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Chapter 8 #1
Grace Street
Revised Edition
Obsession, possession, resilience, insanity...
Seeking solitude and reprieve from her past failed relationships, Elsa begins her life anew in Richmond, hoping to find the change that she so desperately needs. Things are looking up for her—a new job, new friends, a fresh start.
But Victor has different plans for her. From the moment he heard Elsa’s voice, she became next on his to-do list—his Chapter 8. A well-known and respected criminal profiler, his mind is as dark as the criminals he hunts down. It takes one to know one, after all. Under the guise of making his subjects stronger, he intends to break Elsa down using everything in his arsenal—including pleasure, pain, humiliation, and things unspeakable.
Lonely, still on the mend from a bad break-up and longing for attention—Elsa consents to an odd proposition. Initially unaware of Victor’s plans, she quickly realizes that the casual encounter she agreed to is, in fact, a cruel psychological game with no ending in sight. She may be one in a long line of test subjects for Victor; however, she can't be broken so easily. What he puts her through only fuels the fire burning within her—a flame that begins to blaze out of control as she becomes obsessed with everything about Victor and peeling back his cruel layers in search of the real man hiding beneath his heartless facade.
In Victor's world, there is no such thing as happily ever after, and Chapter 8 proves to be an infuriating challenger when she flips the tables on his selfish and twisted game, a game they both may end up losing their hearts and minds over.
Warning: this is neither a conventional romance nor a traditional love story. There are no hearts and flowers on the pages of this book. The heroine doesn't always make wise choices and though I've tried to make her strong, she's often times weak in the face of the fierce hero. The hero is not a knight in shining armor. He's broken and frequently cruel, and what every woman in the real world should avoid. What's contained within this book is fiction—dark, depraved and decadent make-believe. Contains erotic elements, uncomfortable situations, and descriptions that may trigger past memories of abuse. Intended for readers 18+
Obsession, possession, resilience, insanity...
Seeking solitude and reprieve from her past failed relationships, Elsa begins her life anew in Richmond, hoping to find the change that she so desperately needs. Things are looking up for her—a new job, new friends, a fresh start.
But Victor has different plans for her. From the moment he heard Elsa’s voice, she became next on his to-do list—his Chapter 8. A well-known and respected criminal profiler, his mind is as dark as the criminals he hunts down. It takes one to know one, after all. Under the guise of making his subjects stronger, he intends to break Elsa down using everything in his arsenal—including pleasure, pain, humiliation, and things unspeakable.
Lonely, still on the mend from a bad break-up and longing for attention—Elsa consents to an odd proposition. Initially unaware of Victor’s plans, she quickly realizes that the casual encounter she agreed to is, in fact, a cruel psychological game with no ending in sight. She may be one in a long line of test subjects for Victor; however, she can't be broken so easily. What he puts her through only fuels the fire burning within her—a flame that begins to blaze out of control as she becomes obsessed with everything about Victor and peeling back his cruel layers in search of the real man hiding beneath his heartless facade.
In Victor's world, there is no such thing as happily ever after, and Chapter 8 proves to be an infuriating challenger when she flips the tables on his selfish and twisted game, a game they both may end up losing their hearts and minds over.
Warning: this is neither a conventional romance nor a traditional love story. There are no hearts and flowers on the pages of this book. The heroine doesn't always make wise choices and though I've tried to make her strong, she's often times weak in the face of the fierce hero. The hero is not a knight in shining armor. He's broken and frequently cruel, and what every woman in the real world should avoid. What's contained within this book is fiction—dark, depraved and decadent make-believe. Contains erotic elements, uncomfortable situations, and descriptions that may trigger past memories of abuse. Intended for readers 18+
ebook
First published April 10, 2014
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About the author
Ella Dominguez
133 books1,577 followers
Ella is a self-proclaimed lover, dreamer, and wanderer who is unequivocally obsessed with ukuleles and unicorns. She is a respiratory therapist by day and a writer by night. While she refuses to be confined by genre labels, she believes her talent best lies in writing passion-filled, ethnically diverse, suspenseful novels. More of an avid reader than an author, she is committed to writing the stories that the characters in her head tell her to.
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August 15, 2017
★★★★ ½! Grace Street, book 1 of 2. A complex BDSM relationship with the enigma Mr. Black in hunt for a serial killer!
“What filthy things are you willing to do for me? What can you teach me that I don’t already know? What can I teach you about yourself? I will know all your desires and secrets, I promise you,”
Books in Chapter 8 duet should be read in order:
Book 1: Grace Street
Book 2: Return to Grace Street
Book 1 & 2: Chapter 8: Complete set - Bonus scenes, epilogue & alternate ending!
Grace Street (book 1) opens up to Elsa Cassidy having moved to start fresh is a small town. She finally feels recovered from a break-up and so when she is approached by a handsome stranger who commands her to an affair on his terms…. Elsa decides to dive in.
Nothing could have prepared her for the enigma that is Mr. Black or Victor Laurenzo, a prominent FBI criminal profiler as she later learns. Story follows them as they embark on a BDSM relationship controlled by his whims, mood swings, sinister cravings and unreasonable demands.
When curiosity gets the better of Elsa and she starts researching Mr. Black and discovers a journal he is keeping where she is chapter 8… what that means, who or what came before her will unfold with story all while a serial killer is hunting for pray and taunting Mr. Black.
Nine words to describe Mr. Black or Victor Laurenzo: Unpredictable, commanding, complex, sinister, possessive, secretive, manipulative, broken and remote.
Eight words to describe Elsa Cassidy: Smart, self-doubting, trusting, easy-going, curious, reflective, meek and resilient.
Grace Street, told from dual POVs is tale of a twisted relationship founded on obsession, secrets, guilt, need and self-perseverance. It’s a sexy, suspenseful, volatile and angsty roller coaster all the way to limbo ending leading to book 2, Return to Grace Street for the conclusion of their story.
Enticing and suspenseful plot! Excellent story-telling! Complex, calculating and controlling hero!
“A physical association is all that I seek from you. Sex to be exact.”
***
Hero rating: 4.5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Plot rating: 4.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
Thanks to everyone who participated in DARK book ShhLYT(F)BR on Shh…. https://goo.gl/N6K5xH
November 17, 2018
Grace Street (Chapter 8, #1) by Ella Dominguez what did I think.
Well first things, I have not read anything by this author before so this was a virgin experience for me.
So mostly I liked this, but unfortunately, there was just something I struggled to put my finger on in regards to our two main characters.
I couldn't quite get a handle on them which left it in turn quite difficult for me to connect with both Elsa and Victor themselves.
So Grace street tells the story of both Elsa and Victor.
Victor, a successful criminal profiler for the FBI doesn't do relationships he does Chapters.
He breaks these chapters down piece by piece with pleasure, pain and twisted mind games under the guise of helping them become stronger individuals.
Victor after pulling the curtain on seven is now ready for new games to begin and he has a new target ready in his sights.
Enter Elsa chapter eight, new to the area after relocating following a painful break-up with a work colleague.
Lonely and still on the mend shes ripe for victors games and cruel psychological manipulations.
So firstly I found it pretty hard to connect when the characters involved here are just not that likeable.
But let's start first with Elsa, So I found her a bit of a whiner, plenty immature, very inconsistent in her intentions and she really just got plain on my wick like a hell of a lot.
Her worst incident that stands out for me was when she was out with her mother for a meal, which Victor had actually booked and paid for and she acted like such an immature ungrateful child.
