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Love So Dark #3
Dañada
Quiero que libere a la bestia que hay en él.
Quiero que me haga tanto… daño.
Anhelo la oscuridad.
La intimidad junto a él que encendería mi corazón en llamas.
Dylan teme dejar salir el monstruo.
Su pasado oscuro lo ha cerrado.
Yo también tengo cicatrices.
Pero ahora me hace desear algo… malo.
Su mirada profunda e hipnotizante.
Esos brazos fuertes que podrían aplastarme.
Se odia a sí mismo por las cosas que quiere hacerme.
Pero necesito ser libre.
Ser llevada a las fantasías más prohibidas.
Siempre supe que estaba obsesionada.
Con él.
Con el monstruo en que podía convertirse.
Pero ¿qué es lo que no sabía?
La profundidad de la oscuridad que realmente estaba dispuesto a explorar.
Quiero que me haga tanto… daño.
Anhelo la oscuridad.
La intimidad junto a él que encendería mi corazón en llamas.
Dylan teme dejar salir el monstruo.
Su pasado oscuro lo ha cerrado.
Yo también tengo cicatrices.
Pero ahora me hace desear algo… malo.
Su mirada profunda e hipnotizante.
Esos brazos fuertes que podrían aplastarme.
Se odia a sí mismo por las cosas que quiere hacerme.
Pero necesito ser libre.
Ser llevada a las fantasías más prohibidas.
Siempre supe que estaba obsesionada.
Con él.
Con el monstruo en que podía convertirse.
Pero ¿qué es lo que no sabía?
La profundidad de la oscuridad que realmente estaba dispuesto a explorar.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2019
1206 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Stasia Black
73 books2,092 followersStasia was born in Georgia, grew up in Texas, recently spent a freezing five-year stint in Minnesota, and now is happily planted in sunny California, which she will never, ever leave.
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
August 6, 2021
4.5 stars for this delicious CNC/emotional read
I love reading books with CNC in it (consent nonconsent). If I see a friend rec a book with it in it, it goes on my short TBR for immediate reading. And this one did not disappoint.
The book starts off with giving us a bit of Dylan and Madeline‘s perspective. She’s at an event and sees Dylan, Dylan who was in the news years before because of his tendency to like rough smexy times. Dylan sees a therapist for his smexual tendencies since he thinks they’re wrong. He grew up in an abusive household. His dad used to be extremely smexually aggressive with his mom- and he witnessed it multiple times. As an adult, he likes the same… and he feels like he’s broken… broken enough that he’s been celibate for six years now.
Madeline was in an abusive relationship and now can only enjoy intimacy if there’s pain involved. Knowing that Dylan has these smexual proclivities, Madeline seeks him out and entices him to follow her. He follows her and sees a man “attack” her, except that, this “attack” is staged- it’s part of what she needs and the man “attacking” her is pretending to take her against her will. Dylan sees this, defends her, then finds out it’s not what it seems. And then, he decides to fulfill both of their needs- by “taking” her against her will 🥵🔥.
Oh the chemistry between them was 🔥. Obviously, it’s passionate, primal, primitive, explosive and all-consuming. They go alllllll in whenever they’re together. Buuut, the times the CNC wasn’t being fulfilled, it was genuine, sincere and emotional. These two broken people needed each other in more ways than one. It was all sexy, whether it was aggressive or sweet 🥰💦🔥. The connection goes soul deep, and I loved it all.
The TWISTS had me GASPING!! I had my friend on speed dial (okay, fb messages) as soon as I came across those parts 😱. I had nooooo idea and was completely shocked!!! It only made me read this faster!!!
I only wish the scene in the Asian country hadn’t been over so fast 😑 🔪 ! It needed to have been DRAWN out and EXTENDED 😈💁🏻♀️. Plus, I wanted a longer epilogue 😏.
Loved it!!!
⚠️ safety squad⚠️
-no cheating
-no owd (although there was a scene where the H goes to a strip club, he only goes to drink and pity himself; he promptly screams at women that approach him to leave him alone)
-no omd (although we do see the h about to scene with OM, it’s right at the beginning before the H and h get together)
-the h remembers her smexual assault by her ex and when she was abused by multiple men 🤢
-the H remembers the abuse his mom went through with his dad
-this is CNC- there’s r@p€ fantasy throughout the book
-OM beats up the h
I love reading books with CNC in it (consent nonconsent). If I see a friend rec a book with it in it, it goes on my short TBR for immediate reading. And this one did not disappoint.
The book starts off with giving us a bit of Dylan and Madeline‘s perspective. She’s at an event and sees Dylan, Dylan who was in the news years before because of his tendency to like rough smexy times. Dylan sees a therapist for his smexual tendencies since he thinks they’re wrong. He grew up in an abusive household. His dad used to be extremely smexually aggressive with his mom- and he witnessed it multiple times. As an adult, he likes the same… and he feels like he’s broken… broken enough that he’s been celibate for six years now.
Madeline was in an abusive relationship and now can only enjoy intimacy if there’s pain involved. Knowing that Dylan has these smexual proclivities, Madeline seeks him out and entices him to follow her. He follows her and sees a man “attack” her, except that, this “attack” is staged- it’s part of what she needs and the man “attacking” her is pretending to take her against her will. Dylan sees this, defends her, then finds out it’s not what it seems. And then, he decides to fulfill both of their needs- by “taking” her against her will 🥵🔥.
