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Zetas #1
The Bonus
Chloe is a seasoned drug courier who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Facing a lingering and painful death at the hands of the Zeta cartel, Mexico’s most brutal organised crime syndicate, she persuades their enforcer to claim her.
Ex marine and dark ops expert Kyle Suarez is chief enforcer for the Zeta cartel. Ruthlessly efficient, he is feared by his enemies. When he claims Chloe, he simply expects to enjoy a well-deserved and disposable bonus.
Has Chloe made a huge mistake, or will her choice prove her salvation - and his?
Warning: This bad boy dark romance contains explicit scenes of dubious consent, graphic violence and sex. It is for adults only.
This bad boy dark romance is a compelling tale of vengeance, murder, cartel violence and finding love in the darkest of times. It is the first in the Zeta Cartel novel series, and can be read as a standalone.
Ex marine and dark ops expert Kyle Suarez is chief enforcer for the Zeta cartel. Ruthlessly efficient, he is feared by his enemies. When he claims Chloe, he simply expects to enjoy a well-deserved and disposable bonus.
Has Chloe made a huge mistake, or will her choice prove her salvation - and his?
Warning: This bad boy dark romance contains explicit scenes of dubious consent, graphic violence and sex. It is for adults only.
This bad boy dark romance is a compelling tale of vengeance, murder, cartel violence and finding love in the darkest of times. It is the first in the Zeta Cartel novel series, and can be read as a standalone.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
128 people are currently reading
1,547 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Adams
22 books263 followersAJ Adams married her best friend and moved to the tropics where they are living their own Happily Ever After. She believes writing is not so much a passion as an obsession.
She writes twisted stories of love, mayhem, and murder as AJ Adams and sweet romance novels with strong women and very hunky men as Ellen Whyte, her IRL name.
When she's not writing, she's cooking and gossiping with her friends. She is also personal maid to rescue cats Target, Swooner and Tic Tac.
She's no longer on Goodreads but please do come and chat on FB at www.facebook.com/ewhyte (no friendship request required)
Don't miss new releases, discounts and special offers. Sign up for the newsletter at https://dirtydangerous.blogspot.my/p/...
She writes twisted stories of love, mayhem, and murder as AJ Adams and sweet romance novels with strong women and very hunky men as Ellen Whyte, her IRL name.
When she's not writing, she's cooking and gossiping with her friends. She is also personal maid to rescue cats Target, Swooner and Tic Tac.
She's no longer on Goodreads but please do come and chat on FB at www.facebook.com/ewhyte (no friendship request required)
Don't miss new releases, discounts and special offers. Sign up for the newsletter at https://dirtydangerous.blogspot.my/p/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
July 30, 2019
4 STARS!
Honestly, I was wary when I started. I thought this would be WAY too dark for me.
But of course, curiosity killed the cat.
No need to worry though. I'm alive and well, lol. In fact, this was one of those Goldilocks reads for me; not too dark or depraved, but definitely both.
Believe it or not, despite the start to their relationship, the connection between Chloe and Kyle was a touching counterpoint to the extremely violent world they inhabited. These two were pretty messed-up in their own ways, and I kind of loved the way they fit themselves together.
Yes, a few pivotal scenes needed to be further fleshed-out to make the story more plausible. And yes, a few times the story tipped over into OTT territory. However, it made for some thoroughly enjoyable, unique reading.
Book 2 here I come!
Be warned: triggers galore.
Sometimes I get so tired that I just roll with the punches. But for some reason, I can't give up completely. I can't just let myself drift and die. I want to live.I INHALED this one!
Honestly, I was wary when I started. I thought this would be WAY too dark for me.
But of course, curiosity killed the cat.
No need to worry though. I'm alive and well, lol. In fact, this was one of those Goldilocks reads for me; not too dark or depraved, but definitely both.
Believe it or not, despite the start to their relationship, the connection between Chloe and Kyle was a touching counterpoint to the extremely violent world they inhabited. These two were pretty messed-up in their own ways, and I kind of loved the way they fit themselves together.
Yes, a few pivotal scenes needed to be further fleshed-out to make the story more plausible. And yes, a few times the story tipped over into OTT territory. However, it made for some thoroughly enjoyable, unique reading.
Book 2 here I come!
Be warned: triggers galore.
Read
September 8, 2016 DNF at 42%
.... Let's play a little game called "Why did Jahy DNF this"?
“That move always goes down well. Get it? Goes down? It’s a pun... Ha! That's funny.
“When Ricardo said he had a good connection, I thought I was set. What I didn’t realise is that he was a complete dope himself". (That’s a pun, get it?) ... Yeah, I noticed.
“I’ll Easter egg it for you. And box it up for you when it comes out at the other end" (That’s another pun. Get it?) ...Thanks for the mental image.
“They had all laughed at Raj when I’d chewed him out but now they were talking to him, macho to macho"(that’s a pun, from mano-a-mano, get it?) **insert dead silence here**
“I was certain that I could convince him to take me out of here. A carry-out! That’s another pun. Sorry, can’t help it. It’s a kind of nervous reflex” ... Your nervousness is getting on my fucking nerves!
“Luckily all those bashes and bruises from the icebreaker party (did you notice the pun?) had vanished, so I didn’t look like a domestic abuse victim anymore." .... I don't get it.
....... I feel like I've just been punked ..hahha, did u get it ? ......Nuff said!
.... Let's play a little game called "Why did Jahy DNF this"?
“That move always goes down well. Get it? Goes down? It’s a pun... Ha! That's funny.
“When Ricardo said he had a good connection, I thought I was set. What I didn’t realise is that he was a complete dope himself". (That’s a pun, get it?) ... Yeah, I noticed.
“I’ll Easter egg it for you. And box it up for you when it comes out at the other end" (That’s another pun. Get it?) ...Thanks for the mental image.
“They had all laughed at Raj when I’d chewed him out but now they were talking to him, macho to macho"(that’s a pun, from mano-a-mano, get it?) **insert dead silence here**
“I was certain that I could convince him to take me out of here. A carry-out! That’s another pun. Sorry, can’t help it. It’s a kind of nervous reflex” ... Your nervousness is getting on my fucking nerves!
“Luckily all those bashes and bruises from the icebreaker party (did you notice the pun?) had vanished, so I didn’t look like a domestic abuse victim anymore." .... I don't get it.
....... I feel like I've just been punked ..hahha, did u get it ? ......Nuff said!
March 15, 2015
4 Dark Stars!
**copy given in exchange for an honest review**
"My Chloe. My bonus. The little package with the big punch. Sweet, tough, loving, giggling, amazing Chloe."
Before I write this review, I just wanted to warn you that this book is DARK! Dub-con, abuse, gore...the works! And so of course, I HAD to read it...
-Cloe...what an amazing and complex character. She had a really tough life; owned for years by an evil man she calls him. She is finally freed, only to then realize that her freedom comes with a price and she is forced to work as a drug courier for Him. Unfortunately for her, the mental and physical damage caused by Him is pretty extensive. She has scars all over her body, completely submissive when it comes to men, and is petrified out of her mind that the man who held her captive will be coming for her if she messes up any of her drug runs.
Unfortunately for her, a man she worked with botches up a run and it sends her landing straight into the lap of Arturo, a drug cartel owner. It is there she meets the sexy and dangerous Kyle. Kyle works for Arturo as a "gun for hire". While at Arturo's one day, he see's a girl (Chloe) tied up to a tree and is quite literally, being tortured. Chloe manages to escape and while she is running towards the exit of the property, she runs into Kyle. Using her sex appeal to her advantage, she convinces Kyle to keep her. Kyle speaks to Arturo and mentions that she can be the "bonus" that he was due to receive.
