this tale. There's a lot of suspense in this in this well-crafted twisting story, as characters seek revenge, safety, and redemption. I’m looking forward to more stories in this world.
August 8, 2021
This wasn’t what I expected! It was good though. It is definitely dark and has a number of triggers. Desmond is seeking vengeance for his sister and ends up blackmailing his neighbor Lena I to being his sacrifice to join the Marked Blooms Syndicate.
I’ll be honest, I don’t really understand what the this syndicate does exactly but they appear to be a powerful secret society type thing. I honestly disturbed by the notion the syndicate might actually kill the sacrifice. What is up with secret societies in these books. It’s always twisted sex and killing innocent people.
Of course, Desmond falls in love and can’t actually go through with it. I appreciate Desmond wanting to get his vengeance on those who abused his sister but to hurt an innocent woman in the process who had been greatly abused herself was kind of gross.
The spice level here is pretty high 5/5. Desmond has the whole dominant thing down pat. It was easily my favorite part of this whole story. If nothing else, read it for his dominance even if he’s not that likable otherwise!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ll be honest, I don’t really understand what the this syndicate does exactly but they appear to be a powerful secret society type thing. I honestly disturbed by the notion the syndicate might actually kill the sacrifice. What is up with secret societies in these books. It’s always twisted sex and killing innocent people.
Of course, Desmond falls in love and can’t actually go through with it. I appreciate Desmond wanting to get his vengeance on those who abused his sister but to hurt an innocent woman in the process who had been greatly abused herself was kind of gross.
The spice level here is pretty high 5/5. Desmond has the whole dominant thing down pat. It was easily my favorite part of this whole story. If nothing else, read it for his dominance even if he’s not that likable otherwise!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2021
What's worse than killing your abusive, arranged marriage husband? Getting caught burying his body by a soon to be member of the Marked Blooms Syndicate, that's exactly what happened to Lena. Desmond knows her crime and offers her a deal, become his brutal violence offering to the Syndicate, and it will all disappear. He will make her obey and prove to the Syndicate their love is real. But its not all that simple, as Desmonds out for revenge, Lena is a means to and end for him, but what happens when those fake feelings become something real?
Audrey Rush delves into a secret society romance, head on with this great dark themed, suspense filled, desire fueled read! The characters keep you on your toes with every emotion possible, you'll love to hate and hate to love them! The story line draws you in woth vivid detailed scenes and the mystery and intrigue holds your attention through out. A great start to a new series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Audrey Rush delves into a secret society romance, head on with this great dark themed, suspense filled, desire fueled read! The characters keep you on your toes with every emotion possible, you'll love to hate and hate to love them! The story line draws you in woth vivid detailed scenes and the mystery and intrigue holds your attention through out. A great start to a new series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2021
Audrey Rush does this genre really really well and I love her dark writing. It seems to call to me and this book is no exception. What I didn't epect was this really interesting storyline. I could tell by the writing that our heroine Lena was a cut above the ordinary. Abused by the men in both her relationships she finally had enough. Then Desmond comes along! He has his own agenda in this story. The relationship these two get into is dark and dirty but oh so delicious. There are heart stopping moments in this story and what a page turner. I had to read this in one sitting because you just have to know what's on the next page. What secrets are unveiled, what earth shattering secret Desmond has been keeping and drama. This is a dark story about abuse and manipulation. Who will come out winners and losers? Such joy knowing there is another book to relish and savour. The Marked Blooms Syndicate books I am sure will become one of my favourite go to Dark reads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another wow what a read, sometimes I found it tough going, however those bits were few and far between the hot sex scenes and the action packed drama, the characters are Lena (real name Melina) whose existence up to meeting Desmond had been down trodden and used by her first boyfriend, then she was married off to John a member of The Marked Blooms Syndicate and who used her to test products from his pharmaceutical company, he was also abusive and used to beat her into submission, Lena then murders her husband after not being able to take it anymore, then enters Desmond who blackmails her saying he’ll cover up the the murder in cooperation from her to get him membership of the aforementioned Syndicate the book then follows what happens to them. This book is quite dark and covers some disturbing content, so if your a bit on the delicate side this book is not for you, fortunately I’m not on the delicate side so enjoyed the read!
Another wow what a read, sometimes I found it tough going, however those bits were few and far between the hot sex scenes and the action packed drama, the characters are Lena (real name Melina) whose existence up to meeting Desmond had been down trodden and used by her first boyfriend, then she was married off to John a member of The Marked Blooms Syndicate and who used her to test products from his pharmaceutical company, he was also abusive and used to beat her into submission, Lena then murders her husband after not being able to take it anymore, then enters Desmond who blackmails her saying he’ll cover up the the murder in cooperation from her to get him membership of the aforementioned Syndicate the book then follows what happens to them. This book is quite dark and covers some disturbing content, so if your a bit on the delicate side this book is not for you, fortunately I’m not on the delicate side so enjoyed the read!
