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The Plot
An unconventional romance between two misfits brought together by love and revenge. At eighteen, Yoko Hirano falls prey to a human trafficking organization and is forced into a lifestyle nightmares are made of. When the young Japanese girl escapes, her only focus is exacting revenge and saving other girls from the same fate by bringing down Michael Chen, the powerful mobster who destroyed her innocence. Four years later she meets antiques dealer Mark Chandler, the only man who ever treated her with respect. Though she is torn by her unfamiliar feelings for him, Yoko’s grand scheme doesn’t involve falling in love, and a man like Mark would never want her if he discovered her past. What she doesn’t know is that he has his own dark secrets... Mark never thought he could lose his head over a woman, but the haunted eyes of his beautiful new employee fill his soul with desire and tenderness. When he learns about what had happened to her, his vengeance knows no limits. Nor does his resolve to help her heal and discover love.
300 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2016
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Melinda De Ross
44 books90 followersMelinda De Ross is a USA Today bestselling author, loving wife, avid reader, and lifelong gourmand. Best known for her witty romantic comedies, Melinda offers readers a unique blend of humor, escapism and interesting characters. While she's a law graduate and professional target shooter, she prefers to spend her days spinning tales, or cuddling with her husband. Her books are available in numerous languages. She loves to hear from readers, so if you have a question or want to learn more about her books, visit her website: MelindaDeRoss.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 29, 2017
This story is a very emotional story but I good one. I enjoyed reading it. Human trafficking is a touching subject for me because it is such a horrible thing to live through and read about and watch on TV and in movies. I wish we didn't even know what human trafficking even was. I enjoyed the ups and downs in this book and I felt like I empathized with the character, Yoko.
May 7, 2020
I think I may have just accidently read some "chick lit," and it was interesting! THE PLOT by Melinda De Ross apparently is that and manages to to use the story to describe how human traffickers take advantage of mostly young people and mostly girls to trick them into thinking they will be hired for legitimate work but then forced into prostitution. There are other purposes as well, such as forced slave labor. The Plot follows two Japanese girls, Yoko and her friend from a rural village that are promised cleaning or other service jobs in America but then find the inevitable result as they are pushed into the sex industry. Much of the details about this process are glossed over and the focus moves to years later after they both have managed to escape this world and found legitimate work to help them move on with their lives. But Yoko has a plan (the plot) to exact revenge on the mob organization that did this to them and help prevent this from happening to more girls using her amazing computer hacking skills. Because it is chick lit, it introduces a love interest with Mark (of course an ex-military) and some steamy scenes ensue. Mark is determined to help Yoko with her plan partly for his own reasons. The rest you'll have to read to find out how things unfold. The author moves the story along at a good pace and you want to keep reading to see what happens next.
October 17, 2018
5 Stars
The Plot by Melinda De Ross is an intriguing and suspenseful story that took me on an action-packed ride and had me anxiously flipping pages to discover what would happen next. Ms. De Ross is a new to me author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the story. But I was pleasantly surprised by what I found when I dove in. This story was quite absorbing and pulled me in quite quickly. I didn’t expect to become quite so invested in the story or the characters- but I did. I Really felt for Yoko (and her friend) and what they’d been through. I was rooting for her right from the beginning. Then add Mark into the mix and I was hooked. The story has drama, some mystery, suspense, danger, intrigue, Chinese Triads, human trafficking/sex slavery, abuse, survival, revenge, secrets, romance, trust, and hope.
What Yoko Hirano had suffered through for 4 years, no person should ever have to endure. Taken from her home in Japan, she finds herself in New York, where she’s forced into prostitution at the hands of a vile human being. This has left Yoko suspicious, cynical, wary and ashamed. She may not be in the clutches of the Triad anymore, but her experiences haunt her every single day. She has worked hard to put herself through college, to earn a degree and build a better future for herself. But, her driving force is her need for vengeance- and the plans she has to bring the Triad to its knees. But in the meantime, she needs a job to get by, until she has her qualifications. This leads her to a high-end antiques and collectables store, working for the ruggedly handsome owner. He stirs feelings in her that she’s never experienced before. But she doesn’t believe in love, romance or ‘happily-ever-afters’. And he wouldn’t want her anyway, especially if he knew about her past.
Mark Chandler might own the antique store, but there is much more to him than meets the eye. He has some surprising secrets of his own. He is drawn to Yoko from the moment he lays eyes on her and can’t help but wonder what caused the sadness he sees in her eyes. He’s determined to find out and help her if he can. What happens when he discovers the tragic details of her past? Will it put an end to their budding relationship? Will Yoko discover what Mark has been hiding? Will She manage to follow through with her plans and take down an entire criminal organisation?
This book was more than I hoped for and much better than I had expected. Well worth the read! I will definitely be exploring more of Ms. De Ross’s work in the future.
Thank you, Ms. De Ross!
