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Condemned #2
Rampant
Life is twisted and cruel.
After being ripped from the safe haven of Rafe’s arms, my kidnapper is waging a sick game. Unable to make my body do his bidding, he’s using mental warfare instead.
I’ll go through hell to get back to Rafe, but I’m unprepared for what I find.
He’s done what I can’t: he’s erased eight years of pain and betrayal. I don’t know how to bring him back to me, because bringing him back means ripping him to shreds all over again.
NOTE TO READERS: Rampant is a dark romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Intended for mature readers. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned. Part 2 in the Condemned series.
After being ripped from the safe haven of Rafe’s arms, my kidnapper is waging a sick game. Unable to make my body do his bidding, he’s using mental warfare instead.
I’ll go through hell to get back to Rafe, but I’m unprepared for what I find.
He’s done what I can’t: he’s erased eight years of pain and betrayal. I don’t know how to bring him back to me, because bringing him back means ripping him to shreds all over again.
NOTE TO READERS: Rampant is a dark romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Intended for mature readers. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned. Part 2 in the Condemned series.
226 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2014
513 people are currently reading
4110 people want to read
About the author
Gemma James
56 books2,557 followersGemma James is a USA Today bestselling author of sexy contemporary and dark romance. She loves to explore the darker side of human nature in her fiction, and she’s morbidly curious about anything dark and edgy, from deviant seduction to fascinating villains. Readers have described her stories as being “not for the faint of heart.”
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
December 31, 2014
I find myself so in twined with this series...so many thoughts I find swirling in my head that I can't wait to start the next book in this series.
The author's writing is fantastic...full of emotion and her descriptions take me to the moments of time with our heroine. I can feel her pain and her cries for help...her guilt, her desperation.
Fabulous is the one one word that keeps playing in my mind!
The author's writing is fantastic...full of emotion and her descriptions take me to the moments of time with our heroine. I can feel her pain and her cries for help...her guilt, her desperation.
Fabulous is the one one word that keeps playing in my mind!
February 6, 2016
Holy hell! Ms. James has managed to take this series up another notch in her continuation of this dark, twisted and taboo tale! Where the first book lured me in, 'Rampant' has completely hooked me!
Picking up where 'Torrent' left off, Alex finds herself firmly in the grasp of her obsessed step-brother and subjected to his fury. As Travis unleashes the full force of his wrath, Alex experiences an onslaught of sexual acts of increasing depravity and desperation as Travis unravels completely. Believing that she has caused Rafe's death, and without any hope of ever escaping her step-brother's unnatural fixation, she takes drastic measures to free herself from the abusive cycle that defines her existence.
Unaware of the events of the past eight years, Rafe tries to cope with his new reality. He struggles to piece together his past, unable to reconcile the unconscionable acts he's told he's committed with the life he remembers. As memories come back to him in brief flashbacks, he slowly begins to accept that he kidnapped Alex and cannot forgive himself.
When Alex discovers that Rafe is alive, she runs to the safety of his arms, only to find that he doesn't remember their recent history or the secrets revealed. She's determined to escape her family and make him remember the bond they shared. He's determined to keep her at arms length.
Trouble finds them once more, but the source of the danger is yet to be revealed. Ending with another huge cliffhanger, this book will keep you impatiently waiting for the next book in this series.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The 'Condemned' series is my new addiction. I need the third book, like yesterday! This series is a must-read for anyone drawn to dark, twisted and suspenseful romances!
Picking up where 'Torrent' left off, Alex finds herself firmly in the grasp of her obsessed step-brother and subjected to his fury. As Travis unleashes the full force of his wrath, Alex experiences an onslaught of sexual acts of increasing depravity and desperation as Travis unravels completely. Believing that she has caused Rafe's death, and without any hope of ever escaping her step-brother's unnatural fixation, she takes drastic measures to free herself from the abusive cycle that defines her existence.
Unaware of the events of the past eight years, Rafe tries to cope with his new reality. He struggles to piece together his past, unable to reconcile the unconscionable acts he's told he's committed with the life he remembers. As memories come back to him in brief flashbacks, he slowly begins to accept that he kidnapped Alex and cannot forgive himself.
When Alex discovers that Rafe is alive, she runs to the safety of his arms, only to find that he doesn't remember their recent history or the secrets revealed. She's determined to escape her family and make him remember the bond they shared. He's determined to keep her at arms length.
Trouble finds them once more, but the source of the danger is yet to be revealed. Ending with another huge cliffhanger, this book will keep you impatiently waiting for the next book in this series.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The 'Condemned' series is my new addiction. I need the third book, like yesterday! This series is a must-read for anyone drawn to dark, twisted and suspenseful romances!
October 28, 2014
Gemma James does it again with this captive story, where every scene is filled with gut-punchy plotting, broken and desperate characters, and twisty interaction.
It feels almost subversive to enjoy steamy, unwilling sex where the antagonist is the step-brother. He isn’t related to her by blood, so his brutal behavior doesn’t feel incestuous. Is it creepy? Be prepared to shudder. However, there are moments when you might feel just as depraved as the villain.
The depth of Alex’s suffering is visceral. You’ll experience as if it’s your own hell. But despite the graphic and uncomfortable nature of it, the story is anchored in hope. The sexy, ex-convict hero, Rafe, doesn’t remember the last eight years, but he remembers the childhood Alex who had a crush on him, and he senses something’s wrong. Where is she? What happened to her? It’s a puzzle you’ll be clinging to, hoping he’ll solve it. At the same time, you’ll worry about what will happen to him if he remembers everything he’s forgotten.
Haunting and pervasively atmospheric, Rampant is darkness imbued with an affecting power. I thought I knew how it would unfold and guessed wrong at every turn, flipping pages frantically till the bitter, scary, nail-biting end. As always, GJ writes in a thought-provoking, infectious style, never playing her hand too early, and isn’t afraid to cut off your air with a cliffhanger. But what a perilous cliff! Dammit, where’s the next book?
It feels almost subversive to enjoy steamy, unwilling sex where the antagonist is the step-brother. He isn’t related to her by blood, so his brutal behavior doesn’t feel incestuous. Is it creepy? Be prepared to shudder. However, there are moments when you might feel just as depraved as the villain.
The depth of Alex’s suffering is visceral. You’ll experience as if it’s your own hell. But despite the graphic and uncomfortable nature of it, the story is anchored in hope. The sexy, ex-convict hero, Rafe, doesn’t remember the last eight years, but he remembers the childhood Alex who had a crush on him, and he senses something’s wrong. Where is she? What happened to her? It’s a puzzle you’ll be clinging to, hoping he’ll solve it. At the same time, you’ll worry about what will happen to him if he remembers everything he’s forgotten.
Haunting and pervasively atmospheric, Rampant is darkness imbued with an affecting power. I thought I knew how it would unfold and guessed wrong at every turn, flipping pages frantically till the bitter, scary, nail-biting end. As always, GJ writes in a thought-provoking, infectious style, never playing her hand too early, and isn’t afraid to cut off your air with a cliffhanger. But what a perilous cliff! Dammit, where’s the next book?
