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Condemned #1-3
Condemned: Books 1-3
I was fifteen when I sent the love of my life to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Back then Rafe was my brother's best friend and off-limits, but that didn't stop me from drooling over him. I've never forgotten the guy whose green eyes made me weak in the knees. Rafe hasn't forgotten me either. Eight years later, I find him on my doorstep with revenge on the mind.
The twisted part of this story?
I still want him, even though he's holding me captive on an island. He says I've got eight years of misery to atone for, and every move he makes is designed to shame and punish. Instead, his touch lights us both on fire.
But the lie I told years ago is ricocheting. Neither of us saw it coming. The violence, death, and betrayal that leave us in ruins. Redemption seems impossible because we can't undo what's been done. I belong to him as much as he belongs to me, and we'll fight for each other or go down in flames trying.
Includes: Torrent, Rampant, and Fervent.
NOTE TO READERS: Intended for mature readers who enjoy a dark contemporary romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Not for the faint of heart. You've been warned. Boxed set 1 of 2.
The twisted part of this story?
I still want him, even though he's holding me captive on an island. He says I've got eight years of misery to atone for, and every move he makes is designed to shame and punish. Instead, his touch lights us both on fire.
But the lie I told years ago is ricocheting. Neither of us saw it coming. The violence, death, and betrayal that leave us in ruins. Redemption seems impossible because we can't undo what's been done. I belong to him as much as he belongs to me, and we'll fight for each other or go down in flames trying.
Includes: Torrent, Rampant, and Fervent.
NOTE TO READERS: Intended for mature readers who enjoy a dark contemporary romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Not for the faint of heart. You've been warned. Boxed set 1 of 2.
640 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
524 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Gemma James
60 books2,574 followersGemma James is a USA Today bestselling author of sexy contemporary and dark romance. She loves to explore the darker side of human nature in her fiction, and she’s morbidly curious about anything dark and edgy, from deviant seduction to fascinating villains. Readers have described her stories as being “not for the faint of heart.”
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Want to read
July 26, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/11/2019)! 🎁
September 2, 2019
Ok
Ok here goes, the first book I couldn't put down.The second and third book pissed me off royaly. I suspected the so called heroine was a little weak, but come on even the hero got on my nerves with his self pitying. I read the first 3 books I gave 3 stars because I really liked the first book.
Ok here goes, the first book I couldn't put down.The second and third book pissed me off royaly. I suspected the so called heroine was a little weak, but come on even the hero got on my nerves with his self pitying. I read the first 3 books I gave 3 stars because I really liked the first book.
November 29, 2021
The f did I just read?
Trigger warnings: self-harm, suicide, rape, sexual assault, incest and coercion
Dude there is broken and then there is this. This is everything sick and twisted. If you didn't have triggers before reading this then surprise you do now.
Trigger warnings: self-harm, suicide, rape, sexual assault, incest and coercion
Dude there is broken and then there is this. This is everything sick and twisted. If you didn't have triggers before reading this then surprise you do now.
May 1, 2024
This will tear your guts out
Holy shit. This is an epic story of betrayals so monstrous it is hard to comprehend. While the story is extremely well written and I hope that Alex & Rafe make it through in end, I can't stomach anymore.
Holy shit. This is an epic story of betrayals so monstrous it is hard to comprehend. While the story is extremely well written and I hope that Alex & Rafe make it through in end, I can't stomach anymore.
October 26, 2020
Here's my review of each of these books:
TORRENT
**update** I decided to re-read this book before I read the others. Why? Because having read so many books after reading this I wanted it to be fresh in my mind. But blimey I engulfed this book. What an ending!! So looking forward to reading book 2.
Wow!!Why have I not read this authors books before. This book was absolutely brilliant. I read this book in one sitting. I seriously couldn't put it down or read it fast enough. My stomach was in bits reading this. This book will take you on a really dark and emotional rollercoster.
Be aware this is part of a series so there is a whopper of a cliffhanger. Hope we don't have to wait too long for more. I'm going to go look at this authors other books as this was fantastic.
