What do you think?
Rate this book
Imogen
He was her enemy. She was his war spoils. He promised to try to keep her safe, but could he keep her safe from falling in love with the very man who put her in chains?
A Dark Romantic Thriller is a story full of twists, where two flawed people are thrust into a dystopian world by no choice of their own. Captured and taken prisoner by the enemy on her wedding night, Imogen must find strength to survive her frightening new existence where her fate and safety hang in the balance daily. One false move could have dire consequences. As the lines of good and evil become blurred, Imogen struggles between hopes of freedom with that of her growing love for the man she should hate.
He very well may have captured her heart, but has she captured his? Or will she discover she doesn’t know who this man is at all?
A Dark Romantic Thriller is a story full of twists, where two flawed people are thrust into a dystopian world by no choice of their own. Captured and taken prisoner by the enemy on her wedding night, Imogen must find strength to survive her frightening new existence where her fate and safety hang in the balance daily. One false move could have dire consequences. As the lines of good and evil become blurred, Imogen struggles between hopes of freedom with that of her growing love for the man she should hate.
He very well may have captured her heart, but has she captured his? Or will she discover she doesn’t know who this man is at all?
222 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2019
63 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
R.B. O'Brien
32 books264 followersR.B. O’Brien has always been drawn to the more taboo side of storytelling, even as a young adult, from hiding books from strict Catholic parents as a teen to getting lost in the erotic sections of bookstores for hours.
She is best known for her three published erotic romances, Thorne, Edge of Torment and Imogen. But she is now forging a name for herself in the New Adult Romance category as well as poetry, her true passion, Ruin My Lipstick her first of many to come.
Much of O'Brien's work explores the darker, sensual nature of relationships, those riddled with the reality of insecurities and human folly, often exposing the vulnerability, emotional turmoil, and occasional pain that can come from losing oneself in the heat of passion and the obstacles of love.
O'Brien holds a degree in English literature and teaches for a living in the Northeast, USA. She is the founding member of The Nu Romantics, a poet, a professor, a writer, a dancer, and a hopeful romantic known for her poetry prompts on social media. O’Brien also has a profound affection for Shakespeare and beyond that, writes. Every chance she gets.
She is best known for her three published erotic romances, Thorne, Edge of Torment and Imogen. But she is now forging a name for herself in the New Adult Romance category as well as poetry, her true passion, Ruin My Lipstick her first of many to come.
Much of O'Brien's work explores the darker, sensual nature of relationships, those riddled with the reality of insecurities and human folly, often exposing the vulnerability, emotional turmoil, and occasional pain that can come from losing oneself in the heat of passion and the obstacles of love.
O'Brien holds a degree in English literature and teaches for a living in the Northeast, USA. She is the founding member of The Nu Romantics, a poet, a professor, a writer, a dancer, and a hopeful romantic known for her poetry prompts on social media. O’Brien also has a profound affection for Shakespeare and beyond that, writes. Every chance she gets.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 31, 2020
Unfortunately, “Imogen “didn’t really deliver for me. The premise here was actually fantastic and is what initially piqued my interest here.
The idea that this was set in a future dystopian world that is currently embroiled in some sort of civil war: one that Imogen herself is thrust into when she is kidnapped on her wedding night: well anyone that knows me would see that this ticks all my boxes in terms of plotline: add in the fact that this is also dark fiction and I was very intrigued indeed by this.
So, this was initially three separate novellas that have been condensed into one complete volume: Conflicted, Claimed and Tormented. This did actually work.
I prefer a longer narrative: I am not a big fan of novella serial stories myself and don’t usually read them: there are of course a few exceptions to this rule where I have adored them but usually they're not my bag and the ones I have loved are the exception rather than the rule for me.
This was also told completely from Imogen’s POV: I would have preferred to hear Erik’s thoughts also.
Without this vital input it was hard to form any sort of attachment or even understand where Erik was actually coming from in terms of his emotional state and headset.
As an extension forming any sort of sympathy for him and understanding of his actions was also difficult without a deeper insight overall into him as an actual individual.
So, the fact that this was dark wasn’t really my issue with this at all.
I was expecting and anticipating this to really cross the line in terms of acceptable and decent behaviour.
I do read a lot of dark fiction that infringes on personal boundaries, pushing my limits to the max and though at times I had to suspend my disbelief here at the captives woman’s over the top reactions to their new masters my main problem with this and what spoiled it for me was the total lack of world building involved here.
