Exposure

by Vicki James

After eleven years away, Drake Northman is back in Hood River, the one place he swore he’d never return thanks to those four evil girls who’d once made a mockery of him. The geek with a camera in his hand is now long gone. Because of those girls he’s become stronger, determined, and he only has one thing in mind:

Murder.

Those four girls killed his soul when he was young, and Drake believes that what goes around comes around. After over a decade, he’s finally ready to deliver their punishments firsthand, and he’ll never let them forget his face again.

What Drake didn’t plan for was that one woman who’d always been his weakness still having the same power over him after all these years. One look in Mischa Owens’ eyes and Drake feels something he never expected to feel stir inside of him.

Desire.

Desire for a woman he’s spent eleven years dreaming of killing.

With his plans turned upside down, Drake now has to decide what he wants the most: Mischa’s lips on his skin or her blood on his hands.

Originally published as part of the 'Scouts' anthology (2021).

Genres: Novella

79 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2021

About the author

Vicki currently lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband, two sons, and her dog Rex. Having had a strong passion for stories from a young age, she credits her love of literature to her Grandma Bess who taught her that you don't need a lot of money to travel to different worlds, experience new places and live a thousand lives. When she’s not listening to music or writing, she’s usually at the gym pretending to workout.

Reviews

[Liberty Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this novella as a quick & easy read to get me out of a reading slump and when I tell you it worked!! I really enjoyed this book! Throughout it you grew to know Drake and Mischa in a way that I didn’t expect for a novella! This was my first dark romance read and to be completely honest it was about 20% plot & 80% spice but nevertheless it was still enjoyable and the bits of plot was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed as I usually read thriller/horror!! Would definitely recommend!

[Karen Aguilera · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dark than this is the book for you.
Vicki will have you on the edge of your seat from the very first page to the very last page.

Drake has been holding a grudge for over a decade and he finally puts his plan into action when Mischa goes and throws his world upside down.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was gifted this at Christmas and I really enjoyed it, yes there’s a couple grammar/spelling mistakes but that doesn’t take away from the plot.
Wished there was another instalment to this to see where things went after…
Give it a read, those who enjoy the tropes should genuinely enjoy it 😊

[Klaudija Lovković · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a dark romance …blah …dnf at 51%

[Marilynn Kraxberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great pallet cleaner book. Super fast read!

[Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and delicious, this story had me on the edge of my seat. Even though this story may be short, Ms James’ eloquent writing style created a plot that was action-packed and paced superbly. I connected and cared for the characters, despite the darkness surrounding them. Their bond was scorching hot! I would love to read more from Drake and Mischa in the future.

[Marielle Brouwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im usually for novellas but this one was very well written. Loved it!

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m no stranger to Vicki James’ words and I can recall stating in a review of another short story of hers, that it was one of the best anthology pieces I’d ever read. Exposure is no different. I can at times find a short story to be lacking something, and I appreciate it must be difficult to write a complete story when the word count is restricted, but Vicki has penned another incredible novella that includes everything I want from my read.

Exposure is exciting. It has twists in the story that I didn’t see coming. I loved the main characters Drake and Mischa, and I understood the reasons behind their actions. The anticipation I felt whist waiting for this story to conclude was fabulous! As mentioned, I couldn’t anticipate how the story would unfold – which I loved.

Another 5-star read from this author who never fails to impress me. I loved Exposure and I’m certain you will too.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Vicki James style she even turns dark into a fabulous romantic story, I loved the two main characters Drake and Mischa, I loved the story behind the revenge they wanted and the way Drake began to realise that she wasn't at fault, it had twists and turns that even I didn't see coming, perfect ending to a perfect story. I loved this story, not something you see Vicki write usually but it really worked.

[Kat Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that Vicki James took a turn down the dark romance lane with Exposure. I didn't know what to expect and she killed it. The story had me wincing in places because it truly broke my heart at what happened to Drake and the reason for wanting revenge. I would love to read more about Drake and Mischa

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Novella

Drake returns home after 11 years to get revenge on the 4 women who ridiculed him and drove him away. However he was not prepared for Misha and her confession about how they made her a victim on that night as well . Together they seek revenge but can they both get their HEA.

[Lou Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this dark romance. It’s a highlight of Vicki’s amazing talent. It’s a beautifully clever thriller that deals with actions and consequences in an unforgiving world. Definitely a different kind of Romangst for the super talented Vicki James but what a read!!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a novella Exposure was such a huge story inside.The first dark romance from the author ,Vicki James.she should most definitely write more.The story shows she can write all types of books. Loved Drake and Misha`s story and journey together. Would love to read more of them both.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book delivered. It was close to perfection. The only thing that felt disjointed was the actual revenge scene. Most of it was off page and that was disappointing. Otherwise it made me cry. It was heartbreaking actually. But I loved how dark their relationship was. A must read!

[Rebecca Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG amazing dark romance read! Here’s to the sweetest revenge!!!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a story! This is Vickis first dark romance….and i hope she writes more!

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story!! I read this in one day. It is different from the author’s usual work but riveting just the same. I found it to be such a unique story and really enjoyed the darkness of it!