Showing posts with label Dark Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dark Romance. Show all posts
I'm back with a series of books that I read a long time ago (2016), but I remember enjoying them.
His Agenda is a captive romance series with a naive heroine and a slightly unredeemable hero.
Hopefully my reviews inspire someone to give this series a chance.
**WARNING: Due to sexual situations and dark adult content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18, and anyone who is unable to read books containing the following issues: kidnapping, murder, rape, and extreme abuse.**
Veiled Obsession
I cry for the man I used to know, the man I used to love...until his love killed mine.
My name is Haley Macknight, and I'm dying inside. From the outside my life is every woman's dream. I'm married to Jude Macknight, a sexy multimillionaire who loves me...too much.
Once upon a time, I loved him. But that love is dead. Unwilling to let me go, I've become his obsession. He will stop at nothing to make sure I remain in a marriage I no longer want, inside my gilded cage.
Each day I pull away from Jude, I watch him transform into a monster. Before my eyes, he becomes a man I don't recognize, a dangerous man. He makes it clear that I belong to him, that my life is no longer my own. If I leave, he'll kill me. But if I stay, I'll die a slow death.
Rating - 
This book popped up as one of those Goodreads recommendations based on what I've read recently. When I saw the rave reviews I thought that this book would definitely feed my dark appetite. Not so much. For me, this book was... meh... really. I read those reviews and assumed that I would be getting something gritty, dark and twisted. What I got was a woman who seemed more like a girl and a bully.
Haley turned thirty at some time in this book and to say I was surprised would be an understatement. She in no way, shape, or form acted like a mature adult. Not in her words, her thoughts, or her actions. I can't say I didn't like her but I can say that she seemed pretty one-dimensional to me. As for Jude, the whole situation is just unrealistic to me. What grown woman comes to depend on a complete stranger to these depths??? His 180 in personality was NOT a surprise! C'mon what did she expect?! He didn't want her to work, didn't encourage her socially, didn't talk or treat her with respect... the signs were there!
I'm just not wowed by this story. It is not scintillating, thought-provoking, or extremely interesting. But I'm again, not a quitter so I guess we'll see if my opinion changes with book 2.
This book popped up as one of those Goodreads recommendations based on what I've read recently. When I saw the rave reviews I thought that this book would definitely feed my dark appetite. Not so much. For me, this book was... meh... really. I read those reviews and assumed that I would be getting something gritty, dark and twisted. What I got was a woman who seemed more like a girl and a bully.
Haley turned thirty at some time in this book and to say I was surprised would be an understatement. She in no way, shape, or form acted like a mature adult. Not in her words, her thoughts, or her actions. I can't say I didn't like her but I can say that she seemed pretty one-dimensional to me. As for Jude, the whole situation is just unrealistic to me. What grown woman comes to depend on a complete stranger to these depths??? His 180 in personality was NOT a surprise! C'mon what did she expect?! He didn't want her to work, didn't encourage her socially, didn't talk or treat her with respect... the signs were there!
I'm just not wowed by this story. It is not scintillating, thought-provoking, or extremely interesting. But I'm again, not a quitter so I guess we'll see if my opinion changes with book 2.
Dangerous Intentions
My name is Haley Macknight, and I've finally escaped my marriage from hell. But my husband, Jude Macknight, has murder on his mind. He will stop at nothing to get me back. Even from a distance, he's controlling the course of my life. It's only a matter of time before he finds me. Before he kills me.
Rating -
The fact that there is a book 3 tells me that we're in for some more twists! If you like to read about psycho anti-heroes, then this book may be for you.
I actually liked this book. I liked being in Jude's head. He was so cray cray but it worked. I was in constant anticipation of what he would do next. His complex and warped thought process was pretty funny and I was on my toes wondering what kind of evil deed he would concoct.
Haley still annoyed me. Her thought process was less than intelligent. She kept talking about getting back her life. Ummmmm. What life?! She had no real plan and that irked me. And instead of making real use of her support network, she kept screaming for independence. TSTL-syndrome in full effect.
