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The Darkness of Perfection

by Michael Schneider (Goodreads Author)

3.38 of 5 stars 3.38 · rating details · 90 ratings · 28 reviews

Nicholas comes from a world of darkness where women are no better than slaves. He believes the secret to true happiness is for his wife to be molded to perfection. He had the promise of perfection in the bright eyes and innocent smile of a childhood friend long since lost to his world. He never gave up his dreams of their perfect life together. An accidental meeting brings...more

Paperback, 176 pages

Published October 11th 2012 by Writer's Coffee Shop (first published June 24th 2011)

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Aug 11, 2012 Jeanne rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pulled-to-publish-fan-fiction, problematic-shit

IMPORTANT: If you identify with Jayden and in a relationship like the one depicted in this book, please know that there is a way out. I urge you to reach out for help and call or email the Abuse Help resources below.

In the US call:
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224, (PST) by videophone (855-812-1001), instant messenger (DeafHotline) or email (deafhelp@thehotline.org).

Outside the US call:
Stopfamilyviolence.org
1- 866-USWOMEN email: crisis@866uswomen.org...more

13 likes · like · see review

Aug 04, 2012 Michelle rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I need to be able to give out minus stars, especially for this trash.

If you've read and liked this awful piece of garbage, you are a carbuncle on the face of humanity and need to take a long, hard look at yourself.

11 likes · like · see review

Nov 09, 2012 Katie(babs) rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dnf-award, p2p-fan-fiction

Published as a Twilight fan fiction The Perfect Wife. P2P fan fiction is a no-no.

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Maggie Simms rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst, dark, stockholm-syndrome, thriller, romance, alpha-hero

This book is hard to review. It is well written, it flows beautifully, and it keeps you engaged at all turns. I had my toes curled for most of it, worried for Jayden.

To review Nick, I need to compartmentalize him. For most of the book, he was a villain, and Oh, what a villain he was. He was manipulative, cruel, and cold. He was a first class bastard to everyone, including his own mother. That last part alone made him almost unredeemable in my eyes. I don't know that he loved Jayden, as much as...more

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Jul 15, 2011 Tammy Ramey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

the characters we intense and intriguing, i had no problem being swept along with them in the events and feeling all of the emotions that the heroine felt as she was forced to deal with an intolerable situation. the hero was harder for me to see as a hero because although he also was raised in this system he knew what he was doing was wrong,i couldn't help but feel that it was to little to late to try and make amends to the heroine by the time the hero decided to try. at that point i was to much...more

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Jun 30, 2011 Andrea (mrsaubergine) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loving the enemy has never felt as right as it does in Michael Schneider’s sophomore novel, The Darkness of Perfection, a gripping tale of one young woman’s struggle against a powerful criminal family who see her as nothing more than one of their chattels.

Jayden White has lived her life in fear – of the man who “bought” her from her father and of the possibility that one day he will find her again – but just when she thinks her future looks bright, she is violently drawn back into that world by...more

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Nov 19, 2011 Alexia561 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, fiction, review-copy

This story was oddly compelling, in that it was all too easy to believe that Nicholas could view his life as normal and see nothing wrong with kidnapping Jayden and forcing her to marry him. After all, his family are human traffickers! Given to him as a child, he firmly believes that Jayden belongs to him and has no choice in the matter. He has built her up in his mind as the perfect mate, and is determined that they will have the perfect life together.

Rescued from a horrible future by her moth...more This story was oddly compelling, in that it was all too easy to believe that Nicholas could view his life as normal and see nothing wrong with kidnapping Jayden and forcing her to marry him. After all, his family are human traffickers! Given to him as a child, he firmly believes that Jayden belongs to him and has no choice in the matter. He has built her up in his mind as the perfect mate, and is determined that they will have the perfect life together.