April 6, 2022
The story and characters were hit and miss at the beginning but over time it grew on me. I couldn't connect to the heroine in the beginning and I didn't like the anti-hero either. As the story continues and they both humanize a bit, they begin to settle into a more likeable and relatable way. I enjoyed the sexy scenes between Des and Lena. Also enjoyed the revenge plot line.
The reason I am rating this lower is because even though there were trigger warnings listed at the beginning of the book, there was no mention of childhood sexual assault (immediate aftermath described on page) in that listing and it was extremely hard to read because I was not prepared for it. I have ZERO issue with dark subject matter and the SA that happened on page to the adult heroine was disturbing but I felt prepared for that. Childhood sexual assault was not alluded to and that made it a little more shocking and difficult since its a particular trigger of mine and I had not seen other reviews (I scrolled a few before reading) mention the childhood SA specifically.
The reason I am rating this lower is because even though there were trigger warnings listed at the beginning of the book, there was no mention of childhood sexual assault (immediate aftermath described on page) in that listing and it was extremely hard to read because I was not prepared for it. I have ZERO issue with dark subject matter and the SA that happened on page to the adult heroine was disturbing but I felt prepared for that. Childhood sexual assault was not alluded to and that made it a little more shocking and difficult since its a particular trigger of mine and I had not seen other reviews (I scrolled a few before reading) mention the childhood SA specifically.
August 5, 2021
Blurb and cover was eye catching but unfortunately the story just didn’t do it for me.
What did I like? This story has a stepford wife feel to it and it seemed like she traded bad situation for bad situation every time. Beaten, abused, and medicated to abdication and objectified. Really made you feel for Lena. Her steps to free herself only land her in hotter water with the masterful Desmond. Desmond has a different goal and a plan that doesn’t include falling for Lena.
Would I recommend or buy? For a first in a series I had a hard time figuring out what was even going on. I hate that elephant in the room feel where something is going on but you don’t know what. Idk why but maybe if the story led that way. I’m not continuing with the series but I’d read something else by the author. Fence book… three stars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
What did I like? This story has a stepford wife feel to it and it seemed like she traded bad situation for bad situation every time. Beaten, abused, and medicated to abdication and objectified. Really made you feel for Lena. Her steps to free herself only land her in hotter water with the masterful Desmond. Desmond has a different goal and a plan that doesn’t include falling for Lena.
Would I recommend or buy? For a first in a series I had a hard time figuring out what was even going on. I hate that elephant in the room feel where something is going on but you don’t know what. Idk why but maybe if the story led that way. I’m not continuing with the series but I’d read something else by the author. Fence book… three stars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
July 22, 2021
Daaaaaaark.
All Lena ever wanted was to be loved by someone who saw her as a person and not as a sexual organ support system. Instead, she kept falling for the wrong men.
All Dalton wanted was to make things right. Even if he had to sacrifice Lena to do it.
This story dealt with some very dark topics. Very well written. The story telling was engrossing. It was like not being able to look away from a car crash. That is, if the car crash involved murder, rape, and misogyny.
How is it possible for a sane woman to keep falling into bad relationships? The author took a pretty good stab at answering that question.
I liked the happy ending. Looks like there’s a story arc that might continue in a future book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All Lena ever wanted was to be loved by someone who saw her as a person and not as a sexual organ support system. Instead, she kept falling for the wrong men.
All Dalton wanted was to make things right. Even if he had to sacrifice Lena to do it.
This story dealt with some very dark topics. Very well written. The story telling was engrossing. It was like not being able to look away from a car crash. That is, if the car crash involved murder, rape, and misogyny.
How is it possible for a sane woman to keep falling into bad relationships? The author took a pretty good stab at answering that question.
I liked the happy ending. Looks like there’s a story arc that might continue in a future book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2021
I found this very dark, a much darker read than I would normally choose. I like to try different types of books though.
⚠️ Some of the content of the book may be upsetting to some people.
This is the first book in the Marked Blooms Syndicate Series and I was left wanting to know more about the syndicate and those characters within it. But as this is the first book in the series I’m guessing this is intentional with more being revealed as the series carries on.
On the whole I enjoyed the story it was interesting, the relationship between Lena and Desmond quickly hotted up and there are plenty of steamy scenes involving them.
The story is quite fast paced with twists and turns to keep you intrigued.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⚠️ Some of the content of the book may be upsetting to some people.
