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WARNING: Tainted Water is a crossover series. It begins in the YA genre then, in Red Waters, crosses into New Adult. This novella comes with strong trigger warnings due to Whitney’s dark journey.

Blood spilled turns crystalline water red.
These red waters are avoided by the lucky ones
Others are forced into the tainted liquid, and to make a choice.
Drown… or fight.
After what Yury has done to me, I may lack the will to survive.
But, I have to try. Link needs me to find my way back to him.

Whitney Summers, having learned painful truths about her past, is out for revenge. She wants the man who killed both her brother and her first love, to suffer. But the man she hunts is part of a world that can destroy her.
This is Whit’s story…
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About the author

India R. Adams

44 books1,273 followers
Souls on fire…

USA TODAY bestselling author India R Adams writes stories of souls on fire. Whether India’s characters are feeling the heat from hell or the wings of grace, they are all transforming and want to share their journey with you. Her novels range from Dark MC, Paranormal, to Contemporary, but each story is either a path of destruction or a road to redemption.

Sometimes both.

So, if you want to read about voyages of the heart, the grit to rise from one’s knees, or the strength to break free of the binds of a spirit, then pick one of India’s stories because she believes damaged souls are worth saving and that there is nothing more beautiful than a soul on fire.

One of the best ways to follow India and stay up to date with her latest work is her newsletter. As a thank you gift, she is presently offering Hostile Illusions with the signup!

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WEBSITE : https://indiaradams.com/

MORE WAYS TO FOLLOW!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 21, 2023





Trigger Warnings…. The list is way too long for me to list here
Red Waters is the third installment in the Tainted Water series………. Buckle up you’re going to take another horrible ride. On the crazy train, Called reality.
This is one of those books that can possibly break your heart.



Dang once again this author knocked this one out of the ball park………. And hey, once again this author left me speechless?

After all that Whitney has Gone through, I thought maybe that the author would take mercy on her. Come on this poor young woman has Suffered enough in the last two books….
Ms. Adams thought that Whitney needed to take one last ride on the crazy train, Called reality

Whitney Went in search of her origin. Hoping to find some evidence of why her parents Might have given her up or what Possibly happen to them

What Whitney has found? Was nothing what she expected?
.
After all that Yuri had done to Whitney. You had to suspect that she was going to go after him for Revenge. But Little did she know that she was being hunted as well.

Highly, highly recommend!!






Profile Image for Snow.
2,196 reviews640 followers
March 8, 2019
***ARC kindely provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***

I will keep this short.

It's no secret that I ve been a true admirer of India R Adams' work.

She's simply in the league of her own and I am in awe each and every time I happen to be a part of her world in one way or the other.

Here, I happened to be a part of the process in making...I had an insight into the words before they were crafted into a masterful web of deep, emotional punching ruckus of another world, the world one should be very lucky not to ever happen to stumble into and yet one should be aware of that dreadful horror happening around us, nevertheless.

It's simply out of this world to experience the utmost dread and horror of a sex trafficking trade and slavery the heroine Whitney has gone through...and the power of this written experience is so palpable that it's painful to make it fully aware...or even worse, possible in existing.

I have read so many books on this subject, and the main difference between those many and this partucular story is the power of conveying the 'emotional pain and suffereing through the true writing art form' without eventual 'romantisizing' the gruesome and horrid actions as a finality.

It's horrifying in it's own fictional reality and there's no excuse for any of the acts committed against the human body-mentally, emotionally and physichally...

So, I unapologetically can't 'forgive' Yuri (the villain) for any of his actions...inspite of the final outcome...or the glimpse of a redemption...there is non...not in my book 😉

I find the way Withney was portrayed at first while I ve been in beta phase, as too 'calm and too rational' for someone in her situation...and after India made the final cut I didn't know how she would transform her or if she would at all...

But the final Whitney I've seen in Red Waters is a survivor in a true sense of the word, she compartmentalized cause she had to, she found a solace and 'sense' in horror of torment and depravation of all senses but her mind was stronger than she thought, she was powerful when she was the weakest, she rose when she was shattered...and she lingered to her humanity...when there was no dignity left, when she was stripped bare and ruined.

She could have been anyone and the way she surprised me I was simply stunned and overwhelmed by the power of one's will to survive and prevail no matter what.

