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Fable #2
Fable of Happiness Book Two
A valley full of secrets.
A history full of nightmares.
A man who cannot be saved.
And a woman who holds his very life in her hands.
Strange how the villain of a story can so easily become the victim.
Utter lunacy to think the captive might now become the caregiver.
Gemma has a decision to make.
Her life or his.
Follow her heart, even when it's screaming at her to run?
Or turn her back on the man who could become her everything?
From New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, comes the second book in Kas and Gem's twisted romance.
A history full of nightmares.
A man who cannot be saved.
And a woman who holds his very life in her hands.
Strange how the villain of a story can so easily become the victim.
Utter lunacy to think the captive might now become the caregiver.
Gemma has a decision to make.
Her life or his.
Follow her heart, even when it's screaming at her to run?
Or turn her back on the man who could become her everything?
From New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, comes the second book in Kas and Gem's twisted romance.
544 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
220 people are currently reading
1351 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Winters
101 books17.1k followersPepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today International Bestseller.
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
She currently has thirty books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-three times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.
After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. With 20 books currently published, she has hit the bestseller charts twenty-nine times in three years.
Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.
Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, Hebrew, German, and Turkish.
NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/www.pepp...
Or follow her on her website
www.pepperwinters.com
She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com
You can stalk her here:
Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
August 4, 2021
'FABLE OF HAPPINESS' Is the second full length, dark romance book in Pepper Winter's 'Fable' series. It picks up where the previous book left off. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
All our trespasser Gemma wanted was to go home, to reunite with her mother and much loved brother, she'd fought for that, she'd dreamed of it, but when it's finally there for the taking she decides to stay even though hatred brewed between them, lust and want tethered them together.
He was a man living in a house of horrors hidden away deep in a forest that society had forgotten about residing in a place of one's worst nightmares.
God what a CrAzY RiDe this one was, I feel like I've been pulled through a hedge backwards, I never knew what side of Kassen I would be presented with as the story progressed as he struggled with his grip on reality. This had my anxiety levels skyrocketing, the whiplash had me chewing on my nails, the angst levels were out of this world, and the sex scenes were steamy as hell.
I loved learning more about his time spent with the only family he connected with, the family he saved, the family he loved unconditionally even if it had mean't putting himself in harm's way broke my heart imagining everything he'd endured alone.
I am loving this series so much, the intricate storyline, the setting, the characters, even the brutal cliffy we're thrown over has me anticipating that next book like no other because that cliffy was a doozy!!
August 3, 2021
This story continues to be an angst filled Rollercoaster ride gone rogue. Heartache on a loop that keeps playing over and over again. And we readers don't wanna get off in any case.
Pepper writes organically, so her characters are not haloed in rainbow and glitter emotions, not cushioned in branded stuff or high end lifestyle with jetset setting. Her characters are stripped down to bare Raw and earthy human sentiments. A simple wish for happiness gets taken for granted by us daily and holds an ocean of pain for Kas.
“What was your third wish?”
“Happiness, I wished for happiness.”
Like Kassen Sands who has been living a solitary confined life hidden deep in the impenetrable mountainous wilderness. He's devoid of polity & decorum that enslave civilized folks so he behaves independently and responds instinctively to people and situations. His past has taught him to be extremely distrustful and wary of humans and their vile hidden agendas, so face value doesn't hold water for him.
"Eight years of conditioning.
A decade of loneliness.
A lifetime of pain.
I’d done everything I could and it wasn’t enough.
I’d tried.
I’d died.
I was hers.
And she was about to ruin me."
Hence Gemma becomes a victim, a slave, a prisoner in his tight clutches because she has turned his world into a volatile Topsy turvy. This company starved, lonely man sees aa hum a and ND now wants to hold it close to him forever.
Book 2 explores their excruciating relationship in great detail. Gemma is compassionate to an extent of self harm. She's no trained therapist but tries to treat Kassen with love and sympathy. Her gut feelings are flung ton a brick wall that is Kassen, and they shattering smithereens time and time again.
“All I wanted was to go home.
I’d fought for that. Schemed for that.
And when I’d finally earned it...I had to make the hardest choice imaginable.”
What keeps her there and still trying is a mystery only peppers heart knows.
Kassen suffers from a massive concussion so his personality splits into multiple facets. His head encased in fog, Kas steps in and out of his various moods and parts of murky memories which leave him with blank blackouts, nauseating time holes and vertigo induced feral personality.
"He was unstable, violent, and had an abusive history—all perfect ingredients in creating a mass murderer with mental issues."
This leaves Gemma at a virtual impasse. She has no clue how to handle him, giving way to hair-pulling frustration for all of us.
“This was a funeral, and my freedom was firmly locked in a coffin I would never open. I would mourn it.”
Pepper explores the clouded depths of human psyche with finesse and signature detailed essay.
Her research is extensive and painfully accurate, it made me feel anxious at times seeing Kas writhing in agony trapped in his mind. How debilitated and helpless he must feel, tripping over himself, falling and breaking his own heart.
"Love kept us trapped. Love kept us suffering. Love was the most agonizing thing I’ve ever endured,"
As usual prose is Laden with sentiments in caps, the book makes you feel ALL the jolts and pitfalls of an unrequited, impossible love which has no visible ending
4 stars for Invisible Parables
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Pepper writes organically, so her characters are not haloed in rainbow and glitter emotions, not cushioned in branded stuff or high end lifestyle with jetset setting. Her characters are stripped down to bare Raw and earthy human sentiments. A simple wish for happiness gets taken for granted by us daily and holds an ocean of pain for Kas.
“What was your third wish?”
“Happiness, I wished for happiness.”
Like Kassen Sands who has been living a solitary confined life hidden deep in the impenetrable mountainous wilderness. He's devoid of polity & decorum that enslave civilized folks so he behaves independently and responds instinctively to people and situations. His past has taught him to be extremely distrustful and wary of humans and their vile hidden agendas, so face value doesn't hold water for him.
"Eight years of conditioning.
A decade of loneliness.
A lifetime of pain.
I’d done everything I could and it wasn’t enough.
I’d tried.
I’d died.
I was hers.
And she was about to ruin me."
Hence Gemma becomes a victim, a slave, a prisoner in his tight clutches because she has turned his world into a volatile Topsy turvy. This company starved, lonely man sees aa hum a and ND now wants to hold it close to him forever.
Book 2 explores their excruciating relationship in great detail. Gemma is compassionate to an extent of self harm. She's no trained therapist but tries to treat Kassen with love and sympathy. Her gut feelings are flung ton a brick wall that is Kassen, and they shattering smithereens time and time again.
“All I wanted was to go home.
I’d fought for that. Schemed for that.
And when I’d finally earned it...I had to make the hardest choice imaginable.”
What keeps her there and still trying is a mystery only peppers heart knows.
Kassen suffers from a massive concussion so his personality splits into multiple facets. His head encased in fog, Kas steps in and out of his various moods and parts of murky memories which leave him with blank blackouts, nauseating time holes and vertigo induced feral personality.
"He was unstable, violent, and had an abusive history—all perfect ingredients in creating a mass murderer with mental issues."
This leaves Gemma at a virtual impasse. She has no clue how to handle him, giving way to hair-pulling frustration for all of us.
“This was a funeral, and my freedom was firmly locked in a coffin I would never open. I would mourn it.”
Pepper explores the clouded depths of human psyche with finesse and signature detailed essay.
Her research is extensive and painfully accurate, it made me feel anxious at times seeing Kas writhing in agony trapped in his mind. How debilitated and helpless he must feel, tripping over himself, falling and breaking his own heart.
"Love kept us trapped. Love kept us suffering. Love was the most agonizing thing I’ve ever endured,"
As usual prose is Laden with sentiments in caps, the book makes you feel ALL the jolts and pitfalls of an unrequited, impossible love which has no visible ending
4 stars for Invisible Parables
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
July 25, 2023
Everything changes in this one!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💛🖤💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🫣🤭🫠😮🥰
The heroine: Gemma - While rock climbing deep in a secluded forest within Mammoth Cave National Park, she came across a hidden mansion which looked derelict and abandoned from the outside, but inside it was beautiful, clean and well kept. However, when the owner came home and found her trespassing, he took her captive.
The Hero: Kassen - he lives alone in the mansion, formerly called “Fables”. Kassen is a tortured soul who has buried his memories of a terrible past deep behind a wall within his mind. However, that wall has been breaking down more than ever and after capturing Gemma in his house, his walls seem paper thin.
The Story: There was a huge cliffhanger at the end of book 1, right at a critical point in the story. Now Gemma has to decide if she wants to stay with Kassen or return to her life as a millionaire social media sensation with a mother and brother who are most likely very worried about her.
The book was told in dual points of view and narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. The narration is terrific and exactly how I wish all books will be narrated. Both narrators are used in every chapter regardless of whose point of view the chapter is in. I hate it when each narrator does both the male and female voices in the chapters that are in that characters point of view. Males doing female voices and females doing male voices grates on my nerves, so this was a great surprise.
This series has been so compelling. Though many captive romance books have a tortured Hero, this one was a bit different in that it really delved into the mental illness of the Hero. I kind of hate it when there are flashbacks to past abuse more than what is enough to get a rough idea of what happened, and this one has a lot of detailed flashbacks to the abuse Kas and his family suffered, but they were very central to the main plot, so even though they were uncomfortable to read or listen to, the reader really needs to understand what happened to him and what “broke” his mind.