Oh the chemistry between them was 🔥. Obviously, it’s passionate, primal, primitive, explosive and all-consuming. They go alllllll in whenever they’re together. Buuut, the times the CNC wasn’t being fulfilled, it was genuine, sincere and emotional. These two broken people needed each other in more ways than one. It was all sexy, whether it was aggressive or sweet 🥰💦🔥. The connection goes soul deep, and I loved it all.
The TWISTS had me GASPING!! I had my friend on speed dial (okay, fb messages) as soon as I came across those parts 😱. I had nooooo idea and was completely shocked!!! It only made me read this faster!!!
I only wish the scene in the Asian country hadn’t been over so fast 😑 🔪 ! It needed to have been DRAWN out and EXTENDED 😈💁🏻♀️. Plus, I wanted a longer epilogue 😏.
Loved it!!!
⚠️ safety squad⚠️
-no cheating
-no owd (although there was a scene where the H goes to a strip club, he only goes to drink and pity himself; he promptly screams at women that approach him to leave him alone)
-no omd (although we do see the h about to scene with OM, it’s right at the beginning before the H and h get together)
-the h remembers her smexual assault by her ex and when she was abused by multiple men 🤢
-the H remembers the abuse his mom went through with his dad
-this is CNC- there’s r@p€ fantasy throughout the book
-OM beats up the h
January 8, 2019
Let me tell you... this book is not for the faint at heart... Dylan and Miranda are two twisted kinky fuckers.. when you first meet them your like wow.. then "OMG" i gotta admit some of their kinks are well dark.. and triggery so be aware... i might list them.. if that's better?
Beside their kinks both have some serious demons.. that they both try to help eachother with.. i felt bad for both.. plus some shocking twist and betrayals.. also guys been celebite for awhile cuz of his kinks.. and Miranda has well.. since her ex..
Remember if your not into this kinda story just back away..
Angst, no ow/om drama but mentions of Mirandas ex and her demons, no cheating, dramaaa some really dark twisted sex..
Force sex or fake rape? Idk the proper term for this..(they are consent adults)
Anal play/sex
Humiliation
Shared (past ex bf did this to her)
Hea
Epilogue
Beside their kinks both have some serious demons.. that they both try to help eachother with.. i felt bad for both.. plus some shocking twist and betrayals.. also guys been celebite for awhile cuz of his kinks.. and Miranda has well.. since her ex..
Remember if your not into this kinda story just back away..
Angst, no ow/om drama but mentions of Mirandas ex and her demons, no cheating, dramaaa some really dark twisted sex..
Force sex or fake rape? Idk the proper term for this..(they are consent adults)
Anal play/sex
Humiliation
Shared (past ex bf did this to her)
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
Welp, I have filled my dark romance quota for the year.
RTC
RTC
October 17, 2025
This was good, a real dark romance. I love their trauma and their relationship. Wish the bloke wasn’t as sooky as he was at times but I understand. Loved the ending for Darren. I defs should have seen him being involved, alas, I was completely caught off guard by him and his past with both Dylan and Miranda.
September 28, 2022
Stasia Black deserves credit for tackling a really, really hard subject to address in romance: the rape fantasy. I can count on one hand the books I’ve read that have had this as their major theme and have treated it seriously. And Black does an excellent job with it. Dylan, our hero, is essentially a sadist, one who wants to inflict a level of hurt with his dominance through pain. The heroine Miranda is the one who has a rape fantasy, and she needs with it a sadistic edge to truly feel completed by any sex act. And when they connect, each realizes that they can satisfy one another’s needs, but they also have to come to terms with the guilt they feel over needing pain and potentially hurting one another to get what they want in a sexual relationship.
Black illustrates this part of Hurt So Good wonderfully. You truly feel Dylan’s torment over his need to inflict pain as part of sex combined with his desire to be respectful to his partners. And Miranda is dealing with a world of pain from past relationships and from her realized need to feel forced when she has sex. It’s a complex dynamic to portray, and Black does this with care and respect for the minefield this subject can turn into.
There are a bit too many elements to Miranda’s and Dylan’s sexual attitudes, though, and I kind of felt like the kitchen sink of drama was being added to their story lines: abusive past boyfriends, humiliation, and abuse within a family and a marital relationship are just some of the things each has to address about themselves and how it affects their perception of each other. Add to it a very unexpected action from Dylan at the end of the book (based on his character to that point), and my rating went down a bit.
But what Black has done with an unquestioningly difficult topic is something to respect, and I appreciate her attempt to work it through as well as she does. Hurt So Good is a strong examination of a challenging topic in romance, and one that I found fascinating to read.
Black illustrates this part of Hurt So Good wonderfully. You truly feel Dylan’s torment over his need to inflict pain as part of sex combined with his desire to be respectful to his partners. And Miranda is dealing with a world of pain from past relationships and from her realized need to feel forced when she has sex. It’s a complex dynamic to portray, and Black does this with care and respect for the minefield this subject can turn into.
There are a bit too many elements to Miranda’s and Dylan’s sexual attitudes, though, and I kind of felt like the kitchen sink of drama was being added to their story lines: abusive past boyfriends, humiliation, and abuse within a family and a marital relationship are just some of the things each has to address about themselves and how it affects their perception of each other. Add to it a very unexpected action from Dylan at the end of the book (based on his character to that point), and my rating went down a bit.
