Review: Don't Let Go by Skye Warren

Title: Don't Let Go
Series: Dark Erotica #4
Author: Skye Warren
Published: November 11, 2013
Format: Ebook provided for review

Junior FBI Agent Samantha Holmes is assigned the case of a lifetime, along with an enigmatic new partner, Ian Hennessy. She's determined to prove herself to the bureau legend, but late nights and stolen moments lead to more than respect. They lead to desire, and soon she's fallen for the one man forbidden.

Together they hunt for the FBI's most wanted man. A criminal. A psychopath. But when they get close, Samantha may end up prey instead. She must face her dark past to stay alive--and to protect the man she loves.

Don't Let Go is a dark erotic novel that contains dubious consent and captivity. Not intended for those under eighteen or those uncomfortable with the subject matter.

Don’t Let Go by Skye Warren has blown me away. Skye’s ability to make me feel like I am part of this dramatic, dark, and twisted story is so fucking fantastic I can only sit here and beg for more.


Don’t Let Go is the story of Samantha, who is pretty much a nobody with the FBI. Her boss, Agent Brody, has just changed her life in a matter of seconds and put her on the biggest case in the country with one of the toughest agents in the country – Ian Hennessy. The case? Carlos Laguardia. Oh yeah, if you are a fan of Skye Warren, you know exactly who Carlos is. We really got to know him back in book two, Trust In Me, when he was ruthlessly shoving his cock down Mia’s throat, and keeping her very captive. You got to see exactly how bad of a guy Carlos is, and even though you might have felt a bit Stockholm-y of him, too, you knew he was the big bad. So now Samantha and Ian are on the case.

“I’d only ever wanted to be normal, prayed for it, but it had always been too late for me. While other children had backed away from white vans, I’d looked at them with longing. I wanted to be special enough to be taken. I wanted to matter that much.”

So Samantha has had a fucked up childhood. As it turns out, her single dad was one of the worst when it came to bad guys. Rape, murder, beatings… you name it. With children. It’s really messed with Sam’s head, and you can see in the way she thinks about things that something isn’t quite adding up to “well adjusted young woman”. But hey, we all have quirks, right? That’s how good this story is, because even though you know what Sam is thinking and feeling about all of these different things, you still like her. You still want the best for her. And in some small, dark way, you want to be her.

And when Sam meets Ian there are some definite sparks. And I’m all like “hell yeah!!!” The very first touch between them, a handshake, brings out this chemical reaction that is just tangible. And from that moment on, I’m counting down til something happens with them. Ian is a tough guy. He’s determined to bring down Carlos, and he’s none to thrilled about having the rookie being his partner. It’s hard to get a read on him, but I still like him. I mean, I can understand his point of view. But Sam is no ordinary rookie, and he will find out. She stands up to him, she shows him that she is smart, and that she pays attention. And I love every fucking minute of it.

“He cupped my face, his eyes searching mine. I felt infinitely delicate when he held me like this, as if I were made of porcelain and spun gold instead of flesh and blood. As if I mightbreak. His thumb ran along my cheek, softly, gently, the callused pad of his thumb catching my skin, tugging it, abrading it, sandpaper against silk.

He leaned toward me, and this time our kiss was slow, like the long incline of a warm beach with lazy waves, with languid caresses of his mouth on mine. His tongue nudged my lips, and I opened for him. Relaxed against him, submitting myself to the sweet torture of an unhurried kiss.”

Yes, there is heat in this book. There is raw, sexual, needy heat. And it is divine in every syllable you read. It’s fueled by the adrenalin of the hunt for a worldwide criminal, and supported by this superior electricity between the two characters. I can’t say enough things about the sex and tension in this book.

And while all of this is going on, you don’t even realize what’s happening. You don’t realize that Skye is about to throw a grenade at you and change everything. But she does it, damn it. She does it and it worked out so well – and I CAN’T TELL YOU!!! Gah!!!! I know, it’s killing me! But you really have to read for yourself and see what all of these plot twists are about. Because trust me, if you are a fan of dark erotica, this is definitely the fucking book for you.

And one more quote, because this one just killed me and then killed me again. Sublime happiness here, folks. Read the fucking book.  But read Trust in Me first.

“Is that all I am to you?” I whispered. “A piece of flesh? Of meat?”

