They may not have used the ‘f’ word, but it didn’t matter. She knew she was too fat. Khloe finally has it all — good friends, a successful acting career, a Dom who loves her, and a bright future ahead of her. Despite that, old insecurities flare after she is turned down for a coveted role. Khloe quickly falls back into old habits that lead down a dark and dangerous path. If she hurries, she can achieve her goal weight by the time anyone finds out. Because stopping is always the easy part, right? Black Light: Purged is a short story set in the Black Light world. It gives a candid glimpse into the life of a woman who struggles with eating disorders. For this reason, it could be a trigger for some readers.
USA Today bestselling author Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and furry rescue dog named Max. She is fortunate to have been able to travel extensively and as much as she loves to visit places around the globe, the Midwest and its changing seasons will always be home. Livia's readers appreciate her riveting stories filled with deep, character driven plots, often spiced with elements of BDSM.
The emotions this brought out were heartbreaking! I'm a huge fan of the Black Light series and this is a short story with Ryder and Khloe! Her eating disorder is gut wrenching to follow but Ryder is determined to help his lover and submissive with this! When Khloe starts down that purging road again, will Ryder be able to save her? And will she finally realize the destructive road she is on? Powerful....Emotional.. This may have some triggers for some so beware.
Ryder and Khloe are a couple who have appeared in several books from the Blacklight series. This is the gut punching story of a heroine with an eating disorder and was, at times, quite a difficult though very worthwhile read. I felt there was enough back story that, if this is a new to you couple, you would still have an understanding of them and their relationship.
The book is written third person but from Khloe's perspective and mainly centres on her, we don't really meet Ryder until near the end. It's not really a romance as such, since this pair are already a couple, but you do get to see how much they care for one another and how strong their relationship is. I did feel as though Khloe came across as quite bitchy at times, which is totally out of character for her and an indication of her mental struggles.
The story felt very well researched and some of the 'tricks' she used, or had employed in the past, really brought home her issues and struggles. She was so manipulative and so one tracked in her thinking.
The author writes with a really easy to read and follow style of writing. It draws you into the story and holds you spellbound. I highly recommend this if you've read any of the other stories with Khloe and Ryder.
We like to think that we have mastery over ourselves, our minds, our bodies. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, despite our best intentions there’s something, in the wiring, in the chemistry, heck in the way we’ve trained our bodies and emotions to react to stimulus. There’s just something that throws the system out of whack, and progress made to be better, healthier, our best selves, is set back a pace or two. Khloe faces that situation. And her story reminds us that, whether we realize it or not, when we’re loved, there are people that will pick us back up and pull us back from the brink. Even when we don’t ask for help. Even when we’re actively refusing that help. That’s what the people who love us do. They love us for who we are, not in spite of it. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this story from the author.
I actually shouldn't be surprised since I had a lot of trepidation regarding how Ms. Grant would handle eating disorders here, given her completely ill-advised treatment for them in Rescued. You CANNOT Dom a disorder; and Ms. Grant's saying you can is a slap in the face to all who have this illness. Ryder approaches this from the entirely wrong angle by controlling Khloe, dictating what she can and cannot eat and how much ("Ryder had turned over the reins of tracking her daily calorie intake to Trevor when he was out of town"), treating her like a criminal when she has an episode, and punishing her ("Consider it part of your punishment"). He's supposed to be in love with her, but when he finds out that she's purged, he gets angry and nearly injures her ("he roughly grabbed the oversized T-shirt she had on, dragging it over her head to expose her back as he yanked it away so hard she lost her balance and almost banged her head against the shower floor"). He keeps insisting that there's no "reason" for doing what Khloe does -- not understanding, again, that that's the wrong approach to take.
On top of all this, he can't even bother to get her therapy...
What makes this story worse than the couple's first book is that this was included in an anthology -- Just Breathe -- that was supposed to raise money for an organization that helps people with these kind of illnesses. If ANYONE attached to that non-profit believes that this story and Jennifer Bene's Crazy Broken Love -- in which the H thinks it's a good idea to rape the h -- are the correct ways to approach mental illness, than they should be ashamed of themselves.
It's one thing to write kinky fantasy; it's another to present the relationship dynamic depicted here and Ryder's actions as the "right" way to approach this illness.