The Plot by Melinda De Ross is an intriguing and suspenseful story that took me on an action-packed ride and had me anxiously flipping pages to discover what would happen next. Ms. De Ross is a new to me author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the story. But I was pleasantly surprised by what I found when I dove in. This story was quite absorbing and pulled me in quite quickly. I didn’t expect to become quite so invested in the story or the characters- but I did. I Really felt for Yoko (and her friend) and what they’d been through. I was rooting for her right from the beginning. Then add Mark into the mix and I was hooked. The story has drama, some mystery, suspense, danger, intrigue, Chinese Triads, human trafficking/sex slavery, abuse, survival, revenge, secrets, romance, trust, and hope.
What Yoko Hirano had suffered through for 4 years, no person should ever have to endure. Taken from her home in Japan, she finds herself in New York, where she’s forced into prostitution at the hands of a vile human being. This has left Yoko suspicious, cynical, wary and ashamed. She may not be in the clutches of the Triad anymore, but her experiences haunt her every single day. She has worked hard to put herself through college, to earn a degree and build a better future for herself. But, her driving force is her need for vengeance- and the plans she has to bring the Triad to its knees. But in the meantime, she needs a job to get by, until she has her qualifications. This leads her to a high-end antiques and collectables store, working for the ruggedly handsome owner. He stirs feelings in her that she’s never experienced before. But she doesn’t believe in love, romance or ‘happily-ever-afters’. And he wouldn’t want her anyway, especially if he knew about her past.
Mark Chandler might own the antique store, but there is much more to him than meets the eye. He has some surprising secrets of his own. He is drawn to Yoko from the moment he lays eyes on her and can’t help but wonder what caused the sadness he sees in her eyes. He’s determined to find out and help her if he can. What happens when he discovers the tragic details of her past? Will it put an end to their budding relationship? Will Yoko discover what Mark has been hiding? Will She manage to follow through with her plans and take down an entire criminal organisation?
This book was more than I hoped for and much better than I had expected. Well worth the read! I will definitely be exploring more of Ms. De Ross’s work in the future.
Thank you, Ms. De Ross!
September 15, 2018
After being sucked in by Mr. Chen, a human trafficker, and his criminal organization, Yoko couldn’t imagine sex or any kind of relationship with any man being pleasant in any way. Men were users, abusers and women suffered for it. The only man who’d looked at her without lust in his eyes was Mark Chandler. All she’d seen was respect. What she didn’t know was that Mark led a secret life from that of being her bookstore boss. A life filled with suspense and danger. What Mark didn’t know about his beautiful new protégé was that she’d sold her body, hating the men who paid her for those privileges. When Yoko begins her revenge against the people who’d ruined her life, the action heats up and it’s very difficult to lay the book down. A solid 5 stars… I’ll be reading more from this author.
February 6, 2017
There are some evil deeds that I find unfathomable and unforgivable. Human trafficking is one of these. I have read a few stories set against the back drop of this evil and not one has failed to move me. This story was no exception. I appreciated the distance the author created in the beginning and then the way she brought the reader closer when the heroine got her life back and started making her revenge plans and had a chance at something real with a good-hearted man.
The story opens with Yoko and her best friend finished with school and eager for a job opportunity in America to better their circumstances and give them the ability to help their families back in the poor Japanese village back home. Only, the promise that they can get jobs as domestic help and maybe attend college vanish when Mr. Chen brutally informs them that they are sold into prostitution at a brothel he runs.
Fortune finds the two girls when their oppressor, Mr. Chen, and his men are killed in a criminal organizational takeover. In the confusion, the two girls snatch some ready money and run. They make new lives for themselves though they can't seem to get ahead right away.
Yoko burns for the chance at revenge so while she works toward getting her CPA, she learns how to make her way around computers and finds out all she can about the Chinese Criminal organization that sold her into prostitution. And then, along comes Mark Chandler offering her a good job and maybe something special. Is he too good to be true? Can a man ever accept her past?
Alright, the story read fast and I was glad that it glossed over the heartwrenching part at the beginning. Like I said, I felt a distance from the characters and plot at first, but then it seemed to change when Yoko made her plans and met Mark. I thought that was rather well done with the writing.
I liked how the suspense and the romance elements balanced well. Yoko's determination to have revenge and see justice done for other girls like her was a solid base and kept me engaged to see how she would do up against a dangerous and powerful criminal empire. I also appreciated how this romance was written. It hit on what it was like for a woman who was the survivor of such a horrific situation and for a man who loves her, but struggles with her past. It didn't feel contrived and made me really cheer this pair on.
All in all, it was a story I was glad to read. It's not light and it digs into the darker side of life, but was satisfying in its ending. I think fans of romantic suspense and romantic thrillers would be the target for this one.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with Yoko and her best friend finished with school and eager for a job opportunity in America to better their circumstances and give them the ability to help their families back in the poor Japanese village back home. Only, the promise that they can get jobs as domestic help and maybe attend college vanish when Mr. Chen brutally informs them that they are sold into prostitution at a brothel he runs.