She is a true hero in this story as any other soul out there that has been violated in any way, you are not victims of crimes committed upon you, you are the winners, survivors and there's no other outcome that can ruin that.

Kudos!
Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,152 reviews300 followers
April 14, 2020
I knew I was going to love this one. To love YURY! Bad boys are my kind of drug, and Yury was that and MORE! And don't let me start talking about Fireeeee, that girl is a warrior! I already love her but this book cemented my love for her.
Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
490 reviews23 followers
March 8, 2019
"Shared battle blood."

I've been waiting for Red Waters since last year; I truly couldn't wait to dive into it. If, like me, you wondered what happened to Whit when she was away, you need this book!


India R. Adams writes stories that touch your soul, intense, emotional and beautiful ones.

"I love you. One. Always have. Two. Always will.”


Red Waters was all of that... and more. The darkness and the ugly predicament Whitney found herself in broke my heart and twisted my stomach. Prepare your Kleenex and whatever aftercare that works for you, because let me tell you, you'll need them. Oh, boy, did I cry! I cried over the loss. The pain. The reprieve. The loneliness. The relief. The despair. Yes, you got it, that book is an ugly cry! AND. I COULDN'T. PUT. IT. DOWN!!! The raw and undiluted emotions gripped me to no end. 


The poetry of India's words mesmerized me. Love, fear, loss, sacrifice, guilt, survival were explored in that tragic storyline. 


Whit's strength was so enticing. She was reckless but she showed she was smart enough to adapt and most importantly, find the light in spite of the endless nightmare. The author handled with brio Yuri/Master's fascination for emotions and love, and his duality. This is definitely a character I'm looking forward to hearing more about in the next installments! 


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Profile Image for Cat Imb || The Reading Cat ||.
416 reviews35 followers
February 26, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it! Thank you India R. Adams!

Adams is a true author. A true wordsmith. One who will pull every emotion out of you with her words. One who writes in her own original style that is mellifluous and soothing, yet thought-provoking and gut-wrenching. A true artist in her craft.

Red Waters is the third installment in the Tainted Water series, and it took the plot and story to the next level. I've mentioned in past reviews that Adams likes to play with the gray areas, and with this book, she pushed the envelope on that aspect. She pushes the reader to look at both sides of the story. She pushes us to fall for the characters who seam ink black but are in fact a collection of gray layers - complex and captivating.

Adams tackles difficult subject matter with Red Waters. She attempts to bring to light the horrors of the world, and how widespread they are. She brings to light how they are THERE, hidden in plain sight. Adams is truly inspirational in her drive to bring awareness to such atrocities, and she does it with such beautiful words and grace. She does it with dignity and respect.

If you have yet to read an India R. Adams book, I suggest you do ASAP. She will take you on a wild ride where she will be the puppet master to your emotions.
Profile Image for Cecily Wolfe.
Author 17 books492 followers
March 4, 2019
Another incredible story from an author who isn't afraid to tackle sensitive yet realistic subjects that are very relevant in today's world - so relative that thousands are affected every second of every day, and so many of the rest of us are unseeing, unaware. Human trafficking is a silent epidemic, and Whitney's story shows how horrifying it truly is. Adams once again shows her mastery of complicated and realistic characters readers can identify with in some ways and develop strong feelings for, with a story that is darkly sad yet hopeful in a way that the author has created in her own trademark way.
Profile Image for Stephanie S.
570 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2019
WOW India has done it again!! I have very few words that I think I can type out. All of her books have captured me and have taken me on a serious road trip of emotions.

I was excited to fillow Whit on her journey to find answers not only about herself but others she loved. Yuri was her target but little did she know that she was also the target.

I devoured this one within a day as I was pretty much hooked from the first words when I started this. I am excited for more of the Tainted Waters books to read in the future.
Profile Image for Erin Scorpio.
151 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2019
Wow! Not even sure what to say. I loved it. It was dark, and twisted at times, heartbreaking and at others and when you didn't think there would any light, there is a sliver of it, the monster becomes the hero, and shows he does have a heart.

To be honest? I don't know how the author wrote this, it is dark, darker than her normal, but incredibly well written. Written so you know what is going on without being graphic. My heart breaks for Whit and at times I hate Yury, but like she can, I can also see he does have a heart, that he can be decent, and is ca[able of love. I think in his own twisted way he loves Whitney, he has never had it himself so is unaware of what the emotion feels like.