The world building was terrific, not just the world of Fables mansion years ago, but what the mansion and the valley is like now and how Kas and Gemma are living and what they need to do to survive the winter where there is little electricity, little food and a lot of cold. The descriptions of treks outside the mansion, their meals, and more were terrific. Since the beginning of book 1, I have been wondering what is at the other end of the cave that the former guests came through and Kas’s family left through. I was glad that was brought up again.
The character development was also stellar, especially what is going through the mind of Kas as he struggles and how Gemma deals with it all. I usually hate the tortured Hero trope, I like a strong Hero who knows what he wants and goes after it and Kas is that as well as tortured, but I loved this story and how Gemma is often the strong one even though Kas is in charge and how the book shows how his mental illness affects her.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💛🖤💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🫣🤭🫠😮🥰
The heroine: Gemma - While rock climbing deep in a secluded forest within Mammoth Cave National Park, she came across a hidden mansion which looked derelict and abandoned from the outside, but inside it was beautiful, clean and well kept. However, when the owner came home and found her trespassing, he took her captive.
The Hero: Kassen - he lives alone in the mansion, formerly called “Fables”. Kassen is a tortured soul who has buried his memories of a terrible past deep behind a wall within his mind. However, that wall has been breaking down more than ever and after capturing Gemma in his house, his walls seem paper thin.
The Story: There was a huge cliffhanger at the end of book 1, right at a critical point in the story. Now Gemma has to decide if she wants to stay with Kassen or return to her life as a millionaire social media sensation with a mother and brother who are most likely very worried about her.
The book was told in dual points of view and narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. The narration is terrific and exactly how I wish all books will be narrated. Both narrators are used in every chapter regardless of whose point of view the chapter is in. I hate it when each narrator does both the male and female voices in the chapters that are in that characters point of view. Males doing female voices and females doing male voices grates on my nerves, so this was a great surprise.
This series has been so compelling. Though many captive romance books have a tortured Hero, this one was a bit different in that it really delved into the mental illness of the Hero. I kind of hate it when there are flashbacks to past abuse more than what is enough to get a rough idea of what happened, and this one has a lot of detailed flashbacks to the abuse Kas and his family suffered, but they were very central to the main plot, so even though they were uncomfortable to read or listen to, the reader really needs to understand what happened to him and what “broke” his mind.
The world building was terrific, not just the world of Fables mansion years ago, but what the mansion and the valley is like now and how Kas and Gemma are living and what they need to do to survive the winter where there is little electricity, little food and a lot of cold. The descriptions of treks outside the mansion, their meals, and more were terrific. Since the beginning of book 1, I have been wondering what is at the other end of the cave that the former guests came through and Kas’s family left through. I was glad that was brought up again.
The character development was also stellar, especially what is going through the mind of Kas as he struggles and how Gemma deals with it all. I usually hate the tortured Hero trope, I like a strong Hero who knows what he wants and goes after it and Kas is that as well as tortured, but I loved this story and how Gemma is often the strong one even though Kas is in charge and how the book shows how his mental illness affects her.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
July 30, 2021
LOVE LOVE
New favorite series from Pepper, she doesn't stop to surprise me every time!This is intense,twisted,steamy and heart wrenching.
“I’m not lonely while you’re here. That’s why you can’t go. Why you can never go.”
Gemma is one of the best heroines, seriously the strength she has, wow !I freaking loved her!
I love this series so much, Fable of Happiness is dark , compelling and full of emotions.It's perfection, Pepper did such an amazing work with this one!
New favorite series from Pepper, she doesn't stop to surprise me every time!This is intense,twisted,steamy and heart wrenching.
“I’m not lonely while you’re here. That’s why you can’t go. Why you can never go.”
Gemma is one of the best heroines, seriously the strength she has, wow !I freaking loved her!
I love this series so much, Fable of Happiness is dark , compelling and full of emotions.It's perfection, Pepper did such an amazing work with this one!
August 3, 2021
6-OhMyFreakingGodWhatIJustRead-stars
I'M SPEECHLESS
I'M AMAZED
I'M EMPTY BECAUSE IT TOTALLY DRAINED ME.
THIS BOOK!!
THIS BREATHTAKING STORY, IS THE REASON WHY PEPPER WINTERS WILL ALWAYS BE, FOR ME, ONE OF THE THE BEST AUTHORS EVER!!!
Unlike the first book, I couldn't read Fable of Happiness 2 in one sitting, so I slowly sipped each chapter, each word....
I made mine every details, every emotions.
And my heart still ache for the immensity of those feelings.
FROM NOW ON I BELONG TO KASSEN !!!
The scarred man, trapped in his own mind, shattered my heart with his pain.
The flashbacks of his brutal past, his need to never be alone again, his feelings of guilty and shame, his desperation for a girl that could be his end or maybe his salvation left me sobbing.
On the other hand Gemma got all my appreciation!!
Despite her doubts and all the difficulties of the situation, she chose to fight for a man who hurted her.
BECAUSE WHAT BINDS THEM TOGETHER IS SOMETHING UNIQUE, POWERFUL, INTENSE.
This second chapter is more introspective,
due to the inner turmoil the two of them
have to face.
But there is no lack of angsty moments, and heated clashes.
The physical relationship between Gemma and Kas is still prominent: the hunger, the desperation they have for each other speak loud of deep feelings they are afraid to face.
Pepper Winters has a way to make you live on your own skin what she writes, that still amaze me, and I can’t help but crave her books because for a little time she make me forget everything, while her stories remain etched on your mind.
Her stories hold sucha complexity.
Her characters have so many layers.
And nothing is taken for granted.
I hope October comes soon because that cliffhanger shocked me and left me with too many questions!!!
I'M SPEECHLESS
I'M AMAZED
I'M EMPTY BECAUSE IT TOTALLY DRAINED ME.
THIS BOOK!!
THIS BREATHTAKING STORY, IS THE REASON WHY PEPPER WINTERS WILL ALWAYS BE, FOR ME, ONE OF THE THE BEST AUTHORS EVER!!!
Unlike the first book, I couldn't read Fable of Happiness 2 in one sitting, so I slowly sipped each chapter, each word....
I made mine every details, every emotions.
And my heart still ache for the immensity of those feelings.
FROM NOW ON I BELONG TO KASSEN !!!
The scarred man, trapped in his own mind, shattered my heart with his pain.
The flashbacks of his brutal past, his need to never be alone again, his feelings of guilty and shame, his desperation for a girl that could be his end or maybe his salvation left me sobbing.
On the other hand Gemma got all my appreciation!!
Despite her doubts and all the difficulties of the situation, she chose to fight for a man who hurted her.
BECAUSE WHAT BINDS THEM TOGETHER IS SOMETHING UNIQUE, POWERFUL, INTENSE.
This second chapter is more introspective,
due to the inner turmoil the two of them
have to face.
But there is no lack of angsty moments, and heated clashes.
The physical relationship between Gemma and Kas is still prominent: the hunger, the desperation they have for each other speak loud of deep feelings they are afraid to face.
Pepper Winters has a way to make you live on your own skin what she writes, that still amaze me, and I can’t help but crave her books because for a little time she make me forget everything, while her stories remain etched on your mind.
Her stories hold sucha complexity.
Her characters have so many layers.
And nothing is taken for granted.
I hope October comes soon because that cliffhanger shocked me and left me with too many questions!!!
August 3, 2021
ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 4.5 sᴛᴀʀs
ʜᴇʀᴏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:✯✯✯✯
ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:✯✯✯✯
ᴀɴɢsᴛ:ʜɪɢʜ ғᴏᴄᴜs
ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ sᴜsᴘᴇɴᴄᴇ:ʜɪɢʜ ғᴏᴄᴜs
sᴛᴇᴀᴍʏ sᴄᴇɴᴇs:ʜɪɢʜ ғᴏᴄᴜs
ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs:ᴍᴏᴅᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ғᴏᴄᴜs
ɴᴏᴛᴇ:ᴛʜɪs ɪsɴ'ᴛ ᴀ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ,sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪɴ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ.
ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴs ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀɪɴɢ sᴜʙᴊᴇᴄᴛs sᴜᴄʜ ᴀs ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴛʀᴀғғɪᴄᴋɪɴɢ, ʀᴀᴘᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄ ᴅᴇsᴄʀɪᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴀʙᴜsᴇ sᴄᴇɴᴇs.ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴅɪsᴄʀᴇᴛɪᴏɴ ɪs ᴀᴅᴠɪsᴇᴅ.
ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ:
Wrong,heartbreaking,disturbing,unique.These are all adjectives that can sum up the dark and twisted relationship between Kassen and Gemma.If you’ve read book 1 you know it’s anything but conventional and ordinary.Their romance started on the wrong foot and they continue to face so many difficulties in this book as well.However, you can’t help but falling for them as they’re falling for each other.There are moments when it gets too much, too hard for you to continue due to nature of the book but it’s so worth continuing through the darkest and most disturbing scenes to reach the heartbreakingly beautiful parts.It takes having a twisted and open mind to read about Gem and Kas without being judgmental towards them.
ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ,ᴋᴀssᴇɴ:
Where do I even begin with this man? I’m a sucker for deeply flawed characters who don’t hide their true self.You might start this series thinking Kas is a monster for everything he does to Gemma.And maybe I had the same thoughts at first but now I don’t just see an angry sheltered man who thinks he’s not worthy of anyone’s love but the broken boy who did everything to protect the people he loved.Kas has so many issues and problems but once you look beyond just the surface, you can see how big his heart is and I’m not gonna lie.I cried for him while reading this.
ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ,ɢᴇᴍᴍᴀ:
We get to see more of Gemma’s true feelings in this book and how she struggles with being lost in the middle of nowhere with a grumpy man who she unintentionally hurt as her only companion.My heart broke for Gemma while she was trying her best to help Kas but Kas was too stubborn to let her get close.There were so many moments when she could’ve just given up on Kas but she never did and I think that’s the most selfless thing anyone had ever done for him.It takes a really strong woman to fall for such a twisted man and Gemma was undoubtedly that for Kas.
ʜᴇʀᴏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:✯✯✯✯
ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ:✯✯✯✯
ᴀɴɢsᴛ:ʜɪɢʜ ғᴏᴄᴜs
ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ sᴜsᴘᴇɴᴄᴇ:ʜɪɢʜ ғᴏᴄᴜs
sᴛᴇᴀᴍʏ sᴄᴇɴᴇs:ʜɪɢʜ ғᴏᴄᴜs
ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴛᴡɪsᴛs:ᴍᴏᴅᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ғᴏᴄᴜs
ɴᴏᴛᴇ:ᴛʜɪs ɪsɴ'ᴛ ᴀ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ,sʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʙᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪɴ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ.
ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴs ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀɪɴɢ sᴜʙᴊᴇᴄᴛs sᴜᴄʜ ᴀs ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴛʀᴀғғɪᴄᴋɪɴɢ, ʀᴀᴘᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄ ᴅᴇsᴄʀɪᴘᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴀʙᴜsᴇ sᴄᴇɴᴇs.ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴅɪsᴄʀᴇᴛɪᴏɴ ɪs ᴀᴅᴠɪsᴇᴅ.
ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ:
Wrong,heartbreaking,disturbing,unique.These are all adjectives that can sum up the dark and twisted relationship between Kassen and Gemma.If you’ve read book 1 you know it’s anything but conventional and ordinary.Their romance started on the wrong foot and they continue to face so many difficulties in this book as well.However, you can’t help but falling for them as they’re falling for each other.There are moments when it gets too much, too hard for you to continue due to nature of the book but it’s so worth continuing through the darkest and most disturbing scenes to reach the heartbreakingly beautiful parts.It takes having a twisted and open mind to read about Gem and Kas without being judgmental towards them.
ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ,ᴋᴀssᴇɴ:
Where do I even begin with this man? I’m a sucker for deeply flawed characters who don’t hide their true self.You might start this series thinking Kas is a monster for everything he does to Gemma.And maybe I had the same thoughts at first but now I don’t just see an angry sheltered man who thinks he’s not worthy of anyone’s love but the broken boy who did everything to protect the people he loved.Kas has so many issues and problems but once you look beyond just the surface, you can see how big his heart is and I’m not gonna lie.I cried for him while reading this.
ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ,ɢᴇᴍᴍᴀ:
We get to see more of Gemma’s true feelings in this book and how she struggles with being lost in the middle of nowhere with a grumpy man who she unintentionally hurt as her only companion.My heart broke for Gemma while she was trying her best to help Kas but Kas was too stubborn to let her get close.There were so many moments when she could’ve just given up on Kas but she never did and I think that’s the most selfless thing anyone had ever done for him.It takes a really strong woman to fall for such a twisted man and Gemma was undoubtedly that for Kas.
August 25, 2021
I need book 3 !!!!
Photo by: vgreedythirstforforbidden
Photo by: vgreedythirstforforbidden
November 18, 2021
Sorry, but this will be a quick review; I need to start book three. I enjoy this book more so than book one and on my dark scale, it’s dark gray.
Book two starts where book one ends. I like the storyline; however, I did predict what happened in the beginning.
I am still not big on Gemma; I do like her more than book one. She does go through some serious emotional trauma, but she is more than understanding. She does need some time to heal.
I literally kept clinging to my chest and shed some tears for Kas. Book two is emotional and raw. This poor man is a survivor and requires healing. No one has been able to break him unto Gemma, and comes to some realizations.
That ending is something else. This is why I am Antsy to start the next book. So many questions.
Book two starts where book one ends. I like the storyline; however, I did predict what happened in the beginning.
I am still not big on Gemma; I do like her more than book one. She does go through some serious emotional trauma, but she is more than understanding. She does need some time to heal.
I literally kept clinging to my chest and shed some tears for Kas. Book two is emotional and raw. This poor man is a survivor and requires healing. No one has been able to break him unto Gemma, and comes to some realizations.
That ending is something else. This is why I am Antsy to start the next book. So many questions.
July 28, 2021
My heart is pounding, my soul is crying, I cannot wrap my head around this book.
Pepper has written this second story of Gemma and Kas's relationship with tragic complexity, heart crushing accuracy, and jaw dropping angst-filled lust.
Love kept us trapped
Love kept us suffering.
Love was the most agonizing thing I've ever endured.
Pepper has written this second story of Gemma and Kas's relationship with tragic complexity, heart crushing accuracy, and jaw dropping angst-filled lust.
Love kept us trapped
Love kept us suffering.
Love was the most agonizing thing I've ever endured.
July 25, 2021
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: FABLES OF HAPPINESS...BOOK 2
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: DARK CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: BOOK #2 For KASSEN.
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: PEPPER WINTERS.
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒: VERY DARK THEMES, PAST TRAUMA, VIOLENCE, DUB-CON.
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋:🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (OMG LEVEL!)
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋🦋
𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘:
Gemma finally found the freedom she so desperately craved from the man keeping her as Captive in a house hidden in a valley and the one she was slowing...unknowingly falling for but at what cost?!
Now she has two choices...one...chose her freedom, run for her life, go back to the society where she belongs OR Stay and help the one guy who made her feel things she wanst capable of...stay and heal him of his torturous past, give him fable of Happiness.
But when the table gets turn and the victim again turns into the monster...who is to blame for the choice?
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
Would you be willing to forfeit your own freedom for love? Will you dare to see the vulnerable man behind the facade of a monster? Gemma did that...and look where she ended up.
Let me just start of with saying that this world of FABLE that Pepper Winters has created is so beyond any words of praises...It hooks you in and refuses to let your eyes wander from its pages.
Reading Kas and Gem's story is NOT for weak hearted...that's for sure. The angst level is top notch and the dark themes...my God...Author Winters really deserves the Queen of Dark Romance Crown when she let's go...and believe me...in this book...she really did let go of the darkness.
Swinging of a pendulum...that's what my feelings were like while reading...once I get a little relax...the script changes and we get to the extreme part with so many overwhelming emotions and non stop tears.
The characters were so complex, it was almost inevitable to fall for them but man...they made me cry so much. I am so in love with every word author Winters write...its so poetical and touches your heart. The confessions of their heart, their refusal, consciousness...it feels so real...more like a movie playing behind my eyes.
And here I was...praying..hoping to God.. that maybe this cliffhanger would have mercy on my heart and would be an easy one to wait....but no...its worse... so so much agony. As I was getting a little comfortable with the story...it flipped again!!!.. gosh..give me strength to wait out for October...
August 4, 2021
⭐️5 infinite stars ⭐️
~𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇.
𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎~
Another soul shattering, heart breaking chapter on Kas and Gemma’s story.
Pepper never fails to overwhelm me far exceeding my expectations, I honestly don’t know what sorcery her words play on me, I only know I don’t want it to end.
~𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰'𝒅 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆~
Book two takes us back into Fable where we find a confused and distraught Gemma with a devastated broken beyond hope Kas. Their dynamic switches continuously, evolving, regressing, stopping then moving again creating a game of hide and seek, blurring the lines between captor and prisoner, master and slave.
Diving into this tale we can perceive how fickle and delicate the human mind is. How little control we have over it, while our mind brittles our feelings choke us, the amount of intensity the author puts into this story fills us to the brim, a crescendo of emotions culminating into an explosive mix that leaves us pleasantly utterly undone.
The lust permeating the pages takes a stronghold on us we become its captive, we have no other choice but surrender to it, granting permission to steal our senses, pure abandon is the only way out, a long awaited release a balm for our throes.
~𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒂 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕~
As usual I’m at loss for words when it comes to Ms Winters’s tales, she spins a story so touching and raw, she creates characters so complicated and complex that will ultimately break you.
She delivers everything and more I want from a book. Leading me into the depth of my psyche only to leave me at the edge and down she pushes me into yet another brutal cliff.
I knew it was coming, I still know it’s there at the end… still I can’t resist the pull her words have on me, I couldn’t stop myself from reading more of this awesome world. Go on, my dear fellow readers, I dare you to resist temptation…
January 2, 2022
İlk defa Pepper ablamızın bir kitabını okurken bu kadar sıkıldım ve karakterler arasındaki gelgitler bana kafayı yedirtti. Özellikle karakterlerin sayfalarca düşüncelerini okumak ve hep aynı şeylerden bahsetmesi beni çok yordu. Kitabı ne zaman okumaya niyetlensem hep içim geçti ve uyudum. Kadın karakterinin salaklıklarından zaten bahsetmek istemiyorum. Erkek karakterimiz de zaten yaşadıklarından dolayı tramvalardan tramvalara koşup durdu, fazla yorucuydu. Kafa gitmiş yani tamamen, bırak git işte kızım ya. Böylesine güzel bir kurgu nasıl bok edilir ilk defa Pepper ablamızdan görmüş oldum. Üçüncü kitap için pek ümitli değilim, ama elbette ki seri bırakamamak gibi bir huyum olduğu için devam edeceğim.
