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Masters #1
Her Master's Courtesan
I am a Master.
You must know this fact to understand my story.
I capture women.
I break them down.
And I rebuild them.
If they are lucky, they are sold into the professional hands of another Master. If they are less fortunate, they are buried beneath the ground, never to be thought of again.
I lust for the control, I demand absolute submission and my body yearns to warp the minds of those I train.
Power is the only thing I’ll ever need and I am addicted to the feeling of ultimate control.
I am wealthy, good-looking, educated and charming.
And I am - in no way - a good man.
I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.
She thought she could change me by giving me the two things I knew I never wanted.
She was wrong.
You must know this fact to understand my story.
I capture women.
I break them down.
And I rebuild them.
If they are lucky, they are sold into the professional hands of another Master. If they are less fortunate, they are buried beneath the ground, never to be thought of again.
I lust for the control, I demand absolute submission and my body yearns to warp the minds of those I train.
Power is the only thing I’ll ever need and I am addicted to the feeling of ultimate control.
I am wealthy, good-looking, educated and charming.
And I am - in no way - a good man.
I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.
She thought she could change me by giving me the two things I knew I never wanted.
She was wrong.
251 pages, ebook
First published February 20, 2014
About the author
Lily White
35 books2,552 followersLily White is a bestselling author who likes to dabble on the dark side of romance. She is most known for her Masters Series, Target This, Wishing Well, and The Five.
When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, and Because of Ellison (contemporary romance).
Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, and Because of Ellison (contemporary romance).
Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 740 reviews
March 7, 2014
***0 stars***
Every time I pick up a new book to read I keep reminding myself not to go in with any expectations, but sometimes it's hard not to, especially after reading some really great reviews.
I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way about some books. There are some truly amazing reviews out there, that gets me all giddy and exited. Sometimes book does turn out to be all that, but other times it pisses me off for falling for them, because the book felt like a complete waste of time. This is one of those times.
- - - WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD - - -
Here are the reasons why I disliked this book:
1. Male MC is a complete lunatic, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Before you go all "But the book disclaimer clearly stated…" on me, I will say that I read it and I knew that going in. That and some of the reviews I've read was the reason I wanted to read this book. The reason I didn't like this particular MC was because his character was very one dimensional. There was no character development. And to be completely honest, I thought that his character was created for the shock and the shock value alone. There weren't any twists or turns and he didn't go through any big revelations or life changing experience.
- There was very little background information on him.
- He was the best slave trainer there was. He, himself, and every character I was introduced to told me so, over and over and over again.
- Not an original character. I'll give you some info on him and you tell me what he reminds you of: he was trained by an older rich dude that thought him everything he knew about this so called ''business'', he enjoyed the taste of tears, he called the buyer to tell him that he needed more time with this particular slave (because she was different from all the others *eyeroll*(I'll get back to that later)). He didn't like when she called him by his name. He decided to keep her and find another woman to replace her.
Any guesses?
- He was too cocky (too nice of a word for him) for my liking. He knew that she will have an orgasm even before he raped her (and her friend) the first time. Because he was that good.
- He should have kept his mouth shut. He kept saying that he didn't own her any explanations, yet he went on explaining to her that "We are a society of men blah blah…" in great detail, that lasted for a page or so.
- His character contradicted himself constantly. In one scene he says that it's not about the money, that it was the power he craved, in another, he goes on yapping about how much money she will make him, then later, it's not about the money at all, and later, AGAIN, he is happy about how much money some creep paid him for her.
- It's unclear why he kept her. It was said numerous times that it was because she was different, but there was no examples on how different she was from his other captives. All I got was that she was, and that was that.
- The last, but the most important point (and the biggest turn off for me) was his views of women. According to him, we all wish to be whores. To be used and abused. We just need the right man to bring the wholeness out of us. We all crave to be whipped, tied down, looked down on, humiliated and used for only one thing, simply because we have a vagina. Our sole purpose in life is to please men. We just don't know it yet. Thankfully, we have him to guide us into the right direction.
2. The female MC was not only weak and boring, but also a completely brainless whack-job, who let her hoo-haa make all the decisions. I realize that we are talking about a rape victim here, but hear me out (if you decided to read my review despite spoiler warning). There was no self-analysis and barely-there inner struggles. She is a horrible judge of character and the worse decision maker ever! Male MC kept babbling about how fascinated he was by her, how feisty she was, how different from all the rest. All I read was her throwing couple of "f*ck yous" his way and then crawling and eating from a dog bowl. Then later "I decided to let go and love him" I mean… I can't even…
- She broke (both her mind and her body) on the second day! That was the part where my hopes of my mind being f*cked went up in smokes. Because we, women, are that weak. We see a c*ck, rape or not, and you can manipulate us like marionettes. We'll crawl for you, eat from a dog bowl, love you and do anything you want. All you have to do is pull your zipper down and we will be at your service. Orgasm is all that matters.
- Lack of background info on her. All I got was that she liked art (she met her perpetrator at the art exhibit). I knew nothing about who she was, where she came from, about her interests or who she was as a person.
- Not only did she gave in two days in, she loved him that much she agreed to help him to kidnap her friend and held her down while he raped her and even whipped her herself, beat her when he asked her to. That really made me angry. She did cry while doing so (at first), but I didn't fucking care, because our so called ''heroine'' did it anyway, in the name of fucking love. This was the most disturbing part about this whole book. She did it all because she ''assumed'' her friend were being judgmental about certain things. Even though later, it turned out that she wasn't. But it didn't matter, she was that much in love with this ''hard to resist'' dude.
- ''Heroine'', too had no likable qualities. (read the point above).
- Where is her f*cking survival instinct??? Are we, women (and humans in general), are that weak that one rub against our certain parts is all it takes to lose a common sense and our goddamn minds??? Forget family, friends, life and plans for the future. Just touch me ''there'' and I'll be your whore.
3. This story being a mindf*ck.
- NOT! I'm aware of the fact that we, book lovers, tend to interpret books differently. I've read quite a few reviews before picking up this book, and realized that my definition of ''mind*ck'' is different from other's. I read a lot of psychology and when I think of the word "mindf*ck" I expect the story to mess/play with my mind, to leave me conflicted/confused. This book did not.There were no mind games. He was simply treating her "Do as I say, or there will be consequences." She did what he told her to and that was that. And she was all "he broke me". She did gave him "F@ck you" or two, but it didn't matter what she said or did, she broke on a day two!
4. The category this book was placed in - Erotica. WTF? Although the story, in itself, does not romanticizes rape (and the warning is accurate - it's not a love story (although I have a thought on it)), the fact that this book is placed in erotica category, and not in horror or thriller, does concern me. I know that we, readers/people, have different kinks/preferences when it comes to this genre, I still feel that the author of this book needs to (at least) google what erotica means. This book is one endless brutal rape scene after another (there is nothing else happening). How many people will get hot and bothered by that? The story ends with him "Ha, I came out of it with a brainwashed sextoy, to use and abuse as I see fit, and became a millionaire by f*cking over and killing a ''client''."
5. Repetitive. He keeps raping her and saying the same things over and over again. He's the best at what he does, do as he says or else, and that she's a whore just doesn't know it yet.
6. The beginning. One minute he is all "Let's go over there and you can tell more about the picture." and the next, she's screaming her lungs out tied up somewhere in a basement (?). How did she got there? Did she put up a fight? Did he drugged her? Or simply whacked her over the head with something? Did someone helped him, or did he do it alone? Apparently it didn't matter, she didn't remember anything about it anyway. Even though the most of the book was told from his pov.
7. Not a love story (-ish). Now this part, about this book not being a love story, can be analyzed from different angles. It's not a romantic story, that is true, but it is about love. She did fall in love with him. What she saw in him, I don't know, but she did. Truly, madly, deeply, all consuming and I'm-out-of-my-f*cking-mind type of love. So much so that she participated in kidnapping and rape. She saw people being killed, had an opportunity to escape or/and call authorities, or her family, but didn't take it, all because she was f*cking in love with him!
What I got from this story was that it wasn't a love story (or about love (it was even said so in the book)), because women's feelings doesn't count. They simply aren't important. This story is not about love because the male MC didn't love her back. Only his feelings matter/counts.
8. A lot of telling and no showing.
It's a mind*ck because the male MC said so (repeatedly). It's not a love story because male MC (and the author in the warning) said so. She fell in love with him one day suddenly, went apeshit and the rest was history. I doubt I would have bought her explanation on why, but I would have like author at least attempting to try and explain ''heroines'' feelings.
9. Disturbing, not in an interesting way.
10. I did DNF this book about 60% in, but I was curious about the ending and decided to skim through to see how it ends. Which now, I regret greatly, because it was f*cking disturbing. I was mostly curious to see if the book warning was true. It turned out that it wasn't a 100% accurate; she did fall in love with him, even though he didn't, they did stay together.
* * *
Sorry for the rant, but this book really got me worked up, not in a good way.
I'll insert some quotes to highlight my points some other time.
Every time I pick up a new book to read I keep reminding myself not to go in with any expectations, but sometimes it's hard not to, especially after reading some really great reviews.
I don't think I'm the only one who feels that way about some books. There are some truly amazing reviews out there, that gets me all giddy and exited. Sometimes book does turn out to be all that, but other times it pisses me off for falling for them, because the book felt like a complete waste of time. This is one of those times.
- - - WARNING MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD - - -
Here are the reasons why I disliked this book:
1. Male MC is a complete lunatic, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Before you go all "But the book disclaimer clearly stated…" on me, I will say that I read it and I knew that going in. That and some of the reviews I've read was the reason I wanted to read this book. The reason I didn't like this particular MC was because his character was very one dimensional. There was no character development. And to be completely honest, I thought that his character was created for the shock and the shock value alone. There weren't any twists or turns and he didn't go through any big revelations or life changing experience.
- There was very little background information on him.
- He was the best slave trainer there was. He, himself, and every character I was introduced to told me so, over and over and over again.
- Not an original character. I'll give you some info on him and you tell me what he reminds you of: he was trained by an older rich dude that thought him everything he knew about this so called ''business'', he enjoyed the taste of tears, he called the buyer to tell him that he needed more time with this particular slave (because she was different from all the others *eyeroll*(I'll get back to that later)). He didn't like when she called him by his name. He decided to keep her and find another woman to replace her.
Any guesses?
- He was too cocky (too nice of a word for him) for my liking. He knew that she will have an orgasm even before he raped her (and her friend) the first time. Because he was that good.
- He should have kept his mouth shut. He kept saying that he didn't own her any explanations, yet he went on explaining to her that "We are a society of men blah blah…" in great detail, that lasted for a page or so.
- His character contradicted himself constantly. In one scene he says that it's not about the money, that it was the power he craved, in another, he goes on yapping about how much money she will make him, then later, it's not about the money at all, and later, AGAIN, he is happy about how much money some creep paid him for her.
- It's unclear why he kept her. It was said numerous times that it was because she was different, but there was no examples on how different she was from his other captives. All I got was that she was, and that was that.
- The last, but the most important point (and the biggest turn off for me) was his views of women. According to him, we all wish to be whores. To be used and abused. We just need the right man to bring the wholeness out of us. We all crave to be whipped, tied down, looked down on, humiliated and used for only one thing, simply because we have a vagina. Our sole purpose in life is to please men. We just don't know it yet. Thankfully, we have him to guide us into the right direction.
2. The female MC was not only weak and boring, but also a completely brainless whack-job, who let her hoo-haa make all the decisions. I realize that we are talking about a rape victim here, but hear me out (if you decided to read my review despite spoiler warning). There was no self-analysis and barely-there inner struggles. She is a horrible judge of character and the worse decision maker ever! Male MC kept babbling about how fascinated he was by her, how feisty she was, how different from all the rest. All I read was her throwing couple of "f*ck yous" his way and then crawling and eating from a dog bowl. Then later "I decided to let go and love him" I mean… I can't even…
- She broke (both her mind and her body) on the second day! That was the part where my hopes of my mind being f*cked went up in smokes. Because we, women, are that weak. We see a c*ck, rape or not, and you can manipulate us like marionettes. We'll crawl for you, eat from a dog bowl, love you and do anything you want. All you have to do is pull your zipper down and we will be at your service. Orgasm is all that matters.
- Lack of background info on her. All I got was that she liked art (she met her perpetrator at the art exhibit). I knew nothing about who she was, where she came from, about her interests or who she was as a person.
- Not only did she gave in two days in, she loved him that much she agreed to help him to kidnap her friend and held her down while he raped her and even whipped her herself, beat her when he asked her to. That really made me angry. She did cry while doing so (at first), but I didn't fucking care, because our so called ''heroine'' did it anyway, in the name of fucking love. This was the most disturbing part about this whole book. She did it all because she ''assumed'' her friend were being judgmental about certain things. Even though later, it turned out that she wasn't. But it didn't matter, she was that much in love with this ''hard to resist'' dude.