After many steamy sex scenes, Kyle starts to realize that something isn't quite with Chloe. She acts, as he calls it, like a fuckbot. It takes Chloe a while to realize that kneeling at Kyles feet and eating on the floor is not something that is expected of her anymore. Like I said, she is very mentally damaged.
"The fuckbot had been beaten into her, and it was the side she'd shown me most of the time, but I decided I liked the real girl better"
As thier relationship grows, Chloe becomes more and more trusting of the man who saved her.
Things I loved:
-I really like that the author delved deep into the main characters. The dual POV made it so that you never were questioning how the characters are feeling. In a dark book, such as this, that really makes the difference in how you understand the characters!
-Him or Raj (his real name) is SUCH an evil character. And I must say, at the end of the book, he TOTALLY got what he deserved, and then some!
-i've always been a fan of dark reads...and this one definitely left me satisfied!
-the whole premise was different from many of the books I read. It takes the dark/kidnapping/romance genre and puts a different spin on it.
-steamy and descriptive sex scenes...always a plus!
-and last but not least, Kyle...I LOVED HIM!!! He wasn't your typical cartel asshole...at least not when it came to Chloe... And dare I say it, he found his way into my book boyfriend heart!
What I didn't love:
-the Spanish in the book was definitely confusing for me and I needed to consult the "translate" button on google many times while reading...
-the whole "I made a pun" thing with Chloe got old...yes, I get it. It's a pun. No need to point out every time there is one!
-although I loved the fact that the characters were written about in-depth, when it came to Kyle talking about the cartel and such, I felt it was a little too long for my taste and I skimmed over some of those parts.
Overall, this was a very quick read and I am being honest when I say that I couldn't put it down. Aside from the few things that irked me, I really enjoyed reading this! Would definitely recommend it to my fellow dark romance junkies!
**copy given in exchange for an honest review**
"My Chloe. My bonus. The little package with the big punch. Sweet, tough, loving, giggling, amazing Chloe."
Before I write this review, I just wanted to warn you that this book is DARK! Dub-con, abuse, gore...the works! And so of course, I HAD to read it...
-Cloe...what an amazing and complex character. She had a really tough life; owned for years by an evil man she calls him. She is finally freed, only to then realize that her freedom comes with a price and she is forced to work as a drug courier for Him. Unfortunately for her, the mental and physical damage caused by Him is pretty extensive. She has scars all over her body, completely submissive when it comes to men, and is petrified out of her mind that the man who held her captive will be coming for her if she messes up any of her drug runs.
Unfortunately for her, a man she worked with botches up a run and it sends her landing straight into the lap of Arturo, a drug cartel owner. It is there she meets the sexy and dangerous Kyle. Kyle works for Arturo as a "gun for hire". While at Arturo's one day, he see's a girl (Chloe) tied up to a tree and is quite literally, being tortured. Chloe manages to escape and while she is running towards the exit of the property, she runs into Kyle. Using her sex appeal to her advantage, she convinces Kyle to keep her. Kyle speaks to Arturo and mentions that she can be the "bonus" that he was due to receive.
After many steamy sex scenes, Kyle starts to realize that something isn't quite with Chloe. She acts, as he calls it, like a fuckbot. It takes Chloe a while to realize that kneeling at Kyles feet and eating on the floor is not something that is expected of her anymore. Like I said, she is very mentally damaged.
"The fuckbot had been beaten into her, and it was the side she'd shown me most of the time, but I decided I liked the real girl better"
As thier relationship grows, Chloe becomes more and more trusting of the man who saved her.
Things I loved:
-I really like that the author delved deep into the main characters. The dual POV made it so that you never were questioning how the characters are feeling. In a dark book, such as this, that really makes the difference in how you understand the characters!
-Him or Raj (his real name) is SUCH an evil character. And I must say, at the end of the book, he TOTALLY got what he deserved, and then some!
-i've always been a fan of dark reads...and this one definitely left me satisfied!
-the whole premise was different from many of the books I read. It takes the dark/kidnapping/romance genre and puts a different spin on it.
-steamy and descriptive sex scenes...always a plus!
-and last but not least, Kyle...I LOVED HIM!!! He wasn't your typical cartel asshole...at least not when it came to Chloe... And dare I say it, he found his way into my book boyfriend heart!
What I didn't love:
-the Spanish in the book was definitely confusing for me and I needed to consult the "translate" button on google many times while reading...
-the whole "I made a pun" thing with Chloe got old...yes, I get it. It's a pun. No need to point out every time there is one!
-although I loved the fact that the characters were written about in-depth, when it came to Kyle talking about the cartel and such, I felt it was a little too long for my taste and I skimmed over some of those parts.
Overall, this was a very quick read and I am being honest when I say that I couldn't put it down. Aside from the few things that irked me, I really enjoyed reading this! Would definitely recommend it to my fellow dark romance junkies!
January 22, 2014
Book – The Bonus
Author – A. J. Adams
Publication Date – November 13, 2013
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Dark Romance
Rating – 3 1/2 out of 5 Stars
Book provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I am so on the fence with this book. I keep see-sawing between a 4 Star and a 3 ½ Star rating. Part of me loved it but then there is that part that just can’t get past some of the words repeated over and over again. Overall if you take out the things I had a problem with, the story was great.
What are the minor problems I had?
What I loved about the book:
Overall, I enjoyed the book and had a great time with it. It was easy to read past the grammatical errors and other problems. I believe it would have been a 5 Star in my book if more than 20% was dark and the problems were rectified.
Re-Cap
We open the book with a girl going through a torture session as entertainment for the Mexican cartel. She is able to escape and tries to run but ends up in the arms of the cartel’s 2nd in command, Kyle. She begs and pleads with him to take her with him and have his way with her.
Kyle just coming off of a messy job he finished, requests the girl as “his bonus”.
Kyle finds Chloe’s dream book and learns that she is a “mule” and also has been programmed by “Him” to be a sexual (among other things) submissive slave. She drops to her knees with a snap of his fingers, she purrs like a kitten and is dreadfully frightened that “He” is going to come for her.
Kyle works with Chloe to stop being a “fuckbot” and bring out her true personality which he does see sneaking in from time to time. Through all this, Kyle must keep Chloe safe and keep the cartel on top by “sending messages” to their enemies.
I’m going to stop there and if you want the answers to:
Does “He” finally find Chloe? Can Chloe shake the past and learn to open up and enjoy life? Can Kyle open up to Chloe about his feelings?
Get the book.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – A. J. Adams
Publication Date – November 13, 2013
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Dark Romance
Rating – 3 1/2 out of 5 Stars
Book provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I am so on the fence with this book. I keep see-sawing between a 4 Star and a 3 ½ Star rating. Part of me loved it but then there is that part that just can’t get past some of the words repeated over and over again. Overall if you take out the things I had a problem with, the story was great.
What are the minor problems I had?
*Kyle’s repetition of calling Chloe “the bonus” instead of asking what her name was.
*Chloe’s repetition of reminding the reader that she just said a pun. (it kinda made me feel that I was an idiot who needed reminding)
*It turned from dark and interesting to smooshy and squeezy.
*The book had editing and grammatical errors (not major)
What I loved about the book:
*I loved the author’s style of writing – I may be partial because the author writes exactly the same as I do. She tells a story from the character’s POV to a point where you feel that the character is speaking directly to you.