"He released the grip on her hair to tap his pointer finger against her temple. 'Until you get it straight up here, I'm just bailing water here.'"
.... Not quite sure how to start this review as any words that I can think of seem inadequate. Livia Grant brings us the continuing saga of Khloe, Ryder, and Khloe's struggle with an eating disorder.
Khloe is an actress who struggles with an eating disorder. She is turned down for a role she wants and is convinced that it has to do with her weight. She finds herself sinking back into old mindsets and tendencies. Ryder, her Dom, is gone on business and not right there to help correct her behavior and thought process. Will Khloe be able to confront her disease and win this battle?
Livia Grant does an unbelievable job of displaying the true grittiness of an eating disorder. The fear, anxiety, and self deprecation that Khloe goes through is tangible to us as readers. I do wish there had been a bit more sexy time in the book but I understand that it is a short story. I like how we get to experience from beginning to end what I will call an episode of someone who has an eating disorder. One of my favorite moments in this book is when Ryder demonstrates how much he cares for Khloe by telling her exactly what lengths he has gone to to understand her and her eating disorder. "I did my research, Khloe. I knew your eating disorder wasn't just a small thing in your past. I educated myself on tricks you might try, like food markers. I worry you'll always be just on trigger event away from falling backwards, but I promise you, I'm always going to be there to catch you, Princess." This is an intense and arresting story! LOVE!
I first read this story when it was originally part of the Just Breathe anthology, and it was one of my favorites. I think that was partially because it gave me insight into a disorder that has been portrayed and spoken about in the media on various occasions, but was not one which I had much in the way of intimate knowledge of. Khloe is a driven young woman, and when circumstances pitch her a setback, she decides her only recourse is to ‘correct’ the issue by falling back into a terrible pattern, one that she has only recently began dealing with in a healthy manner. How the author gave us insight into the mind of someone who rationalizes and justifies this kind of self-destructive behavior was without doubt the strongest part of this story. Not only was it fascinating to get that peek into Khloe’s mind, but it was gut wrenching to see someone look firmly past the destructiveness of what they were doing only because they felt the ends justified the means, when that clearly wasn’t the case. As a reader I also could very much relate to the feelings of Ryder (Khloe’s Dom) perhaps even more than I did to Khloe herself, especially when it came to his feelings of anger and frustration at seeing what she was doing to herself. That is what I would posit is an almost universal feeling, and the way Ryder was portrayed as he dealt with Khloe’s slipping—not perfect, but never without her best interest at heart—was equal parts heart-rending and romantic.
Short though this story is, I recommend it not only for the touching story between Khloe and Ryder, but also for the insight into the mind of how someone who suffers from an ‘eating disorder’ can validate to themselves actions which are terribly harmful.
This story deserves all the stars in the galaxy for how well Livia Grant deals with Khloe's issues.
Khloe is a movie star, and she puts a lot of stress on herself. She wants to be the best, and part of the pressure she puts on herself is about her weight. She's dealt with eating disorders in the past, and she's in recovery. But when she doesn't get a role that she wants, she figures that it's because she's too fat, and she is spiraling out of control.
While Khloe does have a Dom and partner who loves her, the primary focus of the story is with Khloe. Ryder isn't present for part of it, but her friend and bodyguard is.
It's really interesting to see inside her head and to see how her mental illness gets a grip on her and controls and colors all of her interactions and behaviors. Livia Grant doesn't do anything to glorify eating disorders, but I think she really portrays it in a human, real, and vulnerable way. Mental illness is such a taboo subject, most people don't want to admit that they have an MI, but stories like this can make it easier for other people who are also struggling.
This is a short story that has characters you will completely fall in love with. This is only the beginning of the romance between Khloe and Ryder. It is actually more of an introduction to them, and Ryder is more of a peripheral character, so the story focuses on Khloe. The story takes place before Black Light: Rescued, and if you haven't read that one yet you will be desperate to get your hands on it after you finish this one. Khloe has a lot of demons and fears, and the way she copes with her insicurities broke my heart. The descriptions used to describe her eating disorder added to the real feel of the story, and was a beautiful representation of the horror eating disorders are. Like I said before, if you haven't read BL Rescued then this will be a wonderful introduction to these two. And if you have, this one gives you more of an understanding for who these two incredible characters are. I highly recommend it.
