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Gods and Monsters #1
In the Land of Gods and Monsters, Part One
In the land of gods and monsters, she was a toy. A plaything. A pet.
His pet.
Taken, stolen, beaten, used.
Pet remembers nothing before his touch, and afterward she craves nothing more.
Sinful and merciless, Ares is her god now. He alone says when to beg, when to come, and when to kneel, but he never said anything about leaving.
Warning: In the Land of Gods and Monsters is a dark romance novel. It contains strong sexual themes, dubious consent, graphic violence, and may contain triggers for some readers.
His pet.
Taken, stolen, beaten, used.
Pet remembers nothing before his touch, and afterward she craves nothing more.
Sinful and merciless, Ares is her god now. He alone says when to beg, when to come, and when to kneel, but he never said anything about leaving.
Warning: In the Land of Gods and Monsters is a dark romance novel. It contains strong sexual themes, dubious consent, graphic violence, and may contain triggers for some readers.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2018
160 people are currently reading
1,223 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Jenner
45 books3,095 followersCarmen Jenner is a USA Today and international bestselling author.
A hardcore red lipstick addict and a romantic at heart, Carmen enjoys books—duh!—long walks through Sephora, tattooed boys, and eyeliner so sharp it could kill a man. She lives in small-town, Australia, where she wrangles her two children, a French Bulldog named Busy, her Jungle Jag Python named Bunny, and her very own manchild.
Carmen always gives her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?
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A hardcore red lipstick addict and a romantic at heart, Carmen enjoys books—duh!—long walks through Sephora, tattooed boys, and eyeliner so sharp it could kill a man. She lives in small-town, Australia, where she wrangles her two children, a French Bulldog named Busy, her Jungle Jag Python named Bunny, and her very own manchild.
Carmen always gives her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?
Sign up to my newsletter for free books, and exclusive content https://www.carmenjenner.com/subscribe
Stay up to date with Carmen at: www.carmenjenner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarmenJenner...
Reader Group The Sugar Junkies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 15, 2018
MY REVIEW: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
‘IN THE LAND OF GODS AND MONSTERS’ Is a full length, dark novel by Carmen Jenner. This is told in dual POV. With MFM, MF & MM scenes.
This is a hard one for me to review due to how much goes on in this and I want to keep it as spoiler free as I possibly can. Go in as blind as you can!! Be prepared to question all your morals. This is not for the faint of heart. For some this will be a very dark read. But for others that have stepped into the dark gritty genre before like myself your dark little hearts will still enjoy this read.
Holy Hotness this was pure mindfuckery at it's very very best, it was semi dark, semi gritty, it's brutal, it's raw, it's full on erotic kinkyness all up in your face, there is no hiding, nothing is glossed over, and I'm still sitting here utterly flabbergasted over all that was this book. I was not prepared for this book at all.
Here's part of what the story is about: The heroine, is a successful ballet dancer, on opening night she's playing the Swan Queen in Swan Lake, as the curtain comes down, she clashes eyes on a stranger in the crowd, he has dark penetrating eyes, wild black hair and tattoos peeking out of his tux.
The next scene she's awakening up in a glass cell like prison, cold, naked, scared, she doesn't know her name, her past has also been wiped clean. The man that she clapped eyes on is now her captor, she's to address him as Sir, and she his Pet, she’s thrust into an unknown world where she has to let all her inhibitions go and submit to her captor as he teachers her the fine art of submission.
She doesn't easily submit, a battle of wits ensues, she questions everything, which sees her being punished a time or two to make her heel under his commands, to never question him.
I'm going to hurt you, over and over, until you're so used to pain mixed with pleasure that you begin to crave it. Until you beg me for more..
Above all else one thing is for certain though is that I have a first class ticket to hell, because I fell in love with Ares character, yes I fell in love with her kidnapper (there I said it)!! because underneath it all you could see goodness shining through even though it was such brief glimpses. And I'm really hoping for his story in the next book, what started his journey ten years ago when he first started snatching unsuspecting individuals off the streets and training them as submissives to sell on.
November 16, 2018
3.5 Stars
I am kind of stuck between a 3 and a 4 Star rating for this one. I am going to keep my review fairly brief so as not to give too much away, but also because there is another book coming and I'll wait to review them in more depth as a pair.
I was enjoying this book for the most part until we hit the halfway point, then I started to get a little tired of it just being scene after scene of sex and humiliation. I wanted more depth. I wanted more background details about the story and characters. Practically every other page was sex, humiliation, and punishment. Now don't get me wrong, the sex was hot (for the most part. I am not a massive fan of humiliation) but for me, it was just a bit TOO much. On top of that, I wasn't a fan of the whole "Isreal" turn the book took. I was invested in the connection between Ares and Pet, so when Isreal got thrown into the mix, it took away from the relationship that was already established.
That said, the writing was well done. It was a relatively short book that was well paced. It is told through a dual POV format. If you have triggers, then this isn't the book for you. There is heavy BDSM. M/M, M/F/M and M/F sex scenes. The plot was engaging enough that I am onboard with seeing where the author is heading with the story. Especially with that cliffy ending. Hopefully, we will move away from so much sex and get some answers and explanations for the five thousand things that left me scratching my head. (lol)
November 17, 2018
3.5 STARS
The second I saw the blurb for this book, I've been chomping at the bit to get my grabby little hands on it. If I know one thing from my love affair with Carmen Jenner's other books, the woman knows how to write some dark and gritty stuff. And this reader is RAVENOUS for it!
Now, I feel it fair to warn you that this book is most definitely not for the faint of heart. It's not just dark, it's DARK. It skates right past the edge of black and white and right into the gray void of human depravity.
Told in dual POVs, it throws you right into the deep end of the dark waters where pain and pleasure blur, and consent is not a thing that comes to mind. A famous ballerina, her career is all she cares about...until the night she's taken and her identity is stripped from her along with her memory. She's left stripped down to her basest urges and questioning everything she thinks she knows. Her captor is a violently captivating enigma. He's not gentle or nice, but somewhere in the pits of his darkness we get a glimpse into someone else. But it never quite comes out. He's the master and she's the pet and their "relationship" is violence and sex.
I loved the first 40% of the book. I was at the edge of my seat and a ball of anxiety, both eager and terrified to turn the page. But then somewhere along the line, all of the punishments and sex scenes began to blur into each other. I felt like a good half of them could have been removed, and the story wouldn't have suffered without them. I wanted more development on the story and the characters, and while that was definitely still there, I couldn't help wanting more. I'm positive the next installment will ultimately bring the answers and more development, so I can't wait for that. This installment felt a little stretched out, more so than necessary. It begins strong and ends with a bang. But the parts in the middle felt somewhat unnecessary. There were parts that were shocking, almost too much so. But you have to know to expect that. This felt more like dark erotica than romance, but there's an undercurrent of something more. Something I'm sure we'll get in the next book.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to rock myself in a corner in my wait for book two.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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Ares leads me into the darkness, and I have no choice but to follow blindly.
