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Stripped #5
To the Ends of the Earth
Another rundown apartment. Another job that pays cash. Every new city it becomes harder to hide but I can't stop running.
There are two men after me. One wants to save my soul. The other wants to claim my body.
Part of me wants Luca to catch me, even knowing what he's capable of. An enforcer. A fighter. The only language he speaks is violence.
How far will he go to find me?
What will he do once he does?
A wild glance over my shoulder. The shadows are moving. I'm about to find out.
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH can be read as a standalone! It does include characters introduced in Pretty When You Cry - and in fact, Candy and Ivan make an appearance! And characters from the USA Today bestselling Chicago Underground series show up too! It isn't necessary that you've read those books, just a fun surprise if you have.
There are two men after me. One wants to save my soul. The other wants to claim my body.
Part of me wants Luca to catch me, even knowing what he's capable of. An enforcer. A fighter. The only language he speaks is violence.
How far will he go to find me?
What will he do once he does?
A wild glance over my shoulder. The shadows are moving. I'm about to find out.
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH can be read as a standalone! It does include characters introduced in Pretty When You Cry - and in fact, Candy and Ivan make an appearance! And characters from the USA Today bestselling Chicago Underground series show up too! It isn't necessary that you've read those books, just a fun surprise if you have.
176 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 14, 2016
203 people are currently reading
1155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 16, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Two men are after Sara Elizabeth. One wants to take her back to where she was from and save her soul. The other wants to claim her as his own. Part of her wants Luca to catch her, even knowing the things he is capable of. He's a fighter. An enforcer. The only language he speaks violence. How far will each man go to find her? What will happen when one of them does?
Sara Elizabeth aka Beth spent her life growing up in a cult. I have never read a book that I can remember about the cult. This was both was fascinating and equal parts terrifying. When we meet Sara Elizabeth she's living with the leader of the cult. She waiting on her prince to come along a rescue her. My poor heart broke thinking of the things this girl has had to endure. Just like most who are waiting for their Prince to come he never shows up but a man who has to be the devil himself does. Luca is a mob enforcer and gets Sara Elizabeth out of their but instead of feeling rescued she just knows so all her heart all he wants is to violate her like the cult leader does. She runs and the journey or outrunning two men begins. I was high engrossed in this book and read it in a matter of hours. It's a novella but I would have loved to have explored more of the cult life. You don't feel like your missing parts of that life though in the book. There is just the right amount of information. I just thought it was extreme my a unique and interesting subject since I've never read a book like it before.
I really loved is book and can not wait to see what Skye Warren writes next.
Two men are after Sara Elizabeth. One wants to take her back to where she was from and save her soul. The other wants to claim her as his own. Part of her wants Luca to catch her, even knowing the things he is capable of. He's a fighter. An enforcer. The only language he speaks violence. How far will each man go to find her? What will happen when one of them does?
Sara Elizabeth aka Beth spent her life growing up in a cult. I have never read a book that I can remember about the cult. This was both was fascinating and equal parts terrifying. When we meet Sara Elizabeth she's living with the leader of the cult. She waiting on her prince to come along a rescue her. My poor heart broke thinking of the things this girl has had to endure. Just like most who are waiting for their Prince to come he never shows up but a man who has to be the devil himself does. Luca is a mob enforcer and gets Sara Elizabeth out of their but instead of feeling rescued she just knows so all her heart all he wants is to violate her like the cult leader does. She runs and the journey or outrunning two men begins. I was high engrossed in this book and read it in a matter of hours. It's a novella but I would have loved to have explored more of the cult life. You don't feel like your missing parts of that life though in the book. There is just the right amount of information. I just thought it was extreme my a unique and interesting subject since I've never read a book like it before.
I really loved is book and can not wait to see what Skye Warren writes next.
December 23, 2016
Title: To The Ends of The Earth
Author: Skye Warren
Category: Romance, Suspense
Series or Standalone: Standalone
POV: Heroine's POV
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
HEA: Not telling
Fast paced, thrilling and steamy!!! I want Luca to fight for me too!
What happens when a girl from a cult catches the eye of a strong fighter? Mayhem and passion!!
Follow Beth's story as she tries to survive the ghosts of her past and a hurricane named Luca.
How far can someone go for the ones he cares about? To the ends of the earth, of course!
As always, Skye Warren creates a compelling book with with her magnificent prose. Get ready to fall in love with Luca.
I highly recommend this fast paced novella. Do not miss it!
5 Stars
November 16, 2016
"Understand me, little bird? No matter how many times someone puts a cage around you, you never forget how to fly."
A fragile survivor baring a shotgun ignites a need in him he has never felt before. Hardened to the pain as a fighter in the underground Luca feels the ice around his heart melting as the unexpected turns his world upside down. Running the first chance she gets he really will follow her to the ends of the earth...and he does. Tracking her down he wants nothing more than to erase the fear in her eyes and replace it with happiness. Having had a bleak past, he recognises the pain and suffering, connects with her damaged psyche and wants to find happiness together. Yet there is another hunting her can Luca protect her from the oncoming storm?
