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Blood to Dust
His name is Beat, and I should hate him.
Bound, blindfolded and bruised, I'm tied in his basement, waiting for the men who stripped me from clothes and humanity to collect his debt to them. Me.
His name is Nate and I should hate him, but I don't.
I'm not supposed to know his real name, even worse, I'm not supposed to care. He is nothing to me but means to an end. The plan is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and run away.
His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, and I've never seen his face, though I hear that it's beautiful.
Behind the rugged and handsome exterior, there's a quiet murderer, a killer who thinks guns are for pussies and ends people with his bare hands.
His name doesn't matter, neither does his face, but what does matter is my heart. And right now, sadly, it's his.
Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel. It contains graphic violence and adult situations some may find offensive.
Bound, blindfolded and bruised, I'm tied in his basement, waiting for the men who stripped me from clothes and humanity to collect his debt to them. Me.
His name is Nate and I should hate him, but I don't.
I'm not supposed to know his real name, even worse, I'm not supposed to care. He is nothing to me but means to an end. The plan is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and run away.
His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, and I've never seen his face, though I hear that it's beautiful.
Behind the rugged and handsome exterior, there's a quiet murderer, a killer who thinks guns are for pussies and ends people with his bare hands.
His name doesn't matter, neither does his face, but what does matter is my heart. And right now, sadly, it's his.
Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel. It contains graphic violence and adult situations some may find offensive.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2016
About the author
L.J. Shen
60 books50.5k followersL.J. Shen is USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
HEAs and groveling are guaranteed.
She lives in Florida with her husband, three sons, and a disturbingly active imagination.
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
HEAs and groveling are guaranteed.
She lives in Florida with her husband, three sons, and a disturbingly active imagination.
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,469 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★ ½! Blood to Dust (stand-alone). Two lost souls find friendship, love & healing while on a bloody & violent journey, chased by villains and painful pasts!
“The dust has settled over the blood we’ve shed.”
Blood to Dust (stand-alone) opens up to Prescott Burlington-Smyth, Pea aka Country Club, Silver Spoon being forcefully taken to meet the man who is to guard her until she can be turned over to her ex-boyfriend.
Nathaniel Thomas Vela, Nate aka Beat, just out of prison and working as a handyman and janitor, has found himself indebted and assigned to the task. More on why to unfold with story.
We are taken on a journey as a captive Prescott uses all her wiles including flirtation, manipulation, pity, persuasion, violence even stooping so low as to reading Beat’s diary and getting to know her captor.
While they fight their attraction and a romance brew, enemies are watching. It becomes a race against time in a game of vengeance and passion with bloody consequences.
“We’re beautiful and ugly and broken… and whole.”
Down on his lucky with few options Nathaniel Thomas Vela, Nate aka Beat wrapped himself around my heart. Seven words to describe Beat: Noble, smart, innocent, reflective, observant, blasé and accepting.
“She gives me storm, and I give her peace.”
Seven words to describe Prescott Burlington-Smyth, Pea aka Country Club, Silver Spoon: Smart, observant, calculated, reflective, manipulative, stubborn and hopeless.
“It’s ironic, my need to be strong for a man who is my only weakness.”
Blood to Dust, told from dual POV is a suspenseful, violent and bloody chase and a journey of self-reflection, painful pasts and broken souls. But mostly it is a journey of unlikely friendships, love that can blossom despite the darkest of circumstances and sweet victory against dire odds.
“I love her like a slave. I kneel in front of her like a subject. I crawl back to her at night like a drunk and I worship her like a believer.”
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 5 stars
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
ARC provided to me by author L.J. Shen in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2017
4.5 Stars!!
To be honest here I had high hopes for this one after reading Mrs. Shen’s other two books. Once again she managed to keep me intrigued with her fantastic storytelling and with a very smart and layered plot. 'Blood to Dust' was not exactly as dark as I had expected to be, but I have to say I enjoyed it very much. I was invested in the story from the very beginning and it really kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time for one reason or another.
Prescott is a hostage, but she used to be so much more – a daughter, a sister, a friend, until she was robbed of everything by the man she thought he is ‘the one’. Even if she grew up in a wealthy family, Prescott knows what it means to be alone, to be rejected, to lose someone, to do anything in order to survive. Now, bound and kidnapped, Prescott is not frightened. She’s a fighter, not a victim and all she wants is to make THEM pay…and she will, one way or another.
Nate ‘Beat’, a convicted felon with blood on his hands owes Godfrey, the man who is now responsible for Prescott’s life a favor. He’s one of the two men who will have to look after Prescott while she is in captivity. He has some rules he has to follow if he wants ‘the boss’ to keep his promise he made to him and of course if he wants to stay alive.
Prescott wants to escape and she has a plan. She figures out very quickly some truths about Nate and most important, the fact that they should be allies, no enemies. Nate tries hard not to break the rules, but as he starts to spend more and more time with Prescott, he realizes they are more alike than he thought, that she understands him better than anyone without judging him, that he’s in lust with her even if he shouldn’t be.
Mrs. Shen delivered a very addictive tale. Like I mentioned above this story of these two broken souls gripped my interest from the beginning. An unusual captive story in some way, 'Blood to Dust' was fast-paced, raw and gritty and I loved every minute of it. I honestly enjoyed every aspect of the story – the smart well developed plot that made me hold my breath more times than I want to admit, the two flawed, well portrayed characters, the action, the suspense and last but not least, the deliciously steamy scenes.
I loved the two main characters. They were perfectly imperfect, damaged, intense and a little crazy in a very...well, endearing way. Both Prescott and Beat’s backgrounds were fantastically done, so both of them felt real somehow. Prescott was a fantastic heroine. A storm to be reckoned with, she is smart, strong and determined as she is introduced. She’s a fighter, a bada$$ heroine I connected with immediately. I really sympathize with her as the story progressed and her tragic past was revealed. I loved how she never gave up, how she fought to bring THEM down, how to never played the victim even if she had all the reasons to.
Beat’s portrayal was simply stellar. I enjoyed how gradually we find out what makes him tick, what he wants. Beat was a man of honor from the moment he was introduced, a man who despite his past can still be kind.
I truly enjoyed how Prescott and Beat’s relationship progressed. The transition from “captor”/captive to something more felt real, believable and I simply loved them together. As much as they try to fight the attraction between them, they realize pretty quickly “this thing” between them is something good. To witness these two characters becoming…more was fantastic. Their connection was there, palpable and the sexy scenes between them were scorching hot. The way they needed each other, the way they healed each other were wonderfully done.
Personally, I wouldn’t have minded the story to be a little darker. I’m not saying it wasn’t, but I truly believe it would have been perfection with more dark and disturbing elements.
If you are looking for a raw and gritty story that will keep you at the edge of your seat, look no further. 'Blood to Dust' was exactly that and more.
***Many thanks to my girl Sonya for reading this one with me! I had fun, babe! ;) Let's do this again! :D <33***
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review!**
To be honest here I had high hopes for this one after reading Mrs. Shen’s other two books. Once again she managed to keep me intrigued with her fantastic storytelling and with a very smart and layered plot. 'Blood to Dust' was not exactly as dark as I had expected to be, but I have to say I enjoyed it very much. I was invested in the story from the very beginning and it really kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time for one reason or another.
“We’re polar opposites. He’s peace looking for color, and I’m a storm looking for serenity. And somewhere between my chaos and his peace, we found each other.”
Prescott is a hostage, but she used to be so much more – a daughter, a sister, a friend, until she was robbed of everything by the man she thought he is ‘the one’. Even if she grew up in a wealthy family, Prescott knows what it means to be alone, to be rejected, to lose someone, to do anything in order to survive. Now, bound and kidnapped, Prescott is not frightened. She’s a fighter, not a victim and all she wants is to make THEM pay…and she will, one way or another.
“She’s aiming straight for my fucking heart, this chick. Shot after shot in the dark.
And sooner or later, I know, even in the pitch black, she’s going to hit her target.”
Nate ‘Beat’, a convicted felon with blood on his hands owes Godfrey, the man who is now responsible for Prescott’s life a favor. He’s one of the two men who will have to look after Prescott while she is in captivity. He has some rules he has to follow if he wants ‘the boss’ to keep his promise he made to him and of course if he wants to stay alive.
Prescott wants to escape and she has a plan. She figures out very quickly some truths about Nate and most important, the fact that they should be allies, no enemies. Nate tries hard not to break the rules, but as he starts to spend more and more time with Prescott, he realizes they are more alike than he thought, that she understands him better than anyone without judging him, that he’s in lust with her even if he shouldn’t be.
Mrs. Shen delivered a very addictive tale. Like I mentioned above this story of these two broken souls gripped my interest from the beginning. An unusual captive story in some way, 'Blood to Dust' was fast-paced, raw and gritty and I loved every minute of it. I honestly enjoyed every aspect of the story – the smart well developed plot that made me hold my breath more times than I want to admit, the two flawed, well portrayed characters, the action, the suspense and last but not least, the deliciously steamy scenes.
I loved the two main characters. They were perfectly imperfect, damaged, intense and a little crazy in a very...well, endearing way. Both Prescott and Beat’s backgrounds were fantastically done, so both of them felt real somehow. Prescott was a fantastic heroine. A storm to be reckoned with, she is smart, strong and determined as she is introduced. She’s a fighter, a bada$$ heroine I connected with immediately. I really sympathize with her as the story progressed and her tragic past was revealed. I loved how she never gave up, how she fought to bring THEM down, how to never played the victim even if she had all the reasons to.
“It’s difficult to hate him when he’s becoming more human with every page.”
Beat’s portrayal was simply stellar. I enjoyed how gradually we find out what makes him tick, what he wants. Beat was a man of honor from the moment he was introduced, a man who despite his past can still be kind.
I truly enjoyed how Prescott and Beat’s relationship progressed. The transition from “captor”/captive to something more felt real, believable and I simply loved them together. As much as they try to fight the attraction between them, they realize pretty quickly “this thing” between them is something good. To witness these two characters becoming…more was fantastic. Their connection was there, palpable and the sexy scenes between them were scorching hot. The way they needed each other, the way they healed each other were wonderfully done.
“You're crazy, uncalculated and lethal for me. So yeah. Being by your side is exactly where I should be.“
Personally, I wouldn’t have minded the story to be a little darker. I’m not saying it wasn’t, but I truly believe it would have been perfection with more dark and disturbing elements.
If you are looking for a raw and gritty story that will keep you at the edge of your seat, look no further. 'Blood to Dust' was exactly that and more.
***Many thanks to my girl Sonya for reading this one with me! I had fun, babe! ;) Let's do this again! :D <33***
**ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review!**
August 20, 2016
Sounded Great, But Fell Flat
I realize that I'm in the minority here, but this book didn't do much of anything for me. Many of my friends loved it, and I was sure that it would be just my type of story. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.
I love dark stories. In fact, the darker the better in most cases. Captivity themes are amongst my favorites. So, I can honestly say that it wasn't the dark parts of this story that were a turn-off for me.
The truth is that there just wasn't anything particularly compelling about this story to me. I thought that Prescott and Nate were alright, even admirable. Yet, I never felt a connection to them or their plight.
Sure, there was plenty going on. I kept thinking that I should be feeling something...I wanted to feel something...but I couldn't force it. Given the content, this story should have had my pulse racing, but it never happened. That anxious anticipation was missing.
Instead, I found myself struggling to finish this book. I'd get up and go do the dishes, only to have to make myself push through another chapter or two. Perhaps I would've enjoyed it more if it was shorter. It seemed to drag on and on for me, with long periods of inactivity.
After all the waiting, I was also pretty let down by the ending. I was not satisfied with the way things worked out at all. For me, it was very anticlimactic.
All of my gripes aside, I should say that the writing was done well. You won't find a bunch of overlooked grammatical errors here. Also, I read a lot of kidnapping/captivity-themed books. So, I'm probably a little harsher when rating this particular sub-genre.
It isn't one that'll make a lasting impression with me, but it was okay. I've read better. I've read far worse
I realize that I'm in the minority here, but this book didn't do much of anything for me. Many of my friends loved it, and I was sure that it would be just my type of story. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.