Fortune finds the two girls when their oppressor, Mr. Chen, and his men are killed in a criminal organizational takeover. In the confusion, the two girls snatch some ready money and run. They make new lives for themselves though they can't seem to get ahead right away.
Yoko burns for the chance at revenge so while she works toward getting her CPA, she learns how to make her way around computers and finds out all she can about the Chinese Criminal organization that sold her into prostitution. And then, along comes Mark Chandler offering her a good job and maybe something special. Is he too good to be true? Can a man ever accept her past?
Alright, the story read fast and I was glad that it glossed over the heartwrenching part at the beginning. Like I said, I felt a distance from the characters and plot at first, but then it seemed to change when Yoko made her plans and met Mark. I thought that was rather well done with the writing.
I liked how the suspense and the romance elements balanced well. Yoko's determination to have revenge and see justice done for other girls like her was a solid base and kept me engaged to see how she would do up against a dangerous and powerful criminal empire. I also appreciated how this romance was written. It hit on what it was like for a woman who was the survivor of such a horrific situation and for a man who loves her, but struggles with her past. It didn't feel contrived and made me really cheer this pair on.
All in all, it was a story I was glad to read. It's not light and it digs into the darker side of life, but was satisfying in its ending. I think fans of romantic suspense and romantic thrillers would be the target for this one.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2015
An emotional story of a young girl who falls pray to greedy men and is forced into prostitution. By sheer chance she gets free, but with no skills or education her only means of survival in commercial society is to continue with the same trade to put herself through school and once and for all finds better future. Her only drive in life is to destroy the tirade who put her through hell and she is very close to putting her scheme into motion.She meets Mark, the only man who didn't want that one thing from her, at least not right away. He's different, he's kind and she has feelings for him. but his past isn't clean either. He's a thief. Not just ordinary kind but sophisticated. When she opens her heart to him and tells him of her past, he's having a hard time accepting it, but after some soul searching, he finds her past didn't matter to him, it's their future he's more interested in. He helps her put her plot into fruition, but not everyone could be trusted and one small, neglected move almost costs Yoko her life.
Great read for everyone who likes some intrigue mixed with romance.
Great read for everyone who likes some intrigue mixed with romance.
October 29, 2015
THE PLOT is quite different from the other Melinda De Ross books I’ve read.
This story gives us insight into human trafficking and prostitution.
A young Japanese woman, Yoko, falls victim to a Chinese triad and its human trafficking business. We follow Yoko’s journey from abuse to escape, from revenge to finally healing through love.
It’s a deeply emotional story. But the twist is that the art dealer Yoko falls in love with is also a professional thief.
So how can love blossom when Yoko has revenge in her heart? Will she bring Mark down or will he raise her up?
This is a gripping yet tender love story.
This story gives us insight into human trafficking and prostitution.
A young Japanese woman, Yoko, falls victim to a Chinese triad and its human trafficking business. We follow Yoko’s journey from abuse to escape, from revenge to finally healing through love.
It’s a deeply emotional story. But the twist is that the art dealer Yoko falls in love with is also a professional thief.
So how can love blossom when Yoko has revenge in her heart? Will she bring Mark down or will he raise her up?
This is a gripping yet tender love story.
November 21, 2015
This is the exciting story of a young woman's plan to get revenge against the men that ruined her and her best friend's lives. I loved this story, Yoko is such a strong character. I can't imagine going through everything she has been through and she still turns out to be a strong willed, independent, ambitious woman. Mark the tall, dark, handsome stranger she met by chance turns out to be the best thing that's ever happened to her. I loved them together, Mark brings out the innocent, fun loving side of Yoko. I enjoyed the storyline, the interactions between characters, just the overall book. I'll definitely be reading more books by this author.
August 10, 2019
I don't know why this has good reviews
I just can't get over the fact that the Japanese girl that was brought to America under false pretenses didn't know enough English to get away from her captors but knows so many idioms perfectly only a couple years later.
Also when the main character describes herself as having "slanted eyes" ...? This is just so clearly written by someone that does not have the correct experience or empathy to write from this point of view.
If you can get past this, you might like the story in general, but I wouldn't recommend it.
I just can't get over the fact that the Japanese girl that was brought to America under false pretenses didn't know enough English to get away from her captors but knows so many idioms perfectly only a couple years later.
Also when the main character describes herself as having "slanted eyes" ...? This is just so clearly written by someone that does not have the correct experience or empathy to write from this point of view.
If you can get past this, you might like the story in general, but I wouldn't recommend it.
July 1, 2017
Adored this, Mark and yoko are so cute and their story had me glued from start to Finnish. Yoko and otsus stories had me heart broken and amazed at the strength of their characters. I loved them as friends, how they stick together through it all. The writing was suspenseful, detailed and inrapturing. The sensitive subject matters where dealt with truthfully and added to the dynamic characters and plot. I will be recommending this to other readers.