This novella is beautifully written as Beth comes to terms with her past and learns to live just not merely exist. Luca is her prince charming after all although he may be the devil in disguise he is her devil and that's all that matters. Reading this has made me want to re read all the others in the series and I think I will do just that! It's a fantastic addition and another five star read by this author who is a definite one click must have whenever she has a new release!
~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~
A fragile survivor baring a shotgun ignites a need in him he has never felt before. Hardened to the pain as a fighter in the underground Luca feels the ice around his heart melting as the unexpected turns his world upside down. Running the first chance she gets he really will follow her to the ends of the earth...and he does. Tracking her down he wants nothing more than to erase the fear in her eyes and replace it with happiness. Having had a bleak past, he recognises the pain and suffering, connects with her damaged psyche and wants to find happiness together. Yet there is another hunting her can Luca protect her from the oncoming storm?
This novella is beautifully written as Beth comes to terms with her past and learns to live just not merely exist. Luca is her prince charming after all although he may be the devil in disguise he is her devil and that's all that matters. Reading this has made me want to re read all the others in the series and I think I will do just that! It's a fantastic addition and another five star read by this author who is a definite one click must have whenever she has a new release!
~*~ Reviewed on behalf of Obsessed by Books ~*~
August 20, 2017
“Someone needs to take care of you, little bird. If you aren’t going to do it, then I sure as hell will.”
- Luca
* * *
“Sometimes surviving is the only kind of strength that matters. That’s the lesson I learned.”
- Beth
* * *
“I had found my prince. He didn’t have blond hair or a white horse. He had green eyes and a mean left hook. And he had slayed every one of my dragons.”
- Beth
- Luca
* * *
“Sometimes surviving is the only kind of strength that matters. That’s the lesson I learned.”
- Beth
* * *
“I had found my prince. He didn’t have blond hair or a white horse. He had green eyes and a mean left hook. And he had slayed every one of my dragons.”
- Beth
May 6, 2020
This book was okay, nothing extraordinary. It was short and sweet which is a bit unexpected. I thought it would be more about survival and finding love. Most of the cult stuff was off-screen so I never get to understand the female protagonist. The same with the male protagonist. his past was horrific, but it was never explained. It wasn't bad but everything was rushed. On top of that, I didn't find the deep connection between the protagonists. Overall, it was boring.
November 22, 2016
4 "Little Bird" Stars!!!
I really enjoyed Luca and Beth’s story. This was a great ending to one of my favorite series by Skye Warren!!!
A man like this isn’t anyone’s prince.
We first met Luca & Beth in Pretty When You Cry, where Luca is a bodyguard/enforcer and saves Beth from the cult. This book picks up at their beginning. I loved getting to know Beth’s story from her point of view. Beth comes from…..hell on earth. I cannot even imagine growing up in a cult. I can’t. If I even begin to think about it, I get this crazy rage inside me because it just makes me so angry. Which is why I really liked this story because Beth breaks free from that life of horror. Even though Luca saves her, she is the one who saves herself. After finding out that she is pregnant, she fights for herself and her daughter. I loved that Skye gave her a while to be on her own without Luca. I think her character truly needed that, even though it was hard. But once Luca finds her……DAYUM! Beth is still running from the cult, so Luca has to fight to protect her. He doesn’t let go. He doesn’t her leave or fight on her own any more. And he literally fights for her.
Fighting’s in my blood. This is what I was born to do. And you’re the best reason I’ve ever had to do it.
This story is short, but well-developed. I thought there was nothing left unsaid or undid (Lol). I also loved that it was hot, but because of Beth’s past, Luca didn’t push her even though he could have (sorry for being vague. I’m trying not to spoil anything).
You don’t have to read the other books before this one, but if you don’t, you will definitely want to read them after because all of these characters are just so good!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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I really enjoyed Luca and Beth’s story. This was a great ending to one of my favorite series by Skye Warren!!!
A man like this isn’t anyone’s prince.
We first met Luca & Beth in Pretty When You Cry, where Luca is a bodyguard/enforcer and saves Beth from the cult. This book picks up at their beginning. I loved getting to know Beth’s story from her point of view. Beth comes from…..hell on earth. I cannot even imagine growing up in a cult. I can’t. If I even begin to think about it, I get this crazy rage inside me because it just makes me so angry. Which is why I really liked this story because Beth breaks free from that life of horror. Even though Luca saves her, she is the one who saves herself. After finding out that she is pregnant, she fights for herself and her daughter. I loved that Skye gave her a while to be on her own without Luca. I think her character truly needed that, even though it was hard. But once Luca finds her……DAYUM! Beth is still running from the cult, so Luca has to fight to protect her. He doesn’t let go. He doesn’t her leave or fight on her own any more. And he literally fights for her.
Fighting’s in my blood. This is what I was born to do. And you’re the best reason I’ve ever had to do it.
This story is short, but well-developed. I thought there was nothing left unsaid or undid (Lol). I also loved that it was hot, but because of Beth’s past, Luca didn’t push her even though he could have (sorry for being vague. I’m trying not to spoil anything).
You don’t have to read the other books before this one, but if you don’t, you will definitely want to read them after because all of these characters are just so good!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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January 9, 2019
I don’t know why I had a weakness for Beth... but I’m so glad this series had a book about her. I needed so bad to read a book about the relationship Beth and Luca had and my wish was fullfiled.