I love dark stories. In fact, the darker the better in most cases. Captivity themes are amongst my favorites. So, I can honestly say that it wasn't the dark parts of this story that were a turn-off for me.
The truth is that there just wasn't anything particularly compelling about this story to me. I thought that Prescott and Nate were alright, even admirable. Yet, I never felt a connection to them or their plight.
Sure, there was plenty going on. I kept thinking that I should be feeling something...I wanted to feel something...but I couldn't force it. Given the content, this story should have had my pulse racing, but it never happened. That anxious anticipation was missing.
Instead, I found myself struggling to finish this book. I'd get up and go do the dishes, only to have to make myself push through another chapter or two. Perhaps I would've enjoyed it more if it was shorter. It seemed to drag on and on for me, with long periods of inactivity.
After all the waiting, I was also pretty let down by the ending. I was not satisfied with the way things worked out at all. For me, it was very anticlimactic.
All of my gripes aside, I should say that the writing was done well. You won't find a bunch of overlooked grammatical errors here. Also, I read a lot of kidnapping/captivity-themed books. So, I'm probably a little harsher when rating this particular sub-genre.
It isn't one that'll make a lasting impression with me, but it was okay. I've read better. I've read far worse
July 18, 2016
4.5 STARS
Well slap my ass and call me Sally, what in the ever hell did I just read?
This.
Book.
Was.
Brilliant!
OK. OK. Allow me to get my thoughts together here
*deep breath*
*another deep breath*
Holy hell, people!
I already knew after reading Sparrow that L.J. Shen was a talented author, but after reading this book? She blew everything I thought I knew away! The woman is a genius. Everything, from the characters, the writing style, the chapter formation, the story, all of it I can describe in two words; brilliantly intense.
I'm picky with my dark romance. Some of it has become entirely formulaic for me; bad guy meets somewhat naive girl, some mundane detail, plot twist for shock value, and BAM! HEA! This book? This book was nothing like that. Not even close. It was unpredictable, violent, brutal, dark and twisted. You won't have a book hangover after, you'll have PTSD and you'll love every depraved moment of it!
Any other woman that finds herself bloodied, tied and locked in a dark basement waiting on certain death at the hands of men intent on collecting their debt from her, may be shaken. But not Prescott. Every minute in her captivity is another minute for her to plot and scheme and plan her escape. Because she will escape. Even if she has to use her unwilling captor to do it...
Beat is a nameless, faceless man in a mask. He's a man that owes a debt himself. He's the man with a price on his head and his own survival as his main concern. A prissy little princess tied up in his basement for some unknown debt of her own shouldn't concern him. Yet there's something about her that calls to his primal side and tempts his inner beast...
The story packs a hell of a one two punch. It's deliciously dirty and anxiety inducing gritty. The characters are incredibly well developed, multi-layered, and impossible not to like. Prescott was one kick-ass chick. She's a survivor and she never stops fighting. She maintains an almost morbid sense of humor even during the most dire of times which gives her this incredibly endearing quality.
As for Nate Vela aka "Beat"? Oh man. Man oh man. I loved him! I loved his inner struggle in protecting himself or doing the right thing. I loved his inner struggle in his attraction to Prescott. There was so much depth to him that you can't help but connect with right away.
The chemistry between the two of them was deliciously depraved. This is no cookie cutter romance. Nate Vela is one vile, dirty, dirty man and I loved him for it. Both of them are survivors in their own right, and together they're a force to be reckoned with. It was perfectly balanced with two incredibly strong characters and for this reader it was perfection! There's nothing better for me than a heroine that can save herself, and Prescott was no damsel in distress.
There were parts of it that I spent laughing. There were parts of it I spent with a knot in my stomach and hands shaking. It was unlike anything I've read and I loved every twisted part of it!
There was one particular detail at the end that confused me a little because I don't remember it being explained. It could have been something I overlooked, but after re-reading the part several times, I'm still not sure. I'm not expecting everything wrapped in a pretty little bow, but given the detail was a pivotal one that set the plot in motion, I suppose I just wanted slightly more explanation on it. But that's just one minor quibble in what was a truly amazing book, so I really can't bother myself to complain about it much. If you're looking for a dark read with strong characters and an unpredictable plot, READ THIS BOOK.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I look like the perfect victim. Scared. Beautiful. Innocent...Though, I'm anything but the latter.
Well slap my ass and call me Sally, what in the ever hell did I just read?
This.
Book.
Was.
Brilliant!
OK. OK. Allow me to get my thoughts together here
*deep breath*
*another deep breath*
Holy hell, people!
I already knew after reading Sparrow that L.J. Shen was a talented author, but after reading this book? She blew everything I thought I knew away! The woman is a genius. Everything, from the characters, the writing style, the chapter formation, the story, all of it I can describe in two words; brilliantly intense.
I'm picky with my dark romance. Some of it has become entirely formulaic for me; bad guy meets somewhat naive girl, some mundane detail, plot twist for shock value, and BAM! HEA! This book? This book was nothing like that. Not even close. It was unpredictable, violent, brutal, dark and twisted. You won't have a book hangover after, you'll have PTSD and you'll love every depraved moment of it!
Any other woman that finds herself bloodied, tied and locked in a dark basement waiting on certain death at the hands of men intent on collecting their debt from her, may be shaken. But not Prescott. Every minute in her captivity is another minute for her to plot and scheme and plan her escape. Because she will escape. Even if she has to use her unwilling captor to do it...
Beat is a nameless, faceless man in a mask. He's a man that owes a debt himself. He's the man with a price on his head and his own survival as his main concern. A prissy little princess tied up in his basement for some unknown debt of her own shouldn't concern him. Yet there's something about her that calls to his primal side and tempts his inner beast...
And sooner or later, I know, even in the pitch black, she’s going to hit her target.”
The story packs a hell of a one two punch. It's deliciously dirty and anxiety inducing gritty. The characters are incredibly well developed, multi-layered, and impossible not to like. Prescott was one kick-ass chick. She's a survivor and she never stops fighting. She maintains an almost morbid sense of humor even during the most dire of times which gives her this incredibly endearing quality.
As for Nate Vela aka "Beat"? Oh man. Man oh man. I loved him! I loved his inner struggle in protecting himself or doing the right thing. I loved his inner struggle in his attraction to Prescott. There was so much depth to him that you can't help but connect with right away.
The chemistry between the two of them was deliciously depraved. This is no cookie cutter romance. Nate Vela is one vile, dirty, dirty man and I loved him for it. Both of them are survivors in their own right, and together they're a force to be reckoned with. It was perfectly balanced with two incredibly strong characters and for this reader it was perfection! There's nothing better for me than a heroine that can save herself, and Prescott was no damsel in distress.
There were parts of it that I spent laughing. There were parts of it I spent with a knot in my stomach and hands shaking. It was unlike anything I've read and I loved every twisted part of it!
There was one particular detail at the end that confused me a little because I don't remember it being explained. It could have been something I overlooked, but after re-reading the part several times, I'm still not sure. I'm not expecting everything wrapped in a pretty little bow, but given the detail was a pivotal one that set the plot in motion, I suppose I just wanted slightly more explanation on it. But that's just one minor quibble in what was a truly amazing book, so I really can't bother myself to complain about it much. If you're looking for a dark read with strong characters and an unpredictable plot, READ THIS BOOK.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
January 18, 2018
**0.5 stars**
Prescott Burlington-Smyth (aka Pea aka Country Club) our FMC, is a moron with delusions of being badass.
Nathaniel Thomas Vela (aka Beat aka Nate) our MMC, is a bumbling idiot.
Together, they embark on an unbelievable Bonnie and Clyde revenge escapade complete with contrived plot, inconsistent pacing, and even worse dialogue. Altogether, very sloppy.
If you asked me, I'd say there are only 24 hrs in a day and none should be wasted reading this. Sorry.
January 31, 2019
Smartly written, enjoyable, last 100 pages are epic!
Only thing made me irritated was characters. They were really well developed but I couldn’t relate with them or feel any empathy about their background stories.
But I enjoyed their dialogues and attraction and chemistry, their quotes from my favorite writers.
I’ll keep reading more books of L.J. Shen, starting with Scandalous!
Only thing made me irritated was characters. They were really well developed but I couldn’t relate with them or feel any empathy about their background stories.
But I enjoyed their dialogues and attraction and chemistry, their quotes from my favorite writers.
I’ll keep reading more books of L.J. Shen, starting with Scandalous!
July 23, 2016
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author)
Broken people do things better; we learned how to make it in life without the missing parts other people have. Because when you’re in the dark, you appreciate everything that shines.
This story grabs a hold of the reader from the start and was one hell of a wild ride that had me on pins and needles almost to the very end. LJ Shen’s books have been receiving tons of praise all over Goodreads and I decided that I needed to see what all the hype was about. What I have learned is that LJ Shen’s writing is exquisite. Her characters are deeply flawed and yet incredibly beautiful. This is not a pretty tale of a hearts and flowers romance and neither the Hero nor the Heroine are even close to being law abiding citizens but you can’t help but root for their HEA.
Prescott Burlington-Smyth finds herself in a world of trouble. She’s pissed off some dangerous men and they’re out to make her pay. She did have a motive for her actions. These men brutally raped, sodomized and beat her. What she has been through has left a gaping hole in her heart. But now she’s been kidnapped and held captive by her enemies and must wait for the man who once had her love to come and deliver her final punishment. Prescott aka “Pea” is thrown in a dark and moldy basement. She only gets about 20 minutes of human interaction when one of her captors, Beat, comes down to bring her food and allows her a bathroom break. There’s something different about this man who hides his face behind a mask. She can see it in his eyes and so she plans to win him over in hopes he’ll help her escape.
Nate Vela aka “Beat”, is an ex-convict. He spent several years in prison for murder. While on the inside he crosses paths with some of the unsavory characters that want Prescott dead. They end up helping Beat out while in prison and now he’s in their debt. This is the reason he’s currently holding Pea captive in his basement. Beat may have no qualms about killing someone when necessary but he draws the line at harming women. This man is beyond beautiful and women tend to throw themselves at his feet but he’s never had any feelings of attraction for any woman until Pea came along.
As they spend more time with each other, Pea is able to break through Beat’s rough exterior. When they finally get down to the schmexy, it is rough and brutal, and somehow it’s just what Pea needs. They go from Captor and Captive to partners in crime. Pea and Beat aka “Tanaka Cockburn” and “Christopher Delaware” are going to seek vengeance upon the three men who nearly destroyed Pea. Once they are successful, they’ll each go their separate ways.
These two were like a modern day Bonnie and Clyde but so much more. The story gets extremely intense during the second half, I nearly died from all the heart-stopping action. Through all the darkness and bloodshed, a true love story also unfolds. I only hoped that these two could defy such insurmountable odds.
BLOOD TO DUST is available now!! A definite must read! I will be adding LJ Shen to my automatic must-read author list!
Amazon US : http://amzn.to/29z2D5U
Amazon UK : http://amzn.to/2a0qmjS
Amazon CA : http://amzn.to/29z3Ji1
{ARC Generously Provided by Author)
Broken people do things better; we learned how to make it in life without the missing parts other people have. Because when you’re in the dark, you appreciate everything that shines.
This story grabs a hold of the reader from the start and was one hell of a wild ride that had me on pins and needles almost to the very end. LJ Shen’s books have been receiving tons of praise all over Goodreads and I decided that I needed to see what all the hype was about. What I have learned is that LJ Shen’s writing is exquisite. Her characters are deeply flawed and yet incredibly beautiful. This is not a pretty tale of a hearts and flowers romance and neither the Hero nor the Heroine are even close to being law abiding citizens but you can’t help but root for their HEA.
Prescott Burlington-Smyth finds herself in a world of trouble. She’s pissed off some dangerous men and they’re out to make her pay. She did have a motive for her actions. These men brutally raped, sodomized and beat her. What she has been through has left a gaping hole in her heart. But now she’s been kidnapped and held captive by her enemies and must wait for the man who once had her love to come and deliver her final punishment. Prescott aka “Pea” is thrown in a dark and moldy basement. She only gets about 20 minutes of human interaction when one of her captors, Beat, comes down to bring her food and allows her a bathroom break. There’s something different about this man who hides his face behind a mask. She can see it in his eyes and so she plans to win him over in hopes he’ll help her escape.