But what Black has done with an unquestioningly difficult topic is something to respect, and I appreciate her attempt to work it through as well as she does. Hurt So Good is a strong examination of a challenging topic in romance, and one that I found fascinating to read.
January 8, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book was erotic and daring. Or more accurately, busting beyond the barriers of acceptable. Even so, I found it very well written with an interesting story, which is no small accomplishment in this genre. Most authors who write this type of books, strive to titillate instead of focusing on the story in equal measures. Good job.
Dylan and his brother, Darren, run a computer company and Miranda works for a competitor.
Both Miranda and Dylan struggle to deal with their outside of the norm sexual boundaries. The author’s writing makes it easy to feel for each character.
Safety: No mention of condom usage, but Miranda tells him she’s clean and has an IUD. Dylan has been celibate for six years. Miranda has had many, many men. Some against her will.
This book was erotic and daring. Or more accurately, busting beyond the barriers of acceptable. Even so, I found it very well written with an interesting story, which is no small accomplishment in this genre. Most authors who write this type of books, strive to titillate instead of focusing on the story in equal measures. Good job.
Dylan and his brother, Darren, run a computer company and Miranda works for a competitor.
Both Miranda and Dylan struggle to deal with their outside of the norm sexual boundaries. The author’s writing makes it easy to feel for each character.
Safety: No mention of condom usage, but Miranda tells him she’s clean and has an IUD. Dylan has been celibate for six years. Miranda has had many, many men. Some against her will.
August 7, 2020
3 to 3.5
Not sure how I feel about this one. I really don’t understand all this pain scenarios. They kinda make my stomach hurt. I liked the story but not necessarily how we got to the end.
Not sure how I feel about this one. I really don’t understand all this pain scenarios. They kinda make my stomach hurt. I liked the story but not necessarily how we got to the end.
January 12, 2019
Caught COMPLETELY off guard! It’s a different type of book...if it’s not your twist, don’t read it! Triggers on every page, but if you have an opened mind, read it😳
October 14, 2019
Dark
This one was a little to dark for me, not for the faint hearted. Well written just not my type of book.
This one was a little to dark for me, not for the faint hearted. Well written just not my type of book.
August 11, 2022
This was a good short dark erotic romance.
If you are looking for lot of plot, then this is not the book for you.
If you are looking for lot of plot, then this is not the book for you.
January 19, 2019
Bad Girls💃💋 Get What They Deserve💘
Adult XXX Hard Core Dark Romance💕.
Miranda💃💋 puts on a carefully made up front as a beautiful, young, normal woman at her job. All the while she walks on the wild👹 side after work!
Hard Core is the only thing that really gets her off. When she meets Dylan🐺, the CEO of a competing company at a dinner meeting, she realizes she has found her soul mate!
Dylan🐺 is a gentleman in the street, and a Beserker👹🍆🌋 in the sheets!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
I can't say too much about the book📕 because of The very dark subject matter, but the author has done a good job of walking a fine line with her writing.
Adult XXX Hard Core Dark Romance💕.
Miranda💃💋 puts on a carefully made up front as a beautiful, young, normal woman at her job. All the while she walks on the wild👹 side after work!
Hard Core is the only thing that really gets her off. When she meets Dylan🐺, the CEO of a competing company at a dinner meeting, she realizes she has found her soul mate!
Dylan🐺 is a gentleman in the street, and a Beserker👹🍆🌋 in the sheets!
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
I can't say too much about the book📕 because of The very dark subject matter, but the author has done a good job of walking a fine line with her writing.
January 3, 2019
Two broken souls find each other and the truth is discovered but there is so much more to this book. It is very dark and there is little to make the reader feel good, but you are drawn in to Miranda and Dylan’s life and allowed to understand how deeply they feel. The story is masterfully told and has a HEA but that is less important than how they get there and what it means for them. I highly recommend this book but there are triggers.
January 21, 2019
Hurt So Good By: Stasia BlackCome On, Baby, Make It "Hurt So Good!"
She's been conditioned to Respond when she gets it a certain way...
She NEEDS it to "Hurt So Good!"
Sooo she's lookin' for the Perfect MAN,
Someone who can give it to HER just RIGHT!
Of Course she engineers their 1st Meetin'...
AND he delivers, givin' her a Rough, HARD,...
He knows how to make it "Hurt So Good,"
But unfortunately, it scares HIM to Death!
You see, he's been Battlin' HIS inner Demons,
Thinkin' he's a Beast, a Psychopath, a Monster, & MORE...
But what he fails to realize,
Is that he's Perfect in her EYES!
He Provides the Perfect mix,
Of Pain & Tenderness... He TRULY makes it "HURT. SO. GOOD!"
AND, He'd be the Perfect MAN... if only he NEVER Ran,
He just needs to STOP walkin' Out, when he's Freakin' OUT!
Cuz, there's Forces workin' behind the scenes, tryin' to Ruin Everything!
This book, contains Strong, DARK BDSM elements, & is intended for readers over 18; if that's not your type of reading genre, please don't dip your toes into this book because you won't enjoy it. Plus, leaving an unfavorable review, because it's not your cup of tea, is unfair to the author. That said, you've been warned what to expect... Sooo if it's your Bag, ENJOY!