This was meant to be set in a dystopian landscape and it was never really expanded on to my satisfaction: the descriptions here could just as easily have been modern day as there was nothing to set this apart and shout out dystopian.
I couldn’t actually picture in my mind the world they lived in as the scene was just not set here. The potential in terms of story growth here was huge and I felt an opportunity had been lost to fully explore this to its full potential.
Also, the woman’s treatment: there was never really a decent enough explanation bar the stupid one given why these men are behaving so inhuman: even the reason for the war is a tad unbelievable and in war there are going to be casualty’s so to blame a whole factions woman for the actions of a few well just seems a tad unreasonable to me.
And finally, what really bugged me: I didn’t see the reason for the inclusion of the Slave Amelia into the narrative other than to cause jealousy drama and strife. There was just no need, and this was the final straw for me in terms of enjoyment. I felt it was unnecessary to the present story and her inclusion was the final nail in the coffin for me.
I haven’t really mentioned my impressions of the two main characters here and that is mainly because I was left largely uninspired and unmoved by them.
I just didn’t feel any personal connection to them at all and just wasn’t feeling the love one tiny bit.
This really was a huge shame as this story wasn’t badly written it just failed to grab and retain my attention.
This does have potential and my opinion shouldn’t deflect you from giving it a chance we can’t all like the same things.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of “Imogen”
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 28, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
He was her captor. She was his slave. He promised to keep her safe. But could he keep her safe from falling in love with the very man she should despise?
This is the story of Imogen and Erik. She is a slave and he is her master. This is a dark romance and to make it even better it is in a dystopian world!! I love a good dark romance and a good dystopian book. SO Imogen was just utter perfection for me. This is a story of war and its ugliness and then the aftermath I went into this book not knowing a thing about it but I am so happy that I read it I loved every second of it.
He was her captor. She was his slave. He promised to keep her safe. But could he keep her safe from falling in love with the very man she should despise?
This is the story of Imogen and Erik. She is a slave and he is her master. This is a dark romance and to make it even better it is in a dystopian world!! I love a good dark romance and a good dystopian book. SO Imogen was just utter perfection for me. This is a story of war and its ugliness and then the aftermath I went into this book not knowing a thing about it but I am so happy that I read it I loved every second of it.
Want to read
March 4, 2019#erotica #new #release #newrelease #releasesale @R.B. O'Brien #Abuse #BDSM #DarkRomance
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XEFhVl
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2C5GsEj
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2tNAyDd
Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
List your permafreebies: https://goo.gl/forms/rwaGEU3xXgif64852
changes may occur throughout the day
Merged review:
#erotica #new #release #newrelease #releasesale @R.B. O'Brien #Abuse #BDSM #DarkRomance
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XEFhVl
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2C5GsEj
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2tNAyDd
Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
List your permafreebies: https://goo.gl/forms/rwaGEU3xXgif64852
changes may occur throughout the day
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XEFhVl
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2C5GsEj
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2tNAyDd
Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
List your permafreebies: https://goo.gl/forms/rwaGEU3xXgif64852
changes may occur throughout the day
Merged review:
#erotica #new #release #newrelease #releasesale @R.B. O'Brien #Abuse #BDSM #DarkRomance
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2XEFhVl
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2C5GsEj
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2tNAyDd
Check out our archive: https://goo.gl/WaJD6j
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://goo.gl/SrUf3e
Or join our group: https://goo.gl/RpzyFd
Submit for FREE: https://goo.gl/MqqJv3
List your permafreebies: https://goo.gl/forms/rwaGEU3xXgif64852
changes may occur throughout the day
April 26, 2019
This isn’t the first book I’ve read and enjoyed by this author. But this seemed different. Set in a futuristic, dystopian, unspecific society, Imogen is captured as a slave by her people’s enemy, but has the good fortune to be claimed by Erik, a man who appeared to have more of a sympathetic mind than his fellow soldiers, who were cruel to her fellow slaves.
Erik was attracted to Imogen, and she, against her will, found herself drawn to him. He appeared to satisfy a deep need in her. Her emotions ranged from anger, despair, fear – yet a deep sexual need began to dominate her thoughts. She became hysterically jealous of other slaves to whom Erik seemed attracted.