This book is an insight into something that has become more and more prevalent in the world today. Human Trafficking. It's barbaric,crude,cruel,inhumane and down right disgusting. These children really, women,men,boys,girls all sold into slavery for money, sometimes sold over and over. Violated and degraded in ways our minds can't imagine. It has definitely opened my eyes and made me more aware.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
1,642 reviews100 followers
February 28, 2019
Wow yet again India has nailed a book.
This book gave me all the feels and I could not put it down.
She has given us an insight on the sex slave industry and has managed to express the gritty raw truth of it, and how this is unfortunately an every day real life occurrence for far too many people of any race & gender.
Cannot wait to see what she comes up with for Yuri's story..
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
515 reviews27 followers
March 3, 2019
I honestly don't think I was ready for this book at all.
India has the most amazing ability with her words that will have you frustrated and all over your emotions. This is not an easy book to read, I can say that I was in tears for about 90% of it.
It is beautifully written as always, but it is such a sensitive topic that those of the faint of heart will not be able to get through. India is aware with how she writes this, yes, you know of the abuse and what is happening but it is not in detail and that is probably what saved it for me! There is a lot that i now am thinking about, about the nasty people of this world and their victims who don't have a voice because of their shame. It's not fair and we should all be doing our best to support victims of every kind.
This story is so beautifully sad that you want to know what is going to happen and how it is going to go, to see Whit's discovery of her past and of the people she loves. It also sheds light on how even the people who are abusers were probably abused themselves and don't know any different. They should be feared as well as have sympathy for them.
This is the third book in the series and this one is definitely darker than the previous two. It has given me so much to think about, my brain is completely scrambled. It's hard to say light things about such a dark book but saying it is beautiful is the only way I can keep describing it. This might just be a story but India always gives you something to think about, to really sink your teeth into. I have read a lot of books and I can honestly say that India's books have all stayed with me, her writing is completely unique and she somehow makes you love and hate what you've just read. I sit here on the edge of my seat having just having sobbed my heart out all afternoon over this book, where my soul actually aches, and yet I cannot wait for more.
There are two more to come, thank goodness that will hopefully supply us with more understanding and India willing a happily ever after. I'm going to go and drown in ice cream now and wait for the next one!!!
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Tees_BookCave.
555 reviews87 followers
November 2, 2019
India R Adams has a way of drawing the readers in and making them feel hooked and captivated by her poetic words, her story plots, her characters and everything else in between.

I’ve said it a few times now that this author tackles some of the toughest topics that are deemed dark. She talks about abuse, human trafficking, mental disorders. We of course see action, violence, bloodshed.

Red Waters is the third installment to the waters series, this is told in Whitney POV. I do recommend you reading blue and black waters first as that is where the story first takes place.

Whitney is in need of a fresh start and to find herself after everything she has been through. Whitney embarks on a journey of revenge, she’s hunting the man who took everything away from her. Little did she know that this man was hunting her as well.

In this book we see the ins and outs of human trafficking in Russia. How they lure the girls in and forever change the course of their lives permanently.

Unfortunately on Whitney’s Revenge Journey she is forced into human trafficking, the experience she had to endure, being so dependent on someone who is using your body. You feeling like you are just existing.

We finally meet the man who Whitney is hunting and the man who wants Whitney. His name Yury. He is a man you love to hate. I’m more on the love side despite his actions. Some will deem him as unworthy of love that he has no humanity left but when you’ve been taught to act and do things a certain way. You can’t fault him for that. We see glimpses of the humanity that he has.

There were a few twists and turns that you didn’t see coming but above it all, Whitney shows us how strong she is and boy is she strong. After all she’s been threw she deserves to finally have happiness.