November 1, 2018
This novel was a very emotional story covering a very sensitive and controversial subject human trafficking and prostitution the author wrote it in a way the it really grips you and gives you a better understanding of this sensitive horrific issue. I can honestly say i read this novel in one sitting i just couldn't pull my eyes away i found it so touching and emotional it's a beautiful sensitive touching story one i highly recommend reading outstanding read!
October 26, 2015
Melinda De Ross does it again. In The Plot, she successfully tackles a number of sensitive, controversial issues. The world can be an ugly place, filled with liars and deceivers, and it takes a special person to rise above them. De Ross handles the disastrous effects of human trafficking in a believable, sensible fashion. Revenge can be sweet.
November 16, 2015
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
A very powerful read. Human trafficking is and will always be a sensitive, controversial issues and Melinda De Ross weaves a story that will both grab and empower you to understand and feel every page of this book and what the characters will reveal is heartbreaking but powerfully good.
Great Read!!
A very powerful read. Human trafficking is and will always be a sensitive, controversial issues and Melinda De Ross weaves a story that will both grab and empower you to understand and feel every page of this book and what the characters will reveal is heartbreaking but powerfully good.
Great Read!!
January 27, 2020
Good book with lots of suspenseful scenes and a great romantic vibe to it.
The story talks about human trafficking. The scenes are very well thought out and detailed.
Narrator did a good job reading the book out and giving the book character.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review.
The story talks about human trafficking. The scenes are very well thought out and detailed.
Narrator did a good job reading the book out and giving the book character.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review.
October 31, 2015
Melinda De Ross gives us another spine tingling story. This is different from her other books, but is different then her other books. This is more intense then all her other books!!
October 16, 2018
THE PLOT
By: Melinda De Ross
5 out of 5 stars
The story THE PLOT by Melinda De Ross is a wonderful romantic suspense book. It is a story I loved reading. It had me hooked from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the last page. It is a story about a woman’s need for revenge but also about healing. I loved reading about the characters of Yoko Hirano and Mark Chandler. Yoko is a woman who was made part of a human trafficking organization. She escapes and then begins her plans for revenge against the organization and the man behind it. She is beautiful, determined, strong, and smart. Yoko is a woman who doesn’t always see herself in the best light. She doesn’t believe that anyone would want to fall in love with her after they find out about her past. She doesn’t believe in love, romance, or happy endings. Then she meets Mark. Mark Chandler owns his own antique business and is a man with secrets of his own. When he meets Yoko, he is very attracted to her and finds her foremost on his mind. Both Mark and Yoko are feeling emotions that they never have with anyone else and that puts them into uncharted waters. Where will their feelings lead them? Will Yoko find Mark to be the one that starts the healing process for her? Are these two soulmates? Will Yoko finally get the revenge against the organization and the man behind what she was made to endure? Read this book to find out. This is a story has moments that are sad and make you feel angry at what happened to Yoko. There are also heartwarming times and you can really feel the love and tenderness that Mark feels for her. There are also moments that are suspenseful and had me wondering what was going to happen next. There are scenes of passion and desire between Mark and Yoko included in this book. This is a wonderfully written story and one I would recommend reading.
By: Melinda De Ross
5 out of 5 stars
The story THE PLOT by Melinda De Ross is a wonderful romantic suspense book. It is a story I loved reading. It had me hooked from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the last page. It is a story about a woman’s need for revenge but also about healing. I loved reading about the characters of Yoko Hirano and Mark Chandler. Yoko is a woman who was made part of a human trafficking organization. She escapes and then begins her plans for revenge against the organization and the man behind it. She is beautiful, determined, strong, and smart. Yoko is a woman who doesn’t always see herself in the best light. She doesn’t believe that anyone would want to fall in love with her after they find out about her past. She doesn’t believe in love, romance, or happy endings. Then she meets Mark. Mark Chandler owns his own antique business and is a man with secrets of his own. When he meets Yoko, he is very attracted to her and finds her foremost on his mind. Both Mark and Yoko are feeling emotions that they never have with anyone else and that puts them into uncharted waters. Where will their feelings lead them? Will Yoko find Mark to be the one that starts the healing process for her? Are these two soulmates? Will Yoko finally get the revenge against the organization and the man behind what she was made to endure? Read this book to find out. This is a story has moments that are sad and make you feel angry at what happened to Yoko. There are also heartwarming times and you can really feel the love and tenderness that Mark feels for her. There are also moments that are suspenseful and had me wondering what was going to happen next. There are scenes of passion and desire between Mark and Yoko included in this book. This is a wonderfully written story and one I would recommend reading.
October 29, 2018
I finished up ‘The Plot’ a few days ago and I have been struggling with the right words to describe my experience with it for some time now. “It was great”, just doesn’t’ seem like enough. “I loved it”, is pretty simplistic too. I think one thing that did stand out to me pretty much consistent throughout while I was reading it though would have to be that I was feeling as if I was getting a full-fledged story, instead of just a one hour glimpse, of one of my all-time favorite television shows. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.