Livia Grant never fails to deliver as she tackles many sensitive and controversial subjects.With this story,the title fitted the plot.She portrays Khloe's need for control head on and with realism.I felt Khloe's dread after she spirals out of control and converted back to old habits after missing out on a role she so desperately wanted.With Ryder out of town,she misses his calming presence.Loathing and guilt hung over her head like a dark cloud,she was on a slippery slope as she reverted back to her dangerous ways.Her plan had worked for her in the past but with Ryder's return came the dominance and love to keep her grounded. Livia Grant's portrayal of how someone with a eating disorder thinks was confronting but accurate.I felt Khloe's dread as she was overwhelmed with emotions and anger.A mental health issue is not a subject many authors would take on but Livia Grant nailed it with honesty and sensitivity. A excellent addition to the series.
If you're familiar with the Black Light Series then you know that when we met Khloe she had body weight issues revolving around her career in Hollywood. When she met Ryder he finally got through to her that what she was doing was unhealthy and that she wasn't fat at all. In this short we see Khloe struggling with her demons because Ryder is away on business and she really wants a part in a film that would not be good for her recovery. What will she choose? Trevor is not going to watch her selfdestruct and not do anything about it either but can you save someone from themself. This is a very important issue and was written very well. The struggles with eating disorders are real and do serious damage. This is an issue that all women struggle with some just take it to an extreme level. You really need to read this book and see what happens with Khloe. I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
Purged, had to read this story, Ryder and Khloe are two of my favorites from her Black LIght series and I wasn't disappointed. Some of it was dark, was emotional, made me cry for her and for him, first time I ever saw him almost out of control!! This one really hit home, the details, the emotions...….all were spot on. Just shows that no matter how "perfect" somebody's life looks like from the outside, we all have issues, we all need support........doesn't matter if you are rich, poor or just somewhere in the middle! Think this is why I love these stories, you can escape from reality but still have that hope in the back of your mind, just a thought I had! But really, perfect addition, think these two will be a continuing favorite of mine!
Chloe and Ryder! They were among my favorite couples from the first Blacklight anthology, and here they are again with a frighteningly real snippet of Chloe's addiction. When she does not get the coveted lead in a movie, all she hears is, it's because she's too fat. With alarming speed she concentrates on that fact alone, fading out all attempts of help. She even ignores Ryder's phone calls. Her only aim is to purge, to rid herself of all that perceived ballast. While she is able to fool Trevor, her friend and bodyguard to some extent, it takes the love and steady hand of Ryder to help her stop the downward spiral. This is a tiny peek into the nightmare of an addiction. Told with chilling accuracy and insight.
There are times when I read a novella and I am left wanting, full of questions. This is NOT one of those times.
The focus of this tale was Khloe's eating disorder. The writing took you through a myriad of emotions, and underlying that was an unexpected intensity.
You felt Khloe start to spiral, her fear, her panic. You felt Trevor's frustration and anger. And when her Dom, Ryder, appeared, you felt his pain, fear, anger, and frustration. Like I mentioned earlier....Intense.
It was a very fast read, but it never felt like it wasn't enough of a read. I will be going back to read Ryder and Khloe's story, ' Black Light: Rescued.
I voluntarily read the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is the perfect title for this book. There is no other title that would explain what Khloe had face to be whole. This book really reminded me that their are directors that care and are willing to do everything to make sure a actor/ actress survive their roles. Above all I loved how Ryder allowed Khloe to see her self for the first time and let her come to realization on her own. This is short story, but very powerful. I really applaud Livia for acing this challenge and would recommend all actors/ actress/ models to read this book just so that they know it’s not all about partying, glimmer, glamour and being the best. It take work and having a strong team that will fight for you when you can’t.
This is a short story in the excellent Black Light series, involving two characters who appear in earlier books. Khloe is a well known actress who has suffered from an eating disorder, but with the help and support of Ryder has acknowledged her illness and managed to move forward. Whilst Ryder is away Khloe is devastated to hear that a part she wanted in an upcoming film has gone to another actress, one of a lesser build, and she feels that if she could shed weight rapidly she could get the part. This is a well written short story, highlighting the emotions and thoughts of someone trying to live with an eating disorder whilst the person who loves and supports her is not around. A very well written, descriptive and emotional read.