I'm about to start book 3 and I'm busy trying to figure out exactly what the twist will be. I think I have an idea Jude lives! and a huge part of me hopes I'm right! Thank you Kindle Unlimited for providing me with the opportunity to read this series!
The fact that there is a book 3 tells me that we're in for some more twists! If you like to read about psycho anti-heroes, then this book may be for you.
I actually liked this book. I liked being in Jude's head. He was so cray cray but it worked. I was in constant anticipation of what he would do next. His complex and warped thought process was pretty funny and I was on my toes wondering what kind of evil deed he would concoct.
Haley still annoyed me. Her thought process was less than intelligent. She kept talking about getting back her life. Ummmmm. What life?! She had no real plan and that irked me. And instead of making real use of her support network, she kept screaming for independence. TSTL-syndrome in full effect.
I'm about to start book 3 and I'm busy trying to figure out exactly what the twist will be. I think I have an idea Jude lives! and a huge part of me hopes I'm right! Thank you Kindle Unlimited for providing me with the opportunity to read this series!
Broken Illusions
Jude Macknight is gone forever, and I can finally start my new life with Dustin Brannon. But it's not so easy to move on.
When I close my eyes at night, I still see Jude's face. And sometimes, I swear I feel his presence. When will he stop haunting me? And when will I stop waiting for the other shoe to drop?
Rating -
This was the "startling" conclusion to the series. However, I wasn't startled. My prediction was accurate. Hooray... Actually, when my guess came to fruition was the first time in the book that my interest was truly piqued. Until then, I was bored. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, as Haley would say.
Jude... Jude... Jude... or should I call you Terrence? You wonderful psycho you. I loved everything you did bro. Your motivations were completely all over the place, but I still had mad love for you homie. I really felt the love you had for Haley. Deep in the bones kind of love. I get you. You killed all those women as symbols of that love. Warped love. Obsessed love. Crazy love. Drunken love perhaps? Regardless, you were a freaking fantastic character to read. I wish the entire book was in your pov. Honestly dude. Your passion burst through those pages. Not sparklers. Not even fireworks. Dynamite amigo. Dyna-freaking-mite!!
I could write odes about Jude. Sonnets even. He was the only person that sparked any interest in me. Haley once again gave a lackluster performance that only gained positive momentum because of Jude. His effervescence makes everyone around him shine lol. I like what Dustin represented, but told through Haley's eyes, unfortunately I didn't get a real chance to delve into his character and connect with him.
I'm not going to read the prequel. I'm going to keep my fond memories of Jude just the way they are as I say farewell to him at the end of this series.
This was the "startling" conclusion to the series. However, I wasn't startled. My prediction was accurate. Hooray... Actually, when my guess came to fruition was the first time in the book that my interest was truly piqued. Until then, I was bored. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, as Haley would say.
Jude... Jude... Jude... or should I call you Terrence? You wonderful psycho you. I loved everything you did bro. Your motivations were completely all over the place, but I still had mad love for you homie. I really felt the love you had for Haley. Deep in the bones kind of love. I get you. You killed all those women as symbols of that love. Warped love. Obsessed love. Crazy love. Drunken love perhaps? Regardless, you were a freaking fantastic character to read. I wish the entire book was in your pov. Honestly dude. Your passion burst through those pages. Not sparklers. Not even fireworks. Dynamite amigo. Dyna-freaking-mite!!
I could write odes about Jude. Sonnets even. He was the only person that sparked any interest in me. Haley once again gave a lackluster performance that only gained positive momentum because of Jude. His effervescence makes everyone around him shine lol. I like what Dustin represented, but told through Haley's eyes, unfortunately I didn't get a real chance to delve into his character and connect with him.
I'm not going to read the prequel. I'm going to keep my fond memories of Jude just the way they are as I say farewell to him at the end of this series.
Hello and Happy Monday!
Today's flashback is the Uncovering You series by Scarlett Edwards. I read and reviewed these books back in 2015 and enjoyed myself (as far as I can remember). It was only some time after I completed this series that it was released as a boxset. So those later (lucky) readers got to get the whole story in one shot!