I had no idea what to expect when I decided to read ‘The Plot’. I had never read anything from Melinda De Ross before, but I can assure you that will be changing here very soon! I was drawn in by the bold cover and the intriguing blurb. I wanted some suspense for the season that is among us with the fall and all. This was perfect. There was never a dull moment. Just when I felt as if I could breathe again something would happen to make me second guess myself all over again. Melinda had a way of weaving the story just right so there was never a lag time.
Yoko lived in a literal hell for four years thanks to Mr. Chen and countless other men like him. They would use her and her body for whatever they pleased and she would see a pittance for it. She is just barely starting over and hardly trusting anyone so when Mark Chandler, her boss, starts to make her feel things she long thought were dead inside her she wonders if she should trust him, could trust him. Would he accept her if he knew her secrets? Then again Mark just might have a few of his own secrets he is hiding too… That you will just have to read and find out for yourself… Happy reading! Thanks for a wonderful read Melinda De Ross! Can’t wait to see what else is in store from you!
I had no idea what to expect when I decided to read ‘The Plot’. I had never read anything from Melinda De Ross before, but I can assure you that will be changing here very soon! I was drawn in by the bold cover and the intriguing blurb. I wanted some suspense for the season that is among us with the fall and all. This was perfect. There was never a dull moment. Just when I felt as if I could breathe again something would happen to make me second guess myself all over again. Melinda had a way of weaving the story just right so there was never a lag time.
Yoko lived in a literal hell for four years thanks to Mr. Chen and countless other men like him. They would use her and her body for whatever they pleased and she would see a pittance for it. She is just barely starting over and hardly trusting anyone so when Mark Chandler, her boss, starts to make her feel things she long thought were dead inside her she wonders if she should trust him, could trust him. Would he accept her if he knew her secrets? Then again Mark just might have a few of his own secrets he is hiding too… That you will just have to read and find out for yourself… Happy reading! Thanks for a wonderful read Melinda De Ross! Can’t wait to see what else is in store from you!
January 15, 2020
Author's Direct. Also available on KU.
This was my first book by Melinda De Ross and my first experience with narrator Austin Walp.
I'm a fan of romantic suspense and was intrigued by the concept of a previously trafficked woman seeking revenge. It was really difficult for me to get into this story for a few reasons:
* I was unnerved by the Japanese main character using phrases like "yellow skin" and "slanted eyes" to describe herself as well as the assertion that a Geisha is an equivalent to a prostitute. These are Western (and frankly racist) views and didn't feel like something someone who was raised in Japan until 18, spent a year in sexual slavery, & only 3 years in American society would use.
* Expanding on Yoko's life experience. The other premise of this story is that someone who was raised in poverty, spoke only a few words of English, and spent a year in secluded slavery would then within 3 years be able to not only assimilate but become an experienced hacker, earn her accounting degree, and become a CPA. It just didn't make sense without any explanation.
I did manage to set that aside and mostly enjoyed the final 2/3 of the book. The romance between Yoko and Mark was lovely, yet realistic. They each struggled with her past and what it meant for their relationship, but managed to work through it. The suspense of bringing down Chen was another intriguing element. The ending & epilogue were lovely.
While Welp's narration was OK, I think the story might have benefited by someone who was stronger in accents and provided more distinction between character's voices.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first book by Melinda De Ross and my first experience with narrator Austin Walp.
I'm a fan of romantic suspense and was intrigued by the concept of a previously trafficked woman seeking revenge. It was really difficult for me to get into this story for a few reasons:
* I was unnerved by the Japanese main character using phrases like "yellow skin" and "slanted eyes" to describe herself as well as the assertion that a Geisha is an equivalent to a prostitute. These are Western (and frankly racist) views and didn't feel like something someone who was raised in Japan until 18, spent a year in sexual slavery, & only 3 years in American society would use.
* Expanding on Yoko's life experience. The other premise of this story is that someone who was raised in poverty, spoke only a few words of English, and spent a year in secluded slavery would then within 3 years be able to not only assimilate but become an experienced hacker, earn her accounting degree, and become a CPA. It just didn't make sense without any explanation.
I did manage to set that aside and mostly enjoyed the final 2/3 of the book. The romance between Yoko and Mark was lovely, yet realistic. They each struggled with her past and what it meant for their relationship, but managed to work through it. The suspense of bringing down Chen was another intriguing element. The ending & epilogue were lovely.
While Welp's narration was OK, I think the story might have benefited by someone who was stronger in accents and provided more distinction between character's voices.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2018
The Plot by Melinda De Ross is a fantastic romantic thriller. On reading the blurb I thought that this book would be right up my street and I was so right. The storyline gripped me from the very first page and had me hooked until the very last page.