The second I saw the blurb for this book, I've been chomping at the bit to get my grabby little hands on it. If I know one thing from my love affair with Carmen Jenner's other books, the woman knows how to write some dark and gritty stuff. And this reader is RAVENOUS for it!
Now, I feel it fair to warn you that this book is most definitely not for the faint of heart. It's not just dark, it's DARK. It skates right past the edge of black and white and right into the gray void of human depravity.
Told in dual POVs, it throws you right into the deep end of the dark waters where pain and pleasure blur, and consent is not a thing that comes to mind. A famous ballerina, her career is all she cares about...until the night she's taken and her identity is stripped from her along with her memory. She's left stripped down to her basest urges and questioning everything she thinks she knows. Her captor is a violently captivating enigma. He's not gentle or nice, but somewhere in the pits of his darkness we get a glimpse into someone else. But it never quite comes out. He's the master and she's the pet and their "relationship" is violence and sex.
I loved the first 40% of the book. I was at the edge of my seat and a ball of anxiety, both eager and terrified to turn the page. But then somewhere along the line, all of the punishments and sex scenes began to blur into each other. I felt like a good half of them could have been removed, and the story wouldn't have suffered without them. I wanted more development on the story and the characters, and while that was definitely still there, I couldn't help wanting more. I'm positive the next installment will ultimately bring the answers and more development, so I can't wait for that. This installment felt a little stretched out, more so than necessary. It begins strong and ends with a bang. But the parts in the middle felt somewhat unnecessary. There were parts that were shocking, almost too much so. But you have to know to expect that. This felt more like dark erotica than romance, but there's an undercurrent of something more. Something I'm sure we'll get in the next book.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to rock myself in a corner in my wait for book two.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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April 30, 2021
i honest-to-God cannot tell if i whizzed through this like i did because it was actually that engrossing or because i seriously had to get it over with for the sake of what’s left of my sanity.
i mean, what in the fuck did i just read?!
no, really. someone please explain.
suffice it to say, i’m pretty sure my two brain cells would not be able to handle the rest of this series anytime soon let alone right now so i’m just gonna end it here with this one.
i mean, what in the fuck did i just read?!
no, really. someone please explain.
suffice it to say, i’m pretty sure my two brain cells would not be able to handle the rest of this series anytime soon let alone right now so i’m just gonna end it here with this one.
November 12, 2018
Phew this book was insane. Such a crazy roller coaster ride.
ITLOGAM isn’t for the faint of hearts when it comes to domination and submission. Braking people into slaves. The story is raw, dark and gritty. The synopsis says it’s a dark romance but for me it’s more dark erotica. I couldn’t feel the romance until close to the end. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t entertained cause I thoroughly was.
What I enjoyed was Pet’s journey. Her transformation. Especially what she endured and how she kept fighting. The punishments and the pleasures Ares gave her. Both her body and mind. It left Pet a mess numerous times. Making her question herself, her reason for staying and wanting to escape her captor. Her feelings a mixture of hate and love.
Ares is a man I both hated and loved. In equal measures. I was also curious and intrigued by him. Especially his past and the slaves he’s broken. He too struggles with his emotions. Distancing himself from his slave. From Pet. As rough and brutal he gets with her he’s also capable of showing tenderness. That side is why I felt he had a heart and I can’t wait to see more of that in the sequel.
The story is fast paced and when I reached the final chapter it was too soon. Pet and Ares have changed each other’s lives irrevocably and they can never go back. I can’t wait to find out how they’ll move forward. The ending was great leaving me wanting so much more. I wanted a dark story and I got it.
4 God of War and Pain Stars
I received an arc
ITLOGAM isn’t for the faint of hearts when it comes to domination and submission. Braking people into slaves. The story is raw, dark and gritty. The synopsis says it’s a dark romance but for me it’s more dark erotica. I couldn’t feel the romance until close to the end. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t entertained cause I thoroughly was.
What I enjoyed was Pet’s journey. Her transformation. Especially what she endured and how she kept fighting. The punishments and the pleasures Ares gave her. Both her body and mind. It left Pet a mess numerous times. Making her question herself, her reason for staying and wanting to escape her captor. Her feelings a mixture of hate and love.
Ares is a man I both hated and loved. In equal measures. I was also curious and intrigued by him. Especially his past and the slaves he’s broken. He too struggles with his emotions. Distancing himself from his slave. From Pet. As rough and brutal he gets with her he’s also capable of showing tenderness. That side is why I felt he had a heart and I can’t wait to see more of that in the sequel.
The story is fast paced and when I reached the final chapter it was too soon. Pet and Ares have changed each other’s lives irrevocably and they can never go back. I can’t wait to find out how they’ll move forward. The ending was great leaving me wanting so much more. I wanted a dark story and I got it.
4 God of War and Pain Stars
I received an arc
November 14, 2018
The story is totally painted in very dark colours. Non-con, dub-con sex, dom/Sub, humiliation, sexual slavery and fetishes and kinks all galore. A prima Ballerina is a swan. Lithe, graceful, a whisper of a feather, until she's plucked by a sadist and caged for eternity. She's tortured, abused, exploited till her feathers fall off and she forgets who she is....except his!!
You are mine. I’ll call you whatever the fuck I want. I’ll keep you as long as I need, and if I choose to discard you like the dirty whore you are, then that is also up to me.”
Ares is a Master on a mission and a deadline. Bit by bit he starts breaking her and smashing her personality to squishy mud and then molds her as he wants her to be.
A perfect little pet!!
A stupid girl too busy falling for her captor that she forgets to run, to plot, scheme, and most important of all . . . to escape.
It's a fantastic story of progression of a free flying bird to a caged nightingale who sings on command of her Master. She is so isolated and alienated, every fleeting touch, every harsh hand on her redefined ass, every brutal pinch of her nipples is a welcome relief. Human touch becomes her highlight of the day and her Stockholm Syndrome is full blown
I love him. I hate him. I want to kill him, spear him through the heart until his blood pours thick and hot over my hands, and I can finally take back my freedom. But in doing so, it will destroy me.
Ares and Hermes are pros and skilled Masters with a decade of experience. This waif can't stand up to them....can She?
But fate has other things in store for all of them. After visiting THE RANCH, Ares's scarred heart faces his nemesis again, a feeling of Deja Vu and his mistakes come to haunt him.....
“You, princess , are a means to an end.” He tucks the hair back behind my ear. “You’re not his slave; you’re a slave. You’re to be sold.”
What makes you think you’re any different? I bet he made you think you were special. You’re not. You’re a commodity , a pretty pussy to sell off to the highest bidder.”
A very well written story, keeps you totally engaged and engrossed. I'd have loved it more had I not read some eerily similar stories in the same genre. Nevertheless that DOES NOT take away from the finesse and articulation of Carmen. She really knows how to jump from trope to trope, genre to genre with so much ease, I'm her loyal reader fan!!!
4 stars for the Master Muerte
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You are mine. I’ll call you whatever the fuck I want. I’ll keep you as long as I need, and if I choose to discard you like the dirty whore you are, then that is also up to me.”
Ares is a Master on a mission and a deadline. Bit by bit he starts breaking her and smashing her personality to squishy mud and then molds her as he wants her to be.
A perfect little pet!!
A stupid girl too busy falling for her captor that she forgets to run, to plot, scheme, and most important of all . . . to escape.
It's a fantastic story of progression of a free flying bird to a caged nightingale who sings on command of her Master. She is so isolated and alienated, every fleeting touch, every harsh hand on her redefined ass, every brutal pinch of her nipples is a welcome relief. Human touch becomes her highlight of the day and her Stockholm Syndrome is full blown
I love him. I hate him. I want to kill him, spear him through the heart until his blood pours thick and hot over my hands, and I can finally take back my freedom. But in doing so, it will destroy me.
Ares and Hermes are pros and skilled Masters with a decade of experience. This waif can't stand up to them....can She?
But fate has other things in store for all of them. After visiting THE RANCH, Ares's scarred heart faces his nemesis again, a feeling of Deja Vu and his mistakes come to haunt him.....
“You, princess , are a means to an end.” He tucks the hair back behind my ear. “You’re not his slave; you’re a slave. You’re to be sold.”
What makes you think you’re any different? I bet he made you think you were special. You’re not. You’re a commodity , a pretty pussy to sell off to the highest bidder.”
A very well written story, keeps you totally engaged and engrossed. I'd have loved it more had I not read some eerily similar stories in the same genre. Nevertheless that DOES NOT take away from the finesse and articulation of Carmen. She really knows how to jump from trope to trope, genre to genre with so much ease, I'm her loyal reader fan!!!
4 stars for the Master Muerte
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November 20, 2018
Holy shit. I think I’m still in a daze, locked in the insanity that is Ares and Pet. This might’ve been my first ever Carmen Jenner book, but I didn’t see any of this coming. In the Land of Gods and Monsters was definitely a dark erotica romance, but it was also so much more than that. The entirety of this book will undoubtedly electrify and stun every single one of your nerve endings. It’s dark. It’s heavy. It’s pure BDSM that will leave your heart raw and spent. It’ll push your boundaries, but it'll also have you hanging onto every single word.
Ares is the kind of anti-hero you’ll want to choke, knock his teeth out, and knee him the balls right from the get go, but as you get deeper into the story, you see these teeny tiny glimpses of a different side of him that will make you pause and backtrack for a bit. It’s those rare, precious moments you’ll cling onto and remember when shit hits the fan. Because this god still has a heart buried somewhere in that black, bottomless pit inside his chest even if he refuses to believe it. And trust me, you won’t be able to get enough him.
Pet is something else entirely. Her character development throughout the whole book will just have you hooked. I don’t want to give anything away, but you’ll definitely want to fight for this girl. You’ll feel every ounce of her struggle, her pain and every dilemma that goes through her head. You’ll feel her heart and mind warring with each other, you’ll start to feel her confusion over pleasure and pain, and you’ll just want to hold her hand til the very end.
In the Land of Gods and Monsters was pure insanity. The darkness and intensity will swallow you whole. What Pet went through in the hands of Ares was no joke. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. But you won’t be able to stop yourself from turning the pages and knowing what will happen next. Because it’s just that addictive. And with the way this ended, I absolutely need more—I need the second part of their story like crazy.
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Submission is a beautiful thing, but to be able to give yourself over completely to the care of a Master, you need to be broken.
Ares is the kind of anti-hero you’ll want to choke, knock his teeth out, and knee him the balls right from the get go, but as you get deeper into the story, you see these teeny tiny glimpses of a different side of him that will make you pause and backtrack for a bit. It’s those rare, precious moments you’ll cling onto and remember when shit hits the fan. Because this god still has a heart buried somewhere in that black, bottomless pit inside his chest even if he refuses to believe it. And trust me, you won’t be able to get enough him.
Ares has the face of a god but the heart of a monster.
Pet is something else entirely. Her character development throughout the whole book will just have you hooked. I don’t want to give anything away, but you’ll definitely want to fight for this girl. You’ll feel every ounce of her struggle, her pain and every dilemma that goes through her head. You’ll feel her heart and mind warring with each other, you’ll start to feel her confusion over pleasure and pain, and you’ll just want to hold her hand til the very end.
Ares owns me. A part of me thinks that no matter what happens, he always will.
In the Land of Gods and Monsters was pure insanity. The darkness and intensity will swallow you whole. What Pet went through in the hands of Ares was no joke. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. But you won’t be able to stop yourself from turning the pages and knowing what will happen next. Because it’s just that addictive. And with the way this ended, I absolutely need more—I need the second part of their story like crazy.
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November 21, 2018
This is my very first Carmen Jenner book. And while I've never read this author before, I do love a good dark read. So, naturally, the blurb had me at "His pet."
I'm going to be totally honest here; after the first few chapters, I wasn't all the way on board. The beginning jumped in with both feet—heavy on the sex, light on depth. I admit to being worried that was all there was going to be. I shouldn't have been. As the book continues on and characterization and plot unfold, there were so many zigs when I thought there would be zags. Little nagging questions about who people were, their relationships, and the past that binds it all had kept me intrigued while I grew more connected with Ares and Pet.
And while the characters may have started a little flat, Ares and Pet blossomed into dynamic, flawed, and conflicted souls. Pet especially held my attention with her conflicted emotional duality. The line between love and hate is thin and the author shows her inner struggle.
When I finished with this book, I stared at my Kindle in happy surprise. From a book I almost put down, to one I truly enjoyed. And while this is a duet, for me this could be read as a standalone (if you don't mind some mild lingering questions). Though, I definitely plan on reading book two.
*Note: This book is Dark Erotica with triggers. There is also one scene of M/M content.
I'm going to be totally honest here; after the first few chapters, I wasn't all the way on board. The beginning jumped in with both feet—heavy on the sex, light on depth. I admit to being worried that was all there was going to be. I shouldn't have been. As the book continues on and characterization and plot unfold, there were so many zigs when I thought there would be zags. Little nagging questions about who people were, their relationships, and the past that binds it all had kept me intrigued while I grew more connected with Ares and Pet.
And while the characters may have started a little flat, Ares and Pet blossomed into dynamic, flawed, and conflicted souls. Pet especially held my attention with her conflicted emotional duality. The line between love and hate is thin and the author shows her inner struggle.
When I finished with this book, I stared at my Kindle in happy surprise. From a book I almost put down, to one I truly enjoyed. And while this is a duet, for me this could be read as a standalone (if you don't mind some mild lingering questions). Though, I definitely plan on reading book two.
*Note: This book is Dark Erotica with triggers. There is also one scene of M/M content.
November 14, 2018
Ummm WTF with an extra F#CK thrown in!!!!!!
I don't even know what to say. I have read some dark books in my time but holy shitballs this was twisted mind fuckery at its best. I don't want to say too much but I will say it's brutally graphic, it covers the very real & truly horrific subject of human trafficking and I am completely in awe of Carmen's writing in this one. Blown away!
It's definitely not your average HEA romance read. This one's for the lovers of all things dark & erotic. And by dark I mean pitch black!!! Consider yourself warned.
Ares & his Pet are sooooo intriguing. They share something that felt genuine as a reader and it worried me just how much I didn't hate him. I am hooked on their story & cannot wait for book 2.
I received an arc of this book.
I don't even know what to say. I have read some dark books in my time but holy shitballs this was twisted mind fuckery at its best. I don't want to say too much but I will say it's brutally graphic, it covers the very real & truly horrific subject of human trafficking and I am completely in awe of Carmen's writing in this one. Blown away!
It's definitely not your average HEA romance read. This one's for the lovers of all things dark & erotic. And by dark I mean pitch black!!! Consider yourself warned.
Ares & his Pet are sooooo intriguing. They share something that felt genuine as a reader and it worried me just how much I didn't hate him. I am hooked on their story & cannot wait for book 2.
I received an arc of this book.
November 20, 2018
*3.5-4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This one is hard for me to review, because whilst I love Carmen, I'm not sure about this story. I haven't really read many dark stories like this before, if at all. This is the story of a famous ballerina who is abducted and held hostage, however she has no memory of who she is or anything to do with her past.
Ares, her captor is just plain mean, and yes, a monster. The story revolves around so much torture/punishment and sex between these two, that it seems to be a bit too much some of the time. And the horrible Stockholm Sydndrome Pet develops makes me want to smash the guys head in. Not that I didn't already want to do that, but ya know.
The horrible situations in this book, while fictional, just made me think about how real this stuff actually is. Because in real life, there are horrible, horrendous monsters out there preying on innocent people. And that fact made this book even harder to read for me.
I did feel that the story was a little repetitive with the sex and torture at times, and would have liked a bit more development maybe in other parts of the characters stories. The ending was a huge surprise that I did not see coming at all, so I am really interested to see where we go with part 2 when that is released.
I am hoping for more explanations and character depth in the next instalments, because as horrible and dark as this story is, I am still intrigued to find out what happens.
(Note: In no means do I mean that the writing is bad. Carmen's writing is great, the story is just very very dark)
Review also on my blog - In The Land of Gods and Monsters - Carmen Jenner
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This one is hard for me to review, because whilst I love Carmen, I'm not sure about this story. I haven't really read many dark stories like this before, if at all. This is the story of a famous ballerina who is abducted and held hostage, however she has no memory of who she is or anything to do with her past.
Ares, her captor is just plain mean, and yes, a monster. The story revolves around so much torture/punishment and sex between these two, that it seems to be a bit too much some of the time. And the horrible Stockholm Sydndrome Pet develops makes me want to smash the guys head in. Not that I didn't already want to do that, but ya know.
The horrible situations in this book, while fictional, just made me think about how real this stuff actually is. Because in real life, there are horrible, horrendous monsters out there preying on innocent people. And that fact made this book even harder to read for me.
I did feel that the story was a little repetitive with the sex and torture at times, and would have liked a bit more development maybe in other parts of the characters stories. The ending was a huge surprise that I did not see coming at all, so I am really interested to see where we go with part 2 when that is released.
I am hoping for more explanations and character depth in the next instalments, because as horrible and dark as this story is, I am still intrigued to find out what happens.
(Note: In no means do I mean that the writing is bad. Carmen's writing is great, the story is just very very dark)
Review also on my blog - In The Land of Gods and Monsters - Carmen Jenner
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November 12, 2018
"Pet, there's no one to tell. It's just you and me here, and you can't reason with a monster. You have no options here but to do what I tell you, or to be punished, and then do what I tell you. Are we clear?"
Ares is an arrogant asshole. Lots of 'A' words, including addictive. Not only to his Pet, but to me as well. I didn't want to like him, because even he admits that he's a monster. I wanted to try and reason with him, but even she soon learned that "There's no point. Begging doesn't work on monsters. Tears don't either. The only thing he responds to are pain, and screams, and coming."
Pet has amnesia. She woke up in captivity and remembers nothing before him, Ares, her god. "How can anyone be capable of such tenderness, and yet be so malicious in the same breath? Ares has the face of a god but the heart of a monster. There is true ugliness in him—darkness, bitter and rotten." She doesn't want to want him, but she can't help herself. Her body craves what only he can provide. He's stolen her body, her memories, and her control. Does her heart stand a chance against the beautiful beast?
#MindFuckAlert! This dark and gritty story will have you using your WTF? face at some point before you turn the last page. And then, you'll be joining me, stalking the author like a kid pestering a parent repeatedly asking When? Because this isn't the end, and at the risk of a spanking, I'll beg for more. Please? I promise to be a good girl. *fingers crossed behind my back* 😉 The line forms here...
Ares is an arrogant asshole. Lots of 'A' words, including addictive. Not only to his Pet, but to me as well. I didn't want to like him, because even he admits that he's a monster. I wanted to try and reason with him, but even she soon learned that "There's no point. Begging doesn't work on monsters. Tears don't either. The only thing he responds to are pain, and screams, and coming."
Pet has amnesia. She woke up in captivity and remembers nothing before him, Ares, her god. "How can anyone be capable of such tenderness, and yet be so malicious in the same breath? Ares has the face of a god but the heart of a monster. There is true ugliness in him—darkness, bitter and rotten." She doesn't want to want him, but she can't help herself. Her body craves what only he can provide. He's stolen her body, her memories, and her control. Does her heart stand a chance against the beautiful beast?
#MindFuckAlert! This dark and gritty story will have you using your WTF? face at some point before you turn the last page. And then, you'll be joining me, stalking the author like a kid pestering a parent repeatedly asking When? Because this isn't the end, and at the risk of a spanking, I'll beg for more. Please? I promise to be a good girl. *fingers crossed behind my back* 😉 The line forms here...
November 20, 2018
It's been so long since I read anything in this genre so I was excited to see what Carmen had in store for me :-)
After a little bit of insight into the background on the heroine this story gets straight to the good stuff. Although 'good' is probably not an apt description of what this innocent woman goes through. She is plucked from her life and finds herself captive in a cell. She has no memory of her life before now and is completely dependent on her Master, Ares.
'Ares' smile is devastating. Monsters should never be this pretty. It isn't fair.'
She is a determined and defiant captive, as I imagine anyone in her situation would be. When everything has been taken from you, your dignity and self preservation is all you have. Ares is no stranger to this situation and there have been many before this Pet who he has broken in, she may be fighting back now but she will submit, they all do.
'So I stayed put in my gilded cage. Like a lonely bird, I chirrup for my Master. I sing when he touches me, but like any caged animal, I long to be free.'
When Ares introduces Pet to more people in his circle he finds himself feeling quite protective of her, more than he has before which is an unfamiliar feeling and not one he wants to admit to himself. This is where the story takes an interesting twist in the plot. And a lovely cliff hanger ending to endure...
This was a page turning read and very different to anything I have read from this author before. I'm looking forward to seeing where this story goes from here.
After a little bit of insight into the background on the heroine this story gets straight to the good stuff. Although 'good' is probably not an apt description of what this innocent woman goes through. She is plucked from her life and finds herself captive in a cell. She has no memory of her life before now and is completely dependent on her Master, Ares.
'Ares' smile is devastating. Monsters should never be this pretty. It isn't fair.'
She is a determined and defiant captive, as I imagine anyone in her situation would be. When everything has been taken from you, your dignity and self preservation is all you have. Ares is no stranger to this situation and there have been many before this Pet who he has broken in, she may be fighting back now but she will submit, they all do.
'So I stayed put in my gilded cage. Like a lonely bird, I chirrup for my Master. I sing when he touches me, but like any caged animal, I long to be free.'
When Ares introduces Pet to more people in his circle he finds himself feeling quite protective of her, more than he has before which is an unfamiliar feeling and not one he wants to admit to himself. This is where the story takes an interesting twist in the plot. And a lovely cliff hanger ending to endure...
This was a page turning read and very different to anything I have read from this author before. I'm looking forward to seeing where this story goes from here.
November 18, 2018
⭐️ 4 "Little One" Stars ⭐️
What did I just read?? Seriously, In the Land of Gods and Monsters was such an intense story that fed my dark romance addiction! It was my first time reading Carmen Jenner and I must say that I was left entirely ensnared in this obscure world of control, manipulation and perversion!
When Pet wakes up confined in a cell after her abduction, she doesn’t remember anything about her former life. In captivity, she meets her new master the sexy but cruel Ares. He treats her like his possession, teaching her how to be the perfect obedient slave. I enjoyed her defiance toward him despite the pain she suffers following these bold actions. She has a strong longing to escape this prison, but at the same time she gradually develops a clear need for these punitive treatments.
Ares is such a complex, but alluring anti-hero. Throughout the story, you rarely see any ounce of sympathy coming from him making him more villain than hero. But there’s still something about him that appealed to me. His dominance is arousing and I felt there was so much more to him than just a controlling man! There’s a secretive side of him I can’t wait to discover more.
The BDSM facet is very intense in this novel and provides some powerfully wicked and tantalizing scenes!! This book tests your limits that’s a fact, so if you’re not into kinky erotic book, pass over this one. There’s more than just the depraved sexuality, but a lot of the book revolves around this subject. I will admit that I felt the story was dragging at some parts being too repetitive with the sexual passages, but toward the second half I was fully grasped by the intrigue about Pet’s future. It kind of balanced the overflow of carnal passion previously flaunted.
The last few chapters were addictive and left me on a rush of sensations and full of interrogations! I can’t wait for the next installment in the Gods and Monsters series to get more of Pet and Ares’s fervent dynamic! Carmen Jenner started this dark, sinful series on a high and I’m now hooked on this world of decadence she created!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
November 14, 2018
Wow, now that’s what I call an attention grabbing beginning! The warnings about this dark romance are there for a very good reason. It’s a book that grabs you by the throat and literally doesn’t let go until the very last word, if even then!
Kidnapped, beaten, tormented, starved, trained as a sex slave, Pet can’t remember who she was before hand, where she came from or anything about her prior life as a prima ballerina. Submission is the name of the game and Ares’ overall aim so she can go to the highest bidder.
Ares, the ultimate antihero, thrives on metering out punishment to Pet. His monster persona gets off on every tiny bit of torture and pain inflicted on her. He also craves her total submission as he plays this very dangerous game. Pet may no longer remember her past but her inner strength shines through and encourages her to push back at times. Her amnesia is a blessing really as she starts off with a clean slate.
I have to say there are plenty of times I really wanted to flog Ares! He doesn’t always make me this annoyed with him but I do get irritated, and that’s putting it nicely, having him tell the story from his point of view does help too. Pet’s point of view really enables us to go through her experiences with her mentally, it helped me see things very clearly from her side which was good.
This fast paced story may be dark but is easy to read and is one that once you start is hard to put down. There are twists and some turns that make for exciting reading as well, you could never say there is anything dull about this book. My only problem is that now I have to wait for the next book! 😳
Kidnapped, beaten, tormented, starved, trained as a sex slave, Pet can’t remember who she was before hand, where she came from or anything about her prior life as a prima ballerina. Submission is the name of the game and Ares’ overall aim so she can go to the highest bidder.
Ares, the ultimate antihero, thrives on metering out punishment to Pet. His monster persona gets off on every tiny bit of torture and pain inflicted on her. He also craves her total submission as he plays this very dangerous game. Pet may no longer remember her past but her inner strength shines through and encourages her to push back at times. Her amnesia is a blessing really as she starts off with a clean slate.
I have to say there are plenty of times I really wanted to flog Ares! He doesn’t always make me this annoyed with him but I do get irritated, and that’s putting it nicely, having him tell the story from his point of view does help too. Pet’s point of view really enables us to go through her experiences with her mentally, it helped me see things very clearly from her side which was good.
This fast paced story may be dark but is easy to read and is one that once you start is hard to put down. There are twists and some turns that make for exciting reading as well, you could never say there is anything dull about this book. My only problem is that now I have to wait for the next book! 😳
November 17, 2018
5+ Stars
I’m still breathing hard after reading this exceptional dark, uninhibited, romantic read. Carmen Jenner has written a dark, erotic story that had me hooked from page to page. You feel the hurt and pain the characters endure that make you want to crawl into the book and help them out. It’s raw, there is no hiding in corners, you just had to take on the ride and kinky erotic themes that are just in your face. I certainly wasn’t prepared for this.
The characters in this story just leave you flabbergasted. What unfolds for our heroine throws her life on its axis. Her inhibitions are tested, she only addresses the hero as Sir, and in turn, is known as Pet. This is where I started to feel my morals we being tested because if I am honest, I fell in love with her captor Ares.
Ares is a multidimensional character. He has so many layers to his persona but you see the good shining through in glimpses. He is a hot, dark and unrelenting monster.
I don’t want to say too much but both Pet and Ares are tested with each other. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book but I’m on a high with emotions with this read and need a good ending.
I’m still breathing hard after reading this exceptional dark, uninhibited, romantic read. Carmen Jenner has written a dark, erotic story that had me hooked from page to page. You feel the hurt and pain the characters endure that make you want to crawl into the book and help them out. It’s raw, there is no hiding in corners, you just had to take on the ride and kinky erotic themes that are just in your face. I certainly wasn’t prepared for this.
The characters in this story just leave you flabbergasted. What unfolds for our heroine throws her life on its axis. Her inhibitions are tested, she only addresses the hero as Sir, and in turn, is known as Pet. This is where I started to feel my morals we being tested because if I am honest, I fell in love with her captor Ares.
Ares is a multidimensional character. He has so many layers to his persona but you see the good shining through in glimpses. He is a hot, dark and unrelenting monster.
I don’t want to say too much but both Pet and Ares are tested with each other. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book but I’m on a high with emotions with this read and need a good ending.
April 13, 2019
Dang. I'm not sure what I just read, but I need more. Carmen Jenner pulled out all the stops and then some. I'm hooked. A dark, sordid, erotic story that left me on the edge of my seat and wondering where Ares lives because dang, I would love to bump into him!
If you love your romance dark, twisted, and downright filthy, then you need to meet Ares and his Pet. Carmen Jenner has created a world that I never wanted to escape from because just like Pet, I may have fallen for our dark Master, Ares.
Bring on the next one!
If you love your romance dark, twisted, and downright filthy, then you need to meet Ares and his Pet. Carmen Jenner has created a world that I never wanted to escape from because just like Pet, I may have fallen for our dark Master, Ares.
Bring on the next one!
August 23, 2019
This book was extremely similar to Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts. I gave Captive in the Dark three stars as well. But I enjoyed this story a little bit more. It was a bit darker and the ending was far more satisfying.
TW: Non-con
TW: Non-con
November 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book by a new to me Author, Carmen Jenner, whom I will definitely be reading more from.
Although there is certainly a familiar plot to this dark read, it is a book worth reading if you’re like me and enjoy the hell out of a good captivity book. It has many of my favs; non/dub con, torture, & BDSM elements...yet, it was a unique story. One I haven’t read again and again.
The writing is really great, the flow and pace, the characters, and the SEX; all terrific. HOLY SHIT WAS THIS A HOT BOOK! My Kindle was smokin’! This book even pushed my limits just a tad in a awesome way with some unexpected MM action, and a tiny bit of pet play...These were some of the terrific, but unexpected twists that occur, if you can stick with the first part of the read, which signals a “read this before”- type vibe... Ignore that if possible, and push through, because you haven’t read *this* one.
However, the book felt a little thin on substance. But the writing made up for that, for me. I am left with a few unanswered questions that I really hope to be revealed in the sequel, or Book 2 of the series. This also contains a very mild cliffy, one that didn’t drive me ape shit.
All in all, a very good “one handed read”; with great penmanship,and a surprisingly unique story. If your a fan of captivity stories, this book is worth a try. I personally found it to be a fun, sexy, easy to read book. Eagerly awaiting Book#2.
Although there is certainly a familiar plot to this dark read, it is a book worth reading if you’re like me and enjoy the hell out of a good captivity book. It has many of my favs; non/dub con, torture, & BDSM elements...yet, it was a unique story. One I haven’t read again and again.
The writing is really great, the flow and pace, the characters, and the SEX; all terrific. HOLY SHIT WAS THIS A HOT BOOK! My Kindle was smokin’! This book even pushed my limits just a tad in a awesome way with some unexpected MM action, and a tiny bit of pet play...These were some of the terrific, but unexpected twists that occur, if you can stick with the first part of the read, which signals a “read this before”- type vibe... Ignore that if possible, and push through, because you haven’t read *this* one.
However, the book felt a little thin on substance. But the writing made up for that, for me. I am left with a few unanswered questions that I really hope to be revealed in the sequel, or Book 2 of the series. This also contains a very mild cliffy, one that didn’t drive me ape shit.
All in all, a very good “one handed read”; with great penmanship,and a surprisingly unique story. If your a fan of captivity stories, this book is worth a try. I personally found it to be a fun, sexy, easy to read book. Eagerly awaiting Book#2.
November 25, 2018
The story was entertaining enough, and fairly hot, but not enough was revealed for my tastes. So, I’m going to wait and review the whole thing.
November 15, 2018
It’s been WAY too long since I’ve delved into a dark romance as delicious as this. Carmen Jenner just hit my reader sweet spot with Ares and Pet’s story.
It’s gritty and raw tale of their internal battles throughout the story was engrossing. Pet struggles with her growing love for the man that took her from her life but has claimed ownership of her body and heart without her ever really wanting him to. Nevertheless, he did. This ends up being a struggle for Ares because it’s not what was intended and it puts a huge kink in his plans.
She has a purpose to fulfill but now he doesn’t want to let her go. She wanted so much to run, but now she wants so much for him to keep her. Her confusion as to her place also became mine. I too struggled with the two sides of Ares and couldn’t decide if I hated him or loved him. Perhaps I fall in that middle place of feeling both.
Highly erotic, all encompassing...this story brought me back to the days when I first began reading Dark Romance and I absolutely LOVED it. I must know what happens next.
It’s gritty and raw tale of their internal battles throughout the story was engrossing. Pet struggles with her growing love for the man that took her from her life but has claimed ownership of her body and heart without her ever really wanting him to. Nevertheless, he did. This ends up being a struggle for Ares because it’s not what was intended and it puts a huge kink in his plans.
She has a purpose to fulfill but now he doesn’t want to let her go. She wanted so much to run, but now she wants so much for him to keep her. Her confusion as to her place also became mine. I too struggled with the two sides of Ares and couldn’t decide if I hated him or loved him. Perhaps I fall in that middle place of feeling both.
Highly erotic, all encompassing...this story brought me back to the days when I first began reading Dark Romance and I absolutely LOVED it. I must know what happens next.
November 19, 2018
In The Land of Gods and Monsters was a sexy slave/master story that was heavy on the bdsm. When "Pet" gets kidnapped by Ares we do not know the reason why she's taken but know that there is a hidden agenda he and his brother have. While I enjoyed this story I felt like it was incredibly rushed and a bit of a mixed bag for me.
I enjoyed the story but it felt like the first half of the book was just sexual interludes/bdsm "lesson" sessions without there being much emotion involved. It almost felt clinical and then all of a sudden feelings of love were mentioned and it almost felt super rushed. I wanted to see the instances where there was confusion on both sides where forbidden emotions were developing. But this had a telling vs showing feel to it which I also did not connect with.
All in all, while not my favorite story from
this author, this novel is worth reading and is sexy, compelling and drops us on our head in a omg cliffhanger. 3 stars! ~Ratula
I enjoyed the story but it felt like the first half of the book was just sexual interludes/bdsm "lesson" sessions without there being much emotion involved. It almost felt clinical and then all of a sudden feelings of love were mentioned and it almost felt super rushed. I wanted to see the instances where there was confusion on both sides where forbidden emotions were developing. But this had a telling vs showing feel to it which I also did not connect with.
All in all, while not my favorite story from
this author, this novel is worth reading and is sexy, compelling and drops us on our head in a omg cliffhanger. 3 stars! ~Ratula
November 24, 2018
This was a pretty good read. This was my first time reading this author. Camille Flynn is a prima ballerina who was kidnapped after the opening night of Swan Lake. Camille wakes up in a cell with no memory of what happened to her or who she is. Ares and his twin brother kidnapped her to train her as a sex slave to sell her to the highest bidder. This was a good read. Pet as she has become gets more pleasure out of being forced to do all kinds of things and it confuses her. What I liked about her was she was strong she did try to escape although she didn't get far. The more time she spent with Sir the more she realizes that she loves him even when she wants to kill him. She is also scared of his brother the more ruthless of the two. The three of them go to a kinky ranch that I really want to read more about where they meet other slaves that Ares has trained including a male slave that once had his heart that Pet is jealous of. When she did try to escape again she came back and she admitted her feelings to him. The sex scenes in this book were hot as hell. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
November 18, 2018
Wow, this book was definitely intense and dark as can be.
I went into this one with my eyes closed and an open mind not knowing what to expect or what I was going to get. But I'm so glad I did go in blind because this book definitely hit all my awesomeness buttons.
We get this in dual POV, but mostly in Pet's POV and we get to feel and experience how she is feeling and what she's going through being Ares' submissive. I've read some pretty dark books and this one definitely goes on top of my dark reads list of 2018!
This story enraptured me whole and I just couldn't stop reading it. I loved everything about this story and how the relationship developed between Pet and Ares. I can't wait to get more from these characters because I was definitely left with many unanswered questions. I am so looking forward to reading more in this series!
Also, Hermes (Ares' twin brother) was just one broody SOB and even though he wasn't a very nice man, I want to read about him and what's his story.
5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I went into this one with my eyes closed and an open mind not knowing what to expect or what I was going to get. But I'm so glad I did go in blind because this book definitely hit all my awesomeness buttons.
We get this in dual POV, but mostly in Pet's POV and we get to feel and experience how she is feeling and what she's going through being Ares' submissive. I've read some pretty dark books and this one definitely goes on top of my dark reads list of 2018!
This story enraptured me whole and I just couldn't stop reading it. I loved everything about this story and how the relationship developed between Pet and Ares. I can't wait to get more from these characters because I was definitely left with many unanswered questions. I am so looking forward to reading more in this series!
Also, Hermes (Ares' twin brother) was just one broody SOB and even though he wasn't a very nice man, I want to read about him and what's his story.
5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
November 14, 2018
In the Land of Gods and Monsters is not a book for the feint of heart. There are BDSM romances and then there is this book, in a league of it's own. The premise of the story; taken, stolen, beaten and used, should be taken as a warning to readers. This book should be read with the understanding it's no fairytale with a prince riding in to rescue the damsel. It's pretty much the exact opposite.
I was shocked by the darkness of the leading man. How could Ares possibly be seen as a hero? His brutality and cruel nature was confronting, yet I was drawn to his power and the tiny cracks that were visable in his DOM armour. Our heroine is a survivor, strong in mind, body and spirit. This strength allowed me to connect with the character quickly and made me sympathetic to her emotional stuggles. I surprised myself with how invested I was in the happiness of BOTH the characters. I am eager to find out what Ms Jenner has instore for them. I know a HEA is a slim possibility and I'm not sure I even want them to find one together!
As In the Land of Gods and Monsters progressed, I was constantly surprised with the turn of events. There are parts of the story I felt were slightly repetitive, but overall there was a good flow and constant build up of tension and drama. The ending is climactic and not at all as I expected, leaving me begging for the second part of this trilogy.
I was shocked by the darkness of the leading man. How could Ares possibly be seen as a hero? His brutality and cruel nature was confronting, yet I was drawn to his power and the tiny cracks that were visable in his DOM armour. Our heroine is a survivor, strong in mind, body and spirit. This strength allowed me to connect with the character quickly and made me sympathetic to her emotional stuggles. I surprised myself with how invested I was in the happiness of BOTH the characters. I am eager to find out what Ms Jenner has instore for them. I know a HEA is a slim possibility and I'm not sure I even want them to find one together!
As In the Land of Gods and Monsters progressed, I was constantly surprised with the turn of events. There are parts of the story I felt were slightly repetitive, but overall there was a good flow and constant build up of tension and drama. The ending is climactic and not at all as I expected, leaving me begging for the second part of this trilogy.
November 12, 2018
Pet is taken she’s a ballerina and taken to become a submissive. This book is brutal, dark, twisted and just so much more. Pet is angry and very determined throughout the book. Aries is cruel, dark and will having you wanting to do evil things to him but other times you want to know more about him. Lots of kink and has you wanting more. 5/5 stars can’t wait for the next book
January 25, 2019
I was so excited to read this book, I had herd such amazing things and for the most part it lived up to the hype. But after maybe 30 to 40 percent of the book, it started to become a little too predictable. I kept on reading because i do enjoy a dark story. However the first 40 percent of this book was very gripping and it had me on the edge of my seat.
One thing that I did not really like was the amount of sex scenes and torture scenes. There was just too many of them. I would have liked some character development or even some background on the characters. Mainly the captors, in how they started and why they began to kidnap people and then sell them. Although, the sex scenes were hot and steamy, there was also BDSM in this book and there was some m/m, m/f and m/f/m action going on.
Overall, I did enjoy the storyline, its what kept me reading the book. I am looking forward to the next book after the cliffhanger we were handed and hopefully we get more background information on all the characters, I would really like to know more about Pet's captor.
One thing that I did not really like was the amount of sex scenes and torture scenes. There was just too many of them. I would have liked some character development or even some background on the characters. Mainly the captors, in how they started and why they began to kidnap people and then sell them. Although, the sex scenes were hot and steamy, there was also BDSM in this book and there was some m/m, m/f and m/f/m action going on.
Overall, I did enjoy the storyline, its what kept me reading the book. I am looking forward to the next book after the cliffhanger we were handed and hopefully we get more background information on all the characters, I would really like to know more about Pet's captor.
December 13, 2022
Be warned; this is a dark, taboo book that features some very dark kinks. read all trigger warnings before picking this one up. If dark and twisted are your jams, then you'll like this one.
We meet our FMC whom is a ballerina... On opening night, she sees a handsome guy watching her from the wings. Next thing she knows, she wakes up in a cell. MMC Ares aka Muerte is a very dark, dark man whose job is kidnapping men and women to train them to become submissives and slaves. His goal is to break them and then train them to be sold to the highest bidder. He thinks the ballerina will be just another job.... until she isn't. His twin brother Hermes is even darker than he is, if that makes sense.
As his training goes with our FMC, he slowly realizes he won't be able to hand her over ot the buyer... and that would result in major issues for him and the "Pet" he's come to have feelings for.
This book ends in a major cliffhanger, and Ill be reading the next one asap.
We meet our FMC whom is a ballerina... On opening night, she sees a handsome guy watching her from the wings. Next thing she knows, she wakes up in a cell. MMC Ares aka Muerte is a very dark, dark man whose job is kidnapping men and women to train them to become submissives and slaves. His goal is to break them and then train them to be sold to the highest bidder. He thinks the ballerina will be just another job.... until she isn't. His twin brother Hermes is even darker than he is, if that makes sense.
As his training goes with our FMC, he slowly realizes he won't be able to hand her over ot the buyer... and that would result in major issues for him and the "Pet" he's come to have feelings for.
This book ends in a major cliffhanger, and Ill be reading the next one asap.
November 18, 2018
Mind blown, I need to digest this a little before writing a full review
Some initial thoughts
Negatives
Huge suspension of disbelief that a top flight principal dancer can be kidnapped without a trace from her dressing room.
Massive suspensions of disbelief that you would choose to kidnap a pretty well know person, from a VERY rich family, as someone to train and then sell on as a slave. Far too much risk involved.
There was a little too much sex and not enough story/world building at one point.
Positives
Whilst at first this felt very similar to several other 'kidnapped slave in training' stories, it had quite a few unique touches that really drew me into the story.
In particular I LOVED how Pet, even when she felt broken, never lost her fire. She never truly gave up, she maybe made stupid decisions, but she retained herself.
I personally liked the Israel twist/ side plot. On paper it shouldn't have worked but it did.
***So after taking some time to think, I'm putting this firmly in the 'emjoyed' category and would probably rate is 5 stars on Amazon.
I didn't realise this wasn't going to be a stand alone. However it either had a very open ending, or there is (I'm hoping and guessing from the fact that it now says part one) more to come. I really liked this authors writing style, the pace, the characters, the darkness, the intrigue, the danger and her ability to write a damn good mind-f**k of a story.
I loved Pet. One of the biggest things that annoys me is when a heroine thinks she is strong, or the author repeatedly tells us she is BUT what we actually get is a female who is as soft as a marshmallow. Pet was so well written, I loved how she never gave up. Yes she made some really stupid (with hindsight) decisions BUT she (a) made them, (b) learnt from them and (c) might have been scared at times but she wasn't a push over either.
Ares had enough about him to give him a likeable edge, he was nicknamed death and he certainly had a malevolent streak to him. He intrigued me and again was a very well written character. I would have found him, and the book as a whole, a lot darker had we experienced more punishment and non-con scenes.
I felt there was a slight case of telling us Pet had been trained to enjoy pain along with pleasure, rather than being shown. However I think some of this was because the book was set over several months, although this wasn't clear until quite a way through the book. Up until that point I thought we were talking days or a couple of weeks, though I do prefer that it was a longer time period.
I really liked the hints of what else was to come, the mystery of why they had to rush from The Ranch, why Ares and his brother are in the sex slave trade and why they need so much money. The book really held my attention and I read it from start to end with barely a pause. The pace, writing, character development and plot were all really good and I definitely plan to read more of this series.
Some initial thoughts
Negatives
Huge suspension of disbelief that a top flight principal dancer can be kidnapped without a trace from her dressing room.
Massive suspensions of disbelief that you would choose to kidnap a pretty well know person, from a VERY rich family, as someone to train and then sell on as a slave. Far too much risk involved.
There was a little too much sex and not enough story/world building at one point.
Positives
Whilst at first this felt very similar to several other 'kidnapped slave in training' stories, it had quite a few unique touches that really drew me into the story.
In particular I LOVED how Pet, even when she felt broken, never lost her fire. She never truly gave up, she maybe made stupid decisions, but she retained herself.
I personally liked the Israel twist/ side plot. On paper it shouldn't have worked but it did.
***So after taking some time to think, I'm putting this firmly in the 'emjoyed' category and would probably rate is 5 stars on Amazon.
I didn't realise this wasn't going to be a stand alone. However it either had a very open ending, or there is (I'm hoping and guessing from the fact that it now says part one) more to come. I really liked this authors writing style, the pace, the characters, the darkness, the intrigue, the danger and her ability to write a damn good mind-f**k of a story.
I loved Pet. One of the biggest things that annoys me is when a heroine thinks she is strong, or the author repeatedly tells us she is BUT what we actually get is a female who is as soft as a marshmallow. Pet was so well written, I loved how she never gave up. Yes she made some really stupid (with hindsight) decisions BUT she (a) made them, (b) learnt from them and (c) might have been scared at times but she wasn't a push over either.
Ares had enough about him to give him a likeable edge, he was nicknamed death and he certainly had a malevolent streak to him. He intrigued me and again was a very well written character. I would have found him, and the book as a whole, a lot darker had we experienced more punishment and non-con scenes.
I felt there was a slight case of telling us Pet had been trained to enjoy pain along with pleasure, rather than being shown. However I think some of this was because the book was set over several months, although this wasn't clear until quite a way through the book. Up until that point I thought we were talking days or a couple of weeks, though I do prefer that it was a longer time period.
I really liked the hints of what else was to come, the mystery of why they had to rush from The Ranch, why Ares and his brother are in the sex slave trade and why they need so much money. The book really held my attention and I read it from start to end with barely a pause. The pace, writing, character development and plot were all really good and I definitely plan to read more of this series.
November 23, 2018
As I mentioned before, I wasn't too impressed with this story. I felt that it dragged on in far too many places and not enough in others.
In other, well written, stories of similar tropes, the reader can normally be immersed in to the psyche of the main characters and often feels or at the very least becomes aware of when 'things change' for one or both characters on an emotional level. I was extremely tired of the repetitive Ds scenes, which I felt held no substance. The entire situation felt superficial and lacked in the ability to anchor me to the story.
I felt more interest for Israel than I did for Ares or Camille and he was only in the story for a short amount of time.
In other, well written, stories of similar tropes, the reader can normally be immersed in to the psyche of the main characters and often feels or at the very least becomes aware of when 'things change' for one or both characters on an emotional level. I was extremely tired of the repetitive Ds scenes, which I felt held no substance. The entire situation felt superficial and lacked in the ability to anchor me to the story.
I felt more interest for Israel than I did for Ares or Camille and he was only in the story for a short amount of time.
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