“Yes, “ He said, and the conviction in his voice didn’t allow it to be an insult. “You’re the meat when I’ve been fucking starving my whole life, so fucking accept it. You’re mine. Mine. Got it?”

Find Skye Online

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Posts On Fictional Candy

Review - Trust In Me

Review (And Guest Post/Excerpt) - Hear Me

Review - Wanderlust

Quote-Tastic - Wanderlust

(I'd totally give this more than 5 stars if I could!!!)

Review: Don't Let Go by Skye Warren

Title: Don't Let Go
Series: Dark Erotica #4
Author: Skye Warren
Published: November 11, 2013
Format: Ebook provided for review

Junior FBI Agent Samantha Holmes is assigned the case of a lifetime, along with an enigmatic new partner, Ian Hennessy. She's determined to prove herself to the bureau legend, but late nights and stolen moments lead to more than respect. They lead to desire, and soon she's fallen for the one man forbidden.

Together they hunt for the FBI's most wanted man. A criminal. A psychopath. But when they get close, Samantha may end up prey instead. She must face her dark past to stay alive--and to protect the man she loves.

Don't Let Go is a dark erotic novel that contains dubious consent and captivity. Not intended for those under eighteen or those uncomfortable with the subject matter.

Don’t Let Go by Skye Warren has blown me away. Skye’s ability to make me feel like I am part of this dramatic, dark, and twisted story is so fucking fantastic I can only sit here and beg for more.

Review: Awkward Holidays by Kallysten

Title: Awkward Holidays
Series: Ward of the Vampire, Book 3
Author: Kallysten
Published: July 2013
Format: Ebook received for review

Trapped in the Ward mansion with a reluctant and standoffish host – a vampire she should be afraid of but can’t help being attracted to – Angelina is preparing herself for grim, lonely holidays.

When her parents unexpectedly decide to visit, the situation, far from improving, only grows more complicated. They look forward to visiting New York with her, but how can she explain that she’s unable to leave the mansion? For that matter, what will they say when they realize she lives with a millionaire?

A hastily concocted excuse smoothes things over, but now Angelina finds herself having to work closely with Morgan Ward. It wouldn’t be so bad if Morgan was as pleasant to her as he is to her parents, but his mercurial moods leave her confused and frustrated. It doesn’t help that he seems no closer to finding a way for her to leave his house.

The New Year brings change with a startling kiss and an even more surprising guest… or is it more of the same?

Ok, here we are – third installment in the Ward of The Vampire series. Kallysten – you are positively killing me!! As much as the excitement of waiting for the next edition to appear is, it’s also just killing me to make me wait!

Review: My Reluctant Warden by Kallysten

Title: My Reluctant Warden
Series: Ward Of The Vampire, Book 2
Author: Kallysten
Published: May 14, 2013
Format; Ebook provided for review
Tour: No

When her boss brought her to the party of the season, Mr. Ward’s birthday bash, Angelina thought she had slipped on Cinderella’s shoes.

Now that she is compelled to remain in the mansion, trapped with a host who was only pleasant to her in a shared fantasy, the dream abruptly turns sour.

Under other circumstances, she might enjoy staying in an opulent guest suite, with a butler waiting on her every desire. But her cage, as gilded as it may be, remains a prison, and her host, even if he wishes she were gone, is still her warden.

As she struggles to get used to the situation, she can’t figure out what to think of Morgan Ward, a man who claims to be a vampire, who at times ignores her and at times shows himself unexpectedly thoughtful. A man she’s attracted to despite her better judgment.

However, an unexpected conversation with her boss may give her no choice but to get much closer to Morgan than she’s ready for…

“Don’t leave without me, “ she’d said. “Not tonight. Not ever.”

Funny how much difference a simple statement like that can make. In Ward of the Vampire, we met all of our major players: Angelina, Morgan Ward, and Delilah. My Reluctant Warden is more focused on Morgan and Angelina. It takes place a few hours later. Angelina is pretty much a prisoner in the mansion. No more sunshine, or even moonlight. No grass or even outdoors. No running to the corner store…or anywhere. Reality is starting to set in.

I love the conspiratorial, and sometimes humorous, tone that Angelina takes with the reader. At times it’s like she is talking to us in hushed tones. At others its like her inner monologue is going. A bit more of her own personality comes out in this edition, and I like the girl. She tries to be good, to behave, to make the most of it – but something about Morgan. Ugh! He brings out the snark in this lady – and I love it!