The story is extremely well-written, containing powerful emotion and erotic deeds. I found myself drawn more deeply into the struggle they both had – his to protect her from his fellow soldiers, and hers to survive her ordeal. Would they both survive to achieve the ending I hoped for? That you will have to find out by reading the book. I loved it, and enthusiastically recommend it.
Erik was attracted to Imogen, and she, against her will, found herself drawn to him. He appeared to satisfy a deep need in her. Her emotions ranged from anger, despair, fear – yet a deep sexual need began to dominate her thoughts. She became hysterically jealous of other slaves to whom Erik seemed attracted.
The story is extremely well-written, containing powerful emotion and erotic deeds. I found myself drawn more deeply into the struggle they both had – his to protect her from his fellow soldiers, and hers to survive her ordeal. Would they both survive to achieve the ending I hoped for? That you will have to find out by reading the book. I loved it, and enthusiastically recommend it.
Want to read
July 10, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/8/2020)! 🎁
February 26, 2019
To the victor go the spoils?
Contrasts and conflicts in our desires, our emotions, our backgrounds. To the victor go the soils. Vae Victis (Woe to the conquered).
R.B O’Brien delivers readers into her dark world with ease, inside the confines of IMOGEN. While the location and time span is vague, it allows for one’s imagination to be transported wherever they choose. War/Conflict can happen anywhere/anytime. Detailed, exacting, emotive.
War has raged… the conquerors have set their terms. It’s not about wealth, it’s the power to subjugate women however pleases them. For some, that power becomes corrupted. It’s the deplorable actions/behaviours some men possess that are evil. How they control and manipulate women to suit their own pervertedness. Then to flip the phrase “To the victor go the spoils”… who is the eventual victor?? Is that IMOGEN? Such stunning contrasts in showing how Imogen (and other women) cope within their given environment where they are trapped. How fears and conflicted emotions manifest, confusion reigns and desires unfurl.
Both characterisations were handled with respect, given the subject matter and some scenes that unfold through the book.
A little leeway should be given to Imogen… first experiences of live, love, tragedy against the backdrop of greed, power and an element of depravity and sexual gluttony - she has every right to question her sanity and desires for the forbidden. She does try to find courage along her torturous journey.
Erik - such contradictions and strengths. To walk that fine line between both his desires and the depravity, power that war, and it’s spoils unleash. I loved his character, strength and magnetism. An innate gentleness but power also to protect/care to walk that delicate line between excess and need… even when Imogen sees and judges differently.
“Do not judge when I am with the other officers, Imogen. I do what I need to do. It is not always the man I am or want to be”
Yes it’s a taste into the forbidden. What a hot little story R.B O’Brien has woven. It’s sexually charged, edgy HOT read. It’s palpable. It’s not a conventional love story… it’s a dark, thrilling journey to it’s conclusion. A blending of light and dark and it’s shadows in between. Some scenes will be disturbing, other’s will leave you a little… heated and breathless…
No path to ultimate surrender and submission is ever easy. In the hands of your kidnapper/protector, finding your way is always kept on that delicate knife’s edge.
Contrasts and conflicts in our desires, our emotions, our backgrounds. To the victor go the soils. Vae Victis (Woe to the conquered).
R.B O’Brien delivers readers into her dark world with ease, inside the confines of IMOGEN. While the location and time span is vague, it allows for one’s imagination to be transported wherever they choose. War/Conflict can happen anywhere/anytime. Detailed, exacting, emotive.
War has raged… the conquerors have set their terms. It’s not about wealth, it’s the power to subjugate women however pleases them. For some, that power becomes corrupted. It’s the deplorable actions/behaviours some men possess that are evil. How they control and manipulate women to suit their own pervertedness. Then to flip the phrase “To the victor go the spoils”… who is the eventual victor?? Is that IMOGEN? Such stunning contrasts in showing how Imogen (and other women) cope within their given environment where they are trapped. How fears and conflicted emotions manifest, confusion reigns and desires unfurl.
Both characterisations were handled with respect, given the subject matter and some scenes that unfold through the book.
A little leeway should be given to Imogen… first experiences of live, love, tragedy against the backdrop of greed, power and an element of depravity and sexual gluttony - she has every right to question her sanity and desires for the forbidden. She does try to find courage along her torturous journey.