This is not your typical love story but it’s a story of healing, heartache, loss, finding yourself and finding true love amongst it all.
Profile Image for Amy Shelton.
427 reviews10 followers
August 2, 2020
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibraian – I Dig Good Books

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. That’s what I was telling myself when I finished this book. This is the shortest, deepest, most intense story I’ve ever read.
Deep, raw, heavy, dark, emotional books are nothing new to me. They seem to be the books I really gravitate to. They make you feel. This book is what I would classify as a novella. A novella y’all – that left me feeling so, unsure.
Without completely giving the book away, I’ve never felt so unsure, sorry, pity, for the protagonist before. Ever. This is weird. I’m beyond blown away with the fact she was able to pull those feelings out of me. Her writing, details, descriptions, and downright nitty gritty moments drag you into the story. Each one of these things are the reason I feel this way.
This stories detail is ugly man. It’s descriptive. It’s the type of detail you don’t really want to keep reading but you know you have to. You know you will be missing the entire point of the story, the characters, everything the author has poured into this story if you don’t keep reading. It’s the type of detail you force yourself to push through because you know that somewhere, some way, there will be a lesson in these words.
I love this ladies’ writing style. I love her characters. I love the brokenness that occurs. I love the beauty that comes from the scars.
Should you read this story? Yes, but not before you’ve read books one and two. Let me warn you, have something happy to pour yourself into. Have a friend or spouse available to love on. Have someone there. You’ll need them so that you can decompress and then you’ll love India again. Enjoy!
Profile Image for • Island Queen Reads • Ofa •.
765 reviews80 followers
March 26, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. The Tainted Waters series caught me off guard, I had no idea that how much it would affect me. With phenomenal writing and flawless execution, Red Waters breaches the borders of your typical romance novel and exceeds all expectations. The third installation of the Tainted Waters series, it must be read from the beginning in order to fully understand the story and to enjoy the experience.

Once again, Adams manages to bring out emotions in me, I never knew I had. It was more forced out of me. Trying my hardest to maintain my composure, it was a useless attempt on my part. Adams broadens her readers horizons, pushing boundaries and just opening your eyes and mind to the story she has to tell. I was a bit hesitant to start this novel, it's been a few weeks since the novel turned up on my Kindle, and if you read the first two books you'll understand why. I just could not comprehend reading this book with how I felt and where the characters are in their lives right now. I was stubborn and petty and continued to my vendetta against this book, but the more I kept reading, the more my heart melted. The more I became invested with these characters and their truths. This was a bit lighter than the first two books, but thats because of how Adams focuses on shining light on the darkness that crept into this story from the beginning. I loved it instantly and I couldn't put it down.

It's a story to be savoured and cherished. It's not your typical love story but a story of healing, heartache and true love. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
Profile Image for Paula Brown.
90 reviews23 followers
February 27, 2019
description

description

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The Author said it Best
"There is no romance in sexual slavery--
There is confusion and lack of compassion on many sides
There is a disconnect between the abductors, sellers, buyers and victim".

I have have heard that abusers were often abused themselves at some point, which is the case
in this story.. It contains the inner workings of a sex slave ring--
the capturing , training, torture, and selling of human beings..
This was a dark read and not for the faint of heart-- it is a frightening world, but a
very real world in which no one is safe.
India has captured this world and brought it to light-- and the rawness and depths
are like an onion getting stronger and more revealing with each layer being removed
Applause to India-- another awesome read to her credit.
15 reviews
February 26, 2019
While writting this review i am still shaken and a litle dizzy from the emotion i get throught at this book.Words can't describe how i felt and still feel about that book.I think,not wrong word,i am sure i have never read a book like that,a book that make me feel bath for bothe people,and the victim and the captor,because in that book,they were both victim in a different way.I won't say any scenes of the book that i like because i don't wanna spoil the other that haven't read it but i say this:it's a book you should read and you won't only pass your time reading it,it will teach you,it will make you open your eyes from thinks that you were so positive about and didn't want to get yourself into.I can't wait for the next book to come,so i can understand some thinks that weren't answer in this book.
Profile Image for Krystal Bowlin.
109 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2019
Red Waters is the 3rd in the Tainted Waters series by India R. Adams. Nothing that I thought this book might be could have prepared me for the words India poured out to be read.

Whit was taken into a world horribly beyond words I could describe it by. With every turn of the page, I struggled to continue but couldn't stop. My heart broke for Whit and all that was and could've been. Her strength beyond any I've ever been witness too. Her amazing heart willing to open to someone so dark and undeserving. She did everything she needed to do to survive. Her story blew me away.