Nate Vela aka “Beat”, is an ex-convict. He spent several years in prison for murder. While on the inside he crosses paths with some of the unsavory characters that want Prescott dead. They end up helping Beat out while in prison and now he’s in their debt. This is the reason he’s currently holding Pea captive in his basement. Beat may have no qualms about killing someone when necessary but he draws the line at harming women. This man is beyond beautiful and women tend to throw themselves at his feet but he’s never had any feelings of attraction for any woman until Pea came along.
As they spend more time with each other, Pea is able to break through Beat’s rough exterior. When they finally get down to the schmexy, it is rough and brutal, and somehow it’s just what Pea needs. They go from Captor and Captive to partners in crime. Pea and Beat aka “Tanaka Cockburn” and “Christopher Delaware” are going to seek vengeance upon the three men who nearly destroyed Pea. Once they are successful, they’ll each go their separate ways.
These two were like a modern day Bonnie and Clyde but so much more. The story gets extremely intense during the second half, I nearly died from all the heart-stopping action. Through all the darkness and bloodshed, a true love story also unfolds. I only hoped that these two could defy such insurmountable odds.
BLOOD TO DUST is available now!! A definite must read! I will be adding LJ Shen to my automatic must-read author list!
Amazon US : http://amzn.to/29z2D5U
Amazon UK : http://amzn.to/2a0qmjS
Amazon CA : http://amzn.to/29z3Ji1
July 16, 2016
3.75 CB STARS
”The plain is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and runaway.”
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Being a fan of this author’s previous release and a lover of dark delicious reads, I was so excited to get my hands on this book. The author delivers a dark and delicious read as she slowly turns a captive story into so much more.
”This is the story of a boy and a girl fighting storms and trying to find peace in the most unexpected place. They try to find it in each other.”
The story is told in dual povs of Prescott Burlington-Smyth and Nate Vela a.k.a. Beat. These two characters are from opposite sides of the social scale, yet they are being held by the same enemies… Godfrey Archer, Camden Archer and Sebastian Goddard.
”We shouldn’t be enemies, we should be allies.”
Prescott is held in the basement of house that Beat and Irv are renting. Beat has made a deal with Godrey Archer and watching the beautiful and intelligent Prescott is his form of payment. Slowly Prescott tries to get under Beat’s skin and show him that together they could take down their enemies and find their over due freedoms. The sexual attraction and resistance by Beat was very well written and exciting as was the final cave on Beat’s part to trust in Prescott’s plan.
The story is action packed and a definite page turner. The love aspect and connection was also well written and steamy at times and other’s not (pool scene). I also thought that there would be some huge twists coming my way as I read on excited to get mind f**ked which sadly didn’t happen. I don’t know why I expected some huge connection of things and play on characters more than I received but I did.
This is an exciting, dark and sexy story that is in fact a standalone.
”Broken people do things better; we learned how to make it in life without the missing parts other people have. Because when you’re in the dark, you appreciate everything that shines.”
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review**
”The plain is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and runaway.”
[image error]
Being a fan of this author’s previous release and a lover of dark delicious reads, I was so excited to get my hands on this book. The author delivers a dark and delicious read as she slowly turns a captive story into so much more.
”This is the story of a boy and a girl fighting storms and trying to find peace in the most unexpected place. They try to find it in each other.”
The story is told in dual povs of Prescott Burlington-Smyth and Nate Vela a.k.a. Beat. These two characters are from opposite sides of the social scale, yet they are being held by the same enemies… Godfrey Archer, Camden Archer and Sebastian Goddard.
”We shouldn’t be enemies, we should be allies.”
Prescott is held in the basement of house that Beat and Irv are renting. Beat has made a deal with Godrey Archer and watching the beautiful and intelligent Prescott is his form of payment. Slowly Prescott tries to get under Beat’s skin and show him that together they could take down their enemies and find their over due freedoms. The sexual attraction and resistance by Beat was very well written and exciting as was the final cave on Beat’s part to trust in Prescott’s plan.
The story is action packed and a definite page turner. The love aspect and connection was also well written and steamy at times and other’s not (pool scene). I also thought that there would be some huge twists coming my way as I read on excited to get mind f**ked which sadly didn’t happen. I don’t know why I expected some huge connection of things and play on characters more than I received but I did.
This is an exciting, dark and sexy story that is in fact a standalone.
”Broken people do things better; we learned how to make it in life without the missing parts other people have. Because when you’re in the dark, you appreciate everything that shines.”
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review**
November 14, 2018
“This is the story of a boy and a girl fighting storms and trying to find peace in the most unexpected place. They try and find it in each other.”
If you love a strong hero, a kickass heroine, heart-stopping action, Blood to dust if for you,
"Home. I don't have one, but I do have a place I can call my own. It's called revenge, and I will seek it, find it and soak in it."
“She gives me storm, and I give her peace.”
If you love a strong hero, a kickass heroine, heart-stopping action, Blood to dust if for you,
"Home. I don't have one, but I do have a place I can call my own. It's called revenge, and I will seek it, find it and soak in it."
“She gives me storm, and I give her peace.”
July 17, 2016
live https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Dust-L-J...
5 BRILLIANT STARS
"We're an earthquake, and we destroy everything we bump into."
I'm surprised by how much I loved this story!But seriously this was very good! What a wild ride!
Blood to Dust is dark,super hot,captivating and brilliant!!Why I haven't picked up a book by this author before??? I've been missing out. Love, love the writing so much, I felt like part of the story from the beginning!
''We're polar opposites. He's peace looking for color, and I'm storm looking for serenity. And somewhere between my chaos and his peace, we found each other.''
Prescott was kidnapped by enemies and she is held prisoner by two men.Her only hope for escape is to target the one of the two men, Nate, and try to get him to switch alliances. She slowly tries to get under his skin.They begin communicating, first by having meals and learning things about each other. Yet both characters know that there is something else between them..it's here..they have something in common, the same enemy.
I loved Nate and Prescott's journey!It was crazy,wild,dangerous,intense and dark!They were so imperfect and broken but somehow their pieces fit together perfectly to become one. They needed closeness and love in their own way. Prescott is determined,tough,strong and persuasive.Nate is simply amazing.I loved learning about his past through his diary.
I'm going to check out this author's other books!!She did an amazing job with this one!!The writing is addictive and the story mesmerized!!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
5 BRILLIANT STARS
"We're an earthquake, and we destroy everything we bump into."
I'm surprised by how much I loved this story!But seriously this was very good! What a wild ride!
Blood to Dust is dark,super hot,captivating and brilliant!!Why I haven't picked up a book by this author before??? I've been missing out. Love, love the writing so much, I felt like part of the story from the beginning!
''We're polar opposites. He's peace looking for color, and I'm storm looking for serenity. And somewhere between my chaos and his peace, we found each other.''
Prescott was kidnapped by enemies and she is held prisoner by two men.Her only hope for escape is to target the one of the two men, Nate, and try to get him to switch alliances. She slowly tries to get under his skin.They begin communicating, first by having meals and learning things about each other. Yet both characters know that there is something else between them..it's here..they have something in common, the same enemy.
I loved Nate and Prescott's journey!It was crazy,wild,dangerous,intense and dark!They were so imperfect and broken but somehow their pieces fit together perfectly to become one. They needed closeness and love in their own way. Prescott is determined,tough,strong and persuasive.Nate is simply amazing.I loved learning about his past through his diary.
I'm going to check out this author's other books!!She did an amazing job with this one!!The writing is addictive and the story mesmerized!!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2016
6++++ Deliciously Chaotic Stars*****
(ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
Outstanding ovation for Blood To Dust. L.J Shen kidnapped me from my life with her new book. For days I did nothing but dream, and obsess about Nate and Prescott's story. I felt high, drunk, and overwhelmed by the thrill of this book.
Bravo!!!! Another L.J Shen book that goes to the best of 2016 book shelf.
Prescott Burlington-Smyth is a woman who's lost everything in the hands of the man she used to love. She grew up with a silver spoon, anything she wanted she had, except, protection from her family. Greed was something her parents had in spades, and it was what ultimately took the Burlington-Smyth's to their demise.
Even though Prescott was stripped of everything she once had, including her hopes and dreams, she refuses to be a victim. Instead, she became a warrior, a fighter, whose only purpose in life is to seek revenge against those who hurt her. Prescott is smart, and she had a lot of success in her mission, but as we start this book she is captured again, and taken to a basement to await her new punishment from the villains who are back to collect what they think Prescott still owes them.
One of her captors, is a contracted thug, someone who is also in debt to the ruthless men Prescott hates. Nathaniel Thomas Vega, AKA Nate, AKA Beat. Nate has been both blessed and cursed by incredible beauty, his looks are impossible not to admire, stare at, and fall for. But in the dark world where he grew up, looks mean nothing but a weakness. He is poor, a convicted felon, and also someone who owes his life to a terrible man, who has him watching a beautiful girl in his own basement.
Desperate to escape her captivity Prescott tries to learn everything about her captor, his moves, his likes, his weaknesses. Beat is not a nice man, but he is showing her kindness and respect while in captivity. Little by little his peaceful demeanor turns out to be the only thing that can calm Prescott's storm.
Beautiful words, extreme lust and a tiny thread of hope, will bring Nate and Prescott together. They form an alliance, and together come up with a plan to destroy the people who are keeping them from living their lives free. Their fiery connection will turn into love, and Nate and Prescott will go together on a bloody chase against time. Will they conquer and find freedom or will they die trying?
Reading this book had me burning from the inside out with lust and heavy emotions. Fast-paced and brilliantly written, Blood To Dust, is an unforgettable read that will take you on a thrilling journey from which you will never want to come back. Simply AMAZING!!!
(ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review)
Outstanding ovation for Blood To Dust. L.J Shen kidnapped me from my life with her new book. For days I did nothing but dream, and obsess about Nate and Prescott's story. I felt high, drunk, and overwhelmed by the thrill of this book.
Bravo!!!! Another L.J Shen book that goes to the best of 2016 book shelf.
Prescott Burlington-Smyth is a woman who's lost everything in the hands of the man she used to love. She grew up with a silver spoon, anything she wanted she had, except, protection from her family. Greed was something her parents had in spades, and it was what ultimately took the Burlington-Smyth's to their demise.
Even though Prescott was stripped of everything she once had, including her hopes and dreams, she refuses to be a victim. Instead, she became a warrior, a fighter, whose only purpose in life is to seek revenge against those who hurt her. Prescott is smart, and she had a lot of success in her mission, but as we start this book she is captured again, and taken to a basement to await her new punishment from the villains who are back to collect what they think Prescott still owes them.
One of her captors, is a contracted thug, someone who is also in debt to the ruthless men Prescott hates. Nathaniel Thomas Vega, AKA Nate, AKA Beat. Nate has been both blessed and cursed by incredible beauty, his looks are impossible not to admire, stare at, and fall for. But in the dark world where he grew up, looks mean nothing but a weakness. He is poor, a convicted felon, and also someone who owes his life to a terrible man, who has him watching a beautiful girl in his own basement.
Desperate to escape her captivity Prescott tries to learn everything about her captor, his moves, his likes, his weaknesses. Beat is not a nice man, but he is showing her kindness and respect while in captivity. Little by little his peaceful demeanor turns out to be the only thing that can calm Prescott's storm.
Beautiful words, extreme lust and a tiny thread of hope, will bring Nate and Prescott together. They form an alliance, and together come up with a plan to destroy the people who are keeping them from living their lives free. Their fiery connection will turn into love, and Nate and Prescott will go together on a bloody chase against time. Will they conquer and find freedom or will they die trying?
Reading this book had me burning from the inside out with lust and heavy emotions. Fast-paced and brilliantly written, Blood To Dust, is an unforgettable read that will take you on a thrilling journey from which you will never want to come back. Simply AMAZING!!!
July 22, 2016
"This is not a joke. It is a blood bath."~4.5 Breathless Bloody Stars~
Blood to Dust is a dark romance/action lovers dream! L.J. Shen has created a beautifully twisted sexy world that will entrap your heart and mind and take you on one unforgettable ride!