Yoko Hirano came to the US from Japan at the age of 18. She thought she was starting a new life working as a nanny, only to discover that couldn’t be further from the truth. She’d been brought by the leader of a triad to become a prostitute. 4 years on she’s seeking revenge and wants to bring Michael Chen’s organisation down.
When she gets a job with antique dealer Mark Chandler, she can’t believe her luck when she discovers that he has underground dealings with Chen and together they plan to bring him down.
The story of how they plan to bring him down is fascinating. It will have you on the edge of your seat wondering if their plan will work or if they will be discovered and feel the wrath of Chen.
I also loved the love story between Yoko and Mark. Having been forced into prostitution, Yoko despises men and sees sex as a cruel brutal act. It’s wonderful to see Mark break down these barriers and show her that sex can be a beautiful act between 2 people. It’s also lovely to see him gain her trust and eventually her love.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and if this book is anything to go by, then it won’t be the last.
Yoko Hirano came to the US from Japan at the age of 18. She thought she was starting a new life working as a nanny, only to discover that couldn’t be further from the truth. She’d been brought by the leader of a triad to become a prostitute. 4 years on she’s seeking revenge and wants to bring Michael Chen’s organisation down.
When she gets a job with antique dealer Mark Chandler, she can’t believe her luck when she discovers that he has underground dealings with Chen and together they plan to bring him down.
The story of how they plan to bring him down is fascinating. It will have you on the edge of your seat wondering if their plan will work or if they will be discovered and feel the wrath of Chen.
I also loved the love story between Yoko and Mark. Having been forced into prostitution, Yoko despises men and sees sex as a cruel brutal act. It’s wonderful to see Mark break down these barriers and show her that sex can be a beautiful act between 2 people. It’s also lovely to see him gain her trust and eventually her love.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and if this book is anything to go by, then it won’t be the last.
November 1, 2018
The Plot by Melinda De Ross is a pretty unconventional romance. Some of the subject matter may be difficult for some readers. This book was a very emotional book. In the beginning of the book it was easy to keep some distance especially due to the topic. Once the story moved in favor of the heroine you could feel the whole story shift.
Yoko and her best friend finish high school and come to America with the hopes they can get good jobs and send money back home to their families in Japan. She didn’t expect that she would fall victim to human trafficking. The girls manage to get free but Yoko feels like she needs revenge. While Yoko is working out her plan, she meets Mark who offers her a good job and it seems a little too good to be true. Can Yoko let herself trust Mark and believe the good things he is offering?
I was glad the beginning of the book glossed over a little bit the harrowing experience Yoko had. The book was suspenseful though knowing Yoko wanted revenge for herself and other girls like her. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how she would go about her revenge. I had hope for Yoko and Mark. She had a horrible past but he felt for her just the same and I really hoped they’d both be able to work passed it all.
I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
Yoko and her best friend finish high school and come to America with the hopes they can get good jobs and send money back home to their families in Japan. She didn’t expect that she would fall victim to human trafficking. The girls manage to get free but Yoko feels like she needs revenge. While Yoko is working out her plan, she meets Mark who offers her a good job and it seems a little too good to be true. Can Yoko let herself trust Mark and believe the good things he is offering?
I was glad the beginning of the book glossed over a little bit the harrowing experience Yoko had. The book was suspenseful though knowing Yoko wanted revenge for herself and other girls like her. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how she would go about her revenge. I had hope for Yoko and Mark. She had a horrible past but he felt for her just the same and I really hoped they’d both be able to work passed it all.
I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
November 1, 2018
The Plot by Melinda De Ross is a suspenseful and haunting tale. I was hesitant buying this book, due to its content, but I’m so glad that I did. Yoko’s story was an incredibly harrowing tale to read, that took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Don’t let the romance fool you, this is a tale of suspense, mystery, drama, intrigue, and revenge. Yoko was abducted from Japan and falls prey to a human trafficking organisation that forces her to give up her innocence to the highest buyer. After escaping her world of nightmares, Yoko swears revenge on the man that ruined her life, and the life of many other young girls. On Yoko’s journey of revenge, she meets Mark, and things couldn’t be more difficult for Yoko as she grapples with the horrors of her past. This book was extremely emotional, and made my sick in the pit of my stomach. The way De Ross described the horrors that Yoko and the other girls went through was harrowing. I was so emotional and devastated whilst reading this. To know that these stories aren’t just fiction, and that human trafficking is still a prevailing issue in our society. I really loved this book for the way it made me think, and absorb the story it was telling. I highly recommend it, to anyone that wants to read a challenging story, that isn’t your classic romance.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
October 17, 2018
The Plot by Melinda De Ross
This book had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I read this story in one night because it was that good!! I loved Yoko, she is such a strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman. Yoko has a very unhealthy view about men and relationships because of her being forced into prostitution by a human trafficking ring. She has never been in love and thinks all men only want one thing. Her and her friend manage to get away and they work really hard at starting a new life, but Yoko has added motivation, which is her need for revenge. Yoko then meets Mark who also has never been in love but there is something between these two that you can feel jumping off the pages. Mark is a very strong, intelligent man who hires Yoko to work at his antique store. He is also very intrigued and attracted to her.Both of them have secrets that are holding them back. Can they work through their secrets to experience love. Does Yoko get the revenge she so badly seeks? This is a must read. This story had me on an emotional rollercoaster that I did not want to get off of. I just got done reading it and I want to read it again!!! This is an amazing story you won't want to miss. This is a 5 star read. I highly recommend this book.