- ''Heroine'', too had no likable qualities. (read the point above).
- Where is her f*cking survival instinct??? Are we, women (and humans in general), are that weak that one rub against our certain parts is all it takes to lose a common sense and our goddamn minds??? Forget family, friends, life and plans for the future. Just touch me ''there'' and I'll be your whore.
3. This story being a mindf*ck.
- NOT! I'm aware of the fact that we, book lovers, tend to interpret books differently. I've read quite a few reviews before picking up this book, and realized that my definition of ''mind*ck'' is different from other's. I read a lot of psychology and when I think of the word "mindf*ck" I expect the story to mess/play with my mind, to leave me conflicted/confused. This book did not.There were no mind games. He was simply treating her "Do as I say, or there will be consequences." She did what he told her to and that was that. And she was all "he broke me". She did gave him "F@ck you" or two, but it didn't matter what she said or did, she broke on a day two!
4. The category this book was placed in - Erotica. WTF? Although the story, in itself, does not romanticizes rape (and the warning is accurate - it's not a love story (although I have a thought on it)), the fact that this book is placed in erotica category, and not in horror or thriller, does concern me. I know that we, readers/people, have different kinks/preferences when it comes to this genre, I still feel that the author of this book needs to (at least) google what erotica means. This book is one endless brutal rape scene after another (there is nothing else happening). How many people will get hot and bothered by that? The story ends with him "Ha, I came out of it with a brainwashed sextoy, to use and abuse as I see fit, and became a millionaire by f*cking over and killing a ''client''."
5. Repetitive. He keeps raping her and saying the same things over and over again. He's the best at what he does, do as he says or else, and that she's a whore just doesn't know it yet.
6. The beginning. One minute he is all "Let's go over there and you can tell more about the picture." and the next, she's screaming her lungs out tied up somewhere in a basement (?). How did she got there? Did she put up a fight? Did he drugged her? Or simply whacked her over the head with something? Did someone helped him, or did he do it alone? Apparently it didn't matter, she didn't remember anything about it anyway. Even though the most of the book was told from his pov.
7. Not a love story (-ish). Now this part, about this book not being a love story, can be analyzed from different angles. It's not a romantic story, that is true, but it is about love. She did fall in love with him. What she saw in him, I don't know, but she did. Truly, madly, deeply, all consuming and I'm-out-of-my-f*cking-mind type of love. So much so that she participated in kidnapping and rape. She saw people being killed, had an opportunity to escape or/and call authorities, or her family, but didn't take it, all because she was f*cking in love with him!
What I got from this story was that it wasn't a love story (or about love (it was even said so in the book)), because women's feelings doesn't count. They simply aren't important. This story is not about love because the male MC didn't love her back. Only his feelings matter/counts.
8. A lot of telling and no showing.
It's a mind*ck because the male MC said so (repeatedly). It's not a love story because male MC (and the author in the warning) said so. She fell in love with him one day suddenly, went apeshit and the rest was history. I doubt I would have bought her explanation on why, but I would have like author at least attempting to try and explain ''heroines'' feelings.
9. Disturbing, not in an interesting way.
10. I did DNF this book about 60% in, but I was curious about the ending and decided to skim through to see how it ends. Which now, I regret greatly, because it was f*cking disturbing. I was mostly curious to see if the book warning was true. It turned out that it wasn't a 100% accurate; she did fall in love with him, even though he didn't, they did stay together.
* * *
Sorry for the rant, but this book really got me worked up, not in a good way.
I'll insert some quotes to highlight my points some other time.
March 8, 2014
LOOOOOK!!! NEW COVER!!! AND TITLE!!!
Here's the new link for this book. FYI. It's the same book, different cover, different title. I stress, same content. Semantics people!
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I...
A Note from the author, Lily White.
To everyone that would like to know if Her Master's Courtesan is a romance or has an HEA, please I'm begging you just read the warning. This is an unconventional story and I can't explain it without spoiling.
My Thought's
Yes I'm starting with my thoughts, I think this very unconventional story needs an unconventional review. I've read some dark books, now when I say dark I mean Dark Romance, I hadn't quite reached the level where you say you know what, this might be my hard limit.
Whenever we think of captive stories we always use books like Captive in The Dark by C.J. Roberts as a point of reference. I'm serious guys if you do that with this book, you are in for a rude awakening. This is not a BDSM novel, but it is erotica, Dark Erotica, there are numerous scenes that are non-consensual/reluctance, and a healthy dose of violence. I'm not trying to put you off, I'm preparing you.
Personally this is now my point of reference, it cannot get darker than this for me. I've always used Topping From Below, although they are quite different they both push boundaries.
Aiden is a Master, not a Dom but a man who trains women to become slaves/courtesans, the women are never willing at first. He trains them for a select group of wealthy and elite individuals, he's good at what he does, and he takes pride in his work.
Aiden was not an easy character to read about, he's killed and feels no remorse. To be quite honest I can't say that he was flawed because he was perfection when it came to what he did. He was driven and unwavering, we often read books about anti-heroes, they always see the error in their ways and change into a more palatable hero by the end of the story. Aiden is quite consistent in his values and behaviour he never changes, he was always in control of the situation and any change you saw was because he allowed it.
Rebecca was a surprisingly strong character, she never gave up, and when it was obvious her plans weren't going to work, she adapted. I respected her for that, I do feel that she lost all control of her own feelings and ended up doing exactly what Aiden wanted her to do. Which isn't a bad thing. There's strength in giving up and letting go, to adapt to one's situation is always an indicator of a strong character.
Finally
This book left me feeling bereft and very sad, incredibly sad. I had preconceived notions going into this book and I was rudely awakened. I have a deep respect for this book, was I happy about anything that happened? No. But life isn't fairy tale perfect all the time, and that's what this book has proved.
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
Here's the new link for this book. FYI. It's the same book, different cover, different title. I stress, same content. Semantics people!
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I...
A Note from the author, Lily White.
To everyone that would like to know if Her Master's Courtesan is a romance or has an HEA, please I'm begging you just read the warning. This is an unconventional story and I can't explain it without spoiling.
My Thought's
Yes I'm starting with my thoughts, I think this very unconventional story needs an unconventional review. I've read some dark books, now when I say dark I mean Dark Romance, I hadn't quite reached the level where you say you know what, this might be my hard limit.
Whenever we think of captive stories we always use books like Captive in The Dark by C.J. Roberts as a point of reference. I'm serious guys if you do that with this book, you are in for a rude awakening. This is not a BDSM novel, but it is erotica, Dark Erotica, there are numerous scenes that are non-consensual/reluctance, and a healthy dose of violence. I'm not trying to put you off, I'm preparing you.
Personally this is now my point of reference, it cannot get darker than this for me. I've always used Topping From Below, although they are quite different they both push boundaries.
Aiden is a Master, not a Dom but a man who trains women to become slaves/courtesans, the women are never willing at first. He trains them for a select group of wealthy and elite individuals, he's good at what he does, and he takes pride in his work.
Aiden was not an easy character to read about, he's killed and feels no remorse. To be quite honest I can't say that he was flawed because he was perfection when it came to what he did. He was driven and unwavering, we often read books about anti-heroes, they always see the error in their ways and change into a more palatable hero by the end of the story. Aiden is quite consistent in his values and behaviour he never changes, he was always in control of the situation and any change you saw was because he allowed it.
Rebecca was a surprisingly strong character, she never gave up, and when it was obvious her plans weren't going to work, she adapted. I respected her for that, I do feel that she lost all control of her own feelings and ended up doing exactly what Aiden wanted her to do. Which isn't a bad thing. There's strength in giving up and letting go, to adapt to one's situation is always an indicator of a strong character.
Finally
This book left me feeling bereft and very sad, incredibly sad. I had preconceived notions going into this book and I was rudely awakened. I have a deep respect for this book, was I happy about anything that happened? No. But life isn't fairy tale perfect all the time, and that's what this book has proved.
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
September 12, 2016
If you like fluffy, light, happy, funny reads with the perfect HEA on top of it, just stay away from this book. This is NOT a romance story! Please make note of that as it comes with a severe warning and the genre is dark erotica. Hope that answers your questions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6 ‘SET A NEW STANDARD’ STARS
When you’re a voracious dark reader and you’ve tried out so many books within the genre, stories start to sound the same and the original appeal of dark romance/erotica fades away. However, it is so not the case with this book as it has exceeded every expectation I have for dark reads and delivers a chilling mindfuck between the pages. To have this book stand out in such a way is nothing short of extraordinary and completely deserves the 6 stars.
But first, here are the book stats to address the “dark” aspect:
Dark scale (1-10): 10
Mindfuck scale (1-10): 10+
This is not a love story in any way nor is it Stockholm syndrome taking an effect. Instead, it is a very unconventional tale of how one woman is stripped of her known identity and reformed into the perfect slave, the perfect Master’s courtesan.
I would classify this book as dark erotica and psychological thriller. I think this is also a very thought-provoking read as it made me question what I would’ve done in Rebecca’s situation. Even from behind my iPad screen I caught myself nodding a couple of times to what Aiden was saying and agreeing with his logic...this book defies society’s constrains and rules of propriety and acceptability, and I love that the author was able to make me, someone who has never experienced what Rebecca went though, feel like I was the one in her place and slowly acquiescing to her Master.
So what's this story about?
Rebecca is in an exhibit admiring some very risque artwork when she meets Aiden, a total stranger who somehow manages to captivate her with his wit and charm. Since this story is told from dual POVs, the reader immediately knows Aiden's plans for Rebecca: she's taken captive and is to be trained as a courtesan.
I really admire Rebecca's resiliency and quiet inner strength. She is brutalized, tortured (physically & emotionally), tossed around like nothing more than an inanimate object, but she still fights back. She still retains this inner core of strength that no amount of breaking or physical damage can shatter, and based off the proclivities and tastes of the Masters in the secret society, this irrepressible quality she has is truly admirable.
"There was a duality in her: a woman with a submissive body, but a dominant mind."
What she doesn't know yet is that Aiden's got all of her chess pieces. It saddened me to see that fire inside her slowly die out as he was always one step ahead of her, and used her budding feelings for him against her so cruelly. Around the 75% mark I was crying because of how bleak and hopeless her situation was. However, the author did give me a ray of hope towards the end but I should've known better. After all, it is emphasized repeatedly that Aiden is not a good man.
THE Master and now a favorite anti-hero of mine. These are some of my feelings when it comes to this dark Adonis: disgusted, terrified, turned on, hatred, and maybe.....love? He's level-headed, cool, calm, and collected about his business as a Master but something about Rebecca gets to him and he acknowledges that fact.
"I respected her for having touched me - for having accomplished something no woman had done before."
Mind you, this is NOT a love story; the one thing I learned after I finished reading was that no matter the degree or depth of his feelings for Rebecca, it never amounted to love. Maybe the closest would be affection: admiration and pride that he is in possession of a woman who was able to spark some kind of emotion within him. And for the little romantic living inside me, I suppose that kind of feeling he has for Rebecca is enough for me, because it's really the best and most Aiden has to offer her.
Notice I didn't really go into plot details. I think the buildup of events and Aiden's brilliant tap and breakdown into Rebecca's psyche needs to be experienced first hand. Everything about the book (especially the ending) left me with so many trailing thoughts and me questioning my sanity....
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6 ‘SET A NEW STANDARD’ STARS
When you’re a voracious dark reader and you’ve tried out so many books within the genre, stories start to sound the same and the original appeal of dark romance/erotica fades away. However, it is so not the case with this book as it has exceeded every expectation I have for dark reads and delivers a chilling mindfuck between the pages. To have this book stand out in such a way is nothing short of extraordinary and completely deserves the 6 stars.
But first, here are the book stats to address the “dark” aspect:
Dark scale (1-10): 10
Mindfuck scale (1-10): 10+
This is not a love story in any way nor is it Stockholm syndrome taking an effect. Instead, it is a very unconventional tale of how one woman is stripped of her known identity and reformed into the perfect slave, the perfect Master’s courtesan.
I would classify this book as dark erotica and psychological thriller. I think this is also a very thought-provoking read as it made me question what I would’ve done in Rebecca’s situation. Even from behind my iPad screen I caught myself nodding a couple of times to what Aiden was saying and agreeing with his logic...this book defies society’s constrains and rules of propriety and acceptability, and I love that the author was able to make me, someone who has never experienced what Rebecca went though, feel like I was the one in her place and slowly acquiescing to her Master.
So what's this story about?