Erik - such contradictions and strengths. To walk that fine line between both his desires and the depravity, power that war, and it’s spoils unleash. I loved his character, strength and magnetism. An innate gentleness but power also to protect/care to walk that delicate line between excess and need… even when Imogen sees and judges differently.
“Do not judge when I am with the other officers, Imogen. I do what I need to do. It is not always the man I am or want to be”
Yes it’s a taste into the forbidden. What a hot little story R.B O’Brien has woven. It’s sexually charged, edgy HOT read. It’s palpable. It’s not a conventional love story… it’s a dark, thrilling journey to it’s conclusion. A blending of light and dark and it’s shadows in between. Some scenes will be disturbing, other’s will leave you a little… heated and breathless…
No path to ultimate surrender and submission is ever easy. In the hands of your kidnapper/protector, finding your way is always kept on that delicate knife’s edge.
November 24, 2020
Great read may be a little dark for some people but it was really only cloud grey for me. The book does touch on some trigger topics for some folks so know that going in.
Wonderfully written great storyline, character development and growth throughout the book is awesome.
Imogen- young lady who gets cought in the middle of a war that she is really not prepared for. She has a difficult time adjusting to her new lot in life and seems to suffer from Stockholm Syndrome.
Erick- young military Officer who struggles with who he has become because of his duties in the war. This only becomes more pronounced when he comes across a beautiful young woman, claims her as his and falls in love with her. This is now a dangerous situation.
With tensions running high between high ranking officers and the war rumored to be coming to an end will Imogen get out alive? Will Erick be able to hide his love for the woman he claimed? Will their love survive the end of the war?
Wonderfully written great storyline, character development and growth throughout the book is awesome.
Imogen- young lady who gets cought in the middle of a war that she is really not prepared for. She has a difficult time adjusting to her new lot in life and seems to suffer from Stockholm Syndrome.
Erick- young military Officer who struggles with who he has become because of his duties in the war. This only becomes more pronounced when he comes across a beautiful young woman, claims her as his and falls in love with her. This is now a dangerous situation.
With tensions running high between high ranking officers and the war rumored to be coming to an end will Imogen get out alive? Will Erick be able to hide his love for the woman he claimed? Will their love survive the end of the war?
February 26, 2022
This story is set in a futuristic, dystopian, unspecific society. Imogen is captured by the enemy on her wedding day and taken prisoner, where she needs to find the strength to survive her ordeal. Erik is attracted to Imogen, and she finds herself growing to love the man that she should hate. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, intriguing, and with twists, emotions, survival, and love, which leads to an addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 30, 2023
Imogen was taken on her wedding night to be a sex slave to the soldiers.
Eric, for the most part, tried to protect her as much as he could. The two ended up forming a special bond.
After the war, her husband showed up to collect her and take her home to his mansion along with his choice of slaves.
Imogen, while wanting for nothing and provided with anything material she wanted, lived in a loveless sexless marriage where her husband had his way with others.
One day, Eric tracked her down, and the rest was blissful history.
Fantastic story, R.B O'Brien is an amazing writer.
Eric, for the most part, tried to protect her as much as he could. The two ended up forming a special bond.
After the war, her husband showed up to collect her and take her home to his mansion along with his choice of slaves.
Imogen, while wanting for nothing and provided with anything material she wanted, lived in a loveless sexless marriage where her husband had his way with others.
One day, Eric tracked her down, and the rest was blissful history.
Fantastic story, R.B O'Brien is an amazing writer.
February 27, 2019
A story with twists you never see coming and characters that suck you in. Imogen is Erik’s to command and he plans bring her pleasure and pain like she’s never known before. She’s just something to be used and discarded as he pleases. What was once a simple arrangement turns into something more. The passion they share is real. The world they live in is at war and everyone is doing what they have to in order to survive.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
**ARC provided for an honest review**
February 22, 2020
One of the best
I have been into dark romances lately and this has been one of the best! Imogen was so torn between hating and loving her captor. Erik had to walk a fine line between pleasing his superiors and keeping Imogen, his slave, safe. The dynamics, the feels, the mysteries, the pain, the pleasure. An excellent read!
I've had this book in my library for quite a while. So glad I finally pulled it out and enjoyed it! I recommend you do the same.
I have been into dark romances lately and this has been one of the best! Imogen was so torn between hating and loving her captor. Erik had to walk a fine line between pleasing his superiors and keeping Imogen, his slave, safe. The dynamics, the feels, the mysteries, the pain, the pleasure. An excellent read!