I wanted to give her a slap every time she opened her mouth. she acted like an infant and for once victor was actually being thoughtful and nice.
Elsa was just embarrassing using her mother as a shield and spokesperson (what are you girl, ten).
she also doesn't seem to know her own mind one minute wanting Victor and then changing her mind back.
As for victor well I really wanted to like him he had all the qualities I usually love tortured hero check, hot check, misunderstood check, successful check, getting the picture yet, but there was just something missing here.
He talked the talk but there was just that spark missing for me.
I also didn't find him that dark either, I could see a lot of light creeping in around the edges right from the very beginning.
Victor's main fault for me was that I found him to be rather egotistical and self-centred and that really was a way big turn off overall.
So anyway despite the above issues I still did enjoy this and I did start to feel more of a connection towards the end of Grace Street which I was very glad to eventually experience.
This was also my reason for adding half a star as up till then it was a three star all the way.
So anyway this was for me a series of up and downs and now I have started "feeling it" I'm hoping to become more invested with this as I read further.
So its safe to say Grace Street (Chapter 8, #1) ends on a bloody cliffhanger, typical, but now I'm feeling the love I will defiantly be continuing with the next chapter in this series.
And on a final note just thought I'd mention you can get this series on Kindle Unlimited so enjoy.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 31, 2016
4 “My House, My Rules” Stars
Victor Laurenzo is a FBI criminal profiler who handles difficult cases. In trying to escape the gravity of his work and feeding the need of his own dark side, Victor treats his physical relationships like case studies – detached and cunning. In seeking his newest Chapter to break and groom, he soon realizes she may be his biggest challenge yet.
After wanting more in her past relationship and failing to see the deceit, Elsa Cassidy recently relocates to a new town for a fresh start. She is a pragmatic and a confident woman but when the enigmatically handsome Victor offers her a no strings attached relationship, she is intrigued and accepts in hopes of sating her physical desires.
From the beginning of their relationship, Victor sets the rules and makes it abundantly clear there will be punishment for violations. Elsa is determined to follow the rules but as she is learns, Victor will not spare humiliation when it comes to teaching her a lesson or two. What Victor doesn’t expect is Elsa’s resilience and immovable moral compass which causes Victor some humility of his own. This connection they have is undeniable and it adds to Elsa’s submission and Victor’s dominance.
As Elsa discovers just how much Victor knows about her, she is curious to know more about him but he isn’t willing to share much personal information due his need for self-preservation. But, Elsa continues to push forward for any clues in his behavior or expressions. Further fueling her desire for knowledge is the key to the locked door in the Grace Street apartment. She is prepared to do whatever it takes to glean information about Victor knowing she will pay for those consequences. It was time to win at his game.
In Grace Street, the characters of Elsa and Victor are intricately woven with both ultimately seeking the same end result but the journey to getting to that point is complicated. Victor’s past is a hindrance and there is still so much more to be revealed about it. Elsa has a big heart but she is smart enough to finally act to protect herself when Victor crosses the line with his cruelty.
This is my first book by Ella Dominguez and I enjoyed her style of writing. It didn’t take long to get in the mindset of her characters. As the author warned, there are times when you want Elsa and Victor to act differently, but allowing her characters to make mistakes is crucial to this plot and to the character development. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of passages from Victor’s journals. His written words solidified his obsessive needs and just how far he was willing to go despite unapologetically altering people’s lives. The trajectory of Elsa and Victor are unknown and I am now counting down to April 1st for book two!
Note:
The continuous flow of the new covers is beautiful.
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Victor Laurenzo is a FBI criminal profiler who handles difficult cases. In trying to escape the gravity of his work and feeding the need of his own dark side, Victor treats his physical relationships like case studies – detached and cunning. In seeking his newest Chapter to break and groom, he soon realizes she may be his biggest challenge yet.
“Maybe, just maybe, the next Chapter in his life would finally see him for who truly was and allow him to let all his demons loose on them.”
After wanting more in her past relationship and failing to see the deceit, Elsa Cassidy recently relocates to a new town for a fresh start. She is a pragmatic and a confident woman but when the enigmatically handsome Victor offers her a no strings attached relationship, she is intrigued and accepts in hopes of sating her physical desires.
“Yet, there was something about a man’s masculinity and dominance that spoke to that depraved part of her, and made her want to do bad, bad things.”
From the beginning of their relationship, Victor sets the rules and makes it abundantly clear there will be punishment for violations. Elsa is determined to follow the rules but as she is learns, Victor will not spare humiliation when it comes to teaching her a lesson or two. What Victor doesn’t expect is Elsa’s resilience and immovable moral compass which causes Victor some humility of his own. This connection they have is undeniable and it adds to Elsa’s submission and Victor’s dominance.
“You make me work hard for every inch of surrender you give me and I’m exhilarated by it.”
As Elsa discovers just how much Victor knows about her, she is curious to know more about him but he isn’t willing to share much personal information due his need for self-preservation. But, Elsa continues to push forward for any clues in his behavior or expressions. Further fueling her desire for knowledge is the key to the locked door in the Grace Street apartment. She is prepared to do whatever it takes to glean information about Victor knowing she will pay for those consequences. It was time to win at his game.
“Show me your darkness and I’ll share my light.”
In Grace Street, the characters of Elsa and Victor are intricately woven with both ultimately seeking the same end result but the journey to getting to that point is complicated. Victor’s past is a hindrance and there is still so much more to be revealed about it. Elsa has a big heart but she is smart enough to finally act to protect herself when Victor crosses the line with his cruelty.
This is my first book by Ella Dominguez and I enjoyed her style of writing. It didn’t take long to get in the mindset of her characters. As the author warned, there are times when you want Elsa and Victor to act differently, but allowing her characters to make mistakes is crucial to this plot and to the character development. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of passages from Victor’s journals. His written words solidified his obsessive needs and just how far he was willing to go despite unapologetically altering people’s lives. The trajectory of Elsa and Victor are unknown and I am now counting down to April 1st for book two!
Note:
The continuous flow of the new covers is beautiful.
*An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2017
I doubt any of this review will make much sense as my mind is all over the place, this got me questioning myself. I'm left wondering what it would take to make me class a book as REALLY dark because this one wasn't for me.
"A little intrigue never hurt anyone, after all. Or did it?"
This didn't turn me on or get me excited but it was interesting. And the people who have rated this low because they find it offensive - it has a warning at the start that blatantly tells you this isn't a sexy love story, it's a fucked up mess. So don't go complaining about how it offended your delicate sensibilities, it makes you sound like an idiot!
Anyway...
A lot of people let the history of their family influence their future to such an extent that they become something or someone that they wouldn't necessarily have become if they hadn't put such an emphasize on their gene pool. I'll admit that I've done that and I think that Victor is an example, his father is a Sociopath and his mother is an abusive drunk. He thinks because of his DNA he can't change who he is or what he does. It's bollocks of course. He chooses what he does, no one else makes him.
Elsa (or Chapter 8) was different from the start and if you paid enough attention you could see how she was getting under Victor's skin right from the beginning, she ALLOWED him to use and humiliate her but she was never broken by him. It was close but she had it in her head that if she gave him what he needed then she could 'fix' him. I was kinda disappointed that Victor wasn't worse, he held back with her.
And I'm going to admit that the whole Chapter 4 thing put me off, I like all the penis to myself, I don't want to compete with men and women.