It's a captive/captor story with BDSM elements. If that's not your jam, skip it. However, if it is, I hope you give it a try. And if you've already read it, did you like it too?
About the series: When I wake up in a dark, unfamiliar room, I have no idea what's waiting for me in the shadows. My imagination conjures up demons of the worst kind.
Reality is much worse:
A collar with no leash. A prison with no walls. And a life stripped of meaning.
I am presented with a vile contract and asked to sign. It outlines the terms of my servitude. The only information I have about my captor are the two small letters inked at the bottom:
J.S.
Armed with only my memories, I must do everything I can to avoid becoming ensnared in his twisted mind games. But in the end, it all comes down to one choice:
Resist and die.
Or submit, and sign my life away.
1. The Contract
Rating -
The story is interesting so far. I'm really just interested in finding out Jeremy's motives for holding Lilly captive. However, I absolutely cannot stand Lilly and I'm disappointed that the story is told in her voice.
Words to describe Lilly: narcissistic, entitled, spoiled, ungrateful, rude, etc. She is too cool for you. Too smart for you. Too good for you. That's all I kept reading that the actual words of the book were just background. The only thing that really stuck out in this story was Jeremy so I will continue to read for his sake.
The story is interesting so far. I'm really just interested in finding out Jeremy's motives for holding Lilly captive. However, I absolutely cannot stand Lilly and I'm disappointed that the story is told in her voice.
Words to describe Lilly: narcissistic, entitled, spoiled, ungrateful, rude, etc. She is too cool for you. Too smart for you. Too good for you. That's all I kept reading that the actual words of the book were just background. The only thing that really stuck out in this story was Jeremy so I will continue to read for his sake.
2. Submission
Rating -
So my opinion of Lilly hasn't improved that much. I do admire her false sense of bravery and determination, but really... how much can you accomplish when your every endeavor is dictated by your captor? I sometimes wondered if she was just a glutton for punishment, with the way she purposely put herself in a situation that incurred discipline.
I would not be trying to aggravate Mr. Jeremy. He sounds scary!
Ah well, I'm still in it for Jeremy. I'm intrigued enough to keep reading to find out what drives him. I in no way condone non-consensual anything, however, this is fiction so the more twisted the better.
So my opinion of Lilly hasn't improved that much. I do admire her false sense of bravery and determination, but really... how much can you accomplish when your every endeavor is dictated by your captor? I sometimes wondered if she was just a glutton for punishment, with the way she purposely put herself in a situation that incurred discipline.
I would not be trying to aggravate Mr. Jeremy. He sounds scary!
Ah well, I'm still in it for Jeremy. I'm intrigued enough to keep reading to find out what drives him. I in no way condone non-consensual anything, however, this is fiction so the more twisted the better.
3. Resistance
Rating -
Poor Lilly. I really like the way this writer writes. She sets the stage so eloquently that I feel like I'm actually witnessing it, not just reading it. The ways that Jeremy torments Lilly are truly amusing to me. Hey, I never denied that I have a twisted mind lol. He even used kindness and tenderness to confuse her. And really why did she think she could outwit the man? Not only does he have 20 years of living experience on her, but he's extremely successful, a pursuit she hasn't achieved yet. He got to the top for a reason. And she's nowhere near his league. So her delusions are amusing to me as well.
My favourite scene was when Jeremy made Lilly eat the dove while he tossed its head back and forth like a ball. Hilarious!!
Poor Lilly. I really like the way this writer writes. She sets the stage so eloquently that I feel like I'm actually witnessing it, not just reading it. The ways that Jeremy torments Lilly are truly amusing to me. Hey, I never denied that I have a twisted mind lol. He even used kindness and tenderness to confuse her. And really why did she think she could outwit the man? Not only does he have 20 years of living experience on her, but he's extremely successful, a pursuit she hasn't achieved yet. He got to the top for a reason. And she's nowhere near his league. So her delusions are amusing to me as well.