**this is a new adult dark romance. This book includes disturbing themes and explicit content that includes sexual situations and violence.
RAMPANT
Oh wow this story totally pulled me apart. Although I enjoyed ( not sure enjoy is the correct word for this kinda story) this book I wasn't as shocked as I was with book one. Don't get me wrong. This book had all the omg, holy moly responses as book one. I think by book two I had realised this authors mind was corrupted and she had set out to corrupt my mind too.
What an ending. I'd be screaming at my kindle except I've already got the next book sitting waiting for me.
If your looking for a dark read get reading this series while I jump into book three.
FERVENT
In two days I've sat and read these three books ending with Fervent. I couldn't resist re-reading book one as this is a fantastic series.
Ok so im not gonna tell you anything about the storyline just in case you haven't read any of these books. Let me just say these are brilliant dark reads. There are so many twists you won't know what way to look.
I read this book in two hours. Yes I inhaled every word of it.
Cliffhangers. Yes I hate them. I thought I was on a roll as each book ended in a cliffhanger I jumped right into the next book, not realising that there is a book four. Face palm!! I need Vagrant now... Pretty please.
Brilliant series. So looking forward to book four.
TORRENT
**update** I decided to re-read this book before I read the others. Why? Because having read so many books after reading this I wanted it to be fresh in my mind. But blimey I engulfed this book. What an ending!! So looking forward to reading book 2.
Wow!!Why have I not read this authors books before. This book was absolutely brilliant. I read this book in one sitting. I seriously couldn't put it down or read it fast enough. My stomach was in bits reading this. This book will take you on a really dark and emotional rollercoster.
Be aware this is part of a series so there is a whopper of a cliffhanger. Hope we don't have to wait too long for more. I'm going to go look at this authors other books as this was fantastic.
**this is a new adult dark romance. This book includes disturbing themes and explicit content that includes sexual situations and violence.
RAMPANT
Oh wow this story totally pulled me apart. Although I enjoyed ( not sure enjoy is the correct word for this kinda story) this book I wasn't as shocked as I was with book one. Don't get me wrong. This book had all the omg, holy moly responses as book one. I think by book two I had realised this authors mind was corrupted and she had set out to corrupt my mind too.
What an ending. I'd be screaming at my kindle except I've already got the next book sitting waiting for me.
If your looking for a dark read get reading this series while I jump into book three.
FERVENT
In two days I've sat and read these three books ending with Fervent. I couldn't resist re-reading book one as this is a fantastic series.
Ok so im not gonna tell you anything about the storyline just in case you haven't read any of these books. Let me just say these are brilliant dark reads. There are so many twists you won't know what way to look.
I read this book in two hours. Yes I inhaled every word of it.
Cliffhangers. Yes I hate them. I thought I was on a roll as each book ended in a cliffhanger I jumped right into the next book, not realising that there is a book four. Face palm!! I need Vagrant now... Pretty please.
Brilliant series. So looking forward to book four.
July 28, 2025
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✔️ Dark Romance
✔️ SA
✔️ Kidnapping
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Abuse
✔️ Twisted
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Brother’s Best Friend
✔️ Morally Grey MMC
⚠️ Check trigger warnings; this dark content is for +18 readers
Rafe spent 8 years in jail after Alex falsely accused him of assault. Now that he has his freedom, he is after the one thing he has been obsessing over for eight years: exacting his revenge on Alex. Alex has been living in hell for years. Enduring her step-brother Zach’s abuse, forced into an engagement with an older man and the guilt of sending the only boy she ever loved to prison.