I was granted an ARC of Stasia Black's "Hurt So Good" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
January 22, 2019
I have not read the other two Break So Soft novels but will be doing so after reading this one. Pay attention to the warnings. It is not for everyone. There are some brutal scenes written in detail. For some, these scenes could definitely be a trigger.
Miranda went through years of sadistic abuse from an ex-boyfriend. To find pleasure, she needs pain. One reviewer asked, "how could you want sex after that?". Sexual assault and sexual abuse changes you. It can mess you up mentally, for years. Things you thought you'd never want become what you think you deserve. For those that have never been there, it's hard to understand. Thankfully, not every woman will experience this. For those that have, you just might be able to relate to Miranda. I know I did. Although heartbreaking and difficult to read at times, Miranda's story might help someone realize they're not alone in how they feel. I would still caution someone with triggers about reading this. It may not be for you.
Dylan never had it easy, even in his early childhood. He grew up in a violent household witnessing his dad abuse his mother daily. He has lived his life afraid of becoming the monster his dad was and afraid he's already there. Dylan has been dealt blow after blow throughout his life. He doesn't trust himself. Secrets are revealed that rock him to his core. How does he know who or what to trust?
Miranda and Dylan are explosive together. The attraction is hot and the sex is intense. Will they be good for each, be what the other needs, or will they end up destroying one another? I was pulled into their story from the very beginning and I could not put it down. It is the kind of storyline that has you questioning yourself for liking it but not wanting to let it go at the same time. I am looking forward to going back and reading the other two books.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
Miranda went through years of sadistic abuse from an ex-boyfriend. To find pleasure, she needs pain. One reviewer asked, "how could you want sex after that?". Sexual assault and sexual abuse changes you. It can mess you up mentally, for years. Things you thought you'd never want become what you think you deserve. For those that have never been there, it's hard to understand. Thankfully, not every woman will experience this. For those that have, you just might be able to relate to Miranda. I know I did. Although heartbreaking and difficult to read at times, Miranda's story might help someone realize they're not alone in how they feel. I would still caution someone with triggers about reading this. It may not be for you.
Dylan never had it easy, even in his early childhood. He grew up in a violent household witnessing his dad abuse his mother daily. He has lived his life afraid of becoming the monster his dad was and afraid he's already there. Dylan has been dealt blow after blow throughout his life. He doesn't trust himself. Secrets are revealed that rock him to his core. How does he know who or what to trust?
Miranda and Dylan are explosive together. The attraction is hot and the sex is intense. Will they be good for each, be what the other needs, or will they end up destroying one another? I was pulled into their story from the very beginning and I could not put it down. It is the kind of storyline that has you questioning yourself for liking it but not wanting to let it go at the same time. I am looking forward to going back and reading the other two books.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
July 15, 2022
En este libro nos vamos a encontrar con Miranda y Dylan, dos personas rotas por diferentes situaciones, pero que se complementan a la perfección. A ella la veo inusualmente fuerte a pesar de todo lo que le ha tocado vivir y eso ha hecho que me enamore perdidamente. Él también tiene una personalidad impactante, además de que el fuego 🔥 del infierno lo lleva en la sangre. Y no me refiero a que sea un villano 😏, vosotros ya me entendéis. Qué hombre, por Dios. Quiero 20 para mi cumpleaños, que es pronto 😂😂😂. Bueno, que me me pierdo. Estos personajes están muy bien construidos y sus emociones te calan hondo. Los secundarios son parte importante de este libro y también me han encantado. Además de odiar a alguno que otro, por supuesto.
La historia es sublime, igual que sus predecesores. Lo malo es que es muy corta y yo necesitaba más 😭😭😭😭. Todo muy bien hilado y muy bien contado. Con escenas eróticas que te quitan el hipo y escenas violentas que te hacen querer estrangular a alguien. Mucha pasión, erotismo, acción, secretos y amor. Estos ingredientes son los que componen esta maravillosa obra que me alegro haber leído. El Dark Romance se está convirtiendo en un género favorito y es que me encanta. La única pega que voy a ponerle es que el destino de uno de los personajes me parece demasiado poco para lo que ha hecho, necesitaba más sangre 😂😂😂.
La historia es sublime, igual que sus predecesores. Lo malo es que es muy corta y yo necesitaba más 😭😭😭😭. Todo muy bien hilado y muy bien contado. Con escenas eróticas que te quitan el hipo y escenas violentas que te hacen querer estrangular a alguien. Mucha pasión, erotismo, acción, secretos y amor. Estos ingredientes son los que componen esta maravillosa obra que me alegro haber leído. El Dark Romance se está convirtiendo en un género favorito y es que me encanta. La única pega que voy a ponerle es que el destino de uno de los personajes me parece demasiado poco para lo que ha hecho, necesitaba más sangre 😂😂😂.
January 11, 2019
Are people always who they appear to be? HOT, intense, brutal. Can it be love?
In the blurb Ms. Black mentions triggers. Take that seriously b/c this book is so intense and brutal that if you have a past traumatic experience, it may resurface. Having said that, I loved this book.