Rescued from a horrible future by her mother, they find sanctuary in a small town and build a new life. I found it a little difficult to believe that once they found safety, Jayden's mother didn't raise her to be able to protect herself. It's understandable that they would want a normal life, but shouldn't you provide the tools to protect your child just in case she was ever found? Have her learn self-defense, take karate classes, or something! At least have a talk with her before she leaves for college, don't just send her off on her own! Seemed irresponsible and unrealistic. If Jayden's mother was so fiercely protective and risked so much to rescue Jayden from a life of slavery, then she should have done a better job of preparing her for going off to college on her own.

It also bothered me how Nicholas found Jayden after all these years. Didn't ring true, as I couldn't see him taking the same sort of cruise that Jayden's parent would be able to afford. If his family was so rich and powerful, he would probably have chartered a private yacht if he wanted to go cruising. Seemed forced.

Don't mean to suggest that I didn't enjoy the story, as I really did! The narration switched back and forth between Jayden and Nicholas, so we could see things from both of their perspectives. I think that Nicholas really loved her (or at least the idea of her) and honestly didn't understand that what he was doing was wrong in any way. Jayden cried way too much in my opinion, but she was only 18 and had led a sheltered life.

Was torn between giving this book a 3/5 or 4/5, as some of the inconsistencies bothered me. Ultimately decided it was worth a 4/5 as I really enjoyed he story while reading and it was only afterwards that some of the plot points started to bother me. The author does a fantastic job of giving us a glimpse into the life of a human trafficker, as well as the confusion Jayden experienced while coming to grips with her situation. Will be looking for more from Michael the future, as he's very talented!

(less)

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Apr 09, 2013 Je Co Li rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a compelling story. You must understand that human trafficking is real. Abused women exist. Abused women are not cowards, they are strong in their own right. Abusers are a product of their upbringing. If you cannot understand these things, this is not a story you should read.

When reading the reviews, I can understand why there are mixed feelings. It's tough to identify with an abused/kept woman when you haven't been one. What people don't understand is that it takes an incredible amoun...more This was a compelling story. You must understand that human trafficking is real. Abused women exist. Abused women are not cowards, they are strong in their own right. Abusers are a product of their upbringing. If you cannot understand these things, this is not a story you should read.

When reading the reviews, I can understand why there are mixed feelings. It's tough to identify with an abused/kept woman when you haven't been one. What people don't understand is that it takes an incredible amount of strength to live through it. It isn't cowardice that keeps these women there. Don't mistake them for being a coward. Some bide their time to gather the added strength needed to get out. Others understand if not them, then who? There is a purpose in everyone and everything, and for every purpose there is someone with the knowhow to activate the force needed to act.

Spoilers ahead so turn back now if you don't want to know what's in store. They are only hints, but it's enough ;)

Jayden exhibits a lot of strength throughout the story and you can easily see how that strength makes Nicholas' adoration and goodness come to the surface when they are alone. Jayden uses her strength to understand how to deal with her situation-such as it is. She may give in to some demands, but she is always thinking, planning a move of escape. She is focused, strong, and knows how to manipulate her way through her day.

Katherine shows her strength in her small defiant acts. Reaching out to her son, speaking to Nicholas even though it is forbidden, disobeying an order in even the slightest of movements, and putting herself in the line of fire to save another. She is courageous and has an incredible amount of strength to do what she does for her husband...her warden.

I liked the way Schneider told the story, but I felt as though some content was missing. It could just be my own selfish need to keep reading, but I felt as though some things were left unfinished. I understand there is a need to leave some things to the imagination of the reader, but... I just felt as though there was a huge hole left in the story.

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Sep 01, 2011 Tevya (Reading Lark) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was intrigued by the blurb for The Darnkess of Perfection. It is the story of a young girl, Jayden, who was born into a life of slavery only to be kidnapped away by her mother when she was a child. She has blocked the memories of her childhood, and grown up in a loving, supportive family with her mom, step-dad, and step-brother. Unbeknownst to Jayden, Nicky, the boy whom she was given to as a child, has never stopped looking for her. When the grown-up Nicholas finally finds and reclaims his po...more I was intrigued by the blurb for The Darnkess of Perfection. It is the story of a young girl, Jayden, who was born into a life of slavery only to be kidnapped away by her mother when she was a child. She has blocked the memories of her childhood, and grown up in a loving, supportive family with her mom, step-dad, and step-brother. Unbeknownst to Jayden, Nicky, the boy whom she was given to as a child, has never stopped looking for her. When the grown-up Nicholas finally finds and reclaims his possession, Jayden is thrust back into the world of white female slavery where Nicholas is prepared to pick up her training as his wife where he was forced to leave off twelve long years ago. Jayden must either accept her fate, and training, and settle into the world she was born in, or fight for her freedom. Only fighting for her freedom will only make her situation even worse. The feelings she had for Nicky as a child, when he was her protector and savior, only complicate the matters worse.

I have always been curious about the darker sides of life, the sides that we don't want to believe can exist in modern days. The fact that this story deals with human trafficking sparked my interest, and I knew it would be disturbing just from the nature of the topic. What I was not prepared for was how real my reactions would be. I read the first chapter one night before bed and was so disturbed by what I was reading that I had to put it down. I stepped away for a day and came back to it the next evening. As I continued reading, I discovered that the author handles the topic very well. She is able to weave a believable (or unbelievable?) tale in such a way that you can't turn from it. The story is gripping and the characters are consuming. I was able to become Jayden and feel everything she felt, right down to the confusion over her emotions and feelings for Nicholas. In one blurb I read, it said "the enemy has never been so easy to love". I kept looking for that small break that would reveal the loving, nurturing child Nicky was in the cold, demanding man that was Nicholas.

The author switches back and forth between Jayden's point of view and Nicholas', also alternating between past and present. While this may be confusing to some readers, I found it to be highly enriching to the story. Hearing Nicholas' side straight from his own mind allows us an inside view of the world he grew up in and how being raised in the world of human trafficking effects his dealings with Jayden even as he struggles to deal with his growing feelings for her. Jayden's point of view and flashbacks are vital to the story, they add depth and emotion to a world where the main focus is that on breaking the human spirit.

This wasn't a hot and steamy romance, but it was a highly emotional read. When I picked it back up after that first chapter, I immediately got drawn in and could not put it down. I was in turns horrified and sad, confused and hopeful. My only complaint is that the ending left me reeling. Surely Ms. Schneider does not plan to leave things there?! We need a more detailed epilogue - a sequel - a slice of life set 5 years in the future - anything! Please don't leave us there!(less)

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Dec 30, 2012 MaryReads rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotic-romance-fiction-modern, horror

Another Twilight Fan Fiction that I read and was frankly shocked by - and not 50 Shades shocked! As with 50 Shades, I would recommend it for adults only and am glad to see the author recognized for their original work.

Love it or hate it, you will never forget it

This is different and very dark "romance" book with some horrific scenes , an anti "hero" and "heroine", and an unsatisfying ending. Thus I have categorized it as horror. Be fore warned not for the faint of heart.

The main theme and inten...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Monique rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm yet another reader who expected a completely different genre. Nothing in the blurb for this book led me to expect a contemporary story of slave trafficking. Once I got past my shock at the genre, I found the book to be an excellent, though brief, study of how this system is perpetuated by the people trapped in it. My biggest complaint was the handling of the romance portion of the story. We're told, more than shown, of the "hero's" change of heart. The ending also felt a bit dropped, as if t...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Chandra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Chandra by: cp7190@aol.com

Author Michael Schneider deserves a 100% STANDING OVATION. I would beg "her" to write a sequel. SEQUEL SEQUEL SEQUEL !!!!

This story had me on the edge the entire read.

He was a teen when the six (6) year old girl was brought to his home to live. Nicholas secretly protected Jayden when his father cruelly punished her. She had been sold to his father, a powerful and influential man who earned most of his riches from white slavery. He had promised Jayden to his son Nicholas when she grew up.

Knowin...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Sylvia Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm torn on the star rating for this one. 3.5 stars would have been my choice if I could do it, and I would have chosen 4 stars if the ending was different. I honestly thought that my e-book didn't download the whole file, and I was missing the ending. When I realized THAT was the ending, it was a big let down. I'm not a big fan of having to wait for another book to find out the rest of the story about a romance I just spent hours reading about. I think concluding the story about this relationsh...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Martha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Once I got started, I couldn't put this book down...no really I mean that. Nicolas was just as damaged as Jayden: he because of his family's lifestyle and she because of the life she would be forced to live. This book kept me riveted right up to the end at which point I completely lost it. Michael Schneider had me seeing the events as Jayden and Nicolas described them as well as the locations. This book was definitely worth the price and the time I devoted to reading it.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 03, 2012 DiAnn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this story - it was intense and the character development was excellent. My heart went out to Jayden, but at the same time was sad about the family life that Nicholas experienced. Had no idea how this story would end, but author Michael Schneider wrote such an emotional ending that I was in tears at her apt conclusion. So happy to hear that Michael will be writing a sequel because this story needs to continue. Definitely recommend!

2 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2012 ~Tina~ rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: published-fanfics

I read this a long time ago on fanfic when it was called "The Perfect Wife" this would have to be thee hardest and sickest books that I've ever read and I'm shocked and a little appalled that it was published. But I have to admit that once I started this fic I couldn't stop reading. It's like a train wreck or a natural disaster. I couldn't look away.
I can't say that I enjoyed this book, but years later, I still remember it.

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May 01, 2012 Zoe rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book I could put down in the start but WTF was going in in the end. It's like the writer relalised that pages were running out and quickly just pushed it all together. I hope another book is written about what happen to jayden and her life after the crash and between the epilogue. Was looking forward to read the book after the blur on the back but the quick ending ruined it for me.

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Aug 27, 2011 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: indie-challenge

I had this book glued to my hands for about 5 hours. Could not put it down! I questioned everything as I read it and then in the very next page it was explained to me in a way that only a twisted mind (or a visit to one) could clear up. Excellent story and I hope that there is another one to follow up because the end was left wide open. Lovely job!

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Jul 28, 2012 Carin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a much easier read than the fanfiction is was based on.

I wanted to read this book because I felt that no one was held accountable in the original fic. This gave me some satisfaction in that some jail time was served.

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Sep 28, 2012 Julz04 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars

Read this a while back. Might be kinda sorta slow for a book about a guy who kidnaps someone in order to shape them as their wife. I liked it though.

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Aug 15, 2012 Gwen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this book but was a little disappointed with ending. It ended abruptly. I guess we could suppose that Nicholas and Jayden would go on to live a life together.

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Aug 06, 2011 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was a quick and enjoyable read taking me a couple of hours to devour; however, I am hoping there is a sequel as the ending left me wanting more!

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May 02, 2012 Jess the Romanceaholic marked it as to-read

Shelves: once-i-read-a-twific-like-this

Holy cow I had no idea this had been published! I remember the fanfic -- it was intense. I might actually have to read this one...

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Feb 19, 2013 Divany rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What the hell. That's not a freaking ending. I loved the story but it could've been so much better... My expectations were too high.

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Nov 21, 2011 Mell rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, don-t-waste-your-time

The "hero" of this novel is truly awful and unforgivable.

5 likes · like · see review

Jun 16, 2012 Maimu rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Stepford wives on bad crack.

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 22, 2012 Sandra rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cheap-ploys-to-make-a-buck, rewritten-fanfiction, wtf-is-this, shouldn-t-be-published, severe-side-eyes, read-the-fanfic-for-free, not-cool, not-if-i-were-dying, no-just-no, made-me-ragey, gonna-be-sick

It is appalling to think that the horrific fanfiction called The Perfect Wife was made into a published novel. The notion that a young woman could possibly fall in love with the man that abused her, beat her and basically bought her to train her into his version of a perfect wife is ludicrous.

No, I didn't read this book. I don't need to nor do I want to. Save yourself the comments on this review that point this out.

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Jan 18, 2012 rameau marked it as not-for-me · review of another edition

Shelves: p2p, publishers-i-don-t-trust, see-comments

See comments.

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Jun 18, 2013 Brittany Mckinney rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jun 18, 2013 Bernice Kelley added it · review of another edition

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