This book is a much darker journey than the first two of the series but a story every human should read. It is so sadly realistic that you're forced to think. Thank you for sharing your words and giving a voice to those whose voices have been taken and for advocating for them.
Profile Image for Erin Figueiredo.
2,399 reviews37 followers
February 27, 2019
WOW – JUST WOW!!

After reading this book I am having a hard time trying to write how I feel about this story other than it was utterly amazing. India R. Adams completely stuns me with her words. The way that she writes a story and weaves her words is too incredible for me to describe. No author has been able to gut me like she does. This series is one that I will never stop thinking about.

Red Waters (the third book in the series) is much darker than the first two. So you need to prepare yourself to delve into a world where most of us will never go and may never fully understand. Have the tissues ready because this book will rip your heart out and push it back in really slow!
Profile Image for Lindsay Crook.
961 reviews34 followers
February 27, 2019
WOW!!..I knew going in there'd be tears and heart ache but I'm still never quite prepared enough for how India's beautiful words will effect me..India has grown as an author the words are more powerful and the stories more heart wrenching..
Beautifully written and filled with so many emotions you'll wanna grab the tissues before grabbing your copy of Red Waters..Once again India has left me with water stains on my kindle and in awe of her fantastic story telling.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
3,436 reviews93 followers
March 8, 2019
Red Waters is the third book in the Tainted Waters series, and we suddenly explore a dark and dangerous place with Whit. She starts off by wanting to find Yury, but instead, she is found instead. Her world changes to something so prevalent and yet unrecognisable.

Ms. Adams gives you an insight into the world of human trafficking, and no matter how horrendous, how descriptive her writing is, how it breaks your heart to read - you just know that this is merely the tip of the iceberg.

This is a hard book to read, so I can only imagine how hard it was to write. It is told first person, present tense, so you are with Whit and all she endures. You stay there when the clear lines between black and white blur and become grey.

There are two further books in this series yet to come, and I absolutely can't wait!! Ms. Adams' writing continues to evolve with each book of hers I read. The standard is exceptional, and the story matter makes you think. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, this book was devoured in one sitting. Absolutely outstanding, and highly recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Profile Image for Caro Acevedo.
804 reviews16 followers
May 17, 2020
Hell...
this was such a dark, unexpected read.
This entire series has this underlying current that sucks you in and makes you feel... everything
It is everything so raw as I write this review.
I'm giving four stars to this book because there were such deep disturbing moments in this book that had me needing to take a brake from reading and at the same time eager to know how it would all play out.
Whit became my nemesis, my friend. Someone I admired and someone I loathed.
I was in no right to judge her and her choices at all. How would I know what was right and what was wrong when the time to survival comes?
Yuri was just one of those characters were you sit yourself and stare to a grey area. They are not just the anti-heroes. He was a despicable person; but then again; What do you do when that life is all you've ever known and you were their paw as well? I'm still debating the answer to this and trying to make up my mind. I know for a fact that I could never say "I loved Yuri". As a character he is rich, so layered and so much character developmment. But as representative of some many evil humans that actually exist (personal experience) I could never feel any other that pitty and maybe a little bit of hope.
It was just an breath-taking. Heart-wrenching story
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,166 reviews16 followers
March 28, 2019
#damagedsoulsareworthsaving!

The passion in her heart is why India R. Adams has found her calling as an author with a voice that must be heard. Red Waters, the third novella in her Tainted Water series, was to be the last, but her characters were not to be quieted.

We find ourselves, nursing our hearts, knowing that there is more to learn from Whitney and Link, and those entangled in their painful lives.