Rebecca is in an exhibit admiring some very risque artwork when she meets Aiden, a total stranger who somehow manages to captivate her with his wit and charm. Since this story is told from dual POVs, the reader immediately knows Aiden's plans for Rebecca: she's taken captive and is to be trained as a courtesan.
I really admire Rebecca's resiliency and quiet inner strength. She is brutalized, tortured (physically & emotionally), tossed around like nothing more than an inanimate object, but she still fights back. She still retains this inner core of strength that no amount of breaking or physical damage can shatter, and based off the proclivities and tastes of the Masters in the secret society, this irrepressible quality she has is truly admirable.
"There was a duality in her: a woman with a submissive body, but a dominant mind."
What she doesn't know yet is that Aiden's got all of her chess pieces. It saddened me to see that fire inside her slowly die out as he was always one step ahead of her, and used her budding feelings for him against her so cruelly. Around the 75% mark I was crying because of how bleak and hopeless her situation was. However, the author did give me a ray of hope towards the end but I should've known better. After all, it is emphasized repeatedly that Aiden is not a good man.
THE Master and now a favorite anti-hero of mine. These are some of my feelings when it comes to this dark Adonis: disgusted, terrified, turned on, hatred, and maybe.....love? He's level-headed, cool, calm, and collected about his business as a Master but something about Rebecca gets to him and he acknowledges that fact.
"I respected her for having touched me - for having accomplished something no woman had done before."
Mind you, this is NOT a love story; the one thing I learned after I finished reading was that no matter the degree or depth of his feelings for Rebecca, it never amounted to love. Maybe the closest would be affection: admiration and pride that he is in possession of a woman who was able to spark some kind of emotion within him. And for the little romantic living inside me, I suppose that kind of feeling he has for Rebecca is enough for me, because it's really the best and most Aiden has to offer her.
Notice I didn't really go into plot details. I think the buildup of events and Aiden's brilliant tap and breakdown into Rebecca's psyche needs to be experienced first hand. Everything about the book (especially the ending) left me with so many trailing thoughts and me questioning my sanity....
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2016
****5+ "MASTER"FUL STARS*****
Her Master's Courtesan is a raw, greedy, intoxicating story of one man's addiction to ultimate control and a tenacious woman's desire to be his newest enslavement . This story captivated me from pg 1 - The End. I wanted to post an update for each and every page (I almost did). I swear I highlighted at least 60% of the book. Word of advice, make sure your significant other is "available" (or BOB) is fully charged because this book is going to make you H-O-R-N-Y... Yup! I own it and it's all thanks to...
Aiden~
Ladies, say hello to your new top anti-hero. Aiden's a BASTARD, but you know what, he knows it and doesn't give a fuck...AND NEITHER DO I!.. He doesn't pretend to be a good guy and I respect that. Aiden trained his first Courtesan at a the tender age of 17. He experienced greed before love, power before compassion, dominance before sadness, hence his narcissistic personality . He doesn't think he is capable of love, and he wears said fact on his sleeve.
Rebecca~
I had a love-hate-WOW relationship with this heroine. Rebecca's determined, resilient and most importantly ready to submit to Aiden and only Aiden. Some readers may think Rebecca broke to quickly but I understood why/how . I give my all, i.e. fight, fight, fight... but once I feel I'm fighting a endless battle, I completely shut down/give up. I'm an all or nothing kind of gal. I believe Rebecca has similar qualities. Now, Rebecca did something that I would NEVER do. She ROYALLY pissed me off but she later showed me another side of herself that lead me accept her earlier impropriety.
Friends , I could waste your time and blah, blah, blah you for days about this unique tale...which BTW I completely predicted the ending......Nah, I'm full of shit.... or am I?. Either way, readers need to experience Her Master's Courtesan for themselves-->ASAP---> BUY THE BOOK---> NOW!!!
Kudos to Lily White..
... MWAH!
***Now available on Smashwords***
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Her Master's Courtesan is a raw, greedy, intoxicating story of one man's addiction to ultimate control and a tenacious woman's desire to be his newest enslavement . This story captivated me from pg 1 - The End. I wanted to post an update for each and every page (I almost did). I swear I highlighted at least 60% of the book. Word of advice, make sure your significant other is "available" (or BOB) is fully charged because this book is going to make you H-O-R-N-Y... Yup! I own it and it's all thanks to...
Aiden~
Ladies, say hello to your new top anti-hero. Aiden's a BASTARD, but you know what, he knows it and doesn't give a fuck...AND NEITHER DO I!.. He doesn't pretend to be a good guy and I respect that. Aiden trained his first Courtesan at a the tender age of 17. He experienced greed before love, power before compassion, dominance before sadness, hence his narcissistic personality . He doesn't think he is capable of love, and he wears said fact on his sleeve.
Rebecca~
I had a love-hate-WOW relationship with this heroine. Rebecca's determined, resilient and most importantly ready to submit to Aiden and only Aiden. Some readers may think Rebecca broke to quickly but I understood why/how . I give my all, i.e. fight, fight, fight... but once I feel I'm fighting a endless battle, I completely shut down/give up. I'm an all or nothing kind of gal. I believe Rebecca has similar qualities. Now, Rebecca did something that I would NEVER do. She ROYALLY pissed me off but she later showed me another side of herself that lead me accept her earlier impropriety.
Friends , I could waste your time and blah, blah, blah you for days about this unique tale...which BTW I completely predicted the ending......Nah, I'm full of shit.... or am I?. Either way, readers need to experience Her Master's Courtesan for themselves-->ASAP---> BUY THE BOOK---> NOW!!!
Kudos to Lily White..
... MWAH!***Now available on Smashwords***
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 25, 2014
4.5 "ORIGINAL" stars
I am trying to find the right words to review this book but I can't ...
It felt all kinds of wrong to 'enjoy' this story. (I remember feeling this way while reading 'The Tied Man'.)
I thought it was different. Which is great. Would I have loved a different ending? Probably. And I am not talking about hearts and flowers type of ending either. Does this make me twisted? Maybe ... but I thought it would have suited Aiden's characater.
Overall, it was a great read. It was dark and original. A bit too far-fetched at times:
I swore NOT to get sucked into the latest 'it' book after the last fiasco (that shall remain nameless) but in this case all I have to say is ...
I'll definitely check out the second book in this series.
*** I should have known going into this that it will be awesome because Jahy said I'd love it and I did. Thanks, babe! xo
September 24, 2014
6 MIND RAPE/FUCK/TWIST UBER DARK STARS ★★★★★★
"He was skilled in seduction, demanding in his domination, and haunting in the hedonism in his desire."
This book definitely deserved a bookshelf on its own which I now proudly call the ‘book comatose’ shelf. After putting it down and even sleeping over it, my mind is still utterly consumed by this read and I can’t stop mulling over it even while at work.
I'll admit, this has completely stumped me and exceeded all possible expectations I've ever had on dark reads. It felt like all these while I was in an absolute delusion about this genre and reading this was like a rude awakening, almost as if someone poured a bucket of ice water over me. Needless to say, this book doesn't even hold a candle to any dark reads I've read out there. Period.
********
I'm not gonna divulge into the plot because I think the blurb is sufficient enough to prepare you for this read. And mostly because I don't want to spoil the read for anyone. This is just one of those reads that you should just go in with an open mind and just experience it for yourself.
What I will however emphasize, is that you should take the author's warning VERY SERIOUSLY and know that this is NOT a love story. So if anyone is looking for fluffy unicorns and rainbows or anything close to hearts and flowers, STAY AWAY. This book is absolutely dark to its core, it’s dark with a capital D. So for the love of your sanity and possibly your stomach contents, please avoid this read if you’re unprepared.
And for those who are, get ready to strap on for this crazy mindfuck ride and where applicable: prepare alcohol, valium and maybe some moral support from any willing party (not sure if your pets are deemed safe to be around during this read either).
********
I think I can easily say for everyone who has read that the contents of this read will leave you shocked, appalled and highly disturbed. And while I find this an absolute 6-stars read, please do not assume that I’m a sick masochist who condone the behaviors of both MCs nor did I find myself comfortable reading most scenes. If anything, I found myself almost chickening out this read by 70% and by the time I hit the 90% mark, I felt like throwing up my dinner.
I think those who have read it can testify to my statement that the 90% mark was one of the most disturbing and brutal scene in the book.
I’m giving this 6 stars mainly because of the author’s bloody amazing writing in which she could turn such a disturbing read into something so completely thought-provoking. The psychological elements and twists in this book astounded me to say the least. Lily White has somehow managed to subtly weave in these twists without me realizing and planted little seeds in my mind that made me believed in what Aiden would have wanted me to believe in. I swear to God sometimes, it was almost like Aiden was speaking in my mind O__O
And of course, that’s where the mindfuckery comes into play and boy, was it a damn good one well-played by Aiden and Lily White herself. IT FEELS LIKE INCEPTION.
Another strong winning point for me was the consistency in Aiden’s character. Let me tell you, Aiden is an anti-hero at its best. If you think you’re gonna see a softer or vulnerable side of him, you have been deluded. From the very beginning, he has clearly made his stand and he damn well stuck to it. This wicked and twisted man is completely driven and unwavering that will leave you in complete awe if not mostly appalled by his actions.
The dual POV element also made this read an absolutely riveting one as it allows the readers to tap into both the minds of Aiden and Rebecca, which I actually found to have greatly enhanced the mindfuckery element in this book. Absolutely brilliant actually. I can't spoil too much but it was rather disturbingly awesome.
********
Overall, I may fall in the minority for this but I loved the ending of the book. Actually, I even expected worse but thankfully it was much different from my imagination. For me, I thought it was perfect given the circumstances.
So how can I motivate you dark/mindfuck read junkies to pick this one up? Well, the next book in the series is coming out soon in October!! Do yourself a favor and check out this awesome review written by the ever-amazing Feifei HERE on the next book (she even beta-read it)! Seriously, it can't get any better than that! :D
********
IN SUMMARY (in case anyone got sick of my word vomit):
Are you tired & bored of the same ole' dark reads?
Do you enjoy psychological mindfuckery?
Do you want to read about a truly dark anti-hero?
Are you okay with non-consensual sex scenes/BDSM (which btw is highly erotic)?
If your answer is 'YES' or 'MAYBE' or 'IDK maybe with alcohol/valium/moral suppport I could do this': then by all means, TRY THIS BOOK.
If you're looking for a nice romance topped with a HEA, fluffy kittens and puppies surrounded by rainbow and sunshine: then by all means, STAY AWAY.
"He was skilled in seduction, demanding in his domination, and haunting in the hedonism in his desire."
This book definitely deserved a bookshelf on its own which I now proudly call the ‘book comatose’ shelf. After putting it down and even sleeping over it, my mind is still utterly consumed by this read and I can’t stop mulling over it even while at work.
I'll admit, this has completely stumped me and exceeded all possible expectations I've ever had on dark reads. It felt like all these while I was in an absolute delusion about this genre and reading this was like a rude awakening, almost as if someone poured a bucket of ice water over me. Needless to say, this book doesn't even hold a candle to any dark reads I've read out there. Period.
********
I'm not gonna divulge into the plot because I think the blurb is sufficient enough to prepare you for this read. And mostly because I don't want to spoil the read for anyone. This is just one of those reads that you should just go in with an open mind and just experience it for yourself.
What I will however emphasize, is that you should take the author's warning VERY SERIOUSLY and know that this is NOT a love story. So if anyone is looking for fluffy unicorns and rainbows or anything close to hearts and flowers, STAY AWAY. This book is absolutely dark to its core, it’s dark with a capital D. So for the love of your sanity and possibly your stomach contents, please avoid this read if you’re unprepared.
And for those who are, get ready to strap on for this crazy mindfuck ride and where applicable: prepare alcohol, valium and maybe some moral support from any willing party (not sure if your pets are deemed safe to be around during this read either).
********
I think I can easily say for everyone who has read that the contents of this read will leave you shocked, appalled and highly disturbed. And while I find this an absolute 6-stars read, please do not assume that I’m a sick masochist who condone the behaviors of both MCs nor did I find myself comfortable reading most scenes. If anything, I found myself almost chickening out this read by 70% and by the time I hit the 90% mark, I felt like throwing up my dinner.
I think those who have read it can testify to my statement that the 90% mark was one of the most disturbing and brutal scene in the book.
I’m giving this 6 stars mainly because of the author’s bloody amazing writing in which she could turn such a disturbing read into something so completely thought-provoking. The psychological elements and twists in this book astounded me to say the least. Lily White has somehow managed to subtly weave in these twists without me realizing and planted little seeds in my mind that made me believed in what Aiden would have wanted me to believe in. I swear to God sometimes, it was almost like Aiden was speaking in my mind O__O
And of course, that’s where the mindfuckery comes into play and boy, was it a damn good one well-played by Aiden and Lily White herself. IT FEELS LIKE INCEPTION.