Some things amazed me in this book too. Even tho I didn’t expect anything new, considering that I read all the books in this series in 3 days. 🙈 I kind of thought I already knew how the author things. I’m glad Skye proved me wrong. Never take things for granted people! You might be amazed when you least expect it.
Some things amazed me in this book too. Even tho I didn’t expect anything new, considering that I read all the books in this series in 3 days. 🙈 I kind of thought I already knew how the author things. I’m glad Skye proved me wrong. Never take things for granted people! You might be amazed when you least expect it.
November 13, 2016
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
*Carla's Five Star Review
To the Ends of the Earth is the new novella by the ever amazing Skye Warren!
Sara Elizabeth aka "Beth" has spent her short life in a cult. For years, she has been abused and violated all in the name of religion. Her only way to cope is to dream about the day her "prince" will come for her and take her away from the place that has become her own personal hell. Alas, the prince never comes. Instead, a man who looks like the devil himself shows up on her doorstep.
Luca is an enforcer for organized crime. To say that he is as rough as they come would be a huge understatement! The only way he has survived this long is by fighting. Life has left him jaded, but when he first sets eyes on Beth, he feels a spark he thought had long since faded. He is determined to make her his, so when she runs from him, he vows to follow her to the ends of the earth. The only problem is that Luca isn't the only one after Beth. When demons from the past show up and threaten Beth's safety, will Luca be able to protect her? Will Beth ever get the chance to live a "normal" life?
What an awesome novella! I was captivated from beginning to end! There is just something about a bad boy finding that one woman who brings out his gentler side that really gets to me! Luca and Beth are both amazing characters, and I dare you not to fall hopelessly in love with them! If you are looking for a quick but poignant read, this is one you won't want to miss!
*Carla's Five Star Review
To the Ends of the Earth is the new novella by the ever amazing Skye Warren!
Sara Elizabeth aka "Beth" has spent her short life in a cult. For years, she has been abused and violated all in the name of religion. Her only way to cope is to dream about the day her "prince" will come for her and take her away from the place that has become her own personal hell. Alas, the prince never comes. Instead, a man who looks like the devil himself shows up on her doorstep.
Luca is an enforcer for organized crime. To say that he is as rough as they come would be a huge understatement! The only way he has survived this long is by fighting. Life has left him jaded, but when he first sets eyes on Beth, he feels a spark he thought had long since faded. He is determined to make her his, so when she runs from him, he vows to follow her to the ends of the earth. The only problem is that Luca isn't the only one after Beth. When demons from the past show up and threaten Beth's safety, will Luca be able to protect her? Will Beth ever get the chance to live a "normal" life?
What an awesome novella! I was captivated from beginning to end! There is just something about a bad boy finding that one woman who brings out his gentler side that really gets to me! Luca and Beth are both amazing characters, and I dare you not to fall hopelessly in love with them! If you are looking for a quick but poignant read, this is one you won't want to miss!
March 19, 2019
2.5 stars.
My favorite part was Luca playing with Beth's little girl, Delilah. Candy cracked me up when she said, "It's an honor having the blessed one," after Beth and Delilah arrived. (The cult thinks Beth's little girl was conceived by immaculate conception). It was also cute seeing Luca trying to stop cursing for Beth.
Why this didn't work for me:
My favorite part was Luca playing with Beth's little girl, Delilah. Candy cracked me up when she said, "It's an honor having the blessed one," after Beth and Delilah arrived. (The cult thinks Beth's little girl was conceived by immaculate conception). It was also cute seeing Luca trying to stop cursing for Beth.
Why this didn't work for me:
November 15, 2016
This is a great read. I love that we got to see Candy (from Stripped series) and Allie (from Chicago Underground). No, you don’t have to read the other series before reading this, the characters just make a cameo really. I was just excited to see them.
If you have read the Stripped series, Candy’s story, then you know the hell that Beth came from at Harmony Hills and from Leader Allen. Beth basically took Candy’s place when Candy escaped and ran off.
Beth is on the run. She is being chased though, by two people.
Luca is a fighter, an enforcer for Ivan and he wants her. She thinks he wants her the same way Leader Allen did. She could not be more wrong about that though. She is his little bird.
The other is her brother.
She has to keep Delilah safe though, and she will do anything to make sure that happens. ANYTHING. She’s a great mother and such a strong woman. She questions everything, which she should.
I love these two!
If you have read the Stripped series, Candy’s story, then you know the hell that Beth came from at Harmony Hills and from Leader Allen. Beth basically took Candy’s place when Candy escaped and ran off.
Beth is on the run. She is being chased though, by two people.
Luca is a fighter, an enforcer for Ivan and he wants her. She thinks he wants her the same way Leader Allen did. She could not be more wrong about that though. She is his little bird.
The other is her brother.
She has to keep Delilah safe though, and she will do anything to make sure that happens. ANYTHING. She’s a great mother and such a strong woman. She questions everything, which she should.
I love these two!
November 14, 2016
We met Beth and Luca in Pretty When You Cry, and though this could be read as a standalone I don't recommend it. I would at least read Pretty When You Cry first.