Because Dylan is afraid that he’s like his father, an abusive SOB of the highest order, he has abstained from sexual relations for six years until one night he meets a beautiful woman in red, Miranda. His kink is inflicting pain during sex and her kink is needing pain to feel fulfilled. What Dylan doesn’t know is that Miranda has her own secrets, one of which is that their meeting at the conference was not by chance. It was orchestrated by Miranda b/c she knew about Dylan’s desires. So many things are revealed to the reader and to the characters in this book which make it spell-binding. I only put the book down when life intervened, but I was thinking about it even then! There are heart-wrenching moments, touching moments, scary moments, shocking moments and HOT as he!! moments. And a very satisfying HEA.
This is a well-written, fast-paced, thoroughly entertaining book if you have no triggers or prejudices to BDSM. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended with warnings.
In the blurb Ms. Black mentions triggers. Take that seriously b/c this book is so intense and brutal that if you have a past traumatic experience, it may resurface. Having said that, I loved this book.
Because Dylan is afraid that he’s like his father, an abusive SOB of the highest order, he has abstained from sexual relations for six years until one night he meets a beautiful woman in red, Miranda. His kink is inflicting pain during sex and her kink is needing pain to feel fulfilled. What Dylan doesn’t know is that Miranda has her own secrets, one of which is that their meeting at the conference was not by chance. It was orchestrated by Miranda b/c she knew about Dylan’s desires. So many things are revealed to the reader and to the characters in this book which make it spell-binding. I only put the book down when life intervened, but I was thinking about it even then! There are heart-wrenching moments, touching moments, scary moments, shocking moments and HOT as he!! moments. And a very satisfying HEA.
This is a well-written, fast-paced, thoroughly entertaining book if you have no triggers or prejudices to BDSM. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended with warnings.
January 22, 2019
Dark and Unexpected Romance
Miranda Rose and Dylan Lennox have both been broken by sexually depraved monsters. Dylan, by his father who tried to raise a son who would treat women as perversely as his father treated his mother. And Miranda by her former boyfriend, Bryce Gentry, who brutalized her as he groomed and trained her to associate pain with pleasure and to accept sex from others to please him. The outcome of which rendered two people whose individual dark kinks complemented each other's perfectly. The only problem with this was that while Miranda had accepted and learned to live with her deviance, Dylan perceived his preferences as a validation of his father's influence, thereby making him as much of a monster as he believed his father to be. Additionally, Dylan suffered from the belief that he had not been able to protect his family (mother, younger brother, Darren, and even younger sister, Chloe) from the monster that was his father.
This story was very well developed and told. And while there were some very dark descriptive portions, and a few unexpected twists and revelations (which, I believe, really added to the storyline), it was truly a love story. So, if you can get past the hot button subject matter and can accept the darker side of the sexual interactions between the characters, it is certainly worth reading.
Miranda Rose and Dylan Lennox have both been broken by sexually depraved monsters. Dylan, by his father who tried to raise a son who would treat women as perversely as his father treated his mother. And Miranda by her former boyfriend, Bryce Gentry, who brutalized her as he groomed and trained her to associate pain with pleasure and to accept sex from others to please him. The outcome of which rendered two people whose individual dark kinks complemented each other's perfectly. The only problem with this was that while Miranda had accepted and learned to live with her deviance, Dylan perceived his preferences as a validation of his father's influence, thereby making him as much of a monster as he believed his father to be. Additionally, Dylan suffered from the belief that he had not been able to protect his family (mother, younger brother, Darren, and even younger sister, Chloe) from the monster that was his father.
This story was very well developed and told. And while there were some very dark descriptive portions, and a few unexpected twists and revelations (which, I believe, really added to the storyline), it was truly a love story. So, if you can get past the hot button subject matter and can accept the darker side of the sexual interactions between the characters, it is certainly worth reading.
January 7, 2019
Utterly compelling
Hurt So Good by Stasia Black, another book in the Break So Soft series is another amazingly well written and completely engrossing book. Once again, this steamy, dark romance captivated and captured me from the beginning. Once again, there was pulse pounding urgency, breath stealing fear and gut wrenching hurt. The characters in Hurt So Good are created with such deep emotions, full of vulnerability and yet able to be witty and carefree at times too. The evil in this book is menacing which contributes to the reader feeling everything Dylan and Miranda feels. Everything together, brings these characters and everything they go through to life.
I loved the plot of this book, the twists the author takes us through to the final culminating resolution at the end. This reader found major satisfaction at the end of this book. While a dark themed romance, it's wonderful to read about strength, perseverance and determination winning everyting in the end. Best of all, Dylan and Miranda get their HEA, darkly super hot and totally sweet, just like they both are - hot and sweet! Might there be another book in this series????
I read a ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
Hurt So Good by Stasia Black, another book in the Break So Soft series is another amazingly well written and completely engrossing book. Once again, this steamy, dark romance captivated and captured me from the beginning. Once again, there was pulse pounding urgency, breath stealing fear and gut wrenching hurt. The characters in Hurt So Good are created with such deep emotions, full of vulnerability and yet able to be witty and carefree at times too. The evil in this book is menacing which contributes to the reader feeling everything Dylan and Miranda feels. Everything together, brings these characters and everything they go through to life.
I loved the plot of this book, the twists the author takes us through to the final culminating resolution at the end. This reader found major satisfaction at the end of this book. While a dark themed romance, it's wonderful to read about strength, perseverance and determination winning everyting in the end. Best of all, Dylan and Miranda get their HEA, darkly super hot and totally sweet, just like they both are - hot and sweet! Might there be another book in this series????