October 23, 2014
★ Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ★ THANK YOU!!
MY RATING ☆☆☆☆1/2 STARS Rampant by Gemma James
Gah that ending killed me!! I shamelessly stalked the author for an arc of this, now I'm off to stalk her again to hit her over the head!!
Rafe had done horrible things to me, but he was the crazy I knew, the crazy I loved, the crazy I trusted with my heart and my life.
I'd been kidnapped..Twice..I'd survived the first time, my chances of getting through this were nada.
So there I was in my happy place reading this and getting over the hurdle of her getting kidnapped yet again, yep you read that right, by the wonky in the head stepbrother, that's where things turn all twisty and nasty, then I'm headed back to my happy place again as the story carries me along only to hit that mother of an ending!! I'm guessing add it to the books as being a third time..Gah!! This series kills me!! Ohhhh sorry but I'm guessing the above has left you confused, join the freaking club lol
Rafe had freed me from a life I'd wanted to escape, then Zach had imprisoned me with the shackles of his obsession
Once I'd started this and re caught up to the story for the life of me I couldn't put it down, it's twisty and gut wrenching throw your device at the wall kind of reading, like a car crash you just can't stop yourself from looking, this book was like that, I just had to keep reading to see how it would all end..Be prepared though for a crazy ride, this does not hold back the punches..Can not wait for the next installment..
Just breathe Five in..Hold..Five out..Repeat..
The author was not harmed in any way during the writing up of this review!!
MY RATING ☆☆☆☆1/2 STARS Rampant by Gemma James
Gah that ending killed me!! I shamelessly stalked the author for an arc of this, now I'm off to stalk her again to hit her over the head!!
Rafe had done horrible things to me, but he was the crazy I knew, the crazy I loved, the crazy I trusted with my heart and my life.
I'd been kidnapped..Twice..I'd survived the first time, my chances of getting through this were nada.
So there I was in my happy place reading this and getting over the hurdle of her getting kidnapped yet again, yep you read that right, by the wonky in the head stepbrother, that's where things turn all twisty and nasty, then I'm headed back to my happy place again as the story carries me along only to hit that mother of an ending!! I'm guessing add it to the books as being a third time..Gah!! This series kills me!! Ohhhh sorry but I'm guessing the above has left you confused, join the freaking club lol
Rafe had freed me from a life I'd wanted to escape, then Zach had imprisoned me with the shackles of his obsession
Once I'd started this and re caught up to the story for the life of me I couldn't put it down, it's twisty and gut wrenching throw your device at the wall kind of reading, like a car crash you just can't stop yourself from looking, this book was like that, I just had to keep reading to see how it would all end..Be prepared though for a crazy ride, this does not hold back the punches..Can not wait for the next installment..
Just breathe Five in..Hold..Five out..Repeat..
The author was not harmed in any way during the writing up of this review!!
July 25, 2025
Purchased from Amazon February 8, 2016
Finished Reading May 1, 2016
Rampant by Gemma James
Genres: Adult, Crime, Dark Erotica, Romance, Suspense
4.75 Stars
A very dark thriller suspense romance.
It is ingeniously written. Gripping and riveting. It will consume you.
Alexandra has been kidnapped
This is not a book for the delicate psyche.
There is sexual and mental abuse. There is a lot of violence. At times it can be very hard to read, because the situation Alex finds herself in seems so hopeless.
Gemma James has written this so well, that you feel like it is you in this never ending nightmare.
You can not look away. You can not stop reading.
You physically feel Alexandra's hope for escape ripped away and her sanity along with it. Her desperation is in every word you read.
An Extremely Emotional Roller Coaster Ride!
This is
Also #2
Condemned Series: Books 1-4
Review Shared to;
Amazon, Facebook
Finished Reading May 1, 2016
Rampant by Gemma James
Genres: Adult, Crime, Dark Erotica, Romance, Suspense
4.75 Stars
A very dark thriller suspense romance.
It is ingeniously written. Gripping and riveting. It will consume you.
Alexandra has been kidnapped
This is not a book for the delicate psyche.
There is sexual and mental abuse. There is a lot of violence. At times it can be very hard to read, because the situation Alex finds herself in seems so hopeless.
Gemma James has written this so well, that you feel like it is you in this never ending nightmare.
You can not look away. You can not stop reading.
You physically feel Alexandra's hope for escape ripped away and her sanity along with it. Her desperation is in every word you read.
An Extremely Emotional Roller Coaster Ride!
This is
Also #2
Condemned Series: Books 1-4
Review Shared to;
Amazon, Facebook
January 31, 2015
☆ I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you hun!! ☆
Rampant is just one of those unorthodox romances that you don’t hear of often. Here, you have a girl who gets kidnapped, twice, and a man set on revenge.
-What you don’t expect is there to be game-changing twist and for the the person who sent Rafe unjustly to jail, Alex, to be a victim in a vindictive act as well (and not just in the obvious predicament she's currently in).-
As the second installment of this trilogy, it definitely raises the stakes as Rafe and Alex find themselves setting into an uncanny romance laced with secrets, lies, and rampant revelations which will keep you on the edge of your kindles!!
#Loved this!
Rampant is just one of those unorthodox romances that you don’t hear of often. Here, you have a girl who gets kidnapped, twice, and a man set on revenge.
-What you don’t expect is there to be game-changing twist and for the the person who sent Rafe unjustly to jail, Alex, to be a victim in a vindictive act as well (and not just in the obvious predicament she's currently in).-
As the second installment of this trilogy, it definitely raises the stakes as Rafe and Alex find themselves setting into an uncanny romance laced with secrets, lies, and rampant revelations which will keep you on the edge of your kindles!!
#Loved this!
February 6, 2022
Holy moly! Rafe has been through so much and has now lost his memory. Alex is struggling with her new prison with Zach and she is enduring his temper and violence.
This couple are struggling with the past and the present but their future looks bleak and unknown.
I’m curious with how Jax fits into all this craziness.
This couple are struggling with the past and the present but their future looks bleak and unknown.
I’m curious with how Jax fits into all this craziness.
June 3, 2017
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
4 Holy Hell, What Just Happened Stars!
Insanity At It’s Finest! This Read Was A Roller Coaster Ride of Dark and Intense!
The Review:
Just Breath! That’s what I was chanting the whole way through this book. If I thought the first book, Torrent, was intense, I can honestly say I had no idea what intense was because I went into total mind fuckery mode with this one! Holy hell!
I loved every dark, intense and suffering moment. It was a hard read, no doubt, but it was also thrilling and I loved how yet again, this author isn’t scared to put her characters through the ringer.
Story/Characters...
Alex is once again in the hands of the real enemy, only this time it’s more than she can bare.