September 24, 2021
This second book starts right where we left Kas and Gemma in book 1. Gemma just kinda pushed Kas over the edge of the cliff. Whoops. She didn't really want to kill him, right? She decides against her own freedom and climbs down the cliff to find Kas. And then she drags him back to his scary house where she tries to save his life. Which isn't easy. But through his concussed halucinations she learns a lot about him and this weird place ...
But once he's healed ... he problably won't want to let her go again, right?
LET'S FIND OUT! 😎
Beautiful second book in this series! I should've waited to read it. Book #3 will be out in two months and my bookalzheimer brain will have forgotten everything! Grrr!
I enjoyed reading this. It was so sad and heartbreaking. You just want to jump into the book and then jump into the past and save all those kids!
Of course it was also a bit rape-y and hostage-y again.🤣 This series is definitely nothing for easily triggered readers!
I liked lots of moments, but the book dragged a bit for me. It was just too long with not much happening. It was always the same and nothing really went forward. There were some things but ... grr... I wanted a bit more.
BUT - I'm excited for book 3 - can't wait to see how this all ends. And after that, I'm excited to read the next book! We have so many Fable kids to find a HEA for!
💜
💜
July 10, 2021
HEARTS OF GLASS IN A TURBULENTLY RAPTUROUS LOVE SAGA
“Our war was deleted. This never-ending loneliness. This inability to be happy… to be free. I couldn’t live without her. I loved her and that was the worst thing I could ever do.”
Would you be willing to risk your very survival for love? Gem does, by forfeiting her freedom to stay and nurse Kas after the cliff fall, no matter what happens. Book #2 flips the script again. The captor turns captive and now they’re stuck with each other. Is he worth it, or just a lost cause? The change-up was a real nail biter, as Gem fumbles through handling uncontrollable Kas’s savage side and tormented nightmares, worsened by his injuries. She’s willing to try, despite Kas’s explosively violent sexual behavior. His erratic actions and her helplessness change everything. It’s a new set of rules and setbacks in their turbulent relationship. What happens is startling, gripping and tragic, with highs and lows, and a sense of doomed foreboding as Gem fiercely struggles to protect and save Kas, or die trying. Can Kas feel and show love? Will love conquer all?
The fractured Beauty & the Beast love saga continues, but I wasn’t prepared for the extremes of this emotional rollercoaster. Gem’s caring stirs crippling emotions in unstable Kas, as well as resurfacing horrific memories of his past at Fables. The sadistic depravity and cruelty of it gutted me as much as their conflicted intimacy. There’s more to learn about his “family” of others at the mansion that made him afraid to love and the reason he never left, but she’s more afraid to let go of trying to save him and reach his heart. Gem leans in, but Kas leans away. Despite her attempts to draw him out, he resists for her sake and hides his love to protect her from him in a beautifully twisted way. My heart shredded for them.
A memory is a dangerous thing to lose. An even worse thing for Kas to dredge up long-buried ones. Showing him how to be human again was as difficult as taking baby steps. But witnessing Kas break repeatedly was soul-shattering, touching, and heart-wrenching -- between his injuries, his memory lapses and repressions, his fear of love, the blackouts, and guilt over all he’s done to Gem. Those triggered memories and nightmares make him just as dangerous to her sanity and heart, as his. Can she break through, or is he damaged beyond repair? It was all very touch-and-go in one eye-opening dilemma after another. Yet she risks it all to stay, and I wondered if she’d ever be set free. Kas is lost, hopelessly haunted, and broken with no answers or relief, other than Gem’s patience, love and care intended to make him feel love. It was raw, elemental, and subdued, rather than the savage and testy standoff of the first book. I kept thinking they were like “hearts of glass” in a weirdly rapturous love story. Two guarded souls who can’t figure out how to connect. Sex is the only language Kas knows, driven by his lethal moods. The heartbreaker line: “You look at me as if I’m real.” -- I don’t think I’ve loved or mourned a character harder than Kas.
This book is a powerful step in the couple’s tormented, deviant relationship. There are misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a perceived unforgivable act and aftermath that may not be surmountable. What Kas does is as shocking as Gem’s reaction is riveting. Whatever forward strides they made are dashed or at least in serious limbo with zero trust on either side. Can they recover from such a bad beginning and afterwards? So many sides emerged: funny, snarky, free-spirited, no-holds-barred sparring, and lots of emotional and verbal punches, plus very savage sex, laced with violence and anger and the most provocative sort of abiding love. Eventually a dead-end loomed. They hated each other, wanted to kill each other, but still felt an elemental attraction bound to break.
The ever-changing violence and claustrophobic isolation kept me wary and constantly on edge. It became a stalemate of epic proportions as Kas’s mercurial behavior and stubbornness derailed their progress, while the feral sex was brutal, savage, beautiful, and erotic – even moreso because they both wanted it that way, which made it maddeningly glorious. I couldn’t even guess where this story was headed, and just let it take me at its own pace. It was all about finding love and happiness and how elusive it is for Gem to show it to Kas and for Kas to embrace and believe it in their sheltered little world, even as the reader frets over Kas’s condition. Will they win or lose? My hopes for this couple were dashed repeatedly, but it only takes a cataclysmic event for it all to come tumbling down. Just when I thought they were getting somewhere…
If you thought the last cliffy was a shocker, it doesn’t hold a candle to this one. OMFG, things are about to get really real. There’s a depraved darkness afoot that left me in creeped-out ecstasy. You don’t even know the word for ominous until the last scene because Pepper unleashes the dark with a subtle vengeance that makes Kas and Gem collateral damage. You won’t see it coming and you won’t be able to turn away either. This couple has not even begun to achieve full-blown love or even close to an HEA, and their world just got flipped upside down. PW has done it again. I don’t know how much longer I can hold my breath. The finale, Fable of Happiness #3, releases in October 2021.
“Remind me. Of what? Of everything. Whatever I forget, remember for me. Remember the important bits. Teach me to be the man you deserve. I want to know what we could be like. Just the two of us. I already know what it feels like to want you so much I’d rather die than let you go.”
“Our war was deleted. This never-ending loneliness. This inability to be happy… to be free. I couldn’t live without her. I loved her and that was the worst thing I could ever do.”
Would you be willing to risk your very survival for love? Gem does, by forfeiting her freedom to stay and nurse Kas after the cliff fall, no matter what happens. Book #2 flips the script again. The captor turns captive and now they’re stuck with each other. Is he worth it, or just a lost cause? The change-up was a real nail biter, as Gem fumbles through handling uncontrollable Kas’s savage side and tormented nightmares, worsened by his injuries. She’s willing to try, despite Kas’s explosively violent sexual behavior. His erratic actions and her helplessness change everything. It’s a new set of rules and setbacks in their turbulent relationship. What happens is startling, gripping and tragic, with highs and lows, and a sense of doomed foreboding as Gem fiercely struggles to protect and save Kas, or die trying. Can Kas feel and show love? Will love conquer all?
The fractured Beauty & the Beast love saga continues, but I wasn’t prepared for the extremes of this emotional rollercoaster. Gem’s caring stirs crippling emotions in unstable Kas, as well as resurfacing horrific memories of his past at Fables. The sadistic depravity and cruelty of it gutted me as much as their conflicted intimacy. There’s more to learn about his “family” of others at the mansion that made him afraid to love and the reason he never left, but she’s more afraid to let go of trying to save him and reach his heart. Gem leans in, but Kas leans away. Despite her attempts to draw him out, he resists for her sake and hides his love to protect her from him in a beautifully twisted way. My heart shredded for them.
A memory is a dangerous thing to lose. An even worse thing for Kas to dredge up long-buried ones. Showing him how to be human again was as difficult as taking baby steps. But witnessing Kas break repeatedly was soul-shattering, touching, and heart-wrenching -- between his injuries, his memory lapses and repressions, his fear of love, the blackouts, and guilt over all he’s done to Gem. Those triggered memories and nightmares make him just as dangerous to her sanity and heart, as his. Can she break through, or is he damaged beyond repair? It was all very touch-and-go in one eye-opening dilemma after another. Yet she risks it all to stay, and I wondered if she’d ever be set free. Kas is lost, hopelessly haunted, and broken with no answers or relief, other than Gem’s patience, love and care intended to make him feel love. It was raw, elemental, and subdued, rather than the savage and testy standoff of the first book. I kept thinking they were like “hearts of glass” in a weirdly rapturous love story. Two guarded souls who can’t figure out how to connect. Sex is the only language Kas knows, driven by his lethal moods. The heartbreaker line: “You look at me as if I’m real.” -- I don’t think I’ve loved or mourned a character harder than Kas.