I've had this book in my library for quite a while. So glad I finally pulled it out and enjoyed it! I recommend you do the same.
February 19, 2021
Not my jam
This story is a great story, but the delivery was not for me. I felt like I was thrown into the characters with no background information to go on and just didn’t know how to feel about it.
That being said. I did read it all the way through, just wish it had more depth into both of the main characters.
This story is a great story, but the delivery was not for me. I felt like I was thrown into the characters with no background information to go on and just didn’t know how to feel about it.
That being said. I did read it all the way through, just wish it had more depth into both of the main characters.
March 8, 2021
Quick read, great for a one sit down read. I would say this more caters to a specific niche, which is kind of said at the beginning of the book. It was different than what I normally read so I enjoyed the change of pace but it's not a genre I would read daily. I'd definitely like to read something else by the author to compare this to a bit more.
May 16, 2021
Bad writing & “story”
This is definitely meant for those with slave/rape fantasies, which I do not judge. However, the writing and story is really bad. It drags on, repeats things, and doesn’t have a good story. Also, the ending is terrible. This really is just someone’s fantasy written down like porn movie.
This is definitely meant for those with slave/rape fantasies, which I do not judge. However, the writing and story is really bad. It drags on, repeats things, and doesn’t have a good story. Also, the ending is terrible. This really is just someone’s fantasy written down like porn movie.
May 28, 2023
this broke me
This certainly packs a punch and will have you on the edge over and over again. Will cause severe emotional torment and will have you staring at a wall wondering wtf am I meant to do now… This is dark and doesn’t shy away from the realities of war and that no one innocent in the end.
This certainly packs a punch and will have you on the edge over and over again. Will cause severe emotional torment and will have you staring at a wall wondering wtf am I meant to do now… This is dark and doesn’t shy away from the realities of war and that no one innocent in the end.
March 1, 2019
It took me a little bit to really get into it, my attention wasn't quite captured right away. This book shows what a captive does to survive and the evils that people do. It makes you think and eventually did hold my attention. If you like dark reads then I definitely recommend this one
August 18, 2019
Imogen becomes captured, enslaved, tortured/trained, and loved? You be the judge. Wartime love story.....or the ultimate Stockholm Syndrome? Read this wonderfully written story to find out. Highly recommended. Once started its next to impossible to put down. Enjoy...
July 10, 2020
IMOGEN
Right from the get go Imogen is captured and taken prisoner and made a slave. Lucky for her Erik chooses her. Things are sketchy after that. Love the ending.Highly recommend reading.
Right from the get go Imogen is captured and taken prisoner and made a slave. Lucky for her Erik chooses her. Things are sketchy after that. Love the ending.Highly recommend reading.
July 11, 2021
Okay
An okay dystopia style romance. Some non con and dub con sex scenes. There wasn't much of a plot, just a slave and master type relationship. I found the hero too soft and the heroine annoyed me with her constant crying. I like my heroines with a bit more sass!
An okay dystopia style romance. Some non con and dub con sex scenes. There wasn't much of a plot, just a slave and master type relationship. I found the hero too soft and the heroine annoyed me with her constant crying. I like my heroines with a bit more sass!
November 9, 2020
Wonderful
I found a new author . I love the book but dang if it didn't drive me crazy trying to figure out location and era it was in.
LOL there was a washer & dryer.
I found a new author . I love the book but dang if it didn't drive me crazy trying to figure out location and era it was in.
LOL there was a washer & dryer.
November 14, 2020
Riveting could not put it down
January 23, 2022
Wow!
What a great story. I love the character, the dark and twisted story. I love Imogen but I think I like Erick more. I'm happy they found each other in the end. OMG so good!
What a great story. I love the character, the dark and twisted story. I love Imogen but I think I like Erick more. I'm happy they found each other in the end. OMG so good!
November 1, 2022
2.75 stars
May 9, 2023
Extremely intense.
From the start, it's hard to see the possibility of a happily ever after in this story. You bleed tears for these characters and their struggles to survive.
From the start, it's hard to see the possibility of a happily ever after in this story. You bleed tears for these characters and their struggles to survive.
February 26, 2019
To the victor go the spoils?
Contrasts and conflicts in our desires, our emotions, our backgrounds. To the victor go the soils. Vae Victis (Woe to the conquered).