This story literally picks up where the first book left off after that huge cliffy from book one! With shocking and disturbing scenes to completely immerse you in the horrific world Alex has to endure at the hands of her step-brother Zach, who tries to make her love him in a way he believed she once did, you will see the insanity that lives within. He completely loses it and Alex is the one to suffer.
She’s been betrayed in the worst way possible. With Zach so lost in his debauchery, he can’t see the pain he’s caused her and when he finally snaps out of his own delusional world, it’s almost too late.
I really think there’s a part of Zach that loves Alex but it’s warped to the point of unrecognizable. He’s gotten away with hurting her for so long he truly believes she’s “the one” and his feelings were returned. But her feelings have always been for one man and unfortunately, he’s forgotten her.
Rafe has lost his memory and along with it, the knowledge Alex is in deep trouble. He’s trying to recreate memories from the last eight years which have escaped him, leaving him wondering about the recurring horrific flashes from a prison sentence he doesn’t remember and the beautiful girl that is haunting his dreams. He’s trying to cope but he knows something is missing. He just doesn’t know what it is. And unfortunately for Alex, its the memory that she needs him now more than ever.
A lot is revealed in this read. Disturbing realizations and facts about a family with dark secrets and one girls bid at surviving it all.
The Wrap Up:
This author takes us on a whirlwind of a story and it’s all wrapped around some very devious and carnal scenes that feed the readers crave for dark and twisted. Readers who love these types of books are going to be thrilled with this one!
Rampant leaves off with a pretty big cliffy and I can’t wait for the third book. I have no idea how it’s going to play out, especially given Rafe is still missing pivotal parts of his memory. It’s going to be torturous waiting but I have no doubt I’ll be ready as I know this story and characters will haunt me for a long time to come!
NOTE: Thanks for the recommendation Lorena! I bow before your brilliant suggestions ;)
4 Holy Hell, What Just Happened Stars!
Insanity At It’s Finest! This Read Was A Roller Coaster Ride of Dark and Intense!
The Review:
Just Breath! That’s what I was chanting the whole way through this book. If I thought the first book, Torrent, was intense, I can honestly say I had no idea what intense was because I went into total mind fuckery mode with this one! Holy hell!
I loved every dark, intense and suffering moment. It was a hard read, no doubt, but it was also thrilling and I loved how yet again, this author isn’t scared to put her characters through the ringer.
Story/Characters...
Alex is once again in the hands of the real enemy, only this time it’s more than she can bare.
This story literally picks up where the first book left off after that huge cliffy from book one! With shocking and disturbing scenes to completely immerse you in the horrific world Alex has to endure at the hands of her step-brother Zach, who tries to make her love him in a way he believed she once did, you will see the insanity that lives within. He completely loses it and Alex is the one to suffer.
She’s been betrayed in the worst way possible. With Zach so lost in his debauchery, he can’t see the pain he’s caused her and when he finally snaps out of his own delusional world, it’s almost too late.
I really think there’s a part of Zach that loves Alex but it’s warped to the point of unrecognizable. He’s gotten away with hurting her for so long he truly believes she’s “the one” and his feelings were returned. But her feelings have always been for one man and unfortunately, he’s forgotten her.
Rafe has lost his memory and along with it, the knowledge Alex is in deep trouble. He’s trying to recreate memories from the last eight years which have escaped him, leaving him wondering about the recurring horrific flashes from a prison sentence he doesn’t remember and the beautiful girl that is haunting his dreams. He’s trying to cope but he knows something is missing. He just doesn’t know what it is. And unfortunately for Alex, its the memory that she needs him now more than ever.
A lot is revealed in this read. Disturbing realizations and facts about a family with dark secrets and one girls bid at surviving it all.
The Wrap Up:
This author takes us on a whirlwind of a story and it’s all wrapped around some very devious and carnal scenes that feed the readers crave for dark and twisted. Readers who love these types of books are going to be thrilled with this one!
Rampant leaves off with a pretty big cliffy and I can’t wait for the third book. I have no idea how it’s going to play out, especially given Rafe is still missing pivotal parts of his memory. It’s going to be torturous waiting but I have no doubt I’ll be ready as I know this story and characters will haunt me for a long time to come!
NOTE: Thanks for the recommendation Lorena! I bow before your brilliant suggestions ;)
July 5, 2016
***** 5 "Stuck in a Minefield of Love*****
This is book #2 in the Condemned Series and these books should be read in order.
A series like this is hard to review so YOU MUST READ THIS!!!
Rafe and Alex.....ABSOLUTE FIRE TOGETHER!!
Mix the on fire dominating sex with the amazingly heart breaking story of Alex and the one lie that changed everything for so many!
This is book #2 in the Condemned Series and these books should be read in order.
A series like this is hard to review so YOU MUST READ THIS!!!
Rafe and Alex.....ABSOLUTE FIRE TOGETHER!!
Mix the on fire dominating sex with the amazingly heart breaking story of Alex and the one lie that changed everything for so many!
October 20, 2014
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rampant, by Gemma James is #2 in The Condemned series. It picks up where Torrent leaves off. If you are a lover of dark romance, and have not read Torrent, start there. Don’t miss these two books, they are fantastic!
Rampant is another level of dark, dirty and twisted. Ms. James knows how to write scary, heart pounding descriptions – with exquisite detail. She really took Rampant to the next level in terms of suspense, as well. I want to keep this a spoiler free review. I think the book blurbs tell you enough about the plot. Gemma James draws you in to each character, even the ones you hate, you’ll hate with a passion! Also, it is disturbing, but only in the way that you would expect dark erotic romance to be. Both Torrent and Rampant are page turners. Be prepared to read until finished! Number Three in The Condemned series is Fervent. Honestly, I hope there will be a number four, but if not, you’ll find me reading whatever else Gemma James has written!
Rampant, by Gemma James is #2 in The Condemned series. It picks up where Torrent leaves off. If you are a lover of dark romance, and have not read Torrent, start there. Don’t miss these two books, they are fantastic!
Rampant is another level of dark, dirty and twisted. Ms. James knows how to write scary, heart pounding descriptions – with exquisite detail. She really took Rampant to the next level in terms of suspense, as well. I want to keep this a spoiler free review. I think the book blurbs tell you enough about the plot. Gemma James draws you in to each character, even the ones you hate, you’ll hate with a passion! Also, it is disturbing, but only in the way that you would expect dark erotic romance to be. Both Torrent and Rampant are page turners. Be prepared to read until finished! Number Three in The Condemned series is Fervent. Honestly, I hope there will be a number four, but if not, you’ll find me reading whatever else Gemma James has written!
July 14, 2017
The second part of the series was very suspenseful, with more intensity and full of twists. Once again I've been left with my mouth hanging open from the unexpected ending.
Alex's and Rafe's relationship 'takes a leap from a high mountain without a protection', meaning that everything is falling apart with a confusing future for them, the author really done it and this part was full of suspense and all kinds of emotions.