Morgan, despite his cold and indifferent demeanor, is actually quite caring and compassionate. He definitely shows this by retrieving Angelina’s things and also providing a little impromptu shopping adventure for her. But aside from all of that, Angelina’s confusion laced with fear mixes with Morgan’s irritation and apprehension creating a volatile cocktail.

If you read the first book, you know that everything isn’t always as it seems. That also happens to be the case in this book, and I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more than if it were me in Angelina’s place! This is a page turner, for sure.

You know, I recently reviewed On The Edge by Kallysten. I got to read all 10 editions at once, no waiting. I didn’t realize how lucky I was then. Because now, as I wait for the next book out in this series of episodes, if you will, the wait will absolutely drive me mad!

I have to know – will Angelina get free? Will she fall for Morgan? Will Morgan fall for her? And just why is he being so standoffish? And what the fuck is going on with Delilah? That’s some wicked sense of humor she’s got there. I’ve got one piece of advice for dear Angelina – stay away from the computer!

Oh, and we also get to know Stephen, Morgan’s butler, a bit. He is quite the character, and I really feel there is more story there than we know just yet. His loyalty is unwaivering, and yet he is human. I need to know, what gives?

Are you getting in on this series? Better do so now, while there are only two out. You don’t want to catch yourself behind in this one!

Find Kallysten Online...

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Kallysten Posts:
Demons & Lullabies Excerpt
The Edge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Review - Bodyguards

Review - Ward Of The Vampire 

Review - On The Edge

Please note this is an Amazon Associates link.  All purchases made through this link help support this blog. 

Review: My Reluctant Warden by Kallysten

Title: My Reluctant Warden
Series: Ward Of The Vampire, Book 2
Author: Kallysten
Published: May 14, 2013
Format; Ebook provided for review
Tour: No

When her boss brought her to the party of the season, Mr. Ward’s birthday bash, Angelina thought she had slipped on Cinderella’s shoes.

Now that she is compelled to remain in the mansion, trapped with a host who was only pleasant to her in a shared fantasy, the dream abruptly turns sour.

Under other circumstances, she might enjoy staying in an opulent guest suite, with a butler waiting on her every desire. But her cage, as gilded as it may be, remains a prison, and her host, even if he wishes she were gone, is still her warden.

As she struggles to get used to the situation, she can’t figure out what to think of Morgan Ward, a man who claims to be a vampire, who at times ignores her and at times shows himself unexpectedly thoughtful. A man she’s attracted to despite her better judgment.

However, an unexpected conversation with her boss may give her no choice but to get much closer to Morgan than she’s ready for…

“Don’t leave without me, “ she’d said. “Not tonight. Not ever.”

Funny how much difference a simple statement like that can make. In Ward of the Vampire, we met all of our major players: Angelina, Morgan Ward, and Delilah. My Reluctant Warden is more focused on Morgan and Angelina. It takes place a few hours later. Angelina is pretty much a prisoner in the mansion. No more sunshine, or even moonlight. No grass or even outdoors. No running to the corner store…or anywhere. Reality is starting to set in.

I love the conspiratorial, and sometimes humorous, tone that Angelina takes with the reader. At times it’s like she is talking to us in hushed tones. At others its like her inner monologue is going. A bit more of her own personality comes out in this edition, and I like the girl. She tries to be good, to behave, to make the most of it – but something about Morgan. Ugh! He brings out the snark in this lady – and I love it!

Morgan, despite his cold and indifferent demeanor, is actually quite caring and compassionate. He definitely shows this by retrieving Angelina’s things and also providing a little impromptu shopping adventure for her. But aside from all of that, Angelina’s confusion laced with fear mixes with Morgan’s irritation and apprehension creating a volatile cocktail.

If you read the first book, you know that everything isn’t always as it seems. That also happens to be the case in this book, and I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more than if it were me in Angelina’s place! This is a page turner, for sure.

You know, I recently reviewed On The Edge by Kallysten. I got to read all 10 editions at once, no waiting. I didn’t realize how lucky I was then. Because now, as I wait for the next book out in this series of episodes, if you will, the wait will absolutely drive me mad!

I have to know – will Angelina get free? Will she fall for Morgan? Will Morgan fall for her? And just why is he being so standoffish? And what the fuck is going on with Delilah? That’s some wicked sense of humor she’s got there. I’ve got one piece of advice for dear Angelina – stay away from the computer!