Like I said I'm left a bit disappointed because I wanted a darker read, something really gritty and filthy but I'll read book two just because I want to see Victor break. I want to see him cry when he realises he has been hiding as many emotions as a hormonal teenager.
"A little intrigue never hurt anyone, after all. Or did it?"
This didn't turn me on or get me excited but it was interesting. And the people who have rated this low because they find it offensive - it has a warning at the start that blatantly tells you this isn't a sexy love story, it's a fucked up mess. So don't go complaining about how it offended your delicate sensibilities, it makes you sound like an idiot!
Anyway...
A lot of people let the history of their family influence their future to such an extent that they become something or someone that they wouldn't necessarily have become if they hadn't put such an emphasize on their gene pool. I'll admit that I've done that and I think that Victor is an example, his father is a Sociopath and his mother is an abusive drunk. He thinks because of his DNA he can't change who he is or what he does. It's bollocks of course. He chooses what he does, no one else makes him.
Elsa (or Chapter 8) was different from the start and if you paid enough attention you could see how she was getting under Victor's skin right from the beginning, she ALLOWED him to use and humiliate her but she was never broken by him. It was close but she had it in her head that if she gave him what he needed then she could 'fix' him. I was kinda disappointed that Victor wasn't worse, he held back with her.
And I'm going to admit that the whole Chapter 4 thing put me off, I like all the penis to myself, I don't want to compete with men and women.
Like I said I'm left a bit disappointed because I wanted a darker read, something really gritty and filthy but I'll read book two just because I want to see Victor break. I want to see him cry when he realises he has been hiding as many emotions as a hormonal teenager.
March 31, 2018
Grace Street was an interesting book.. if I want to put that in a nice way. Yeah, I’ll go with it. The book was interesting people!!
It was dark so don’t expect hearts and flowers people. It won’t happen.
So it’s about a sexy FBI profiler, Victor, and a gorgeous Chapter 8, Elsa. So Victor becomes Mr. Black and everything changes once that happens. It’s all games, dark games.
Again, this book was interesting to say the least. I honestly just kind of sat back and enjoyed the ride..because if I did anything else I probably would’ve ended up being mindfucked by the whole thing.
I have no idea how I feel about Elsa and Mr. Black right now. Seriously this book takes you on a never ending emotional roller coaster. I hated him. I liked him. I was confused by him. I was intrigued by him. I AM ALL OVER THE FUCKING PLACE.
However, I did love their chemistry. It was on fire. I was also just wondering would she eventually outplay him? Would she outlast him? I WANTED TO KNOW PEOPLE!
I honestly have no idea how I kept reading this book. I feel like I was just on autopilot while reading this book. All I know is that I need to finish the second book so I can stop thinking about this one.
It was dark so don’t expect hearts and flowers people. It won’t happen.
So it’s about a sexy FBI profiler, Victor, and a gorgeous Chapter 8, Elsa. So Victor becomes Mr. Black and everything changes once that happens. It’s all games, dark games.
Again, this book was interesting to say the least. I honestly just kind of sat back and enjoyed the ride..because if I did anything else I probably would’ve ended up being mindfucked by the whole thing.
I have no idea how I feel about Elsa and Mr. Black right now. Seriously this book takes you on a never ending emotional roller coaster. I hated him. I liked him. I was confused by him. I was intrigued by him. I AM ALL OVER THE FUCKING PLACE.
However, I did love their chemistry. It was on fire. I was also just wondering would she eventually outplay him? Would she outlast him? I WANTED TO KNOW PEOPLE!
I honestly have no idea how I kept reading this book. I feel like I was just on autopilot while reading this book. All I know is that I need to finish the second book so I can stop thinking about this one.
February 1, 2015
OH.MY.GOD!!!!!!
What the hell was THAT..?!!!
This book left me stunned speechless!!
It was such an emotional and mental roller-coaster!!!!
There were a lot of unreasonable things about this book, I tried a lot to see things from their point of view and made excuses for their unjustified fucked up interaction, but for the love of god I couldn't fathom anything they did or said especially her's.
Yeah, he was a pained tortured soul, blah,blah... Ok, I get all that shit!, What I couldn't get or accept was why a perfect healthy sane rational women -with just some minor problems- accepted such fucked up situation?!!!
Where is her self-preservation, her self-worth, dignity, reasoning or even freakin common sense!!!
How come she accepted his fucked up ways, her torment and humiliation!
Oh yeah, because poor him, he has been hurt and she was able to see his freakin light. Oh and also his soft side which was proven through his every heartless cruel words and actions!!!!!! *rolling eyes*
"She forced herself to see the goodness in Victor even though it was a difficult thing to do."
I couldn't ever understand how her mind worked, her constantly stupid decisions and actions drove me mad more than his....She was the one who accepted and kept deceiving herself and going back for more. As if she was purposly asking to be abused and hurt! Well, she got what she kept going back for-!!
She purposely didn't want to see the sick bastard who was getting off on her torment and tears, who thrived on plotting out how to make each punishment hurt more than the previous one and seeing her suffer!!!!!
The mental scars and pain are way worse than the physical ones and that was his profession!!!
His kind of men are the reason people have bad impression and misunderstanding about domination; he abused his powers and he betrayed her trust!
Moreover, the end made me scream at the top of my lunges..."YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD"
He's really lost his mind, he wasn't capable of reasonable thinking, or realizing what's right or wrong!!
At last and unsurprisingly his fucked up mind lead him to started a whole new level of creepiness!!
I really didn't get anything from this book, I didn't get the point of anything happened. What is the purpose of all of this..?!!
There wasn't even any redemption qualities in sight. Even the gentle moments I felt and the ray of hope I saw was blown into thin air!!*irritated*
There wasn't even anything at the end that would've prompted me to continue to the next book! *disappointed sigh*
Who knows, Maybe just maybe that might change in the next book but I don't think I'll be adding it to my TBR list!
What the hell was THAT..?!!!
This book left me stunned speechless!!
It was such an emotional and mental roller-coaster!!!!
There were a lot of unreasonable things about this book, I tried a lot to see things from their point of view and made excuses for their unjustified fucked up interaction, but for the love of god I couldn't fathom anything they did or said especially her's.
Yeah, he was a pained tortured soul, blah,blah... Ok, I get all that shit!, What I couldn't get or accept was why a perfect healthy sane rational women -with just some minor problems- accepted such fucked up situation?!!!
Where is her self-preservation, her self-worth, dignity, reasoning or even freakin common sense!!!
How come she accepted his fucked up ways, her torment and humiliation!
Oh yeah, because poor him, he has been hurt and she was able to see his freakin light. Oh and also his soft side which was proven through his every heartless cruel words and actions!!!!!! *rolling eyes*
"She forced herself to see the goodness in Victor even though it was a difficult thing to do."
I couldn't ever understand how her mind worked, her constantly stupid decisions and actions drove me mad more than his....She was the one who accepted and kept deceiving herself and going back for more. As if she was purposly asking to be abused and hurt! Well, she got what she kept going back for-!!
She purposely didn't want to see the sick bastard who was getting off on her torment and tears, who thrived on plotting out how to make each punishment hurt more than the previous one and seeing her suffer!!!!!
The mental scars and pain are way worse than the physical ones and that was his profession!!!
His kind of men are the reason people have bad impression and misunderstanding about domination; he abused his powers and he betrayed her trust!
Moreover, the end made me scream at the top of my lunges..."YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD"
He's really lost his mind, he wasn't capable of reasonable thinking, or realizing what's right or wrong!!