This book is a powerful step in the couple’s tormented, deviant relationship. There are misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a perceived unforgivable act and aftermath that may not be surmountable. What Kas does is as shocking as Gem’s reaction is riveting. Whatever forward strides they made are dashed or at least in serious limbo with zero trust on either side. Can they recover from such a bad beginning and afterwards? So many sides emerged: funny, snarky, free-spirited, no-holds-barred sparring, and lots of emotional and verbal punches, plus very savage sex, laced with violence and anger and the most provocative sort of abiding love. Eventually a dead-end loomed. They hated each other, wanted to kill each other, but still felt an elemental attraction bound to break.
The ever-changing violence and claustrophobic isolation kept me wary and constantly on edge. It became a stalemate of epic proportions as Kas’s mercurial behavior and stubbornness derailed their progress, while the feral sex was brutal, savage, beautiful, and erotic – even moreso because they both wanted it that way, which made it maddeningly glorious. I couldn’t even guess where this story was headed, and just let it take me at its own pace. It was all about finding love and happiness and how elusive it is for Gem to show it to Kas and for Kas to embrace and believe it in their sheltered little world, even as the reader frets over Kas’s condition. Will they win or lose? My hopes for this couple were dashed repeatedly, but it only takes a cataclysmic event for it all to come tumbling down. Just when I thought they were getting somewhere…
If you thought the last cliffy was a shocker, it doesn’t hold a candle to this one. OMFG, things are about to get really real. There’s a depraved darkness afoot that left me in creeped-out ecstasy. You don’t even know the word for ominous until the last scene because Pepper unleashes the dark with a subtle vengeance that makes Kas and Gem collateral damage. You won’t see it coming and you won’t be able to turn away either. This couple has not even begun to achieve full-blown love or even close to an HEA, and their world just got flipped upside down. PW has done it again. I don’t know how much longer I can hold my breath. The finale, Fable of Happiness #3, releases in October 2021.
“Remind me. Of what? Of everything. Whatever I forget, remember for me. Remember the important bits. Teach me to be the man you deserve. I want to know what we could be like. Just the two of us. I already know what it feels like to want you so much I’d rather die than let you go.”
July 26, 2021
Pepper! Why did you do this to me???
I'd give this a 5 star simply because this book is amazing!
From the first book,
"a wandering beauty found an abandoned and secluded mansion called fable in the middle of nowhere, occupied by a lonely beast of a man. She trespassed unknowing the danger lies ahead".
The first book ended up with a cliffhanger and literally Kas fell on a cliff. The second book opened up to Gemma's struggle, despite being assaulted by Kas she still helped him and nurse him to safety.
This book focuses more on the internal battles of Kas and Gemma and how they navigate each other’s personalities. Kas is unstable, he has a lot of issues and Gemma witnessed all of it. At some point I wanted Gemma to just run be logical but then I also want her to help Kas. I was mad at Kas but then as the pieces of his shattered past came bit by bit, I can’t help but agree with the logic of Gemma to help and be there for him. To unravel the mystery behind the broken man.
How can Gemma help a man who has live it’s life to the deepest end?
How can she leave Kas when he has already took part of her?
Pepper did not disappoint, she clearly know how to build up her characters and to feel their sorrow and to hope for them.
Will Kas finally learn how to be happy? Will Gemma be the source of that Happiness he long for?
In a classic Pepper Winter's style, another cliffhanger but this time I am left afraid of what will happen next. I don't have any theories of what will happen, all I know is that I NEED BOOK 3 asap!
Thank you Pepper Winters for the opportunity to review this ARC.
I'd give this a 5 star simply because this book is amazing!
From the first book,
"a wandering beauty found an abandoned and secluded mansion called fable in the middle of nowhere, occupied by a lonely beast of a man. She trespassed unknowing the danger lies ahead".
The first book ended up with a cliffhanger and literally Kas fell on a cliff. The second book opened up to Gemma's struggle, despite being assaulted by Kas she still helped him and nurse him to safety.
This book focuses more on the internal battles of Kas and Gemma and how they navigate each other’s personalities. Kas is unstable, he has a lot of issues and Gemma witnessed all of it. At some point I wanted Gemma to just run be logical but then I also want her to help Kas. I was mad at Kas but then as the pieces of his shattered past came bit by bit, I can’t help but agree with the logic of Gemma to help and be there for him. To unravel the mystery behind the broken man.
How can Gemma help a man who has live it’s life to the deepest end?
How can she leave Kas when he has already took part of her?
Pepper did not disappoint, she clearly know how to build up her characters and to feel their sorrow and to hope for them.
Will Kas finally learn how to be happy? Will Gemma be the source of that Happiness he long for?
In a classic Pepper Winter's style, another cliffhanger but this time I am left afraid of what will happen next. I don't have any theories of what will happen, all I know is that I NEED BOOK 3 asap!
Thank you Pepper Winters for the opportunity to review this ARC.
July 28, 2021
5* Tug of War Stars
This second instalment of Kas and Gemma’s story was thrilling and fast paced. Their attraction towards one another was fierce and unpredictable, every step of everyday was a tug of war between them.
We get insight into what Kas has lived through living at Fables, the atrocities that he and his family endured at the hands of Storymaker and his guests. It is unfathomable the cruelty and suffering they encountered and were subjected too. No wonder he is so tormented and volatile.
My heart was breaking for Kas especially when his soft side presented itself. Gemma was a pillar of strength. Her resilience and acceptance towards the unpredictable Kas was stoic.
Kas and Gemma’s journey in this book was compelling and emotionally charged. You will be chasing their HEA but before you know it, you are halted and hanging with the mysterious cliff-hanger! I cannot wait for the third and final instalment, it is guaranteed to be a wild one!
July 22, 2021
Just…Wow! Kassen and Gemma are back and be prepared as this begins where the shocking cliffhanger left us. This is such a well written and complex story, it literally drags you into their world. What has become of Kassen and the horrid secrets from his past? Can Gemma really escape her wooded cell…or does she even want to now? We get to see the past Fables and how Kassen became who he is. My heart truly breaks for him and all he endured. What a powerful story this is! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book as this story will stay within your mind and soul long after you are done reading. I’m just in awe of this hauntingly brilliant story that makes you feel…everything. This may cause triggers for some with sexual abuse and other difficult topics. Some parts will truly break your heart but it is worth going through it…for Kas. A definite heartbreaking top read. Told in dual POV and ends in a cliffhanger.
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
September 28, 2021
again, this series wont be winning any literature awards but im so invested in this story.
i will say that the back and forth nature of this particular installment was very frustrating to read. it honestly gave me whiplash. i just wanted the characters to commit to a decision and move forward. the whole yes, no, yes, no nonsense tried my patience so many times.
however, i do like how kassens characters is unfolding and how understanding gemma has been about it all. hes so traumatised and it creates such a grey situation, rather than it being straight black and white.
and, holy crap. that ending. i need the final book now!
↠ 3.5 stars
i will say that the back and forth nature of this particular installment was very frustrating to read. it honestly gave me whiplash. i just wanted the characters to commit to a decision and move forward. the whole yes, no, yes, no nonsense tried my patience so many times.
however, i do like how kassens characters is unfolding and how understanding gemma has been about it all. hes so traumatised and it creates such a grey situation, rather than it being straight black and white.
and, holy crap. that ending. i need the final book now!
↠ 3.5 stars
July 23, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
No matter how much time passed, no matter how much pain he granted or blood he spilled, I would never curse him, betray him, or hate him. I would only love him. Love a broken beast who’d survived so much.”
Star Rating : 5/5 stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : yes
Hero : Kas
Heroine : Gemma
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 8/10
Heat Rating : 6/10
Triggers Involved : Kidnapping , Non Con , Dub Con
Plot Summary :
Gemma finally has the one thing she has ever wanted. Freedom. But it came at the expense of the man she had grown to love. And now nothing would ever be the same. would the beast return and destroy her again? Or will she finally be able to escape, and continue living her hollow existence?
Overall Opinion :
OMG. I don't think there exists any other author who can give me the perfect mixture of Darkness and Angst like pepper can. I spent the last night reading this book with my heart clenched in pain and tears streaming down my cheeks. Kas and Gemma have a tale that will haunt you forever just like it haunts me.
I have been waiting for this book for a long time. The cliffhanger of the last book had me throwing my kindle at the wall so I just couldn't wait for a moment and dived into this one as soon as it came on my kindle. And what a ride it was!! The author has done an amazing job of writing this book. The way her words flow on the pages, you can literally feel all the pain these characters go through. Especially Kas. I know he is complex but omg, I just love him so much. That man only wanted to feel happiness once in his life and his past had me choking back tears. Nothing made me more happy to see him laugh and I wanted so much more of those scenes.
Gemma has fallen for the beast. She knows that he will never let her go and a part of her is happy about that no matter how much she fights him for it. She loves him even though she knows that he will eventually kill her one day. He hurts her so much but she knows that it is nothing to what he went through himself and that is the one thing which makes her fall for him the most.
I just can't recommend this book to all the Dark romance loving people!! It has a lot of triggers which will push a lot of people away so please keep that in mind. Pepper's books are wild and triggering. She doesn't hold back once she lets go of the darkness and that's the thing I admire the most about her. the one thing that makes me one click every one of her books as soon as it's out! Kas and Gemma are gonna steal your heart just like they did to mine and you won't know when and you'll be obsessed in no time with them!
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August 21, 2021
3.5 stars
June 25, 2021
Hauntingly raw and deep. The Author has a phenomenal talent for consuming you in her story so much that it’s almost as if you’re there watching the story unfold with your very eyes. Emotionally charged, and starved for more, the journey continues.