Oh, and we also get to know Stephen, Morgan’s butler, a bit. He is quite the character, and I really feel there is more story there than we know just yet. His loyalty is unwaivering, and yet he is human. I need to know, what gives?

Are you getting in on this series? Better do so now, while there are only two out. You don’t want to catch yourself behind in this one!

Find Kallysten Online...

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Kallysten Posts:
Demons & Lullabies Excerpt
The Edge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Review - Bodyguards

Review - Ward Of The Vampire 

Review - On The Edge

Please note this is an Amazon Associates link.  All purchases made through this link help support this blog. 

Review: Wanderlust by Skye Warren

Title: Wanderlust
Series: No
Author: Skye Warren
Published: April 2013, Smashwords
Format: Ebook provided for review

Can love come from pain?

Evie always dreamed of seeing the world, but her first night at a motel turns into a nightmare. Hunter is a rugged trucker willing to do anything to keep her—including kidnapping. As they cross the country in his rig, Evie plots her escape, but she may find what she's been looking for right beside her.

Wanderlust is a dark erotic novel which explores dubious consent, captivity, and power play. Not intended for those uncomfortable with the subject matter or under eighteen.

I was going to review this book next week, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I have to share it, and my thoughts about it, with you! Wanderlust is the third book I’ve reviewed by Skye Warren, and it deals with captivity. Hear Me and Trust In Me both dealt with captivity also, but all three books deal with it in wildly different ways. Before I even began this book I was excited. I know that Skye is a fantastic writer, and the concept of this book really sounded like an enthralling storyline. When I read a book from Skye, I feel like she is able to totally immerse me in the story. I lose track of time. I am Mia from Trust In Me, I am the slave from Hear Me, and now? I am Evie.

And its Evie who begins this book, and she is twenty years old. She lives at home with her mother who is basically a shut in. But not only is her mother a shut in, she is verbally and emotionally abusive to Evie at times. Her fear of being alone makes her act horribly to Evie, to keep her near, I suspect. But Evie wants more than living in that house can offer her, and so one day she decides, “This is IT.” And then she leaves. She has a destination, and somewhat of a plan.

I like Evie. She is naïve and brave and hungry to see what life is going to throw at her. She doesn’t let her mother’s fears control her, not any more. She doesn’t let horrible events from her past control her, not any more. So on her first night out, she gets a hotel room, crosses over the lot and goes to the diner. And it’s not long before she meets Hunter, Hunter Bryant. As the waitress says, nobody says no to Hunter Bryant.

How do I explain Hunter? Trucker, thirty years old, rugged and sexy cowboy. Damaged, and not exactly making the best decisions at this point.  He's got a colorful history that comes out throughout the book, and it totally endears him to me.  He takes Evie, and then they are off in his truck.

Their time together turns into a road trip, and they grow and learn more about each other. They end up acting more like a couple rather than a kidnapper and his captive, save for the sex. They are having sex regularly, but it’s not the tender touch of a couple falling in love. It’s rough and hard and screams of anger, and it’s wildly exciting. I couldn’t believe how hot it was at times. This book can definitely speak to that secret side of your darkest desires.  Wanderlust isn’t for the everyday romance reader. But if you like things a little dark, and a little …well, wrong, then you will love this book!  But don't be mistaken, this also isn't all hearts and roses.  Evie is still dealing with her internal struggle about actually being kidnapped, its not something she has just swept under the rug, as it were. Escaping is still a goal, even if she does her best to enjoy her time while she's there.

“I had traded one prison for another, this one mobile but absolute. Inescapable even as it sliced through the countryside. Neither my mother’s home nor this eighteen-wheeler were gilded, but I preferred the view in this cage.”

This story gave time to the characters to grow. Hunter is a criminal, yes. But there is a vulnerability to him. I don’t know if I should be excited, but I was. I wanted them to fall in love, I wanted them to be together. I fell for both of these characters. I fell in love with the damn truck! Every experience they had together, whether positive or negative kept me glued to my Kindle like it was my lifetime. I started this book in the evening, and a couple chapters in I decided I wasn’t going to bed until I finished it, and that’s exactly what happened. I have a feeling that if you like Skye Warren, this book will be at the top of your favorites. It’s definitely a five star read for me, and hey, now I get to use my new graphic for the first time!

So have you read Wanderlust? What did you think? Or is it on your TBR? Tell me what you thought of other books by Skye!

Find Skye Online

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Posts On Fictional Candy

Review - Trust In Me

Review (And Guest Post/Excerpt) - Hear Me

Please note this is an Amazon Associates link.  All purchases made through this link help support this blog. 

Review: Wanderlust by Skye Warren

Title: Wanderlust
Series: No
Author: Skye Warren
Published: April 2013, Smashwords
Format: Ebook provided for review

Can love come from pain?

Evie always dreamed of seeing the world, but her first night at a motel turns into a nightmare. Hunter is a rugged trucker willing to do anything to keep her—including kidnapping. As they cross the country in his rig, Evie plots her escape, but she may find what she's been looking for right beside her.

Wanderlust is a dark erotic novel which explores dubious consent, captivity, and power play. Not intended for those uncomfortable with the subject matter or under eighteen.

I was going to review this book next week, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I have to share it, and my thoughts about it, with you! Wanderlust is the third book I’ve reviewed by Skye Warren, and it deals with captivity. Hear Me and Trust In Me both dealt with captivity also, but all three books deal with it in wildly different ways. Before I even began this book I was excited. I know that Skye is a fantastic writer, and the concept of this book really sounded like an enthralling storyline. When I read a book from Skye, I feel like she is able to totally immerse me in the story. I lose track of time. I am Mia from Trust In Me, I am the slave from Hear Me, and now? I am Evie.

And its Evie who begins this book, and she is twenty years old. She lives at home with her mother who is basically a shut in. But not only is her mother a shut in, she is verbally and emotionally abusive to Evie at times. Her fear of being alone makes her act horribly to Evie, to keep her near, I suspect. But Evie wants more than living in that house can offer her, and so one day she decides, “This is IT.” And then she leaves. She has a destination, and somewhat of a plan.

I like Evie. She is naïve and brave and hungry to see what life is going to throw at her. She doesn’t let her mother’s fears control her, not any more. She doesn’t let horrible events from her past control her, not any more. So on her first night out, she gets a hotel room, crosses over the lot and goes to the diner. And it’s not long before she meets Hunter, Hunter Bryant. As the waitress says, nobody says no to Hunter Bryant.

How do I explain Hunter? Trucker, thirty years old, rugged and sexy cowboy. Damaged, and not exactly making the best decisions at this point.  He's got a colorful history that comes out throughout the book, and it totally endears him to me.  He takes Evie, and then they are off in his truck.

Their time together turns into a road trip, and they grow and learn more about each other. They end up acting more like a couple rather than a kidnapper and his captive, save for the sex. They are having sex regularly, but it’s not the tender touch of a couple falling in love. It’s rough and hard and screams of anger, and it’s wildly exciting. I couldn’t believe how hot it was at times. This book can definitely speak to that secret side of your darkest desires.  Wanderlust isn’t for the everyday romance reader. But if you like things a little dark, and a little …well, wrong, then you will love this book!  But don't be mistaken, this also isn't all hearts and roses.  Evie is still dealing with her internal struggle about actually being kidnapped, its not something she has just swept under the rug, as it were. Escaping is still a goal, even if she does her best to enjoy her time while she's there.

“I had traded one prison for another, this one mobile but absolute. Inescapable even as it sliced through the countryside. Neither my mother’s home nor this eighteen-wheeler were gilded, but I preferred the view in this cage.”

This story gave time to the characters to grow. Hunter is a criminal, yes. But there is a vulnerability to him. I don’t know if I should be excited, but I was. I wanted them to fall in love, I wanted them to be together. I fell for both of these characters. I fell in love with the damn truck! Every experience they had together, whether positive or negative kept me glued to my Kindle like it was my lifetime. I started this book in the evening, and a couple chapters in I decided I wasn’t going to bed until I finished it, and that’s exactly what happened. I have a feeling that if you like Skye Warren, this book will be at the top of your favorites. It’s definitely a five star read for me, and hey, now I get to use my new graphic for the first time!

So have you read Wanderlust? What did you think? Or is it on your TBR? Tell me what you thought of other books by Skye!

Find Skye Online

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Previous Posts On Fictional Candy

Review - Trust In Me

Review (And Guest Post/Excerpt) - Hear Me

Please note this is an Amazon Associates link.  All purchases made through this link help support this blog.