Beth is on the run for her and her babies life. She is running from Luca because she fears the desire she sees in his eyes. She is also running from her brother because she is afraid he will take her back to the religious cult she was a prisoner of. And she will keep running no matter how far and will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe. But, she underestimates Luca, he will stop at nothing and go literally to the ends of the earth to find her.
Fast paced and exciting read. I felt so much for Beth and what she went through. Being repeatedly sexually abused in the name of God would mess anyone's psyche up. The fact that Beth is able to grow from that experience and free herself from the shackles of her past really speaks to the strength of her character. Luca is a brooding, anger always just beneath the surface kind of man, but he shows amazing tenderness and patience with Beth. They are both brave warriors who have endured more than their fair share of pain and that is what binds them together.
I enjoyed this book, but of course I wish there had been more. I wanted to know more about Luca and his past. I also really liked that some familiar characters made an appearance in this story. I did feel it sort of ended abruptly and resolved almost too quickly, but all in all it's a good story and a solid addition to the Stripped Series.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review***
Beth is on the run for her and her babies life. She is running from Luca because she fears the desire she sees in his eyes. She is also running from her brother because she is afraid he will take her back to the religious cult she was a prisoner of. And she will keep running no matter how far and will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe. But, she underestimates Luca, he will stop at nothing and go literally to the ends of the earth to find her.
Fast paced and exciting read. I felt so much for Beth and what she went through. Being repeatedly sexually abused in the name of God would mess anyone's psyche up. The fact that Beth is able to grow from that experience and free herself from the shackles of her past really speaks to the strength of her character. Luca is a brooding, anger always just beneath the surface kind of man, but he shows amazing tenderness and patience with Beth. They are both brave warriors who have endured more than their fair share of pain and that is what binds them together.
I enjoyed this book, but of course I wish there had been more. I wanted to know more about Luca and his past. I also really liked that some familiar characters made an appearance in this story. I did feel it sort of ended abruptly and resolved almost too quickly, but all in all it's a good story and a solid addition to the Stripped Series.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review***
October 30, 2023
4 stars
This novella was intense.
Dark themes - Beth (the FMC) grew up in a cult, suffered from horrible abuse, is now on the run. I found her character really compelling, as she struggled against her ingrained beliefs while figuring out how to survive on the outside.
This definitely could have been a full length book, because the novella contains some time jumps and events that are only mentioned in passing. It’s also told from the FMC’s POV, with the MMC remaining an enigma (but a very protective one) pretty much to the end. These choices made the novella length work, but I would have gladly read a full length version.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator had an excellent ‘wounded bird’ voice.
This novella was intense.
Dark themes - Beth (the FMC) grew up in a cult, suffered from horrible abuse, is now on the run. I found her character really compelling, as she struggled against her ingrained beliefs while figuring out how to survive on the outside.
This definitely could have been a full length book, because the novella contains some time jumps and events that are only mentioned in passing. It’s also told from the FMC’s POV, with the MMC remaining an enigma (but a very protective one) pretty much to the end. These choices made the novella length work, but I would have gladly read a full length version.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator had an excellent ‘wounded bird’ voice.
November 15, 2016
✨✨✨✨✨5 Little Bird Stars✨✨✨✨✨
WOW! Skye Warren at her best! From the very first pages I could tell this was going to be an emotional and angsty story.
A religious cult
A sadistic priest
A young woman
A savior dressed in black
Beth
There’s no one here to protect you.” He may as well have shot me, instead of the other way around. There’s a hole where all my fight had been, my struggle, spilling scarlet. “How do you know that?”“Because if there was, you wouldn’t have been in that house.” And I leave Harmony Hills, not on the back of a white horse, holding my prince. I leave with the devil himself.
A single drop of blood works down his chest, drawing through the smear left by his shirt. It’s a portrait of anger, of control. It’s a portrait of the despair I felt in that moment.
Luca
I’m not a merciful man, little bird. A fighter. An enforcer. A fucking bulldozer.”
She flees the devil and keeps on running.
One year later
This is where the story really takes off! Beth has been running, hiding, trying to keep her daughter safe. They end up in the backwoods of Alaska when Luca finally catches up with her. He saves her once again from bad men and convinces her to let him bring her and her daughter to safety.
No matter how many times someone puts a cage around you, you never forget how to fly.”
Ms. Warren then sets the story that will bring closure to Beth's forced religious beliefs and Luca is right there waiting for her.
“The kind of man who knows a good thing when he’s found it. The kind of man who’ll hold on to it as long as he can.”
I loved how fierce and loyal Luca was and Beth was so strong to endure what she did in the name of faith. The ending was perfect and sets up nicely to a continuing series?
✨✨✨✨✨
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
✨✨✨✨✨
Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
WOW! Skye Warren at her best! From the very first pages I could tell this was going to be an emotional and angsty story.
A religious cult
A sadistic priest
A young woman
A savior dressed in black
Beth
There’s no one here to protect you.” He may as well have shot me, instead of the other way around. There’s a hole where all my fight had been, my struggle, spilling scarlet. “How do you know that?”“Because if there was, you wouldn’t have been in that house.” And I leave Harmony Hills, not on the back of a white horse, holding my prince. I leave with the devil himself.
