Review: 4.5 In Book Heaven (DARK) Stars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 28, 2014
I am officially in LOVE with an author and a BOOK… Tortured Soul was an amazing read and somehow managed to surpass the how much I enjoyed the first book in the series. From page one the action is at an all time high and once this book gets a hold of you it won’t let go, but each page and second was a thrill ride of epic proportions.At 16, Emily and her sister were alone, after losing their parents. Emily wants to make something of herself, even at a young age, so she runs away. Unfortunately for her she runs right into the arms of a madman. For years Emily is part of the darker side of life. Being used and abused is part of Emily’s daily life. Rape, torture, psychological abuse and servitude become her norms. (It is recommended to read the previous books in the series because some storylines connect but not enough that you can’t follow along.) Emily can’t function outside her new reality; in fact she can’t even remember what REAL is. Sitting on her knees in the sub pose is all she knows anymore. The nameless faces of men that use her and throw her aside is something she compartmentalizes on a day to day basis. Until someone else wants to help Emily and save her any way he can.Enter Braiden. The step-son of a Russian gun-runner. Braiden is no angel. He’s killed and also from a young age lived a overly different life than everyone else. Though their situations are vastly different Braiden is still able to understand Emily in a way no one else can. Rescuing Emily from her Master is step one and not something Braiden takes lightly. Bombs, gunfire and boat chases all ensure an already traumatized Emily will never forget her time in captivity. Well, when Braiden’s touch isn’t confusing her that is.Emily has a lifetime of work ahead of her to become normal. Braiden wants Emily but he knows she needs to work on herself and he vows to take down Jonas, Emily’s Master. But little does Braiden know all Emily can think of is seeking revenge herself.This was such a remarkable story of redemption, suffering and picking up the pieces as fractured as they may be. Emily has suffered in so many horrible ways, it’s remarkable she is able to function or even get out of bed. There are many dark elements within the story so those who have issues with this may want to look elsewhere. But there are some HOTT moments that can help you overlook them, trust me, Braiden is that breathtaking. For such a badass the man has a soft side and he will do anything and everything in his power to protect Emily. The growing relationship between the two was really beautiful and Braiden never once pushed Emily even if he wanted to lol.Overall I was blown away by this book. Every page was an action packed adventure even if it was occasionally a flash-back of horrific memories from Emily’s memories. Braiden and Emily’s friends/family are always by her side. Braiden may be the only one who truly understands Emily but he never really treats her any differently, except when that’s what she needs. If only there were more firm-handed bad-ass Braiden’s for the rest of us. I highly recommend this book, in fact I recommend the whole series, each book deals with serious issues and though this one surpasses the previous two in dark elements, this one is surely the BEST and my FAVORITE yet!! Can’t wait for more…