My favourite scene was when Jeremy made Lilly eat the dove while he tossed its head back and forth like a ball. Hilarious!!
4. Retribution
Rating -
I had to rate this book higher because things just got interesting. If you don't wanna know, please don't read further because my review might spoil it for you.
Is Jeremy serious??? I know it isn't technically cheating because he and Lilly aren't in a relationship, but c'mon!! He's riding her bareback! That right there is reason enough not to involve someone else's privates!! And then to further torture her by forcing her to listen to them was a step too far, even for me. I felt so bad for Lilly. Here she is thinking that maybe she and Jeremy share a connection, but he's having sex with a "free" woman and it even involves loving murmurs (something she doesn't share with him). I just couldn't believe him because I honestly thought he really wanted Lilly underneath it all. But she seems expendable :(. I really wonder what his motives are now after this shocker.
He treats her really disrespectfully and I'm not sure if there is even a potential HEA for these two. How could there be? The things he's done are pretty unforgivable. Now he's subjecting her to the same mental torture as he did in the beginning (leaving her in one spot in the dark), and he still expects to take advantage of her body. WTF is going on???
I had to rate this book higher because things just got interesting. If you don't wanna know, please don't read further because my review might spoil it for you.
Is Jeremy serious??? I know it isn't technically cheating because he and Lilly aren't in a relationship, but c'mon!! He's riding her bareback! That right there is reason enough not to involve someone else's privates!! And then to further torture her by forcing her to listen to them was a step too far, even for me. I felt so bad for Lilly. Here she is thinking that maybe she and Jeremy share a connection, but he's having sex with a "free" woman and it even involves loving murmurs (something she doesn't share with him). I just couldn't believe him because I honestly thought he really wanted Lilly underneath it all. But she seems expendable :(. I really wonder what his motives are now after this shocker.
He treats her really disrespectfully and I'm not sure if there is even a potential HEA for these two. How could there be? The things he's done are pretty unforgivable. Now he's subjecting her to the same mental torture as he did in the beginning (leaving her in one spot in the dark), and he still expects to take advantage of her body. WTF is going on???
5. Confessions
Rating -
Oh my goodness!!
It's official... Jeremy is truly a sociopath. Now because of this revelation (that really isn't a surprise), I'm not surprised that Lilly cannot differentiate the truth from a lie. The things he's willing to do, the secrets he keeps, the way he manipulates, everything he does makes me doubt his sincerity. However, the fact that he removed her shock collar makes me second guess his feelings and whether or not he can change.
I feel so bad for Lilly because there is no way to predict his behaviour or reactions.
Walking on eggshells isn't easy.
There are still 5 more books in the series. I cannot even fathom what they will reveal.
Oh my goodness!!
It's official... Jeremy is truly a sociopath. Now because of this revelation (that really isn't a surprise), I'm not surprised that Lilly cannot differentiate the truth from a lie. The things he's willing to do, the secrets he keeps, the way he manipulates, everything he does makes me doubt his sincerity. However, the fact that he removed her shock collar makes me second guess his feelings and whether or not he can change.
I feel so bad for Lilly because there is no way to predict his behaviour or reactions.
Walking on eggshells isn't easy.
There are still 5 more books in the series. I cannot even fathom what they will reveal.
6. Deliverance
Rating -
This author's writing has me all twisted up inside! Every time I think things are going one way, they take an unexpected turn.
Is this side of Jeremy real? Does he really love Lilly? Considering the truth revealed at the end, could his feelings all be a lie? Part of his revenge plot? Holy moley!
First he removes the collar. Then he burns up the contract. But is it all for naught? How can Lilly ever trust that his action, words, or motives are pure? After everything he's done, I think everything he does is suspect.
I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop because I know there are more nefarious deeds that he's committed that have yet to be revealed. I'm on to the next book to find out more.
This author's writing has me all twisted up inside! Every time I think things are going one way, they take an unexpected turn.