Read
August 4, 2021I have nothing to say.
August 4, 2021
Wow. I am speachless. Such a rollercoaster!
The sequel exceeded all my expectations! If I thought the first book was good, this book was phenomenal!
Pepper delves deep into a emotional journey of self discovery, love and trauma. I absolutely loved how she presented Kassen's demons. I enjoyed how she fed us information about this past, little by little.
Fair warning, the book can be triggering and it is not light. This is as dark as it gets. So please be warned before you dive in.
I cannot wait for the conclusion to this trilogy and for the rest books in this universe.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars
The sequel exceeded all my expectations! If I thought the first book was good, this book was phenomenal!
Pepper delves deep into a emotional journey of self discovery, love and trauma. I absolutely loved how she presented Kassen's demons. I enjoyed how she fed us information about this past, little by little.
Fair warning, the book can be triggering and it is not light. This is as dark as it gets. So please be warned before you dive in.
I cannot wait for the conclusion to this trilogy and for the rest books in this universe.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars
August 1, 2021
Fable of Happiness: Book Two by Pepper Winters continues this haunting story of redemption and forgiveness between Gemma and Kassen. It immediately picks up where the first book left off and we are now left with the consequences of Gemma and Kassen's actions. This is an incredibly dark tale that includes various trigger warnings such as child abuse—both physical and sexual, torture, rape, and mental illness. Once again, the author has excelled in creating this feeling of hopelessness and pity for all the characters as she begins to unravel the truth behind Kassen and this lonely mansion in the middle of nowhere. While I don't think this series is personally for me, mainly because you have to be in the right mindset to read it, I do have to admit that the writing and story telling is top notch and excellent as always.
Pepper Winters has done a fantastic job of setting up the mood of the book and tension between the two main characters. I felt so conflicted over Kassen because he was essentially a victim and product of his environment and upbringing. He was captured and conditioned over time until everything boiled over and he finally implemented his plan to kill those who harmed him and his family. I found his character very fascinating because he had a difficult time holding on to his sanity as well as being unable to forgive himself for his actions. Gemma is the foiled character to Kassen because despite everything, she decided to stay behind and nurture Kassen back to health. She is his complete opposite and while I'm not sure what their future holds, I hope that Kassen will fall irrevocably in love with her because she has clearly fallen for him.
In the end, this series will absolutely put you through the wringer because Gemma and Kassen's love is messy, heartbreaking, dark, and emotional. Despite my hesitation, I was captivated by these two characters and their relationship with each other. I so desperately want Kassen to be the man who would be worthy of Gemma's love. At this moment, that seems to be a question in of itself. Kas' mind has been fractured to the point where he has lost some parts of his memories. The book does end with a cliffhanger and the build up towards that character's appearance was shocking. I didn't expect them to show up and I'm worried about Kassen's state of mind. If you are looking for a mysterious, disturbing, and dark romance between two characters who were never supposed to meet, then I recommend giving this series a read. It is an unconventional romance and wholly unique because Kas and Gemma are simultaneously both the captive and captor.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
"I was the reason he fell off that cliff. I was the reason I turned my back on my freedom."
Pepper Winters has done a fantastic job of setting up the mood of the book and tension between the two main characters. I felt so conflicted over Kassen because he was essentially a victim and product of his environment and upbringing. He was captured and conditioned over time until everything boiled over and he finally implemented his plan to kill those who harmed him and his family. I found his character very fascinating because he had a difficult time holding on to his sanity as well as being unable to forgive himself for his actions. Gemma is the foiled character to Kassen because despite everything, she decided to stay behind and nurture Kassen back to health. She is his complete opposite and while I'm not sure what their future holds, I hope that Kassen will fall irrevocably in love with her because she has clearly fallen for him.
"I will take your heart. I will unearth all the love that you've supressed so, so deep inside you, and I will make you curse the very day you decided to trap me."
In the end, this series will absolutely put you through the wringer because Gemma and Kassen's love is messy, heartbreaking, dark, and emotional. Despite my hesitation, I was captivated by these two characters and their relationship with each other. I so desperately want Kassen to be the man who would be worthy of Gemma's love. At this moment, that seems to be a question in of itself. Kas' mind has been fractured to the point where he has lost some parts of his memories. The book does end with a cliffhanger and the build up towards that character's appearance was shocking. I didn't expect them to show up and I'm worried about Kassen's state of mind. If you are looking for a mysterious, disturbing, and dark romance between two characters who were never supposed to meet, then I recommend giving this series a read. It is an unconventional romance and wholly unique because Kas and Gemma are simultaneously both the captive and captor.
*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
September 8, 2021
Two Chaotic Stars
I recived an ARC (thank you! *giddy smile*).
Listen. Listen. I'm a Pepper Winters whore, okay? I will read whatever she writes, even if it's a damn Twilight fanfiction (please don't). So I don't know what's up with me and this series. I truly don't.
Let's dive into this mess.
The Plot
Picking up right where the first book left, Gemma Ashford is guilty. She can't leave Kassen on his own, and her pull to him forces her to climb down and look for her captor after he fell off the cliff.
Concussed, confused, hurt and in serious need of medical help, Gemma doesn't know how to save Kassen, not only from the wounds she inflicted but also from the memories which trap him.
In the second installment of FOH, both Gemma and Kas will have to put aside their pain, hurt, anger, and deep need for each other and prepare for the deadly winter that's just around the corner.
Gemma is torn between leaving and staying to take care of Kas, while he's not even sure what's real and what's in his head.
The Characters
Gemma, Gem, Ashford frustrated me to bits.
I loved her in the first book. I adored her. So what happened, you may ask yourselves? She turned into a fucking idiot. She has wanted to run ever since she walked through the abandoned house, has wanted to run ever since she saw Kas. So why the fuck is she staying? She literally has no reason to. He abused her, strangled her to near death, kept her away from her family, and literally messed with her head.
She should be running for the hills and I didn't understand why she didn't run. Each time she decided to stay was more frustrating than the previous one. And I kept having hope her logic will suddenly appear, but nope. She was still an idiot.
Kassen, Kas, Sands is someone I would gladly push off a cliff - again.
His whole mentality of "she trespassed my home so I own her now" is just so fucking wrong! Whenever I was in his mind, I always got so frustrated because he just wouldn't change. It angered me to keep reading about him going on in circles about how he has some sort of claim on Gemma. I get he's mentally scarred and hasn't seen anyone in 11 years. I understand that. I'm proud of him for surviving so long and fighting monsters to keep his family safe. But I won't forgive his actions. In my opinion, so far he's beyond redemption.
What I Loved
In every Winters book, no matter how much I disliked it, there's always a silver lining.
In FOB2, it was the flashbacks. Kas' life before, with his family. I loved seeing so many different characters and so many people Kas cared for and was willing to do anything for them. It was heartwarming to see such strong bonds build under impossible circumstances.
And of course, the writing. The book had poetic writing that captured me through and through. I couldn't stop reading, no matter how much I wanted to, at times.
Lastly, the ending. I adored the ending. I'm finally intrigued to keep reading. I want to see what happens next and I'm so excited.
What Went Wrong
For me, there's a lot that went wrong in this book. Let's go over it:
1. The romance - from the get-go, I didn't feel the chemistry between Gemma and Kas. After I finished the first book, I'd hoped it would change as the series went on, but I'm still not feeling it. I just don't feel this invisible pull between them that they seem to hang on and sacrifice everything for. This is honestly the main reason I don't like this series as much as other series by the author. It's like she tried telling us and describing us that invisible rope between the two characters more than showing it to us.
2. Kas' entitlement - I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kas' entitlement to Gemma's life and his s0-called "ownership" pissed me off. I'm so angry at his actions and how long it took him to realize his wrongdoings. He treats her like shit, by constantly telling her what to do and reminding her it's all her fault
3.
4. Lastly, I think the main reason why I didn't like this book was because of how unnecessarily long it was. Think about it yourselves - almost 500 pages about two characters, with no supporting background characters and occasional flashbacks. It was too repetitive for my taste.
Basing a book like that is tricky and unfortunately, this book failed to do it right.
Fables
Fable of Happiness book 2 wasn't an amazing read for me. It took me about a week to finish because I was so frustrated by the characters' actions and the lack of supporting characters. The premise of the book is very strong and solid, however the execution of it kind of fell between the lines for me. I'm hoping the next book would be more to my liking.
Also, I can't freaking wait for Fable of Madness.
Tropes: captor/captive, damaged Hero,
Trigger Warnings: child abuse, rape, child rape, mental illness.
Heroine: 2/5
Hero: 2/5
Plot: 2/5
Writing: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Romance: 2/5
Sex scenes: 2/5
Worldbuilding: 3/5
Recommended: only if you liked the first book.
Reread: maybe later.
Continue series: yes, I'm intrigued after that ending.
I recived an ARC (thank you! *giddy smile*).
Listen. Listen. I'm a Pepper Winters whore, okay? I will read whatever she writes, even if it's a damn Twilight fanfiction (please don't). So I don't know what's up with me and this series. I truly don't.
Let's dive into this mess.
The Plot
Picking up right where the first book left, Gemma Ashford is guilty. She can't leave Kassen on his own, and her pull to him forces her to climb down and look for her captor after he fell off the cliff.