I live for all things Black Light. This novella was no exception. Khloe and Ryder are two of my favorite characters from that series so to have any bonus words was just that a bonus. This author packed a lot of information into a tiny novella. I loved it and loved seeing the struggle that Khloe has with a debilitating disorder. I knew someone that had this same disorder and it was heartbreaking. The author covers it delicately but at the same time not sugar coating it.
I just wish that this was longer and that it could have fleshed out more. Perhaps, that is my greed showing because I want all the words from the authors of this amazing series. Regardless, still very well done.
If you or someone you love has ever had an eating disorder, then Livia Grant’s “Purged” is a story that will hit close to home for you. Ms. Grant has amazing skills in drawing readers into her stories and making us feel what the characters feel. Readers of the Black Light series will be familiar with Ryder and Khloe so I will readily admit to already having a soft spot for Khloe. But with this story, wow, Ms. Grant gives us a very intimate perspective on Khloe’s thought processes and emotions as she strives to get into character for an unattainable role. While not your typical suspense-type story, “Purged” will have you on the edge of your seat.
Sensitive, emotional, and romantic. I read this as part of the Just Breathe anthology, and was overcome with all the emotions engendered by this sensitive issue. The author should be applauded for how it was handled within the context of the story which at its heart is a love story. Each character had to deal with the demons of the disease, and it will take a strong relationship that refuses to let go in spite of the inevitable self-sabotaging behavior. The depth of emotion and love oozed off the pages and made this entry to the Black Light family one that melted my heart and stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
This book is a heartrending reminder of the hold that eating disorders have on their sufferers. Finally in a good place in her health, relationship, and career, Khloe's fears and the disorder take over again when she reacts to a rejection from panic. This book is primarily about Khloe and from her perspective, and the strategies she uses are painful to watch. At the same time, you're left with a distinct feeling of pity for her ass because that is going to pay, if only to remind her of Ryder's love and her own worth. If this is your first encounter with Ryder and Khloe, consider going back to read the other books that feature them; it will be worth your while.
If you remember the Black Light stories, you already know about Khloe and her belief that she needs to be thin to get these roles in her celebrity world. But Ryder she’s nothing wrong with her. She has had an eating disorder for a while and Ryder is determined to have it stop. Trevor, her body guard will do what he can to help.
Let me start by saying, this disease and that is what it is, has caused so many deaths. So many believe that they are too fat when they are fine or are borderline. About 50% of the people have been anorexic and 4% are bulimic. So many young people want that mirror image of “model thin.” But not everyone is genetically built that way. Yes, this story is fiction but the plight of the disease is real. Khloe has struggled and sees this as a way to win roles to keep her celebrity status. But Trevor and Ryder see it being a slow death for her if she doesn’t take control. No role is worth tearing your body apart over and over again. It’s hard not to cry. My heart broke for her and the struggle. Thank GOD she has the love of a good man and friends that love her.
Merged review:
If you remember the Black Light stories, you already know about Khloe and her belief that she needs to be thin to get these roles in her celebrity world. But Ryder she’s nothing wrong with her. She has had an eating disorder for a while and Ryder is determined to have it stop. Trevor, her body guard will do what he can to help.
Let me start by saying, this disease and that is what it is, has caused so many deaths. So many believe that they are too fat when they are fine or are borderline. About 50% of the people have been anorexic and 4% are bulimic. So many young people want that mirror image of “model thin.” But not everyone is genetically built that way. Yes, this story is fiction but the plight of the disease is real. Khloe has struggled and sees this as a way to win roles to keep her celebrity status. But Trevor and Ryder see it being a slow death for her if she doesn’t take control. No role is worth tearing your body apart over and over again. It’s hard not to cry. My heart broke for her and the struggle. Thank GOD she has the love of a good man and friends that love her.