Is this side of Jeremy real? Does he really love Lilly? Considering the truth revealed at the end, could his feelings all be a lie? Part of his revenge plot? Holy moley!
First he removes the collar. Then he burns up the contract. But is it all for naught? How can Lilly ever trust that his action, words, or motives are pure? After everything he's done, I think everything he does is suspect.
I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop because I know there are more nefarious deeds that he's committed that have yet to be revealed. I'm on to the next book to find out more.
7. Resurrection
Rating -
I really liked this installment. It just goes to show that Jeremy or Mr. Stonehart or whatever you want to call him is as devious and manipulative as ever. Just when you think you have an understanding of the situation, as you think you've got it all figured out and there's no more secrets... BOOM! Another twist is revealed. I love how he plays with Lilly's mind. I was even somewhat convinced that maybe she was losing her sanity.
I like the sweet glimpses we get of Jeremy.
I do believe he loves her, but it's not a hearts and flowers kind of love.
It's dark, twisted, obsessive, etc.
But I'm eager to see how it plays out and if there will be a HEA in the end.
I really liked this installment. It just goes to show that Jeremy or Mr. Stonehart or whatever you want to call him is as devious and manipulative as ever. Just when you think you have an understanding of the situation, as you think you've got it all figured out and there's no more secrets... BOOM! Another twist is revealed. I love how he plays with Lilly's mind. I was even somewhat convinced that maybe she was losing her sanity.
I like the sweet glimpses we get of Jeremy.
I do believe he loves her, but it's not a hearts and flowers kind of love.
It's dark, twisted, obsessive, etc.
But I'm eager to see how it plays out and if there will be a HEA in the end.
8. Redemption
Rating -
I'm not sure what to make of this installment. Ms. Edwards has woven an intricate tale of captivity, secrets, betrayal, manipulation, and has twisted and corrupted my damn brain! I love Jeremy. The only thing really missing is his pov but I guess that would defeat the purpose of the story. All of these secrets, lies and devious machinations would be revealed all too quickly.
I want to know what is going on with his father and what he wants from Lilly. What was in the second envelope?
Also, Jeremy informs her that she was in a coma for weeks. And that she has brain damage. But her reaction wasn't realistic at all! I'm not a fan of Lilly. I think that has been established and this book did her absolutely no favours. Especially with her behaviour towards her friends.
Ah well, on to book 9 and more Jeremy.
I'm not sure what to make of this installment. Ms. Edwards has woven an intricate tale of captivity, secrets, betrayal, manipulation, and has twisted and corrupted my damn brain! I love Jeremy. The only thing really missing is his pov but I guess that would defeat the purpose of the story. All of these secrets, lies and devious machinations would be revealed all too quickly.
I want to know what is going on with his father and what he wants from Lilly. What was in the second envelope?
Also, Jeremy informs her that she was in a coma for weeks. And that she has brain damage. But her reaction wasn't realistic at all! I'm not a fan of Lilly. I think that has been established and this book did her absolutely no favours. Especially with her behaviour towards her friends.
Ah well, on to book 9 and more Jeremy.
9. Liberation
Rating -
I swear, every time I think I have a handle on the plot, something else happens to throw me off.
Jeremy's evil mind knows no bounds. His devious plans are limitless it seems. I want to call him a sociopath, but I actually believe that he truly loves Lilly. I guess it's best to list his sociopath qualities rather than fitting him with a label. He's definitely apathetic. The way he clinically decides to drug, abuse, and manipulate Lilly is coldblooded.
The scene of Russian Roulette was insane. And now that Lilly has decided to stay by his side, Jeremy finally shows her how completely corrupted he is. I want to know what his ultimate plan is for Charles, Rose and Hugh.
I swear, every time I think I have a handle on the plot, something else happens to throw me off.
Jeremy's evil mind knows no bounds. His devious plans are limitless it seems. I want to call him a sociopath, but I actually believe that he truly loves Lilly. I guess it's best to list his sociopath qualities rather than fitting him with a label. He's definitely apathetic. The way he clinically decides to drug, abuse, and manipulate Lilly is coldblooded.