A bigger picture, if I may share, is the message that human trafficking, in any form, must be brought to an end. Along with an amazingly haunting story, that rises from the depth of the deepest waters, is the chance for each of us to make a difference and understand that #damagedsoulsareworthsaving.
Profile Image for Jolieebelle.
39 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2019
Oh India, what did you do to me?! To be honest, I had to read the first page of Blue Waters 10 times,I didn’t understand at first but then... WOOOOOW!!! I’ve never finished a series in 3 days! (Yes after finishing Blue Waters I immediatly started Black Waters, then Red Water and now I’m on the last pages of Volatile Waters). I literally have no words to discribe how GOOD, ADDICTIVE and TWISTED this series is! Sometimes you feel sick to your stomach but you push through because you want to know the story. Can’t wait for the next book in the series! Eventho the books seem short, they have a hugeeee impact. India can write like no one else can. I’ve emptied a shelve for her books, can I need them ALL!!! 5/5
Profile Image for Athena Stephenson.
696 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2019
Umm wow! I have so many mixed emotions right now! Red Waters was utterly heartbreaking, twisted, tragic and so so sad! My heart breaks for Whitney and is confused, angry, sad, disgusted and grateful for Yury! The storytelling India creates is wildly captivating! I found and read blue waters randomly and could not put it down! I quickly read the rest of the Tainted Waters series that was available and then waited impatiently for Red Waters! Lol I was not disappointed! I can’t not wait to read the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,349 reviews23 followers
January 14, 2021
I was immediately pulled back into Whitney's darkened world. I enjoyed the first chapter recap of feelings and events. It had me ready to go full speed ahead into her new adventure.
Then things took an unexpected and horrifying turn. I spent the majority of this book emotionally destroyed. The pain, hopelessness, and darkness devastated me page by page. Adams is such a powerful and compelling writer. She truly captured all of the awful trauma that Whitney was experiencing. It was a terrifying and incredible experience to read. I absolutely devoured this book!
Profile Image for Annette Brignac.
202 reviews51 followers
March 6, 2019
Leave it to India to shatter my heart into tiny pieces and carefully put them back together!!

There are stories in this world that need to be told... This is absolutely one of them. The author has taken an extremely hard subject and patiently wrote a story with so much respect it will leave you breathless.

The continuation of Whit's story is one that needs to be read. I absolutely recommend this book, but encourage you to start from the beginning at Blue Waters.
Profile Image for Paulette.
588 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2019
Have you ever had a book that literally takes your breath away? Well this is that book. It shook me to my core at times. I normally can read a book very fast. Well, not this time. Many times I had to get up and walk away. You might think that because I’m saying this I didn’t like it. I actually liked it very much. It’s hours later and I’m still contemplating this book. I’m going to be honest though, this was a tough read. It’s not pretty. It made me think about issues that are very current but rather obscure in my life. I hope I’m never actually familiar with them. However, this doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be aware of it.

This is the third book in the series. I’m going to be honest I read all three books right in a row. Each one held me captive and left me drained, physically, emotionally and spiritually. This one is not for the faint of heart. It will rip you up. This is not your happily ever after. This is hard. With this books comes a lot of knowledge. Things you probably never thought of unless you were exposed to it. It’s dark,deep and will make you think. There were times I was wondering how people in these situations could cope. When I thought about my own life I don’t think I could survive what happened.

With everything I’ve written I’m glad I read this series. The story is well written. I learned things I never thought of before. Knowledge is always welcome it makes us more aware of what is going on around us even when we’re not exposed to it or thinking about these things. We need to become more aware. Ignorance is not an excuse. So I would say if you can mentally prepare yourself read this book. It will be well worth it. I can’t wait to read the follow up stories. However, I will prepare myself and either read a happily every after before or after just to keep my heart at a normal pace. Well done India you certainly keep me on my toes. I never know what you will bring next.
Profile Image for Amanda Marie ❤'s Alpha Reads.
613 reviews27 followers
August 21, 2020
Five "loved it" stars

If any series has put me through an emotional wringer, it is this one. I have yet to see the traditional hallmarks of a romance, even a dark romance, so I'm not quite sure how these books would individually be classified, but the story is blowing me away. These books are drawing real emotion from me, exhausting me, and leaving me tired and overwhelmed. Given the subject matter, that is probably the point. This is not light, fluffy material. These characters experience the darkest sides of humanity; witness (and sometimes even commit) the darkest of deeds. The worst crimes against humanity. I think it is interesting how many of the characters find themselves doing terrible things against their will, or even willingly but as a direct result of a completely evil childhood devoid devoid of anything that would teach a person love and compassion. It made me think. Some (likely a SMALL percentage) of the real people involved in the kinds of heinous crimes described in these books are possibly victims themselves, either of coercion/threats or just simply being ruined by their upbringing.

Just to be clear, I do not, nor will I ever, sympathize with people who willingly sell drugs to kids, hurt people, or participate in human trafficking. But if there really are people out there being forced into these acts against their will, then that is its own kind of tragedy.