R.B O’Brien delivers readers into her dark world with ease, inside the confines of IMOGEN. While the location and time span is vague, it allows for one’s imagination to be transported wherever they choose. War/Conflict can happen anywhere/anytime. Detailed, exacting, emotive.
War has raged… the conquerors have set their terms. It’s not about wealth, it’s the power to subjugate women however pleases them. For some, that power becomes corrupted. It’s the deplorable actions/behaviours some men possess that are evil. How they control and manipulate women to suit their own pervertedness. Then to flip the phrase “To the victor go the spoils”… who is the eventual victor?? Is that IMOGEN? Such stunning contrasts in showing how Imogen (and other women) cope within their given environment where they are trapped. How fears and conflicted emotions manifest, confusion reigns and desires unfurl.
Both characterisations were handled with respect, given the subject matter and some scenes that unfold through the book.
A little leeway should be given to Imogen… first experiences of life, love, tragedy against the backdrop of greed, power and an element of depravity and sexual gluttony - she has every right to question her sanity and desires for the forbidden. She does try to find courage along her torturous journey.
Erik - such contradictions and strengths. To walk that fine line between both his desires and the depravity, power that war, and it’s spoils unleash. I loved his character, strength and magnetism. An innate gentleness but power also to protect/care to walk that delicate line between excess and need… even when Imogen sees and judges differently.
“Do not judge when I am with the other officers, Imogen. I do what I need to do. It is not always the man I am or want to be”
Yes it’s a taste into the forbidden. What a hot little story R.B O’Brien has woven. It’s sexually charged, edgy HOT read. It’s palpable. It’s not a conventional love story… it’s a dark, thrilling journey to it’s conclusion. A blending of light and dark and it’s shadows in between. Some scenes will be disturbing, other’s will leave you a little… heated and breathless…
No path to ultimate surrender and submission is ever easy. In the hands of your kidnapper/protector, finding your way is always kept on that delicate knife’s edge.
Contrasts and conflicts in our desires, our emotions, our backgrounds. To the victor go the soils. Vae Victis (Woe to the conquered).
R.B O’Brien delivers readers into her dark world with ease, inside the confines of IMOGEN. While the location and time span is vague, it allows for one’s imagination to be transported wherever they choose. War/Conflict can happen anywhere/anytime. Detailed, exacting, emotive.
War has raged… the conquerors have set their terms. It’s not about wealth, it’s the power to subjugate women however pleases them. For some, that power becomes corrupted. It’s the deplorable actions/behaviours some men possess that are evil. How they control and manipulate women to suit their own pervertedness. Then to flip the phrase “To the victor go the spoils”… who is the eventual victor?? Is that IMOGEN? Such stunning contrasts in showing how Imogen (and other women) cope within their given environment where they are trapped. How fears and conflicted emotions manifest, confusion reigns and desires unfurl.
Both characterisations were handled with respect, given the subject matter and some scenes that unfold through the book.
A little leeway should be given to Imogen… first experiences of life, love, tragedy against the backdrop of greed, power and an element of depravity and sexual gluttony - she has every right to question her sanity and desires for the forbidden. She does try to find courage along her torturous journey.
Erik - such contradictions and strengths. To walk that fine line between both his desires and the depravity, power that war, and it’s spoils unleash. I loved his character, strength and magnetism. An innate gentleness but power also to protect/care to walk that delicate line between excess and need… even when Imogen sees and judges differently.
“Do not judge when I am with the other officers, Imogen. I do what I need to do. It is not always the man I am or want to be”
Yes it’s a taste into the forbidden. What a hot little story R.B O’Brien has woven. It’s sexually charged, edgy HOT read. It’s palpable. It’s not a conventional love story… it’s a dark, thrilling journey to it’s conclusion. A blending of light and dark and it’s shadows in between. Some scenes will be disturbing, other’s will leave you a little… heated and breathless…
No path to ultimate surrender and submission is ever easy. In the hands of your kidnapper/protector, finding your way is always kept on that delicate knife’s edge.
November 28, 2018
While watching as a beautiful virgin slave, taken as spoils of war, and claimed by a hardened warrior leader was incredibly frightening, it was also heart-poundingly erotic. Imogen is the slave, Erik her master. Although he awakens her sensuality, neither master nor slave finds the freedom to fulfill their deep desires. They are forced by circumstances to inflict and endure humiliation and abuse. At times, I would feel intense fear and anxiety, while witnessing Imogen’s stubborn pride over-rule Erik’s stern warnings. Would her ill-timed outbursts portend her possible downfall? Can Erik protect her? Does he still want Imogen, even after he accepts another captive?
