Review: ✯ 3 1/2 Stars ✯
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 6, 2014
When I read the synopsis of Number Thirteen by Bella Jewel I couldn't wait to start this bad boy. Number 1, I have had Bella Jewel on my TBR Author List forever! Number 2, it was labeled as a 'dark romance,' which I LOVE to read. Dark Romances have that extra bit of intrigue and mystery that just keeps you engaged the whole way through. When I receive an advanced copy, I try my damnedest not to read the reviews until I am finished, but I did break my own rules, and I did read a couple of reviews before I started. I have to be honest, they were a little harsh, but some had some very valid points. After reading Number Thirteen in one sitting, there were some pros and cons, but overall this book was pretty well written, and it kept me fascinated the whole way through. You may ask why I rated it 3 1/2 stars, and it was mainly because of the ending, and how it was wrapped up so damn fast. There were also a couple of questions I had, where I actually went back and did a quick read through, and I still couldn't find the answers. I also did some research to see if this was in fact a standalone, and I did not see any inclination that we were going to get a follow-up to Number Thirteen's story. Now, this may change. Authors change their minds all the time, but right at this moment, I have too many unanswered questions to rate it any higher.❝We all make mistakes as humans, and we should be punished for the mistakes that are intentional.❞With Number Thirteen, the pros did outweigh the cons. Very good writing from the amazing Bella Jewel is to be expected. She did not disappoint on that end. Whether it was anger, sadness, or joy, the author made me feel very passionate about every emotion she evoked out of me. I was engaged from the very first page with the mystery and suspense that was embedded throughout this entire book.❝I don't want to feel anymore. I don't want sunshine, and I don't want rain. I just want darkness that takes away everything that's eating me away inside.❞Number Thirteen is about a sweet, young, innocent boy who turned in to a monster due to the hatred and actions of others. These actions blackened his soul, and shredded his heart. The women he keeps, he believes he is teaching them to be better versions of themselves, due to their own horrible pasts. In reality, what he is doing is playing GOD. He punishes and rewards when he thinks it's needed and valid. When one of these girls, gets a little too close to mending his broken heart, everything begins to change. She tests him like no other, and makes him question his judgement. Together, these two break each other down and pull each other back up. It's beautiful and disturbing all in one.❝I would build you back up, and I would be that someone you'd never had.❞I have to make it clear, that even though this wasn't a 5 Star Read for be, I still recommend the hell out of it. Some will love it, some will probably hate it, but no matter what you feel, you can't tell me that Number Thirteen didn't suck you in to that dark world, even for a little bit in time. Here's hoping we get a little bit more clarification in a follow-up book with these wonderfully, damaged, intriguing characters.*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*