A single drop of blood works down his chest, drawing through the smear left by his shirt. It’s a portrait of anger, of control. It’s a portrait of the despair I felt in that moment.
Luca
I’m not a merciful man, little bird. A fighter. An enforcer. A fucking bulldozer.”
She flees the devil and keeps on running.
One year later
This is where the story really takes off! Beth has been running, hiding, trying to keep her daughter safe. They end up in the backwoods of Alaska when Luca finally catches up with her. He saves her once again from bad men and convinces her to let him bring her and her daughter to safety.
No matter how many times someone puts a cage around you, you never forget how to fly.”
Ms. Warren then sets the story that will bring closure to Beth's forced religious beliefs and Luca is right there waiting for her.
“The kind of man who knows a good thing when he’s found it. The kind of man who’ll hold on to it as long as he can.”
I loved how fierce and loyal Luca was and Beth was so strong to endure what she did in the name of faith. The ending was perfect and sets up nicely to a continuing series?
✨✨✨✨✨
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
✨✨✨✨✨
Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
September 21, 2017
The last time we saw Beth and Luca was at the end of book three. Ivan and Candy reunite and they leave Beth and Luca at the cottage where she was living with Candy hiding out. They were found making out in the kitchen by Candy and Ivan and then they stayed behind.... there was no mention of that in this book. Why? What happened? How did they get separated? It's like that never happened when it did at the end of book three.
He also said that he and Ivan met when they were boys. That Ivan was living in a group home. But Ivan said in his book that he left his grandmothers and lived on the streets and then was kept by a priest.... That he didn't go into foster care or a group home. He avoided that. ??? seems like backgrounds change with each book.
Seems like this author needs better people to go over her books for her before they get published. With the things I mentioned here and my other reviews things are inconsistent. It's nothing major but still the little things do count. It's annoying when events change for no reason and with no explanation. This book is the weakest of the series by far but it was nice to see Candy again. Besides all that I did love the series and I'm looking forward to the next books set in this world. The Endgame series is next followed by Masterpiece Duet series.
He also said that he and Ivan met when they were boys. That Ivan was living in a group home. But Ivan said in his book that he left his grandmothers and lived on the streets and then was kept by a priest.... That he didn't go into foster care or a group home. He avoided that. ??? seems like backgrounds change with each book.
Seems like this author needs better people to go over her books for her before they get published. With the things I mentioned here and my other reviews things are inconsistent. It's nothing major but still the little things do count. It's annoying when events change for no reason and with no explanation. This book is the weakest of the series by far but it was nice to see Candy again. Besides all that I did love the series and I'm looking forward to the next books set in this world. The Endgame series is next followed by Masterpiece Duet series.
February 27, 2024
I really love Luca.
August 17, 2018
I love Skye Warren. I think she is an amazingly talented author who does not shy away from taboo topics, which is a nice. However, I have some major issues with this book for two reasons:
1. I think Warren conveniently forgot everything the reader learns about Luca and Beth in Pretty When You Cry. I mean the entire ending of that book was completely ignored and everything was started from scratch in a completely different way. There's no cohesion. Frankly, this is not the first time I come across this issue in one of her books and it is beginning to drive me mad. Even if she'd never intended on writing their story and just spontaneously decided to, you can't go an change the story you've already published!!! She also changed Ivan's background, why I don't know, but again, you've published an entire book about Ivan, you've started a story of Luca and Beth, you can't unmake that and change everything.
2. I'm beginning to be annoyed by the overly machoism and severe female naive/virginal/victim stereotype. I rolled my eyes so hard at Candy, being all innocent and naive, all the while working in a strip club (and again before the reader got Candy's story, she was pictured completely differently...). Now we have Beth, who has a child. And we're still supposed to believe that she's so innocent and doesn't know about sex and all that and COME ON!!! And WTF happened to Luca? Working security for Ivan wasn't good enough apparently because now he suddenly has his own private jets, makes TONS of money fighting and is just one more criminal macho of Warren's line up. After so many books I've read by her, I have to say that her characters all begin to look alike up to the point where you can't differentiate them anymore and that is boring, lazy, and does not create excitement for a reader.
1. I think Warren conveniently forgot everything the reader learns about Luca and Beth in Pretty When You Cry. I mean the entire ending of that book was completely ignored and everything was started from scratch in a completely different way. There's no cohesion. Frankly, this is not the first time I come across this issue in one of her books and it is beginning to drive me mad. Even if she'd never intended on writing their story and just spontaneously decided to, you can't go an change the story you've already published!!! She also changed Ivan's background, why I don't know, but again, you've published an entire book about Ivan, you've started a story of Luca and Beth, you can't unmake that and change everything.
2. I'm beginning to be annoyed by the overly machoism and severe female naive/virginal/victim stereotype. I rolled my eyes so hard at Candy, being all innocent and naive, all the while working in a strip club (and again before the reader got Candy's story, she was pictured completely differently...). Now we have Beth, who has a child. And we're still supposed to believe that she's so innocent and doesn't know about sex and all that and COME ON!!! And WTF happened to Luca? Working security for Ivan wasn't good enough apparently because now he suddenly has his own private jets, makes TONS of money fighting and is just one more criminal macho of Warren's line up. After so many books I've read by her, I have to say that her characters all begin to look alike up to the point where you can't differentiate them anymore and that is boring, lazy, and does not create excitement for a reader.