The scene of Russian Roulette was insane. And now that Lilly has decided to stay by his side, Jeremy finally shows her how completely corrupted he is. I want to know what his ultimate plan is for Charles, Rose and Hugh.
10. The Finale
Rating -
This book deserved every one of its 4 stars!! It was a crazy, incredible journey and definitely the best book out of the entire series!!
After being free from captivity and falling in love with her captor, Lilly is captured again... by Jeremy's enemies. And what she suffered while Jeremy's prisoner was a walk in the park in comparison. She was brutalized by his enemies. I can't think of a better word to describe what she endured. It was brutal, sadistic, cruel, inhumane... And the author wrote the scenes so powerfully that once again I felt like I was witnessing it instead of reading it.
In this book we get to read Jeremy's pov finally and it was amazing. The growth of this man made him that much more wonderful to me. I already loved him. This just made me appreciate him more. His love for Lilly knew no bounds and the lengths he went through to rescue her, both during her captivity and the resulting aftermath, were astounding. The resulting "craziness" told from Lilly's pov were written so eloquently that I really could imagine her losing her mind. It seemed that real.
I'm just glad that there's a book 11. Thank you very much for that Scarlett Edwards because if not for that I would be stalking your a** with some crazy messages for having the audacity to end this series with a damn eyelid flutter.
This book deserved every one of its 4 stars!! It was a crazy, incredible journey and definitely the best book out of the entire series!!
After being free from captivity and falling in love with her captor, Lilly is captured again... by Jeremy's enemies. And what she suffered while Jeremy's prisoner was a walk in the park in comparison. She was brutalized by his enemies. I can't think of a better word to describe what she endured. It was brutal, sadistic, cruel, inhumane... And the author wrote the scenes so powerfully that once again I felt like I was witnessing it instead of reading it.
In this book we get to read Jeremy's pov finally and it was amazing. The growth of this man made him that much more wonderful to me. I already loved him. This just made me appreciate him more. His love for Lilly knew no bounds and the lengths he went through to rescue her, both during her captivity and the resulting aftermath, were astounding. The resulting "craziness" told from Lilly's pov were written so eloquently that I really could imagine her losing her mind. It seemed that real.
I'm just glad that there's a book 11. Thank you very much for that Scarlett Edwards because if not for that I would be stalking your a** with some crazy messages for having the audacity to end this series with a damn eyelid flutter.
11. The Lost Chapter
Rating -
This book may seem like a whole bunch of nothing, which it is, but in the bigger picture it's about a lot. It's about what happened after that damn eyelid flutter. I get why the author chose to fast forward the story 14 months. It bypasses Lilly's struggle through all types of therapy. Waking up from a coma after a year sure cannot be easy. Muscle atrophy alone would be a hurdle to leap over.
This book gives closure on the love story between Jeremy and Lilly. Not once did the cold Mr. Stonehart make an appearance, much like he didn't in book 10. The change in him is surreal because his moods were so unpredictable, something I kind of relied on in a weird way. Now he's all about Lilly: his love in her, his faith in her, his respect for her... It was honestly a bit boring. Ah well, I needed my HFN and got that. Welcome to the fold Mrs. Stonehart!
This book may seem like a whole bunch of nothing, which it is, but in the bigger picture it's about a lot. It's about what happened after that damn eyelid flutter. I get why the author chose to fast forward the story 14 months. It bypasses Lilly's struggle through all types of therapy. Waking up from a coma after a year sure cannot be easy. Muscle atrophy alone would be a hurdle to leap over.
This book gives closure on the love story between Jeremy and Lilly. Not once did the cold Mr. Stonehart make an appearance, much like he didn't in book 10. The change in him is surreal because his moods were so unpredictable, something I kind of relied on in a weird way. Now he's all about Lilly: his love in her, his faith in her, his respect for her... It was honestly a bit boring. Ah well, I needed my HFN and got that. Welcome to the fold Mrs. Stonehart!
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