The Condemned series is a dark and twisty ride, so check your triggers because there are many of them. I loved the twists and turns in the first three books in the series. I did not want to put this boxed set version down. My only criticism is that there was a bit too much spice for me. I wanted to skip ahead a few times in those scenes. This may be due to the amount of romance novels I read impacting this mood reader’s preference, but I did enjoy it enough to keep reading, and I will read the second box set. For these reasons, I am giving Condemned: Books 1-3 a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
✔️ Dark Romance
✔️ SA
✔️ Kidnapping
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Abuse
✔️ Twisted
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Brother’s Best Friend
✔️ Morally Grey MMC
⚠️ Check trigger warnings; this dark content is for +18 readers
Rafe spent 8 years in jail after Alex falsely accused him of assault. Now that he has his freedom, he is after the one thing he has been obsessing over for eight years: exacting his revenge on Alex. Alex has been living in hell for years. Enduring her step-brother Zach’s abuse, forced into an engagement with an older man and the guilt of sending the only boy she ever loved to prison.
The Condemned series is a dark and twisty ride, so check your triggers because there are many of them. I loved the twists and turns in the first three books in the series. I did not want to put this boxed set version down. My only criticism is that there was a bit too much spice for me. I wanted to skip ahead a few times in those scenes. This may be due to the amount of romance novels I read impacting this mood reader’s preference, but I did enjoy it enough to keep reading, and I will read the second box set. For these reasons, I am giving Condemned: Books 1-3 a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
December 19, 2025
Tw: mention of Rape, chained up, whipped, cane, kidnapped, drugged, forced into things, death, self harm, incest, sexual Assault, Abuse.
Some parts were a little hard to stomach even though I do have any triggers. This book will take you on a really dark and emotional rollercoster. If you’re looking for a dark read get reading this series.
Rafe spent 8 years in jail after Alex falsely accused him of Rapping her when it was actually her Step brother who’s obsessed with her. Now he has his freedom and is out for revenge against Alex. Alex has been living in hell for years, Enduring her step-brother Zach’s abuse, forced into an engagement with an older man and the guilt of sending the only boy she ever loved to prison.
There’s 3 books in this part but I’m not gonna go into detail because it’s a lot. This is a Dark Romance well more of a dark and twisty ride Romance. There was a lot of spice and I loved it but there was also plot, emotions, some development.
I was shocked at the cliffhanger. I will say it again if you’re not into the BDSM type things, kidnapping, chained up and f*cked and the FMC likes it only from the MMC (Rafe) then this series is not for you.
Some parts were a little hard to stomach even though I do have any triggers. This book will take you on a really dark and emotional rollercoster. If you’re looking for a dark read get reading this series.
Rafe spent 8 years in jail after Alex falsely accused him of Rapping her when it was actually her Step brother who’s obsessed with her. Now he has his freedom and is out for revenge against Alex. Alex has been living in hell for years, Enduring her step-brother Zach’s abuse, forced into an engagement with an older man and the guilt of sending the only boy she ever loved to prison.
There’s 3 books in this part but I’m not gonna go into detail because it’s a lot. This is a Dark Romance well more of a dark and twisty ride Romance. There was a lot of spice and I loved it but there was also plot, emotions, some development.
I was shocked at the cliffhanger. I will say it again if you’re not into the BDSM type things, kidnapping, chained up and f*cked and the FMC likes it only from the MMC (Rafe) then this series is not for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
I kinda gave up on this book at 80ish%
The mmc went to prison on false accusation charges. His best friends sister said he did it even though it was the best friend who committed the crime. Goes to prison for 8 years, kidnaps the sister when he gets out (newspaper say she’s dead). Then he finds out he has a kid by someone else he was with before prison. Best friend and sister are not actually blood related (step siblings) and he’s jealous that mmc and fmc have a thing. Idk what happened to the fmc mom or where he bio dad was.
Anyway, step bro reenters scene after mmc is released, nearly kills mmc and now he kidnaps the fmc. The mmc gets amnesia from near death experience. The fmc name was Alex and sometimes went by Lex. The mmc is Rafe.
Blah blah blah.
Just stop…. this is way too much. It became nonsense.
The mmc went to prison on false accusation charges. His best friends sister said he did it even though it was the best friend who committed the crime. Goes to prison for 8 years, kidnaps the sister when he gets out (newspaper say she’s dead). Then he finds out he has a kid by someone else he was with before prison. Best friend and sister are not actually blood related (step siblings) and he’s jealous that mmc and fmc have a thing. Idk what happened to the fmc mom or where he bio dad was.