I truly do feel like I've been put through an emotional press, and yet I also feel like I need to soldier on.

I found this author through her contribution to a short story anthology called The Institute, and am so glad I did! She is amazing at drawing out emotion, mainly by making me care about her characters before heaping unspeakable cruelty upon them. It isn't pleasant, but I'm still holding out hope for a happy ending when this is all over. Fingers crossed!

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Profile Image for Lozzie.
659 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2019
Red Waters by India R Adams is not an easy story to read, at all. It's heart-wrenching, wrecking, painful, uncomfortable, but so freaking poignant and incredible.

This book hits on some VERY tough subjects, and it is not wrapped in cotton candy, no. It graphic and oftentimes uncomfortable. It discusses sexual slavery in great detail, so this novel is most definitely for the fa8nt of hearts.

I loved Whit's strength in this novel. Despite what she was going through, she did her best to survive, and her loyalty to those she calls family is astounding. Of there is one person who deserves love, it is Whitney.

I have to say, India R. Adams is one of my go-to authors, ever since coming across Serenity last year, I have fallen into this author's words, and I could swim in them forever. She truly has the magic to tear my heart apart and stitch it up very slowly. It's truly a gift to not be recognised.

This book is especially emotional and heart-wrenching. It touches on a lot of things that will break your heart. This book is no fairy tale, and I mean it. It doesn't paint a pretty picture of anything at all. It's raw, heart-breaking and unforgiving.
This book is a masterpiece for its poignancy, and for those who read it, it will affect you, just like every other book of hers. Red Waters is not a book to be taken lightly. Not at all.

This series is my favourite, if not just by this author, but ever! It touched my heart and brought out every emotion I have in my body, and has left me almost missing my bus stop from never wanting to leave the book. It's one back of a series, and if you can handle it, then I most definfitely recommend it to you.
Profile Image for Angel .
448 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2019
Wow. This third installment touches on some very sensitive subjects.
I wasn't sure i wanted to read this after finishing Black Waters. I didn't want anything to change how the previous 2 books made me feel. But wow I'm so glad i did.

This installment didn't go easy on the reader. India's telling of what happened to Whit and Yury's infatuation with her is just... Well ... WOW. Make no mistake, this is not a romance. But its going to get your emotions rolling.
I even Yury pulled on my poor heart strings. Dispite what he did to Whit and others.
One quote which stuck out for me was.
"We live in a beautiful world; We just have some evil people with us"
As usual with India's books, my heart broke whilst reading this. I couldn't put it down or read fast enough. At the same time never wanting to get to the end.
To then find out there is going to be a book for Yury i was like OMG YES YES YES YES.

The Authors note brings home the reality of human trafficking. It's not some made up story. This stuff happens.
AUTHOR NOTE
There is no romance in sexual slavery—the epidemic we now live in. There is confusion and lack of compassion on many sides. There is a disconnect between the abductors/sellers/buyers and the victim. If a connection can be made, maybe money won’t be more important than the slave’s heart. She/He/They have one. I assure you. And, damaged souls are worth saving.
India your talent is simply amazing. Thank you for giving me the honor of reading this ARC. SIMPLY AMAZING.... Love you girl....
Profile Image for Energy (Rae's Reading).
1,448 reviews35 followers
March 16, 2019
Being that Red Waters is intended as a crossover series into an older age category, it is indeed vastly different than books 1 and 2. It goes much darker and I imagine it was a hard book to write because of that. We've been through a lot thus far, but if we've learned anything, it's that Whit is a fighter.

In an attempt to save her best friend Link from a horrible life, Whit is held captive to be trained as a sex slave. But the man who is holding her, Yuri, has his own plans for her. He holds a lot of secrets and Whit needs to find them out. But it's not easy to stay on course when the man holding you captive controls your body and mind.

While the material was much darker than we're used to, I think it greatly helps us understand what Whit has gone through. Adams has been able to give us multiple views of the situations in each of her books and that is something rather unique to this series. You get to see it from all angles. I appreciate Whit's strength because this is a situation that could break a person and cause long term effects. The fact that she comes out on the other end speaks of her strength. I also appreciated the moments she was able to dig down and find her snark that we grew to love from her. Once she started her sass, it was a beacon of hope that she might just pull through after all.
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