"Home. I don't have one, but I do have a place I can call my own. It's called revenge, and I will seek it, find it and soak in it."Prescott comes from a world of luxury and yet she has fallen into a world of filth and hopelessness. She is an educated and spirited young woman who has been abandoned and abused and left to fight her battles in any way that she can. Abducted by her adversaries and left in the care of Nate aka "Beat", she is left shackled to a wall with nothing but time to plan her revenge.
"Broken people do things better; we learned how to make it in life without the missing parts other people have. Because when you're in the dark, you appreciate everything that shines."Nate comes from a world of poverty and neglect. Just released from prison, he is shackled to watch Pea in order to pay back a debt and maintain protection for himself. Nate is not a "good man" and yet he finds a sliver of good embedded in himself when he is with Prescott. Prescott and Nate find healing in each other and a way to seek revenge. Together they manage to take on the world.
"Are you planning a bloodbath, little Pea?"
"He leaves a trail of that sticky blood he drew from my lips with every brush of his tongue. Every little thrust of his hips hammers another pin on his self-control casket."Told in dual POV, Blood to Dust is a lyrical masterpiece. The text is rich with vibrant colors craftily embedded in every single drop of phrasing. The pacing is fast and well matched with the witty dialogue! Both Prescott and Nate have a variety of demons to overcome and together they become a "force to be reckoned with". The tension and release that builds as the plot thickens left me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I was desperate for both Nate and Prescott to find their way together. The passion between Nate and Prescott was intense, and the physical connection they shared was like an inferno that would not stop.
"How rough do you want me tonight, Little Poem?"
Once again, L.J. Shen has blown me away with her creative writing style full of passion and complex characters that I just cannot get enough of! If you are looking for a dark and gritty action romance then look no further, Blood to Dust is sure to get your blood pumping, capture your heart, and captivate your mind for hours of non-stop entertainment.
*View the Book Trailer Here:
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*This was a BR with my Shhlutty Sisters MER and Mistress CC!
*ARC graciously provided via the author in exchange for an honest review!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 8, 2020
something different from lj shen
i've made it pretty clear over the years that lj's standalones don't tend to work for me. and i don't think this book is an exception, but i was kind of impressed by how different this one was.
the book is about a girl who is running from her enemies & the ex con who is helping her do it. the tone is dark and bleak & the pace of the story is break neck. really the only thing that identifies this book as an LJ one are the sex scenes. and i kind of enjoyed that!
i think when authors find a formula that works for them they tend to stick with it, with good reason. but i guess it's nice to know that lj can give us something a lil different.
if you're in the market for a dark romance and are kind of sick of a lot of the cheesiness of the genre, i think you might really enjoy this. i didn't love it because it didn't feel very romantic but it definitely did feel realistic. not much else to say but i think if lj writes another dark romance i would deeeefinitely give it a try.
i've made it pretty clear over the years that lj's standalones don't tend to work for me. and i don't think this book is an exception, but i was kind of impressed by how different this one was.
the book is about a girl who is running from her enemies & the ex con who is helping her do it. the tone is dark and bleak & the pace of the story is break neck. really the only thing that identifies this book as an LJ one are the sex scenes. and i kind of enjoyed that!
i think when authors find a formula that works for them they tend to stick with it, with good reason. but i guess it's nice to know that lj can give us something a lil different.
if you're in the market for a dark romance and are kind of sick of a lot of the cheesiness of the genre, i think you might really enjoy this. i didn't love it because it didn't feel very romantic but it definitely did feel realistic. not much else to say but i think if lj writes another dark romance i would deeeefinitely give it a try.
July 27, 2017
3.75 Stars
Overall Opinion: I thought this was a fresh take on the captivity theme. I always tend to gravitate towards these types of stories, and I wasn't disappointed. I think this author is a good storyteller, as I ended up really rooting for this unconventional couple. I did want more in the end, and I had some issues with the h -- so I can't quite give it 4 stars...but I feel like it's better than 3.5...so I'm going with 3.75 ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: I can't say much without ruining it, so I'll keep it short. This is Prescott and Nate's story. Prescott is seeking major revenge, but is captured by the men that she is out to get. Nate just got out of prison and found himself working for these men, and reluctantly has to keep her captive in the house he's staying at for 30 days. The sparks fly and eventually they give into their attraction and end up falling in love. There is a lot of suspense, some hot sexy times, some secrets being revealed, and some sweet moments...but they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Prescott and Nate's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Kind of. I don't think this story covers all that much time, so their feelings develop quickly. I did feel like their connection was believable and founded to the point that it didn't bother me though.
H rating: 4 stars. Nate. I liked him. I thought his story was so sad, and he really needed someone to care for him. He said/thought the sweetest things at times that made me melt, but then would turn around and be a bad A killer for the h. I liked the combination.
h rating: 3 stars. Prescott. She was a tough cookie. There was a time where I just wanted her to let it all go and be happy with the H, but I understood that she felt she needed her revenge.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed, even though this does cover some heavy themes.
Push/Pull: Not really.
Heat level: They have some hot chemistry and steamy scenes (FYI - they tend to be on the rough side).
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes and no. Condoms are mentioned in some scenes, and I don't remember them being mentioned in others. No other mention of past practices that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Not the typical
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes, but not in the usual sense
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had decent closure, but I wanted more! I would call it a HFN ending, but I'm sure many others will be ok with the ending because I'm just picky .
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: I'd say that this is Safe with exception or Not Safe depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: I thought this was a fresh take on the captivity theme. I always tend to gravitate towards these types of stories, and I wasn't disappointed. I think this author is a good storyteller, as I ended up really rooting for this unconventional couple. I did want more in the end, and I had some issues with the h -- so I can't quite give it 4 stars...but I feel like it's better than 3.5...so I'm going with 3.75 ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: I can't say much without ruining it, so I'll keep it short. This is Prescott and Nate's story. Prescott is seeking major revenge, but is captured by the men that she is out to get. Nate just got out of prison and found himself working for these men, and reluctantly has to keep her captive in the house he's staying at for 30 days. The sparks fly and eventually they give into their attraction and end up falling in love. There is a lot of suspense, some hot sexy times, some secrets being revealed, and some sweet moments...but they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Prescott and Nate's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Kind of. I don't think this story covers all that much time, so their feelings develop quickly. I did feel like their connection was believable and founded to the point that it didn't bother me though.
H rating: 4 stars. Nate. I liked him. I thought his story was so sad, and he really needed someone to care for him. He said/thought the sweetest things at times that made me melt, but then would turn around and be a bad A killer for the h. I liked the combination.
h rating: 3 stars. Prescott. She was a tough cookie. There was a time where I just wanted her to let it all go and be happy with the H, but I understood that she felt she needed her revenge.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed, even though this does cover some heavy themes.
Push/Pull: Not really.
Heat level: They have some hot chemistry and steamy scenes (FYI - they tend to be on the rough side).
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes and no. Condoms are mentioned in some scenes, and I don't remember them being mentioned in others. No other mention of past practices that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Not the typical
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes, but not in the usual sense
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had decent closure, but I wanted more! I would call it a HFN ending, but I'm sure many others will be ok with the ending because I'm just picky .
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: I'd say that this is Safe with exception or Not Safe depending on personal preferences.
July 17, 2016
She's going to ruin me... and I'm going to let her.
Blood to Dust was really interesting to say the least. It had suspense, sexy and erotic love scenes, gore, wit, laughter, action and love. From the very first page, you are thrown into the action and there is not a moment of boredom in the entire story as the pace is relentless.
This book follows Nate and Prescott’s unique love story. Nate is given the order to guard a hostage, Prescott. He’s a convicted felon. He’s all kinds of messed-up. He has no filters. He’s a killer. He’s unpredictable and lethal and he should come with a warning sign: Beware. Prescott is a drug-dealer. She’s tough, sexy and full of sass. She knows beyond a doubt, the only person she can truly trust is herself; letting anyone else in will inevitably lead to disaster. Prescott wants only one thing: revenge. But, once their layers are peeled back, the reality of their lives is much different than things might appear. They are a perfect match.
I may be a felon, but she's a sexual harasser of the highest level.
We're polar opposites. He's peace looking for color, and I'm storm looking for serenity. And somewhere between my chaos and his peace, we found each other. Even crazier-we want to save one another.
Prescott fascinates him and he knows deep down the feeling is mutual. Over time, the two discover they are more alike than they thought. The chemistry between the two almost burns the pages, it’s so good!!
Nate is darkly broodingly beautiful. I loved the way Prescott handled him, she really thought she was manipulating him to do what she needed, but Nate had just as much control over her.
The author is fair to all the characters. It’s an exciting, raw, no holds barred love story with characters that are each unique in their own right but absolutely perfect for each other. What more can you ask than a story filled with action, passion, laughs and hanky-worthy moments? All in all a very profound action packed romance I can highly recommend.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Blood to Dust was really interesting to say the least. It had suspense, sexy and erotic love scenes, gore, wit, laughter, action and love. From the very first page, you are thrown into the action and there is not a moment of boredom in the entire story as the pace is relentless.
This book follows Nate and Prescott’s unique love story. Nate is given the order to guard a hostage, Prescott. He’s a convicted felon. He’s all kinds of messed-up. He has no filters. He’s a killer. He’s unpredictable and lethal and he should come with a warning sign: Beware. Prescott is a drug-dealer. She’s tough, sexy and full of sass. She knows beyond a doubt, the only person she can truly trust is herself; letting anyone else in will inevitably lead to disaster. Prescott wants only one thing: revenge. But, once their layers are peeled back, the reality of their lives is much different than things might appear. They are a perfect match.
I may be a felon, but she's a sexual harasser of the highest level.
We're polar opposites. He's peace looking for color, and I'm storm looking for serenity. And somewhere between my chaos and his peace, we found each other. Even crazier-we want to save one another.
Prescott fascinates him and he knows deep down the feeling is mutual. Over time, the two discover they are more alike than they thought. The chemistry between the two almost burns the pages, it’s so good!!
Nate is darkly broodingly beautiful. I loved the way Prescott handled him, she really thought she was manipulating him to do what she needed, but Nate had just as much control over her.
The author is fair to all the characters. It’s an exciting, raw, no holds barred love story with characters that are each unique in their own right but absolutely perfect for each other. What more can you ask than a story filled with action, passion, laughs and hanky-worthy moments? All in all a very profound action packed romance I can highly recommend.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2017
WOW what an amazing ride! This book totally surprised me and I loved it so much. :) Every chapter made me so freaking curious. There were a lot of actions, steamy scenes and there were humor too. Actually I loved that humor side of this book a lot, 'Cause Nate&Prescott’s life full of ugliness but still they try to be strong. Oh also they were a really bad-ass couple together and Nate & Prescott’s chemistry was off the charts. Their sex scenes were so fucking HOT! :D
August 17, 2016
Blood to Dust
By L.J. Shen
“His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, & she never seen his face”
WOW WOW
You know, usually you go into a book with certain expectations, I had none… Due to the fact that I’ve never read anything from Ms. Shen…. So I was so happy that I could connect with the characters & enjoy this twisted & turns of this story….
Beat: is an ex-convict & is very brutal killer when needed- Beat had a debt to pay to “Godfrey” & was contracted to keep a spoil rich girl as hostage- or so he though she was just spoil rich girl. Beat soon found out Ms. Sliver Spoon would do anything in her power to escape
“The Aryan brothers are hunting “Beat” Seeking retaliation for a crime him didn’t do. “Godfrey” wants to kill him for not keeping his promise….”Cops” hunting him as well …
Prescott: She was his sun & his stars, his water & air. And in my eyes, he was my everything- or so she thought- She gave up everything for him, & when she found out he was a cheating drug lord, she set her plan in motion. Her plan workout, only for him to back her even hard
Prescott knows her fate now that they has her again- she's lived it before. Bound, broken, hurt, by 3 very nasty men. She is desperate to reap her revenge again on those that have brutally raped, sodomized, beat her & imprison her for so long. Most important took something very precious from her
Prescott needs to escape her new prison before they completely break her, which means she needs to get close to Beat. Make him trust her, make him join her side.