Anyway, step bro reenters scene after mmc is released, nearly kills mmc and now he kidnaps the fmc. The mmc gets amnesia from near death experience. The fmc name was Alex and sometimes went by Lex. The mmc is Rafe.
Blah blah blah.
Just stop…. this is way too much. It became nonsense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
I have never written a review about a book before. Let me say, I DNF'ed this. I got to a part where the lady was 'mostly okay' and I had to stop for my own well being. This is one of those books that, in my opinion, give you secondary trauma.
If reading about truly terrible situations and enjoy it, this might be your kind. However, for me, I do like a darker themed book but this shot wayyyyy past that mark.
Trigger warnings: self-harm, suicide, rape, physical abuse, permanent marking, being drugged, sexual assault, incest and coercion
If reading about truly terrible situations and enjoy it, this might be your kind. However, for me, I do like a darker themed book but this shot wayyyyy past that mark.
Trigger warnings: self-harm, suicide, rape, physical abuse, permanent marking, being drugged, sexual assault, incest and coercion
May 12, 2021
Tough to Read
Full of drama, suspense and is definitely dark. Tough book to read, not sure if I liked it or not. Ends on a cliff hanger, don't think I'll be reading the next volume to find out what happens. Jury's out on this one.
Full of drama, suspense and is definitely dark. Tough book to read, not sure if I liked it or not. Ends on a cliff hanger, don't think I'll be reading the next volume to find out what happens. Jury's out on this one.
April 11, 2024
I find it a little difficult to review this book as I’m still processing my own feelings. There are a few, “OMG” moments followed by feelings of fear and dread. But the drive to read on is definitely there.
February 26, 2020
Dark and dangerous. Totally in love. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend to my dark romance friends.
January 1, 2025
Coming back to this one soft DNF for now
November 8, 2025
wow
Mind blown! Nice and dark just the way I like them. There’s lots of triggers so don’t read if that sets you off. If your a little weird like me you will love this series
Mind blown! Nice and dark just the way I like them. There’s lots of triggers so don’t read if that sets you off. If your a little weird like me you will love this series
February 29, 2020
Disappointed 😞
First part of the book was good, then about halfway I got totally lost 😕
Finally close to the end it started to make sense. This is a re-read, maybe
First part of the book was good, then about halfway I got totally lost 😕
Finally close to the end it started to make sense. This is a re-read, maybe
July 15, 2019
Omg this story!
It's been a major major ride. It was faced paced, action packed and so dark. It got darker and darker as we got further in. I'm looking forward to the last 3 books to see where the story goes now that I can see the light through the darkness
It's been a major major ride. It was faced paced, action packed and so dark. It got darker and darker as we got further in. I'm looking forward to the last 3 books to see where the story goes now that I can see the light through the darkness
July 28, 2019
Too predictable
Having read both one and two the plot is the same in all 6 books. The entire story could have been in two books but Gemma James wants to make lots of money so she drags it out. So sorry I spent £6 on Condemned 2. What a joke. Will not purchase her books again
Having read both one and two the plot is the same in all 6 books. The entire story could have been in two books but Gemma James wants to make lots of money so she drags it out. So sorry I spent £6 on Condemned 2. What a joke. Will not purchase her books again
July 16, 2019
4 1/2 stars
This series is dark and at times very erotic. I love the story line and can't wait for the volume. Hopefully it will have a happy ending.
This series is dark and at times very erotic. I love the story line and can't wait for the volume. Hopefully it will have a happy ending.
Read
July 20, 2019great read, loved it. verif purchase, 4,5 stars
July 21, 2019
Addictive as hell and dark! LOVE IT!!!
July 28, 2019
Tough book
This was a tough book to read. So many bad things happened to the characters. Not sure if I loved it or not. Have to read the next installment. I’m hooked.
This was a tough book to read. So many bad things happened to the characters. Not sure if I loved it or not. Have to read the next installment. I’m hooked.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews