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Church #2
Preach.
A shattered woman.
A changed man.
Church Logan wanted to kill someone, and Emma Hartley wanted to die - they were a match made in hell.
But one little cut, a pint or two of blood, and suddenly everything between them is different.
Are they still destined for greatness? Or has the darkness finally eclipsed them and torn them apart?
Looks like it's time for Church to practice what he preaches.
Ignition, meet explosion.
warning: if you have triggers - this story will touch on a lot of them. This book is a dark romance, 85,000+ words.
A changed man.
Church Logan wanted to kill someone, and Emma Hartley wanted to die - they were a match made in hell.
But one little cut, a pint or two of blood, and suddenly everything between them is different.
Are they still destined for greatness? Or has the darkness finally eclipsed them and torn them apart?
Looks like it's time for Church to practice what he preaches.
Ignition, meet explosion.
warning: if you have triggers - this story will touch on a lot of them. This book is a dark romance, 85,000+ words.
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2018
296 people are currently reading
1,481 people want to read
About the author
Stylo Fantome
27 books4,760 followersCrazy woman from a remote location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ... forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.
I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.
Yeah. I think that about sums me up.
I also write contemporary romance under the name Penny Sixsmith
I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.
Yeah. I think that about sums me up.
I also write contemporary romance under the name Penny Sixsmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
November 8, 2018
I honestly had no clue what I was getting into when I started book two of the Church duet. Aside from knowing how the previous book ended and anticipating where I'd find both Church and Emma, I was at a loss as to how this author would further twist my mind with this couple. And twist my mind she did!
Emma was right where we left her, making trouble for herself and pretending to be someone she definitely wasn't. She was just as lost as ever, leading me down the rabbit hole of her delusional mind. She was ready to reclaim her life, but she had no life. It was like an infinite loop of nonsense. Her internal thoughts drove me nuts, leading me to affirm my intense dislike of her, but she was entertaining nonetheless.
Church, who was the life of the party in the previous book, was still his cold and charming self. This classic manipulator, this man who seemed more aware of everything around him than anyone else, he who played Emma like a puppeteer, was a little lost himself. But he believed that he had everything under control. That he alone could dictate and shape destiny. Maybe he wasn't wrong?
I'm still in love with the way that Church loved Emma. I didn't like the girl, but he gave her everything he had to give. Shoot, he changed so much about himself just to suit what she would like. I don't think she really deserved him, but that's just me.
As for some of the predictions I made from the last book, I was so glad to find out I was right! I knew there was more to a certain character than met the eye! As unassuming and as bland as Jerry was, there was so much going on underneath. The man had layers and I only wish there was more time spent on his components. He was freaking awesome!
Release: 11.09.2018
Genre: Dark Romance
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat: 3
Part of a series - Church #2
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Emma was right where we left her, making trouble for herself and pretending to be someone she definitely wasn't. She was just as lost as ever, leading me down the rabbit hole of her delusional mind. She was ready to reclaim her life, but she had no life. It was like an infinite loop of nonsense. Her internal thoughts drove me nuts, leading me to affirm my intense dislike of her, but she was entertaining nonetheless.
"You once told me to embrace myself, to be okay with my darkness. I think it's time for you to practice what you preach." - Church
Church, who was the life of the party in the previous book, was still his cold and charming self. This classic manipulator, this man who seemed more aware of everything around him than anyone else, he who played Emma like a puppeteer, was a little lost himself. But he believed that he had everything under control. That he alone could dictate and shape destiny. Maybe he wasn't wrong?
She used me to feel loved. I used her to feel control.
Could anything ever be that perfect again?
I'm guessing no.
But I bet it could be better.
With just a wink here, and a nudge there, and we could be so much better.
I'm still in love with the way that Church loved Emma. I didn't like the girl, but he gave her everything he had to give. Shoot, he changed so much about himself just to suit what she would like. I don't think she really deserved him, but that's just me.
As for some of the predictions I made from the last book, I was so glad to find out I was right! I knew there was more to a certain character than met the eye! As unassuming and as bland as Jerry was, there was so much going on underneath. The man had layers and I only wish there was more time spent on his components. He was freaking awesome!
Release: 11.09.2018
Genre: Dark Romance
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat: 3
Part of a series - Church #2
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Google+
November 9, 2018
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Book 2 of 2 from Church Duet
POV: Shifting
Rating:
Church Logan and Emma Hartley were cut from the same cloth. They contently explored their dark sides together until ambitions started to get in a way. Now they must learn to find a middle ground or risk a bloody ending.
I liked how Emma took initiative and started to think for her own happiness. Though I have to admit I wanted to slap her a few times from the decisions she made lol!
I always appreciate characters who knew where they stand. Church recognized his own darkness and acted accordingly. I liked how he always thought one step ahead in whatever he did.
This story was interesting because there’s a flip from last book. They were still in similar dilemma but a different situation. It was good to see how each of them coped with the changes. While I enjoyed the direction of the story, personally I would have prefer if it ended a certain way. I also felt like the ending could have been tighter.
Preach is a story of two broken people finding their place in this world. This series would appeal to fans of dark romance .
Note: I love Jerry.
Books in the series:
🔥 🔪 🔥 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔥 🔪 🔥
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 2 of 2 from Church Duet
POV: Shifting
Rating:
Church Logan and Emma Hartley were cut from the same cloth. They contently explored their dark sides together until ambitions started to get in a way. Now they must learn to find a middle ground or risk a bloody ending.
She wanted to become a monster. She wanted to use her teeth and claws to break bones and spill blood. To get back at anyone and everyone who hurt her. Anyone who made her feel small or weak or helpless
I liked how Emma took initiative and started to think for her own happiness. Though I have to admit I wanted to slap her a few times from the decisions she made lol!
Church wasn't a weirdo. He was the result of fucked up DNA and even more fucked up parenting. He was glorious.
I always appreciate characters who knew where they stand. Church recognized his own darkness and acted accordingly. I liked how he always thought one step ahead in whatever he did.
She used me to feel loved. I used her to feel control. Could anything ever be that perfect again?
This story was interesting because there’s a flip from last book. They were still in similar dilemma but a different situation. It was good to see how each of them coped with the changes. While I enjoyed the direction of the story, personally I would have prefer if it ended a certain way. I also felt like the ending could have been tighter.
Preach is a story of two broken people finding their place in this world. This series would appeal to fans of dark romance .
Note: I love Jerry.
Books in the series:
🔥 🔪 🔥 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🔥 🔪 🔥
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 9, 2018
❤5 stars❤
What a ride, I'm speechless.I thought the first book was amazing but wait till you read Preach , I was blown away.This is a dark story with twists that you will not see them coming.
I didn't know what to expect when I start reading it, and what I find was so much more.Church and Emma were so complex and unique characters.
Stylo Fantome is so brilliant and talented!Her writing is beautiful and her story captivating and unique.
(I beta read it!)
What a ride, I'm speechless.I thought the first book was amazing but wait till you read Preach , I was blown away.This is a dark story with twists that you will not see them coming.
I didn't know what to expect when I start reading it, and what I find was so much more.Church and Emma were so complex and unique characters.
Stylo Fantome is so brilliant and talented!Her writing is beautiful and her story captivating and unique.
(I beta read it!)
April 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
This went off the rails a bit 😂 But surprisingly, not in the way I was expecting. Since Emma is in a psych ward and had her 'Church' taken away from her, I was preparing myself to watch her already hanging on by a thread mental health just get blown to smithereens, but she really surprised me. I wanted her to find self-worth outside of Church, and she did. Their relationship was a lot more evenly balanced in this one which I appreciated.
I also liked Church so much more in this book. I said in my review of the last book that I wanted him to prove himself to Emma, and he did. I was so happy he replaced his old obsession with a new one (her), and he went about it in such cute, convoluted ways. The scene where he lays down under her box spring and sleeps on the floor while she's sleeping in her bed was so endearingly strange lol. Or when he referred to her telling him she wanted to kill her mom as a 'Hallmark moment'. His personality, his humor, and the way he loved Emma just really worked for me in this one
The one trait all Stylo Fantome heroes have in common is being blunt assholes and I really love it. Jerry was a fascinating character as well. When he walked in on them with a dead body and just ignored it with 'I brought home take out!" Or the other time when he applied parent cliches such as "As long as you clean up after yourselves, I don't care what you kids do in your own rooms. I'd rather you do it in the house because I know you're safe" to situations like murder 💀 Jerry's not like a regular mom, he's a cool mom ;) And talk about MVP.
I did feel like all their murders were done pretty sloppily though. The ending felt abrupt and while it was technically a HEA and it was implied that all will be well, we didn't get to see the fallout of their deeds so in my mind the natural fallout would be... jail. Like if it was real life then those two are going to jail 😂 bc their crimes were all over the place
This went off the rails a bit 😂 But surprisingly, not in the way I was expecting. Since Emma is in a psych ward and had her 'Church' taken away from her, I was preparing myself to watch her already hanging on by a thread mental health just get blown to smithereens, but she really surprised me. I wanted her to find self-worth outside of Church, and she did. Their relationship was a lot more evenly balanced in this one which I appreciated.
I also liked Church so much more in this book. I said in my review of the last book that I wanted him to prove himself to Emma, and he did. I was so happy he replaced his old obsession with a new one (her), and he went about it in such cute, convoluted ways. The scene where he lays down under her box spring and sleeps on the floor while she's sleeping in her bed was so endearingly strange lol. Or when he referred to her telling him she wanted to kill her mom as a 'Hallmark moment'. His personality, his humor, and the way he loved Emma just really worked for me in this one
“The voices. They stopped,” she told him. “I only hear ... me.”
“Good. That means you're hearing me, too.”
She smiled up at him.
He smiled down at her.
“You're not a sociopath, Emma,” he was laughing again, and she felt his hand on the back of her head. “Don't flatter yourself. You're just crazy and that's why your life is so hard.”
The one trait all Stylo Fantome heroes have in common is being blunt assholes and I really love it. Jerry was a fascinating character as well. When he walked in on them with a dead body and just ignored it with 'I brought home take out!" Or the other time when he applied parent cliches such as "As long as you clean up after yourselves, I don't care what you kids do in your own rooms. I'd rather you do it in the house because I know you're safe" to situations like murder 💀 Jerry's not like a regular mom, he's a cool mom ;) And talk about MVP.
I did feel like all their murders were done pretty sloppily though. The ending felt abrupt and while it was technically a HEA and it was implied that all will be well, we didn't get to see the fallout of their deeds so in my mind the natural fallout would be... jail. Like if it was real life then those two are going to jail 😂 bc their crimes were all over the place
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2018
5 “Diabolically Wicked” Stars
The darkness and craziness continues. I love how a book can grab you and keep you on high alert. Church and Emma are a match made in heaven or could it be hell? The demons that these two live with are perfect for each other. But in order to get to be together, there are several obstacles that need to be overcome. This author weaves diabolical and endearment together when writing about Church and Emma. This wild roller coast of a ride is wickedly fun and sinister.
Preach is really all about Emma. She has not had an easy life. And when Church entered her life, she reveled in him and almost lost herself. But in Preach, Emma shined and discovered that she was what she was suppose to be. Don’t for a second think that Church and Emma are a sweet couple. They both have a very dark side but they do love each other and have found peace with each other. And then there was Jerry.......I must say that I loved discovering his story. Not that I was surprised but still loved the validation!!
I would highly recommend reading CHURCH and PREACH. They are not your ordinary stories. They are dark and fiendish and wickedly addicting. While Church and Emma are feverishly flawed, you can’t help but love them and be happy that they found each other. The plot of the story is fast moving and traitorous to what is right and wrong. This author pushes boundaries like no other. If you enjoy a walk on the dark and evil side.......Pick up Church and Preach and Enjoy!!!
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
*beta reader*
The darkness and craziness continues. I love how a book can grab you and keep you on high alert. Church and Emma are a match made in heaven or could it be hell? The demons that these two live with are perfect for each other. But in order to get to be together, there are several obstacles that need to be overcome. This author weaves diabolical and endearment together when writing about Church and Emma. This wild roller coast of a ride is wickedly fun and sinister.
Preach is really all about Emma. She has not had an easy life. And when Church entered her life, she reveled in him and almost lost herself. But in Preach, Emma shined and discovered that she was what she was suppose to be. Don’t for a second think that Church and Emma are a sweet couple. They both have a very dark side but they do love each other and have found peace with each other. And then there was Jerry.......I must say that I loved discovering his story. Not that I was surprised but still loved the validation!!
I would highly recommend reading CHURCH and PREACH. They are not your ordinary stories. They are dark and fiendish and wickedly addicting. While Church and Emma are feverishly flawed, you can’t help but love them and be happy that they found each other. The plot of the story is fast moving and traitorous to what is right and wrong. This author pushes boundaries like no other. If you enjoy a walk on the dark and evil side.......Pick up Church and Preach and Enjoy!!!
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
*beta reader*
April 21, 2024
3.5 stars
“But careful, girls, the perfect guy and the perfect kiss come at a high price. How much are you willing to pay?” *SHIVERS*
I did not love this as much as Church. The characters and plot was all over the place. So many holes in their murder plot.
But glad to see Church came through for Emma. But as much as I enjoyed these two and their obsession for each other and murder, Jerry was the real MVP here. Sociopath murderer father supposing his sociopath murderer son on his murdering quest…..LOVE TO SEE IT!!!
“But careful, girls, the perfect guy and the perfect kiss come at a high price. How much are you willing to pay?” *SHIVERS*
I did not love this as much as Church. The characters and plot was all over the place. So many holes in their murder plot.
But glad to see Church came through for Emma. But as much as I enjoyed these two and their obsession for each other and murder, Jerry was the real MVP here. Sociopath murderer father supposing his sociopath murderer son on his murdering quest…..LOVE TO SEE IT!!!
November 9, 2018
PREACH. IS LIVE!
Read the stunning conclusion to Church., both books are on sale for ONLY $0.99 for a limited time, OR always read FOR FREE with a Kindle Unlimited subscription
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K9BXMBJ
Church.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FPG3F6D
Read the stunning conclusion to Church., both books are on sale for ONLY $0.99 for a limited time, OR always read FOR FREE with a Kindle Unlimited subscription
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K9BXMBJ
Church.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FPG3F6D
August 2, 2021
⭒ 5 stars ⭒
❝You once told me to embrace myself, to be okay with my darkness. I think it's time for you to practice what you preach.❞ ― Church.
❝You once told me to embrace myself, to be okay with my darkness. I think it's time for you to practice what you preach.❞ ― Church.
November 9, 2018
Without interruption in the timeline, Emma Hartley and Church Logan are in a critical position if they are to move forward. Church knows they are meant to balance each other, but he needs Emma to also fully realize their dynamic to evolve as a couple. Despite her fears, Emma tests her resolve to prove she’s capable of trusting the darkness that lurks in her mind.
“She wanted to become a monster. She wanted to use her teeth and claws to break bones and spill blood.”
While the first book concentrated on the heavy hand of Church’s manipulation for his own gain, this narrative takes a different path in that Church and Emma are equally working together toward a common goal. Though most of the time, Emma is trying to trust her feelings toward Church, she takes the necessary steps to acknowledge her weakness and take what is hers. Acting as a partner, Church gives Emma the space she needs until there isn’t any other choice.
“It means in order for us to fit together, we already have to be in pieces. My pieces can’t exactly fit if you don’t have any edges. If you’re already whole.”
From the beginning, the pace is swift with a looming sense of the unknown, as anything is possible due to Emma’s spontaneity and Church’s need to shield her. With shifting POVs, getting into Emma’s maze-like mind is like a riding a roller coaster, and I liked how her inner monologue intensifies her emotion. Getting more insight into Church made all the pieces connect into one giant sociopathic puzzle. I had a suspicion about a certain element and it proved to be a highlight of the plot.
“He knew where to find me. It was all real. We don’t need words. We don’t need anything. We’re connected. Connected in every single way possible now.”
With Church being a sociopath and Emma on the wrong side of crazy, they make quite the pair and they accept all each has to offer. For me, I like how they have different pasts yet share a unique commonality. With all the turmoil, deception and scheming, Church and Emma were willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve their end game, thereby creating an intense emotional and physical connection.
In closing this duet, many questions were answered which led to moments that were satisfying for different reasons. Though, I am still curious about some plot elements and how it would affect the characters in the long term. Overall, this story is one that stays true to the dark side of its characters to the very end.
Preach. is a dark romantic thriller that would appeal to those who want to experience a fast paced storyline, intriguing characters and blurred boundaries.
Church series:
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 13, 2018
Wow just wow I don’t know what I can say without giving anything away. I felt like I was driving without a seatbelt. on, it’s a thrill of a ride, I was left speechless I knew preach was going to be a dark read but I didn’t know how dark it would be. For me the ending was like (WHAT???) There has to be a 3rd book. Crazy 5 Star read
Happy Reading
Lisa
Happy Reading
Lisa
November 9, 2018
Stylo is in her trademark Twisted genre and seems so comfy in her seat. it's hailstorm of destruction and mayhem on the pages. Tread cautiously as all characters ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM, and your emotions with turn full around. What you hated, you'll fall in love with and whoever you loved, would surprise you into stupefication like disovering a whole lotta basement hidden underground!!!
Book is big on revelations and confessions, puzzles and dilemmas, whodunits and whydunits!!
Pray to Church and get all the answers. Only they're undecipherable and leave you more confused than before you asked the question. This is a very strange religion.
IN-FUCKING-DEED!! I left more ponderous and slack jawed than I'd entered with. Punches fly fast and furious, every character is gnarled and contorted in some way or the other. I was literally scratching my head and questioning my own "Normalcy"😮
Jesus, was anyone normal? Did normal even exist?
“You be the thunder,”
“And I'll be the lightning.
You be the cloud, and I'll be the rain.”
“Forces of nature,”
Demoniac Love story about two warped souls so hysterical in passion, that they go about destroying the universe and stealing pieces to embellish their own haunted house. They wear blood on their faces as warrior paint, they pick and choose their victims and where Church Paul Logan is a meticulous planner, Emma Hartley is an impulsive monster. Acting on intuition and whims, she makes a heady mistake of not thinking it through and trying to fly by the seat of her pants.
Church had long since made peace with the fact he was a monster. He even embraced it to a certain degree. She was weak, and when it had really mattered, she hadn't been able to do the same. This had been her moment . Her act of revenge. Her chance to leave a path of destruction.
Events unfold and repercussions happen and Church is left to do the manor clean up and wind up.
Yet they keep on encouraging each other's devilish desires, feeding the ravenous beast that is their soul.
If that's not the most fucked up story I've read recently, I don't know what is
You're the handle , and I'm the head of the hammer.
You swing, I deliver the blow.
The story left me wondering about the conflict between Nature & Nurture.
Would they both be so broken and monstrous had they not been abused as children or there's threads of venom already running through our DNA, just some flare up and overpower the good that's inside of us?
Would they still be the arsonists who set the world on fire regardless?
I guess we'll never know. Keys to psyche are forever lost and doors to their dark personalities have been shut tight like basements....
The characters of Church and Emma are like mirror souls. So similar yet so opposing.
“If you weren't broken anymore, then I wouldn't be able to love you the way I do.”
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“It means in order for us to fit together, we already have to be in pieces. My pieces can't exactly fit if you don't have any edges. If you're already whole.”
They may not be perfect people, but they were perfect for each other at least. In book 1 Church has used his most potent weapon-manipulation to make her do his bidding.
Book 2 SHE turns around and throws the gauntlet for HIM to cross and prove his loyalty, earn his place by her side.
The first time around, she'd had to prove herself , prove her loyalty, to him by doing anything fucked up thing he'd asked of her. Now it was Church's turn to prove himself by doing whatever fucked up thing she asked of him.
Emma is impulsive and whimsical, I pictured her as a wannabe shadow who wanted to stay with Church even in sunshine. Stubborn and sometimes tantrum throwing brat, short on patience but trusting just the same.
Church was a manipulator plain and simple. Master of bending wills and moulding thoughts, he plays Emma like a harp. His skilled handling of her and protecting her always gives him a God like Aura!!!.
“You, Church Logan, are the cleverest sociopath I've ever met.”
“Worthy of worship?”
“Worthy of hymns and gospels and all the books in the bible,”
But there's a mega surprise in the book!!
A character that is jaw dropping psycho and behind the scenes guide of sorts!!!
It's a psychological love story with threats, dangers, blood and gore at almost every turn.how stylo manages to weave poignant threads in the dark quilt of viciousness is beyond me. How she comes up with such twisted stories is I think a million dollar question!!!.
Maybe it's the worm in the bottle of her tequila that's doing the trick!!.
Keep drinking and keep hallucinating these stories for us Stylo!!!
5 winks here and 5 nudges there !!
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Book is big on revelations and confessions, puzzles and dilemmas, whodunits and whydunits!!
Pray to Church and get all the answers. Only they're undecipherable and leave you more confused than before you asked the question. This is a very strange religion.
IN-FUCKING-DEED!! I left more ponderous and slack jawed than I'd entered with. Punches fly fast and furious, every character is gnarled and contorted in some way or the other. I was literally scratching my head and questioning my own "Normalcy"😮
Jesus, was anyone normal? Did normal even exist?
“You be the thunder,”
“And I'll be the lightning.
You be the cloud, and I'll be the rain.”
“Forces of nature,”
Demoniac Love story about two warped souls so hysterical in passion, that they go about destroying the universe and stealing pieces to embellish their own haunted house. They wear blood on their faces as warrior paint, they pick and choose their victims and where Church Paul Logan is a meticulous planner, Emma Hartley is an impulsive monster. Acting on intuition and whims, she makes a heady mistake of not thinking it through and trying to fly by the seat of her pants.
Church had long since made peace with the fact he was a monster. He even embraced it to a certain degree. She was weak, and when it had really mattered, she hadn't been able to do the same. This had been her moment . Her act of revenge. Her chance to leave a path of destruction.
Events unfold and repercussions happen and Church is left to do the manor clean up and wind up.
Yet they keep on encouraging each other's devilish desires, feeding the ravenous beast that is their soul.
If that's not the most fucked up story I've read recently, I don't know what is
You're the handle , and I'm the head of the hammer.
You swing, I deliver the blow.
The story left me wondering about the conflict between Nature & Nurture.
Would they both be so broken and monstrous had they not been abused as children or there's threads of venom already running through our DNA, just some flare up and overpower the good that's inside of us?
Would they still be the arsonists who set the world on fire regardless?
I guess we'll never know. Keys to psyche are forever lost and doors to their dark personalities have been shut tight like basements....
The characters of Church and Emma are like mirror souls. So similar yet so opposing.
“If you weren't broken anymore, then I wouldn't be able to love you the way I do.”
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“It means in order for us to fit together, we already have to be in pieces. My pieces can't exactly fit if you don't have any edges. If you're already whole.”
They may not be perfect people, but they were perfect for each other at least. In book 1 Church has used his most potent weapon-manipulation to make her do his bidding.
Book 2 SHE turns around and throws the gauntlet for HIM to cross and prove his loyalty, earn his place by her side.
The first time around, she'd had to prove herself , prove her loyalty, to him by doing anything fucked up thing he'd asked of her. Now it was Church's turn to prove himself by doing whatever fucked up thing she asked of him.
Emma is impulsive and whimsical, I pictured her as a wannabe shadow who wanted to stay with Church even in sunshine. Stubborn and sometimes tantrum throwing brat, short on patience but trusting just the same.
Church was a manipulator plain and simple. Master of bending wills and moulding thoughts, he plays Emma like a harp. His skilled handling of her and protecting her always gives him a God like Aura!!!.
“You, Church Logan, are the cleverest sociopath I've ever met.”
“Worthy of worship?”
“Worthy of hymns and gospels and all the books in the bible,”
But there's a mega surprise in the book!!
A character that is jaw dropping psycho and behind the scenes guide of sorts!!!
It's a psychological love story with threats, dangers, blood and gore at almost every turn.how stylo manages to weave poignant threads in the dark quilt of viciousness is beyond me. How she comes up with such twisted stories is I think a million dollar question!!!.
Maybe it's the worm in the bottle of her tequila that's doing the trick!!.
Keep drinking and keep hallucinating these stories for us Stylo!!!
5 winks here and 5 nudges there !!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
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Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
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August 7, 2019
"You are special, and you're my church, and I will worship at your altar for as long as you'll let me. Forever and ever, amen."
Eh, siamo arrivati ad un altra conclusione. La conclusione di una storia malata, che parla di due anime affini, uno il complementare dell'altro, che riescono a trovare la pace.
Ammetto che mi è dispiaciuto tantissimo che fosse solo un duet, Preach è ancora più bello di Church ma attenzione, i manipolamenti e i problemi psicologici rimangono fino alla fine, questi due sono matti da legare e li ho adorati OGNI SINGOLO SECONDO DI LETTURA.
Nota di apprezzamento anche a Jerry che mi ha stupita e mi ha fatta ridere; chi l'avrebbe mai detto, del buon caro e tranquillo vecchio Jerry? Insomma, ho amato tutto! Però come anche in Church, non posso dire niente, la mia bocca è cucita, perchè anche qui c'è una scena super ogni capitolo e credetemi, vi rovinerei tutto quanto. Dovete immergervi ad occhi chiusi in questa storia e godervela fino alla fine.
"Your soul knows I'm here, Emma.
It reaches for me.
It calls to me.
Listen to it."
January 11, 2022
"It means in order for us to fit together, we already have to be in pieces. My pieces can’t exactly fit if you don’t have any edges. If you’re already whole."
I might have a crush on Stylo Fantome, because she can make anything romantic. Even a dysfunctional, chaotic relationship between a sociopath and a mentally ill girl who’s been abused her whole life. 🥰
And hands down they are both so fucking hilarious too
"She was. I’m not particularly violent, though."
"Church - you sawed my therapist into dozens of pieces."
"After he was dead."
"After you murdered him."
"In your defense."
And I kinda liked being inside Emma’s head, even more, this time. She’s the perfect person to ask for to rationalize things you aren’t proud of
"Emma had suffered, too, and she’d never turned her inner demons on to some other innocent person.
Well, except that one time you tried to smother someone with a pillow, but that shouldn’t count - that was for love."
I could sit here and keep writing everything I highlighted for a whole essay lol
I'm gonna miss them 😭
January 30, 2019
I wish I enjoyed this duet more.
Stylo Fantome’s writing is fantastic and the way she tells a twisted story is mesmerising. I’ve enjoyed everything she’s written (that I’ve read), so it pains me to not enjoy Preach. It is dark—one of my favourite romance genres—though different compared to Church, as it shifts away from focusing on a detrimental co-dependency to something more sinister and manipulative.
"You once told me to embrace myself, to be okay with my darkness. I think it's time for you to practice what you preach."
Church’s characterisation is one of my favourites. His cold, charming self and classic manipulation; his level of awareness of everything and everyone around him; his ability to masterfully command Emma’s thoughts and influence her decisions without uttering much is all so intriguing.
However, despite his common sureness, he appeared to be lost this installment.
She used me to feel loved. I used her to feel control. Could anything ever be that perfect again?
Preach is really about Emma. She’s more independent, yet still unsure of herself; more manipulative, yet still approaches situations without a plan. She’s unpredictable and unhinged.
I was beginning to love Emma’s character as she grew and changed into someone more confident. Towards the end though she became obnoxious and annoying—an unbearable character, really. I love my heroines to have sass and take-no-shit attitude, but she’s just an unappreciative character.
Poor Church changes himself just to suit Emma. Yet, she refuses to listen, or to take advice from, or to step back a moment to appreciate Church.
In saying that, I really loved the sudden change in Jerry. What a surprising character!
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November 8, 2018
Preach. (Church, #2)
By: Stylo Fantôme
4.5 Stars
Well Hello Church and Emma!!! Boy oh boy…What a ride Preach takes you on! As you see, this is book 2 of the Church duet. You must read Church, #1 before diving into this one.
“You be the thunder, and I’ll be the lightning.
You be the cloud, and I’ll be the rain.”
“Forces of nature.”
“Of destruction.”
With these two dominating the world in their own little way, the way that they both feel most comfortable with, maybe peace will be found after all! The ‘confessions’ that come about in reading this story from all parties involved, give us a better insight on how these two function the way they do.
I feel like I’m in a ‘Pucked’ up Hardy Boys story.
That was my thought exactly while reading this story. Not only is there the what’s happening now going on in this book…there is also the background story evolving.
Really must ask him about those stupid holes.
Because how can we not know what those stupid holes are there from? It’s the little things that mold these two together perfectly. How one truly sees the things that are happening around that are so, so terribly wrong. Yet when trying to do the right thing, it backfires. All while the other is sitting back watching…watching the right things come out yet, no one is listening.
What a journey these two have been on! Emma truly was a gift to Church. One that was given by the one person who totally threw me for a loop!
Great job to Stylo for weaving this story and bringing it to life for us to enjoy!!!
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By: Stylo Fantôme
4.5 Stars
Well Hello Church and Emma!!! Boy oh boy…What a ride Preach takes you on! As you see, this is book 2 of the Church duet. You must read Church, #1 before diving into this one.
“You be the thunder, and I’ll be the lightning.
You be the cloud, and I’ll be the rain.”
“Forces of nature.”
“Of destruction.”
With these two dominating the world in their own little way, the way that they both feel most comfortable with, maybe peace will be found after all! The ‘confessions’ that come about in reading this story from all parties involved, give us a better insight on how these two function the way they do.
I feel like I’m in a ‘Pucked’ up Hardy Boys story.
That was my thought exactly while reading this story. Not only is there the what’s happening now going on in this book…there is also the background story evolving.
Really must ask him about those stupid holes.
Because how can we not know what those stupid holes are there from? It’s the little things that mold these two together perfectly. How one truly sees the things that are happening around that are so, so terribly wrong. Yet when trying to do the right thing, it backfires. All while the other is sitting back watching…watching the right things come out yet, no one is listening.
What a journey these two have been on! Emma truly was a gift to Church. One that was given by the one person who totally threw me for a loop!
Great job to Stylo for weaving this story and bringing it to life for us to enjoy!!!
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August 31, 2021
3 ✨ I found this one was a little too slow paced for me I got bored and stopped reading a couple times. Church really did prove his love for Emma in this one which was nice and his dad was awesome 👏🏻 supporting church’s psycho ass actions lol.
November 11, 2018
Speechless. Truly, my mind has been blank since I finished Preach a few hours ago. What was that? What exactly happened here?
Emma has been hospitalized after her suicide attempt. Church disappeared to New-York two days later, leaving her to deal with her awful mom, Margo, the mysterious Jerry, her stepdad, Ryan whom she met in therapy and her two therapists Dr. Rosenstein and Drew Casperian.
With this second installment and conclusion to Church and Emma's story, Stylo Fantome thoroughly explored the craziness of her characters. She delved into their psyche, dissected their minds. It was absolutely wrong and gritty, and at the same time utterly fascinating: I basked in the darkeness and the depravity of Church and Emma's actions.
The way Emma grew up and matured in Preach was surprising, her reasoning very interesting. Therapy helped her to have a better understanding of her issues. But that's where the true mindfuck also started. Manipulations and addictions were used over and over, bboth by Emma and Church, running in circle until I almost lost track of who was the mastermind and who was the puppet. Jaw-dropping twists and psychological games kept me alert, always on the edge of my seat, ready to fall or to bolt, I wasn't sure which. With some dark humour to top the ominous and cold atmosphere, the bloody cocktail was ready to be served and savoured.
Enjoy, if you dare, because that series is serioulsy messed-up. It deals with difficult matters and it's a disturbing ride down the darkest urges and pulsions of the mind. It's brilliantly executed, enhanced by convincing side-characters. The doubts and struggles felt almost smothering, and the danger and suspense had me biting my nails until the end.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Emma has been hospitalized after her suicide attempt. Church disappeared to New-York two days later, leaving her to deal with her awful mom, Margo, the mysterious Jerry, her stepdad, Ryan whom she met in therapy and her two therapists Dr. Rosenstein and Drew Casperian.
With this second installment and conclusion to Church and Emma's story, Stylo Fantome thoroughly explored the craziness of her characters. She delved into their psyche, dissected their minds. It was absolutely wrong and gritty, and at the same time utterly fascinating: I basked in the darkeness and the depravity of Church and Emma's actions.
The way Emma grew up and matured in Preach was surprising, her reasoning very interesting. Therapy helped her to have a better understanding of her issues. But that's where the true mindfuck also started. Manipulations and addictions were used over and over, bboth by Emma and Church, running in circle until I almost lost track of who was the mastermind and who was the puppet. Jaw-dropping twists and psychological games kept me alert, always on the edge of my seat, ready to fall or to bolt, I wasn't sure which. With some dark humour to top the ominous and cold atmosphere, the bloody cocktail was ready to be served and savoured.
Enjoy, if you dare, because that series is serioulsy messed-up. It deals with difficult matters and it's a disturbing ride down the darkest urges and pulsions of the mind. It's brilliantly executed, enhanced by convincing side-characters. The doubts and struggles felt almost smothering, and the danger and suspense had me biting my nails until the end.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
November 13, 2018
**Preach generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "You be the thunder..." Stars
Dark, twisted, intriguing, psychological, did I mention twisted? Preach comes as yet another interesting piece of Stylo Fantome's mentally stimulating reads that creeps up from the shadows of the morbidly curious. It's a dangerous book full of crazy, drama, and two characters destined for each other in the abyss in which they both live. It picks up where Church left off and really follows Emma's rise to her own being with Church lending a guiding hand in her recovery, if you will. As a reader you really have to pay attention to this one. It zigs then zags then zigs again through a maze of overstimulated emotions, big thoughts, bigger crimes, and a deep level of psychosis. You have to be into strange, dark reads to really get into this one and be an even bigger fan of emotionally whacky, psychological characters. It's not for the faint of heart nor the romantic in you unless of course you find mental patients with a penchant for violence romantic. There's something always just right about Fantome's darkest reads that pulls you in and fascinates you. It's a brave telling and an emotionally raw book. It gave me the creeps just as it absorbed my attention from beginning to end. It straddles a fine line and I enjoyed the ride greatly.
Book One:
Church
5 "You be the thunder..." Stars
Dark, twisted, intriguing, psychological, did I mention twisted? Preach comes as yet another interesting piece of Stylo Fantome's mentally stimulating reads that creeps up from the shadows of the morbidly curious. It's a dangerous book full of crazy, drama, and two characters destined for each other in the abyss in which they both live. It picks up where Church left off and really follows Emma's rise to her own being with Church lending a guiding hand in her recovery, if you will. As a reader you really have to pay attention to this one. It zigs then zags then zigs again through a maze of overstimulated emotions, big thoughts, bigger crimes, and a deep level of psychosis. You have to be into strange, dark reads to really get into this one and be an even bigger fan of emotionally whacky, psychological characters. It's not for the faint of heart nor the romantic in you unless of course you find mental patients with a penchant for violence romantic. There's something always just right about Fantome's darkest reads that pulls you in and fascinates you. It's a brave telling and an emotionally raw book. It gave me the creeps just as it absorbed my attention from beginning to end. It straddles a fine line and I enjoyed the ride greatly.
Book One:
Church
November 8, 2018
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review
I don't even know where to start. This book was freaking crazy. After reading it, I need a trip to the psych ward. It was so refreshing to root for the bad guys. I was like "Yes, murder them, murder them all!!!". And trust me, some in this book deserved to die.
This book picks up five weeks after the events in Church. Emma is seeking help from her suicide attempt. Margo is now her legal conservator and is keeping Emma and Church apart (since she blames Church for Emma's suicide attempt; and lets not forget he did strangle Margo as well). Church went back to New York and Emma thinks he abandoned her. Emma is now attending Sunshine Ranch for group therapy. Emma has to convince the therapists that she is psychologically normal to get control of her life again.
Emma knew that her obsession with Church was unhealthy and she tried to become better.
No, I am a complete person all by myself. I don't need someone to complete me. I shouldn't have to sacrifice myself for someone else. I won't listen anymore.
Is love still love if it's rooted in obsession
From Church's POV, we can see that in his own messed up way, he does truly love her. And he's trying to help her. After all in Church (the book) he chose her over his revenge.
I'm here, Emma. I'm with you. Always with you. Just believe in me. Have faith in me. Wait for me. Do that, and everything will turn out right.
They did argue a lot in this book as Emma had a lot of animosity towards Church. But their connection is so strong and unbreakable even oblivious Jerry noticed . Even though, Church cares for Emma, he's still the same sociopath we loved in book one.
I wish I'd been there. I wish I'd seen the blade going in. I wish I'd seen the blood pumping out. It must of been beautiful to create such an impressive stain.
Overall, this book was a fantastic "bloody" ending to the duet. And as usual, Stylo Fontame's writing was superb.
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Writing/plot/creativity: 5 stars
Sex scenes: 4 stars
Ending: 4 stars
--------------------------
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Safety:
I don't even know where to start. This book was freaking crazy. After reading it, I need a trip to the psych ward. It was so refreshing to root for the bad guys. I was like "Yes, murder them, murder them all!!!". And trust me, some in this book deserved to die.
This book picks up five weeks after the events in Church. Emma is seeking help from her suicide attempt. Margo is now her legal conservator and is keeping Emma and Church apart (since she blames Church for Emma's suicide attempt; and lets not forget he did strangle Margo as well). Church went back to New York and Emma thinks he abandoned her. Emma is now attending Sunshine Ranch for group therapy. Emma has to convince the therapists that she is psychologically normal to get control of her life again.
Emma knew that her obsession with Church was unhealthy and she tried to become better.
No, I am a complete person all by myself. I don't need someone to complete me. I shouldn't have to sacrifice myself for someone else. I won't listen anymore.
Is love still love if it's rooted in obsession
From Church's POV, we can see that in his own messed up way, he does truly love her. And he's trying to help her. After all in Church (the book) he chose her over his revenge.
I'm here, Emma. I'm with you. Always with you. Just believe in me. Have faith in me. Wait for me. Do that, and everything will turn out right.
They did argue a lot in this book as Emma had a lot of animosity towards Church. But their connection is so strong and unbreakable even oblivious Jerry noticed . Even though, Church cares for Emma, he's still the same sociopath we loved in book one.
I wish I'd been there. I wish I'd seen the blade going in. I wish I'd seen the blood pumping out. It must of been beautiful to create such an impressive stain.
Overall, this book was a fantastic "bloody" ending to the duet. And as usual, Stylo Fontame's writing was superb.
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Writing/plot/creativity: 5 stars
Sex scenes: 4 stars
Ending: 4 stars
--------------------------
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Safety:
August 17, 2021
I LOVE PSYCHOTIC, INSANE, MANIPULATIVE COUPLES COMMITTING MULTIPLE MURDERS TOGETHER SO ROMANTIC❤️❤️❤️❗️❗️
November 26, 2018
kfforever
Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse at KindleFriendsForever
I’m not in the habit of reading dark romances; however, I read Church with a book buddy (she held my hand), and both of us enjoyed it immensely. Wow, what a cliffy, too! Not only was the suspense killing me, but I couldn't get the characters out of my head. Fortunately, the wait for Preach wasn’t that long and if I’d had the mistaken belief this duet couldn’t get any grittier, I was way off the mark! What I liked about the first book was how the character-driven plot focused on the protagonists’ many-sided traits and backgrounds. How they fed off each other's strengths and weaknesses. Peeling back their layers, I understood why their attraction was more than physical. Quite honestly, these guys were two peas in a pod. But Fantôme generously gave me a ray of hope. In my mind, I imagined the heroine growing stronger after what she’d done. And my biggest wish was her learning that taking certain risks weren’t always the perfect choice. So, would she get her act together, become less dependant on the man who’d managed to rattle her cage? Would there be a painless closure? Hmm...wait and see!
Did Paul Logan, aka Church have the upper hand? I always felt and I think I’m right in saying him being one step ahead of Emma, being able to read her thoughts and control wasn’t just negative as it was hurtfully true to her persona. Nonetheless, he had her back. She’s a hard nut to crack and at times her actions were highlighted in the worst possible scenarios. In an atmosphere which should have been healing, the reverse happens at the whim of a professional’s advantage. She observes, she starts planning. She knows how to measure the right from wrong of others, her wrongdoings have no limits. And this folks is why I loved how she dealt with a certain individual. Call it sick, he had it coming to him.
But how on earth could I even contemplate reasoning in my tiny head when they both have a screw loose? I admittedly confess that Church brought out the worst in me. I wanted to like him more, I liked Emma even less. I’m convinced that this reaction is exactly what the author wants her readers to feel. We’re not supposed to fall head over heels with either of them. What she’d set out to do from the very start was to try to make us comprehend the whys and wherefores of an obsessive love with tendencies which we, fortunately, will never have to experience. And believe you me, she cracked it, slapped it in our faces and the result; a duet that stands out and has more twists than turns and will make any hardened reader gasp for air!
So, I’m not going to delve into details since spoiling this duet would be a crying shame. Don’t expect flowers to bloom, do get ready for the unpredictable bud to show its head when you least expect it to! Now, I have to mention Fantôme’s narrative which actually made me go back and check out what I was reading. In third-person, was I reading first-person? I felt like I was though. The author’s prose, her vocabulary and the flow kept me stuck to every page, made me wonder if there was going to be a happy ending, something I have no inclination to tell you. This is pure and utter Fantôme style and my last words; be warned...it’s dark, it is not for those of you who have high blood pressure ‘cause this unique story won't read as you want it to. It’s the romance of your mother's generation or some such. Spine-chilling, sweat-building, it's heart-racingly complex and imaginative. And it might or might not pan out as you want it to. Bravo, and thank you for giving me such a nail-biting-sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read!
Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse at KindleFriendsForever
I’m not in the habit of reading dark romances; however, I read Church with a book buddy (she held my hand), and both of us enjoyed it immensely. Wow, what a cliffy, too! Not only was the suspense killing me, but I couldn't get the characters out of my head. Fortunately, the wait for Preach wasn’t that long and if I’d had the mistaken belief this duet couldn’t get any grittier, I was way off the mark! What I liked about the first book was how the character-driven plot focused on the protagonists’ many-sided traits and backgrounds. How they fed off each other's strengths and weaknesses. Peeling back their layers, I understood why their attraction was more than physical. Quite honestly, these guys were two peas in a pod. But Fantôme generously gave me a ray of hope. In my mind, I imagined the heroine growing stronger after what she’d done. And my biggest wish was her learning that taking certain risks weren’t always the perfect choice. So, would she get her act together, become less dependant on the man who’d managed to rattle her cage? Would there be a painless closure? Hmm...wait and see!
Did Paul Logan, aka Church have the upper hand? I always felt and I think I’m right in saying him being one step ahead of Emma, being able to read her thoughts and control wasn’t just negative as it was hurtfully true to her persona. Nonetheless, he had her back. She’s a hard nut to crack and at times her actions were highlighted in the worst possible scenarios. In an atmosphere which should have been healing, the reverse happens at the whim of a professional’s advantage. She observes, she starts planning. She knows how to measure the right from wrong of others, her wrongdoings have no limits. And this folks is why I loved how she dealt with a certain individual. Call it sick, he had it coming to him.
But how on earth could I even contemplate reasoning in my tiny head when they both have a screw loose? I admittedly confess that Church brought out the worst in me. I wanted to like him more, I liked Emma even less. I’m convinced that this reaction is exactly what the author wants her readers to feel. We’re not supposed to fall head over heels with either of them. What she’d set out to do from the very start was to try to make us comprehend the whys and wherefores of an obsessive love with tendencies which we, fortunately, will never have to experience. And believe you me, she cracked it, slapped it in our faces and the result; a duet that stands out and has more twists than turns and will make any hardened reader gasp for air!
So, I’m not going to delve into details since spoiling this duet would be a crying shame. Don’t expect flowers to bloom, do get ready for the unpredictable bud to show its head when you least expect it to! Now, I have to mention Fantôme’s narrative which actually made me go back and check out what I was reading. In third-person, was I reading first-person? I felt like I was though. The author’s prose, her vocabulary and the flow kept me stuck to every page, made me wonder if there was going to be a happy ending, something I have no inclination to tell you. This is pure and utter Fantôme style and my last words; be warned...it’s dark, it is not for those of you who have high blood pressure ‘cause this unique story won't read as you want it to. It’s the romance of your mother's generation or some such. Spine-chilling, sweat-building, it's heart-racingly complex and imaginative. And it might or might not pan out as you want it to. Bravo, and thank you for giving me such a nail-biting-sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read!
November 8, 2018
Preach by Stylo Fantôme is book Two in the Church. This continues the story of Emma Hartley and Paul 'Church' Logan. This book is NOT a standalone book, you really need to read the first book 'Church' before reading this one. This book picks up not to long after the other one ended. Emma is under her mother's 'power' and as we know her mother is evil. Church is slowly working to get her back and settle the score with what has been going on. Emma and Church are two broken soles that found that together they feel whole and they have similar cravings.
This is a very exciting dark romance but it may not be for anyone with triggers or readers who do not like dark romance.
This is a very exciting dark romance but it may not be for anyone with triggers or readers who do not like dark romance.
November 27, 2018
Dark, bloody and AMAZING!!!
November 11, 2018
4.5 stars!!
"You be the thunder," Church whispered in her ear. "And I'll be the lightning. You be the cloud, and I'll be the rain."
I love this author, and I loved the first book, so I had high expectations for this one- and it mostly delivered! With a dark and gritty voice and tone, this duet is the story of what happens after two children, both of whom were continually wronged throughout their lives, grow up and then find someone that fills all their dark places. It isn't pretty by any means, but it isn't all ugly either. Just because they were forged in fire and molded from violence doesn't mean their love is any less real- it just means that they show and experience it differently than the rest of us. But what happens when a bond like theirs is threatened? Does it exist only in their own universe, or can it survive time and space apart? And finally, and probably most importantly, can it co-exist with sanity?
You're a Picasso that I ripped down the middle, and now they're trying to turn you in a paint-by-number. Don't let them do it, Emma. Come back to me.
In the first book, Church was something of an enigma, but right off the bat in Preach we begin to understand him better. It also helps that he has changed and evolved, at least when it comes to Emma. He’s borderline sweet now, at least in the only ways he can be and still be genuine. His life pretty much revolves around Emma in one way or another, which made it hard for me (and ultimately, Emma too) to hold on to the anger I had for him at the conclusion of the first book. Church is nothing if not dependable and unfailingly loyal; even if he doesn’t totally realize it, he's always putting Emma and her needs first, even if she doesn’t like it. Really, I grew to trust Church again right alongside Emma. It wasn’t always easy, and I didn't always like the things he said or did, but I learned there was an intriguing method to his madness.
Church owned her dark place. It had been just a tiny corner of her person before him, but now it was her shadow, and if she wasn't careful, he could take control of it again. Take control of her.
Emma is undoubtedly a more sympathetic character than Church. In some ways, she’s like anyone else: she just wants someone to stay, someone who loves her and puts her first. But in other ways, she’s way more troubled. She isn’t at all wrong in saying that Church was born a monster and she was made one. She also isn’t wrong in that she fights her nature harder than Church does. She spends a lot of the book trying so hard to be her own independent, sane, "normal" person, but the payoff just never comes. I mean, what's the point of trying so hard to be someone you're not when it doesn't even make you happy? I understand that she didn't want to be dependent on Church for fear she'd break without him, but what she failed to understand was that she was already pretty broken when he came along. He was the first person to embrace who she really was, darkness and all. That kind of bond may not be healthy, but it is extremely powerful. They truly saw each other, and for me, there was never really any doubt that they were meant to be together, even if they did burn down the world around them.
"It means in order for us to fit together, we already have to be in pieces. My pieces can't exactly fit if you don't have any edges. If you're already whole."
I expected the story to have a lot of psychological mind-fuckery, just like the first one, and while it did, it also had a lot more suspenseful action. I was glued to the book, enthralled and amazed by what these two would decide to do next. They both continually wreak havoc, either alone or together, leaving wreckage in their wake. They’re stronger together than they ever could be apart. Additionally, the side characters were amazing and fully developed: there was still enigmatic good ol' Jerry and vile Margo, of course, as well as some new players that added to the web being spun by these two crazy kids. The only complaints I have is that the editing was sloppier than I am used to with this author, and also that parts of the plot were a little more convoluted than I thought they needed to be. Still, I was so wrapped up in the action that I didn't really care about any of that. So, I highly recommend this duet to anyone that isn't afraid to enter the crazy, violent, and obsessive world of Church and Emma.
See? Your soul knows I'm here, Emma. It reaches for me. It calls to me. Listen to it.
"You be the thunder," Church whispered in her ear. "And I'll be the lightning. You be the cloud, and I'll be the rain."
I love this author, and I loved the first book, so I had high expectations for this one- and it mostly delivered! With a dark and gritty voice and tone, this duet is the story of what happens after two children, both of whom were continually wronged throughout their lives, grow up and then find someone that fills all their dark places. It isn't pretty by any means, but it isn't all ugly either. Just because they were forged in fire and molded from violence doesn't mean their love is any less real- it just means that they show and experience it differently than the rest of us. But what happens when a bond like theirs is threatened? Does it exist only in their own universe, or can it survive time and space apart? And finally, and probably most importantly, can it co-exist with sanity?
You're a Picasso that I ripped down the middle, and now they're trying to turn you in a paint-by-number. Don't let them do it, Emma. Come back to me.
In the first book, Church was something of an enigma, but right off the bat in Preach we begin to understand him better. It also helps that he has changed and evolved, at least when it comes to Emma. He’s borderline sweet now, at least in the only ways he can be and still be genuine. His life pretty much revolves around Emma in one way or another, which made it hard for me (and ultimately, Emma too) to hold on to the anger I had for him at the conclusion of the first book. Church is nothing if not dependable and unfailingly loyal; even if he doesn’t totally realize it, he's always putting Emma and her needs first, even if she doesn’t like it. Really, I grew to trust Church again right alongside Emma. It wasn’t always easy, and I didn't always like the things he said or did, but I learned there was an intriguing method to his madness.
Church owned her dark place. It had been just a tiny corner of her person before him, but now it was her shadow, and if she wasn't careful, he could take control of it again. Take control of her.
Emma is undoubtedly a more sympathetic character than Church. In some ways, she’s like anyone else: she just wants someone to stay, someone who loves her and puts her first. But in other ways, she’s way more troubled. She isn’t at all wrong in saying that Church was born a monster and she was made one. She also isn’t wrong in that she fights her nature harder than Church does. She spends a lot of the book trying so hard to be her own independent, sane, "normal" person, but the payoff just never comes. I mean, what's the point of trying so hard to be someone you're not when it doesn't even make you happy? I understand that she didn't want to be dependent on Church for fear she'd break without him, but what she failed to understand was that she was already pretty broken when he came along. He was the first person to embrace who she really was, darkness and all. That kind of bond may not be healthy, but it is extremely powerful. They truly saw each other, and for me, there was never really any doubt that they were meant to be together, even if they did burn down the world around them.
"It means in order for us to fit together, we already have to be in pieces. My pieces can't exactly fit if you don't have any edges. If you're already whole."
I expected the story to have a lot of psychological mind-fuckery, just like the first one, and while it did, it also had a lot more suspenseful action. I was glued to the book, enthralled and amazed by what these two would decide to do next. They both continually wreak havoc, either alone or together, leaving wreckage in their wake. They’re stronger together than they ever could be apart. Additionally, the side characters were amazing and fully developed: there was still enigmatic good ol' Jerry and vile Margo, of course, as well as some new players that added to the web being spun by these two crazy kids. The only complaints I have is that the editing was sloppier than I am used to with this author, and also that parts of the plot were a little more convoluted than I thought they needed to be. Still, I was so wrapped up in the action that I didn't really care about any of that. So, I highly recommend this duet to anyone that isn't afraid to enter the crazy, violent, and obsessive world of Church and Emma.
See? Your soul knows I'm here, Emma. It reaches for me. It calls to me. Listen to it.
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December 31, 2018DNF at 28%
Guess I am in minority here to DNF it, but heroine is annoying as hell and I found story quite boring at this point. I see all this good rating from others, but I just can't force myself to continue with it.
I am sure this is not my last book by Stylo.
Guess I am in minority here to DNF it, but heroine is annoying as hell and I found story quite boring at this point. I see all this good rating from others, but I just can't force myself to continue with it.
I am sure this is not my last book by Stylo.
February 17, 2019
Slower pacing than the first book.
Had a lot of this spoiled for me before I could even read it because I guess that's the cool thing to do now is you know, give a whole book away just because.
Could have been why I didn't connect to the pacing when I literally expected every single twist that was coming, essentially.
All in all, still love my fucked up Church, though.
And oh, hey, Emma's got a backbone. The icing on top.
Had a lot of this spoiled for me before I could even read it because I guess that's the cool thing to do now is you know, give a whole book away just because.
Could have been why I didn't connect to the pacing when I literally expected every single twist that was coming, essentially.
All in all, still love my fucked up Church, though.
And oh, hey, Emma's got a backbone. The icing on top.
November 13, 2018
3.5 stars
November 20, 2018
Review to come very soon...
November 17, 2022
emmachurch’s the reason why i have my therapist on speed dial.
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