At last and unsurprisingly his fucked up mind lead him to started a whole new level of creepiness!!
I really didn't get anything from this book, I didn't get the point of anything happened. What is the purpose of all of this..?!!
There wasn't even any redemption qualities in sight. Even the gentle moments I felt and the ray of hope I saw was blown into thin air!!*irritated*
There wasn't even anything at the end that would've prompted me to continue to the next book! *disappointed sigh*
Who knows, Maybe just maybe that might change in the next book but I don't think I'll be adding it to my TBR list!
September 25, 2015
5+STARS! I love you Agent Victor Laurenzo you bat
shit crazy controlling, possessive, asshole licking
sex on a stick, I want to be your Chapter 9!
I feel I've hit the jackpot by stumbling across this.
As of now it's available as a boxset.
Let me tell you just a wee bit about Agent Laurenzo,
the man has issues. He chooses who he wants and
they become a number in his little leather book.
He likes to profile them on his on time, pushing
them to their limits he shows no mercy and might I
add he likes dirty and rough, well I do too so he's ok
in my eyes.
Let's take a look at Mr. Black...
[image error]
YEP, UH-HUH!...
LUCKY CHAPTER 8 ELSA CASSIDY
[image error]
Agent Laurenzo is anything but gentle with his
chapters.
That being said, this cliffy excited me, since mine is a boxset
I read just a snippet into book #2 before this review and
oh am I so tingly, Mr. Black is going to get ugly, Chapter 8
has pushed him over the edge and what I would do to take her
punishment!
shit crazy controlling, possessive, asshole licking
sex on a stick, I want to be your Chapter 9!
I feel I've hit the jackpot by stumbling across this.
As of now it's available as a boxset.
Let me tell you just a wee bit about Agent Laurenzo,
the man has issues. He chooses who he wants and
they become a number in his little leather book.
He likes to profile them on his on time, pushing
them to their limits he shows no mercy and might I
add he likes dirty and rough, well I do too so he's ok
in my eyes.
Let's take a look at Mr. Black...
[image error]
YEP, UH-HUH!...
LUCKY CHAPTER 8 ELSA CASSIDY
[image error]
Agent Laurenzo is anything but gentle with his
chapters.
That being said, this cliffy excited me, since mine is a boxset
I read just a snippet into book #2 before this review and
oh am I so tingly, Mr. Black is going to get ugly, Chapter 8
has pushed him over the edge and what I would do to take her
punishment!
April 11, 2014
I had the pleasure of beta reading Grace Street for Ella and all I can say is WOW!!! Fan-fucking-tastic work Ella!!! I don't even know where to begin; this was a rollercoaster ride for me. I went from being completely smitten with tall, dark, & handsome Victor Laurenzo to absolutely detesting the cruel man that he proved to be. This has been one of the darkest books I’ve read, and I wish I could say I loved every minute of it, but I can’t. There were some parts that were really hard to get through, but it certainly wasn’t enough to deter me from continuing, if anything it was what kept me sucked in...I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next, like Elsa, I had a burning need to know more about Victor.
Ever the hopeless romantic, I kept looking for silver linings, wanting things to work out between Victor and Elsa, I found myself clinging to the smallest, yet sweet, gestures that Victor did to show that he wasn't always so callous and was, in fact, affected by Elsa. When things were good, they were so good; but those good times never lasted long and I found myself dredding the appearances of Victor's alter-ego, Mr. Black. Like the warning says, this is not a conventional romance...it's not a traditional love story...there is no happily ever after (yet), and despite all that, I’m hooked, and can’t wait to get the next installment!! I'm still hopeful that things will work out ♥
Ever the hopeless romantic, I kept looking for silver linings, wanting things to work out between Victor and Elsa, I found myself clinging to the smallest, yet sweet, gestures that Victor did to show that he wasn't always so callous and was, in fact, affected by Elsa. When things were good, they were so good; but those good times never lasted long and I found myself dredding the appearances of Victor's alter-ego, Mr. Black. Like the warning says, this is not a conventional romance...it's not a traditional love story...there is no happily ever after (yet), and despite all that, I’m hooked, and can’t wait to get the next installment!! I'm still hopeful that things will work out ♥
February 1, 2015
Sounded Promising, But Didn't Deliver.
I love dark, taboo stories, so after reading the blurb for 'Grace Street' I thought it'd be an instant hit for me. Sadly, it just didn't happen. Several times, I considered just leaving it unfinished because I couldn't feel any connection to the characters or story.
In truth, I really disliked both of the main characters for most of the book. It wasn't until about 3/4 of the way in that I was able to feel the slightest of positive emotions for either of them. Up until that point, the only feeling Elsa managed to elicit was irritation. Victor, aka Mr. Black, brought forth outrage and disgust, not because his actions were too dark, but because he was just that deplorable.
The last 1/4 of the book improved, but not enough to redeem this story. The premise was interesting, but the bottom line is that you have to like the characters. Unfortunately, that never happened for me.
I love dark, taboo stories, so after reading the blurb for 'Grace Street' I thought it'd be an instant hit for me. Sadly, it just didn't happen. Several times, I considered just leaving it unfinished because I couldn't feel any connection to the characters or story.
In truth, I really disliked both of the main characters for most of the book. It wasn't until about 3/4 of the way in that I was able to feel the slightest of positive emotions for either of them. Up until that point, the only feeling Elsa managed to elicit was irritation. Victor, aka Mr. Black, brought forth outrage and disgust, not because his actions were too dark, but because he was just that deplorable.
The last 1/4 of the book improved, but not enough to redeem this story. The premise was interesting, but the bottom line is that you have to like the characters. Unfortunately, that never happened for me.
September 1, 2016
This story is very different from the author's previous releases, but I think it is her best yet. This the story of Victor, an FBI profiler, who attempts to better understand human nature by studying and manipulating a series of test subjects. Elsa is his most recent, and most difficult experiment. Elsa is desperate to show Victor that he is worth loving, so she allows him to continue with his cruel and often times abusive treatment. Victor responds with harsher treatment to try to prove that he is indeed beyond saving. Victor is a very complicated character and despite his cruel treatment of Elsa the kindness that he also shows her makes it hard to dislike him. Despite repeated bad decisions, Elsa still comes off as a strong, independent, and likeable character.
The book is very well written and well edited. It is written in such a way that despite the character flaws and train wreck of a relationship I was still pulling for Victor and Elsa in the end. Concurrent with the relationship Victor is investigating a string of serial killings. Intermixing that with the story of Victor and Elsa really helps move the story along.
This story is somewhat darker than the author's previous works. Although the relationship is consensual, some readers may be offended by repeated acts of emotional and physical abuse committed by Victor. If you can get past that it is definitely worth reading.
The author provided me a copy of the book for review.
The book is very well written and well edited. It is written in such a way that despite the character flaws and train wreck of a relationship I was still pulling for Victor and Elsa in the end. Concurrent with the relationship Victor is investigating a string of serial killings. Intermixing that with the story of Victor and Elsa really helps move the story along.
This story is somewhat darker than the author's previous works. Although the relationship is consensual, some readers may be offended by repeated acts of emotional and physical abuse committed by Victor. If you can get past that it is definitely worth reading.
The author provided me a copy of the book for review.
November 28, 2014
I don't think I could possibly put into words how beautiful and heartrending this book is. Ms. Dominguez has an impeccable narrative. I felt like a voyeur in the lives of Mr. Black and Elsa. It was beautiful, yet ugly; dark, yet light; gloomy, yet hopeful. I was mesmerized by her voice and I couldn't put it down. There were points where I had to put the book down and cry out "No, Elsa." But then I had to pick it up again to read the concise words which held so much meaning. I was entranced by this book. I likened it to my favorite author, Shelby Reed, who sucks you in with her first sentence. As I was reading Grace Street, I was angry at myself for not reading other books by Ms. Dominguez. I'd seen her beautiful covers and read the blurbs of her books which were placed on my mental list of "To Be Read." I was literally sickened by not knowing the amazing talent she possessed in telling a tale of two people who were broken, but claimed an inner strength which they may never have held. I'm absolutely in love with these two characters and their undeniable and indisputable chemistry. Immediately I sought out the next installment and will be patiently waiting for its release.
I don't think I'll be able to read another series again without comparing it to the intense emotions elicited by Grace Street. I'm going to shout the virtues of this book from the mountain tops and hope that every person who reads this genre takes the opportunity to experience Ms. Dominguez's voice because it is exquisite. Five stars is not enough . . . Simply would never be enough. Wow!
I don't think I'll be able to read another series again without comparing it to the intense emotions elicited by Grace Street. I'm going to shout the virtues of this book from the mountain tops and hope that every person who reads this genre takes the opportunity to experience Ms. Dominguez's voice because it is exquisite. Five stars is not enough . . . Simply would never be enough. Wow!
April 16, 2016
5 - Sweet Peach - stars
An intriguing story of a sexy FBI profiler Victor Laurenzo aka Mr. Black and a gorgeous Chapter 8 aka Elsa Cassidy.
Their story is not hearts and flowers. It's hard core from the beginning till the end.
Games.
Rules observed.
Rules broken.
All is connected in one whole unit the center of which is they.
It's not your typical dark story. It's much more. It's the game of two mastermind and the question always lingers in the background - Can the master be overplayed?
"F*#k the rules. F*#k love. There is no going back to the man I once was. I am Mr. Black."
I loved this book. I love everything Ella writes. But this book was something more. Written in typical Ella's fashion it's much more. More raw feelings, more emotions, more everything. You fall in love with Mr. Black, you despise him but no matter what you cheer him up.
It was the best dark book I've read so far. I know the game is not over yet so I gladly Return to Grace Street
What a book. Completely blow my mind. Need to take some time to keep thoughts at a bay.
An intriguing story of a sexy FBI profiler Victor Laurenzo aka Mr. Black and a gorgeous Chapter 8 aka Elsa Cassidy.
Their story is not hearts and flowers. It's hard core from the beginning till the end.
Games.
Rules observed.
Rules broken.
All is connected in one whole unit the center of which is they.
It's not your typical dark story. It's much more. It's the game of two mastermind and the question always lingers in the background - Can the master be overplayed?
"F*#k the rules. F*#k love. There is no going back to the man I once was. I am Mr. Black."
I loved this book. I love everything Ella writes. But this book was something more. Written in typical Ella's fashion it's much more. More raw feelings, more emotions, more everything. You fall in love with Mr. Black, you despise him but no matter what you cheer him up.
It was the best dark book I've read so far. I know the game is not over yet so I gladly Return to Grace Street
What a book. Completely blow my mind. Need to take some time to keep thoughts at a bay.
March 20, 2018
I really don't know what to think about this book. I'm so torn between really having enjoyed it and it having seriously fucked with my head. But I guess that's what I get from reading a dark romance novel like this one.
There is so much that happened in this book that completely appalled me. But then there were some parts that just made me think this was any normal old romance book.
The heroine, Elsa, she was a strong, independent female. But at the same time she was a weak, needy, lonely woman. There was a very thin line between the two and it was very hard to figure her out. Because she was put through the ringer but still went through it with her head held high. But then if you really think about it, she should've been strong enough to know she didn't deserve to go through any of the stuff that she was put through.
Thevillian hero, Victor AKA Mr. Black, is a damaged soul. This poor poor man has gone through so much in his lifetime. He's gone through so much hurt and pain that he feels what he does to women is helping them grow into a better human being. When in reality they don't really need to be fixed. He is the one who needs help. He is the one who is completely fucked up. But I totally agree with Elsa; he does have a light in him. And I really hope that by the end of this duology that she can pull that out of him.
There really wasn't anything to the world building because it was mostly just them interacting together.
The backstory though... It was a wild ride to find out certain things about Elsa and Victor. So much went into their backstories that you are learning things about them throughout the first book. And it was really nice to have so much to learn about the two of them. And I feel like I'm just going to continue learning in the second book.
I really really hope these two get a HEA after all the shit the two of them have been through seperately and together.
Man, this book was really fucked. But I just felt like I couldn't put it down. But this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.
There is so much that happened in this book that completely appalled me. But then there were some parts that just made me think this was any normal old romance book.
The heroine, Elsa, she was a strong, independent female. But at the same time she was a weak, needy, lonely woman. There was a very thin line between the two and it was very hard to figure her out. Because she was put through the ringer but still went through it with her head held high. But then if you really think about it, she should've been strong enough to know she didn't deserve to go through any of the stuff that she was put through.
The
There really wasn't anything to the world building because it was mostly just them interacting together.
The backstory though... It was a wild ride to find out certain things about Elsa and Victor. So much went into their backstories that you are learning things about them throughout the first book. And it was really nice to have so much to learn about the two of them. And I feel like I'm just going to continue learning in the second book.
I really really hope these two get a HEA after all the shit the two of them have been through seperately and together.
Man, this book was really fucked. But I just felt like I couldn't put it down. But this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.
April 11, 2014
5 "Evil Grinning" Stars!
Grace Street left me with so many emotions!
Bad Mr. Black managed to shock me...a lot! I mean damn...he made me so freaking angry but I couldn't look away...
Then along comes irresistible Victor and I'm blown away...
and feeling the sinister giddiness of knowing that I loved this twisted book waaay more than I should!
Why you might ask? Because...
and I love a good mindfuck! Oh Mr. Black! What have you done to me! Grace Street is such a unique concept and I haven't read anything like it before! Ella definitely let her dark side show and I LOVED IT!
Grace Street left me with so many emotions!
Bad Mr. Black managed to shock me...a lot! I mean damn...he made me so freaking angry but I couldn't look away...
Then along comes irresistible Victor and I'm blown away...
and feeling the sinister giddiness of knowing that I loved this twisted book waaay more than I should!
Why you might ask? Because...
and I love a good mindfuck! Oh Mr. Black! What have you done to me! Grace Street is such a unique concept and I haven't read anything like it before! Ella definitely let her dark side show and I LOVED IT!
May 22, 2017
3.5 stars
This is the story of Victor and Elsa and their game.
I was waiting a long time to start reading this book. And till this day, I am not sure if I am happy about it or not. Ms. Dominguez created a game that should have a winner and a looser but I didn't feel it like this. The game felt lost to me from the very beginning. The rules were constantly changing, the balance among the heroes was nowhere to be found and most importantly I couldn’t understand the purpose of the game. On the other hand, Ms. Dominguez kept me captive of her story and I didn’t quite it although I didn’t feel a strong connection to the heroes.
My other complaint is that everything was so focus to the heroes that it was like there was nothing else around them. Elsa was working but I didn’t understand exactly what her job was. Victor was working but his actions related to his job were hardly mentioned, only his stress and concern. And still, Ms. Dominguez talented writing covered for the absences of the background story.
Elsa is accepting the challenge although she knows that nothing is like what it seems. She feels an attraction to Victor, maybe to Mr. Black as well, and she goes for it. I don’t always agree with her thinking and her actions but I understand her need to stay there and to make this game work.
Victor is such an enigma for most of the book. I cannot understand from where it comes this need for the game. It’s like he has to do it just to prove that he is who he thinks he is. I couldn’t connect to him at all.
Their interactions were very interesting. There was chemistry among the heroes and it was nice to see although Victor and Mr. Black were so different. The most nice part were their conversations. I am not sure if the heroes were totally honest to each other but I enjoyed watching them trying to figure each other out.
The end of the book was so intense! Impossible to expect and to accept! I was voiceless when I was done reading it and that’s why the book gets a 3.5 instead of a 3 star review! I need to know how everything works out after this ending so I start immediately with the second and last part of the book.
This is the story of Victor and Elsa and their game.
I was waiting a long time to start reading this book. And till this day, I am not sure if I am happy about it or not. Ms. Dominguez created a game that should have a winner and a looser but I didn't feel it like this. The game felt lost to me from the very beginning. The rules were constantly changing, the balance among the heroes was nowhere to be found and most importantly I couldn’t understand the purpose of the game. On the other hand, Ms. Dominguez kept me captive of her story and I didn’t quite it although I didn’t feel a strong connection to the heroes.
My other complaint is that everything was so focus to the heroes that it was like there was nothing else around them. Elsa was working but I didn’t understand exactly what her job was. Victor was working but his actions related to his job were hardly mentioned, only his stress and concern. And still, Ms. Dominguez talented writing covered for the absences of the background story.
Elsa is accepting the challenge although she knows that nothing is like what it seems. She feels an attraction to Victor, maybe to Mr. Black as well, and she goes for it. I don’t always agree with her thinking and her actions but I understand her need to stay there and to make this game work.
Victor is such an enigma for most of the book. I cannot understand from where it comes this need for the game. It’s like he has to do it just to prove that he is who he thinks he is. I couldn’t connect to him at all.
Their interactions were very interesting. There was chemistry among the heroes and it was nice to see although Victor and Mr. Black were so different. The most nice part were their conversations. I am not sure if the heroes were totally honest to each other but I enjoyed watching them trying to figure each other out.
The end of the book was so intense! Impossible to expect and to accept! I was voiceless when I was done reading it and that’s why the book gets a 3.5 instead of a 3 star review! I need to know how everything works out after this ending so I start immediately with the second and last part of the book.
April 11, 2014
No way to get around it, this book is very dark, cringeworthy dark, self questioning dark...why am I liking it, and why do I keep reading it, dark.
Fair warning about this book is necessary....it is not for the faint of heart.
Yet I did like it and I kept reading it until I was finished, no matter that it was 12:30 and I am up at 5:30 to start my day.
Ella Dominguez is a fantastic writer. She has never disappointed and certainly not with Grace Street. Grace Street had me sucked in from the first blurbs appearing on Goodreads and from the intermittent teasers that were posted. The book finally appeared on Amazon and I devoured it.
Without going into too much detail, Grace St tells of Elsa, disillusioned, hurting and self protective, who leaves her Boston home to start fresh in Richmond after an extremely painful breakup. Victor/Mr. Black, a hardened criminal profiler, who picks mostly women, or as he call them, Chapters, for sport to break down, under the guise of helping them. He happens across Elsa and is relentless in his pursuit and infiltration into her life, needing to know everything about her.
He doesn't bargain for Elsa's resilience and determination, despite being already broken, She is a formidable partner in his games and quite throws him off his.
I could not put the book down and now I have a major book hangover and the need to start it all over again to pick up what I missed, which is inevitable when I am anxious to know the outcome. Grace Street has all of the elements I enjoy...erotic, dark, sexy, mind engaging. Elsa and Victor have this undeniable chemistry and in spite of the darkness, Ella allows us to see them in light, as well.
This is a two book series and ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger. I want more of Elsa and Victor. I loved Elsa for her spirit and drive and her mother, Elise, who makes an appearance and allows the reader to see where Elsa gets her strength. I loved Victor, beautiful and damaged and beyond redemption.....maybe. Hopefully Grace Street 2 will be out soon and I will find out.
Fair warning about this book is necessary....it is not for the faint of heart.
Yet I did like it and I kept reading it until I was finished, no matter that it was 12:30 and I am up at 5:30 to start my day.
Ella Dominguez is a fantastic writer. She has never disappointed and certainly not with Grace Street. Grace Street had me sucked in from the first blurbs appearing on Goodreads and from the intermittent teasers that were posted. The book finally appeared on Amazon and I devoured it.
Without going into too much detail, Grace St tells of Elsa, disillusioned, hurting and self protective, who leaves her Boston home to start fresh in Richmond after an extremely painful breakup. Victor/Mr. Black, a hardened criminal profiler, who picks mostly women, or as he call them, Chapters, for sport to break down, under the guise of helping them. He happens across Elsa and is relentless in his pursuit and infiltration into her life, needing to know everything about her.
He doesn't bargain for Elsa's resilience and determination, despite being already broken, She is a formidable partner in his games and quite throws him off his.
I could not put the book down and now I have a major book hangover and the need to start it all over again to pick up what I missed, which is inevitable when I am anxious to know the outcome. Grace Street has all of the elements I enjoy...erotic, dark, sexy, mind engaging. Elsa and Victor have this undeniable chemistry and in spite of the darkness, Ella allows us to see them in light, as well.
This is a two book series and ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger. I want more of Elsa and Victor. I loved Elsa for her spirit and drive and her mother, Elise, who makes an appearance and allows the reader to see where Elsa gets her strength. I loved Victor, beautiful and damaged and beyond redemption.....maybe. Hopefully Grace Street 2 will be out soon and I will find out.
August 9, 2014
3.5 stars
I have heard very good things about this author so was super excited to receive a copy of Chapter 8, in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story for the most part, but should have known I wasn't going to love it when it started out with the signing of a contract between the two MC's. How many times has that been done?
Contract aside, there were a few things that made absolutely no sense to me. Those mainly being the detective side of the story, and the back-story. Victor visited an inmate to try to get into the 'criminal mind' this screamed 'Silence of the Lambs' to me, the characters name was even Anthony.
On questioning the author about the things I didn't understand, she informed me they are explained in book 2. Unfortunately I did not become invested enough in this story, or the characters, to be in any hurry to dive into the next instalment.
I have heard very good things about this author so was super excited to receive a copy of Chapter 8, in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story for the most part, but should have known I wasn't going to love it when it started out with the signing of a contract between the two MC's. How many times has that been done?
Contract aside, there were a few things that made absolutely no sense to me. Those mainly being the detective side of the story, and the back-story. Victor visited an inmate to try to get into the 'criminal mind' this screamed 'Silence of the Lambs' to me, the characters name was even Anthony.
On questioning the author about the things I didn't understand, she informed me they are explained in book 2. Unfortunately I did not become invested enough in this story, or the characters, to be in any hurry to dive into the next instalment.
November 11, 2014
A dark erotic romance is not an easy thing to write. If they are well written, the reader can come away from that book with thoughts of the characters in their minds for weeks at a time. Thoughts that make you wonder. Thoughts that make you feel a part of the story and the inevitable heartbreaking outcome. Well, this book was beyond well written. This book was hands down one of the best dark reads I've ever come across and I'm beside myself right now with the need for more. Absolutely a must have for all fans of dark erotic romance.
December 24, 2014
A really enjoyable read. The mysterious Victor or Mr Black and his Chapter 8 Elsa.
Some hot fireworks between the couple throughout. Had me gripped towards the end when I felt the story came to life. No Cliffy, just left me wanting more. Will def be reading part 2 to find out how things pan out for Mr Black and Elsa.
Some hot fireworks between the couple throughout. Had me gripped towards the end when I felt the story came to life. No Cliffy, just left me wanting more. Will def be reading part 2 to find out how things pan out for Mr Black and Elsa.
November 11, 2014
Let me start with I am new to Ms. Dominguez having never read any of her books. I have several, just haven’t read them yet. So taking a quick break to read something sitting around in my Kindle I figured what the heck.
Grace Street was certainly not what I expected. Victor aka Mr Black. Truly, I don’t know which was more disturbing. He certainly was a unique character. Elsa, hmm you are a very SMART girl. More than a match for Victor. Their story is a interesting one. A romance but not a romance they certainly have a relationship. Which one of them is more broken I don’t know but watching their cunning battle of wits play out was completely exhilarating!
But the star of this book IMO is the title of the book. Originally, it completely threw me for a loop. I would have never figured that out in a million years. Right around the second chapter I started to get it and I must say….VERY CREATIVE! I’m not going into details because frankly it would ruin it for others. I will say this; once I wrapped my brain around its concept I was absolutely hook on this story and could not put it down.
Is there a cliffhanger? Of course there is! A masterpiece of this magnitude would not be complete if there wasn’t a jaw dropping OH MY GOD! what comes next ending. Should you wait to for the next book to come out before reading Grace Street? NO WAY! You’re going to need the time to wrap your brain around what you have just experienced. So go out and get Grace Street (Chapter 8 #1) by Ella Dominguez now. Or else I might tell Mr. Black and you may not enjoy the punishment. ;-)
The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars– 5, Flames – 4
Grace Street was certainly not what I expected. Victor aka Mr Black. Truly, I don’t know which was more disturbing. He certainly was a unique character. Elsa, hmm you are a very SMART girl. More than a match for Victor. Their story is a interesting one. A romance but not a romance they certainly have a relationship. Which one of them is more broken I don’t know but watching their cunning battle of wits play out was completely exhilarating!
But the star of this book IMO is the title of the book. Originally, it completely threw me for a loop. I would have never figured that out in a million years. Right around the second chapter I started to get it and I must say….VERY CREATIVE! I’m not going into details because frankly it would ruin it for others. I will say this; once I wrapped my brain around its concept I was absolutely hook on this story and could not put it down.
Is there a cliffhanger? Of course there is! A masterpiece of this magnitude would not be complete if there wasn’t a jaw dropping OH MY GOD! what comes next ending. Should you wait to for the next book to come out before reading Grace Street? NO WAY! You’re going to need the time to wrap your brain around what you have just experienced. So go out and get Grace Street (Chapter 8 #1) by Ella Dominguez now. Or else I might tell Mr. Black and you may not enjoy the punishment. ;-)
The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars– 5, Flames – 4
August 19, 2015
4,25 Stars
So this is my first series from this author.
I read this book in spite of the warning!
Dark and disturbing book is one of my favorite genre and this book delivered dark with a lot of disturbing scenes not everyone can enjoy.
I have to admit that I really admire Ms Dominguez creativity because out of dark books I ever read this one is so unique. It has its own shocking factors where at some point I couldn't think anymore I just read and enjoyed the ride.
“I know what you’re trying to do – prove that you’re some cold-hearted, non-feeling asshole who has no light within him. That’s just fine, Victor. Keep pushing me away, but I’m already invested in this game and I’m not going anywhere.”
Grace Street took me far enough into the darkness but the real deal was 20% toward the ending. Yes, it ended in a cliffhanger and WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!
At some point I just couldn't understand why I like this book so much!!!
But I did! This is one of the best dark book I ever read!
So this is my first series from this author.
I read this book in spite of the warning!
Dark and disturbing book is one of my favorite genre and this book delivered dark with a lot of disturbing scenes not everyone can enjoy.
I have to admit that I really admire Ms Dominguez creativity because out of dark books I ever read this one is so unique. It has its own shocking factors where at some point I couldn't think anymore I just read and enjoyed the ride.
“I know what you’re trying to do – prove that you’re some cold-hearted, non-feeling asshole who has no light within him. That’s just fine, Victor. Keep pushing me away, but I’m already invested in this game and I’m not going anywhere.”
Grace Street took me far enough into the darkness but the real deal was 20% toward the ending. Yes, it ended in a cliffhanger and WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!
At some point I just couldn't understand why I like this book so much!!!
But I did! This is one of the best dark book I ever read!
February 10, 2015
To say I was pleasantly surprised by this book would be an understatement. I was recently recommended, The Art of Submission, and I did not enjoy it at all. Could only barely get through the first book of the trilogy. I found the writing very simplistic, along with the main female's language, but I digress. I was hesitant to start Grace Street fearing it would feature the simplistic writing from TAOS. Ms. Dominguez outdone herself on this book and completely changed my mind about her. The writing was complex. I couldn't quite connect with Elsa. Like I never understood quite what her job was or where it was. But I'm hoping by the second book, I will have more of a connection with her. The only thing that was a miss for me was the dark factor. I was "warned" several times by different people that this book was very dark. I'm a "dark" junkie. Call me twisted, but the darker, the better. This book had a lot of mind-fuckery and I'll admit, but what I call dark and what others call dark, must be entirely different. The main female was NOT kidnapped, raped, sold into slavery, choked, etc. Basically, they just had hot, tied up,angry sex and he played with her mind. Nonetheless, 4 well deserved stars!!
November 7, 2014
Ella graciously gave me an ARC. I started reading this book last night and unfortunately had to work today so I couldn't read it straight through as I would have liked. I had trouble putting it down to sleep last night and read it every chance that I got throughout the day at work then continued reading it as soon as I got home from work and didn't stop until I had finished the book. This was a very gripping story. I like the music references and listened to the music mentioned as I went along; it gave me a feeling that I knew the characters just a bit more intimately. I hope we get to know more of Mr. Black's music list as the story progresses. I will definitely purchase the second book as soon as it is released. Thank you Ella!
I just finished reading this book for the second time and I can honestly say it was even better the second time around as I was able to understand the hints and clues that weren't obvious the first time around. At the end I still feel like I want to just beat Mr. Black repeatedly with a leather belt!
I just finished reading this book for the second time and I can honestly say it was even better the second time around as I was able to understand the hints and clues that weren't obvious the first time around. At the end I still feel like I want to just beat Mr. Black repeatedly with a leather belt!
May 29, 2014
Quick review:
Cover: Eye Catching
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: HOT
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Twisted
Characters: Well Done
Plot: Opening to your hidden desires
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Victor
SUMMARY (60 words or less)
Twisted romance indeed. I can’t say that Elsa didn’t annoy me at times, but I understood where she was coming from. I was just caught up in the sheer twisted nature of their relationship and so very intrigued to find out more.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Cover: Eye Catching
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: HOT
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Twisted
Characters: Well Done
Plot: Opening to your hidden desires
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Victor
SUMMARY (60 words or less)
Twisted romance indeed. I can’t say that Elsa didn’t annoy me at times, but I understood where she was coming from. I was just caught up in the sheer twisted nature of their relationship and so very intrigued to find out more.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
August 4, 2014
oh...my...god...I should've waited until #2 was out before I read this. I'm so invested in the story and I want to see what happens next! More in depth review to come later when I'm not so emotionally raw.