November 16, 2016
I haven't read anything by Skye Warren before and read this without any knowledge of the characters. I didn't find it an issue, although I am aware that You meet Beth and Luca in Pretty when you cry.
This was a fast paced, had me on the edge of my seat and intrigued as to which way the twists and turns would go. The words flowed effortlessly.
Beth wanted a chance to breath and heal, for her and her babies. Especially after escaping the past she came from. Running from her brother and a man she loves wasn't easy but she was an awesome character. Luca wasn't letting her run too far and was determined to make her his, he showed her the tenderness, care and love she needed.
I need more of the brooding Luca, I wanted to know his past, where he came from, but you can't always get what you want.
This was a fantastic read and I will happily pick up another book by Skye.
4 stars
This was a fast paced, had me on the edge of my seat and intrigued as to which way the twists and turns would go. The words flowed effortlessly.
Beth wanted a chance to breath and heal, for her and her babies. Especially after escaping the past she came from. Running from her brother and a man she loves wasn't easy but she was an awesome character. Luca wasn't letting her run too far and was determined to make her his, he showed her the tenderness, care and love she needed.
I need more of the brooding Luca, I wanted to know his past, where he came from, but you can't always get what you want.
This was a fantastic read and I will happily pick up another book by Skye.
4 stars
February 18, 2017
Skye brings yet another beauty to life in the Stripped series and this time it's Beth that needs help from Luca,a warrior in a dark world that frightens,yet fascinates her....Love the series with its dark and dangerous men,that all seem to have one soft spot....the sweet,strong women they find,catch and keep.
March 20, 2023
We first met Beth when she was at Harmony Hills – when Ivan went about doing his manly stuff to get retribution for what’s been done to Candy. Beth was caught in the crosshairs a bit since she took over for Candy’s position with Leader Allen (not by choice I have to say) and she was left to be abused, neglected and we can only imagine what the means for her in the long run.
We saw the interaction between her and Luca when she was first ‘re-captured’ and there is chemistry there, desire, but the question becomes who will break whom and what does that mean. We saw in Candy’s story that Luca is willing to sacrifice a lot for Beth, that’s how much she cares for him, and this next installment takes us into the future where we see how that worked out.
Some how Beth got back on her own two feet – she’s working the best jobs she can to provide food and clothing and shelter for her daughter (Leader Allen’s if you’ll remember) but she’s on the run. Both from Luca whom she wants to put distance and from her brother who was the one who was sent to Tanglewood to do harm. People put this notion in his head that Beth’s baby is a message from god and now he has all these notions about things that should be happening with the baby and none of them are good.
She had been so careful each time she’s moved from state to state, into Canada, off the grid – just for a little bit of security. Any time it seemed like someone may be getting too close, she’s picked up roots and gone on the run again, but Luca is not far behind. He’s a man on a mission and not willing to say goodbye.
So we watch how Beth is constantly looking over her shoulder. how she’s learned to forgo everything for herself because she needs to protect her daughter. She’s gotten stronger, she does what she can to keep them safe until it seems like things come to a head. She’s attacked by a bunch of drunk men, and her protector – Luca comes to her rescue.
The journey from here is one where we watch him try to do all the right things to keep her safe – to give her and her daughter the life that they deserve, and Beth fights him every step of the way. She’s afraid to let someone in, and she’s afraid of what it will mean if she gives him that amount of power over them. But what she hates more is that she wants to let him in because she’s afraid of the outcome otherwise.
The tension between them is hot, and it adds to the tension of the unknown with the story. Trying to find her brother before he finds them, and trying to get things back on track. The lengths they go to in order to do all of that – well….it’s entertaining to say the least. What I will say though is that this story resolves how we need for their installment – and now it’s onto the next.
We saw the interaction between her and Luca when she was first ‘re-captured’ and there is chemistry there, desire, but the question becomes who will break whom and what does that mean. We saw in Candy’s story that Luca is willing to sacrifice a lot for Beth, that’s how much she cares for him, and this next installment takes us into the future where we see how that worked out.
Some how Beth got back on her own two feet – she’s working the best jobs she can to provide food and clothing and shelter for her daughter (Leader Allen’s if you’ll remember) but she’s on the run. Both from Luca whom she wants to put distance and from her brother who was the one who was sent to Tanglewood to do harm. People put this notion in his head that Beth’s baby is a message from god and now he has all these notions about things that should be happening with the baby and none of them are good.
She had been so careful each time she’s moved from state to state, into Canada, off the grid – just for a little bit of security. Any time it seemed like someone may be getting too close, she’s picked up roots and gone on the run again, but Luca is not far behind. He’s a man on a mission and not willing to say goodbye.
So we watch how Beth is constantly looking over her shoulder. how she’s learned to forgo everything for herself because she needs to protect her daughter. She’s gotten stronger, she does what she can to keep them safe until it seems like things come to a head. She’s attacked by a bunch of drunk men, and her protector – Luca comes to her rescue.