" I crossed my arms over my chest and clawed at my biceps, dug my nails in deep until all that penetrated was pain"
Page after page my heart couldn't calm down 'till I reached the last page and then once again I was on edge... cause this was a very blow-minding cliffhanger...
" Nighttime always hit hard, when the dark wee hours of morning choked me with loneliness. "
If you haven't start the series then you should really do it cause it's one of the kind roller-coaster of emotions. I can't wait to read the next part of the series!!
Alex's and Rafe's relationship 'takes a leap from a high mountain without a protection', meaning that everything is falling apart with a confusing future for them, the author really done it and this part was full of suspense and all kinds of emotions.
" I crossed my arms over my chest and clawed at my biceps, dug my nails in deep until all that penetrated was pain"
Page after page my heart couldn't calm down 'till I reached the last page and then once again I was on edge... cause this was a very blow-minding cliffhanger...
" Nighttime always hit hard, when the dark wee hours of morning choked me with loneliness. "
If you haven't start the series then you should really do it cause it's one of the kind roller-coaster of emotions. I can't wait to read the next part of the series!!
October 8, 2016
Oh wow this story totally pulled me apart. Although I enjoyed ( not sure enjoy is the correct word for this kinda story) this BOOK I wasn't as shocked as I was with BOOK one. Don't get me wrong. This book had all the omg, holy moly responses as book one. I think by book two I had realised this authors mind was corrupted and she had set out to corrupt my mind too.
What an ending. I'd be screaming at my kindle except I've already got the NEXT book sitting waiting for me.
If YOUR looking for a dark read get reading this series while I jump into book three.
What an ending. I'd be screaming at my kindle except I've already got the NEXT book sitting waiting for me.
If YOUR looking for a dark read get reading this series while I jump into book three.
July 16, 2016
Wow the story is captivating but so twisted. I really can't believe I'm loving this series so much. The characters are broken, desperate and twisted. I even feel Alex's suffering, experiencing her own personal hell. Oh my gosh this series is thought-provoking and infectious. Loved every minute of this book.
April 28, 2015
WOW O WOW!!!
Poor Rafe just can't catch a break all I'm saying is he better make them ALL pay!!
For himself and Alex..
Another series I'm happy I stuck with it started off rocky for me but this installment
made up for it..
Poor Rafe just can't catch a break all I'm saying is he better make them ALL pay!!
For himself and Alex..
Another series I'm happy I stuck with it started off rocky for me but this installment
made up for it..
October 30, 2014
3.75-4 'rampant' stars!!
☆I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!☆
#Oh my god!! How could it end with a cliffy like that?! Noo!!!! *cries in anguish*
Gemma James did a great job in mindf*#king with me! Yes, she did! I swear, I was stomach was in my mouth, and my mind was literally consumed with the ever impending “what if?” factor?
[Teaser credit to: Give Me Books-Keisha]
I mean, those of you who’ve read book one, Torrent, can grasp the nail biting and deep seeded issues these characters have.
[Teaser credit to: Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads]
Rampant just upped and topped the icing on the stake’s cake for everything!! Gah, I can’t wait to see what Gemma comes up with next!!
[Teaser credit to: Give Me Books-Keisha]
☆I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!☆
#Oh my god!! How could it end with a cliffy like that?! Noo!!!! *cries in anguish*
Gemma James did a great job in mindf*#king with me! Yes, she did! I swear, I was stomach was in my mouth, and my mind was literally consumed with the ever impending “what if?” factor?
[Teaser credit to: Give Me Books-Keisha]
I mean, those of you who’ve read book one, Torrent, can grasp the nail biting and deep seeded issues these characters have.
[Teaser credit to: Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads]
Rampant just upped and topped the icing on the stake’s cake for everything!! Gah, I can’t wait to see what Gemma comes up with next!!
[Teaser credit to: Give Me Books-Keisha]
September 20, 2018
Negative stars!!!! This is a DNF!!! I tried, I really tried to get through this book to get some kind of redemption! But there was none! I can not and will not read a book that just continually makes me sick to my stomach! I mean I literally wanted to vomit over the injustice done to Alex! because Rafe ****spoiler***** lost his memory, Alex is left at her step brothers perverted, sadistic, appalling abuse!! Nothing in this book equals romance or love!! Horror is what genre this book should be in because it is horrific! This whole book is one giant trigger! I really wanted Alex and Rafe to get a Hea but I just can't continue reading something that literally freaks me out and makes me sick to read!
Do not read these books thinking it's a romance, second chance for anything light and wonderful! It is the opposite, picture your worst nightmare as a female come to life in this book! Pure fucking hell is what this book feels like reading. Hard pass unless your into dark(darkest topics) torture, rape, humiliation, physical and verbal abuse. No goodness and light here folks just the underbelly of humanity! Shudder literally reading what little I did of book 2. It's not worth finding out about these characters to continue on! I need a shower with bleach to feel clean after these books!
Do not read these books thinking it's a romance, second chance for anything light and wonderful! It is the opposite, picture your worst nightmare as a female come to life in this book! Pure fucking hell is what this book feels like reading. Hard pass unless your into dark(darkest topics) torture, rape, humiliation, physical and verbal abuse. No goodness and light here folks just the underbelly of humanity! Shudder literally reading what little I did of book 2. It's not worth finding out about these characters to continue on! I need a shower with bleach to feel clean after these books!
December 11, 2022
This series is a dark roller coaster ride of epic proportions and I don’t think I’ve seen even half of it yet. This installment was … bad … brutal … bonkers but I think it’s only going to get worse in the next one. Am I ready? I’m not sure. But I’ll find out soon.
Please heed the trigger warning before diving in as this one definitely is on the blacker side of dark romance - and not even necessarily because of the MMC.
Please heed the trigger warning before diving in as this one definitely is on the blacker side of dark romance - and not even necessarily because of the MMC.
February 16, 2022
3.5 Stars
This second book of the Condemned Series does not disappoint. I keep rooting for Alex to catch a lucky break. The poor girl has been through so much. Now, I am into reading Fervent. I need to know what comes next.
This second book of the Condemned Series does not disappoint. I keep rooting for Alex to catch a lucky break. The poor girl has been through so much. Now, I am into reading Fervent. I need to know what comes next.
April 24, 2019
The first book in this series was riveting. Rampant however... is less so.
I think that the issues I had with this book were mainly due to the author's decision to give the male lead amnesia, basically erasing all the emotional progression he made with the heroine in the first novel.
The tension wasn't as high because you know that the romance pretty much ended in the first book. They don't have any more complex issues to work through. The only think stopping them from being together is... you guessed it. His freaking amnesia.
There are some books that can do amnesia plot lines well ( Marie Rutkoski's The Winner's Kiss comes to mind. I love that book to bits) but more often than not it doesn't work.
There are also characters that are so interesting you want to follow them across a long series. These two main characters sadly, are not. I don't even remember their names and I JUST finished this book yesterday.
Will I finish the series though?
Probably, cause I have an issue with stopping in the middle of series, even if I don't adore them. These are rather kinky books though and they're short, so I won't hate my life while I'm finishing them.
I think that the issues I had with this book were mainly due to the author's decision to give the male lead amnesia, basically erasing all the emotional progression he made with the heroine in the first novel.
The tension wasn't as high because you know that the romance pretty much ended in the first book. They don't have any more complex issues to work through. The only think stopping them from being together is... you guessed it. His freaking amnesia.
There are some books that can do amnesia plot lines well ( Marie Rutkoski's The Winner's Kiss comes to mind. I love that book to bits) but more often than not it doesn't work.
There are also characters that are so interesting you want to follow them across a long series. These two main characters sadly, are not. I don't even remember their names and I JUST finished this book yesterday.
Will I finish the series though?
Probably, cause I have an issue with stopping in the middle of series, even if I don't adore them. These are rather kinky books though and they're short, so I won't hate my life while I'm finishing them.
April 7, 2015
3.5 STARS
Dark and gritty with lots of twists and turns. This picks up where book 1 left off.
This is told from both POV. Beware...there is a MAJOR cliffhanger.
I will be reading the next book.
Dark and gritty with lots of twists and turns. This picks up where book 1 left off.
This is told from both POV. Beware...there is a MAJOR cliffhanger.
I will be reading the next book.
October 26, 2014
A compelling, brilliant, and twisted nightmare of psychological and physical trauma to the reader's senses.
I am speechless. Utterly and completely speechless. To describe this book as dark, twisted, wicked, and mind bending can not begin scrape the surface of what this book is and where it will take you. The psychological and physical trauma to the characters was beyond my own comprehension. I'm amazed at the author's ability to tell such a story without seeking therapy because I feel as though I need crisis intervention, myself, after reading what is truly one of the darkest and most raw novels I've ever read. I can't imagine what lurks in the recesses of the author's mind to tell such a compelling story that placed an inexplicable hold on me. It was like an accident; no matter how horrific the details surrounding a character's conduct, I couldn't take my eyes from the pages that spewed from me such hatred for a character. Rampant has left me shuddering and with fear of nightmares that there really are Zachs in the world I live.
Picking up where Torrent left off, Alex has been abducted by Zach and taken to an isolated cabin where her nightmare is just beginning. Zach's deranged and perverted mind has reached a new level of degeneration with his treatment of Alex. His jealousy is out of control, and the alcohol and drugs have taken over his senses. He's a desperate man who will stop at nothing to claim Alex as his own, and his jealous rage has driven his insanity into a darkness that is pure evil. The acts Zach committed upon Alex literally turned my stomach and made me ill. Never has an author been able to literally affect me physically with the written word.
"He will never love you like I do. Never." ~ Zach
"You're right. He won't. But I'll never love you like I do him." ~ Alex
Alex's fight for survival has never been more vital than when she is at the mercy of Zach. Rafe's treatment of Alex in Torrent pales in comparison to Zach's misguided love through abuse and cruelty. With no means of escape and with Rafe's survival unbeknownst to Alex, she is despondent and hopeless with only one recourse to free her from Zach's savagery. When my stomach wasn't heaving, my heart was pounding in my throat. My imagination was in overdrive as I tried to find some sort of ease for the tension I was feeling at Alex's resolve.
There is no preparation for the brutality to be witnessed in this book. I began to think....and shudder...about what I would do if I were ever in Alex's predicament, which seems like such a silly and mild word for what awaited her at the hand of Zach. How would I handle repeated rape? Would I crumble? Would I summon every bit of strength I had for survival or would I reach for any means I could find to free myself from the evil that took me over and over again?
Rafe is back in this installment and very different from the man I met in Torrent. With his memory loss of the last eight years, he is left trying to piece together the flashes of memory that come in spurts and revolve around Alex. Jax is there to fill in some of the missing blanks from Rafe's life, but Jax's animosity toward Alex is evident and suspicious. My instincts are telling me there is a huge twist coming surrounding Jax and he is not as he seems. Rafe's tenderness and patience coupled with guilt and incomprehension for his own previous behavior toward Alex has given the reader a new insight into the old Rafe who Alex knew and loved at the age of fifteen. His dark side is lurking just beneath the surface, and Alex is determined to help him remember his dark proclivities because that is where their romance lies.
"How can you feel safe around me?" ~ Rafe
"Because I'm as twisted as you are." ~ Alex
"I think that's the first sensible thing you've said." ~ Rafe
This book drained me physically and emotionally while twisting my mind and view of just what people can be capable. The writing is brilliant, even though the content is horrific and savage. Take caution before reading. You are entering the darkest zone you can possibly enter, and I dare say that this book is not for everyone. The first 50% of the book will have you screaming for a reprieve...any reprieve to take you away from the depravity of an evil madman who defiles in the name of love, and the cliffhanger ending will have you begging for more of the depravation that held you captive from beginning to end. These books must be read in order. I recommend this book to those who can handle harsh brutality you could never imagine in your deepest and darkest nightmare. My rating of 5 stars is not to be construed as approval or condoning of the characters' behaviors; my rating is based upon the author's writing and her ability to create such a strong and intense reaction physically and emotionally in me.
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I am speechless. Utterly and completely speechless. To describe this book as dark, twisted, wicked, and mind bending can not begin scrape the surface of what this book is and where it will take you. The psychological and physical trauma to the characters was beyond my own comprehension. I'm amazed at the author's ability to tell such a story without seeking therapy because I feel as though I need crisis intervention, myself, after reading what is truly one of the darkest and most raw novels I've ever read. I can't imagine what lurks in the recesses of the author's mind to tell such a compelling story that placed an inexplicable hold on me. It was like an accident; no matter how horrific the details surrounding a character's conduct, I couldn't take my eyes from the pages that spewed from me such hatred for a character. Rampant has left me shuddering and with fear of nightmares that there really are Zachs in the world I live.
Picking up where Torrent left off, Alex has been abducted by Zach and taken to an isolated cabin where her nightmare is just beginning. Zach's deranged and perverted mind has reached a new level of degeneration with his treatment of Alex. His jealousy is out of control, and the alcohol and drugs have taken over his senses. He's a desperate man who will stop at nothing to claim Alex as his own, and his jealous rage has driven his insanity into a darkness that is pure evil. The acts Zach committed upon Alex literally turned my stomach and made me ill. Never has an author been able to literally affect me physically with the written word.
"He will never love you like I do. Never." ~ Zach
"You're right. He won't. But I'll never love you like I do him." ~ Alex
Alex's fight for survival has never been more vital than when she is at the mercy of Zach. Rafe's treatment of Alex in Torrent pales in comparison to Zach's misguided love through abuse and cruelty. With no means of escape and with Rafe's survival unbeknownst to Alex, she is despondent and hopeless with only one recourse to free her from Zach's savagery. When my stomach wasn't heaving, my heart was pounding in my throat. My imagination was in overdrive as I tried to find some sort of ease for the tension I was feeling at Alex's resolve.
There is no preparation for the brutality to be witnessed in this book. I began to think....and shudder...about what I would do if I were ever in Alex's predicament, which seems like such a silly and mild word for what awaited her at the hand of Zach. How would I handle repeated rape? Would I crumble? Would I summon every bit of strength I had for survival or would I reach for any means I could find to free myself from the evil that took me over and over again?
Rafe is back in this installment and very different from the man I met in Torrent. With his memory loss of the last eight years, he is left trying to piece together the flashes of memory that come in spurts and revolve around Alex. Jax is there to fill in some of the missing blanks from Rafe's life, but Jax's animosity toward Alex is evident and suspicious. My instincts are telling me there is a huge twist coming surrounding Jax and he is not as he seems. Rafe's tenderness and patience coupled with guilt and incomprehension for his own previous behavior toward Alex has given the reader a new insight into the old Rafe who Alex knew and loved at the age of fifteen. His dark side is lurking just beneath the surface, and Alex is determined to help him remember his dark proclivities because that is where their romance lies.
"How can you feel safe around me?" ~ Rafe
"Because I'm as twisted as you are." ~ Alex
"I think that's the first sensible thing you've said." ~ Rafe
This book drained me physically and emotionally while twisting my mind and view of just what people can be capable. The writing is brilliant, even though the content is horrific and savage. Take caution before reading. You are entering the darkest zone you can possibly enter, and I dare say that this book is not for everyone. The first 50% of the book will have you screaming for a reprieve...any reprieve to take you away from the depravity of an evil madman who defiles in the name of love, and the cliffhanger ending will have you begging for more of the depravation that held you captive from beginning to end. These books must be read in order. I recommend this book to those who can handle harsh brutality you could never imagine in your deepest and darkest nightmare. My rating of 5 stars is not to be construed as approval or condoning of the characters' behaviors; my rating is based upon the author's writing and her ability to create such a strong and intense reaction physically and emotionally in me.
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 13, 2020
This was still surprising and good. Very hard to read, but made good use of a tricky trope.
I will pick up some more parts soon, I just need a bit of a brain break.
No HEA yet.
I will pick up some more parts soon, I just need a bit of a brain break.
No HEA yet.
October 30, 2014
**An eARC was provided by author is exchange of an honest review**
I've been dying to read this book since the moment I finished the first one, Torrent, which chose a very bad moment to end in and left us hanging. I was going crazy thinking of all the things that could happen in the second book and what possibly could go wrong and at the same time I was totally dreading reading it because I knew I should expect heartbreak.
As to not spoil this book, I will not go into what happens. You'll have to read for yourself and feel what I felt, because believe me, there is nothing that could prepare anybody to what happens. I mean, if you've read the first book, which I hope you did, then you know what happened and how things become messy. Well, in Rampant, everything becomes an even bigger mess. From the first second I started reading it, I was biting my nails and I was almost covering my eyes so I wouldn't read what was happening, but like when watching a horror movie, I could not stop. I just had to read, even if my heart was breaking with every word and I was close to tears.
Alex... my heart broke for her. Honestly, it kept breaking for her with every word and page. The things that happened to her were awful. Things just kept going from worse to even more worse for her, and while Rafe was somewhat saved from the physical pain, he was fighting his own battles. There seriously was no break for the both of them. Both were in pain, both were fighting their own demons, and both were aching on the inside. When they finally got together, they weren't spared from more hurt, instead it was doubled. Now they had each other's pain to add to the mix. I wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all. No matter what they did, there was always someone there to ruin it or want to keep them apart.
And god, I absolutely loved this book. This series is fast becoming one of my favorites. I love all the action and, god help me, even the pain. There is no moment where I got bored or felt like stopping and maybe taking a break. I was so not given a break in this book, not with how fast things were happening and the developments made, and even through all of the stuff going on and the mess, this book still managed to be hot. I loved those stolen moments between Rafe and Alex. They had me 'aww'-ing, swooning and fanning myself. Their moments felt more intense than in the first book, which is saying something since that was one level of smut and sexiness that had me melting, but the added emotional strain upped the level of hotness. Everything was more in Rampant, from the crazy to the dark and twisted, to the heartwarming. And don't get me started on the ending. Seriously. I was gaping at my iPad when I finished because I could not believe that there was no more words to read and I could not flip to more pages. To say it was a cliffhanger would be an understatement. Now I'm dying for the next book, and if this one is anything to go by, then the third will be the end of me.
Action-filled and heart-wrenching, Rampant will have you at the edge of your seat, from start to finish and then you'll be screaming for more!
I've been dying to read this book since the moment I finished the first one, Torrent, which chose a very bad moment to end in and left us hanging. I was going crazy thinking of all the things that could happen in the second book and what possibly could go wrong and at the same time I was totally dreading reading it because I knew I should expect heartbreak.
As to not spoil this book, I will not go into what happens. You'll have to read for yourself and feel what I felt, because believe me, there is nothing that could prepare anybody to what happens. I mean, if you've read the first book, which I hope you did, then you know what happened and how things become messy. Well, in Rampant, everything becomes an even bigger mess. From the first second I started reading it, I was biting my nails and I was almost covering my eyes so I wouldn't read what was happening, but like when watching a horror movie, I could not stop. I just had to read, even if my heart was breaking with every word and I was close to tears.
Alex... my heart broke for her. Honestly, it kept breaking for her with every word and page. The things that happened to her were awful. Things just kept going from worse to even more worse for her, and while Rafe was somewhat saved from the physical pain, he was fighting his own battles. There seriously was no break for the both of them. Both were in pain, both were fighting their own demons, and both were aching on the inside. When they finally got together, they weren't spared from more hurt, instead it was doubled. Now they had each other's pain to add to the mix. I wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all. No matter what they did, there was always someone there to ruin it or want to keep them apart.
And god, I absolutely loved this book. This series is fast becoming one of my favorites. I love all the action and, god help me, even the pain. There is no moment where I got bored or felt like stopping and maybe taking a break. I was so not given a break in this book, not with how fast things were happening and the developments made, and even through all of the stuff going on and the mess, this book still managed to be hot. I loved those stolen moments between Rafe and Alex. They had me 'aww'-ing, swooning and fanning myself. Their moments felt more intense than in the first book, which is saying something since that was one level of smut and sexiness that had me melting, but the added emotional strain upped the level of hotness. Everything was more in Rampant, from the crazy to the dark and twisted, to the heartwarming. And don't get me started on the ending. Seriously. I was gaping at my iPad when I finished because I could not believe that there was no more words to read and I could not flip to more pages. To say it was a cliffhanger would be an understatement. Now I'm dying for the next book, and if this one is anything to go by, then the third will be the end of me.
Action-filled and heart-wrenching, Rampant will have you at the edge of your seat, from start to finish and then you'll be screaming for more!
November 19, 2014
There is nothing more unique than a dark romance read by Gemma James. I fell in love with her work after reading Torrent, the first book in this series, and I have chewed off all my nails while waiting for this next installment. The saga of Rafe/Alex/Zach is one that will churn up your insides and leave you nothing short of wrecked and ruined. Twisted obsession, past sins and unbearable pain are all at the forefront of this book - making it a must read for any dark romance fans. A page turner that set my little finger on fire.
Alex has slipped into a living hell. Exchanging one prison for another, she is back in the clutches of her sadistic brother. A fact that leaves her reeling and has her longing for the man she loves to save her. Only he can’t…
What I love about Alex’s character is her bravery, her will to survive even when she doesn’t see it. She may be trapped in an unthinkable situation, but that doesn’t mean that she is helpless. She’s a fighter to the core and every inch of ground she gained had me cheering out loud for her. Now being a book that dabbles on the side of the devil, Alex does endure tortuous acts at the hands of a monster. But when trapped, can that monster really strip away all hope?
Rafe has a second chance at life. Waking up in the hospital with no memory of the last 8 years, he has the rare opportunity to start over. As he slowly starts to re-integrate into the world, he is haunted by dreams of a girl from his past. A young girl that has always affected him in a way no other has. Why is Alex guest starring in his dreams? And what are all the secrets that everyone is hiding from him? Is his past really that bad?
This is not a book for the faint hearted. The issues are real, raw. The situations are almost unbearable, but in a deliciously wicked way. If you are a dark read junkie such as myself, you need to read this series - Gemma James has amazed me once again, broken through my expectations and once again, left me dying for more.
xo Cassia
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Alex has slipped into a living hell. Exchanging one prison for another, she is back in the clutches of her sadistic brother. A fact that leaves her reeling and has her longing for the man she loves to save her. Only he can’t…
What I love about Alex’s character is her bravery, her will to survive even when she doesn’t see it. She may be trapped in an unthinkable situation, but that doesn’t mean that she is helpless. She’s a fighter to the core and every inch of ground she gained had me cheering out loud for her. Now being a book that dabbles on the side of the devil, Alex does endure tortuous acts at the hands of a monster. But when trapped, can that monster really strip away all hope?
Rafe has a second chance at life. Waking up in the hospital with no memory of the last 8 years, he has the rare opportunity to start over. As he slowly starts to re-integrate into the world, he is haunted by dreams of a girl from his past. A young girl that has always affected him in a way no other has. Why is Alex guest starring in his dreams? And what are all the secrets that everyone is hiding from him? Is his past really that bad?
This is not a book for the faint hearted. The issues are real, raw. The situations are almost unbearable, but in a deliciously wicked way. If you are a dark read junkie such as myself, you need to read this series - Gemma James has amazed me once again, broken through my expectations and once again, left me dying for more.
xo Cassia
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October 26, 2014
It's going to be difficult to review this book because a big part of what I liked about Rampant was the tension and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat, turning the pages, wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Rampant picks up where Torrent left off, and you need to read that one before you read Rampant. Alex has been kidnapped. She has no idea what's happened to Rafe, whether he is alive or not. She mostly thinks he's dead, whenever she isn't drugged by her kidnapper. There is no mistaking the cruelty that is inflicted on her in this first part of the book, including rape.
Meanwhile, Rafe is dealing with his own issues and learns something curious about his buddy Jax. I think there's more story to tell about Jax and I can't wait to hear it.
When Alex finally escapes her tormenter, it becomes clear that her options are limited. It's hard to know who to trust, especially when her family won't believe her when she tells the truth. I really felt for her and wondered how it was that she had absolutely no one to turn to.
Her tormentor pushes her one more time, and she finds the courage to face Rafe, helping him face some past demons of his own. I liked the glimpse of Rafe that we get here and the sanity that starts filtering into the story. But just when things started looking up, they all go south again, leaving the reader with another WTF? ending.
I really enjoyed the pacing and anticipation in Rampant as much as I did the with the first book. i'm looking forward to finding out how Alex and Rafe get out of their current mess and seeing some of the characters get their due. And what about Jax? Hmmm... lots of questions left to answer and I like that about this series.
Recommended for fans of dark erotic suspense.
ARC provided for review.
This review also appears on my blog at:
http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/10/arc-reviewrampant-by-gemma-james.html
Rampant picks up where Torrent left off, and you need to read that one before you read Rampant. Alex has been kidnapped. She has no idea what's happened to Rafe, whether he is alive or not. She mostly thinks he's dead, whenever she isn't drugged by her kidnapper. There is no mistaking the cruelty that is inflicted on her in this first part of the book, including rape.
Meanwhile, Rafe is dealing with his own issues and learns something curious about his buddy Jax. I think there's more story to tell about Jax and I can't wait to hear it.
When Alex finally escapes her tormenter, it becomes clear that her options are limited. It's hard to know who to trust, especially when her family won't believe her when she tells the truth. I really felt for her and wondered how it was that she had absolutely no one to turn to.
Her tormentor pushes her one more time, and she finds the courage to face Rafe, helping him face some past demons of his own. I liked the glimpse of Rafe that we get here and the sanity that starts filtering into the story. But just when things started looking up, they all go south again, leaving the reader with another WTF? ending.
I really enjoyed the pacing and anticipation in Rampant as much as I did the with the first book. i'm looking forward to finding out how Alex and Rafe get out of their current mess and seeing some of the characters get their due. And what about Jax? Hmmm... lots of questions left to answer and I like that about this series.
Recommended for fans of dark erotic suspense.
ARC provided for review.
This review also appears on my blog at:
http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/10/arc-reviewrampant-by-gemma-james.html
October 31, 2014
In Torrent we were left with a cliffhanger. Alex has been kidnapped by Zach. Zach shot Rafe. Rafe wakes up in the hospital with amnesia missing the last 8 years of his life.
***SPOILER ALERT***
So we pick up with Zach kidnapping Alex. Now Alex is in a isolated cabin somewhere with Zach who was not already to his full psycho capacity. Zach is now on a mission to get Alex to love him again. Mainly through lots of torturous sex. This time Alex fights Zach even though she knows she can't win she fights. But Zach is prepared for this action and starts drugging Alex with Ecstasy. The only way to avoid reality is to stay with the high of the ecstasy and fantasize that Rafe is the man who is making her do these horrible things.
When the fog starts to clear and Zach is more angry than before Alex tries to end her torture. Leading her to help in some form and hopefully her salvation. But all Alex finds is more deception and lies from a father she thought loved her.
Now with more impending doom over her she finds her way to the only safety she knows, Rafe. But after Rafe tells her she needs to let him go weeks prior will he help her is the question.
Now with Rafe's missing memory can Alex still love the man he is. And with Rafe's realization of the Alex's desperation will he help her stay safe.
Yet again ending on a major cliffhanger.
Here are the questions that must be answered:
Can Rafe save Alex from any more harm?
Can Alex and Rafe find their way back to the twisted love they have for one another?
Will Zach find Alex and punish her?
Will Alex's voice finally be heard and Zach will pay for the years of abuse and torture?
Will Rafe be able to remember the 8 years of his past? And once his does will he still forgive and love Alex?
Will Alex's father get what he deserves?
I hope all will be answered but we have to wait until March 2015. :-(
RATING: 4 STARS
Happy Reading!
Kami
***SPOILER ALERT***
So we pick up with Zach kidnapping Alex. Now Alex is in a isolated cabin somewhere with Zach who was not already to his full psycho capacity. Zach is now on a mission to get Alex to love him again. Mainly through lots of torturous sex. This time Alex fights Zach even though she knows she can't win she fights. But Zach is prepared for this action and starts drugging Alex with Ecstasy. The only way to avoid reality is to stay with the high of the ecstasy and fantasize that Rafe is the man who is making her do these horrible things.
When the fog starts to clear and Zach is more angry than before Alex tries to end her torture. Leading her to help in some form and hopefully her salvation. But all Alex finds is more deception and lies from a father she thought loved her.
Now with more impending doom over her she finds her way to the only safety she knows, Rafe. But after Rafe tells her she needs to let him go weeks prior will he help her is the question.
Now with Rafe's missing memory can Alex still love the man he is. And with Rafe's realization of the Alex's desperation will he help her stay safe.
Yet again ending on a major cliffhanger.
Here are the questions that must be answered:
Can Rafe save Alex from any more harm?
Can Alex and Rafe find their way back to the twisted love they have for one another?
Will Zach find Alex and punish her?
Will Alex's voice finally be heard and Zach will pay for the years of abuse and torture?
Will Rafe be able to remember the 8 years of his past? And once his does will he still forgive and love Alex?
Will Alex's father get what he deserves?
I hope all will be answered but we have to wait until March 2015. :-(
RATING: 4 STARS
Happy Reading!
Kami
October 28, 2014
Oh Gemma, why do you do this to me!! You suck me in and then then you leave me with a semi-cliffhanger and desperate for more. It's like bittersweet torture but I love it. So I thought book 1 was pretty brutal, oh boy was I wrong. Book 2 totally trumps book 1. Gemma holds nothing back in this installment. The intensity and violence in this book will make you cower in a corner. But don't get dissuaded by it, because there is something building in this book. Something that I think will explode in the next book.
When we first met Alex she was scared, manipulated and somewhat twisted in the head from all the abuse she has endured since she was 13. While she doesn't suffer any less in this story, Alex is changing. Its slow and subtle but if you pay attention you can see it. There is a strength and fire in her that no one can truly put out and I can't wait to see her unleash that hurt, pain and revenge on those who deserve it. Now Rafe well we already know he hold a darkness in him but in this book we see and fall in love with a different side of Rafe. A tender, innocent and more vulnerable side of him and it offers the reader a balance in this character that we didn't have before. We see the man Rafe should and could become the man who loves and protects with a ferocity, who makes you weak with a kiss and who will do anything to make amends.
I don't want to give too much away because it is just phenomenal. I love this story and how its progressing I love seeing both the dark and the light in these characters. The pace and delivery will keep you on your toes and the suspense will make your heart race with anticipation. Excellent sequel and I simply cannot wait for the next book!
When we first met Alex she was scared, manipulated and somewhat twisted in the head from all the abuse she has endured since she was 13. While she doesn't suffer any less in this story, Alex is changing. Its slow and subtle but if you pay attention you can see it. There is a strength and fire in her that no one can truly put out and I can't wait to see her unleash that hurt, pain and revenge on those who deserve it. Now Rafe well we already know he hold a darkness in him but in this book we see and fall in love with a different side of Rafe. A tender, innocent and more vulnerable side of him and it offers the reader a balance in this character that we didn't have before. We see the man Rafe should and could become the man who loves and protects with a ferocity, who makes you weak with a kiss and who will do anything to make amends.
I don't want to give too much away because it is just phenomenal. I love this story and how its progressing I love seeing both the dark and the light in these characters. The pace and delivery will keep you on your toes and the suspense will make your heart race with anticipation. Excellent sequel and I simply cannot wait for the next book!
October 25, 2014
Omg! Gemma James blows my mind yet again! I was provided with an ARC of Rampant, which is book 2 of the Condemned Series.
I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book. Then the ending made me want to throw my kindle! This is one of the most angsty series I have ever read!
In book 2 Alex finds herself a captive of Zach's yet again. Tormented over the fact that she believes Rafe is dead, she begins her descent in helplessness. Zach has unleashed an animal like she has never seen and finally brutalizes her to her breaking point.
Meanwhile, Rafe is rescued and ends up with no memory of the last 8 years. As truths are told to him, he finds out what monstrous things he did and what was done to him. Can he and Alex reconnect? As broken as Alex is, she clings to the hope that Rafe is her safety net.
Turns out nowhere is safe..... and wait for that ending! I may not have any fingernails left waiting for Fervent!
I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book. Then the ending made me want to throw my kindle! This is one of the most angsty series I have ever read!
In book 2 Alex finds herself a captive of Zach's yet again. Tormented over the fact that she believes Rafe is dead, she begins her descent in helplessness. Zach has unleashed an animal like she has never seen and finally brutalizes her to her breaking point.
Meanwhile, Rafe is rescued and ends up with no memory of the last 8 years. As truths are told to him, he finds out what monstrous things he did and what was done to him. Can he and Alex reconnect? As broken as Alex is, she clings to the hope that Rafe is her safety net.
Turns out nowhere is safe..... and wait for that ending! I may not have any fingernails left waiting for Fervent!
October 19, 2014
i devoured this baby in a mere five hours! dammmmn! the ending was so abrupt... i am reeling with the feels! i don't know what to do with myself. how am i supposed to make it until FERVENT's release? *dies*
yet again, gemma james has me going all momo smash on all the things! gemma-2, momo-0 ;)
✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦
RAMPANT was a torrent of bombs exploding one after another after another! it was heart-pounding and sweaty-palms and the odd combination of sweet and bitter all rolled into a freight train that threatened to take you down! just the kind of steamroll that i crave!
RAMPANT was pure brilliance and mad genius! all the stars in the galaxy to this one! bravo, gemma james!
yet again, gemma james has me going all momo smash on all the things! gemma-2, momo-0 ;)
✦ ✧ ✦ ✧ ✦
RAMPANT was a torrent of bombs exploding one after another after another! it was heart-pounding and sweaty-palms and the odd combination of sweet and bitter all rolled into a freight train that threatened to take you down! just the kind of steamroll that i crave!
RAMPANT was pure brilliance and mad genius! all the stars in the galaxy to this one! bravo, gemma james!
October 22, 2014
I received this book from the author for an honest review. Wow! I'm not sure what to say. First, I must say that I did not read Torrent first which I probably should have done. Even though I didn't, this book sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading it. It is a dark romance; so if you like dark romance, this is a must read. This book is written so well and is such an awesome read. I can't believe it ended the way it did--what a cliffhanger! I can't wait to read the next one!
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