Concussed, confused, hurt and in serious need of medical help, Gemma doesn't know how to save Kassen, not only from the wounds she inflicted but also from the memories which trap him.
In the second installment of FOH, both Gemma and Kas will have to put aside their pain, hurt, anger, and deep need for each other and prepare for the deadly winter that's just around the corner.
Gemma is torn between leaving and staying to take care of Kas, while he's not even sure what's real and what's in his head.
“All I wanted was to go home.
I’d fought for that. Schemed for that.
And when I’d finally earned it...I had to make the hardest choice imaginable.”
The Characters
Gemma, Gem, Ashford frustrated me to bits.
I loved her in the first book. I adored her. So what happened, you may ask yourselves? She turned into a fucking idiot. She has wanted to run ever since she walked through the abandoned house, has wanted to run ever since she saw Kas. So why the fuck is she staying? She literally has no reason to. He abused her, strangled her to near death, kept her away from her family, and literally messed with her head.
She should be running for the hills and I didn't understand why she didn't run. Each time she decided to stay was more frustrating than the previous one. And I kept having hope her logic will suddenly appear, but nope. She was still an idiot.
“This was a funeral, and my freedom was firmly locked in a coffin I would never open. I would mourn it.”
Kassen, Kas, Sands is someone I would gladly push off a cliff - again.
His whole mentality of "she trespassed my home so I own her now" is just so fucking wrong! Whenever I was in his mind, I always got so frustrated because he just wouldn't change. It angered me to keep reading about him going on in circles about how he has some sort of claim on Gemma. I get he's mentally scarred and hasn't seen anyone in 11 years. I understand that. I'm proud of him for surviving so long and fighting monsters to keep his family safe. But I won't forgive his actions. In my opinion, so far he's beyond redemption.
“A man like me?” [...] “A man who’s desperate for someone to call his own.”
What I Loved
In every Winters book, no matter how much I disliked it, there's always a silver lining.
In FOB2, it was the flashbacks. Kas' life before, with his family. I loved seeing so many different characters and so many people Kas cared for and was willing to do anything for them. It was heartwarming to see such strong bonds build under impossible circumstances.
And of course, the writing. The book had poetic writing that captured me through and through. I couldn't stop reading, no matter how much I wanted to, at times.
Lastly, the ending. I adored the ending. I'm finally intrigued to keep reading. I want to see what happens next and I'm so excited.
“I wanted her company and her body. I wanted her strength and her sorrow.”
What Went Wrong
For me, there's a lot that went wrong in this book. Let's go over it:
1. The romance - from the get-go, I didn't feel the chemistry between Gemma and Kas. After I finished the first book, I'd hoped it would change as the series went on, but I'm still not feeling it. I just don't feel this invisible pull between them that they seem to hang on and sacrifice everything for. This is honestly the main reason I don't like this series as much as other series by the author. It's like she tried telling us and describing us that invisible rope between the two characters more than showing it to us.
2. Kas' entitlement - I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kas' entitlement to Gemma's life and his s0-called "ownership" pissed me off. I'm so angry at his actions and how long it took him to realize his wrongdoings. He treats her like shit, by constantly telling her what to do and reminding her it's all her fault
“I’m not lonely while you’re here. That’s why you can’t go. Why you can never go. You’re mine.”
3.
4. Lastly, I think the main reason why I didn't like this book was because of how unnecessarily long it was. Think about it yourselves - almost 500 pages about two characters, with no supporting background characters and occasional flashbacks. It was too repetitive for my taste.
Basing a book like that is tricky and unfortunately, this book failed to do it right.
Fables
Fable of Happiness book 2 wasn't an amazing read for me. It took me about a week to finish because I was so frustrated by the characters' actions and the lack of supporting characters. The premise of the book is very strong and solid, however the execution of it kind of fell between the lines for me. I'm hoping the next book would be more to my liking.
Also, I can't freaking wait for Fable of Madness.
“Signed, Storymaker.
I dropped the book.
Storymaker.”
Tropes: captor/captive, damaged Hero,
Trigger Warnings: child abuse, rape, child rape, mental illness.
Heroine: 2/5
Hero: 2/5
Plot: 2/5
Writing: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Romance: 2/5
Sex scenes: 2/5
Worldbuilding: 3/5
Recommended: only if you liked the first book.
Reread: maybe later.
Continue series: yes, I'm intrigued after that ending.
April 16, 2022
Book 2 of 3.
<><><><><><><><><>
CHARACTERS:
** Kassen: **
~ Sexually abused with a horrific past, he’s been isolated and secluded for the last eleven years.
**Gemma Ashcroft:** Age: 26, Rock Climber
- Gemma made a name for herself with her extraordinary climbing skills. Her You Tube channel catapulted her to a successful and financially profitable life.
<><><><><><><><><>
OVERALL PLOT:
When a new post on a climbing website catches Gemma’s attention, she knows she needs to check it out. However, when Gemma stumbles across a mansion in the middle of the forest, she’s not prepared for the man (or is it a beast?) who takes her captive and changes her life forever.
<><><><><><><><><>
BOOK 2:
Book Two picks up where the cliffhanger left us dangling in book one - which was literally on the edge of a cliff.
Gemma feels guilty and she’s not willing to just abandon Kassen, so she climbs down the cliff to make sure he’s still alive. Kassen is barely breathing so Gemma forgoes her escape plan to nurse him back to health.
Kassen has a severe concussion and a broken arm, but his biggest medical problem is his mind. He switches between lucid “present” moments and flashbacks riddled with horrific memories. His personality literally alters right before Gemma’s very eyes and there was a point where Gemma never really knew which version of Kas she would encounter.
Kassen’s flashbacks were VERY hard to read. The sexual abuse he endured was horrendous and heartbreaking. These sections were descriptive and disturbing, showing the evil of human beings who abuse for their own pleasure.
The story itself was riveting in some ways, but there were a few reasons I dropped this down to 3 stars. Here’s the good and the bad…..
- Good: Kassen was a character I was completely rooting for. He’d been through hell, he’d survived on his own for 11 years and he completely deserved to have the best of everything at this point. My heart broke for him at times and there were so many moments I wanted to wrap him up in a hug.
- Bad: this was soooooooo repetitive. Gemma wanted to run away, Kassen’s health / mind worsened, she stayed to help, Kassen hurt Gemma (either with words or actions). Rinse wash repeat. The story was too long and some of the repetition needed to be cut out.
- Bad: the sex/connection/chemistry - there wasn’t any sex until about the 60-70% mark and then it was quite a bit. Kassen was always hard and ….trigger So the sex between them didn’t really feel like they were building something. Except for a really touching bath scene, most of their encounters were raw and gritty because they couldn’t control their lust and it seemed more about seeking pleasure than building a strong connection between the H/h. The heart-connecting chemistry was lacking.
- Bad: I didn’t feel like the story moved forward. Same basic plot as last book. Gemma wanted to leave, Kassen didn’t want her to. It was mostly a battle of wills between these two. I mean, how many times did she need to be choked??
- Bad: Kassen’s character didn’t seem to grow. Yes, he’s totally f’d up in the head. But, he didn’t want to try to work on anything related to his health. Suppression was the only way his mind survived and he wasn’t willing to consider a different way of handling his past. I get it, I wouldn’t want to work through those memories either. But, it just made his character feel stagnant.
- Good: the writing. Pepper’s writing was stellar. Her storytelling ability is always amazing. And even though I was frustrated at times, I kept flipping pages. So, that’s certainly a testament to her ability to weave a captivating story. Also, I was sure I knew what the cliffhanger would be at the end of this book, and of course, I was wrong. Pepper is not predictable and it’s one of the reasons she’s one of my favorite authors.
- Good: the flashbacks and connection to Kassen’s past. Although horrific, understanding what he went through and the family that was built among the nine abused kids was critical to the story. It was heartwarming and heart wrenching to get glimpses into what Kassen was willing to endure to protect the other children.
- Good: the last few paragraphs. I was debating if I even wanted to read book three and go through the same repetitive scenes again. But, with the introduction of the new character I’m super excited to see where this story goes.
**** “I don’t know who you are or why you found me. I don’t know how you made me feel such things or why my thoughts aren’t nearly as black when I’m in your company. I don’t trust you. I don’t know how to figure this shit out. All I know is, I would rather you kill me than live another day without you, so...I’m happy with either option.” ****
<><><><><><><><><>
CHARACTERS:
** Kassen: **
~ Sexually abused with a horrific past, he’s been isolated and secluded for the last eleven years.
**Gemma Ashcroft:** Age: 26, Rock Climber
- Gemma made a name for herself with her extraordinary climbing skills. Her You Tube channel catapulted her to a successful and financially profitable life.
<><><><><><><><><>
OVERALL PLOT:
When a new post on a climbing website catches Gemma’s attention, she knows she needs to check it out. However, when Gemma stumbles across a mansion in the middle of the forest, she’s not prepared for the man (or is it a beast?) who takes her captive and changes her life forever.
<><><><><><><><><>
BOOK 2:
Book Two picks up where the cliffhanger left us dangling in book one - which was literally on the edge of a cliff.
Gemma feels guilty and she’s not willing to just abandon Kassen, so she climbs down the cliff to make sure he’s still alive. Kassen is barely breathing so Gemma forgoes her escape plan to nurse him back to health.