The journey from here is one where we watch him try to do all the right things to keep her safe – to give her and her daughter the life that they deserve, and Beth fights him every step of the way. She’s afraid to let someone in, and she’s afraid of what it will mean if she gives him that amount of power over them. But what she hates more is that she wants to let him in because she’s afraid of the outcome otherwise.
The tension between them is hot, and it adds to the tension of the unknown with the story. Trying to find her brother before he finds them, and trying to get things back on track. The lengths they go to in order to do all of that – well….it’s entertaining to say the least. What I will say though is that this story resolves how we need for their installment – and now it’s onto the next.
November 15, 2016
This is Beth and Luca’s story- you first met them in Pretty When You Cry. I would recommend reading that book first to help with this story although this could be considered and read as a standalone. It does help to have read PWYC.
Beth is on the run for her and her little baby’s life. She is running from Luca because she is afraid of the desire he invokes inside her; she is also on the run from her brother because she thinks and assumes he will make her/take her back to the religious cult she was a prisoner to. So Beth just keeps running, praying that God will help her and protect her and her little baby and keep them safe. But the thing Beth didn’t take into account was Luca and his sheer determination to find and take Beth and bring her back with him. He wants her and nothing but her with do.
This was a dark and compelling novella that kept me on the edge of my seat with so many facets that I wasn’t sure who or what was going to keep this twisting or turning next. Luca was a wild card, I wasn’t sure what his goal was . He was this sexy, mysterious, dominant man who was determined to make Beth his no matter what. And Beth, she was this woman who has been thru so much and all she wanted was peace to heal, and peace and happiness for her little one. Could Luca be that person to give it to her, or was he the devil in disguise? This novella was about to let it all out and answer those questions and by the end, I was satisfied. I would have liked alittle more in the epilogue but overall it was a satisfying read for me and as always, I adored Skye Warren’s prose.
My rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Beth is on the run for her and her little baby’s life. She is running from Luca because she is afraid of the desire he invokes inside her; she is also on the run from her brother because she thinks and assumes he will make her/take her back to the religious cult she was a prisoner to. So Beth just keeps running, praying that God will help her and protect her and her little baby and keep them safe. But the thing Beth didn’t take into account was Luca and his sheer determination to find and take Beth and bring her back with him. He wants her and nothing but her with do.
This was a dark and compelling novella that kept me on the edge of my seat with so many facets that I wasn’t sure who or what was going to keep this twisting or turning next. Luca was a wild card, I wasn’t sure what his goal was . He was this sexy, mysterious, dominant man who was determined to make Beth his no matter what. And Beth, she was this woman who has been thru so much and all she wanted was peace to heal, and peace and happiness for her little one. Could Luca be that person to give it to her, or was he the devil in disguise? This novella was about to let it all out and answer those questions and by the end, I was satisfied. I would have liked alittle more in the epilogue but overall it was a satisfying read for me and as always, I adored Skye Warren’s prose.
My rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
May 3, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Beth is deeply ingrained in a horrible cult whose leader abuses her and many others. During a rescue mission for another girl, Beth decides to take matters into her own hands and pulls a gun on the leader. Except she shoots one of the rescuers, named Luca, who then kidnaps her.
A year-ish later, Beth has moved multiple times to outrun not only Luca but also her brother. She has a daughter she's protecting. Luca has found them and convinced her to allow him to protect her. Just one tiny issue of needing to use her as bait to catch her brother who is also chasing her for nefarious reasons.
Beth slowly unravels her faith from her abuser, and learns to not only forgive him and her brother but also herself.
I loved Luca in this story. Talk about dedication! And Beth was precious. She was the perfect embodiment of meek as opposed to weak.
It was a great short read with lots of tension. My only complaint is there were plot points that kind of felt skimmed over. It's possible those issues were covered in previous books, though.
I would probably recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a man who needs to protect someone else and a woman who needs to protect herself.
Beth is deeply ingrained in a horrible cult whose leader abuses her and many others. During a rescue mission for another girl, Beth decides to take matters into her own hands and pulls a gun on the leader. Except she shoots one of the rescuers, named Luca, who then kidnaps her.
A year-ish later, Beth has moved multiple times to outrun not only Luca but also her brother. She has a daughter she's protecting. Luca has found them and convinced her to allow him to protect her. Just one tiny issue of needing to use her as bait to catch her brother who is also chasing her for nefarious reasons.
Beth slowly unravels her faith from her abuser, and learns to not only forgive him and her brother but also herself.
I loved Luca in this story. Talk about dedication! And Beth was precious. She was the perfect embodiment of meek as opposed to weak.
It was a great short read with lots of tension. My only complaint is there were plot points that kind of felt skimmed over. It's possible those issues were covered in previous books, though.
I would probably recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about a man who needs to protect someone else and a woman who needs to protect herself.
November 26, 2016
This is the first book in the Stripped series that I’ve read from Skye Warren, and I have to say, it certainly won’t be the last While Luca scared the bejeezus out of me at first, when he finally catches up with “Beth” and let’s her know his true intentions, I was hooked
The writing kept me spellbound for the entire story, even when Beth’s reasoning from growing up in a cult setting could be difficult to deal with at times seriously though, who wouldn’t want a hot, sexy man fighting to keep them safe?