This is the first book in the Marked Blooms Syndicate Series and I was left wanting to know more about the syndicate and those characters within it. But as this is the first book in the series I’m guessing this is intentional with more being revealed as the series carries on.
On the whole I enjoyed the story it was interesting, the relationship between Lena and Desmond quickly hotted up and there are plenty of steamy scenes involving them.
The story is quite fast paced with twists and turns to keep you intrigued.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2021
**FULL REVIEW**
Finding little hidden gems like this one always makes me giddy. I have to say though, I had some cringe-worthy moments reading this one...and I like a good, dark read.
A secret society filled with rich men and their silent arm candy they call wives, and an outrageous initiation process? Why yes, I would like to know more.
A man hell-bent on getting revenge on said society by any means necessary? Oh, yeah. Now we're talking.
A woman who's had enough of the wrong men mistreating her and abusing her? Check.
Sound like something you'd want to know more about? Definitely.
Here's the thing, there are some triggers and they aren't labeled in the book...the author does a great job of twisting us in knots with a promise of happily ever after. The corruption and pure evil though? Some of it was really...and I mean REALLY hard to read. So, if you're not 100% sure you can handle how depraved this gets at one point, skip it.
If you can make it through what motivates one man to single-handedly decimate an organization without them even realizing it. Go for it. But don't say I didn't warn you.
I personally look forward to reading the next books in this series...I still have some questions about Bloom herself. Oops, did I just mention a SHE nestled within a men's secret society? Guess you'll have to read and find out.
**4 Was it the Pills or the Lamp, Stars**
Finding little hidden gems like this one always makes me giddy. I have to say though, I had some cringe-worthy moments reading this one...and I like a good, dark read.
A secret society filled with rich men and their silent arm candy they call wives, and an outrageous initiation process? Why yes, I would like to know more.
A man hell-bent on getting revenge on said society by any means necessary? Oh, yeah. Now we're talking.
A woman who's had enough of the wrong men mistreating her and abusing her? Check.
Sound like something you'd want to know more about? Definitely.
Here's the thing, there are some triggers and they aren't labeled in the book...the author does a great job of twisting us in knots with a promise of happily ever after. The corruption and pure evil though? Some of it was really...and I mean REALLY hard to read. So, if you're not 100% sure you can handle how depraved this gets at one point, skip it.
If you can make it through what motivates one man to single-handedly decimate an organization without them even realizing it. Go for it. But don't say I didn't warn you.
I personally look forward to reading the next books in this series...I still have some questions about Bloom herself. Oops, did I just mention a SHE nestled within a men's secret society? Guess you'll have to read and find out.
**4 Was it the Pills or the Lamp, Stars**
July 20, 2021
*** Free book for an honest review ***
Beware of the gift if it appears too good to be true. I would like to first say this book could have triggers for someone who has been in a domestic violence situation. This being said, it is a dark romance so expect things to be dark.
Desmond our villain is perhaps not truly as dark at heart as he portrays himself. We will have to wait till the end to find out for sure. Lena appears to be the victim but the end will let us know if she is truly a victim or more the woman who get’s her’s.
The trip to the end is well worth the trip. Please make sure your willing to stay up till the end because once you start you are not going to stop.
*** Free book for an honest review ***
Beware of the gift if it appears too good to be true. I would like to first say this book could have triggers for someone who has been in a domestic violence situation. This being said, it is a dark romance so expect things to be dark.
Desmond our villain is perhaps not truly as dark at heart as he portrays himself. We will have to wait till the end to find out for sure. Lena appears to be the victim but the end will let us know if she is truly a victim or more the woman who get’s her’s.
The trip to the end is well worth the trip. Please make sure your willing to stay up till the end because once you start you are not going to stop.
*** Free book for an honest review ***
July 21, 2021
This is the first story in the Marked Bloom Syndicate series and what a start, this book had me gripped from the start and I didn’t want to put it down.
This is Desmond and Lenas story, Desmond wants to join the syndicate to get revenge for his sister but needs to complete an initiation first, Lena is married to a member but not for long, I won’t give away anything else but let me say this story had me staying up late into the night saying to myself, “I’ll just read one more chapter” until I’d finished it.
I can’t wait for the next in the series which is Wilders story.
I received an ARC from Booksprout for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Desmond and Lenas story, Desmond wants to join the syndicate to get revenge for his sister but needs to complete an initiation first, Lena is married to a member but not for long, I won’t give away anything else but let me say this story had me staying up late into the night saying to myself, “I’ll just read one more chapter” until I’d finished it.
I can’t wait for the next in the series which is Wilders story.
I received an ARC from Booksprout for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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