Another strong winning point for me was the consistency in Aiden’s character. Let me tell you, Aiden is an anti-hero at its best. If you think you’re gonna see a softer or vulnerable side of him, you have been deluded. From the very beginning, he has clearly made his stand and he damn well stuck to it. This wicked and twisted man is completely driven and unwavering that will leave you in complete awe if not mostly appalled by his actions.
You must know this fact to understand my story.
I capture women.
I break them down.
And I rebuild them.
And I am - in no way - a good man.
I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.
The dual POV element also made this read an absolutely riveting one as it allows the readers to tap into both the minds of Aiden and Rebecca, which I actually found to have greatly enhanced the mindfuckery element in this book. Absolutely brilliant actually. I can't spoil too much but it was rather disturbingly awesome.
********
Overall, I may fall in the minority for this but I loved the ending of the book. Actually, I even expected worse but thankfully it was much different from my imagination. For me, I thought it was perfect given the circumstances.
So how can I motivate you dark/mindfuck read junkies to pick this one up? Well, the next book in the series is coming out soon in October!! Do yourself a favor and check out this awesome review written by the ever-amazing Feifei HERE on the next book (she even beta-read it)! Seriously, it can't get any better than that! :D
********
IN SUMMARY (in case anyone got sick of my word vomit):
Are you tired & bored of the same ole' dark reads?
Do you enjoy psychological mindfuckery?
Do you want to read about a truly dark anti-hero?
Are you okay with non-consensual sex scenes/BDSM (which btw is highly erotic)?
If your answer is 'YES' or 'MAYBE' or 'IDK maybe with alcohol/valium/moral suppport I could do this': then by all means, TRY THIS BOOK.
If you're looking for a nice romance topped with a HEA, fluffy kittens and puppies surrounded by rainbow and sunshine: then by all means, STAY AWAY.
February 26, 2014
This book contains scenes of rape, sexual torture, physical abuse, degradation and humiliation that some readers may find disturbing.
Please take notice of the warning above - I’m not being sensationalist, this book is every bit as dark and cruel as the blurb suggests.
Her Master’s Courtesan has been recommended to me more than any other book in 2014 – at first from bloggers who had ARCs and then from readers and I read the blurb and I had to ask myself WHY would I want to read this? I really do love dark erotica but I need some light in the darkness and this appears to be darker than dark and totally devoid of hope. My hand hovered over that one-click button in a moment of indecision so I spoke to a couple of reviewers who I think excel in this field and finally decided to put my big girl panties on and suck it up and just go for it.
And so I found myself once more in the down and dirty non-con basement wondering why on earth I walked in here of my own volition and once I was there I hated myself because I didn’t want to escape because this book is every bit as darkly fascinating as all those early reviews promised.
Aiden steals women to order, drugs them, takes them to his home and tortures them into submission. He’s part of an order of ‘Masters’ – wealthy men who consider themselves too good for slaves and whores and label these broken women as courtesans to make themselves feel better than the rapists that they actually are. Aiden has stolen Rebecca to order for a particularly destructive and vile Master and he sets about breaking her.
What follows is scene after scene of rape and sexual torture as Aiden attempts to break Rebecca’s body and spirit before rebuilding her as the courtesan her new Master has ordered. I think I read with fascinated disgust, completely unable to look away and positively devoured this book – it’s rather reminiscent of driving past a car crash, knowing you shouldn’t look but finding yourself taking a glimpse anyway. You don’t really want to see but you just can’t help yourself – it’s human nature.
I think what makes this book work and the reason that I was looking for in the first place to make myself feel better about reading it is Rebecca herself although I had real issues with this rape victim having my name – it made it feel even more personal when Aiden used her name. Ask yourself – what would you do if you were to find yourself in this situation. There’s no escape, no respite in store and I admired Rebecca’s strength and resilience – she had no choice but to allow Aiden to break her physically but, in the depths of despair and facing the complete loss of her old life, Rebecca really did find something to fight for, something to live for - something to give meaning to the pitiful and degrading existence she now has and that there is the reason why this isn’t just torture porn and has much more value and why readers and reviewers alike are adoring this.
It’s completely consuming and I couldn’t put this down once I had started and, as always, I hate myself for it but it is what it is and dark erotica really does work for me even though I know it probably shouldn’t – after all, these things are abhorrent. I have a mantra that I repeat to myself when a book delves so dark I find myself deeply disturbed – it’s only fiction!
It absolutely pays to remember – this is not a romance novel and Aiden is at no time a hero. It’s not the kind of dark erotic romance that you’ll get from Pepper Winters, Aleatha Romig or CJ Roberts – this is far closer to something that Kitty Thomas or Claire Thompson would write If you can handle the extreme story line and dark erotica floats your boat then I can recommend this as a good example of the genre.
4 darkly disturbing stars
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June 5, 2014
1.5* rounded down.
This book tried really, really hard to be a carbon copy of Captive in the Dark times Darkly Dreaming Dexter (or maybe an m/f version of The Flesh Cartel #1: Capture). Unfortunately it failed on all counts. Unfortunately because I'd so have read that.
Ultimately one of its main shortcomings was credibility. No, people as a rule do not break down within 24 hours. You may cow them into seething obedience possibly within that time period. But no, women aren't any easier to break and Stockholm Syndrome than men. There are enough real life examples for how long it takes and that even then it's nowhere near complete that easily.
For the pluck of trying I'd have given this book 2.5* and maybe rounded up, yet there are a few things which quite intensely angered me, and they saw to it that I deducted and rated down:
- there was no need to engage in a homophobic authorial voice (at all I might add!).
- there was no need to try to sell me that all women want to be, need to be or are whores at their core (I'm perfectly unrepressed and need no guy to free any "inner whore" to enjoy the sex I have).
- there was no need to engage in ageism and belittling older women.
- there was no need to paint every female friend or acquaintance a bitch.
- it belittles the achievements of your super-duper "master" if you take down your heroine by having her past lovers duds.
- it makes things all the more incredible when you have this master have such a magic wiener that all he needs to do is wave it at the woman in question and she writhes in orgasms
- do me a favour and don't mix BDSM in any way whatsoever into such an unsavoury sauce! It's ridiculous to even mention SSC in such a context.
- it also doesn't endear me to your book, that you belittle BDSM on top of the rampant sexism, ageism, misogyny and homophobia.
And... last but not least...
No, hormones are not responsible for specific psychological responses in the manner you believe they are; no, not everyone likes reading about lingerie fetishes of the author; no, sex in the missionary position isn't the epitome of awful; no, a woman's fuck-juice doesn't taste like honey (at all, unless maybe you have candidiasis).
And also everything she said: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (thank you for a great review!)
Or in other words, someone really tried far too hard.
ETA:
This is the same author as M.S. Willis, with the same basic plot, see: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book tried really, really hard to be a carbon copy of Captive in the Dark times Darkly Dreaming Dexter (or maybe an m/f version of The Flesh Cartel #1: Capture). Unfortunately it failed on all counts. Unfortunately because I'd so have read that.
Ultimately one of its main shortcomings was credibility. No, people as a rule do not break down within 24 hours. You may cow them into seething obedience possibly within that time period. But no, women aren't any easier to break and Stockholm Syndrome than men. There are enough real life examples for how long it takes and that even then it's nowhere near complete that easily.
For the pluck of trying I'd have given this book 2.5* and maybe rounded up, yet there are a few things which quite intensely angered me, and they saw to it that I deducted and rated down:
- there was no need to engage in a homophobic authorial voice (at all I might add!).
- there was no need to try to sell me that all women want to be, need to be or are whores at their core (I'm perfectly unrepressed and need no guy to free any "inner whore" to enjoy the sex I have).
- there was no need to engage in ageism and belittling older women.
- there was no need to paint every female friend or acquaintance a bitch.
- it belittles the achievements of your super-duper "master" if you take down your heroine by having her past lovers duds.
- it makes things all the more incredible when you have this master have such a magic wiener that all he needs to do is wave it at the woman in question and she writhes in orgasms
- do me a favour and don't mix BDSM in any way whatsoever into such an unsavoury sauce! It's ridiculous to even mention SSC in such a context.
- it also doesn't endear me to your book, that you belittle BDSM on top of the rampant sexism, ageism, misogyny and homophobia.
And... last but not least...
No, hormones are not responsible for specific psychological responses in the manner you believe they are; no, not everyone likes reading about lingerie fetishes of the author; no, sex in the missionary position isn't the epitome of awful; no, a woman's fuck-juice doesn't taste like honey (at all, unless maybe you have candidiasis).
And also everything she said: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (thank you for a great review!)
Or in other words, someone really tried far too hard.
ETA:
This is the same author as M.S. Willis, with the same basic plot, see: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 1, 2014
5 Plus Master Stars
I am a Master.
You must know this fact to understand my story.
I capture women.
I break them down.
And I rebuild them.
If they are lucky, they are sold into the professional hands of another Master. If they are less fortunate, they are buried beneath the ground, never to be thought of again.
I lust for the control, I demand absolute submission and my body yearns to warp the minds of those I train.
Power is the only thing I’ll ever need and I am addicted to the feeling of ultimate control.
I am wealthy, good-looking, educated and charming.
And I am - in no way - a good man.
I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.
She thought she could change me by giving me the two things I knew I never wanted.
She was wrong
Aiden...good looking, educated, rich and charming..his job...he is a Master
His work involves kidnapping to order, women and sometimes even men, they are to become a courtesan..in other words a slave..
Aidens job is to train these women into submission ready for their new owner.
Rebecca is privileged, so when she meets Aiden at an art exhibition, he charms her. She thinks nothing of spending the rest of the evening with him. A decision she may live to regret and something that will change the course of her life forever.
First of all this is not a romance story, I have to emphasize that... this is very much a dark and erotic, mind provoking story.
Aiden makes his point very early on, submit or be killed
He is not a good person, and if you don't play by his rules then there is a good chance you will die.
What would you do?
Rebecca knows that really she has no choice but she tries to hold something back. This is intriguing to Aiden...but he has never not broken a girl yet and is always one step ahead in the game.
But is there more to Rebecca that Aiden isn't aware of yet?
My thoughts
Oh yes my thoughts...
Being a fan of darker storylines its sometimes hard to find this type of story that stands out from the rest. In my opinion Lily Whites Her Masters Courtesan is one of those.
The writing is excellent and I really did have trouble putting it down.
As cruel as Aiden is, I found myself consumed by him.
Waiting for him to redeem himself.
It may not be a story with romance. But in a funny sort of way maybe it was a love story...it depends what our definition of love is....and what love is to Aiden...
I love feeling something once I've finished a book and I'm certain this one will stay with me for a long time.
ARC provided by Lily White in return for an honest review
I am a Master.
You must know this fact to understand my story.
I capture women.
I break them down.
And I rebuild them.
If they are lucky, they are sold into the professional hands of another Master. If they are less fortunate, they are buried beneath the ground, never to be thought of again.
I lust for the control, I demand absolute submission and my body yearns to warp the minds of those I train.
Power is the only thing I’ll ever need and I am addicted to the feeling of ultimate control.
I am wealthy, good-looking, educated and charming.
And I am - in no way - a good man.
I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.
She thought she could change me by giving me the two things I knew I never wanted.
She was wrong
Aiden...good looking, educated, rich and charming..his job...he is a Master
His work involves kidnapping to order, women and sometimes even men, they are to become a courtesan..in other words a slave..
Aidens job is to train these women into submission ready for their new owner.
Rebecca is privileged, so when she meets Aiden at an art exhibition, he charms her. She thinks nothing of spending the rest of the evening with him. A decision she may live to regret and something that will change the course of her life forever.
First of all this is not a romance story, I have to emphasize that... this is very much a dark and erotic, mind provoking story.
Aiden makes his point very early on, submit or be killed
He is not a good person, and if you don't play by his rules then there is a good chance you will die.
What would you do?
Rebecca knows that really she has no choice but she tries to hold something back. This is intriguing to Aiden...but he has never not broken a girl yet and is always one step ahead in the game.
But is there more to Rebecca that Aiden isn't aware of yet?
My thoughts
Oh yes my thoughts...
Being a fan of darker storylines its sometimes hard to find this type of story that stands out from the rest. In my opinion Lily Whites Her Masters Courtesan is one of those.
The writing is excellent and I really did have trouble putting it down.
As cruel as Aiden is, I found myself consumed by him.
Waiting for him to redeem himself.
It may not be a story with romance. But in a funny sort of way maybe it was a love story...it depends what our definition of love is....and what love is to Aiden...