This book had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I read this story in one night because it was that good!! I loved Yoko, she is such a strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman. Yoko has a very unhealthy view about men and relationships because of her being forced into prostitution by a human trafficking ring. She has never been in love and thinks all men only want one thing. Her and her friend manage to get away and they work really hard at starting a new life, but Yoko has added motivation, which is her need for revenge. Yoko then meets Mark who also has never been in love but there is something between these two that you can feel jumping off the pages. Mark is a very strong, intelligent man who hires Yoko to work at his antique store. He is also very intrigued and attracted to her.Both of them have secrets that are holding them back. Can they work through their secrets to experience love. Does Yoko get the revenge she so badly seeks? This is a must read. This story had me on an emotional rollercoaster that I did not want to get off of. I just got done reading it and I want to read it again!!! This is an amazing story you won't want to miss. This is a 5 star read. I highly recommend this book.
October 27, 2018
5 Star
The Plot By Melinda De Ross is a heart wrenching story ,that had my emotions all over the place. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading I needed to see what happened next.There are some twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happens next. Human Trafficking is very much real and very much a problem more than we probably realize. Yoko is a woman who was made apart of human trafficking,once she escapes she begins her plan for revenge against the man behind the organization. She's a smart,strong determined woman who doesn't see herself in the best light. She doesn't believe in love,or happily ever after. She also feels like no one would want to love her once they find with past.In comes Markhe has his own business and he to has secrets. Can Mark be the one to help her heal? Does Yoko get her revenge?I highly this book,it’s a bit dark and gritty but definitely worth reading. I can't wait to read more from this Author.
The Plot By Melinda De Ross is a heart wrenching story ,that had my emotions all over the place. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading I needed to see what happened next.There are some twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happens next. Human Trafficking is very much real and very much a problem more than we probably realize. Yoko is a woman who was made apart of human trafficking,once she escapes she begins her plan for revenge against the man behind the organization. She's a smart,strong determined woman who doesn't see herself in the best light. She doesn't believe in love,or happily ever after. She also feels like no one would want to love her once they find with past.In comes Markhe has his own business and he to has secrets. Can Mark be the one to help her heal? Does Yoko get her revenge?I highly this book,it’s a bit dark and gritty but definitely worth reading. I can't wait to read more from this Author.
October 28, 2018
The Plot by Melinda De Ross
4 Stars!!!!
What better way to spend a cold evening than with a cozy book by a new author? I went outside of my comfort genre and was pleasantly surprised. This book was very well written and I was very impressed with the author's candor and the way she handled the subject matter. The story was gripping and had me not wanting to put the book down.
Yoko's character really came to life for me in this book. I felt as though I was feeling the emotions
as she experienced them. The drama that ensued in the beginning till the very end just brought this book to life for me. The chemistry between Yoko and Mark is really intense. I felt that the author really had a unique way of grabbing the reader and drawing them in. The way Yoko goes about getting her revenge is quite unique. I was at the edge of my seat not wanting to put the book down till I got to the end. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
4 Stars!!!!
What better way to spend a cold evening than with a cozy book by a new author? I went outside of my comfort genre and was pleasantly surprised. This book was very well written and I was very impressed with the author's candor and the way she handled the subject matter. The story was gripping and had me not wanting to put the book down.
Yoko's character really came to life for me in this book. I felt as though I was feeling the emotions
as she experienced them. The drama that ensued in the beginning till the very end just brought this book to life for me. The chemistry between Yoko and Mark is really intense. I felt that the author really had a unique way of grabbing the reader and drawing them in. The way Yoko goes about getting her revenge is quite unique. I was at the edge of my seat not wanting to put the book down till I got to the end. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
October 16, 2018
THE PLOT By Melinda De Ross. This story literally blew me away! It is an incredible story that touches on some subjects that some people like to pretend don’t exist, and it’s written so well and with so many emotions and just take you for an incredible journey of YoKo. It’s a story filled with raw emotions, secrets and two characters growing. I was immediately hooked when I opened this book, this is my first book by this author and I definitely wasn’t disappointed and can’t wait to read more. The attention to details is wonderful and makes for a more rounded story. It’s paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. This isn’t you typical romance story but it’s one with action and suspense at times. With characters you can’t help but love and root for. Be ready for an emotional ride. I’m giving this book a five star review and highly recommend it to everyone.
October 16, 2018
The Plot
By Melinda De Ross
4 stars
When I first read the blurb for this book I will be honest and say I almost didn’t read it. I can’t and will never condone human trafficking so why would I read a book about it – but however I thought I would give it ago as it is a story after all. I am really glad that I did read and whilst I still don’t like the content of the book the author did write a really emotional, amazing story that really did keep my attention throughout. I really felt like I was on a journey with all of the characters and I really felt emotional whilst reading their stories. I’ve not read anything by this author before so I would definitely like to read more from her and I would definitely say if the subject matter is putting you off reading then please give it a go, the author really has done a fantastic job with writing this story and I would absolutely recommend it.
By Melinda De Ross
4 stars
When I first read the blurb for this book I will be honest and say I almost didn’t read it. I can’t and will never condone human trafficking so why would I read a book about it – but however I thought I would give it ago as it is a story after all. I am really glad that I did read and whilst I still don’t like the content of the book the author did write a really emotional, amazing story that really did keep my attention throughout. I really felt like I was on a journey with all of the characters and I really felt emotional whilst reading their stories. I’ve not read anything by this author before so I would definitely like to read more from her and I would definitely say if the subject matter is putting you off reading then please give it a go, the author really has done a fantastic job with writing this story and I would absolutely recommend it.
October 17, 2018
The Plot by Melinda De Ross
Four Stars
The Plot is a suspenseful romance by Melinda De Ross. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely won’t be the last. This book had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down till the last. Yoko is such a strong woman, made that way by the circumstances in her youth. When things start going her way, being hired by Mark at an antique shop, life starts changing for her. This book had me reaching for a tissue more than once, and I had to struggle with not throwing my iPad across the room at times. I love how this book brought out such big emotions in me. It does deal with sensitive issues like human trafficking and abuse, so may contain triggers for some people, but I think it was handled well by this author. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by Melinda De Ross.
Four Stars
The Plot is a suspenseful romance by Melinda De Ross. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely won’t be the last. This book had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down till the last. Yoko is such a strong woman, made that way by the circumstances in her youth. When things start going her way, being hired by Mark at an antique shop, life starts changing for her. This book had me reaching for a tissue more than once, and I had to struggle with not throwing my iPad across the room at times. I love how this book brought out such big emotions in me. It does deal with sensitive issues like human trafficking and abuse, so may contain triggers for some people, but I think it was handled well by this author. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by Melinda De Ross.
November 4, 2018
The Plot by Melinda De Ross
Four Stars
I might still be in shock after reading this story. The Plot is a thrilling sad story that had my mouth dropping with every moment. Yoko has had a very hard life. It is unimaginable the amount of suffering she has been through. You know these things happen to people every day. But when you read about it just breaks your heart. This story may be fiction but it is someone’s truth. I really enjoyed how the author laid this story out. It wasn’t just some story about a girl getting revenge it was a story of a girl doing better for herself while plotting her revenge. Yoko knew she was meant for something more and she didn’t let her past get in her way. She held a lot of hurt in. I am glad I have this story a try. It definitely gave me a view from the other side. The author really kept me flipping from page to page.
Four Stars
I might still be in shock after reading this story. The Plot is a thrilling sad story that had my mouth dropping with every moment. Yoko has had a very hard life. It is unimaginable the amount of suffering she has been through. You know these things happen to people every day. But when you read about it just breaks your heart. This story may be fiction but it is someone’s truth. I really enjoyed how the author laid this story out. It wasn’t just some story about a girl getting revenge it was a story of a girl doing better for herself while plotting her revenge. Yoko knew she was meant for something more and she didn’t let her past get in her way. She held a lot of hurt in. I am glad I have this story a try. It definitely gave me a view from the other side. The author really kept me flipping from page to page.
March 13, 2020
Well, lol, the author has no trouble at all with crime nor criminals being brought to justice. 😱 For an intelligent woman she could have dealt revenge in a legal manner. Tsk 🙄 She only cares about her revenge and that her actions don't affect her thieving boyfriend. So, I wasn't okay with the premise of the story line!
If they weren't criminals, I would have really liked the two of them. 😕 They care a lot for each other and that's nice. They truly need love in each of their lives. ☺
World building &/or descriptions are done well. The ending was satisfying & the narrator did great.
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
.5★ story line
.75★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ the ending
1★ narration or editing
"I was given this free review copy/audiobook at *MY* request and have voluntarily left this review."
If they weren't criminals, I would have really liked the two of them. 😕 They care a lot for each other and that's nice. They truly need love in each of their lives. ☺
World building &/or descriptions are done well. The ending was satisfying & the narrator did great.
My star ratings include these 5 elements:
.5★ story line
.75★ engaging characters
1★ use of world building/descriptions
1★ the ending
1★ narration or editing
"I was given this free review copy/audiobook at *MY* request and have voluntarily left this review."
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