Kassen has a severe concussion and a broken arm, but his biggest medical problem is his mind. He switches between lucid “present” moments and flashbacks riddled with horrific memories. His personality literally alters right before Gemma’s very eyes and there was a point where Gemma never really knew which version of Kas she would encounter.
Kassen’s flashbacks were VERY hard to read. The sexual abuse he endured was horrendous and heartbreaking. These sections were descriptive and disturbing, showing the evil of human beings who abuse for their own pleasure.
The story itself was riveting in some ways, but there were a few reasons I dropped this down to 3 stars. Here’s the good and the bad…..
- Good: Kassen was a character I was completely rooting for. He’d been through hell, he’d survived on his own for 11 years and he completely deserved to have the best of everything at this point. My heart broke for him at times and there were so many moments I wanted to wrap him up in a hug.
- Bad: this was soooooooo repetitive. Gemma wanted to run away, Kassen’s health / mind worsened, she stayed to help, Kassen hurt Gemma (either with words or actions). Rinse wash repeat. The story was too long and some of the repetition needed to be cut out.
- Bad: the sex/connection/chemistry - there wasn’t any sex until about the 60-70% mark and then it was quite a bit. Kassen was always hard and ….trigger So the sex between them didn’t really feel like they were building something. Except for a really touching bath scene, most of their encounters were raw and gritty because they couldn’t control their lust and it seemed more about seeking pleasure than building a strong connection between the H/h. The heart-connecting chemistry was lacking.
- Bad: I didn’t feel like the story moved forward. Same basic plot as last book. Gemma wanted to leave, Kassen didn’t want her to. It was mostly a battle of wills between these two. I mean, how many times did she need to be choked??
- Bad: Kassen’s character didn’t seem to grow. Yes, he’s totally f’d up in the head. But, he didn’t want to try to work on anything related to his health. Suppression was the only way his mind survived and he wasn’t willing to consider a different way of handling his past. I get it, I wouldn’t want to work through those memories either. But, it just made his character feel stagnant.
- Good: the writing. Pepper’s writing was stellar. Her storytelling ability is always amazing. And even though I was frustrated at times, I kept flipping pages. So, that’s certainly a testament to her ability to weave a captivating story. Also, I was sure I knew what the cliffhanger would be at the end of this book, and of course, I was wrong. Pepper is not predictable and it’s one of the reasons she’s one of my favorite authors.
- Good: the flashbacks and connection to Kassen’s past. Although horrific, understanding what he went through and the family that was built among the nine abused kids was critical to the story. It was heartwarming and heart wrenching to get glimpses into what Kassen was willing to endure to protect the other children.
- Good: the last few paragraphs. I was debating if I even wanted to read book three and go through the same repetitive scenes again. But, with the introduction of the new character I’m super excited to see where this story goes.
**** “I don’t know who you are or why you found me. I don’t know how you made me feel such things or why my thoughts aren’t nearly as black when I’m in your company. I don’t trust you. I don’t know how to figure this shit out. All I know is, I would rather you kill me than live another day without you, so...I’m happy with either option.” ****
August 20, 2022
Oh my. God have mercy on me. What a beautiful heartbreaking, full of agony and hatred and love book. Gemma and Kass. The determination is still there I see. But it’s better now that they are getting somewhere. I loved every single thing in this book the past, the present and the unknown future. Fuck the past, how Kass is still alive after every thing he’s gone through. I have no fucking idea. And the thing that really doesn’t make sense is that he fell of the cliff but still alive. I know his brain now is messed up but it really hurts getting into his mind and witnessing his different personalities. He’s damaged and god sent Gemma to fix his broken soul and brian. The only thing that made me skip is their long conservations. It’s toooo long and when I skip I realize that I didn’t miss anything. But other than that this is an amazing read.
November 5, 2021
This book was so chaotic and I'm LIVING for it🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
This whole book was definitely loosely based on Beauty in the Beast. But unlike the glitz and glamour, this book was able to paint a slightly more realistic picture of what it will be like e.g Stockholm syndrome, choking, denial, rape.
And YET, I am still rating this a 4-star read. Honestly, I am Pepper Winter's trash. I will literally devour whatever she read, because at least when it comes to her books, there is no cheating, and we can expect a good amount of PLOT.
This book gave a lot of insight into what is to come for the future series, and damn did it not make me excited for the new characters.
I love the whole emotional turmoil throughout this book, it was served soooo good.
I initially thought Gemma was Quell, because of the whole look-alike thing, but that wasn't the case. I didn't see the point of why the author HAD to make her look like Quell?I don't really like it when the author makes the heroine look like someone from the hero's past. It kinda irks me, to be honest. Like what was the point?
It WOULD have been a BIG problem for me if Kassen had feelings for Quell, but nothing like that, it was purely platonic in a family kind of way. But then like it brings up the reason of WHAT WAS THE POINT OF MAKING THE HEROINE LOOK LIKE QUELL THEN?
Like you can still deliver the same story with the same kind of feelings with a different appearance for the heroine.
This whole book was definitely loosely based on Beauty in the Beast. But unlike the glitz and glamour, this book was able to paint a slightly more realistic picture of what it will be like e.g Stockholm syndrome, choking, denial, rape.
And YET, I am still rating this a 4-star read. Honestly, I am Pepper Winter's trash. I will literally devour whatever she read, because at least when it comes to her books, there is no cheating, and we can expect a good amount of PLOT.
This book gave a lot of insight into what is to come for the future series, and damn did it not make me excited for the new characters.
I love the whole emotional turmoil throughout this book, it was served soooo good.
I initially thought Gemma was Quell, because of the whole look-alike thing, but that wasn't the case. I didn't see the point of why the author HAD to make her look like Quell?I don't really like it when the author makes the heroine look like someone from the hero's past. It kinda irks me, to be honest. Like what was the point?
It WOULD have been a BIG problem for me if Kassen had feelings for Quell, but nothing like that, it was purely platonic in a family kind of way. But then like it brings up the reason of WHAT WAS THE POINT OF MAKING THE HEROINE LOOK LIKE QUELL THEN?
Like you can still deliver the same story with the same kind of feelings with a different appearance for the heroine.
August 8, 2021
I’m not okay Pepper!!! 😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔What are you doing to my poor heart. This book is just that, a heartbreaking mess of innocence lost, a world of debaultory and pain and a fractured mind that cannot be saved… or will it?
The book delves off into that cliffy from book one, but we all know how brilliant Pepoer is at pulling at the heartstrings . You will be drowning in a sesspool of pain while Kassen tries to survive the horror and torment he experienced while trying to escape Storymakers control. Poor Gemma has her work cut out for her as she experiences sides of Kas that even the poor guy doesn’t remember. The boy lost, the sweetness and the innocence just melts your heart. Kassen is one true survivor.
There is a whiplash of feelings between these two lovers. He can’t live without her and she can’t escape him. But how can they overcome such torment when the broken man just won’t remember his words and actions from a minute ago. My heart really broke for Gem. She really is at a loss here and just when you think there is light at the end of the tunnel, Pepper shutters us with another cliffy that will leave you with WTF!!!!! .
The book delves off into that cliffy from book one, but we all know how brilliant Pepoer is at pulling at the heartstrings . You will be drowning in a sesspool of pain while Kassen tries to survive the horror and torment he experienced while trying to escape Storymakers control. Poor Gemma has her work cut out for her as she experiences sides of Kas that even the poor guy doesn’t remember. The boy lost, the sweetness and the innocence just melts your heart. Kassen is one true survivor.
There is a whiplash of feelings between these two lovers. He can’t live without her and she can’t escape him. But how can they overcome such torment when the broken man just won’t remember his words and actions from a minute ago. My heart really broke for Gem. She really is at a loss here and just when you think there is light at the end of the tunnel, Pepper shutters us with another cliffy that will leave you with WTF!!!!! .
August 11, 2021
5 Star Review Fable Of Happiness (Fable #2) by Pepper Winters
AUDIO REVIEW:
This book is dark so heed the trigger warnings, you have been warned. This is the continuation of Kas and Gemma’s story and it was just as intense and gritty as the first one.
Narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel, they did justice to Kas and Gemma’s characters.
Ms.Winters has written broken emotional characters that really draw you in and capture
your attention and their performances certainly brought this across.
Kas knows that Gemma is the woman for him. Gemma goes through a lot of changes in this story. The chemistry between Kas and Gemma is intense and passionate, not to mention eye opening and the narration certainly brought this to life. Gemma is not afraid to stand up to Kas. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, Ms.Winters throws us a curve ball.
Be prepared this one ends in one heck of a cliff hanger and I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.
AUDIO REVIEW:
This book is dark so heed the trigger warnings, you have been warned. This is the continuation of Kas and Gemma’s story and it was just as intense and gritty as the first one.
Narrated by Tor Thom and Charley Ongel, they did justice to Kas and Gemma’s characters.
Ms.Winters has written broken emotional characters that really draw you in and capture
your attention and their performances certainly brought this across.
Kas knows that Gemma is the woman for him. Gemma goes through a lot of changes in this story. The chemistry between Kas and Gemma is intense and passionate, not to mention eye opening and the narration certainly brought this to life. Gemma is not afraid to stand up to Kas. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, Ms.Winters throws us a curve ball.
Be prepared this one ends in one heck of a cliff hanger and I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.
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