April 13, 2014
I finished this book in one day. I really really loved it, though isn't a classic romance. Can't wait for another one.
June 13, 2014
God I love her books
what a page turner cannot get enough. ella really outdid herself on this one can't wait for the next book!!!!!!
what a page turner cannot get enough. ella really outdid herself on this one can't wait for the next book!!!!!!
Want to read
June 6, 2015This book had me at "Obsession, possession, resilience, insanity..." Looking forward to reading this!
August 1, 2014
It takes a special kind of author to produce a riveting dark romance/thriller and you’ve guessed it Ella is definitely one such author. This definitely comes with a warning, do not read if you cannot handle, humiliation, mistreatment, mind fcukery and erotic shock factors to boot. It’s dark, it’s potent and if you love dark erotica it’s one of the best reads ever.
Grace Street is a dark read like no other I have read before. This book is definitely top of its game for an erotic ride into the mind of a completely driven man. Driven by his DNA and his past Mr Black punches himself into your physic and doesn’t let up and even after the last page is read he’s still there and he’s going to remain for a fair while.
Ella has produced an absolutely fantastic, mind slewing, thriller of a read. There is so much that you scream at for being wrong but it’s not, it’s all actually right. It’s Mr Black and his forcefulness, you find yourself bending to his will as well as Elsa! I am even screaming at Elsa to….’oh my God just run!’ on so many occasions but I know why she doesn’t and I was behind her all the way even when I am telling her to run. I could feel her strength and her determination as she plays him at his own game.
How the heck Ella got into the head of Mr Black I will never know. This very much reminded of a Martina Cole book I read – The Ladykiller. It reminds me in as much as how these authors seem to be able to live and breathe their characters and their traits and completely bring them to the reader in such real life form and giving them such unique personalities especially their dark sides, it’s just mesmerising reading. I had my heart pounding at one point, it was literally thudding so much I thought it could be heard in the next room. Not many books have you captured and invested that much do they!
How Ella had Mr Black enacting out his time with his Chapter Eight and how Elsa proved herself a worthy adversary was absolutely fcuking brilliant and then I got to that last page and I literally SCREAMED! Ella you know why – grrrrrrrr – I love you and I hate you for that LOL. I cannot wait for more, I absolutely cannot.
This has gone straight into my top number 1 slot for a dark, erotic, romance, thriller. It is still giving me chills now as I write this!
I received a gift of Grace Street from the author in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and are 100% honest.
Grace Street is a dark read like no other I have read before. This book is definitely top of its game for an erotic ride into the mind of a completely driven man. Driven by his DNA and his past Mr Black punches himself into your physic and doesn’t let up and even after the last page is read he’s still there and he’s going to remain for a fair while.
Ella has produced an absolutely fantastic, mind slewing, thriller of a read. There is so much that you scream at for being wrong but it’s not, it’s all actually right. It’s Mr Black and his forcefulness, you find yourself bending to his will as well as Elsa! I am even screaming at Elsa to….’oh my God just run!’ on so many occasions but I know why she doesn’t and I was behind her all the way even when I am telling her to run. I could feel her strength and her determination as she plays him at his own game.
How the heck Ella got into the head of Mr Black I will never know. This very much reminded of a Martina Cole book I read – The Ladykiller. It reminds me in as much as how these authors seem to be able to live and breathe their characters and their traits and completely bring them to the reader in such real life form and giving them such unique personalities especially their dark sides, it’s just mesmerising reading. I had my heart pounding at one point, it was literally thudding so much I thought it could be heard in the next room. Not many books have you captured and invested that much do they!
How Ella had Mr Black enacting out his time with his Chapter Eight and how Elsa proved herself a worthy adversary was absolutely fcuking brilliant and then I got to that last page and I literally SCREAMED! Ella you know why – grrrrrrrr – I love you and I hate you for that LOL. I cannot wait for more, I absolutely cannot.
This has gone straight into my top number 1 slot for a dark, erotic, romance, thriller. It is still giving me chills now as I write this!
I received a gift of Grace Street from the author in return for an honest review. My reviews are my own and are 100% honest.
July 15, 2016
Grace Street ( Chapter 8 Book #1) - Ella Dominguez ( 4 Stars)
* Given a copy through instafreebie for an Honest Review.
I've read One book by Ella Dominguez before and enjoyed her Angst filled Torturous relationships so much I decided to snap up this copy when it was available for a limited time as a freebie.
Believe me this book didn't disappoint .
Elsa has been hurt by men in the past and she moves to start a new life , but that's when she meets Victor and is propositioned to play a game...by his rules only.
Victor is a Criminal Profiler who has a secret life ...A life that involves his alter ego Mr. Black and some Cruel sadistic games of possession ,Dominance and Humiliation, but he needs a new subject and he sees a challenge in Ella , but will his new test subject turn the tables on him to find the real man only lies beneath the surface of his heartless façade.......
Wow , this was mind blowing to read . I couldn't put it down first off I immediately liked Elsa .You cannot help connecting to the feelings of pain , loss and utter betrayal that she has to deal with throughout this story .
I loved to hate on Mr. Black , he is an interesting subject with tons of Kinky , yet cruel games he likes to torture his ...we'll call them... subjects with , but he is really hiding something and it's not what you think.
I knew that she was eventually going to fall for Victor , but was surprised once she found out what he really was and had done ,that she still wanted to try to fix him .
That ending tore my heart out and than stomped all over it !!!
If you plan on giving this book a try ..it's not for the faint of heart and you may want to buy book #2 before sinking your teeth into this one , because if you have to wait ..you'll pull your hair out wanting to find out what happens next to these two damaged souls.
* Given a copy through instafreebie for an Honest Review.
I've read One book by Ella Dominguez before and enjoyed her Angst filled Torturous relationships so much I decided to snap up this copy when it was available for a limited time as a freebie.
Believe me this book didn't disappoint .
Elsa has been hurt by men in the past and she moves to start a new life , but that's when she meets Victor and is propositioned to play a game...by his rules only.
Victor is a Criminal Profiler who has a secret life ...A life that involves his alter ego Mr. Black and some Cruel sadistic games of possession ,Dominance and Humiliation, but he needs a new subject and he sees a challenge in Ella , but will his new test subject turn the tables on him to find the real man only lies beneath the surface of his heartless façade.......
Wow , this was mind blowing to read . I couldn't put it down first off I immediately liked Elsa .You cannot help connecting to the feelings of pain , loss and utter betrayal that she has to deal with throughout this story .
I loved to hate on Mr. Black , he is an interesting subject with tons of Kinky , yet cruel games he likes to torture his ...we'll call them... subjects with , but he is really hiding something and it's not what you think.
I knew that she was eventually going to fall for Victor , but was surprised once she found out what he really was and had done ,that she still wanted to try to fix him .
That ending tore my heart out and than stomped all over it !!!
If you plan on giving this book a try ..it's not for the faint of heart and you may want to buy book #2 before sinking your teeth into this one , because if you have to wait ..you'll pull your hair out wanting to find out what happens next to these two damaged souls.
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