*We had both Chloe’s and Kyle’s POV.
*I enjoyed reading about Chloe transforming from a “fuckbot” to a normal, sassy woman. It also tugged at my heart that Kyle cared that much about her to want to de-program her.
*I LOVED the opening scene…that drew me in and found myself wanting more and more of the cartel’s wicked ways.
*The sex was real. It wasn’t candy coated, fairy tale, orgasm every time, cum together sex.
*The kidnapping gripped me – what I thought wouldn’t happen…..happened, which made it so much more real.
*I loved Chloe’s character (just not her puns).
Overall, I enjoyed the book and had a great time with it. It was easy to read past the grammatical errors and other problems. I believe it would have been a 5 Star in my book if more than 20% was dark and the problems were rectified.
Re-Cap
We open the book with a girl going through a torture session as entertainment for the Mexican cartel. She is able to escape and tries to run but ends up in the arms of the cartel’s 2nd in command, Kyle. She begs and pleads with him to take her with him and have his way with her.
Kyle just coming off of a messy job he finished, requests the girl as “his bonus”.
Kyle finds Chloe’s dream book and learns that she is a “mule” and also has been programmed by “Him” to be a sexual (among other things) submissive slave. She drops to her knees with a snap of his fingers, she purrs like a kitten and is dreadfully frightened that “He” is going to come for her.
Kyle works with Chloe to stop being a “fuckbot” and bring out her true personality which he does see sneaking in from time to time. Through all this, Kyle must keep Chloe safe and keep the cartel on top by “sending messages” to their enemies.
I’m going to stop there and if you want the answers to:
Does “He” finally find Chloe? Can Chloe shake the past and learn to open up and enjoy life? Can Kyle open up to Chloe about his feelings?
Get the book.
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 28, 2015
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review
Life’s a bitch, ‘cause if it was a slut, it’d be easy.
Chloe was a seasoned drug courier who recently been re-assigned to the Mexican regions. Out of desperation, she teamed up with a stranger to score a fix only to find herself in trouble with the area’s cartel boss. With her life on the line, she persuaded a man to save her by offering what she knew best – her body and her submission.
The man turned out to be the cartel’s enforcer – the one who did the dirty works. Kyle accepted Chloe’s offer as the bonus of his hard works for the cartel. She thought she would please him for a few days and get on her way. He thought he would use her and toss her away when he’s done. But things turned out more complicated than they planned.
Before starting this book, I expect it to be dark, but soon enough I discovered it was not exactly what it seemed. Yes, it is dark as in it contained graphic violence, but writing was done in a light way and the characters’ personalities made me chuckled a few times.
I love how the book started. It kicked you right in with (somewhat of) a torture scene, introducing the readers to the life of the men of crimes. I like seeing all the different personalities of the supporting characters. The main characters had good amount of background story for the readers to understand where they came from and how the view life.
Chloe was a character I had hard time understanding. There was a big contradiction between her mannerism and her thoughts and the two didn’t connect as seamlessly as I would expect.
She was a former submissive who was tortured and trained by, her former Master. She was deathly afraid of him and then suddenly it took only one night for her to think he was just a puppy and even insulted him. I think the change was too much too soon.
I like Kyle. Even though he’s the enforcer of the cartel, deep down he was a nice guy and he was in the business not exactly by his choosing.
Overall, it was a pleasant read if you’re looking for a dark book without the dark and depressing feeling.
P.S.: I like how the author gave a shout-out to Pepper Winters and Q Mercer within the story in this book.
November 27, 2020
5 I now love puns stars!
I expected to like this book but I seriouslyfreakingoverthetop loved it! Don't let the plain cover fool you, you this book was awesomesauce.
If you love dark romance, this is definitely one to try. Despite The Bonus not being YA, I couldn't help but compare it to Sempre by J.M. Darhower, another book I adored. The storyline was similar with the whole slave rescued by a mobster thing but Kyle reminds me a lot of Carmine too. Im not sure where to start with this review as there's so much I loved so I'll start with Chloe.
Chloe had a really shitty life, kidnapped at 15 by a maniac, enslaved and forced to be a drug courier, it's a miracle she was functioning at all. After she's rescued by Kyle, despite being terrified of pretty much everything, she fights to regain her life and find herself again. She's ridiculously brave and I have a huge girl crush on Chloe. She's my hero As well as being tough and resilient, she's also endearing, witty, sexy and fun. None of this is forced or some sort of act for Kyle, she's just a wonderfully sweet person under all that fear. She really becomes a person again while she's with Kyle and that one of the reasons I love him.
"All my life I’ve put on an act. The streetwise orphan. The sweet slave. The ‘don’t fuck with me’ courier. They’re all gone, and now there’s just me: Chloe. I’m not sure who Chloe is yet, but she’s the sort who stands on her own two feet – supported by a dark angel with rocks for muscles."
Kyle, Kyle, Kyle. Where to even start!? Strong, protective, ex special forces and prince charming. He might be a little rough around the edges (read: a little bit of a psycho), but he's very gentle with Chloe once he decides to help her and he really does help her find herself. Despite being a ruthless son of a bitch, he's also a really decent person. He's going onto the book boyfriend pile, it has to be done.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I expected to like this book but I seriouslyfreakingoverthetop loved it! Don't let the plain cover fool you, you this book was awesomesauce.
If you love dark romance, this is definitely one to try. Despite The Bonus not being YA, I couldn't help but compare it to Sempre by J.M. Darhower, another book I adored. The storyline was similar with the whole slave rescued by a mobster thing but Kyle reminds me a lot of Carmine too. Im not sure where to start with this review as there's so much I loved so I'll start with Chloe.
Chloe had a really shitty life, kidnapped at 15 by a maniac, enslaved and forced to be a drug courier, it's a miracle she was functioning at all. After she's rescued by Kyle, despite being terrified of pretty much everything, she fights to regain her life and find herself again. She's ridiculously brave and I have a huge girl crush on Chloe. She's my hero As well as being tough and resilient, she's also endearing, witty, sexy and fun. None of this is forced or some sort of act for Kyle, she's just a wonderfully sweet person under all that fear. She really becomes a person again while she's with Kyle and that one of the reasons I love him.
"All my life I’ve put on an act. The streetwise orphan. The sweet slave. The ‘don’t fuck with me’ courier. They’re all gone, and now there’s just me: Chloe. I’m not sure who Chloe is yet, but she’s the sort who stands on her own two feet – supported by a dark angel with rocks for muscles."
Kyle, Kyle, Kyle. Where to even start!? Strong, protective, ex special forces and prince charming. He might be a little rough around the edges (read: a little bit of a psycho), but he's very gentle with Chloe once he decides to help her and he really does help her find herself. Despite being a ruthless son of a bitch, he's also a really decent person. He's going onto the book boyfriend pile, it has to be done.
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 25, 2016
For fans of Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts, this book is definitely for you.
The author contacted me if I will be willing to receive a copy and subsequently make an honest review. I said why not, since it's been a long time since the last time I read a book with the same storyline. You see, I am not a picky reader, I read whatever floats my boat, if I am in the mood for some erotica, I would sit down and read one.
The Bonus is quite the book! The first chapter was too graphic for my own liking, I was rather uncomfortable, thinking if I would continue reading or not. But I'm glad I continued reading, I enjoyed the book more than I thought possible. I love the two point of views and how they are so distinct from one another, Kyle was the serious type and Chloe was the tough girl with loads of wits and humour! I seriously enjoy all the puns. Ah Chloe and her smart mouth. I loved how the author was able to build such world that not a lot of people know about.
This book is certainly not for everyone, especially the squirmish ones. It has explicit and abusive contents, that light-hearted people may not properly grasp or take. You see, it is the kind of book that you will either love or hate passionately. The sex scenes were very descriptive and too graphic, I am not really into that kind of stories, but I guess that's what the scene in the book required.
All things considered, I enjoyed reading this one, and to be honest it will be one of those books that I will never forget. It was well-written and the author took an effort with the research and all. And oh I have always loved reading about a Marine!
Sorry I was rather vague with this review, I just didn't want to give much away.
The author contacted me if I will be willing to receive a copy and subsequently make an honest review. I said why not, since it's been a long time since the last time I read a book with the same storyline. You see, I am not a picky reader, I read whatever floats my boat, if I am in the mood for some erotica, I would sit down and read one.
The Bonus is quite the book! The first chapter was too graphic for my own liking, I was rather uncomfortable, thinking if I would continue reading or not. But I'm glad I continued reading, I enjoyed the book more than I thought possible. I love the two point of views and how they are so distinct from one another, Kyle was the serious type and Chloe was the tough girl with loads of wits and humour! I seriously enjoy all the puns. Ah Chloe and her smart mouth. I loved how the author was able to build such world that not a lot of people know about.
This book is certainly not for everyone, especially the squirmish ones. It has explicit and abusive contents, that light-hearted people may not properly grasp or take. You see, it is the kind of book that you will either love or hate passionately. The sex scenes were very descriptive and too graphic, I am not really into that kind of stories, but I guess that's what the scene in the book required.
All things considered, I enjoyed reading this one, and to be honest it will be one of those books that I will never forget. It was well-written and the author took an effort with the research and all. And oh I have always loved reading about a Marine!
Sorry I was rather vague with this review, I just didn't want to give much away.
September 8, 2016
*Warning! This book contains dark, violent and sexually graphic content.*
I don't think I have ever read a dark romance quite like this before. Dark, gritty and violent, but at it's core a sweet and tender love story. A.J. Adams does a great job of showing the horror of Chloe and Kyle's lives, while at the same time showing the innocence of their relationship.
Pros
1. Great character histories that help you understand their actions and reactions.
2. The Cartels were handled in a realistic way. (Google Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano.)
3.
4. Loved the juxtaposition of dark, violent/sweet, innocent.
Cons
1. I actually liked how Chloe used her sense of humor as a way of coping, but I didn't like how she was constantly telling me when she made a pun. (i.e. "That's a pun. I thought I'd point that out, just in case you missed it.") Especially when she interrupts the middle of a sex scene to tell the reader she made a pun. Talk about taking you out of the moment.
2. Minor editing mistakes.
Favorite Quotes
"I'd always known I was disposable and now, with Kyle, I felt like I was a person. Like I meant something."
"Life's a bitch, 'cause if it was a slut, it'd be easy."
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something unique in a dark romance.
Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2018
I'd give this book 1 star just for the fact that it's REALLY not my thing! But I won't cuz I'm trying new things, branching out. I'll give it 2.5 instead because I do sort of like both the H/h, despite that they're both really F**Ked up!!
I'll begin by saying that this is DEFINITELY NOT my genre. I'm a die-hard romantic, still waiting for my wonderful prince (cough, Pure/ Dark One) to come sweep me off my feet. So when the book begins with the h being tortured naked and soon to be (but not quite) gang raped , then she manages to get herself cut down and throws herself blindly at H to save her by getting all sluttish on him, and he takes up her offer by banging her throat in a gazebo, well......let's just say I was no longer in my "comfort zone."
I kept reading. B/c you never know. Maybe I'll end up getting sucked into the story. The reason I give it 2.5 stars rounded to 3 is that it moved relatively fast. The H/h were interesting in their own ways. Some other readers got distracted by the h's tendency to make bad puns at every possible moment. I didn't really find it an issue. The H was more relatable for me. He even felt real - in the Sons of Anarchy (which I only watched for Charlie Hunnam's magnificent ass) anti-hero kind of way. So I get it.
But the amount of violence, the world they lived in and came from, the stuff he's done and she's had done to her... this is not a world I'd ever want to visit again.
I've read about torture in other books, even situations of rape, abduction, etc. Not sure why this type of book bothers me more than others. Perhaps because it's just sooooo dark and irredeemable? And proud of it??
All I can say is that I've tried it. It's not a flavor I like. I don't regret trying it. But I like for my books to be beautiful escapes, where I can believe in all-consuming True Love for a while, and this type of book, the type of "love" in these books... just not one I can relate to. The escape was gritty and dark and relatively fast-paced, but by no means "beautiful." Didn't make my heart feel much, just made me grimace a lot.
Not the experience I'm looking for in books.
But for readers who like this type of stuff, this is probably a good a series as any to get into.
I'll begin by saying that this is DEFINITELY NOT my genre. I'm a die-hard romantic, still waiting for my wonderful prince (cough, Pure/ Dark One) to come sweep me off my feet. So when the book begins with the h being tortured naked and soon to be (but not quite) gang raped , then she manages to get herself cut down and throws herself blindly at H to save her by getting all sluttish on him, and he takes up her offer by banging her throat in a gazebo, well......let's just say I was no longer in my "comfort zone."
I kept reading. B/c you never know. Maybe I'll end up getting sucked into the story. The reason I give it 2.5 stars rounded to 3 is that it moved relatively fast. The H/h were interesting in their own ways. Some other readers got distracted by the h's tendency to make bad puns at every possible moment. I didn't really find it an issue. The H was more relatable for me. He even felt real - in the Sons of Anarchy (which I only watched for Charlie Hunnam's magnificent ass) anti-hero kind of way. So I get it.
But the amount of violence, the world they lived in and came from, the stuff he's done and she's had done to her... this is not a world I'd ever want to visit again.
I've read about torture in other books, even situations of rape, abduction, etc. Not sure why this type of book bothers me more than others. Perhaps because it's just sooooo dark and irredeemable? And proud of it??
All I can say is that I've tried it. It's not a flavor I like. I don't regret trying it. But I like for my books to be beautiful escapes, where I can believe in all-consuming True Love for a while, and this type of book, the type of "love" in these books... just not one I can relate to. The escape was gritty and dark and relatively fast-paced, but by no means "beautiful." Didn't make my heart feel much, just made me grimace a lot.
Not the experience I'm looking for in books.
But for readers who like this type of stuff, this is probably a good a series as any to get into.
January 5, 2021
This is the start of a wonderful series,now available on iTunes and am só happy to see them there!
Because the Zetas may be criminals,they are criminals with a good sense of humor,value their loved ones,and are ready to do anything to keep them safe.
Criminals that embrace Chloe once they see how happy she makes Kyle,giving her the family she longed for her whole life.
And Kyle is perfect for her,tall,strong and patient because he sees the real Chloe underneath her armor.
Because he knows trauma when he sees it,having lived it himself.
Together they make sense.
AJ Adams brings us a series you’re going to love,i just know it! The Zetas are a force to be reckoned with and Chloe is about to find out. Desperate to avoid death at their hands,she surrenders to their enforcer. Is it a choice she’ll live to regret,or...? Find out in this rollercoasterride...and don’t forget to buckle up,you’re going to need it!
Because the Zetas may be criminals,they are criminals with a good sense of humor,value their loved ones,and are ready to do anything to keep them safe.
Criminals that embrace Chloe once they see how happy she makes Kyle,giving her the family she longed for her whole life.
And Kyle is perfect for her,tall,strong and patient because he sees the real Chloe underneath her armor.
Because he knows trauma when he sees it,having lived it himself.
Together they make sense.
AJ Adams brings us a series you’re going to love,i just know it! The Zetas are a force to be reckoned with and Chloe is about to find out. Desperate to avoid death at their hands,she surrenders to their enforcer. Is it a choice she’ll live to regret,or...? Find out in this rollercoasterride...and don’t forget to buckle up,you’re going to need it!
May 31, 2022
Love it, but safety readers be aware the story involves a sex slave h, and a brutal mafia hero. He rescues her from her horrible life..
There’s rape and violence everywhere! Ignore the cheesy, low budget book cover.
- not a virgin h obviously.
- h is gang raped by evil men towards the end.
- no cheating
This book made me cry because I felt so bad for the h.😭
As soon as she’s born, she’s abandoned by her mom.
She’s then put in foster homes after foster homes, never feeling loved.
At 16, she’s kidnapped by an evil sadist to be raped and tortured by him every single day.
By 18, she’s a brain washed, fragile sex slave.
This is just the beginning of her story.
There’s rape and violence everywhere! Ignore the cheesy, low budget book cover.
- not a virgin h obviously.
- h is gang raped by evil men towards the end.
- no cheating
This book made me cry because I felt so bad for the h.😭
As soon as she’s born, she’s abandoned by her mom.
She’s then put in foster homes after foster homes, never feeling loved.
At 16, she’s kidnapped by an evil sadist to be raped and tortured by him every single day.
By 18, she’s a brain washed, fragile sex slave.
This is just the beginning of her story.
July 20, 2022
If you’re seeking sunshine and rainbows, make a u turn because you’re gonna find a girl who’s been through it all. Abused sexually since she was 15, forced to be a drug mule. And now she’s gotten herself into an icy situation. Kyle being the nice guy he is, decided she was going to be his bonus. It worked out really well. This is a very dark read. I truly enjoyed it. Instead of rainbows and sunshine, it felt more like kilos and nearly drowning in the ocean.
August 5, 2016
A case of a nameless girl caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Chloe finds herself naked standing on a block of ice surrounded by a pack of men with a noose around her neck. Her only option for escape from this ice party? To jump.
Lets take a look at the main characters.
Chloe:
I liked the progression of this character. She was very damaged but never did I feel like she sat back and let it define her. She had some major inner strength and did her best to be strong on the outside. Did she hide under the bed? Yes. Did she follow the H around like a little puppy? Yes. These are things that would usually make me feel disgusted by a h. But, she pulled it off by being disgusted with her own actions, kicked herself in the butt and pulled herself up by her boot straps. The only overly annoying this was her 'that was a pun' thing. I guess it was just a character quirk though.
Kyle AKA the Hulk:
He also irritated me but once again got away with it because he was mad at himself when he acted like a d*ck. He is one of those strong silent types and as you read you get to understand him more. When he I was sickened by him but he redeemed himself.
Raj AKA Rimjob:
This is a villain I loved to hate. He likes little girls, when he is done with them he puts them into any number of alternative professions. Chloe was lucky enough to be chosen as a mule. He put the right amount of fear in the book. He was the monster lurking in the shadows of Chloe's world. A major player in what kept me reading, I wanted to see what horrible things would happen to him.
This book took a bit for me to get through. All the feels that I had with the rape, beatings, torture. This book gave not apologies for what it was. There was certainly no insta love, both the H and h took advantage of a situation that they could get something out of. It evolved (slowly) from there.
I enjoyed it very much. It differed greatly from the standard 'romance' that I have been reading lately. There were a few hot moments on the 'rack' but these did not drive the story any more than necessary. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.
Received a copy from the author through LBEH reading group for an honest review
Lets take a look at the main characters.
Chloe:
I liked the progression of this character. She was very damaged but never did I feel like she sat back and let it define her. She had some major inner strength and did her best to be strong on the outside. Did she hide under the bed? Yes. Did she follow the H around like a little puppy? Yes. These are things that would usually make me feel disgusted by a h. But, she pulled it off by being disgusted with her own actions, kicked herself in the butt and pulled herself up by her boot straps. The only overly annoying this was her 'that was a pun' thing. I guess it was just a character quirk though.
Kyle AKA the Hulk:
He also irritated me but once again got away with it because he was mad at himself when he acted like a d*ck. He is one of those strong silent types and as you read you get to understand him more. When he I was sickened by him but he redeemed himself.
Raj AKA Rimjob:
This is a villain I loved to hate. He likes little girls, when he is done with them he puts them into any number of alternative professions. Chloe was lucky enough to be chosen as a mule. He put the right amount of fear in the book. He was the monster lurking in the shadows of Chloe's world. A major player in what kept me reading, I wanted to see what horrible things would happen to him.
This book took a bit for me to get through. All the feels that I had with the rape, beatings, torture. This book gave not apologies for what it was. There was certainly no insta love, both the H and h took advantage of a situation that they could get something out of. It evolved (slowly) from there.
I enjoyed it very much. It differed greatly from the standard 'romance' that I have been reading lately. There were a few hot moments on the 'rack' but these did not drive the story any more than necessary. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.
Received a copy from the author through LBEH reading group for an honest review
June 6, 2017
Life’s a bitch, ‘cause if it was a slut, it’d be easy.
Reading the blurb, I was immediately gripped by this book. Especially the opening scene had me on the edge of my seat, it was very mafia-like!
Reading on I could very much appreciate the dual POV's, although there were somethings that did bother me. I did not like Kyle referring to Chloe as "the bonus" , I did not like Chloe asking if the reader got the intended pun.
Even though Kyle is an Former Spec Ops Marine and Gitmo interrogator, who moved to Mexico after a fake case with DEA agents wanting his older brother's cartel. In the cartel Kyle became 2nd in command being the number one enforcer and interrogator, but also the security specialist.
When his brother offers him a bonus for a job well done, Kyle wants it to be Chloe, who was captured by the cartel during a coke deal gone bad.
After going through her personal belongings Kyle finds Chloe's "dreambook" and learns she used to be a submissive. Kyle sets out to deprogram her.
All wet and soapy, and started kissing me
I liked this story and will read the next in the serie.
October 2, 2017
Chloe is controlled by, “Him”, the abusive man who controls her life. Not only does, “He” tell her where her next job as an illegal courier is but after being under his abusive control for so long, in many ways Chloe has become programmed. When things go bad while Chloe’s on a job in Mexico, she ends up being taken captive by the head of the Mexican Cartel. The Cartel leader’s brother, the Cartel’s Enforcer, Kyle ends up taking Chloe home as his, “Bonus”, marking the beginning of an unusual, sexy, and highly entertaining relationship!
THE BONUS is a deliciously dark, fast-paced, story that had me on the edge of my seat! I absolutely loved this book and am starting on book #2 immediately!
THE BONUS is a deliciously dark, fast-paced, story that had me on the edge of my seat! I absolutely loved this book and am starting on book #2 immediately!
February 15, 2022
I actually loved this book. It’s sticking with me, so I may bump up the rating. Sometimes I’m in the mood for a dark romance, and this one fit the bill without being overwhelmingly dark. I really enjoyed the MC’s back stories and the way their love for one another deepened in a believable way throughout the story. Though depraved, Kyle’s character was lovable. Though damaged, Chloe was resilient and pragmatic. I am also a lover of corny puns. I enjoyed her inner monologues. I inhaled this book and will seek out more by this author!
November 13, 2016
“This was my body. Mine.”
“The Bonus” transports us to a darker setting away from our normal everyday lives. Through the eyes of the main characters we have the chance to experience the brutal world where the Zeta Cartel is, a world where violence is part of someone’s life and every moment you have to fight for survival.
Chloe was definitely a fighter, a lot of times she would end up in very difficult situations but I like the way she chose to fight back or do whatever was necessary to make it out of there alive. The fact that she was so strong was not due to luck, Chloe for a long time was a captive and she endured a lot of pain and violence in the hands of her captor and that contributed to her character. Granted her puns were a big flaw of hers but the hero loved her cheekiness.
Kyle was a dark character in this story, he is the enforcer of the Zeta cartel so it was only natural that a lot of the violence that existed in this book came from him. What made him an interesting character was the fact that despite all the crime and violence he was still able to care for Chloe and help her recover from her past, his love for the heroine was a nice contrast with his life of crime.
“My Chloe. My bonus. The little package with the big punch. Sweet, tough, loving, giggling, amazing Chloe.”
There were a few things I didn’t like:
~ When the characters would talk to the reader.
~ During Kyle’s busy week with the cartel we have way too many details about that week so I ended up just skimming through them.
~ I think Chloe was able to recover way too easily from her newest trauma and I wish she would have taken more time to recover from it and even ask help from a therapist.
~I didn’t like the fact that when Chloe found out about Kyle’s past instead of focusing on that information she kept wondering if Kyle liked her.
~and finally I wish Chloe’s captor was a stronger character, I would have enjoyed it more if he was more intelligent and created a lot more trouble for Kyle that would end up in a more epic battle between them.
I voluntarily reviewed the free copy that I received.
September 17, 2022
So much delicious darkness and this one is gritty dark and raw and doesn’t pull its punches due to that fact it felt authentic and realistic. I actually started this with book two so have backtracked to read this one. Here we are dealing with the Mexican cartel and our girl Chloe is a mule that now finds herself in a tenuous situation through no fault of her own. Terrified and looking for an out she offers Kyle who is due a bonus her services if he takes her home with him.
Kyle is an enforcer in the cartel he’s not a good guy and has done and still does terrible things which he makes no apology for. He’s ex-military and he’s the one that delivers a message in blood and he can be very creative in this, he shows others why it’s not a good idea to cross the cartel. Chloe was meant to be temporary disposable fun but he finds himself liking her and decides he wants to keep her. But Chloe comes with an abusive past and some baggage that refuses to let her move on.
There are no conventional heroes in this story this deals with morally skewed individuals and that includes Chloe. Her past isn’t pretty and she’s learnt to use what she must to survive in the dark criminal world she inhabits. Kyle is another kind of monster but with Chloe, he provides kindness and protection and to Chloe who has never experienced this before it means everything.
If you like stories that walk the line and characters who play in the dark this is the series for you. This isn’t a story about boy meets girl and instantly succumbs wanting to play her hero and rescue her. But then it also isn’t a story about an innocent virgin that needs a knight. Chloe is actually one messed up girl and expects life to crap on her. What we do have is something that grows out of a mutual liking and with Kyle Chloe can be the girl she was always meant to be and not the toy she was initially trained for. Be aware this one does include dark material. It’s not a picture-perfect love story which is what I liked about it the most.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
January 2, 2015
Life's a bitch, 'cause if it was a slut, it'd be easy
Chloe totally definitely drew the short straw for life. Seems like this girl can't catch a break! Especially when she's about to face a horrible way to die. But, good fortune is sneaky, and at the end, when she's about to endure the last injustice of her life, she runs into Kyle.
Kyle got the shaft pretty badly, too. He's a cartel Enforcer; he makes brutal examples of anyone that goes against the Zetas Cartel, and he's very good at his job. Perhaps taking Chloe as his bonus for exceptional work will give him the respite he needs.
I loved Chloe. Despite her slavery and conditioning, she's a feisty chick. Never thought I'd put a slave in the "Badass heroine" shelf. She Stands up for herself when she can, and wiggles herself right into Kyle's heart.
Kyle is freaking hot. Sweet Zombie Bob, this dangerous man needs a sweet woman. He shows some serious patience with Chloe. He could have just used her and tossed her, but he didn't. He took the time to seduce her, to form trust. He coaxes her to let go of her "fuckbot" conditioning, he wants her to be herself.
What I didn't like:
16 instances of bad puns, pointed out to the reader. "(That was a pun, get it?)"
At least two instances of irony used wrong.
Abrupt ending. It felt like there should have been aftercare and healing expressed after the final event. I felt like the ending just shut down prematurely.
Overall, I loved this book. It's dark and twisted. Definitely not something I would ever want to be reality. If you like it hot, sexy and fucked up, this book is gold.
*Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review*
Chloe totally definitely drew the short straw for life. Seems like this girl can't catch a break! Especially when she's about to face a horrible way to die. But, good fortune is sneaky, and at the end, when she's about to endure the last injustice of her life, she runs into Kyle.
Kyle got the shaft pretty badly, too. He's a cartel Enforcer; he makes brutal examples of anyone that goes against the Zetas Cartel, and he's very good at his job. Perhaps taking Chloe as his bonus for exceptional work will give him the respite he needs.
I loved Chloe. Despite her slavery and conditioning, she's a feisty chick. Never thought I'd put a slave in the "Badass heroine" shelf. She Stands up for herself when she can, and wiggles herself right into Kyle's heart.
Kyle is freaking hot. Sweet Zombie Bob, this dangerous man needs a sweet woman. He shows some serious patience with Chloe. He could have just used her and tossed her, but he didn't. He took the time to seduce her, to form trust. He coaxes her to let go of her "fuckbot" conditioning, he wants her to be herself.
What I didn't like:
16 instances of bad puns, pointed out to the reader. "(That was a pun, get it?)"
At least two instances of irony used wrong.
Abrupt ending. It felt like there should have been aftercare and healing expressed after the final event. I felt like the ending just shut down prematurely.
Overall, I loved this book. It's dark and twisted. Definitely not something I would ever want to be reality. If you like it hot, sexy and fucked up, this book is gold.
*Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review*
April 30, 2014
Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review.
**********
This is dark, and if you don't like dark, it is really not for you!
However, I do like dark!
This is a story about two people, not everyday normal people, not even nice people - but was I rooting for them! Heck yes!
Chloe is a drug courier and has had a pretty crap life, and has no issues with offering herself up to get out of a horrible situation.
Kyle is the man who decided to take her up on her offer and then decides to keep her.
What follows is a messed up, drama filled love story.
It was disturbing, graphic in parts, and made no apologies about what it is! Nothing is pulled back, this is a story about a girl who has been horribly abused and a man who has done some horrible things!
But, I found myself liking them. Really liking them!
It was duel POV and having Chloe and Kyle's POV made the book! It would have suffered being only a single POV.
I even found myself sort of liking Arturo! Him and Kyle had a messed up sense of honour when it came to their family and what they would be exposed to!
I hope we get further stories from other characters, Arturo, Quique, Max (who is actually only talked about, but I was intrigued)
A messed up dark 4 stars!
**********
This is dark, and if you don't like dark, it is really not for you!
However, I do like dark!
This is a story about two people, not everyday normal people, not even nice people - but was I rooting for them! Heck yes!
Chloe is a drug courier and has had a pretty crap life, and has no issues with offering herself up to get out of a horrible situation.
Kyle is the man who decided to take her up on her offer and then decides to keep her.
What follows is a messed up, drama filled love story.
It was disturbing, graphic in parts, and made no apologies about what it is! Nothing is pulled back, this is a story about a girl who has been horribly abused and a man who has done some horrible things!
But, I found myself liking them. Really liking them!
It was duel POV and having Chloe and Kyle's POV made the book! It would have suffered being only a single POV.
I even found myself sort of liking Arturo! Him and Kyle had a messed up sense of honour when it came to their family and what they would be exposed to!
I hope we get further stories from other characters, Arturo, Quique, Max (who is actually only talked about, but I was intrigued)
A messed up dark 4 stars!
January 28, 2015
This was a really quick read for me. Once I started I couldn't stop until Id finished. The characters just wouldn't let me put my kindle down:)
This was a good dark erotica story. The main characters are Kyle and Chloe. I love how messed up they are. Oh come on its fiction!!! I liked the storyline and the secondary characters certainly added to the story.
Be warned this is a messed up dark read. Give this a wide berth if you don't like them. However if your like me and love reading books with warnings then get 1-clicking. My fingers are crossed there will be more stories with the characters in this book. Loved it.
This was a good dark erotica story. The main characters are Kyle and Chloe. I love how messed up they are. Oh come on its fiction!!! I liked the storyline and the secondary characters certainly added to the story.
Be warned this is a messed up dark read. Give this a wide berth if you don't like them. However if your like me and love reading books with warnings then get 1-clicking. My fingers are crossed there will be more stories with the characters in this book. Loved it.
December 22, 2018
Some highlighted points-
➡️Nice different read. Different plot than regular reads.
➡️ Recommended for the one who loves different reads.
➡️ Written very well. Good use of vocabulary and language.
➡️ Recommended for lovers of Young Adult and Erotica lovers!!
"I got the book as a part of the review program in Outset" with a hyperlink to https://rakhijayashankar.blogspot
Read full review at
https://drruchipatel.wordpress.com/20...
➡️Nice different read. Different plot than regular reads.
➡️ Recommended for the one who loves different reads.
➡️ Written very well. Good use of vocabulary and language.
➡️ Recommended for lovers of Young Adult and Erotica lovers!!
"I got the book as a part of the review program in Outset" with a hyperlink to https://rakhijayashankar.blogspot
Read full review at
https://drruchipatel.wordpress.com/20...
Want to read
February 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/26/2020)! 🎁
January 31, 2015
The Bonus is literally THE BONUS!
The story is about Chloe being a courier of items and was caught in a heap of trouble. Kyle is the second-in-command of a known cartel in Mexico and is ruthless. So when he saw a girl being "played" around, he didn't give much notice as seen it as a form of entertainment though deep down he disapprove of it. When Chloe got a chance to escape, she didn't realized her ticket out is the ruthless man watching her like some sort of performer. Chloe is desperate for freedom and did everything to get it and with Kyle's help she could. Kyle at first was in it for the rack. So how does bonus for a a job well done became a bonus for life? How does one ticket to escape from now became a ticket for good?
I love how Chloe is keep pushing the puns and play of words, though corny, its entertaining. She is one strong woman and an intelligent one too. I couldn't say that she is fragile because everyone is but I love how she came through it all. Though she's still haunted by her past and goes on "autopilot" or fuckbot as Kyle tells it, she is one resilient. There is something about a woman surpassing all hell in one piece and still holds her head up high and ready to fight.
Kyle is a force to be reckoned with and my heart melted when he showed his soft side especially towards Chloe and how he would go to her. Does this make Chloe a damsel in distress? No because circumstance are that she just couldn't fight a man's fight. Kyle's past is one thing but how he came through it all is another. In a ways this made both of them good for each other.
This book is both Kyle and Chloe's POV. So we get to see each one in their happiest moment, their histories and why the readers love Kyle (LOL)
I am not much into cartel jargon so I was a bit confused half the time. But otherwise I enjoyed this book.
This book is a 3-3.5 stars for me :)
The story is about Chloe being a courier of items and was caught in a heap of trouble. Kyle is the second-in-command of a known cartel in Mexico and is ruthless. So when he saw a girl being "played" around, he didn't give much notice as seen it as a form of entertainment though deep down he disapprove of it. When Chloe got a chance to escape, she didn't realized her ticket out is the ruthless man watching her like some sort of performer. Chloe is desperate for freedom and did everything to get it and with Kyle's help she could. Kyle at first was in it for the rack. So how does bonus for a a job well done became a bonus for life? How does one ticket to escape from now became a ticket for good?
I love how Chloe is keep pushing the puns and play of words, though corny, its entertaining. She is one strong woman and an intelligent one too. I couldn't say that she is fragile because everyone is but I love how she came through it all. Though she's still haunted by her past and goes on "autopilot" or fuckbot as Kyle tells it, she is one resilient. There is something about a woman surpassing all hell in one piece and still holds her head up high and ready to fight.
Kyle is a force to be reckoned with and my heart melted when he showed his soft side especially towards Chloe and how he would go to her. Does this make Chloe a damsel in distress? No because circumstance are that she just couldn't fight a man's fight. Kyle's past is one thing but how he came through it all is another. In a ways this made both of them good for each other.
This book is both Kyle and Chloe's POV. So we get to see each one in their happiest moment, their histories and why the readers love Kyle (LOL)
I am not much into cartel jargon so I was a bit confused half the time. But otherwise I enjoyed this book.
This book is a 3-3.5 stars for me :)
January 10, 2015
*Copy gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Wow. What a ride. I am a fan of the darker side but this was different. Maybe it was the writing style, I don't know.
Okay, so we have our heroine, Chloe. Chloe is in the drug business. Not out of choice, of course. Having been a criminal's slave for years, she is sent to Mexico as a courier. Dealings with a drug cartel go terribly wrong and her life is on the line. Ready to take her own life after being tortured by the cartel, she is saved, well kind of, by Kyle. Kyle is the half brother of the cartel's owner and an ex U.S Marine with experience of serving at the Guantanamo Bay as an enforcer.
From that point, Chloe and Kyle are drawn together and they embark on an unconventional relationship. Chloe finds herself attracted to Kyle and at the same time tries to tame her fear for the man who has terrorized her for years; Raj.
I loved the unique storyline and I also enjoyed the fact that Kyle did not turn into a soft guy. I liked the way we are introduced into the story and characters and I found the dual point of view helpful and not tiring at all.
I did find the use of puns that Chloe loved a bit overused and I did find some of the vocabulary repetitive, but I easily overlooked those things because I enjoyed the plot.
The steamy scenes were also well written and the interactions between our couple were well organized and executed. Overall, a good read.
4 Stars from me.
Wow. What a ride. I am a fan of the darker side but this was different. Maybe it was the writing style, I don't know.
Okay, so we have our heroine, Chloe. Chloe is in the drug business. Not out of choice, of course. Having been a criminal's slave for years, she is sent to Mexico as a courier. Dealings with a drug cartel go terribly wrong and her life is on the line. Ready to take her own life after being tortured by the cartel, she is saved, well kind of, by Kyle. Kyle is the half brother of the cartel's owner and an ex U.S Marine with experience of serving at the Guantanamo Bay as an enforcer.
From that point, Chloe and Kyle are drawn together and they embark on an unconventional relationship. Chloe finds herself attracted to Kyle and at the same time tries to tame her fear for the man who has terrorized her for years; Raj.
I loved the unique storyline and I also enjoyed the fact that Kyle did not turn into a soft guy. I liked the way we are introduced into the story and characters and I found the dual point of view helpful and not tiring at all.
I did find the use of puns that Chloe loved a bit overused and I did find some of the vocabulary repetitive, but I easily overlooked those things because I enjoyed the plot.
The steamy scenes were also well written and the interactions between our couple were well organized and executed. Overall, a good read.
4 Stars from me.
April 11, 2016
Let me start off by saying that I liked this book. It had a lot of elements to it that it was hard not to like it. However, it also had quite a few annoying components that affected my star rating.
What I liked:
* Kyle's character was freaking hot. I love an alpha with military experience. Throw in some Black Ops or Special Forces and we have a winner! He's the bad boy you can't help but love and he makes no apologies for it
* Kyle's compassion for Chloe. Their love story was unconventional but beautiful
* some of the scenes were absolutely hilarious...
* how the author kept Chloe's brainwashing relevant. She didn't have her hopping into a "normal" relationship with Kyle. She suffered setbacks and mental breaks, which would be typical of anyone who suffered from abuse and the writer didn't belittle or sugarcoat that. Kyle had his own share of problems and together they had to jump over some mighty obstacles to get to their HFN
What I didn't like:
* the idea of the "pun" was overused. Once is funny. Twice is cute. Three times it's quirky. Infinite times is... I almost gave up because of it. I get that it was supposed to be a quality that endeared her to me, but it was abused way too frequently. Made me miss the fuckbot.
* though the plot was great, there were times it felt rushed
Overall a good book. Not terribly dark but a quick yet gritty read.
What I liked:
* Kyle's character was freaking hot. I love an alpha with military experience. Throw in some Black Ops or Special Forces and we have a winner! He's the bad boy you can't help but love and he makes no apologies for it
* Kyle's compassion for Chloe. Their love story was unconventional but beautiful
* some of the scenes were absolutely hilarious...
* how the author kept Chloe's brainwashing relevant. She didn't have her hopping into a "normal" relationship with Kyle. She suffered setbacks and mental breaks, which would be typical of anyone who suffered from abuse and the writer didn't belittle or sugarcoat that. Kyle had his own share of problems and together they had to jump over some mighty obstacles to get to their HFN
What I didn't like:
* the idea of the "pun" was overused. Once is funny. Twice is cute. Three times it's quirky. Infinite times is... I almost gave up because of it. I get that it was supposed to be a quality that endeared her to me, but it was abused way too frequently. Made me miss the fuckbot.
* though the plot was great, there were times it felt rushed
Overall a good book. Not terribly dark but a quick yet gritty read.
January 23, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This book, while a very violent, sometimes squeamish book about a Mexican drug cartel and their "enforcer", was actually pretty good. It is a well written story and the main characters I think most people will be pulling for.
The enforcer is in attendance at a "party" where a girl, a "mule" for another organization caught in the company of someone trying to pass the cartel counterfeit money, where the guy actually passing the bad money has been "drilled" to death and now the girl is slowly being tortured with death the ultimate outcome.
She escapes for a moment and is able to convince "the enforcer" if he will save her from this certain death, she will do or perform any services he asks of her. This poor girl has been through the meat grinder of life, been beaten and brutalized forever, but at least tries to buy herself a few more days to try and come up with a way to free herself. The enforcer accepts her proposition and she becomes his "Bonus" for working for the cartel.
The book focuses mainly on the relationship, both good and bad that develops between the two. The girl is one strong cookie, a welcome change to many books that portray the woman as a weakling needed to be saved by an alpha male. That's not to say "the enforcer" doesn't fit the alpha male category, but he's definitely got a match in this girl.
The enforcer is in attendance at a "party" where a girl, a "mule" for another organization caught in the company of someone trying to pass the cartel counterfeit money, where the guy actually passing the bad money has been "drilled" to death and now the girl is slowly being tortured with death the ultimate outcome.
She escapes for a moment and is able to convince "the enforcer" if he will save her from this certain death, she will do or perform any services he asks of her. This poor girl has been through the meat grinder of life, been beaten and brutalized forever, but at least tries to buy herself a few more days to try and come up with a way to free herself. The enforcer accepts her proposition and she becomes his "Bonus" for working for the cartel.
The book focuses mainly on the relationship, both good and bad that develops between the two. The girl is one strong cookie, a welcome change to many books that portray the woman as a weakling needed to be saved by an alpha male. That's not to say "the enforcer" doesn't fit the alpha male category, but he's definitely got a match in this girl.
January 7, 2015
A copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Chloe a drug mule caught up in the wrong place with the wrong people is punished by the Cartel. She runs into Kyle trying to escape death and offers him sexual favours to save her life.
Chloe was head strong and I like her character. Kyle quiet but ruthless and heartless (till he meets Chloe)a right hand man to Arturo just doing his job for the Cartel.
As they spend more time with each other, Klye realises how abused and damaged she is from Rimjobs doing, her past master who she ran from.
Their relationship blossoms with plenty of action.
We get to find out about Kyles past in the military and Chloes life as a mule. Not a normal romance story but a good story unfolds with lots of action and suspense.
Didn't particularly like the puns throughout the book, for a dark read I didn't feel they were needed.
Chloe a drug mule caught up in the wrong place with the wrong people is punished by the Cartel. She runs into Kyle trying to escape death and offers him sexual favours to save her life.
Chloe was head strong and I like her character. Kyle quiet but ruthless and heartless (till he meets Chloe)a right hand man to Arturo just doing his job for the Cartel.
As they spend more time with each other, Klye realises how abused and damaged she is from Rimjobs doing, her past master who she ran from.
Their relationship blossoms with plenty of action.
We get to find out about Kyles past in the military and Chloes life as a mule. Not a normal romance story but a good story unfolds with lots of action and suspense.
Didn't particularly like the puns throughout the book, for a dark read I didn't feel they were needed.
December 20, 2016
One of the worst books I've ever muddled through. The puns and actually having Chloe say to the reader "that's a pun, get it?" it was like being trapped in a long car ride with a 12 year old flippant teenaged girl trying to be impressive. Kyle even had "you see" as some sort of tag line.
So unbelievably bad.
Chloe never really evolved or had a serious revelation. Kyle started out strong and badass. Then somewhere around 70%, his character felt more like Chloe. Weak and boring.
I'm sorry this book fell flat. I enjoy reading all genre, various styles, fact and fiction. I rarely dislike a book. This was torture. I was really hoping for a turnaround or an "aha" moment that never came. Get it? Never came? Haha.
So unbelievably bad.
Chloe never really evolved or had a serious revelation. Kyle started out strong and badass. Then somewhere around 70%, his character felt more like Chloe. Weak and boring.
I'm sorry this book fell flat. I enjoy reading all genre, various styles, fact and fiction. I rarely dislike a book. This was torture. I was really hoping for a turnaround or an "aha" moment that never came. Get it? Never came? Haha.
January 6, 2015
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Wow! All the warnings about the subject matter are true. If you can't handle a love story set in the grimy world of brutal crime, this may not be the book for you. I found the story endlessly fascinating and the writing style was wonderful. The book was written in first person, giving me access to both protagonists' inner thoughts. They both had rich backstories, were full characters, and were compelling.
Bottom line is if you want an erotic love story with a sense of humor and is very darkly erotic, this is an awesome read.
Wow! All the warnings about the subject matter are true. If you can't handle a love story set in the grimy world of brutal crime, this may not be the book for you. I found the story endlessly fascinating and the writing style was wonderful. The book was written in first person, giving me access to both protagonists' inner thoughts. They both had rich backstories, were full characters, and were compelling.
Bottom line is if you want an erotic love story with a sense of humor and is very darkly erotic, this is an awesome read.
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