Honestly at first I couldn’t make up my mind which of these sick men were (Sebastian, Godfrey & Camden) more of psychopath… So I’ll let you decide when you read it yourself
This a Dark Romance- I could not put it down. I highly recommend it!
Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel
This story is heartfelt, raw, and tumultuous, & though with their many faults, they are perfect in their imperfection. Just when you thought that you knew what going to happen Ms. Shen twisted things on you… Mind you I loved the story, but few times I found that it was somewhat too hard swallow- they were to extreme – I can say This was one hell of” Ride”
I put this book in my WTF Category: but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love it
Dark scale (1-10): 7
Mindfuck scale (1-10): 7
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
By L.J. Shen
“His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, & she never seen his face”
WOW WOW
You know, usually you go into a book with certain expectations, I had none… Due to the fact that I’ve never read anything from Ms. Shen…. So I was so happy that I could connect with the characters & enjoy this twisted & turns of this story….
Beat: is an ex-convict & is very brutal killer when needed- Beat had a debt to pay to “Godfrey” & was contracted to keep a spoil rich girl as hostage- or so he though she was just spoil rich girl. Beat soon found out Ms. Sliver Spoon would do anything in her power to escape
“The Aryan brothers are hunting “Beat” Seeking retaliation for a crime him didn’t do. “Godfrey” wants to kill him for not keeping his promise….”Cops” hunting him as well …
Prescott: She was his sun & his stars, his water & air. And in my eyes, he was my everything- or so she thought- She gave up everything for him, & when she found out he was a cheating drug lord, she set her plan in motion. Her plan workout, only for him to back her even hard
Prescott knows her fate now that they has her again- she's lived it before. Bound, broken, hurt, by 3 very nasty men. She is desperate to reap her revenge again on those that have brutally raped, sodomized, beat her & imprison her for so long. Most important took something very precious from her
Prescott needs to escape her new prison before they completely break her, which means she needs to get close to Beat. Make him trust her, make him join her side.
Honestly at first I couldn’t make up my mind which of these sick men were (Sebastian, Godfrey & Camden) more of psychopath… So I’ll let you decide when you read it yourself
This a Dark Romance- I could not put it down. I highly recommend it!
Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel
This story is heartfelt, raw, and tumultuous, & though with their many faults, they are perfect in their imperfection. Just when you thought that you knew what going to happen Ms. Shen twisted things on you… Mind you I loved the story, but few times I found that it was somewhat too hard swallow- they were to extreme – I can say This was one hell of” Ride”
I put this book in my WTF Category: but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love it
Dark scale (1-10): 7
Mindfuck scale (1-10): 7
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
July 11, 2016
Wow, to say I loved this story would be an understatement! For those of you who know Pam Godwin and Pepper Winters reads, this one's so for you. You have suspense, violence, abuse, love, crime and so much more. This book is just right up my alley and I'm so glad I got to read it! Definitely one of my new favourites!!!
I don't even know where to start. The plot is so intriguing and fascinating and keeps you on edge the whole freaking time!!! I've read the whole book in just one sitting and let me tell you, it was so worth it! Who needs sleep anyway, right? Exactly!!!
So the story starts with a kidnapping of a young girl, named Prescott, that did something in her past and managed to get on te bad site of one of the big drug dealers. Safe to say, her life took a huge change. From being a spoiled rich girl, who had it all to a small drug dealer, who fights for her life on the daily basis. So what happens now that they got her in their evil clutches and what did she do that was worth killing her?
All I'm gonna say is that you simply have to read this awesome story to find out! The plot has so many twists, some good, some bad and that keeps your attention throughout the whole story.
They thinnk of me as a rich bitch, a frail little toy. Little do they know that I'm not a toy, I'm a storm. and I'm going to rip their lives apart.
Prescott, the young girl who managed to find herself in such a peculiar situation. Gosh, I loved her character. She is badass!!! Her background story is so heart wrenching and so horrible. What they did to her was just inhuman and those were clearly the actions of pure evil! But she survived it all and now she's stronger, smarter and out for their blood! Vengeance is such a pure thing, it serves only one purpose and that is justice. And Prescott will get it, even if she has to lie, cheat, beg and kill.
Who is Beat? Who is Nate? Who is Nathaniel Thomas Vela? And who is Chris?
Little tip, they are all the same person but different personalities. One is a captor, one is nice, one is a killer and one is a free man with new hopes and dreams.
First we meet Beat. Wow, he's one twisted human being but at the same time so lonely and in a way a captured bird himself.
He said he chose it because it was the easiest mask to find, but I know the truth. Guy Fawkes represents chaos, anarchy, and dark deeds that are done behind closed doors.
When he was younger he went to prison for a crime that was in my eyes (and always will be) an act of self defense. No one should be a victim of domestic violence and every act agains the violator is self defence! But as fate would have it, nothing in his life is easy. And neither is prison. So he does what he has to to stay alive. And that includes selling his soul to the devil.
...loneliness is a terrible thing. A close cousin to death. Sometimes, you need company, even if it's from the devil.
But spending time with his captive, Prescott, his believes slowly start to change. He doesn't want any longer to be a pawn, he wants his life back! And if he has to switch teams to get it, so be it!
She's life, and I'm death.
Godfrey, Seb, Ink and Camden...
That being said, READ THE BOOK!!! It's trully so amazing and it will keep you at the edge of your seat!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Safety & triggers:
I don't even know where to start. The plot is so intriguing and fascinating and keeps you on edge the whole freaking time!!! I've read the whole book in just one sitting and let me tell you, it was so worth it! Who needs sleep anyway, right? Exactly!!!
So the story starts with a kidnapping of a young girl, named Prescott, that did something in her past and managed to get on te bad site of one of the big drug dealers. Safe to say, her life took a huge change. From being a spoiled rich girl, who had it all to a small drug dealer, who fights for her life on the daily basis. So what happens now that they got her in their evil clutches and what did she do that was worth killing her?
All I'm gonna say is that you simply have to read this awesome story to find out! The plot has so many twists, some good, some bad and that keeps your attention throughout the whole story.
They thinnk of me as a rich bitch, a frail little toy. Little do they know that I'm not a toy, I'm a storm. and I'm going to rip their lives apart.
Prescott, the young girl who managed to find herself in such a peculiar situation. Gosh, I loved her character. She is badass!!! Her background story is so heart wrenching and so horrible. What they did to her was just inhuman and those were clearly the actions of pure evil! But she survived it all and now she's stronger, smarter and out for their blood! Vengeance is such a pure thing, it serves only one purpose and that is justice. And Prescott will get it, even if she has to lie, cheat, beg and kill.
Who is Beat? Who is Nate? Who is Nathaniel Thomas Vela? And who is Chris?
Little tip, they are all the same person but different personalities. One is a captor, one is nice, one is a killer and one is a free man with new hopes and dreams.
First we meet Beat. Wow, he's one twisted human being but at the same time so lonely and in a way a captured bird himself.
He said he chose it because it was the easiest mask to find, but I know the truth. Guy Fawkes represents chaos, anarchy, and dark deeds that are done behind closed doors.
When he was younger he went to prison for a crime that was in my eyes (and always will be) an act of self defense. No one should be a victim of domestic violence and every act agains the violator is self defence! But as fate would have it, nothing in his life is easy. And neither is prison. So he does what he has to to stay alive. And that includes selling his soul to the devil.
...loneliness is a terrible thing. A close cousin to death. Sometimes, you need company, even if it's from the devil.
But spending time with his captive, Prescott, his believes slowly start to change. He doesn't want any longer to be a pawn, he wants his life back! And if he has to switch teams to get it, so be it!
She's life, and I'm death.
Godfrey, Seb, Ink and Camden...
That being said, READ THE BOOK!!! It's trully so amazing and it will keep you at the edge of your seat!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Safety & triggers:
July 19, 2016
5 Time STARS
Wow, LJ Shen just gets better and better! For a true lover of dark reads, this ticked all my boxes and even gave me a few surprises! This one was a page turner. Being sucked in from the get-go, it's full speed ahead with time not on the side of the MCs.
Prescott has been captured and is in a dire situation. She's an uptown girl but she's been broken and forced to become the dark, the driven - a survivor.
Nate's just a pawn. He owes a debt and he's just following orders: keep Prescott captive for a pre-determined amount of time. I must pause here and spend some serious time on Nate. Where to start? He's the anti-hero in this tale. And Nate is definitely book boyfriend material! He's dark, he's filthy, he's murder but he's also peace. And man, oh man, he's smokin' hot and got heart!
During her captivity, Prescott and Nate discover for all of their opposites, there's something - the dark, the pain and the turmoil within - that draws them together. And together, they're better.
The chemistry, the pleasure and the pain and the raw carnal desire between Nate and Prescott was palpable and such a moving force in this story.
This story is literally a ticking time bomb as we count down first to Prescott's impending doom and then everything switches and it's a race for vengeance and victory. And I'll warn you now, things get dicey a few times and blood will be shed.
Overall, I highly recommend this for all you lovers of dark reads. This is edgy, beyond sexy and raw. And for fans of LJ Shen, this is her best yet!!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
Wow, LJ Shen just gets better and better! For a true lover of dark reads, this ticked all my boxes and even gave me a few surprises! This one was a page turner. Being sucked in from the get-go, it's full speed ahead with time not on the side of the MCs.
Prescott has been captured and is in a dire situation. She's an uptown girl but she's been broken and forced to become the dark, the driven - a survivor.
Nate's just a pawn. He owes a debt and he's just following orders: keep Prescott captive for a pre-determined amount of time. I must pause here and spend some serious time on Nate. Where to start? He's the anti-hero in this tale. And Nate is definitely book boyfriend material! He's dark, he's filthy, he's murder but he's also peace. And man, oh man, he's smokin' hot and got heart!
During her captivity, Prescott and Nate discover for all of their opposites, there's something - the dark, the pain and the turmoil within - that draws them together. And together, they're better.
The chemistry, the pleasure and the pain and the raw carnal desire between Nate and Prescott was palpable and such a moving force in this story.
This story is literally a ticking time bomb as we count down first to Prescott's impending doom and then everything switches and it's a race for vengeance and victory. And I'll warn you now, things get dicey a few times and blood will be shed.
Overall, I highly recommend this for all you lovers of dark reads. This is edgy, beyond sexy and raw. And for fans of LJ Shen, this is her best yet!!
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.**
For more reviews and blog posts.
July 12, 2016
Prescott: Drug dealer, beautiful, kidnapped.
Placed in the care of Beat, she's nothing more than a hostage trying not to go crazy. She knows her fate - she's lived it before. Bound, broken, hurt. She needs to escape before that happens, which means she needs to get close to Beat. Make him trust her, make him join her side. Then she gets to know Nate, her captor, her savior...her love?
Nathaniel: Convict, guilty, indebted.
He has to hold her captive if he want's to live. He know's what's going to happen to her but he can't let himself care. Don't touch her, keep her alive, and never let her see his face. Those are the rules he must not break. But once she starts speaking to him, it's like Nate can see into her soul. And he can't let her die, even if it means the end of his life.
I fell in love with L.J Shen's writing after reading Sparrow, and when I started Blood to Dust, I honestly wasn't sure if anything could come close to how amazing that book was. But I put my faith in Ms. Shen and it definitely paid off, because I loved this story. I have to admit it took a bit of time for me to get into it, but once I sat down with no distractions and started reading again, a bomb could have gone off and I wouldn't have noticed. That's how into this story I was and how captivated the characters had me.
Pea and Nate had so many hidden depths to them that it made me crazy trying to figure out all their secrets. I loved how we slowly got to learn their past and got the secrets when the other character finally learned them. Pea, while reading Nate's journey and Nate while listening to Pea's story telling. It made it really easy to connect with the characters because it was like we were on this crazy and dangerous mission along with them.
I loved the raw and unapologetic chemistry Pea and Nate had. The need they had for each other could be felt burning off of the pages, and I enjoyed getting to see them both let go of what they should do and take what they needed.. Together they were sexy as hell, in a depraved kind of way that had me squirming in my seat.
Blood to Dust twisted the usual captive/captor read and turned it into a Bonnie and Clyde type of bloody story. Setting off together, Pea and Nate turned the whole book into a totally different story, and it was brilliant. The author perfectly showed the changing emotions between these two characters and it made me love them even more. Pea was Nate's weakness, the one person that he would sacrifice everything for, and he was the one thing that made Pea vulnerable. I really liked that we got to see those weaknesses from them because it made them real, and not just the typical character you read about.
The author captures your attention with this story and forces you to watch as two strong characters use their vulnerabilities to get the vengeance they have yearned for for far too long. Overall, this is a book any fan of a tough heroine and a sexy badass Hero will enjoy.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Placed in the care of Beat, she's nothing more than a hostage trying not to go crazy. She knows her fate - she's lived it before. Bound, broken, hurt. She needs to escape before that happens, which means she needs to get close to Beat. Make him trust her, make him join her side. Then she gets to know Nate, her captor, her savior...her love?
Nathaniel: Convict, guilty, indebted.
He has to hold her captive if he want's to live. He know's what's going to happen to her but he can't let himself care. Don't touch her, keep her alive, and never let her see his face. Those are the rules he must not break. But once she starts speaking to him, it's like Nate can see into her soul. And he can't let her die, even if it means the end of his life.
I fell in love with L.J Shen's writing after reading Sparrow, and when I started Blood to Dust, I honestly wasn't sure if anything could come close to how amazing that book was. But I put my faith in Ms. Shen and it definitely paid off, because I loved this story. I have to admit it took a bit of time for me to get into it, but once I sat down with no distractions and started reading again, a bomb could have gone off and I wouldn't have noticed. That's how into this story I was and how captivated the characters had me.
Pea and Nate had so many hidden depths to them that it made me crazy trying to figure out all their secrets. I loved how we slowly got to learn their past and got the secrets when the other character finally learned them. Pea, while reading Nate's journey and Nate while listening to Pea's story telling. It made it really easy to connect with the characters because it was like we were on this crazy and dangerous mission along with them.
I loved the raw and unapologetic chemistry Pea and Nate had. The need they had for each other could be felt burning off of the pages, and I enjoyed getting to see them both let go of what they should do and take what they needed.. Together they were sexy as hell, in a depraved kind of way that had me squirming in my seat.
Blood to Dust twisted the usual captive/captor read and turned it into a Bonnie and Clyde type of bloody story. Setting off together, Pea and Nate turned the whole book into a totally different story, and it was brilliant. The author perfectly showed the changing emotions between these two characters and it made me love them even more. Pea was Nate's weakness, the one person that he would sacrifice everything for, and he was the one thing that made Pea vulnerable. I really liked that we got to see those weaknesses from them because it made them real, and not just the typical character you read about.
The author captures your attention with this story and forces you to watch as two strong characters use their vulnerabilities to get the vengeance they have yearned for for far too long. Overall, this is a book any fan of a tough heroine and a sexy badass Hero will enjoy.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2016
4,75 HOLY BLOOD BATH stars!!!
This is the story of a boy and a girl fighting storms and trying to find peace in the most unexpected place.
They try and find it in each other
Prescott Burlington-Smyth (Pea) is a 25 year old woman who was born into a rich politician family and yet she lived on the very edge, far from the silver spoon, everyone perceived her as. And she was a badass, a girl torn from her naive younghood in a very cruel and shaterring way, only cause she fell in love with a wrong guy, she was young and did a stupid thing, and it boomerang her in the most horrid of ways– the betrayal, the pain, the devastation, the torment - she survived and yet came out of it as a ticking bomb. She lost everything, her disfunctional family, her loving brother...everything.
Broken under the mask of a badassery she seeks ultimate revenge againt the men who did her wrong. Three men who took three pieces of her young soul and she needs them back, those parts must be filled, glued back and they must pay the price.
I used to be a sister, a daughter, a girlfriend and a friend. A poet, a dreamer and an honor student. But now...now I'm alone, left to fend for myself, with no one to look out for me.
They think of me as a rich bitch, a frail little toy. Little do they know that I'm not a toy, I'm a storm.
And I'm going to rip their lives apart.
Her revenge plan in one point went wrong and she found herself in a „mat“ position waiting for a sentence to be carried out by the very same vile men she's after. She's been handled and put in a castody of two men – Beat and Ink. She's not to be touched, harmed only kept in captivity until the time for her punishment becomes efficient.
Her fate never looked grimmed as it is in this moment. She's profiling her captors and decides she's try her chances with him – Beat, in trying to presuade him, seduce him, do what ever it takes to safe her life...
Nathaniel „Beat“ Vela, a 27 year old ex-felon , the soldier, the killer, doing diry deeds orderd by the kingpin Archer..carries a burden of being in the wrong place at the wrong time ending him in prison for manslaughter, ending him right in the hands of a dangerous kingpin, who holds him in debt...and he's stuck.
Big. Broken. Maybe even a little good, underneath all those calloused layers life wrapped him in.
Nate is reluctant of this task. As if nothing else, he doesn't hit or kill women...he hates this „babysitting/captivity“, he doesnt like it...especially cause he is, for the first time, actually physically attracted to a woman...a woman he is not allowed to interact with, a woman who is off limits, who is out of touch to him.
And yet he sees her...he's perceptive of her...even when he knows the odds against him...and her...cause there isn't and there never could be ...him and her.
She's hurt and broken in her own, fancy-ass country club way. And I'm hurt and broken in my own, broke-ass ghetto way.
They slowly start the captor/captive communication...they share meals...she's blindfolded, or he wears a Guy Fawkes mask...yet they slowly talk each other into their worlds with the mistrust and hidden agendas lingering in every single word they say...
they fight it, within each of them a brooding storm for survival, undenaible desires and attraction in the moment of imposed loneliness...the basic NEED for closeness overruled the forbidden, the wrong, the glitch of the situation and the fucked-up circumstances... and that NEED aint pretty, it 's rough, it's painful, it's angry but at the same time liberating and comforting...
It's not pretty. It's not even sultry. His moves are rusty, feral, manic. He is fucking me like he's trying to kill me, each thurst like a knife that sends my forehead banging against the wall.
Nate makes a decision that would set Prescott/Pea free, but it will also put them on a dangerous journey of destruction, havoc, blood bath...
Prescott Burlington-Smyth is everything I want to be. A storm moving out of a shit situation at the speed of light, not looking back to spare a glance at the casualties of her actions.
altering the course of their lives...changing the lifelines...breaking the rules only to find the righteouchness in their actions...
“You're crazy, uncalculated and lethal for me. So yeah. Being by your side is exactly where I should be.“
the meaningful notion and the yearning becomes more than just physical interaction...
they find peace in each other...
the carnal outlet becomes passionate love of belonging...
We're polar opposites. He's peace looking for color, and I'm storm looking for serenity. And somewhere between my chaos and his peace, we found each other.
You're bad. And when you're mad? You're even worse. Capable of lying. Of deceiving. Even, i suspect, of killing. And I love you. I am wholeheartedly, desperately, unpologetically in love with your sorry ass.
The road they are headed is filled with gore, blood, and a deathwish...but what they seek is a strong pull to overcome it all...
It's about wonderful, twisted, dark paths, all of them leading to one destination: Freedom.
She's my truth, my lie, my storm and my peace.
Phew!
I always have trouble assembling words into a coherent mess, *shakes her head*
cause when I am overwhelmed I am chaos, I wanna say so much, spill my guts out, gush and scream about how the story made me feel, how the characters enterd MY world cause I have LET them IN...
I am stoked and stunned and a tornado of emotional wharp cause I was THERE.
Nate and Pea took ME with them on this journey of breaking free, breaking apart then putting them back together again filled with revenge, danger, gore, cluster fuck of action and motion and I was kicking and fighting right beside them...just so I can breathe the salty air, feel the sun on my face, and feel hopeful for a better tomorrow...for them.
Did I approve their actions, YES and NO...
I justified all of their deeds in my own way knowing that I might be doing the same havoc if i were ever in her/their shoes...and yet being aware that this is a fictive rampage of a phenomenally story put together to awake emotions, to make you feel and react...and that's exactly what this story did for me and to me.
Inspite of the above, I loved the characters, I loved them both eaqually, or maybe Nate just a little bit more. Loved the action, loved the dialogues, I could actually feel like I was being a part of their bubble, experiencing the tension of their interactions. Fantastically portrayed and described...even though not so much in the beginning, i have to admit that i only picked up the transition of emotion gradually making them grow into me or I into them...
They were imperfect, broken, shattered, fractured fissures that could never be erased or forgotten but they could be mended and pieced together in an altered way in each other...
The dust has settled over the blood we've shed.
Our previous lives are behind us.
The future is bright.
And clean.
And most importantly –it is ours.
I have won this ARC in the SHHH....SUMMER BUZZ BOOK 2016 event GIVEAWAY!!!! and thank you L.J SHEN for providing it.
For more info and reviews follow
August 1, 2016
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July 20, 2016
Devil is In The Details
This book reminded me of a Steven Seagal movie... You know where all the bad guys have knives or are afraid or inept to use the guns they have. The action was not believable on any level.
The FMC is a rich girl turned drug dealer, ass kicker, hard core manipulator and killer. One question... how?
How does a rich girl just know how to hit the streets with drugs and become a dealer? Take a plastic cup and fashion it into a spear? How does she know peeps in Mclubs, peeps to get her cars , peeps for fake passports, but she doesn't know anyone to get her a gun?
MMC
He's the nice guy with a shitty life. Too much complaining and lack of gumption for my taste. Too much repetitive focus on how beautiful he is. Not enough focus on explaining why he isn't interested in women until the FMC comes along. Dude has been in prison for years (no sexual trauma) and just isn't interested in women?!? Why?
I'm told he's a badass guy, but I'm not really shown it.
I'm told he's in this survivor mode of life where he doesn't care much beyond just living, but his thoughts verge on whinny 'woe is me' at times.
Holes
How did the MMC hand his passport to a cop at 80% and never get it back because they had to run .... but then he uses said passport @ 88%?
Heat
Not so much.
Anal in a pool ... Ehh, no thanks.
Fucking against a window to a crowd of spectators when you've just set up a fake death? Are you stupid? Yeah~
Lots of awkward she doesn't come moments to the beat of he's such a sex Gawd rap. Ehh-~
Writing
Author has a dry sense of humor, good descriptions, good grammar, and good bones, but she goes OTT too much, too often....
Again, I love her style of friendly, dry humor writing; the over-descriptive, prose'y type passages just get to be too Michu
There's also a severe lack of believability to the character profiles and details within the plot lines.
The FMC has about 15 nicknames. Again, too much.
Pacing is so badly off. There are long lulls of nothingness. Way too much backtracking (like with a diary where she reads long scenes.) The first half is way too much telling and little showing. Way too much repetition of the same sentiments, thoughts, and actions.
Is This A Dark Book?
First half is the watered-down captive plot - ie the MMC (captor) is nice and treats women with respect.
What the MC's call rough sex - anal, ass slaps, biting, pounding thrusts, throwing her into walls.
The last half swings at dark - graphic murder, poisoning, a severed appendage, stabbing, rape and forced abortion from a re-told POV. I'd call this portion more gore than dark.
The End
Unexpected. Anticlimactic. Lame. Melodramatic. HFN.
Overall
2 stars. I've seen a lot worse. Author has good writing chops, but she needs to focus on both the details within scenes and how they all line up against the big picture.
This book reminded me of a Steven Seagal movie... You know where all the bad guys have knives or are afraid or inept to use the guns they have. The action was not believable on any level.
The FMC is a rich girl turned drug dealer, ass kicker, hard core manipulator and killer. One question... how?
How does a rich girl just know how to hit the streets with drugs and become a dealer? Take a plastic cup and fashion it into a spear? How does she know peeps in Mclubs, peeps to get her cars , peeps for fake passports, but she doesn't know anyone to get her a gun?
MMC
He's the nice guy with a shitty life. Too much complaining and lack of gumption for my taste. Too much repetitive focus on how beautiful he is. Not enough focus on explaining why he isn't interested in women until the FMC comes along. Dude has been in prison for years (no sexual trauma) and just isn't interested in women?!? Why?
I'm told he's a badass guy, but I'm not really shown it.
I'm told he's in this survivor mode of life where he doesn't care much beyond just living, but his thoughts verge on whinny 'woe is me' at times.
Holes
How did the MMC hand his passport to a cop at 80% and never get it back because they had to run .... but then he uses said passport @ 88%?
Heat
Not so much.
Anal in a pool ... Ehh, no thanks.
Fucking against a window to a crowd of spectators when you've just set up a fake death? Are you stupid? Yeah~
Lots of awkward she doesn't come moments to the beat of he's such a sex Gawd rap. Ehh-~
Writing
Author has a dry sense of humor, good descriptions, good grammar, and good bones, but she goes OTT too much, too often....
"Cruelly beautiful, that's what he is. A beauty so violent it demands my best efforts to ignore it. I can actually hear his face, and it's loud. Screaming at me to drown in his perfect features.
Again, I love her style of friendly, dry humor writing; the over-descriptive, prose'y type passages just get to be too Michu
There's also a severe lack of believability to the character profiles and details within the plot lines.
The FMC has about 15 nicknames. Again, too much.
Pacing is so badly off. There are long lulls of nothingness. Way too much backtracking (like with a diary where she reads long scenes.) The first half is way too much telling and little showing. Way too much repetition of the same sentiments, thoughts, and actions.
Is This A Dark Book?
First half is the watered-down captive plot - ie the MMC (captor) is nice and treats women with respect.
What the MC's call rough sex - anal, ass slaps, biting, pounding thrusts, throwing her into walls.
The last half swings at dark - graphic murder, poisoning, a severed appendage, stabbing, rape and forced abortion from a re-told POV. I'd call this portion more gore than dark.
The End
Unexpected. Anticlimactic. Lame. Melodramatic. HFN.
Overall
2 stars. I've seen a lot worse. Author has good writing chops, but she needs to focus on both the details within scenes and how they all line up against the big picture.
July 3, 2016
*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*
Omg she's done it again
This book is just brilliant I enjoy it so much in a twisted point of view it's goin so much goin on but the need for revenge is top on the list an getting toward that revenge is just great an sometimes smoking hot this story had me hooked from the first page
The story is about Prescott and Nate they r both from very different lives but r the same in lots of ways they have had to deal with a lot an r still dealin with shit when they work out a few issues between them an start workin together they r a really strong team but this doesn't mean that thing go smooth cause this story is far from smooth there r so many twists an turns goin on from the beginning an it's not easy for these two to work together cause they r meant to b against each other
I have to say I was on the edge throughout this book I was dyin to know what the hell was goin to happen I luvd both main characters Prescott is so strong an super sassy an my heart went out to her from the start the shit them scrumbag put her through but she could see what she had to do to get her life back an she wouldn't stop until she did it an she would take down anyone who got in her way an if that was Nate then so b it
Ante had his own reasons for wanting to revenge on the scrumbags they had manipulated him when he was at his lowest an when he needed help so they used that against him but I think they just thought he was just a pretty boy Ye he was strong an big an don't forget super sexy god this guy is hot with his pretty boy looks but it's,the way he carries himself that had me sucked in he can but super crazy an do mad things but then he can b soft an gentle an when Prescott started telling him her story that's where the walls started coming down an this was the same for Prescott once she saw what Nate had gone through she had to have him they were both getting to each other but they had both not expected to start feeling the way they did for each other they had there end plans an each other wasn't in them
I have to say this author is just brilliant I 've luvd al her books they r dark which sometimes I have to say don't like but I alway end up luvin these books so much an this was just the same like I said I was gripped from the first page an reading how's things happened I was wanting to shout in parts an fist pump in others it had me so sucked in this book had everything that I luv about the characters were great an some totally screwed up the story had twists and turns drama al over the place some kick ass action an some really sexy hotness an the best thing was just getting revenge on horrible people that didn't deserve to b alive see my head is still in the book haha I highly recommend this book an author there just awesome xxx
Omg she's done it again
This book is just brilliant I enjoy it so much in a twisted point of view it's goin so much goin on but the need for revenge is top on the list an getting toward that revenge is just great an sometimes smoking hot this story had me hooked from the first page
The story is about Prescott and Nate they r both from very different lives but r the same in lots of ways they have had to deal with a lot an r still dealin with shit when they work out a few issues between them an start workin together they r a really strong team but this doesn't mean that thing go smooth cause this story is far from smooth there r so many twists an turns goin on from the beginning an it's not easy for these two to work together cause they r meant to b against each other
I have to say I was on the edge throughout this book I was dyin to know what the hell was goin to happen I luvd both main characters Prescott is so strong an super sassy an my heart went out to her from the start the shit them scrumbag put her through but she could see what she had to do to get her life back an she wouldn't stop until she did it an she would take down anyone who got in her way an if that was Nate then so b it
Ante had his own reasons for wanting to revenge on the scrumbags they had manipulated him when he was at his lowest an when he needed help so they used that against him but I think they just thought he was just a pretty boy Ye he was strong an big an don't forget super sexy god this guy is hot with his pretty boy looks but it's,the way he carries himself that had me sucked in he can but super crazy an do mad things but then he can b soft an gentle an when Prescott started telling him her story that's where the walls started coming down an this was the same for Prescott once she saw what Nate had gone through she had to have him they were both getting to each other but they had both not expected to start feeling the way they did for each other they had there end plans an each other wasn't in them
I have to say this author is just brilliant I 've luvd al her books they r dark which sometimes I have to say don't like but I alway end up luvin these books so much an this was just the same like I said I was gripped from the first page an reading how's things happened I was wanting to shout in parts an fist pump in others it had me so sucked in this book had everything that I luv about the characters were great an some totally screwed up the story had twists and turns drama al over the place some kick ass action an some really sexy hotness an the best thing was just getting revenge on horrible people that didn't deserve to b alive see my head is still in the book haha I highly recommend this book an author there just awesome xxx
August 22, 2016
ARC book review. 5 Blazing Stars!!!
Wow!!! This is a hot wild crazy read! The Author did an excellent job building each character in this dark twisted story. There are some hard scenes that made me shiver and then boom!! A hot demanding sex scene pulled me in!! I flove Prescott and Nate together!!! Omg!! I was swooning over him while reading. The banter between them is brutal but honest. And I found myself smiling and laughing. The ending was magnificent. Be warned this story can be a trigger for some. Yet, if you keep reading you will be satisfied with the outcome.
Wow!!! This is a hot wild crazy read! The Author did an excellent job building each character in this dark twisted story. There are some hard scenes that made me shiver and then boom!! A hot demanding sex scene pulled me in!! I flove Prescott and Nate together!!! Omg!! I was swooning over him while reading. The banter between them is brutal but honest. And I found myself smiling and laughing. The ending was magnificent. Be warned this story can be a trigger for some. Yet, if you keep reading you will be satisfied with the outcome.
July 15, 2016
★★★★4 CB Stars★★★★
" We're polar opposites. He's peace looking for color and I'm strorm looking for serenity."
There's a new bad b*tch in town and let me tell you: You do not want to mess with Prescott Burlington-Smyth. I love when my female characters are complete badasses that doesn't take crap from anyone. This author has certainly made two of the most unforgettable characters and love them or hate them, I guarantee you will be rooting for them at the end of this story.
Prescott grew up in a very privileged life with money, education,power, you name it and she's had it. But one life decision has gottten her a target on her back and now she's been kidnapped. Forced to abide by her tormentors rules, she is now in the hands of a man who she has no intention of pissing off by the looks of him. But everything is not how it seems and Prescott's only mission is escaping and getting revenge.
Nate A.K.A "Beat" is a survivor. Having gone through a difficult childhood, he's really made the best out of a bad situation and his survival instincts has always managed to help him in his life. But one setup has made him indebted to a very ruthless man and he now has to pay that favor. But one little feisty blonde is about to turn his world upside down, while simultaniously giving him blue balls and high blood pressure.
Having being in captivity for a while, Prescott comes up with a plan and tries to get Beat on her side but he ignores her. Throughout his life, he's done nothing but try to get by and stay out of trouble but here's this woman who's body language screams she's just that and he wants nothing more than to help her dirty her up. But with that comes serious consequences and despite his lifestyle, Beat is very fond of staying alive.
" You're a wild card, he says.
"Does that scare you?
"Not if I'm about to burn down the whole motherfucking table".
Will Prescott finally escape and exact her revenge?
Or will Beat join her and embark on one gun blazing journey.
I freaking loved this story!. Beat and Prescott complimented each other so well and you literally felt their attraction for each on the first page. It was raw and sexy with a touch of primal that makes you want to gasp for air. And if that wasn't enough, Ms.Shen has decided to give us humor when we weren't expecting it which I appreciate.
Just when you think that the story is going to go a certain way, she pulls you back in and throws you for a one hell of a loop. Do not underestimate this book people!! Buckle up and let Beat and Prescott take you on a law breaking journey.
PS: Thanks to my girl Arianna for holding my hand with these crazy characters. You rock!! <3
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
" We're polar opposites. He's peace looking for color and I'm strorm looking for serenity."
There's a new bad b*tch in town and let me tell you: You do not want to mess with Prescott Burlington-Smyth. I love when my female characters are complete badasses that doesn't take crap from anyone. This author has certainly made two of the most unforgettable characters and love them or hate them, I guarantee you will be rooting for them at the end of this story.
Prescott grew up in a very privileged life with money, education,power, you name it and she's had it. But one life decision has gottten her a target on her back and now she's been kidnapped. Forced to abide by her tormentors rules, she is now in the hands of a man who she has no intention of pissing off by the looks of him. But everything is not how it seems and Prescott's only mission is escaping and getting revenge.
Nate A.K.A "Beat" is a survivor. Having gone through a difficult childhood, he's really made the best out of a bad situation and his survival instincts has always managed to help him in his life. But one setup has made him indebted to a very ruthless man and he now has to pay that favor. But one little feisty blonde is about to turn his world upside down, while simultaniously giving him blue balls and high blood pressure.
Having being in captivity for a while, Prescott comes up with a plan and tries to get Beat on her side but he ignores her. Throughout his life, he's done nothing but try to get by and stay out of trouble but here's this woman who's body language screams she's just that and he wants nothing more than to help her dirty her up. But with that comes serious consequences and despite his lifestyle, Beat is very fond of staying alive.
" You're a wild card, he says.
"Does that scare you?
"Not if I'm about to burn down the whole motherfucking table".
Will Prescott finally escape and exact her revenge?
Or will Beat join her and embark on one gun blazing journey.
I freaking loved this story!. Beat and Prescott complimented each other so well and you literally felt their attraction for each on the first page. It was raw and sexy with a touch of primal that makes you want to gasp for air. And if that wasn't enough, Ms.Shen has decided to give us humor when we weren't expecting it which I appreciate.
Just when you think that the story is going to go a certain way, she pulls you back in and throws you for a one hell of a loop. Do not underestimate this book people!! Buckle up and let Beat and Prescott take you on a law breaking journey.
PS: Thanks to my girl Arianna for holding my hand with these crazy characters. You rock!! <3
*Arc kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2016
FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW
BOOK TRAILER ON BLOG
LOVED this story a lot, action packed, strong hero and heroine both broken!!
~~~~~BLURB~~~~~
His name is Beat, and I should hate him.
Bound, blindfolded and bruised, I'm tied in his basement, waiting for the men who stripped me from clothes and humanity to collect his debt to them. Me.
His name is Nate and I should hate him, but I don't.
I'm not supposed to know his real name, even worse, I'm not supposed to care. He is nothing to me but means to an end. The plan is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and run away.
His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, and I've never seen his face, though I hear that it's beautiful.
Behind the rugged and handsome exterior, there's a quiet murderer, a killer who thinks guns are for pussies and ends people with his bare hands.
His name doesn't matter, neither does his face, but what does matter is my heart. And right now, sadly, it's his.
Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel. It contains graphic violence and adult situations some may find offensive.
Pre-order is now available for only $0.99!!!
Amazon US >>> https://goo.gl/UnVe7Z
Amazon UK >>> https://goo.gl/JxXFhF
Amazon CA >>> https://goo.gl/Eg6KvI
Amazon AU >>> https://goo.gl/PVf8xF
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
BOOK TRAILER ON BLOG
LOVED this story a lot, action packed, strong hero and heroine both broken!!
~~~~~BLURB~~~~~
His name is Beat, and I should hate him.
Bound, blindfolded and bruised, I'm tied in his basement, waiting for the men who stripped me from clothes and humanity to collect his debt to them. Me.
His name is Nate and I should hate him, but I don't.
I'm not supposed to know his real name, even worse, I'm not supposed to care. He is nothing to me but means to an end. The plan is simple: break free, collect the pieces of my broken soul, kill the bastards and run away.
His name is Nathaniel Thomas Vela, and I've never seen his face, though I hear that it's beautiful.
Behind the rugged and handsome exterior, there's a quiet murderer, a killer who thinks guns are for pussies and ends people with his bare hands.
His name doesn't matter, neither does his face, but what does matter is my heart. And right now, sadly, it's his.
Blood to Dust is a standalone, full-length novel. It contains graphic violence and adult situations some may find offensive.
Pre-order is now available for only $0.99!!!
Amazon US >>> https://goo.gl/UnVe7Z
Amazon UK >>> https://goo.gl/JxXFhF
Amazon CA >>> https://goo.gl/Eg6KvI
Amazon AU >>> https://goo.gl/PVf8xF
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 6, 2016
Let me just start by saying, this is the book you HOPE your about to read, when you sit down and open every other book. Unfortunately, this story will only ever be told once, do not, under any circumstances, let it pass you by. This book absolutely floored me. It broke me. It brought me to my knees. By far this was one of my FAVORITE reads of 2016!
Lets flip the hourglass and begin shall we?
Once upon a time there was a boy...
This boy was sad, and lost, and violent but inside him lay peace.
We meet Beat in the beginning of the book. While we find him in the midst of chaos and evil, we feel, almost immediately that he is a man of honor. We feel his strength and his peace. Beat had me from his very first line in this book. Thank God... it was heavenly! ;) Seriously... this man might have just become my... dare I say... FAVORITE ALPHA OF ALL TIME?! Nate Vela Ladies, holy hell, just you wait and see.
Once upon a time there was a girl...
The 20-year-old girl was sheltered, privileged and of pedigree, but inside her laid a storm.
From the beginning Prescott is a force of nature, a storm to be reckoned with. She is full of strength, and vengeance. Like beat, she believes in honor, and fairness, and she is ready and willing to fight for her cause.(I fucking LOVE this girl!!!) When I read LJ Shen's Sparrow I had said that she was the ultimate Book Bestie, and while I'll stand by that, this chick right here Prescott Burlington-Smyth, well she's my fucking HERO!
I know I've said this before... and I know you absolutely love me for it, but dammit, I do not want to tell you anything in regards to the story of this amazing book. I feel like I would be doing you a disservice. I sat there for two days reading this book, with my heart beating out of my chest, hands shaking, mind racing. The fucking RUSH this book gave me. It was a high like no other, a gift really, and I don't want to take that from you.
But I want you to know, from the bottom of my little blogger heart, that you HAVE to read this amazing book! LJ POURED her heart and soul into EVERY WORD, and you can feel it. That beat it LEAPS from the pages. Beat. Beat. Beat.
One of my favorite things about being a blogger is that I get the pleasure of falling, head over heels in love on a daily / weekly basis. While I enjoy most of the stories I read, my heart remains in my chest where it belongs. However, Blood to Dust, Beat & Pea, they picked the lock, broke in, and STOLE a piece of my heart right out of my chest. I will never, EVER forget this story or these characters.
Prescott explained my feelings for this book perfectly:
"My heart collapses with excitement, flowing in dangerous waves. Its like feeling an emotional oragasm"
-yes Pea! Its EXACTLY Like that!
This is a story of VENGEANCE AND FAIRNESS FEAR AND STRENGTH, LOVE AND HATE, SOLITUDE AND CONNECTION and most of all, its story about CHASING FREEDOM.
January 4, 2018
Sometimes you really need a great book with some high suspense and serious business vengeance. This book most certainly delivered. Also, hot hero who reads a lot is super sexy and a badass heroine you wouldn't mind having as your bodyguard. At this point I'll declare myself an LJ Shen fan for life.
July 7, 2016
5 explosive stars!
I WANT TO BE PRESCOTT WHEN I GROW UP!!!! That chick is a badass and I love her. Color me impressed with this new story by L.J Shen.
If you love:
-very dark and suspenseful stories;
-damaged hot as sin hero;
-female character with balls bigger than many alpha males;
-race against time to exact your bloody revenge against all powerful drug lord;
-intense, rough and I-need-a-cold-shower sex scenes;
Don’t look further, you’ve found your next book love! I swear you’ll be glued to your seat the whole time blessing L.J Shen for writing this dark and violent story.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and my honest opinion is that this story had me on edge so many times! I got the same feelings I experienced when I watched “The Equalizer”. It was intense, brutal, controlled and savage at the same time.
The male character, Beat/Nate is a mountain of a man, muscled, tatted with the face of an angel. Oozing peace … until he switches and kills in cold blood like a serial killer. The female character Pea/Prescott looks like Bambi with long caramel blond hair and big doe eyes but is a brewing storm, a time bomb ready to destroy every enemy in a grand finale.
She’s been through so much at the hands of her enemies I could barely read what happened to her. It was just unbearably cruel. But now…now she wants her revenge!
The only problem? It does not bode well for Prescott as she’s just been kidnapped by said enemies and is held prisoner in a cold basement waiting for her former lover/monster to come and kill her slowly and painfully.
”I was supposed to target them, not them me. If things had gone according to my plan, I would have killed Godfrey and Sebastian by the end of August. By September, I would have been on a plane to Iowa, sipping overpriced Coke and munching on peanuts on my way to a new, better life.”
Prescott’s only hope is to escape her jailors, Ink and Beat. She targets Beat, her masked captor and tries to make him switch alliance. Smart, determined, very observant Prescott slowly gets under Beat’s skin. ”She’s shrewd and cunning. A chameleon changing her colors to adjust to the situation she’s been thrown into. I know she’s trying to manipulate me, and to some extent, she’s succeeding.”
I loved how the author let us know about Beat/Nate’s past through his diary. The writing is different, more “formal” and this break in the story’s flow keeps us on our toes as we have to wait to know more about Prescott’s next move or Nate’s decision.
Will he help her or not?
Beat/Nate is a complex character. He is trailer trash, born into poverty, raised under his father’s fists and an ex-con as he’s killed his father. Peaceful most of the time, loving a good book he’s been broken by society and indigence. Incredibly beautiful, attracting women like honey to a bee, when threatened he is lethal.
”I hit him because I’m an orphan, an ex-felon, a captor and a guy who’s in lust with a girl he cannot have. Because I’m a sad boy, a broken man and a lonely soul. A barbaric savage, a poet with a heart of gold and a nobody who is desperate to become somebody…I’m butchering him with my stone-cold heart. Because he‘s not a person. He’s a symbol.”
When I told you this is a dark read, I was not kidding! Nate is a walking dream for lovers of beautiful broken heroes.
If I usually love female characters in books, the male character is the one that leaves me the biggest impression. Well, this story may be the exception to my rule because I’m in love with Prescott even if I’m straight! That girl is just amazingly strong. She’s been through Hell and back. She’s held captive by really bad guys awaiting torture and death, she should be a blubbering mess but she just laughs in Fate’s face.
”Pea’s bold. She’d walk through f@cking fire in kitten heels with a smile on her face and wouldn’t even break a sweat.” “She’s life, and I’m death. A storm moving out of a shit situation at the speed of
Honestly, I loved the writing. It’s just so right for the story: harsh, brutal, fast paced, uncompromising but with a softer touch for all the heart breaking moments. The side characters played their role very well with the old sadistic drug lord, his gay and psychopath sidekick and the cruel unstable son.
This story was like a race to death. With all odds against Prescott, how could this end differently than in a blood bath and her downfall?
I can’t resist sharing a last quote (I highlighted so many of them my Kindle looked like a neon sign on a Vega’s street at night) but as it could give some unwelcome clue. ..
I WANT TO BE PRESCOTT WHEN I GROW UP!!!! That chick is a badass and I love her. Color me impressed with this new story by L.J Shen.
If you love:
-very dark and suspenseful stories;
-damaged hot as sin hero;
-female character with balls bigger than many alpha males;
-race against time to exact your bloody revenge against all powerful drug lord;
-intense, rough and I-need-a-cold-shower sex scenes;
Don’t look further, you’ve found your next book love! I swear you’ll be glued to your seat the whole time blessing L.J Shen for writing this dark and violent story.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and my honest opinion is that this story had me on edge so many times! I got the same feelings I experienced when I watched “The Equalizer”. It was intense, brutal, controlled and savage at the same time.
The male character, Beat/Nate is a mountain of a man, muscled, tatted with the face of an angel. Oozing peace … until he switches and kills in cold blood like a serial killer. The female character Pea/Prescott looks like Bambi with long caramel blond hair and big doe eyes but is a brewing storm, a time bomb ready to destroy every enemy in a grand finale.
She’s been through so much at the hands of her enemies I could barely read what happened to her. It was just unbearably cruel. But now…now she wants her revenge!
The only problem? It does not bode well for Prescott as she’s just been kidnapped by said enemies and is held prisoner in a cold basement waiting for her former lover/monster to come and kill her slowly and painfully.
”I was supposed to target them, not them me. If things had gone according to my plan, I would have killed Godfrey and Sebastian by the end of August. By September, I would have been on a plane to Iowa, sipping overpriced Coke and munching on peanuts on my way to a new, better life.”
Prescott’s only hope is to escape her jailors, Ink and Beat. She targets Beat, her masked captor and tries to make him switch alliance. Smart, determined, very observant Prescott slowly gets under Beat’s skin. ”She’s shrewd and cunning. A chameleon changing her colors to adjust to the situation she’s been thrown into. I know she’s trying to manipulate me, and to some extent, she’s succeeding.”
I loved how the author let us know about Beat/Nate’s past through his diary. The writing is different, more “formal” and this break in the story’s flow keeps us on our toes as we have to wait to know more about Prescott’s next move or Nate’s decision.
Will he help her or not?
Beat/Nate is a complex character. He is trailer trash, born into poverty, raised under his father’s fists and an ex-con as he’s killed his father. Peaceful most of the time, loving a good book he’s been broken by society and indigence. Incredibly beautiful, attracting women like honey to a bee, when threatened he is lethal.
”I hit him because I’m an orphan, an ex-felon, a captor and a guy who’s in lust with a girl he cannot have. Because I’m a sad boy, a broken man and a lonely soul. A barbaric savage, a poet with a heart of gold and a nobody who is desperate to become somebody…I’m butchering him with my stone-cold heart. Because he‘s not a person. He’s a symbol.”
When I told you this is a dark read, I was not kidding! Nate is a walking dream for lovers of beautiful broken heroes.
If I usually love female characters in books, the male character is the one that leaves me the biggest impression. Well, this story may be the exception to my rule because I’m in love with Prescott even if I’m straight! That girl is just amazingly strong. She’s been through Hell and back. She’s held captive by really bad guys awaiting torture and death, she should be a blubbering mess but she just laughs in Fate’s face.
”Pea’s bold. She’d walk through f@cking fire in kitten heels with a smile on her face and wouldn’t even break a sweat.” “She’s life, and I’m death. A storm moving out of a shit situation at the speed of
Honestly, I loved the writing. It’s just so right for the story: harsh, brutal, fast paced, uncompromising but with a softer touch for all the heart breaking moments. The side characters played their role very well with the old sadistic drug lord, his gay and psychopath sidekick and the cruel unstable son.
This story was like a race to death. With all odds against Prescott, how could this end differently than in a blood bath and her downfall?
I can’t resist sharing a last quote (I highlighted so many of them my Kindle looked like a neon sign on a Vega’s street at night) but as it could give some unwelcome clue. ..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,469 reviews