Many women struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem that is intricately tied to their body image. Purged by Livia Grant is heartbreakingly intense. It relates the insecurity of an actress, and the lengths she is willing apply in order to achieve her “ideal” body weight. Livia Grant does an excellent job of portraying the pain and self-destruction this woman faces during her ordeal and the beautiful people who help her win. In my opinion this is an issue rampant in today’s society. I wish there were some magic cure that would allow each person to see their true value. Thank you, Livia, for such a soul-shattering story.
A very short book featuring my sexy Ryder and his submissive Chloe. I loved them in the Roulette when they met and adored their stand alone “Rescued” so I was really looking forward to this new book. It was wonderful but just way, way too short. It’s like getting one piece of candy from a box, delicious but in no way near enough. In some ways it was a torture (which I’m sure Ryder would love to hear! 😉) to get this little taste and be left longing and unsatisfied. I can’t say don’t read it as personally I’m grateful for any chance to spend time with my sexy Ryder. Just be warned, it will definitely leave you aching for more!
A novella in the Black Light series and it features Khloe. If you are familiar with the Black lIght world then you will know that Khloe struggles with an eating disorder. And while she is doing better, it is already there just under to survive ready to rear its ugly head. This story shows that every day is a struggle and that Khloe fights every minute of the day.
It is a very intense, emotional and heartbreaking story. Livia Grant does a great job getting into Khloe’s head and telling the reader what is going on in her mind.
Purged written by one of my one-click authors, Livia Grant is a wonderful story. Khloe and Ryder are part of her Black Light world. Kylie's eating disorder is discussed in depth in this short story. The authenticity and realism of how Khloe viewed food and her own body was heartbreaking at times. I loved that she had a lover and friends in her life that were there for her with her struggle. It made me want to read the next chapter in Khloe and Ryder's life. I read this book as part of the Just Breathe collection.
A short story featuring Khloe and Ryder from the Black Light series, but able to read as a stand alone. This is an intense and emotional read and Livia Grant tackles the sensitive subject of eating disorders and does so brilliantly. Heart wrenching at times as Khloe struggles with her own self worth despite having many blessings in her life. Luckily Ryder is back to save the day as he takes command of the situation. Trevor her bodyguard/friend also features, hopefully more on him another time! Recommended.
*This book will talk heavily about eating disorders and mental illness*
Getting to read about Khloe, Ryder and Trevor again was great! This was a heavy subject and it's short, but totally worth it.
Khloe gets turned down for a role while Ryder is away on business and it hits her hard. She has Trevor to support her but missing Ryder like she does, it only makes things worse.
We get to see and feel everything that Khloe feels. Her disappointment, her self doubt, her guilt and so much more. But she's also reminded about who truly loves her.
This short read is a standalone story featuring Ryder & Khloe from the BlackLight series. Don't worry if you haven't read them - as I said it is standalone. Khloe is a Hollywood actress who met Ryder while he was in charge of her security. Khloe, unfortunately like a lot of people, suffers from anorexia, & probably body dysmorphia. This story is full of emotion, particularly from Khloe's point of view & quite possibly not be overly pleasant reading during some sections, but it is a fantastic read that puts you in the mind of someone struggling with these issues.
Not my average bedtime read. The story was okay, well written even. But, not for pleasant dreams. Definitely a trigger type of book. I went in thinking, "Oh, I don't have an eating disorder. No problem." However, this can trigger other disorders too. That kind of surprised me even. But, really, why should it. The various mental disorders are different manifestations of many of the basic same triggers.
If you are looking for the usual Black Light experience, you won't find it here. However, you will find love and understanding. Still worth the read.
I first read this story in the Just Breathe Anthology previously and enjoyed reading it again as a single. It's short, intense, and very powerful. Khloe still believes that she is not perfect, and Ryder needs to convince her that she is. She tries every trick in the book to get away with her obsession, but he catches on and proves how much he loves her the way she is. I loved this couple and have enjoyed their journey from the beginning. I highly recommend Ms. Grant as an author.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
when i first read this novella in the Just Breathe Anthology, i was blown away with the courage livia grant had, to bring to light a serious eating disorder that tends to get pushed into the background...that is looked down upon or shamed. i loved how we got an intimate look back into the life of Khloe and Ryder from the Black Light world. Livia Grant really shows us the daily struggle a person and their loved ones go through with an eating disorder! it was so well written...bringing the reader into what is going on in their heads.