I love feeling something once I've finished a book and I'm certain this one will stay with me for a long time.
ARC provided by Lily White in return for an honest review
August 21, 2014
4.5 STARS OF CRINGE
You know when you were little and your Mom or Dad used to cover your eyes with their hand during a movie scene they thought was too violent or too sexual for your young growing psyche to handle? While you tried valiantly - and often successfully - in peeking through their fingers? Well I was my own Mom slapping myself in the face during the majority of this book.
I said "no way" or "what the fuck" out loud to myself so many times, my puggle-dachshund started giving me the you've-got-a-fucking-screw-loose-stink-eye.
I don't want to ruin the story for anyone else so I will keep this brief, but Lily White is wicked smart. Her understanding of human psychology was so riveting, I devoured this in less than 4 hours.
There are already awesome reviews out there on this one and I'm glad I read some before braving it, because I knew to go into it not necessarily expecting an HEA. (I'm not saying there is or isn't one, I'm just saying I found it helpful for my own sanity not to expect one)
I love me some dark reads, but at the end of the day I am generally a lover of the rainbows and unicorns flying off into the sunset together HEA; however, if you also love the occasional psychological mind fuck as I do, don't miss this one.
Just make sure to pull up your big girl panties before you start.
You know when you were little and your Mom or Dad used to cover your eyes with their hand during a movie scene they thought was too violent or too sexual for your young growing psyche to handle? While you tried valiantly - and often successfully - in peeking through their fingers? Well I was my own Mom slapping myself in the face during the majority of this book.
I said "no way" or "what the fuck" out loud to myself so many times, my puggle-dachshund started giving me the you've-got-a-fucking-screw-loose-stink-eye.
I don't want to ruin the story for anyone else so I will keep this brief, but Lily White is wicked smart. Her understanding of human psychology was so riveting, I devoured this in less than 4 hours.
There are already awesome reviews out there on this one and I'm glad I read some before braving it, because I knew to go into it not necessarily expecting an HEA. (I'm not saying there is or isn't one, I'm just saying I found it helpful for my own sanity not to expect one)
I love me some dark reads, but at the end of the day I am generally a lover of the rainbows and unicorns flying off into the sunset together HEA; however, if you also love the occasional psychological mind fuck as I do, don't miss this one.
Just make sure to pull up your big girl panties before you start.
June 2, 2015
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Aiden Oliver was a true Master of his craft. After years of learning the art of slave training, he became one of the best out there. He stole women, broke them down, only to build them up again to his specification – a courtesan – a whore whose mind and body were property of her Master.
Rebecca was a college student who happened to caught Aiden’s eye and fit his client’s request. He was confident of his ability to break her while she was determined to not bow down.
Her Master’s Courtesan has intrigued me for a long time. I’m always interested in books that invoked strong reaction. Be it good or bad, or best if both. In this case it’s both. The darkness in this book was enticing, yet at the same time could be highly repulsive.
I read dark books like I eat breakfast. It’s a normal thing in my life that feeds my literary hunger. I like to think I’m quite desensitized towards things that would normally make people cringe or vomit. But even I have to admit, some of the things in this book made me want to yell “What is wrong with these people!” And yet, I still found it mesmerizing.
I love Aiden. He is definitely among my top villain. Yes, I classified him as villain. In fact pretty much all of the characters in the book was at least partially villainous. And by love him I meant, not his action, but for what he stood for, what he believed in and his method in getting what he want. It may not be morally acceptable, but I admired him nonetheless.
I like Rebecca too. I accepted her choices no matter how misjudged it might be. I could relate to her because I understood her thought process and her coping mechanism. I like her even more when she “evolved”.
The best part of the book was definitely towards the last two chapters to the end. It was nail bitingly intense and contained some of the most disturbing scenes in the book.
I definitely felt more connected to Aiden than Rebecca. I love learning about his method, but at times I felt he revealed about himself too much during his POV. I would rather like it better for Rebecca to discover it from her POV.
This book is the kind of dark books I prefer - the kind that delved into the dark corner of human mind - the one that opened up the possibilities that there are dark sides lurking in each and every one of us. It was just a matter of setting the right trigger.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Rating:
Aiden Oliver was a true Master of his craft. After years of learning the art of slave training, he became one of the best out there. He stole women, broke them down, only to build them up again to his specification – a courtesan – a whore whose mind and body were property of her Master.
Rebecca was a college student who happened to caught Aiden’s eye and fit his client’s request. He was confident of his ability to break her while she was determined to not bow down.
Her Master’s Courtesan has intrigued me for a long time. I’m always interested in books that invoked strong reaction. Be it good or bad, or best if both. In this case it’s both. The darkness in this book was enticing, yet at the same time could be highly repulsive.
To be a true Master – you must know the limits of your slave and you won’t need to be warned when they get scared or are in pain. You know when to stop and you know when you are pushing a person too far.
I read dark books like I eat breakfast. It’s a normal thing in my life that feeds my literary hunger. I like to think I’m quite desensitized towards things that would normally make people cringe or vomit. But even I have to admit, some of the things in this book made me want to yell “What is wrong with these people!” And yet, I still found it mesmerizing.
I love Aiden. He is definitely among my top villain. Yes, I classified him as villain. In fact pretty much all of the characters in the book was at least partially villainous. And by love him I meant, not his action, but for what he stood for, what he believed in and his method in getting what he want. It may not be morally acceptable, but I admired him nonetheless.
When your entire world is destroyed – when you’ve lost everything that you valued enough to fight for – results and consequences no longer matter.
I like Rebecca too. I accepted her choices no matter how misjudged it might be. I could relate to her because I understood her thought process and her coping mechanism. I like her even more when she “evolved”.
The best part of the book was definitely towards the last two chapters to the end. It was nail bitingly intense and contained some of the most disturbing scenes in the book.
I definitely felt more connected to Aiden than Rebecca. I love learning about his method, but at times I felt he revealed about himself too much during his POV. I would rather like it better for Rebecca to discover it from her POV.
I hadn’t been pushed to a point where I didn’t know right from wrong. I did know the difference - I just didn’t care.
This book is the kind of dark books I prefer - the kind that delved into the dark corner of human mind - the one that opened up the possibilities that there are dark sides lurking in each and every one of us. It was just a matter of setting the right trigger.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 21, 2020
5 Against My Better Judgement, Serious Mindfuckery Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
First, this is a level of dark I usually run from... I am not a captive, Stockholm Syndrome, or sex slave fan. I just don't gravitate to these scenarios ...
That being said... so many of my friends were reading and reviewing this with very positive reviews... my curiosity was piqued. I figured if it really was too much for me to take... I could just stop reading it, right?
Well...No....due to the quality of writing ... meaning I was captured by the teasing and then story... I kept myself reading this through in one sitting.
This does not mean I loved the idea of what this was about or was able to put myself in the story like I sometimes do. No, this reading and level of intensity were due to the crafting and ability of Lily White to draw me in and want to see where this was going.
What was fascinating was how she wove multiple strands of consistency in the character, Aiden. A personal friend out there in my "real life" always would tell me, "Men show you who they really are right from the start... they are on the best behavior in the beginning so pay attention". This concept should be applied when reading as Aiden tells us who he is and what his goals are... so when he actually behaves like it... we shouldn't be surprised... but we are... time and time again.
As Rebecca goes through her journey, we are shown life is never what it seems to be and sometimes your true self is hiding, just needs to be let loose... I have to say she was created as an incredibly strong woman and overall, I got her.
So, with this experience under my belt... I still am not a dark reader... but I am someone who can appreciate excellent crafting and strong storytelling.
If you love mindfuckery... really hot, smokin' dialogue... and something which keeps you guessing till the end... this will do it for ya.
Her Master's Courtesan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her Master's Teacher
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her Master's Christmas
Her Master's Redemption
Her Master's Reckoning
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
First, this is a level of dark I usually run from... I am not a captive, Stockholm Syndrome, or sex slave fan. I just don't gravitate to these scenarios ...
That being said... so many of my friends were reading and reviewing this with very positive reviews... my curiosity was piqued. I figured if it really was too much for me to take... I could just stop reading it, right?
Well...No....due to the quality of writing ... meaning I was captured by the teasing and then story... I kept myself reading this through in one sitting.
This does not mean I loved the idea of what this was about or was able to put myself in the story like I sometimes do. No, this reading and level of intensity were due to the crafting and ability of Lily White to draw me in and want to see where this was going.
What was fascinating was how she wove multiple strands of consistency in the character, Aiden. A personal friend out there in my "real life" always would tell me, "Men show you who they really are right from the start... they are on the best behavior in the beginning so pay attention". This concept should be applied when reading as Aiden tells us who he is and what his goals are... so when he actually behaves like it... we shouldn't be surprised... but we are... time and time again.
As Rebecca goes through her journey, we are shown life is never what it seems to be and sometimes your true self is hiding, just needs to be let loose... I have to say she was created as an incredibly strong woman and overall, I got her.
So, with this experience under my belt... I still am not a dark reader... but I am someone who can appreciate excellent crafting and strong storytelling.
If you love mindfuckery... really hot, smokin' dialogue... and something which keeps you guessing till the end... this will do it for ya.
Her Master's Courtesanhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her Master's Teacherhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her Master's Christmas Her Master's Redemption Her Master's ReckoningFor more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 12, 2016
This was a pretty BRUTAL mind f***k and readers should take the warning very seriously.
I found this story to be shocking and appalling...
My feelings during this read were are all over the place..
It's quite possible that Aiden broke me by the end of this story....
Author Lily White,
When all is said and done, I'm confused on my feelings for this book. I don't think I liked this story very much and on the otherhand, I think I did. It was indeed a page turner and the author more than delivered the 'dark' so read at your own risk!
I found this story to be shocking and appalling...
My feelings during this read were are all over the place..
It's quite possible that Aiden broke me by the end of this story....
Author Lily White,
When all is said and done, I'm confused on my feelings for this book. I don't think I liked this story very much and on the otherhand, I think I did. It was indeed a page turner and the author more than delivered the 'dark' so read at your own risk!
February 21, 2014
Book – Her Master’s Courtesan
Author – Lily White
Publication Date – February 20, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre –Dark, Erotica
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars (Average of 3 reviewers)
Book provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Discussion Review between JaHy~Jenna~Carol
Carol
OK....here's some thoughts
I hate Aiden....but I can't help being turned on by him
I think Rebecca
What's up with the dude Duke ?
What's up with the cook/maid who just sits by and idly watches? She knows what he does....
I wish I could read right now instead of having to post shit! (that's off the subject of the book)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
This book is PISSING ME OFF!!! I was in LOVE with it and then she has to PISS I AM!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol’s Response to Jenna
I hope you got to the point of understanding why she did that....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JaHy’s Comments
Aiden 's a bastard but he owns it so I respect the character. He doesn't pretend to be someone's he's not. He started training at a very young age...too young. He got to experience greed before he ever had a chance to experience love , hence his FUCKED up mentality. I think he's capable of love and doesn't know it..
Rebecca fell in love pretty quickly and she did something that really pissed me off. I would hope I wouldn't do what she did if I were in her shoes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol’s Response to JaHy
Good point JaHy - I agree with you 100% as much as I would have loved ....he owned his title of "Master" to the tee!
This is definitely a lesson in psychology for the nature vs. nurture debate - he was programmed from an early age and knows nothing else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
After I finished the book I felt like something was off or I missed something. I'm not 100% sure what it is, but I think I would rate it a 4.5. I wanted to take some time last night to really think about it b/c honestly, my emotions were ALL over the place. But, I went to bed instead.
I do understand now why she did it, but it reminded me of Survivor (JF Gonzalez) a bit. Made my heart hurt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol’s Response to Jenna
I think I felt the same way...my emotions were all over the place also. I wanted him to say something positive about Rebecca besides her being like him and also a good sub.
But I give SO MUCH credit to Lily for sticking true to the "dark" theme and not relenting. She is getting a lot of sass about it being so dark...she is going to have to put in another warning to keep the pansy readers happy.
I'm with you honey...4.5 stars
*hugs and love
OK...so I stayed up late last night and finished it....I'm torn between giving this a 5 star rating and a 4 1/2
I know it's dark....but the romantic in me would have loved But then again...
I was also a bit put off on the whole Aiden
I didn't cry...I felt sad and depressed while reading and I kinda got pissed at Rebecca for
I would definitely give a 5 star rating to the mindfuckery in the book....Aiden NEVER once was conflicted in his twisted mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol
My positive points are the steam factor and how Aiden stuck to his guns about wanting total control over Rebecca - I loved Rebecca's character and how she fought back over and over again even though she seemed weak.