I read a ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
January 9, 2019
Dark, heart wrenching read
I originally got this as an ARC, but have loved everything I've read by Stasia Black, so I 1-clicked it anyway. I'm so glad I did. I'll absolutely be reading it again. This is one of those books that had me rung out, but wanting more.
The story and characters are so well developed that this book played out like a movie in my head. It's dark, and emotional and heartbreaking. It grabbed me from the very beginning and there was no way I could put it down until I got to the very last page. My only problem is that I loved these characters and their story and wanted to ride along for more of it. It did what all of my favorite romance books manage to do, had me riding an emotional rollercoaster and got me hot and bothered. There were a couple of twists that I was anticipating (to a degree), but that still took me by surprise in how they played out and made Hurt So Good even more of a page turner.
Technically speaking, the book is well written. Not riddled with grammatical or spelling errors, the story flows smoothly without having to reread sentences for clarity.
I absolutely loved Hurt So Good, and can't wait to see what Stasia Black comes up with next.
I originally got this as an ARC, but have loved everything I've read by Stasia Black, so I 1-clicked it anyway. I'm so glad I did. I'll absolutely be reading it again. This is one of those books that had me rung out, but wanting more.
The story and characters are so well developed that this book played out like a movie in my head. It's dark, and emotional and heartbreaking. It grabbed me from the very beginning and there was no way I could put it down until I got to the very last page. My only problem is that I loved these characters and their story and wanted to ride along for more of it. It did what all of my favorite romance books manage to do, had me riding an emotional rollercoaster and got me hot and bothered. There were a couple of twists that I was anticipating (to a degree), but that still took me by surprise in how they played out and made Hurt So Good even more of a page turner.
Technically speaking, the book is well written. Not riddled with grammatical or spelling errors, the story flows smoothly without having to reread sentences for clarity.
I absolutely loved Hurt So Good, and can't wait to see what Stasia Black comes up with next.
January 12, 2019
(Review with spoilers)
Dark romance. When I started reading it, I didn't think I'd like it as much as I have.
I loved Dylan and Miranda. They both have dark desires. Both are ashamed of them and have tried to repress them, though without succeeding. Dylan was able to do it for longer, but when he met Miranda he couldn't resist any longer. He feels bad, he blames himself, but he can't leave her. He feels good about her, like he's never felt before, and the same thing happens to her.
I loved that both of them have sought help, that they haven't kept it all to themselves. They blame themselves for some things, but they have to assume that it's not all their fault.
I loved that they can trust each other. It's hard for them to tell the whole truth, but it's not because they don't trust each other, it's because they don't want to hurt each other.
I loved their tender moments together.
I loved seeing Dylan with Chloe.
There have been a couple of scenes I didn't expect. And there was another one that I did think would happen, but it hasn't, and I think it's better, because it would have been the easy way out.
I recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
Dark romance. When I started reading it, I didn't think I'd like it as much as I have.
I loved Dylan and Miranda. They both have dark desires. Both are ashamed of them and have tried to repress them, though without succeeding. Dylan was able to do it for longer, but when he met Miranda he couldn't resist any longer. He feels bad, he blames himself, but he can't leave her. He feels good about her, like he's never felt before, and the same thing happens to her.
I loved that both of them have sought help, that they haven't kept it all to themselves. They blame themselves for some things, but they have to assume that it's not all their fault.
I loved that they can trust each other. It's hard for them to tell the whole truth, but it's not because they don't trust each other, it's because they don't want to hurt each other.
I loved their tender moments together.
I loved seeing Dylan with Chloe.
There have been a couple of scenes I didn't expect. And there was another one that I did think would happen, but it hasn't, and I think it's better, because it would have been the easy way out.
I recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
January 15, 2019
I voluntarily received a copy of this ARC for review, but also willingly and gratefully! I started the "Break So Soft" series last January, full-bodied story, relatable (and unstable) characters, heartbreaking triggers and all, so reading the continuing story was a no-brainer. Bryan Gentry, the Big Bad from the first two novels has left a legacy of pain in his wake. This time, it's Miranda, his ex-girlfriend, and Dylan, a potential business associate, whom are in need of healing. Dylan has shut himself off from any kind of intimate relationships because of a recent encounter and a deep rooted fear of becoming like his father. The shut-off part, or the Beast, as he calls it, is the part that Miranda wants to see more of, for her own reasons. Their unusual yet passionate relationship had me cheering, crying and throwing furniture for them to find their way back from their dark chapters...and THEN, like a gut-punch, the true beast was revealed.
The "Hurt" continues in this painful, yet masterful "So Good" story; breathe deep, keep tissues close by and read on!
The "Hurt" continues in this painful, yet masterful "So Good" story; breathe deep, keep tissues close by and read on!
January 18, 2019
Alright, so this is book three in the Break So Soft series. This book is a standalone where the first two books are not. This book is a much different read then the first two books in that this one very much crosses the 'Dark and Twisty' line. If this is not your thing then heed the warnings and then decide and do what is best for you. However, if you are willing to take the chance and proceed with this book, you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story of how two people reach their HEA but is one heck of a ride to get from Point A to Point B. Both Miranda and Dylan have mixed thoughts and feelings on what they each like sexually, whether it is to do to others or to be done to them and of course, the feelings afterwards. It is interesting how as a person you can go after what you want but the guilt the sinks in afterwards as you see it from an outside perspective. I have only read this series thus far from this author and have loved each one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2019
Every time I read one of Stasia Black's books it becomes my new favorite. They are all so good. This one, however, was even better. The characters were complex and relatable, their damage dovetailed in a way that was both romantic and a little sad. The thing I liked most about the story was the complete lack of false drama. You know when a character could solve a huge problem if they would only just open up and tell another character but they don't and you can't figure out any reason besides the writer's convenience? Well, there's none of that here and it's very satisfying. Oh, the lovers have secrets and hold things back, but when push comes to shove they turn out to be smart. I love the way the drama plays out. There were a few times I had to jump up and cheer or gasp in shock at some unexpected turn. (Yes, my boyfriend looks at me funny, but hey.)
And the sex scenes are nothing short of masterfully written. Stasia Black is a talent to be reckoned with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And the sex scenes are nothing short of masterfully written. Stasia Black is a talent to be reckoned with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2019
Trigger warning is not a lie...
But this book is worth reading if you can push yourself to read it. I read Callie and Jackson's books in their original release so I knew exactly what to expect from this book. Which is also why it's taken me so long to actually read it. This is not and easy book to admit enjoying. Yes, yes the characters are amazing and their struggles and love story hits you right in the feels, but reading about the non-con/reluctance sexual kink is hard. Especially when you know there are beautiful, amazing survivor's out there for whom this book would be a nightmare. It's guilt for enjoying a brutal little package wrapped around what is actually a deeply satisfying love story.
But honestly the horrible things I want to do to the men who jumped on the Gentry bandwagon... Those are the real monsters, both in these tales and in real life. It just absolutely shreds my heart.
A book not for the faint of heart, but worth it. And for those who haven't read the other books, believe that Gentry got karma-smacked but good.
But this book is worth reading if you can push yourself to read it. I read Callie and Jackson's books in their original release so I knew exactly what to expect from this book. Which is also why it's taken me so long to actually read it. This is not and easy book to admit enjoying. Yes, yes the characters are amazing and their struggles and love story hits you right in the feels, but reading about the non-con/reluctance sexual kink is hard. Especially when you know there are beautiful, amazing survivor's out there for whom this book would be a nightmare. It's guilt for enjoying a brutal little package wrapped around what is actually a deeply satisfying love story.
But honestly the horrible things I want to do to the men who jumped on the Gentry bandwagon... Those are the real monsters, both in these tales and in real life. It just absolutely shreds my heart.
A book not for the faint of heart, but worth it. And for those who haven't read the other books, believe that Gentry got karma-smacked but good.
July 4, 2019
Good read
Another good book in this series, it can be read as a stand alone but you understand better if you have read the first two books in the series. Both Miranda and Dylan are victims of Bryce Gentry and both have been left with serious issues in Dylan's case it is also growing up in a household where his father was abusive to his mother and treated women badly. Dylan is afraid that he will become his father a monster and because of his sexual preferences believes it. Miranda is a sub forced into very bad situations by Bryce and was effectively gang raped and abused she now requires rough sex and being abused by her lover. The two meet and are perfect for each other she ends his six years of no sex. Growing up he tried to protect his younger siblings but his sister was abused he believed by his father but it turns out it was not. There are a number of twists and turns and surprised in this book which amps up the readers enjoyment. A good book if you can tolerate the dark side of sex.
Another good book in this series, it can be read as a stand alone but you understand better if you have read the first two books in the series. Both Miranda and Dylan are victims of Bryce Gentry and both have been left with serious issues in Dylan's case it is also growing up in a household where his father was abusive to his mother and treated women badly. Dylan is afraid that he will become his father a monster and because of his sexual preferences believes it. Miranda is a sub forced into very bad situations by Bryce and was effectively gang raped and abused she now requires rough sex and being abused by her lover. The two meet and are perfect for each other she ends his six years of no sex. Growing up he tried to protect his younger siblings but his sister was abused he believed by his father but it turns out it was not. There are a number of twists and turns and surprised in this book which amps up the readers enjoyment. A good book if you can tolerate the dark side of sex.
January 8, 2019
Excellent dark romance.
This is a great story and has some very heartwarming broken lead characters. Miranda is just trying to get her love life and mental health back on track. She refuses to let her past win and decides to go after what she needs and wants, which is a man like Dylan. Dylan has been in self imposed celibacy since being a part of a bad situation several years ago. When these two get close there's definitely an attraction and the feeling of like minded souls. Miranda pushes and Dylan tries to fight it, but when they come together it's hot AF. There are things from their pasts and people in the present that want to keep these two apart. Grab this wonderfully written, sexy, dark romance and find out what happens when the wolf in sheep's clothing is finally revealed. Definitely a must read!!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story and has some very heartwarming broken lead characters. Miranda is just trying to get her love life and mental health back on track. She refuses to let her past win and decides to go after what she needs and wants, which is a man like Dylan. Dylan has been in self imposed celibacy since being a part of a bad situation several years ago. When these two get close there's definitely an attraction and the feeling of like minded souls. Miranda pushes and Dylan tries to fight it, but when they come together it's hot AF. There are things from their pasts and people in the present that want to keep these two apart. Grab this wonderfully written, sexy, dark romance and find out what happens when the wolf in sheep's clothing is finally revealed. Definitely a must read!!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2019
Hurt So Good to me was an ok read. It was different. All the people in this book needed some serious help. Sex does not solve problems. Having being raped for a whole night by different men was horrible. How could you want sex after that? I'm not sure anyone who has been raped would continue seeking forms of pain for the rest of their life. If you saw your dad being abusive towards your mother and raping her, wouldn't you try to be different and not act out fantasies about something so painful and disgusting. What happened to the sister was so awful. I am glad her brother got her away from that house of horrors. The evil brother was a sick maniplutive monster. He was horrible. I don't think Dylan should have done what he done to him at the end. He needed to have hurt and suffered like the sister and all the other women he hurt. I did not like the elipouge. Acting out her fantasies with pain was sick to me. So glad this was fiction.
January 15, 2019
All that's best of dark and brutal
I thank the author for the ARC of Hurt So Good. This review is voluntary, independent and uncompensated. If you've read Stasia Black before, you're gonna be blown away by this book. If you've never read her, then pay attention: THIS BOOK IS INSANELY DARK AND BRUTALLY KINKY. LINES ARE CROSSED. CRIMES ARE COMMITTED. Ms. Black's world of Silicon Valley tech companies is once again the setting for a romance so twisted you won't believe it could end in HEA - but it does. That's the writer's genius: she creates highly flawed but fully developed characters that you ought to hate, but because they are so fully realized, they come across as very human, seriously damaged, and yet so likable that you can't help but empathize with their pain and hope for their redemption. I couldn't put the book down no matter how much I cringed or cried; I loved every twisted minute right up to the stunning, and surprisingly sunny, ending.
I thank the author for the ARC of Hurt So Good. This review is voluntary, independent and uncompensated. If you've read Stasia Black before, you're gonna be blown away by this book. If you've never read her, then pay attention: THIS BOOK IS INSANELY DARK AND BRUTALLY KINKY. LINES ARE CROSSED. CRIMES ARE COMMITTED. Ms. Black's world of Silicon Valley tech companies is once again the setting for a romance so twisted you won't believe it could end in HEA - but it does. That's the writer's genius: she creates highly flawed but fully developed characters that you ought to hate, but because they are so fully realized, they come across as very human, seriously damaged, and yet so likable that you can't help but empathize with their pain and hope for their redemption. I couldn't put the book down no matter how much I cringed or cried; I loved every twisted minute right up to the stunning, and surprisingly sunny, ending.
January 16, 2019
Five wonderfully dark stars - amazingly raw!
Stories like this one strengthen my love and cravings for dark, raw and passionate romantic novels. Both hero and heroine so broken by their past, by the people they thought they loved, by people who they were trying to protect and by people they needed protection from. Traumas that doesn't want to let go. Is there even space for love in their shattered hearts? Are they willing to be vulnerable enough to let all pain go and allow each other to put the broken pieces back in place? "I could be your safe place" Could they be for each other the safe places they so much need?
I loved every single page of their story. The darkness, the pain, the electricity and chemistry between these two just seeping out of the pages, the true and raw emotions. I read it in one sitting, I wasn't able to let go. I needed to know what was next. And the last scene..., oh boy! I couldn't picture the better one! Amazing read!
Stories like this one strengthen my love and cravings for dark, raw and passionate romantic novels. Both hero and heroine so broken by their past, by the people they thought they loved, by people who they were trying to protect and by people they needed protection from. Traumas that doesn't want to let go. Is there even space for love in their shattered hearts? Are they willing to be vulnerable enough to let all pain go and allow each other to put the broken pieces back in place? "I could be your safe place" Could they be for each other the safe places they so much need?
I loved every single page of their story. The darkness, the pain, the electricity and chemistry between these two just seeping out of the pages, the true and raw emotions. I read it in one sitting, I wasn't able to let go. I needed to know what was next. And the last scene..., oh boy! I couldn't picture the better one! Amazing read!
January 23, 2019
A ‘dark-needs’ romance
You must heed the author’s warning about content, but if you have read and loved other books by this author then you have to download and read this. This is another incredibly awesome book. It is so well written with Stasia Black pulling you through this compulsive page turner. You are not going to be able to put this down.
This is part of a series but you can read this as a stand-alone. You trust that there is a HEA, but there are times you doubt that the author can bring that about - but have faith, it will happen.
This is hardly a spoiler when this is ripped directly from the blurb but it summed this so well - “Though he hates himself for the things he wants to do to me, when he unleashes his beast and takes me in the darkest, most depraved and forbidden of fantasies, it's the only time I feel truly free.“
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You must heed the author’s warning about content, but if you have read and loved other books by this author then you have to download and read this. This is another incredibly awesome book. It is so well written with Stasia Black pulling you through this compulsive page turner. You are not going to be able to put this down.
This is part of a series but you can read this as a stand-alone. You trust that there is a HEA, but there are times you doubt that the author can bring that about - but have faith, it will happen.
This is hardly a spoiler when this is ripped directly from the blurb but it summed this so well - “Though he hates himself for the things he wants to do to me, when he unleashes his beast and takes me in the darkest, most depraved and forbidden of fantasies, it's the only time I feel truly free.“
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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