To me, this story felt dark, intensely erotic, profound and emotionally powerful. In the middle of the ugliness and pain of war, it is also able to tantalize us with the burgeoning sexuality and pleasure, mixed with caring dominance and surrendered submission of two war damaged souls.
When the war ends, new issues emerge. Can love survive what appears to be unavoidable separation? Is what Erik and Imogen feel for each other really love? Can these two individuals from different worlds learn to forgive and find a way to thrive despite their differences? I hope you choose to read this enticing book and discover the answers.
To me, this story felt dark, intensely erotic, profound and emotionally powerful. In the middle of the ugliness and pain of war, it is also able to tantalize us with the burgeoning sexuality and pleasure, mixed with caring dominance and surrendered submission of two war damaged souls.
When the war ends, new issues emerge. Can love survive what appears to be unavoidable separation? Is what Erik and Imogen feel for each other really love? Can these two individuals from different worlds learn to forgive and find a way to thrive despite their differences? I hope you choose to read this enticing book and discover the answers.
February 27, 2019
I'll admit that I struggled a bit with this one in the beginning. Dystopian tales are a little out of my wheelhouse, and the book really doesn't give a definitive time or location. Some of the descriptions of the people and their biases did remind me of some of the more well-known historical conflicts, and some of the phrasings used felt more historical than futuristic. I also wouldn't necessarily consider this story a romance. It's certainly an erotic thriller, and Eric does show tenderness toward Imogen at times, but until the last part of the story, I didn't get a romance vibe at all. In fact, the story is quite dark and disturbing as it delves into the evils that men do, and the things a captive will resort to in order to survive. This is definitely not a book for everyone with its shocking and sometimes horrific scenes, but it does make one think about the terrifying lengths people will go to when establishing dominance over their enemy - about how the actions of a few can influence the whole. In the end, even though I did struggle with some elements, the story did hold my attention and it makes for a compelling read.
June 9, 2019
I love R.B's writing style and how she develops the characters as the story flows, the emotions and the romance. This story is well written and flows perfectly. I found myself quickly drawn into the story and the emotional struggle of the two main characters, Erik and Imogen.
Imogen is captured as a slave during was and is claimed by Erik. Erik, is unlike his fellow soldiers, he has some compassion, not as cruel as his peers and appears to be protective over Imogen. Imogen, finds herself in a situation that is completely new to her and she goes through a mass of emotions that you feel. She knows that she shoulsn't like Erik but she finds herself falling for him.
Will they both get what they desire once the war is over? Will they both survive theintense emotions?
I highly recommend this book, I promise you will not be disappointed!!!
Imogen is captured as a slave during was and is claimed by Erik. Erik, is unlike his fellow soldiers, he has some compassion, not as cruel as his peers and appears to be protective over Imogen. Imogen, finds herself in a situation that is completely new to her and she goes through a mass of emotions that you feel. She knows that she shoulsn't like Erik but she finds herself falling for him.
Will they both get what they desire once the war is over? Will they both survive theintense emotions?
I highly recommend this book, I promise you will not be disappointed!!!
December 6, 2018
Very very interesting series. In a world where war is the norm, Imogene is captured as a spoil of war and kept enslaved and naked. Erik chooses her due to her great beauty and tries to protect her from the other men who want to torture and rape her. Imogene is proud and foolish not really comprehending the extreme danger facing her. There are brutal sex scenes but also more tender scenes. The underlying theme of unrelenting warfare where women are the most vulnerable and propaganda is rampant makes up a good portion of the book and is very well written. The story is erotic but I think the emphasis on character development is more important. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.
December 8, 2018
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book. This was a dark romance. Not as intense as other dark romances I've read. What touched my heart, through the darkenss was Erik's protectiveness of Imogen. War is not easy, as history has shown. This book certainly shows that harder, darker side. But even through the darkness, goodness and light can shine. I rooted for Erik and Imogen, as both their lives were in danger! I wanted an HEA for them. This is a must read series to find out!
I loved it! A hardness, and a softness. Perfectly blended.
I loved it! A hardness, and a softness. Perfectly blended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews