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We Were One Once #2
We Were One Once
A DARK ROMANCE
Past collides with present. Love, lust, pain, desire, hope, hopelessness, want, need, anger, release. It’s all the same in the end. Because Fate chooses to toss us into the deep end every time.
Only the strong of body will learn to swim through what Fate throws our way. Only the strong of mind will learn to float with it. What we can’t resist will consume us. What we can’t overcome will become us.
Even death isn’t a release as it too consumes.
Only love or hate exists in the end. In all its twisted and messed up forms. Love always knows how to float. Hate always knows how to pull us down.
This is the ending to this story. Be warned…it’s a dark ending and not exactly happy.
But I’m happy with it ~ Willow
Excerpts:
It’s her eyes I remember most. How they would dart around in fear; how they would relax and widen in perfect submission; how the deep chocolate brown was made darker with her emotions. Always so readable, always so expressive, her eyes gave everything away so easily even in her blankest looks. Tonight was no different.
….
The others don’t understand pain. Don’t get what it can be, what it can do. With the lash of a whip, I tear through the memories we five share and the darkest memories I keep to myself. I merge the feel of a new mark with ones I’ve worn in our past. I amplify the pain with the memories, adding fire to the fever of every sexual encounter, even the most vanilla.
It’s how we survived, how I thrived.
Past collides with present. Love, lust, pain, desire, hope, hopelessness, want, need, anger, release. It’s all the same in the end. Because Fate chooses to toss us into the deep end every time.
Only the strong of body will learn to swim through what Fate throws our way. Only the strong of mind will learn to float with it. What we can’t resist will consume us. What we can’t overcome will become us.
Even death isn’t a release as it too consumes.
Only love or hate exists in the end. In all its twisted and messed up forms. Love always knows how to float. Hate always knows how to pull us down.
This is the ending to this story. Be warned…it’s a dark ending and not exactly happy.
But I’m happy with it ~ Willow
Excerpts:
It’s her eyes I remember most. How they would dart around in fear; how they would relax and widen in perfect submission; how the deep chocolate brown was made darker with her emotions. Always so readable, always so expressive, her eyes gave everything away so easily even in her blankest looks. Tonight was no different.
….
The others don’t understand pain. Don’t get what it can be, what it can do. With the lash of a whip, I tear through the memories we five share and the darkest memories I keep to myself. I merge the feel of a new mark with ones I’ve worn in our past. I amplify the pain with the memories, adding fire to the fever of every sexual encounter, even the most vanilla.
It’s how we survived, how I thrived.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2015
5 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Willow Madison
10 books271 followersFor new release info, sign up for her (never spammy) newsletters:
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 20, 2016
This second book picks up the story of Grace, and all of her personalities, wher book one left off. Grace is now in the possession of Neil and headed back to the life she's tried so desperately to escape. If you thought that the first book was disturbing, you haven't seen anything yet! This crazy-train is just leaving the station.
In this second part of the series, Grace's traumatic childhood is revealed through the flashbacks of Grace's multiple personalities. More so than before, I began to connect with Grace and really feel for her. It is no wonder that she is so fragmented.
I also enjoyed hearing the differing perspectives of Grace's various personalities. At times, it was a little busy and confusing. However, I felt like it worked for the most part. It definitely gave this story a unique vibe.
There were some twists and turns toward the end, but most were predictable. As expected, we haven't seen the last of Simon yet. Thankfully, Red is sticking around also.
Overall, this book was an okay read. Personally, this story wasn't my cup of tea, but I can appreciate the creativity and originality of this work. I need to feel more of a connection to the characters to love a story. While I did feel more connected with Grace this time around, it was too little too late for me.
In this second part of the series, Grace's traumatic childhood is revealed through the flashbacks of Grace's multiple personalities. More so than before, I began to connect with Grace and really feel for her. It is no wonder that she is so fragmented.
I also enjoyed hearing the differing perspectives of Grace's various personalities. At times, it was a little busy and confusing. However, I felt like it worked for the most part. It definitely gave this story a unique vibe.
There were some twists and turns toward the end, but most were predictable. As expected, we haven't seen the last of Simon yet. Thankfully, Red is sticking around also.
Overall, this book was an okay read. Personally, this story wasn't my cup of tea, but I can appreciate the creativity and originality of this work. I need to feel more of a connection to the characters to love a story. While I did feel more connected with Grace this time around, it was too little too late for me.
April 12, 2017
We Were One Once #2, by Willow Madison: 3 Tickets to Crazy Town Stars.
IT WAS THE WICKEDEST OF TIMES.
If you read part 1 of Willow Madison’s, We Were One Once, you know that Simon Lamb is no angel. As a proud sadist, the sight of whip marks on Grace/Red's body gets him pretty hard; and, if he weren’t a total badass, her screams would make him prematurely ejaculate. Make no mistake, Simon is a very wicked man. But he’s not the worst man Grace/Red ever slept with. As it turns out, the man she belongs to is One Sick Fuck (OSF).
IT WAS THE SICKEST OF TIMES.
Miles Vanderson is Grace/Red’s (a.k.a. GG’s) evil stepbrother. And by "evil” I mean OSF.
Four years ago, Ma & Pa Vanderson died in a car accident and OSF inherited Pa’s gazillion dollar company, mucho dinaro, and one wee lil 16 year-old sex slave/punching bag. Isn’t he the luckiest OSF ev-ah? Almost everything he wants is handed to him on a silver bondage bench, trussed up in handcuffs, and garnished with a ball gag! Life would be one big Make Her Til You Break Her Fest if only GG didn’t have that pesky Multiple Personality Disorder. Oh well! He’ll just have to beat her back to a singlet! It’s not like abuse exacerbates that sort of thing, right?
Did I mention this guy is OSF? Well he is.
Shockingly, GG wearied of Abuse-O-Therapy and ran away from him. But OSF has a horseshoe up his ass, so guess who just got found? (that’s rhetorical) And guess where she’s headed? (also rhetorical, but I’ll tell you anyway) She’s going where “it’s safe”. With him. The OSF!
IT WAS THE AGE OF MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES.
After GG escaped OSF’s horrific abuse, she and her other personalities had four years of harmonious freedom before falling in love with Simon. Who is, of course, also OSF.
But he's a good OSF. No, really! He is! At least... he is to GG.
BOTTOM LINE:
The We Were One Once duet is pretty fucking crazy town! Since I happen to be the Mayor of Crazy Town, it’s a given I really liked this story. However, part 2 isn’t quite as polished as part 1. For me, the following things prevented part 2 from being a 5 star read:
#1: I Wanted To See Simon's Evolutionary Process. Of the three narrators, Simon was my favorite. His thinking is so convoluted and contradictory, that I savored every clue into his psyche. If there was more information about his past, if there was some event that logically explained his newly awakened conscience, if that awakening lead to a believable enlightenment, and logical self-evolution; Simon would have made my top 20 list of all time favorite heroes.
#2: I Wanted More Real Activity & Less Mental Activity. As a character, GG is near perfect. Her flashbacks are gut wrenching and her interplay with OSF, rage inducing. The empathy she inspires is a testament to the author’s talent as a wordsmith. Had GG been less isolated, the entire book would have been an emotional boxing match. As it stands, at least a third of the story suffered from Katniss Everdeen ala “Mockingjay” Syndrome. If you read the book, you’ll recall that Katniss spends a lot of time playing Crazy Cat with Buttercup while her fellow revolutionaries are out kicking Snow’s ass. Consequently, Katniss ends up telling more than doing. Ditto GG.
#3: I Wanted More Simon/GG Interaction. Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts”; that’s certainly true for Simon and GG. After meeting, Had these two worked together more, their journey would have increased the tension leading up to the final battle and provided a plausible catalyst for Simon’s evolution.
All things considered, the We Were One Once duet, is a very entertaining read. Together, both books averaged out to 3.14159265 Stars. (Just kidding! It's actually more like 3.5 Stars).
Oh-Kay!
Now y'all head on over to Smashwords and buy a copy of the We Were One Once duet, by Willow Madison.
Then, come visit me in Crazy Town. We can sip hella good margaritas in the hot tub while you read it. Don't worry... the tubs almost entirely pee free! And when you're done reading, we can talk about how much you loved it! Cuz I'm THAT confident that you will!
For information about my rating system, see my profile page.
Link to my review of WWOO #1: Click Me Baby!
IT WAS THE WICKEDEST OF TIMES.
If you read part 1 of Willow Madison’s, We Were One Once, you know that Simon Lamb is no angel. As a proud sadist, the sight of whip marks on Grace/Red's body gets him pretty hard; and, if he weren’t a total badass, her screams would make him prematurely ejaculate. Make no mistake, Simon is a very wicked man. But he’s not the worst man Grace/Red ever slept with. As it turns out, the man she belongs to is One Sick Fuck (OSF).
IT WAS THE SICKEST OF TIMES.
Miles Vanderson is Grace/Red’s (a.k.a. GG’s) evil stepbrother. And by "evil” I mean OSF.
Four years ago, Ma & Pa Vanderson died in a car accident and OSF inherited Pa’s gazillion dollar company, mucho dinaro, and one wee lil 16 year-old sex slave/punching bag. Isn’t he the luckiest OSF ev-ah? Almost everything he wants is handed to him on a silver bondage bench, trussed up in handcuffs, and garnished with a ball gag! Life would be one big Make Her Til You Break Her Fest if only GG didn’t have that pesky Multiple Personality Disorder. Oh well! He’ll just have to beat her back to a singlet! It’s not like abuse exacerbates that sort of thing, right?
Did I mention this guy is OSF? Well he is.
Shockingly, GG wearied of Abuse-O-Therapy and ran away from him. But OSF has a horseshoe up his ass, so guess who just got found? (that’s rhetorical) And guess where she’s headed? (also rhetorical, but I’ll tell you anyway) She’s going where “it’s safe”. With him. The OSF!
IT WAS THE AGE OF MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES.
After GG escaped OSF’s horrific abuse, she and her other personalities had four years of harmonious freedom before falling in love with Simon. Who is, of course, also OSF.
But he's a good OSF. No, really! He is! At least... he is to GG.
BOTTOM LINE:
The We Were One Once duet is pretty fucking crazy town! Since I happen to be the Mayor of Crazy Town, it’s a given I really liked this story. However, part 2 isn’t quite as polished as part 1. For me, the following things prevented part 2 from being a 5 star read:
#1: I Wanted To See Simon's Evolutionary Process. Of the three narrators, Simon was my favorite. His thinking is so convoluted and contradictory, that I savored every clue into his psyche. If there was more information about his past, if there was some event that logically explained his newly awakened conscience, if that awakening lead to a believable enlightenment, and logical self-evolution; Simon would have made my top 20 list of all time favorite heroes.
#2: I Wanted More Real Activity & Less Mental Activity. As a character, GG is near perfect. Her flashbacks are gut wrenching and her interplay with OSF, rage inducing. The empathy she inspires is a testament to the author’s talent as a wordsmith. Had GG been less isolated, the entire book would have been an emotional boxing match. As it stands, at least a third of the story suffered from Katniss Everdeen ala “Mockingjay” Syndrome. If you read the book, you’ll recall that Katniss spends a lot of time playing Crazy Cat with Buttercup while her fellow revolutionaries are out kicking Snow’s ass. Consequently, Katniss ends up telling more than doing. Ditto GG.
#3: I Wanted More Simon/GG Interaction. Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts”; that’s certainly true for Simon and GG. After meeting, Had these two worked together more, their journey would have increased the tension leading up to the final battle and provided a plausible catalyst for Simon’s evolution.
All things considered, the We Were One Once duet, is a very entertaining read. Together, both books averaged out to 3.14159265 Stars. (Just kidding! It's actually more like 3.5 Stars).
Oh-Kay!
Now y'all head on over to Smashwords and buy a copy of the We Were One Once duet, by Willow Madison.
Then, come visit me in Crazy Town. We can sip hella good margaritas in the hot tub while you read it. Don't worry... the tubs almost entirely pee free! And when you're done reading, we can talk about how much you loved it! Cuz I'm THAT confident that you will!
For information about my rating system, see my profile page.
Link to my review of WWOO #1: Click Me Baby!
December 29, 2015
4 Stars****
(ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I've been really looking forward to reading this book ever since I discovered this series. I was drawn to it by how dark and unique it was. This author has a true talent for words and she is not afraid to take you inside the very intricate world that is the life of Gillian, a woman with multiple personalities.
My expectations were met by the thrilling conclusion of this story. This is one of those tales that will continue to play in my mind for a long time. Truly a decadent read.
The way the story continued in this second book was by going back and forth from past to present. Little by little we start to understand the relationship between Gillian and Miles. How they shared a past full of firsts, love and pain.
Miles had been looking for her and after three years of searching he finally finds his woman again. The problem with Miles is that his love for her was without understanding, he wanted to beat her into being something she couldn't be. He was never able to fully accept her for who she really was and even after submitting her to doctors, treatments and a lot of cruel discipline the only thing he was able to achieve was her disappearance from his life.
Simon found Gillian, but this woman is not really Gillian anymore. She is someone who shares her body with different women and each, make whole, a creature that is sometimes sweet, sometimes all fire. Simon loves a part of every single one. Each personality gives him another piece he had been missing from his own life. It's not easy for him to deal with everything this woman represents to him, he wants to kiss her and spank her with the same explosive intensity but the more time he spends with her the more he is sure he can't live without the broken girls that make his life truly whole.
Gillian, Gigi, Baby, Grace; she has many different names but only two loves. Simon and Miles have both hurt and loved this woman deeply.
The brutality of her mother made Gillian retreat inside her mind, where she created a world where she had different sides of her. Each woman had a strength that came in handy when needing to fight all the pain that was offered by the hands of a sick mother, who was only capable of cruelty and humiliation towards her only child.
Who will ultimately be able to conquer the hearts of this broken woman, Simon or Miles? Will these women be able to separate for once and for all and meld into a new woman who is finally ready to live and accept true love in her life?
I love beautifully written and unpredictable stories and this one was definitely both. I can't honestly say that in the end I was able to fully comprehend the nature of the characters in this book but I think that is part of the experience when reading We Were One Once. These are very complex characters, with very strange behaviors but with one simple goal, to feel loved and accepted by someone. The truth is, that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so read this unique duet series and find out for yourself. I loved it, and once again I give props to the author for thinking outside of the box and creating an imperfect love story that was perfect for me.
(ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I've been really looking forward to reading this book ever since I discovered this series. I was drawn to it by how dark and unique it was. This author has a true talent for words and she is not afraid to take you inside the very intricate world that is the life of Gillian, a woman with multiple personalities.
My expectations were met by the thrilling conclusion of this story. This is one of those tales that will continue to play in my mind for a long time. Truly a decadent read.
The way the story continued in this second book was by going back and forth from past to present. Little by little we start to understand the relationship between Gillian and Miles. How they shared a past full of firsts, love and pain.
Miles had been looking for her and after three years of searching he finally finds his woman again. The problem with Miles is that his love for her was without understanding, he wanted to beat her into being something she couldn't be. He was never able to fully accept her for who she really was and even after submitting her to doctors, treatments and a lot of cruel discipline the only thing he was able to achieve was her disappearance from his life.
Simon found Gillian, but this woman is not really Gillian anymore. She is someone who shares her body with different women and each, make whole, a creature that is sometimes sweet, sometimes all fire. Simon loves a part of every single one. Each personality gives him another piece he had been missing from his own life. It's not easy for him to deal with everything this woman represents to him, he wants to kiss her and spank her with the same explosive intensity but the more time he spends with her the more he is sure he can't live without the broken girls that make his life truly whole.
Gillian, Gigi, Baby, Grace; she has many different names but only two loves. Simon and Miles have both hurt and loved this woman deeply.
The brutality of her mother made Gillian retreat inside her mind, where she created a world where she had different sides of her. Each woman had a strength that came in handy when needing to fight all the pain that was offered by the hands of a sick mother, who was only capable of cruelty and humiliation towards her only child.
Who will ultimately be able to conquer the hearts of this broken woman, Simon or Miles? Will these women be able to separate for once and for all and meld into a new woman who is finally ready to live and accept true love in her life?
I love beautifully written and unpredictable stories and this one was definitely both. I can't honestly say that in the end I was able to fully comprehend the nature of the characters in this book but I think that is part of the experience when reading We Were One Once. These are very complex characters, with very strange behaviors but with one simple goal, to feel loved and accepted by someone. The truth is, that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so read this unique duet series and find out for yourself. I loved it, and once again I give props to the author for thinking outside of the box and creating an imperfect love story that was perfect for me.
January 29, 2016
Book one leaves us as our character's POVs all finally converge. We have what I've dubbed as 'the five,'Miles, and Simon all in the same room. Now, what the hell happens?!?
Bloody brilliance is what happens!
I've never read a book where the characters and plot quite literally twine around each other and become so interconnected.
Think of ivy growing up a building for years and years; if you look carefully, you'll see that the ivy has grown into the structure to become one with its host. That's this story and its characters.
So Much More Than A Dark Tale Of Perversion And Obsession
A lot of darkly written or dark subject matter books focus on the what's. They give all the depravity, the perversions, the obsessions, etc and then make roses out of it, and they do so without ever focusing on the details - the 'who' 'how' and 'why' behind it. For me, that's just the equivalent of mindless slasher gore movies with a HEA between the two left standing. All shock... no substance.
Willow, the author, takes you for a journey through it all - the white, the black, the grey, and every hue in between. She's lays it all bare for you and let's you make your own judgements on the merits.
The version that I'm reading has a few typos and some technical errors, but I'm reading a revised version that hasn't undergone editing yet. So, that's expected. However, even if they remain, guess what?
Why? Because the style is amazing. The flow and pacing are perfection. The imaginary and descriptions are flawless. There's not a single plot hole. There's not a single moment where a character even remotely slips from their true form. And, to write a POV inside the mind of a split personality... So, so, talented!
What Is This Madness?
We get to see inside 'the five,' mostly Grace and Red, through their own POVs on, off and around the 'stage.'
Stage, you ask? The stage is merely a figment representation of BOTH mental and physical consciousness. In other words the stage represents which personality is both physically and mentally present for the world to see.
Fascinating? Yes. Masterfully written? Hell Yes!
Imagine a body inhabited by five completely different dominant personalities and a shit load of little critters running amuck off the stage in the deep dark recesses who each hold memories even too dark for the splintered personalities to handle. Yeah, chew on that for a minute and tell me you aren't intrigued. Now, add both a love story and an obsession to it in the form of a damn heptagon. Whew~
The dominants share the stage of life. Sometimes they do so begrudgingly as they each compete for attention, a voice, a life that's 100% their own, and sometimes they do so lovingly as they each take the protective lead when it's needed to shelter the others from the traumas they have and will endure during this book.
I'll let Simon explain it...
"Not the change I've come to anticipate with her identity switches either. Not the sand shifting under her smooth exterior into a new state of being kind of change. No, she's still Red, but frozen. Sand locked behind glass now, only a reflection of her without the usual fierceness."
Moving on...
The five have found a sanctuary of acceptance for the first time in their lives as Simon explores them, learns them, and begins to cherish each for what they are on their own and as a whole. This is a novel experience for them after the tortures they've endured from Miles demanding all but one of them be executed. It's a novel experience for Simon, too, as he begins to think in an "us" fashion vs a "me" fashion:)
All good things must
I 100% hate Miles. He is the lowest breed of pond scum there is to have participated in the fragrant, calculated, torturous, and destructive abuse of an innocent CHILD! No one, and I mean no one, needs his brand of love.
Coward that he is, he wants the weak and sweetly naive part of our female MC. Basically, he wants a puppy he can kick and torment and whom will still lick his hand when it's over. Sick ftart!
Will Miles break & destroy all but the one he wants? Will the one he wants bend to his madness, his version of love, or maybe her own need for pleasure through submission to the point nothing is left of her?
Here's the problem with having multiple personalities calling the shots for one life...
Some personalities retain memories like a safe with multiple labeled boxes, and others retain memories like grains of sand slipping through splayed fingers. Some see without feeling. Some feel without seeing. Some know but have no power. Some have power but don't know. It's hard to hate something under such diversions and splinters.
Imagine your body divided of its senses, each being an entity to its own devices, choices, and cognition. Where one might yield, the other would fight and vice versa. Makes it difficult to fight for yourself when you're simultaneously fighting against and avoiding yourself. Scary shit, right?
The gathering journey one of the five takes within the recesses of her own mind is simply breathtaking. The author paints a scene before you that is worthy of an Oscar - yes, I know I'm reading a book; that's just how vivid it is.
I haven't cried during a book since I read "The Diary Of Ann Frank." I cried my tears in a sandbox here, and fist pumped my way to the end.
Simon
You may notice I haven't mentioned Simon much. He is here, and he is darkly wonderful... Trust me! For me, however, I've tasted and traveled MOST of his individual journey in book one. It was obvious from the start that Simon is raw male power, both physically and mentally. His intelligence and cunning brain power is a given for me. I know he will take his time to study the situation and come up with the perfect plan to get everything he wants. The only question was what did he truly want & how far was he willing to go to get it?!? You'll just have to read to find out, aye;)
For me, the majority of book two was about The Five. It was about their journey and trials in homage to the title. It's up to Simon what role he shall play in helping them, how much he is willing to sacrifice, what lengths he will go (if any.)
I will say that what starts off as a story of pure obsession and singular needs between Simon and the Five evolves into something that's sure to satisfy the romantic thumps of your heart.
The End
^^^ I'll just let you figure out who's who;)
Bottom Line
****Willow provided me a revised copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*****
This is the second series I've read by this author. I've never given so many five stars to ANY one author. I would read this woman's grocery list, and may have to since I've read all her published works now. *panics a little*
*****I amended this review because a portion I discussed was revised and no longer relevant****
March 6, 2017
A dark yet compulsive read.
If I'm being totally honest I was a little apprehensive about this book, I'd been surprised by how much I'd enjoyed the previous one and after the huge and I do mean huge cliffhanger ending part of me didn't want to read this incase it was a disappointment, crazy I know but it's happened so many times with sequels, but luckily the other part couldn't wait to start reading and I'm so glad I did...not a single disappointment in sight.
This is a quick read, that's due more to the content than the length I just couldn't put it down once I'd started, it's a gripping book and a different read, well written and fascinating, I'm not going to say anymore since I don't want to inadvertently give anything away.
The main question for me after the appearance of Miles was how would it end?
Now I have to say that I'm one of those people who require a HEA and I was worried when I read the 'Be warned...it's a dark ending and not exactly happy' but for people out there like me the ending fits the book and I was... happy's the wrong word... content, I was content and felt it fit.
So in conclusion this is a dark, disturbing yet compulsive and fascinating read.
If I'm being totally honest I was a little apprehensive about this book, I'd been surprised by how much I'd enjoyed the previous one and after the huge and I do mean huge cliffhanger ending part of me didn't want to read this incase it was a disappointment, crazy I know but it's happened so many times with sequels, but luckily the other part couldn't wait to start reading and I'm so glad I did...not a single disappointment in sight.
This is a quick read, that's due more to the content than the length I just couldn't put it down once I'd started, it's a gripping book and a different read, well written and fascinating, I'm not going to say anymore since I don't want to inadvertently give anything away.
The main question for me after the appearance of Miles was how would it end?
Now I have to say that I'm one of those people who require a HEA and I was worried when I read the 'Be warned...it's a dark ending and not exactly happy' but for people out there like me the ending fits the book and I was... happy's the wrong word... content, I was content and felt it fit.
So in conclusion this is a dark, disturbing yet compulsive and fascinating read.
December 1, 2015
Fantastic fucked up, dark ending! I loved it!
This was an awesome ending to a really unique and twisted story.
FIRST OF ALL, STOP! if you haven't read book 1..it is an absolute must or this book will not make sense :)
The first book ended with a serious cliffy and this one picked up exactly where it left off.
This was such a unique story. Grace/Gillian/Red etc etc suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder and man did she have MANY. Willow did an amazing job of creating individual identities that, as a reader, I got to know and I could even 'feel' the shift in personalities.
In this book you are able to get to know the personalities better and you really get Gillian's back story. I enjoyed that Simon loved ALL of her/them. He didn't want to lose any of her.
I completely fell in love with Red/Gigi and found myself hoping that she didn't get lost along the way.
Gillian had a horrific past, disgusting mother... and holy shit Miles was as fucked up as any 'step brother' could be. We learn to hate Miles so so much more.
Without giving anything away, Miles is a psychotic, controlling abusive piece of shit. He manipulates and tortures Gillian to do his bidding but, in the end, Simon was not willing to give up on her. Simon fights for her and .......
READ THE BOOK!
My only complaint...Well.... as dark and disturbing as it sounds, there were times that the abuse was just mentioned- ex: the bruises that were left, scratches made etc...I would've insanely enjoyed detail of the abuse....I dunno' I am a little twisted myself ;) And in the end... I really REALLY wanted to know the details of the torture happening to Miles....
Thank you Willow Madison for giving me a copy of this book for my peon review!
This was an awesome ending to a really unique and twisted story.
FIRST OF ALL, STOP! if you haven't read book 1..it is an absolute must or this book will not make sense :)
The first book ended with a serious cliffy and this one picked up exactly where it left off.
This was such a unique story. Grace/Gillian/Red etc etc suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder and man did she have MANY. Willow did an amazing job of creating individual identities that, as a reader, I got to know and I could even 'feel' the shift in personalities.
In this book you are able to get to know the personalities better and you really get Gillian's back story. I enjoyed that Simon loved ALL of her/them. He didn't want to lose any of her.
I completely fell in love with Red/Gigi and found myself hoping that she didn't get lost along the way.
Gillian had a horrific past, disgusting mother... and holy shit Miles was as fucked up as any 'step brother' could be. We learn to hate Miles so so much more.
Without giving anything away, Miles is a psychotic, controlling abusive piece of shit. He manipulates and tortures Gillian to do his bidding but, in the end, Simon was not willing to give up on her. Simon fights for her and .......
READ THE BOOK!
My only complaint...Well.... as dark and disturbing as it sounds, there were times that the abuse was just mentioned- ex: the bruises that were left, scratches made etc...I would've insanely enjoyed detail of the abuse....I dunno' I am a little twisted myself ;) And in the end... I really REALLY wanted to know the details of the torture happening to Miles....
Thank you Willow Madison for giving me a copy of this book for my peon review!
July 23, 2016
**Received a copy of an ebook from the author for an honest review.**
What did I just read?
I mean the conclusion to the story was intense. It was dark, twisted, engrossing and brilliantly written. The story continues just from where the first book ends. In this book Grace' childhood is revealed which is so traumatic that you feel her emotions somewhere deep down. I wish I just could hug her tightly for being so brave. I also loved the multi faceted personalities of Grace which was described very well. I must say she had one sick mother which degraded her in ways which was unimaginable.
"He’s gentle and sweet, staring between my eyes for what feels like an eternity, because my tears keep falling and I have to blink them away several times to see him. “I love you.”
The story was good, infact an enjoyable ride. The author has shown all the colors as to what a story should consist. The author has described the emotions through multiple POV' marvelously.
" I won't be making this request again. You... this side of her... all of her other sides... will go away. Starting now."
If we talk about Miles, a manipulative guy. This story revealed many things about him which were surprising, though he was liked despite his evilness sometimes. He is the villain of the story, but oh man he was liked.
"A lot can happen in a heartbeat though. Even a really fast one. Lives crumble in a heartbeat. Promises are lost in a heartbeat."
"He doesn’t back away from the darkness; he wades into the murkiest shadows with me. We share a need that blends everything into one long grasp for the improbable. It’s a healing to a tear, a filling of a void, a bending to a demand for more. And I give it all to him, laying open every remembered tear, every void, every demand to make it his own, our own."
And talk about Simon, how can you not love the sweet and gentle side of him despite his evil ways.
"My painful memories sift through me like sand through stretched fingers. Only small pieces cling and stay around for me to keep, the rest just disappear. I know not where and I don’t care."
I would like to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read this book. This series was my first provided by the author which I liked. I'm looking forward to read more of her books in the near future.
"I’ve never felt remorse before. It’s disgusting."
What did I just read?
I mean the conclusion to the story was intense. It was dark, twisted, engrossing and brilliantly written. The story continues just from where the first book ends. In this book Grace' childhood is revealed which is so traumatic that you feel her emotions somewhere deep down. I wish I just could hug her tightly for being so brave. I also loved the multi faceted personalities of Grace which was described very well. I must say she had one sick mother which degraded her in ways which was unimaginable.
"He’s gentle and sweet, staring between my eyes for what feels like an eternity, because my tears keep falling and I have to blink them away several times to see him. “I love you.”
The story was good, infact an enjoyable ride. The author has shown all the colors as to what a story should consist. The author has described the emotions through multiple POV' marvelously.
" I won't be making this request again. You... this side of her... all of her other sides... will go away. Starting now."
If we talk about Miles, a manipulative guy. This story revealed many things about him which were surprising, though he was liked despite his evilness sometimes. He is the villain of the story, but oh man he was liked.
"A lot can happen in a heartbeat though. Even a really fast one. Lives crumble in a heartbeat. Promises are lost in a heartbeat."
"He doesn’t back away from the darkness; he wades into the murkiest shadows with me. We share a need that blends everything into one long grasp for the improbable. It’s a healing to a tear, a filling of a void, a bending to a demand for more. And I give it all to him, laying open every remembered tear, every void, every demand to make it his own, our own."
And talk about Simon, how can you not love the sweet and gentle side of him despite his evil ways.
"My painful memories sift through me like sand through stretched fingers. Only small pieces cling and stay around for me to keep, the rest just disappear. I know not where and I don’t care."
I would like to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read this book. This series was my first provided by the author which I liked. I'm looking forward to read more of her books in the near future.
"I’ve never felt remorse before. It’s disgusting."
May 30, 2015
3.5 Conflicting Stars!
~~Mild spoilers ahead. Don't recommend reading this review for those who haven't read the first book!~~
AGHHH My emotions are so jumbled right now. I read this while on vacation and am reviewing it now that I've had some time to absorb. Every Willow Madison book just makes me so confused on the matter of if I like it or not.
This story follows directly after the major cliffhanger of the first book, and we learn more of Gillian's background story and history of her life with Miles. This story definitely flowed smoothly and I finished it extremely quickly.
I was able to understand and connect to the emotions from the main male leads. But I think the reason I gave it 3.5 stars is because I was unable to fully understand Gillian, which made her character unrealistic to me. Although its obviously difficult do understand her mental state without experiencing it, her demeanor and lack of emotions at time confused me as a reader, but I know its just her personality. I guess it just threw me off more so now than in the first book.
A twisted part of me kinda hoped maybe she might actually still love Miles enough to stay with him, because he was just so bloody obsessed with her. But he ultimately didn't truly understand who she was and what she needed. Which made him a very cruel man at times...
"I won't be making this request again. You... this side of her... all of her other sides... will go away. Starting now."
I felt that Simon didn't take much action in getting her back at first. And it seemed to drag listening to how the separation was hurting them both. Although he didn't fully understand what her connection to Miles was I wish this part of the story wasn't as extended.
But when he finally takes the plunge and goes after her! YAY!
"I don't need you to protect me sweetheart."
Can't wait to see what this author releases in the future!
At this point I have said goodbye to my sanity.
~~Mild spoilers ahead. Don't recommend reading this review for those who haven't read the first book!~~
AGHHH My emotions are so jumbled right now. I read this while on vacation and am reviewing it now that I've had some time to absorb. Every Willow Madison book just makes me so confused on the matter of if I like it or not.
This story follows directly after the major cliffhanger of the first book, and we learn more of Gillian's background story and history of her life with Miles. This story definitely flowed smoothly and I finished it extremely quickly.
I was able to understand and connect to the emotions from the main male leads. But I think the reason I gave it 3.5 stars is because I was unable to fully understand Gillian, which made her character unrealistic to me. Although its obviously difficult do understand her mental state without experiencing it, her demeanor and lack of emotions at time confused me as a reader, but I know its just her personality. I guess it just threw me off more so now than in the first book.
A twisted part of me kinda hoped maybe she might actually still love Miles enough to stay with him, because he was just so bloody obsessed with her. But he ultimately didn't truly understand who she was and what she needed. Which made him a very cruel man at times...
"I won't be making this request again. You... this side of her... all of her other sides... will go away. Starting now."
I felt that Simon didn't take much action in getting her back at first. And it seemed to drag listening to how the separation was hurting them both. Although he didn't fully understand what her connection to Miles was I wish this part of the story wasn't as extended.
But when he finally takes the plunge and goes after her! YAY!
"I don't need you to protect me sweetheart."
Can't wait to see what this author releases in the future!
At this point I have said goodbye to my sanity.
May 21, 2015
It is rare that I come across a book (or in this case, series) that I can honestly say I have never read the plot before. For someone that usually reads 5-8 books a week, finding a unique storyline is like winning the lottery. Finding one with a unique storyline AND has the dark and dirty elements that I love? Well, that's like winning the lottery on my birthday and my children suddenly deciding to sleep late.
First, let me say this is not a stand-alone. Reading book 1 is an absolute must if you're going to understand what the hell is going on. Plus, you don't want to miss it anyway. We get a lot more back story in this book, a lot more history as to why Grace is the way she is.
Miles... I do not want to ruin anything but I will say that there were more than a couple of things that surprised me about him.
I will say that there were times that I had a little trouble following. Ms. Madison has a style of writing in which sentence fragments are used quite a bit. I do not think that this is a grammar problem so much as it a style choice on her part, most likely to set tone or for emphasis. It does take some getting used to but I do not think that it detracts from the story at all.
I loved Miles in all his evilness, I loved every facet of Grace's personality, and I loved Simon, the sweet side and the side that had demons. Though there were no plot holes or loose ends, I do wish we had gotten a few more details in the epilogue (If you've read it, you know which part I want) but I thought it was masterfully done and cannot wait to see what other dark goodies this author will come up with.
First, let me say this is not a stand-alone. Reading book 1 is an absolute must if you're going to understand what the hell is going on. Plus, you don't want to miss it anyway. We get a lot more back story in this book, a lot more history as to why Grace is the way she is.
Miles... I do not want to ruin anything but I will say that there were more than a couple of things that surprised me about him.
I will say that there were times that I had a little trouble following. Ms. Madison has a style of writing in which sentence fragments are used quite a bit. I do not think that this is a grammar problem so much as it a style choice on her part, most likely to set tone or for emphasis. It does take some getting used to but I do not think that it detracts from the story at all.
I loved Miles in all his evilness, I loved every facet of Grace's personality, and I loved Simon, the sweet side and the side that had demons. Though there were no plot holes or loose ends, I do wish we had gotten a few more details in the epilogue (If you've read it, you know which part I want) but I thought it was masterfully done and cannot wait to see what other dark goodies this author will come up with.
May 5, 2019
He’s gentle and sweet, staring between my eyes for what feels like an eternity, because my tears keep falling and I have to blink them away several times to see him. “I love you.”
I was very anxious to read the conclusion of their story. And I must say I it was not disappointing. This one goes back and forth from past to present making you gradually get to know the different and very complex characters. Though Simon starts off a scary asshole, in the end he was my hero. Contradictory to Simon I felt sorry for Miles in book 1, but of course he was the villain. O, and Cary, loved him!
“Say it. Say you belong with me, to me.” “Yes….We belong together…We belong to each other.”
Part of the We Were One Once Series and had to be read in order:
May 30, 2016
This Was One Crazy, Dark and Twisted Wild Ride Into The Minds Of: Mental Illness, Possessive Psychopath and a Sweet Sadist.
After reading this dark series, I need a whole bottle of vodka. (Just to clear my head) And first thing Monday morning I'm calling a therapist!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review* Thanks Willow Madison.
Willow Madison, Did I Mention You Are Brilliant!?
I won't ruin this beautifully dark read by divulging to many details. Just go in blindly. But what I will say, this book jumps right into continuing from that "Jaw-Dropping" cliffhanger from first book. I really like this book more then the first because we finally get Grace/Red POV. (Yippee) And we get to see why she is the way she is. I just wish I could jump in my kindle and just hold her. Her mother was one nasty/disturbing b**** (I've never hated a female character more then her) We also get more info on Miles Vanderson. He is one Insane, Possessive & Manipulating (wannabe dom) I hated that man with a passion. Simon *blush* wasn't in here that much (not into the ending) I really loved him. Grace/Red & him - made one awesome F'ed up couple. I absolutely loved the ending. Lmfao @ Miles.
Deals with:
Abuse, Bdsm, Kidnapping, Mental Illness, Naughty Hot Sex Scenes & HEA
After reading this dark series, I need a whole bottle of vodka. (Just to clear my head) And first thing Monday morning I'm calling a therapist!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review* Thanks Willow Madison.
Willow Madison, Did I Mention You Are Brilliant!?
I won't ruin this beautifully dark read by divulging to many details. Just go in blindly. But what I will say, this book jumps right into continuing from that "Jaw-Dropping" cliffhanger from first book. I really like this book more then the first because we finally get Grace/Red POV. (Yippee) And we get to see why she is the way she is. I just wish I could jump in my kindle and just hold her. Her mother was one nasty/disturbing b**** (I've never hated a female character more then her) We also get more info on Miles Vanderson. He is one Insane, Possessive & Manipulating (wannabe dom) I hated that man with a passion. Simon *blush* wasn't in here that much (not into the ending) I really loved him. Grace/Red & him - made one awesome F'ed up couple. I absolutely loved the ending. Lmfao @ Miles.
Deals with:
Abuse, Bdsm, Kidnapping, Mental Illness, Naughty Hot Sex Scenes & HEA
May 3, 2020
4.5 stars.
Mesmerizing descriptions elevated the story, and beautifully, effectively expressed Grace's mental states. I was enthralled from start to finish.
Edit: Raising from 4 to 5 stars.
I float on the edge, half in, half out, stretched, motionless.
The stars stare blankly back at me. The full moon is on its
way for Lilly's promise.
This is the last of my thoughts before I give in to the calmness,
the emptiness. I don't feel the pain. I never do.
I feel the love. I feel the need. I let these waves wash over me,
waves you create with your reach for me.
Mesmerizing descriptions elevated the story, and beautifully, effectively expressed Grace's mental states. I was enthralled from start to finish.
Edit: Raising from 4 to 5 stars.
November 23, 2015
One crazy messed up ride and I loved it! WWOO book 2 picks up immediately after book 1 and yay! We get to hear from Scarlet's POV in this one. I really enjoyed reading from her POV because we get some much needed background into Grace's life and what has led her to this moment.
There are still some sexy and hot BDSM scenes in this book but it's less about that and more about the relationship between Grace and Simon then anything else. It's also strongly about someone trying to let go and move on from their past. We really get to find out the depravity of Grace's family and why she truly needed to "split" in order to survive. Miles and Grace's Mother are a seriously sick duo and I couldn't help but love to read from Miles' POV. He's just such a psychopath it's hard to not want to see what's going on in that twisted head of his.
I LOVED how it ended! I loved what Simon decides to do when he figures out where Scarlet is and I love how that whole thing plays out. I also love how we essentially only read about people who are insanely messed up (no pun intended) and are psychotic in their own right. It just all depends on what your "flavor" of crazy is, because we all are in same way.
The final thing I'll note is a total book ending spoiler so don't read it if you don't want to know what finally happens to Scarlet/Grace
All in all I just loved this story and had a hard time not skimming simply because I was so anxious to see what would happen! I would highly recommend this book to readers of dark erotica including dub/non-con.
There are still some sexy and hot BDSM scenes in this book but it's less about that and more about the relationship between Grace and Simon then anything else. It's also strongly about someone trying to let go and move on from their past. We really get to find out the depravity of Grace's family and why she truly needed to "split" in order to survive. Miles and Grace's Mother are a seriously sick duo and I couldn't help but love to read from Miles' POV. He's just such a psychopath it's hard to not want to see what's going on in that twisted head of his.
I LOVED how it ended! I loved what Simon decides to do when he figures out where Scarlet is and I love how that whole thing plays out. I also love how we essentially only read about people who are insanely messed up (no pun intended) and are psychotic in their own right. It just all depends on what your "flavor" of crazy is, because we all are in same way.
The final thing I'll note is a total book ending spoiler so don't read it if you don't want to know what finally happens to Scarlet/Grace
All in all I just loved this story and had a hard time not skimming simply because I was so anxious to see what would happen! I would highly recommend this book to readers of dark erotica including dub/non-con.
May 21, 2015
I Almost Pissed My Pants at One Point!! No Bull!!
Where the hell is a Doctor, Therapist, or Priest When you need one?? So I freaking self diagnosed myself and concluded that I was in serious need of some Xanax! Yep, you read it right!!
This Authors mind is Freaking Brilliant!! I was so scared reading this book. It was like I knew something extremely horrible was just around the corner. I knew it was coming, but like a romantic fool, I didn't actually think it would happen! I was Pissed Off, grinding my teeth while simultaneously completely enthralled!!
Sorry, the first book was GOOD, but this book 2 had me ready to go all (Matrix, The One) on somebody! I promise I wanted Simon to create a new hole in his cousin, Cary's dumb..... for the meet and greet fiasco.
Red and Lilly were my favorites out of the females. Simon almost lost my love, I'm not going to tell why or how because it's too embarrassing, but I can tell you this, Simon must have took a big dose of Testosterone! because he went all Alpha on us and it was sexy as hell. I was singing, "Who Let The Beast Out."
Sorry my reviews are never an overview of the story. I'm just a let me tell you what emotion I felt kind of girl.
This book was very well written. The plot was tight and the characters including all the females were colorful with distinct personalities. The flow was excellent, and the pace was perfect. There was never a boring space in the book.
Wow!! I keep dozing off trying to write this on my phone @ 3:56 AM. I'm going to bed.
Night!
Where the hell is a Doctor, Therapist, or Priest When you need one?? So I freaking self diagnosed myself and concluded that I was in serious need of some Xanax! Yep, you read it right!!
This Authors mind is Freaking Brilliant!! I was so scared reading this book. It was like I knew something extremely horrible was just around the corner. I knew it was coming, but like a romantic fool, I didn't actually think it would happen! I was Pissed Off, grinding my teeth while simultaneously completely enthralled!!
Sorry, the first book was GOOD, but this book 2 had me ready to go all (Matrix, The One) on somebody! I promise I wanted Simon to create a new hole in his cousin, Cary's dumb..... for the meet and greet fiasco.
Red and Lilly were my favorites out of the females. Simon almost lost my love, I'm not going to tell why or how because it's too embarrassing, but I can tell you this, Simon must have took a big dose of Testosterone! because he went all Alpha on us and it was sexy as hell. I was singing, "Who Let The Beast Out."
Sorry my reviews are never an overview of the story. I'm just a let me tell you what emotion I felt kind of girl.
This book was very well written. The plot was tight and the characters including all the females were colorful with distinct personalities. The flow was excellent, and the pace was perfect. There was never a boring space in the book.
Wow!! I keep dozing off trying to write this on my phone @ 3:56 AM. I'm going to bed.
Night!
Read
May 22, 2015Available on Amazon now:
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March 19, 2016
I read this book almost a month ago yet still can't get over the premise of this series! In WE WERE ONE ONCE #2, Willow Madison's ingenuity and imaginativeness again result in a complex yet plausible story unlike anything I've ever read. Again I was extremely impressed by how eloquently and seamlessly Madison incorporated Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) into this series. Despite DID being one of if not the most convoluted mental health diagnoses, Madison did her homework; demonstrating a thorough knowledge and understanding of this disorder. Any author can write a book about a character or two with DID yet Madison goes beyond that. She doesn't just TELL us our leading lady has DID, her descriptions of this character's thoughts and behaviors perfectly illustrate this multifaceted, labyrinthine disorder. Being a mental health professional, I am certain that I would not have enjoyed this book as much as I did if Madison hadn't correctly portrayed this disorder. Working in mental health, I already had a great deal of empathy for people struggling with DID but wow.....to even think up such a brilliant, depraved way to take advantage of someone with DID?!?! Way to go Willow Madison!!! I bow down to you!
June 3, 2015
I just started reading books that are dark and I jumped in with two feet with this one! It took me much longer to read this book than it normally would but I had to put the book down so many times because of the subject matter.
This book is not for the faint of heart. If you've ever been abused, think twice. It is an extremely good book but it is VERY VERY dark. One of the many reasons it was so hard for me to read is because I KNOW there are real people out there dealing with these issues and, unfortunately, no one will ever find them. It breaks my heart.
The ending, for me, wasn't so much a happily ever after as it was a lesser of two evils. Just finished it and am still ruminating on it. May update my review later.
Good story line but I really wish the author had delved into G/G's psychology more.
I would have LOVED to read what happened to Miles. The tiny bits I read were enough to want me to know EXACTLY what was happening to him as I read EXACTLY what happened to G/G.
This book is not for the faint of heart. If you've ever been abused, think twice. It is an extremely good book but it is VERY VERY dark. One of the many reasons it was so hard for me to read is because I KNOW there are real people out there dealing with these issues and, unfortunately, no one will ever find them. It breaks my heart.
The ending, for me, wasn't so much a happily ever after as it was a lesser of two evils. Just finished it and am still ruminating on it. May update my review later.
Good story line but I really wish the author had delved into G/G's psychology more.
I would have LOVED to read what happened to Miles. The tiny bits I read were enough to want me to know EXACTLY what was happening to him as I read EXACTLY what happened to G/G.
July 27, 2015
3.5 stars for me...not as dark as the first one and even though it was good I felt like I was missing something..I did not re read the first one, maybe that was it? I did not connect to the character's. I still liked Simon and Grace but Miles was just ehh...the epilogue..I would have liked more information about what was happening in the cave and why was Simon feeling the way he was...and what about the blue pill? Still love her writing:)
July 13, 2015
What is the mark of a good book for me? Answer: I don’t want to put it down even long enough to eat a chocolate bar and I love me some chocolate now. What is the mark of a great book? Answer: It has the mark of a good book AND it has me thinking about it well after I have turned the last page and read the last word. The characters stay with me. The story stays with me. I carry it to bed with me and snuggle it. Then I dream about it… lol.
Willow Madison has done it again. She wrote a book that made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me thump my kindle (on a pillow, calm down, I didn’t break it, haha). It made me scream and my hubby had to give me the *look* that says, “You are a nut but I love you still.”.
Let us talk about Simon. About Miles. And Grace, my beautiful, beautiful Grace. She went through so much, she broke my heart. Simon broke my heart when he felt broken but then he rallied as I knew he would. I freaking cheered, did a little dance, too, when he got his head on straight. Miles… well, I wanted to break something of his, all right. But luckily, so did my Simon. And since my Simon is so darn good at breaking things, I’m content to let him do the job with no interference from moi.
I hope I’m not leaving spoilers here, I don’t want to spoil this treat for anyone. I enjoyed this book so darned much, I couldn’t imagine not shouting it to everyone. I truly adore Simon. He stole the show for me with how much he was willing to do for his Grace. His Red. Oh yeah, Red. She freaking ROCKS!!! I love Red, I’d have her over for dinner and a drink anytime! If she brings Simon, bonus!
Seriously though, there is one line that is located in the back of the book that takes me by the throat, the heart, even my brain and just jerks everything to a halt as I realize this is the line of dialogue that boils it all down for me into one sentence. One perfect sentence. It describes a love so beautiful I had to find a tissue just to be able to see. He had to use artificial means to get his job done but he did it for her, for his broken woman. Of course, the line was uttered by my Simon.
Note to Simon: With that sentence, Simon, you put this reader into a frenzy. If you were real, I’d stalk your ass.
Sincerely,
Me.
Note to Author, Willow Madison: I’d adore a short story or novella detailing you know who’s time in the cave… Just sayin!
Willow Madison has done it again. She wrote a book that made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me thump my kindle (on a pillow, calm down, I didn’t break it, haha). It made me scream and my hubby had to give me the *look* that says, “You are a nut but I love you still.”.
Let us talk about Simon. About Miles. And Grace, my beautiful, beautiful Grace. She went through so much, she broke my heart. Simon broke my heart when he felt broken but then he rallied as I knew he would. I freaking cheered, did a little dance, too, when he got his head on straight. Miles… well, I wanted to break something of his, all right. But luckily, so did my Simon. And since my Simon is so darn good at breaking things, I’m content to let him do the job with no interference from moi.
I hope I’m not leaving spoilers here, I don’t want to spoil this treat for anyone. I enjoyed this book so darned much, I couldn’t imagine not shouting it to everyone. I truly adore Simon. He stole the show for me with how much he was willing to do for his Grace. His Red. Oh yeah, Red. She freaking ROCKS!!! I love Red, I’d have her over for dinner and a drink anytime! If she brings Simon, bonus!
Seriously though, there is one line that is located in the back of the book that takes me by the throat, the heart, even my brain and just jerks everything to a halt as I realize this is the line of dialogue that boils it all down for me into one sentence. One perfect sentence. It describes a love so beautiful I had to find a tissue just to be able to see. He had to use artificial means to get his job done but he did it for her, for his broken woman. Of course, the line was uttered by my Simon.
Note to Simon: With that sentence, Simon, you put this reader into a frenzy. If you were real, I’d stalk your ass.
Sincerely,
Me.
Note to Author, Willow Madison: I’d adore a short story or novella detailing you know who’s time in the cave… Just sayin!
May 27, 2016
The 2nd book of We Were One Once takes off right where the first one left us. This time we get to see things from Grace/Red's POV. I wasn't sure at first if I'd like that, but I sure did! The insight into her brain was very interesting and strangely empowering. To understand what made her tick and why she agreed to do the things she did and how it literally made her is fascinating. I'm deeply curious if the author researched the mental issues the FMC suffered, they seemed quite valid to me.
This story is dark, even darker than the first, as we see why things are the way they are. Willow doesn't show us those things for titillation however, but for the express purpose of understanding what made Grace.
My only complaint is I felt that Miles would have been suspicious and looking for her sooner, and there was an extended wave symbology scene that confused me - but it made sense in the end. I'd say that everything in here had a purpose.
Simon is horrifying, unrepentant and one of the nastiest characters I've read in a long time. But even then, we understand what drives him and what he wants. I can't say I was sympathetic to him in anyway, but I did understand him.
I was thrilled with the ending and that Red wasn't just rescued, that she contributed to her own freedom in ways that Miles couldn't have. Very happy with the just desserts ending as well.
This story is dark, even darker than the first, as we see why things are the way they are. Willow doesn't show us those things for titillation however, but for the express purpose of understanding what made Grace.
My only complaint is I felt that Miles would have been suspicious and looking for her sooner, and there was an extended wave symbology scene that confused me - but it made sense in the end. I'd say that everything in here had a purpose.
Simon is horrifying, unrepentant and one of the nastiest characters I've read in a long time. But even then, we understand what drives him and what he wants. I can't say I was sympathetic to him in anyway, but I did understand him.
I was thrilled with the ending and that Red wasn't just rescued, that she contributed to her own freedom in ways that Miles couldn't have. Very happy with the just desserts ending as well.
January 7, 2016
Book 2 picks up where Book 1 leaves off, but to me, Book 2 seems different. I enjoyed reading the first book, but the author really steps it up for Book 2. In this one we get to journey much deeper into Grace’s head to see how all the different personalities interact. The author does a tremendous job of portraying such a complex character. In the first book I had a hard time understanding Grace. In this one the author delves so much deeper into her character it makes it much easier to understand and connect with her.
The darkness of Book 1 continues and may actually get a little darker. Miles’ abuse seems much worse in Book 2. It’s not only physical this time, but also psychological as he attempts to destroy the different personalities. Spencer seems much more likeable this time around as he comes to Grace’s rescue.
This book makes me re-evaluate how I rate books. Normally I give 5 stars to the books that I can’t put down and don’t want to end. This book is different. It is very dark and at times hard to read. At the same time, it is so wonderfully written that it definitely deserves five stars.
The darkness of Book 1 continues and may actually get a little darker. Miles’ abuse seems much worse in Book 2. It’s not only physical this time, but also psychological as he attempts to destroy the different personalities. Spencer seems much more likeable this time around as he comes to Grace’s rescue.
This book makes me re-evaluate how I rate books. Normally I give 5 stars to the books that I can’t put down and don’t want to end. This book is different. It is very dark and at times hard to read. At the same time, it is so wonderfully written that it definitely deserves five stars.
February 19, 2016
*****SPOILERS AHEAD*****
This book was everything I had hoped for and more! We finally get to add *a few* more POV's in book two! More steamy sex, more kidnapping, professions of love and just a bit more crazy thrown in the mix.
So we finally found out why Gillian/Grace/Red ran from Miles. ( I had a feeling in book 1 that he was the *real* villain in this story)
Miles wanted "Grace" to stay and the others to leave indefinitely. But how could she remain the dominant personality when she was possibly the most broken of them all?
Gigi/Red has finally had enough of Miles' viscous hold on *them*, especially Grace. She wants freedom once and for all, for *all* of them....But at what price?
Simon will not give up the woman/women he loves. He finally met match and nothing will stop him from keeping her, not even Red herself.
But who will win when a war is being waged both internally and externally? Who is Gillian really? Sometimes the truth doesn't set you free, sometimes it is the truth that breaks you.
This book was everything I had hoped for and more! We finally get to add *a few* more POV's in book two! More steamy sex, more kidnapping, professions of love and just a bit more crazy thrown in the mix.
So we finally found out why Gillian/Grace/Red ran from Miles. ( I had a feeling in book 1 that he was the *real* villain in this story)
“And you’ll feel everything this time, my love. Because if you don’t… If you run from here back into that little messed up brain of yours… then I’ll leave you here. And I won’t come back until you’re ready to face your punishment. Because you’re not leaving this room until you’ve proven to me that no matter what… you’ll stay my sweet Gillian.”
Miles wanted "Grace" to stay and the others to leave indefinitely. But how could she remain the dominant personality when she was possibly the most broken of them all?
Gigi/Red has finally had enough of Miles' viscous hold on *them*, especially Grace. She wants freedom once and for all, for *all* of them....But at what price?
Simon will not give up the woman/women he loves. He finally met match and nothing will stop him from keeping her, not even Red herself.
But who will win when a war is being waged both internally and externally? Who is Gillian really? Sometimes the truth doesn't set you free, sometimes it is the truth that breaks you.
November 23, 2017
Copy provided to me by author Willow Madison in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Willow!!
What an amazing story... I absolutely loved it!! I don't know why this are 2 books though? I consider it just 1 book, because apart they make no sense. In book #1 we read about Simon and Miles; who are both... let's say 'not quite normal'. In book #2 of course more of those two men but we also learn more about what goes in Gillian/Grace/Gigi/Lilly/Baby/Jill's (to name a few) head... she had a awful past with a truly disgusting mother and sick and twisted 'step brother' Miles! Simon turns out to be good for *her* but he is definitely not a good man!
These books are page turners, however... the story did not had many twists I didn't see coming. Although that wasn't a bad thing. If you like dark, twisted and taboo, beautiful in its evil-ugliness, this series is a must-read... you will not be disappointed!
What an amazing story... I absolutely loved it!! I don't know why this are 2 books though? I consider it just 1 book, because apart they make no sense. In book #1 we read about Simon and Miles; who are both... let's say 'not quite normal'. In book #2 of course more of those two men but we also learn more about what goes in Gillian/Grace/Gigi/Lilly/Baby/Jill's (to name a few) head... she had a awful past with a truly disgusting mother and sick and twisted 'step brother' Miles! Simon turns out to be good for *her* but he is definitely not a good man!
These books are page turners, however... the story did not had many twists I didn't see coming. Although that wasn't a bad thing. If you like dark, twisted and taboo, beautiful in its evil-ugliness, this series is a must-read... you will not be disappointed!
July 21, 2015
Ahhh I love this females point of view!!! getting inside of her head, with her 'condition' was certainly intriguing !! I enjoyed it very much!!
March 18, 2016
This sequel didn't disappoint...I read it in one sitting.
April 12, 2016
This was an interesting and dark story. It was a bit more brutal than the first story. I did like how it ended.
September 18, 2019
I enjoyed this sequel very much, but I do feel that the main villain became very one dimensional, and I found myself kind of bored whenever he was narrating. Grace was still awesome, though I found it irritating that her life long mental illness was just done away with in one chapter. No therapy, no nothing. She just built a Sherlock mind palace and erased her separate identities. I expected a bit more psychological depth when it came to her personality disorder, as the previous novel did such a good job portraying Grace's struggle with her childhood trauma.
The first book is a bit superior to this one, but I still really loved the ending and of course, I adore Simon. His sociopathy is a little less obvious in this novel, but I still found him interesting even with his personality diminished so there could be more of a romance.
TW: Rape, physical abuse, captivity, child abuse, and pedophilia
The first book is a bit superior to this one, but I still really loved the ending and of course, I adore Simon. His sociopathy is a little less obvious in this novel, but I still found him interesting even with his personality diminished so there could be more of a romance.
TW: Rape, physical abuse, captivity, child abuse, and pedophilia
October 21, 2019
4 1/2 stars
Book 1 has lead to this. So many twists and unsuspecting turnouts. The darkness in this book was mesmerising. 3 ?? main characters - Miles/Gillian ??????/Simon.
Darkening twists that can only be understood be reading the 2 part series. Willow has written a storyline that cannot be explained if not read. As per usual, no spoiling of contents, not a spoiler.
A very dark series so be prepared. If you don’t enjoy this style of writing, this won’t be for you. Degradation, abuse, incest, power a few choice words to think about.
If you are looking for a new author of darkness, give a Willow Madison a go. Honest feedback for all authors is always appreciated. For persons who cannot handle to read this style of writing, avoid reading as there is nothing worse than giving a negative review due to offence etc. and debasing what you read.
Enjoy.....
April 30, 2016
I totally loved this book, I actually think it is better than the first one. It answered a lot of questions I had in the first book and gave my brain time to fall for the "hero". (I don't want to give anything away so I am not going to use names.) I was totally caught up in the characters and the whole unique situation that the heroine is in. Kudos to Willow Madison for such an inventive story line. While it might be dark and gritty, it was right up my alley and I couldn't put it down. This is not a sappy love story and contains dark elements like abuse, kidnapping, forced submission, and mental illness but, there is also love and redemption. I look forward to reading another of Willow's books!
July 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
This book picks up right where the first left off and it was one crazy but interesting ride being in the mind of Gillian/Grace/Lilly/Jill/Baby. And Simon as twisted as he is, is a far better option for Gillian compared to Miles and he is as determined as ever to get her back. Miles is one delusional a sick f$&@, I was quite satisfied with ending and how things were handled with him but I still feel like something was missing over all. Still, it was an entertaining dark read with intriguing characters and twisted plot.
This book picks up right where the first left off and it was one crazy but interesting ride being in the mind of Gillian/Grace/Lilly/Jill/Baby. And Simon as twisted as he is, is a far better option for Gillian compared to Miles and he is as determined as ever to get her back. Miles is one delusional a sick f$&@, I was quite satisfied with ending and how things were handled with him but I still feel like something was missing over all. Still, it was an entertaining dark read with intriguing characters and twisted plot.
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