The author's style of writing was like a movie unfolding in front of me. She kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time with anticipation crawling through my skin and blood. I could picture each scene exactly down to the finest detail because Ms White used such graphic descriptions that didn't take away from the story in general!
The shock factor was high which is a major + in my book. This was definitely a book where I couldn't figure out what was going to happen next.
This author took us on a journey through a new and different realm - yes, there have been books about slave training...but one's I have read always ends up with a HEA....
Negative Points......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JaHy’s Response
I think in a way it was BECAUSE he cares.
I thought for sure
As far as her breaking so easy.. I kind of understood that as well.. I'm that way.. I give things my all, ie fight, fight, fight, fight.. but once I feel like I'm fighting an endless battle, I completely shut down/ give up.. I'm all or nothing kind of gal.. I think Rebecca's character was the same way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
I am still having a hard time writing what I want to say though. One thing I am sure of is that I did not like the person Rebecca turned out being. I understand how she could act the way she did, but I still hated it. I don't understand how a person could act the way she did, Does that make sense? I did love that she wasn't a giant whiny bitch like most chicks are in books these days, unless you count the time
I agree with Jahy that I think BUT, I thought it was a bit ridiculous that she "fell" for Aiden SO QUICKLY after she was taken (what was it, 2 weeks?) Given the circumstances I guess that could happen. In fact, I can actually see it happening... so maybe you want to scratch that. :)
It was a dark read, but it was a bit more than that given Almost horror, but not quite. Maybe that does qualify as dark?? Those poor girls by the way. :(
I HATED that the nasty perv did not get what was coming to him!!! Was that Gail? I am so bad with names...
Those are my thoughts in a nut shell I think. I still feel something is missing, but hey, maybe someday it will come to me. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JaHy
this is another reason why I gave the book 6 stars.. it's a book that stays with you and really makes you think.. I DID HATE the insta love on Rebecca's behalf, but I let it pass because so many other things were happening throughout the story that it was in the for front of my mind..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
It was a very good book and obviously it also stayed with me if I am still trying to figure it out. :)
that whole part caught me completely by surprise.
I would absolutely recommend the book. Mostly because it is different than anything I've read in a LONG time. I think readers are really going to enjoy it.
Wrap-Up
Well…there you have it – we read the book – we lived the life in Rebecca’s shoes and now we are sharing our opinions with you. We all loved the book and had different emotions at the end – we each brought a unique feeling to the table to share with you.
Rounding out our stars – we come up with a perfect 5 Star Rating!! If you like dark….I mean serious DARK…you will fall in love with this book! Just be warned….this ain’t no rainbows and unicorns shit….
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Author – Lily White
Publication Date – February 20, 2014
Type – Stand Alone
Genre –Dark, Erotica
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars (Average of 3 reviewers)
Book provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Discussion Review between JaHy~Jenna~Carol
Carol
OK....here's some thoughts
I hate Aiden....but I can't help being turned on by him
I think Rebecca
What's up with the dude Duke ?
What's up with the cook/maid who just sits by and idly watches? She knows what he does....
I wish I could read right now instead of having to post shit! (that's off the subject of the book)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
This book is PISSING ME OFF!!! I was in LOVE with it and then she has to PISS I AM!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol’s Response to Jenna
I hope you got to the point of understanding why she did that....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JaHy’s Comments
Aiden 's a bastard but he owns it so I respect the character. He doesn't pretend to be someone's he's not. He started training at a very young age...too young. He got to experience greed before he ever had a chance to experience love , hence his FUCKED up mentality. I think he's capable of love and doesn't know it..
Rebecca fell in love pretty quickly and she did something that really pissed me off. I would hope I wouldn't do what she did if I were in her shoes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol’s Response to JaHy
Good point JaHy - I agree with you 100% as much as I would have loved ....he owned his title of "Master" to the tee!
This is definitely a lesson in psychology for the nature vs. nurture debate - he was programmed from an early age and knows nothing else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
After I finished the book I felt like something was off or I missed something. I'm not 100% sure what it is, but I think I would rate it a 4.5. I wanted to take some time last night to really think about it b/c honestly, my emotions were ALL over the place. But, I went to bed instead.
I do understand now why she did it, but it reminded me of Survivor (JF Gonzalez) a bit. Made my heart hurt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol’s Response to Jenna
I think I felt the same way...my emotions were all over the place also. I wanted him to say something positive about Rebecca besides her being like him and also a good sub.
But I give SO MUCH credit to Lily for sticking true to the "dark" theme and not relenting. She is getting a lot of sass about it being so dark...she is going to have to put in another warning to keep the pansy readers happy.
I'm with you honey...4.5 stars
*hugs and love
OK...so I stayed up late last night and finished it....I'm torn between giving this a 5 star rating and a 4 1/2
I know it's dark....but the romantic in me would have loved But then again...
I was also a bit put off on the whole Aiden
I didn't cry...I felt sad and depressed while reading and I kinda got pissed at Rebecca for
I would definitely give a 5 star rating to the mindfuckery in the book....Aiden NEVER once was conflicted in his twisted mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol
My positive points are the steam factor and how Aiden stuck to his guns about wanting total control over Rebecca - I loved Rebecca's character and how she fought back over and over again even though she seemed weak.
The author's style of writing was like a movie unfolding in front of me. She kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time with anticipation crawling through my skin and blood. I could picture each scene exactly down to the finest detail because Ms White used such graphic descriptions that didn't take away from the story in general!
The shock factor was high which is a major + in my book. This was definitely a book where I couldn't figure out what was going to happen next.
This author took us on a journey through a new and different realm - yes, there have been books about slave training...but one's I have read always ends up with a HEA....
Negative Points......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JaHy’s Response
I think in a way it was BECAUSE he cares.
I thought for sure
As far as her breaking so easy.. I kind of understood that as well.. I'm that way.. I give things my all, ie fight, fight, fight, fight.. but once I feel like I'm fighting an endless battle, I completely shut down/ give up.. I'm all or nothing kind of gal.. I think Rebecca's character was the same way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
I am still having a hard time writing what I want to say though. One thing I am sure of is that I did not like the person Rebecca turned out being. I understand how she could act the way she did, but I still hated it. I don't understand how a person could act the way she did, Does that make sense? I did love that she wasn't a giant whiny bitch like most chicks are in books these days, unless you count the time
I agree with Jahy that I think BUT, I thought it was a bit ridiculous that she "fell" for Aiden SO QUICKLY after she was taken (what was it, 2 weeks?) Given the circumstances I guess that could happen. In fact, I can actually see it happening... so maybe you want to scratch that. :)
It was a dark read, but it was a bit more than that given Almost horror, but not quite. Maybe that does qualify as dark?? Those poor girls by the way. :(
I HATED that the nasty perv did not get what was coming to him!!! Was that Gail? I am so bad with names...
Those are my thoughts in a nut shell I think. I still feel something is missing, but hey, maybe someday it will come to me. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JaHy
this is another reason why I gave the book 6 stars.. it's a book that stays with you and really makes you think.. I DID HATE the insta love on Rebecca's behalf, but I let it pass because so many other things were happening throughout the story that it was in the for front of my mind..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenna
It was a very good book and obviously it also stayed with me if I am still trying to figure it out. :)
that whole part caught me completely by surprise.
I would absolutely recommend the book. Mostly because it is different than anything I've read in a LONG time. I think readers are really going to enjoy it.
Wrap-Up
Well…there you have it – we read the book – we lived the life in Rebecca’s shoes and now we are sharing our opinions with you. We all loved the book and had different emotions at the end – we each brought a unique feeling to the table to share with you.
Rounding out our stars – we come up with a perfect 5 Star Rating!! If you like dark….I mean serious DARK…you will fall in love with this book! Just be warned….this ain’t no rainbows and unicorns shit….
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Read
March 8, 2014
1-2-3-4-5 stars???
**********MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS**********
I am not sure how to review/rate this...it was not a pleasant reading experience for me. It was brutal. This level of darkness is probably too much for me. I am a wimp. Thankfully I had someone to hold my hand. (Thanks, Jennifer! Muah!!)
"I am a master. I want to first mention this fact to allow you to understand the story I am about to tell you. It's a heavy blanket of tragedy-and I have no regrets. I capture women, I break them down, and I rebuild them. If they are lucky, they are sold into the hands of another owner. If they are less fortunate, they are buried beneath the ground, never to be thought of again."
Aiden is a Master - he is successful, attractive, arrogant, and controlling. His latest acquisition is the young, innocent Rebecca. This story is about Rebecca's transition...
I typically enjoy darker reads, captivated by the ways the mind works. For example - Captive in the Dark finding redeemable qualities in Caleb, helped me feel okay, or at least a little more comfortable. I was able experience the story with Livvie - understanding how her feelings grew. But with Aiden - I am sorry, he was just terrifying to me, and that never changed. Even when he shows affection he denies Rebecca the memory of it. While Rebecca's story is more realistic, it is also horrifying and really pushed my comfort level. My stomach was in knots and I was constantly having to take mental health breaks. In the end, I was just sad and numb. That said, it was a very well written story, compelling and different.
I recommend alcohol - lots of alcohol.
April 3, 2014
Ok how to review this book, first of all before I start a WARNING this is NOT a romance read, this is DARK DARK to its core.. I would put it under the dark erotic genre, if your wanting something different, RAW, Intense, and erotic then read on because this is IT. I shouldn't really like it but I felt compelled to keep reading even if at times I wanted to run away so I hope that helps with any questions to what kind of read this is....
I capture women, I break them down and I rebuild them.
URRR right I don't really know what to say I am struggling right now to put words together what I will say about this book, it is a mindfuck, the author did a fantastic job in writing a story that pushed all my buttons, its very well done. I enjoy BDSM books but what I will tell you this push's that title right to I suppose where it's come from there are no safe words, its brutel, it deals with rape and assult Aiden is teaching Rebecca how to be a slave and he is her Master for the moment.
So basically Aiden hunts women down, he trains them brutally, he then passes them on to their new Masters. So he finds Rebecca based on a mans description of what he wanted Rebecca fitted that description, Aiden allured her Aiden is a sexy, powerful strong built man so I can see why Rebecca would go with him but soon she realises that HE is NOT a good man, I'll say that again AIDEN IS NOT A GOOD MAN. Rebecca fights to the end but Aiden always wins the battle he not only makes her into a slave on the outside but part of his job is to rip down her soul and re-create it... And there we have it THIS IS HIS STORY.
I have to question why I enjoyed this because I shouldn't but it is intriguing, I kept turning the pages just because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I suppose when I read a story it reminds me of college, or maybe to be thankful of certain aspects of my life, I think reading is the one hobby I have that makes me a better person, saying that THIS IS FANTASY IT IS NOT REAL and I did not put myself in any topic that I read here, actually I read this under my covers at night.... far away from my kids!!
Anyway Would I recommend this book? Yes
Will I read it again NO but I may go back and look at certain quotes that I highlighted... yes I highlighted some
And will I read anything this author writes in the future? Yes actually I've added the next one
Until next time...
I capture women, I break them down and I rebuild them.
URRR right I don't really know what to say I am struggling right now to put words together what I will say about this book, it is a mindfuck, the author did a fantastic job in writing a story that pushed all my buttons, its very well done. I enjoy BDSM books but what I will tell you this push's that title right to I suppose where it's come from there are no safe words, its brutel, it deals with rape and assult Aiden is teaching Rebecca how to be a slave and he is her Master for the moment.
So basically Aiden hunts women down, he trains them brutally, he then passes them on to their new Masters. So he finds Rebecca based on a mans description of what he wanted Rebecca fitted that description, Aiden allured her Aiden is a sexy, powerful strong built man so I can see why Rebecca would go with him but soon she realises that HE is NOT a good man, I'll say that again AIDEN IS NOT A GOOD MAN. Rebecca fights to the end but Aiden always wins the battle he not only makes her into a slave on the outside but part of his job is to rip down her soul and re-create it... And there we have it THIS IS HIS STORY.
I have to question why I enjoyed this because I shouldn't but it is intriguing, I kept turning the pages just because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I suppose when I read a story it reminds me of college, or maybe to be thankful of certain aspects of my life, I think reading is the one hobby I have that makes me a better person, saying that THIS IS FANTASY IT IS NOT REAL and I did not put myself in any topic that I read here, actually I read this under my covers at night.... far away from my kids!!
Anyway Would I recommend this book? Yes
Will I read it again NO but I may go back and look at certain quotes that I highlighted... yes I highlighted some
And will I read anything this author writes in the future? Yes actually I've added the next one
Until next time...
March 9, 2014
**I was given an arc in exchange for my honest review**
I will start off by saying this is not a rainbows and unicorns love story. It is brutal and vicious and I LOVED every single thing about it.
I am, in no way, a good man.
I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.
She thought she could change me by giving me the two things I knew I never wanted.
She was wrong.
I was hesitant because of this being a new author and I love my dark erotic romance books and have high expectations for them. But I did it. Took the plunge after I was given an arc.
Master Aiden... What an ass. I absolutely despised him from page 3. I really wanted to hurt him and cause him pain.
His training techniques of the Courtesan's are so maddening that I cringed and yelled and all around felt sick for these slaves.
This sick bastard thrives on the challenges that some slaves give him. Rebbeca is his biggest challenge to date and for that I was afraid for her.
I wanted her to completely give in to what he wanted, to obey and be a good little slave.
Well of course what fun is that right?
Anyway... There are twists and turns that I wasn't expecting to happen. Master Aiden and Rebecca will discover things about each other and themselves that could ultimately cost them both everything.
Even now that I have finished this book I still HATE Master Aiden and want to hurt him. But I love his character at the same time. He intrigues me in a way that no other character has as far as his way of thinking and training.
I absolutely can't wait to see what this very talented author comes up with next. Sooo Lily White if you read this give me a holler and let me know what your up to next.
I will start off by saying this is not a rainbows and unicorns love story. It is brutal and vicious and I LOVED every single thing about it.
I am, in no way, a good man.
I do not want love.
I do not want kindness.
She thought she could change me by giving me the two things I knew I never wanted.
She was wrong.
I was hesitant because of this being a new author and I love my dark erotic romance books and have high expectations for them. But I did it. Took the plunge after I was given an arc.
Master Aiden... What an ass. I absolutely despised him from page 3. I really wanted to hurt him and cause him pain.
His training techniques of the Courtesan's are so maddening that I cringed and yelled and all around felt sick for these slaves.
This sick bastard thrives on the challenges that some slaves give him. Rebbeca is his biggest challenge to date and for that I was afraid for her.
I wanted her to completely give in to what he wanted, to obey and be a good little slave.
Well of course what fun is that right?
Anyway... There are twists and turns that I wasn't expecting to happen. Master Aiden and Rebecca will discover things about each other and themselves that could ultimately cost them both everything.
Even now that I have finished this book I still HATE Master Aiden and want to hurt him. But I love his character at the same time. He intrigues me in a way that no other character has as far as his way of thinking and training.
I absolutely can't wait to see what this very talented author comes up with next. Sooo Lily White if you read this give me a holler and let me know what your up to next.
September 8, 2016
3/8/14 UPDATE! This book is now live on Amazon again!! Renamed as "Courtesan" but the content is the same: http://amzn.to/1kD7fKm
Well, that was some kind of mind fuckery! Loved it.
Aiden is a Master, but beyond the definition of Master we see in BDSM novels. He abducts innocent women and trains them to be slaves...or courtesans as he prefers to call them. Training is a very loose word. He shatters them to pieces and builds them up to a perfection in subservience.
Rebecca is his latest specimen. What he didn't realize was the work it would take to break her...but he will...and he does.
Obviously this is zero hearts and flowers. It's beyond graphic and likely caters to a very small group of readers who like it dark. There is no changing of his mind. No "he's really bad but I still love him and want to make him good." He is a ruthless rapist and murderer. But on a happy note, the book is fuckhot. Oops, rapist and fuckhot in one paragraph doesn't look so good. No judging! This book is not for everyone obviously.
There's no HEA in this novel, however, the ending won't gut you. I think it ended as "happy" as the author should've made it. To end a book of this caliber with hearts and flowers is unbelievable and there's little chance of it ever happening.
Ultimately, this is what this story was all about- the process of acquiring, breaking down and reforming a woman into a slave.
There's one book I've read that trumps this book in making me physically ill in parts. This one, I never attached to the characters in a way for it to bother me so much. I hope that doesn't make me look like a cold-hearted b$tch but I thank the author for that. I enjoyed it thoroughly....in my twisted kind of way. The writing was awesome and I hope to read more from this author in the future.
Well, that was some kind of mind fuckery! Loved it.
Aiden is a Master, but beyond the definition of Master we see in BDSM novels. He abducts innocent women and trains them to be slaves...or courtesans as he prefers to call them. Training is a very loose word. He shatters them to pieces and builds them up to a perfection in subservience.
Rebecca is his latest specimen. What he didn't realize was the work it would take to break her...but he will...and he does.
Obviously this is zero hearts and flowers. It's beyond graphic and likely caters to a very small group of readers who like it dark. There is no changing of his mind. No "he's really bad but I still love him and want to make him good." He is a ruthless rapist and murderer. But on a happy note, the book is fuckhot. Oops, rapist and fuckhot in one paragraph doesn't look so good. No judging! This book is not for everyone obviously.
There's no HEA in this novel, however, the ending won't gut you. I think it ended as "happy" as the author should've made it. To end a book of this caliber with hearts and flowers is unbelievable and there's little chance of it ever happening.
Ultimately, this is what this story was all about- the process of acquiring, breaking down and reforming a woman into a slave.
There's one book I've read that trumps this book in making me physically ill in parts. This one, I never attached to the characters in a way for it to bother me so much. I hope that doesn't make me look like a cold-hearted b$tch but I thank the author for that. I enjoyed it thoroughly....in my twisted kind of way. The writing was awesome and I hope to read more from this author in the future.
March 3, 2014
Was this a good book? No.
A terrible book, about terrible people doing terrible things. And hints of more terrible things to come. What struck me most about this story was how little I cared for the fate of anyone involved. This was because of the writing, it was stunted for lack of context and perspective. It was scene after scene with little connection and a lot of words repeated over and over. Broken, wet, hard, shattered, courtesan, training and so on. Details were messy regarding time of events, at one time it takes 6 days for a slave to be broken a couple of days later it takes a month. It was mentioned that there was going to be a party tonight in Rebecca's honor and then we are one week later, no party but again with the celebrations. There were a lot of details that were supposed to be titillating, the sex of course, the secret society, the sellers, the buyers and of course the fact that these men were serial killers and had a legacy of the same. What was really annoying to me was the pseudo- self-awareness navel-gazing of Aiden and Rebecca. So I will end my review with a little taste of this irritating writing style.
Was this secret society hinted at as gripping as that in a Dan Brown novel? No.
Was the hero a serial killer? Yes.
Was Rebecca a sympathetic character who grew in the story? No.
Was there anything redeeming about the book? No.
Was the action scene and rescue of Rebecca in the end suspenseful? No
Would I recommend this book? No.
A terrible book, about terrible people doing terrible things. And hints of more terrible things to come. What struck me most about this story was how little I cared for the fate of anyone involved. This was because of the writing, it was stunted for lack of context and perspective. It was scene after scene with little connection and a lot of words repeated over and over. Broken, wet, hard, shattered, courtesan, training and so on. Details were messy regarding time of events, at one time it takes 6 days for a slave to be broken a couple of days later it takes a month. It was mentioned that there was going to be a party tonight in Rebecca's honor and then we are one week later, no party but again with the celebrations. There were a lot of details that were supposed to be titillating, the sex of course, the secret society, the sellers, the buyers and of course the fact that these men were serial killers and had a legacy of the same. What was really annoying to me was the pseudo- self-awareness navel-gazing of Aiden and Rebecca. So I will end my review with a little taste of this irritating writing style.
Was this secret society hinted at as gripping as that in a Dan Brown novel? No.
Was the hero a serial killer? Yes.
Was Rebecca a sympathetic character who grew in the story? No.
Was there anything redeeming about the book? No.
Was the action scene and rescue of Rebecca in the end suspenseful? No
Would I recommend this book? No.
June 24, 2014
WHAT THE EFFITY EFF DID I JUST READ??!!!!
I loved the first 70%......
The last 30% was not my favorite. So intense.
Warning. This is not a love story.
For those of you who like twisted, mindfucks, this one is for you!
I loved the first 70%......
The last 30% was not my favorite. So intense.
Warning. This is not a love story.
For those of you who like twisted, mindfucks, this one is for you!
February 10, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
If you are skittish around rape, murder, or abuse this is not the book for you. This is a DARK erotic romance story.
Aiden Oliver is a Master at training women to be courtesan's for others. He picks Rebecca for a specific order he has and he begins to break her down to build her back up as the perfect courtesan.
I won't go into too much detail as I'm sure it'll spoil the book for you. I will say however, the author, has done a great job with these characters. I would think it would be hard to write a book with these type scenes, but I sure do love reading them.
I highly recommend this book for dark story line readers.
If you are skittish around rape, murder, or abuse this is not the book for you. This is a DARK erotic romance story.
Aiden Oliver is a Master at training women to be courtesan's for others. He picks Rebecca for a specific order he has and he begins to break her down to build her back up as the perfect courtesan.
I won't go into too much detail as I'm sure it'll spoil the book for you. I will say however, the author, has done a great job with these characters. I would think it would be hard to write a book with these type scenes, but I sure do love reading them.
I highly recommend this book for dark story line readers.
Read
February 3, 2014
COVER REVEAL!!!!!
TEASERS!!!
March 19, 2014
Well folks, I made it to 50ish percent last night. I eye-rolled my way along and kept cringing at all the FFS/JHFC moments. Therefore, I cannot imagine picking in up, again, in the light of day.
I could rant but it just isn't worth it. There was no time for Stockholm syndrome or anything other than Rebecca being a TSTL heroine who, ON DAY TWO, starts to think with her vagina. I think both these MCs might have mental disorders and they are being misdiagnosed. Just sayin'.
Want to read
February 1, 2014This blurb sounds amazing! Look at that coveeeeerrr! WANT
September 1, 2016
4.5 *Insert Gif Below Here* Stars!!
I don't think my review can do this book justice...this was one I absolutely fucking loved!!!It literally took me days to read it...only because this book is HOT as hell..I have this tendency to read those parts a few times...lol...I own it...Don't get me wrong this is a dark read and some parts are really fucked up..but the scenes that were related to bed boogie..whew..lets just say..you wont be disappointed!!..This one is gonna be vague..as I don't wanna give to much away..
Her Master's Courtesan tells the story of Aiden Oliver..who's a Master..a man who trains women to become Courtesans..or in other words the best possible whore they can be..He kidnaps a woman named Rebbecca...and from there the story gets gritty..raw.. and twisted!!!!
Aiden Oliver..what can I say about this dude..I mean he's a cold bastard...a asshole..arrogant and just plain fucked up at times...and he owns all of it!!!..I had a love hate relationship with Aiden..I swear the man would say something that had me thinking like this in one paragraph..
and in the next his love muscle has me all hot and bothered and completely memorized!!
Rebecca..she has a quiet strength about her..she had me close to tears at times..only because of her inner struggle with the whole situation..Some of her actions I didn't agree with..there were a few times she had me saying..
****Now there was a very small thing about this one that I didn't quite like...
So if your looking for a dark..erotic..mindfuck..that will probably have you singing this little tune in your head...
then by all means pick this one up..I highly recommend it!!!
I don't think my review can do this book justice...this was one I absolutely fucking loved!!!It literally took me days to read it...only because this book is HOT as hell..I have this tendency to read those parts a few times...lol...I own it...Don't get me wrong this is a dark read and some parts are really fucked up..but the scenes that were related to bed boogie..whew..lets just say..you wont be disappointed!!..This one is gonna be vague..as I don't wanna give to much away..
Her Master's Courtesan tells the story of Aiden Oliver..who's a Master..a man who trains women to become Courtesans..or in other words the best possible whore they can be..He kidnaps a woman named Rebbecca...and from there the story gets gritty..raw.. and twisted!!!!
Aiden Oliver..what can I say about this dude..I mean he's a cold bastard...a asshole..arrogant and just plain fucked up at times...and he owns all of it!!!..I had a love hate relationship with Aiden..I swear the man would say something that had me thinking like this in one paragraph..
and in the next his love muscle has me all hot and bothered and completely memorized!!
Rebecca..she has a quiet strength about her..she had me close to tears at times..only because of her inner struggle with the whole situation..Some of her actions I didn't agree with..there were a few times she had me saying..
****Now there was a very small thing about this one that I didn't quite like...
So if your looking for a dark..erotic..mindfuck..that will probably have you singing this little tune in your head...
then by all means pick this one up..I highly recommend it!!!
March 10, 2014
Disclaimer: THIS IS MY OPINION AND HOW I VIEWED THIS BOOK. IF YOU WANT MORE "POSITIVE" COMMENTS AND ALL THAT FAKE OLALA THEN YOU SHOULD NOT READ IT
So here's the thing...
I was lost about how many stars i should give this. Should i give it 5 solid stars or 1 star?
Then my mind and values won and i choose to give it 1 star.
I read so many dark erotica and bdsm kind of books so i am not a total virgin when it comes to this type of fiction BUT this has to be the most sad, angry and disgusted I've been after reading such book!!
These type of books are suppose to be fun and take your mind from your busy life ( God knows how much i need the distraction) so i picked it up to take me a little from the busy reality and i honestly wish i hadn't !
I understand this this is a work of fiction BUT i'm also not stupid nor naive! i'm completely aware that these type of things actually do happen in our world. This world is not all flowers and butterflies there are sick twisted people here and what happened in this book i KNOW for a fact that it does exist in our world.
The thing that pisses me out more than anything was the final part of the book! Basically this book is PROMOTING rape, violence, sexual abuse, and its saying that IT IS OKAY!!!!!!! the fuck if it is!!
Young girls are readying this type of books. Books mold young woman's head and put ideas there!
Again i really do understand this was "fun" and "fiction" work but still..
Now adays everyone think they'll get "famous and rich" by writing a dark erotica bdsm. Spanking is okay. Blindfolding is okay. Hand cuffs are okay- Of course ONLY when those actions are wanted from both sides! BUT being kidnapped and taking against your well and being raped and THEN telling you and filling poisons inside your mind that this is okay and this is what you need IS NOT FU*KING OKAY!
Well i'm about to go live my busy life and being happy before some dick decides that i'm "an animal" and "an object to please his dick" try and kidnap me!!! O.o
xxx
So here's the thing...
I was lost about how many stars i should give this. Should i give it 5 solid stars or 1 star?
Then my mind and values won and i choose to give it 1 star.
I read so many dark erotica and bdsm kind of books so i am not a total virgin when it comes to this type of fiction BUT this has to be the most sad, angry and disgusted I've been after reading such book!!
These type of books are suppose to be fun and take your mind from your busy life ( God knows how much i need the distraction) so i picked it up to take me a little from the busy reality and i honestly wish i hadn't !
I understand this this is a work of fiction BUT i'm also not stupid nor naive! i'm completely aware that these type of things actually do happen in our world. This world is not all flowers and butterflies there are sick twisted people here and what happened in this book i KNOW for a fact that it does exist in our world.
The thing that pisses me out more than anything was the final part of the book! Basically this book is PROMOTING rape, violence, sexual abuse, and its saying that IT IS OKAY!!!!!!! the fuck if it is!!
Young girls are readying this type of books. Books mold young woman's head and put ideas there!
Again i really do understand this was "fun" and "fiction" work but still..
Now adays everyone think they'll get "famous and rich" by writing a dark erotica bdsm. Spanking is okay. Blindfolding is okay. Hand cuffs are okay- Of course ONLY when those actions are wanted from both sides! BUT being kidnapped and taking against your well and being raped and THEN telling you and filling poisons inside your mind that this is okay and this is what you need IS NOT FU*KING OKAY!
Well i'm about to go live my busy life and being happy before some dick decides that i'm "an animal" and "an object to please his dick" try and kidnap me!!! O.o
xxx
June 8, 2015
4.5 "What did I just read" stars
How to put in words the state I'm in? I feel fucked I mean my mind feels fucked. I'm in such a numb state; I don't know how I'm supposed to write a review. Even more I think I'm the only one who hasn't read this fucked up story!
I'm one to say I considered myself lucky I'm able to read dark books because it gives another perspective to books in general. But here we are talking about dark, sinister, gritty. Take a synonym for dark and it fits the book perfectly
Just to be cleared if you didn't read the many reviews already talking about this book: This is NOT a romance. This book is not about LOVE, this is not even about redeeming someone else soul. I don't know how to define it. It's pure evil but at the same time I couldn't put the book down!
I think it's due to Lily White's writing that I kept reading until the end. Or maybe because I thought something could change the way Aiden was.
“I don’t want love – I don’t make love – I fuck, I train, I sell, I move on. “
But it never was about changing Aiden. From the beginning you know EXACTLY what kind of books you are getting into. And seriously, if you think you see some kind of hope, push that thought away because they are NONE
.
“My satisfaction and pleasure are the only two things that will matter to you. Your life no longer exists, nor does it matter. “
To be honest, I think there's a true brilliance with this book. You know that what you are reading is not right. It's sickening, it's fucked up, it's disgusting but it's also captivating, fascinating and you keep reading. The book is told in dual pov and it's brilliant! You are both in Aiden and Rebecca's mind and it was the right thing to do.
“Your life belongs to the man who owns you. You will obey, and you will react with pleasure and thankfulness for the things your owner gives you “
“He didn’t ruin my life by taking me – he gave me freedom from the life I had before “
This is by far the DARKEST book I've read. At some point, I was even questioning myself if I should continue, not because I didn't like it but because I didn't know If I had in me to continue reading. And once again Lily White's magic happened. There are some scenes that are totally unacceptable, disturbing but they are some others which are more bearable and even enjoyable.
I had only one problem with Aiden and that's why I gave it 4.5 stars – Wait a minute am I really saying that I only got one problem with him? See FUCKED UP! - let me rephrase... hum... One of my problem with Aiden is
I can't read the next right now because I have other commitments but I'll be ready for Antony's books for sure! Damn that guy doesn't seems as bad as Aiden and I can wait to see his Master skills
How to put in words the state I'm in? I feel fucked I mean my mind feels fucked. I'm in such a numb state; I don't know how I'm supposed to write a review. Even more I think I'm the only one who hasn't read this fucked up story!
I'm one to say I considered myself lucky I'm able to read dark books because it gives another perspective to books in general. But here we are talking about dark, sinister, gritty. Take a synonym for dark and it fits the book perfectly
Just to be cleared if you didn't read the many reviews already talking about this book: This is NOT a romance. This book is not about LOVE, this is not even about redeeming someone else soul. I don't know how to define it. It's pure evil but at the same time I couldn't put the book down!
I think it's due to Lily White's writing that I kept reading until the end. Or maybe because I thought something could change the way Aiden was.
“I don’t want love – I don’t make love – I fuck, I train, I sell, I move on. “
But it never was about changing Aiden. From the beginning you know EXACTLY what kind of books you are getting into. And seriously, if you think you see some kind of hope, push that thought away because they are NONE
.
“My satisfaction and pleasure are the only two things that will matter to you. Your life no longer exists, nor does it matter. “
To be honest, I think there's a true brilliance with this book. You know that what you are reading is not right. It's sickening, it's fucked up, it's disgusting but it's also captivating, fascinating and you keep reading. The book is told in dual pov and it's brilliant! You are both in Aiden and Rebecca's mind and it was the right thing to do.
“Your life belongs to the man who owns you. You will obey, and you will react with pleasure and thankfulness for the things your owner gives you “
“He didn’t ruin my life by taking me – he gave me freedom from the life I had before “
This is by far the DARKEST book I've read. At some point, I was even questioning myself if I should continue, not because I didn't like it but because I didn't know If I had in me to continue reading. And once again Lily White's magic happened. There are some scenes that are totally unacceptable, disturbing but they are some others which are more bearable and even enjoyable.
I had only one problem with Aiden and that's why I gave it 4.5 stars – Wait a minute am I really saying that I only got one problem with him? See FUCKED UP! - let me rephrase... hum... One of my problem with Aiden is
I can't read the next right now because I have other commitments but I'll be ready for Antony's books for sure! Damn that guy doesn't seems as bad as Aiden and I can wait to see his Master skills
August 10, 2016
"He was exquisite, a Master of not only my body, but my mind."
Its been twenty four hours and I'm still trying to find the words to adequately express my feelings about this book. I read a few friend reviews before reading this, and I will say the same thing they did: This is NOT a love story. Some parts are downright painful and repulsive. I highlighted something on about every other page.
If you enjoy romance and fluffy reads, filled with flowers, hearts and sunshine, then you need to stay far away from this. None of that will be found in this book.
Her life as she knows it is over. She's taken by Aiden to be sold as a slave. She has no power. He holds all the cards in his hands. She tries to win, but its all useless. Every time she comes up with a plan, Aiden is always one step ahead of her, and he remained in control. He's the Master, and she doesn't stand a chance against him. The ways that he was able to manipulate her was quite sad.
"I thought I could love him and he turned around and destroyed me."
For me this book was all about Aiden. I loved being in his head, his cold heart fascinated me. He cares only about money, that's the love of his life and his motivation. He didn't come across as greedy, but there's no doubt that in his chest there's an empty spot where his heart is supposed to be. I was drawn to this character even though I didn't want to like him, I couldn't help it. There was no pretense, he wasn't a bad guy masquerading as being good. He was bad, he knew it, and he never tried to hide it.
"She was a decoration, not a person, or a heart or a soul - a thing. A thing that is owned wholly, a thing that has no say in what happens to it or who owns it."
"I didn't want emotion - I wanted to fuck. I enjoyed the power, the dominance and most of all the money that came with doing what I do."
"How could a man be so cruel - so heartless?"
"I wanted to break her - it was as simple as that."
To share anymore will lead me into spoiler territory, but I will say for all the dark romance junkies this is a must read that will satisfy your fantasies.
Rating: 5 Darkly Sensual Stars
April 25, 2019
I have conflicting feelings about this one! I think ultimately, for me, the writing style kept this from being 4 stars. I like dark books, and this book is horrifically dark. There's no redemption for either MCs. I don't mind that. I sometimes think dark erotic books this dark are better off when the perpetrator of abuse is irredeemable. It sometimes seems more twisted and messed up when the author tries to romanticize such a psychopathic and abusive male MC. Lily White doesn't do that, and I think she deserves to be commended for going all out with irredeemable characters.
Seems like the two MCs do develop a dark romance between this book and book #4? I'm curious. It definitely looks like they got their own messed up HEA/HFN here.
I agree with some of the four and five star reviews, and also many of the 1 star reviews...so I think a 3 star rating makes sense. One of the problems I had with this story was that Aiden talked too much! I wanted him to zip it and just get on with the action. I wasn't a fan of the dialogue. In a review someone criticized Aiden for constantly saying, "I'm the best Master," and then going on to say he doesn't have to tell Rebecca anything. He then proceeds to tell her everything! lol! As much as I was amazed by the level of Aiden's cruelty, he talked way too much. The writing style as well as the execution of Rebecca's training and abuse didn't grab me like other dark erotic books have in the past.
This was as disturbing and up there in darkness as Depredation by Natalie Bennett and Break Her by B.G Harlen. I enjoyed the writing more in those two books. There was a level of unbelievability here that kept me from being fully immersed. With that said, it held my attention, and I'll still read more books in this series.
Seems like the two MCs do develop a dark romance between this book and book #4? I'm curious. It definitely looks like they got their own messed up HEA/HFN here.
I agree with some of the four and five star reviews, and also many of the 1 star reviews...so I think a 3 star rating makes sense. One of the problems I had with this story was that Aiden talked too much! I wanted him to zip it and just get on with the action. I wasn't a fan of the dialogue. In a review someone criticized Aiden for constantly saying, "I'm the best Master," and then going on to say he doesn't have to tell Rebecca anything. He then proceeds to tell her everything! lol! As much as I was amazed by the level of Aiden's cruelty, he talked way too much. The writing style as well as the execution of Rebecca's training and abuse didn't grab me like other dark erotic books have in the past.
This was as disturbing and up there in darkness as Depredation by Natalie Bennett and Break Her by B.G Harlen. I enjoyed the writing more in those two books. There was a level of unbelievability here that kept me from being fully immersed. With that said, it held my attention, and I'll still read more books in this series.
November 29, 2015
ok so at first i thought this is a complite Dark duet rip off but it is probebly because i still have huge Dark duet with drawals but after i managed to distance myself from comparisons i sorta liked it i still think there wasnt a single likeable charecter in the entire book and it is totally mysaginistic to the extrime and i agree with Steelwisper and La Leonn i was surprised the book bored me a lot considering how disturbing it is supposed to be but the Author managed to achieve what she wanted she promised a villain who never changes and we get one not the Authors fault some people still see love in this book and romantisize Aiden i didnt i just took it for what it is supposed to be unbelievable but im ading a star probebly because we are not forced to love Aiden because of his trgick past or because he such a cute baby dady that all his faults must be forgoten yes i hated him being evil for the sake of being evil but if choosing between a hero who is just as evil but we must feal pity for him cause he is such a sweet baby dady and finds his kid frowing flour and eggs at the wall cute so we must forget that he is a wrecker of lives and Aiden who we are no ment to see as anyone but douch ill choose Aiden,cause im in a huge book slump for months i did a parts of HMC reread and noticed one thing i didnt before the description f sex is from a technical point especially from Aidens point of view a technical and not emotional like ussualy even in Dark Erotica
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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