With her brother after her to drag her back to the cult for a few reasons, the story has a serious heat factor I’m definitely going back to read the other books in this series!
This is a 5 Holy Smokes Orgasms book from me
The writing kept me spellbound for the entire story, even when Beth’s reasoning from growing up in a cult setting could be difficult to deal with at times seriously though, who wouldn’t want a hot, sexy man fighting to keep them safe?
With her brother after her to drag her back to the cult for a few reasons, the story has a serious heat factor I’m definitely going back to read the other books in this series!
This is a 5 Holy Smokes Orgasms book from me
April 7, 2020
Very, very good!
This was a most satisfying read. Rather mind of filled from the headlines. I remember a similar cult exposed many years ago when I was very young. Of course, they still exist today in some form or another. Hence, that was why this story took on an added significance. It also was most satisfying in the final outcome of the characters involved. Even though their experiences will forever be a part of them, they were able to move forward and build new lives in unexpected ways with unexpected people.
You will not be disappointed in reading this book. I highly recommend it.
This was a most satisfying read. Rather mind of filled from the headlines. I remember a similar cult exposed many years ago when I was very young. Of course, they still exist today in some form or another. Hence, that was why this story took on an added significance. It also was most satisfying in the final outcome of the characters involved. Even though their experiences will forever be a part of them, they were able to move forward and build new lives in unexpected ways with unexpected people.
You will not be disappointed in reading this book. I highly recommend it.
March 8, 2021
This seemed like a quick read and I’ve been curious about Skye Warren, so I decided to give it a try. This one starts out pretty dull, which is quite a feat, considering it goes right into an action scene.
I found the writing style to be a bit chaotic; in some instances there is over-describing and repetition. In others, no background whatsoever is given. I tried to like it, to get into it but between the writing style and the dull content, it just wasn’t for me.
1 star.
⭐️
Note:
I listened to the audiobook; the narrator is not one I’d like to hear more from as she sounds both robotic and sleep-inducing. 2-star performance.
I found the writing style to be a bit chaotic; in some instances there is over-describing and repetition. In others, no background whatsoever is given. I tried to like it, to get into it but between the writing style and the dull content, it just wasn’t for me.
1 star.
⭐️
Note:
I listened to the audiobook; the narrator is not one I’d like to hear more from as she sounds both robotic and sleep-inducing. 2-star performance.
to-read-next-hoopla
May 30, 2023Luca, Beth
Another rundown apartment. Another job that pays cash. Every new city it becomes harder to hide but I can't stop running.
There are two men after me...
One wants to save my soul. The other wants to claim my body.
Part of me wants Luca to catch me, even knowing what he's capable of. An enforcer. A fighter. The only language he speaks is violence.
How far will he go to find me?
What will he do once he does?
A wild glance over my shoulder. The shadows are moving.
I'm about to find out.
Another rundown apartment. Another job that pays cash. Every new city it becomes harder to hide but I can't stop running.
There are two men after me...
One wants to save my soul. The other wants to claim my body.
Part of me wants Luca to catch me, even knowing what he's capable of. An enforcer. A fighter. The only language he speaks is violence.
How far will he go to find me?
What will he do once he does?
A wild glance over my shoulder. The shadows are moving.
I'm about to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
To the Ends of the Earth (Stripped #5) was a great read by Skye Warren. Sara Elizabeth finds herself in another rundown apartment and at another job that pays cash. She is finding it harder to hide but she cant stop herself from running. She has two men that are after her; one that wants to save her soul and one that wants to claim her body. She finds herself wanting Luca, even though he is capable of things she isnt ready for. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
October 9, 2020
Luca and Beth
This was a short novella but a good addition to the series Stripped series. It stayed true to the grittiness of the author's other darker books.
There wasn't a lot of inflection in the narrator's voice. I'm not sure if it was on purpose because there were some differences between characters but not much. It didn't take a way from the story much, but I was a bit disappointed.
This was a short novella but a good addition to the series Stripped series. It stayed true to the grittiness of the author's other darker books.
There wasn't a lot of inflection in the narrator's voice. I'm not sure if it was on purpose because there were some differences between characters but not much. It didn't take a way from the story much, but I was a bit disappointed.
October 9, 2020
Luca and Beth
This was a short novella but a good addition to the series Stripped series. It stayed true to the grittiness of the author's other darker books.
There wasn't a lot of inflection in the narrator's voice. I'm not sure if it was on purpose because there were some differences between characters but not much. It didn't take a way from the story much, but I was a bit disappointed.
This was a short novella but a good addition to the series Stripped series. It stayed true to the grittiness of the author's other darker books.
There wasn't a lot of inflection in the narrator's voice. I'm not sure if it was on purpose because there were some differences between characters but not much. It didn't take a way from the story much, but I was a bit disappointed.
July 19, 2019
Forgiveness
Beth and Luca. Beth is raised in a church cult environment.Father Allen makes her mom do things for him. Beth finally gets out of the cult but still feels trapped plus is pregnant with Father Allen's child. She runs and keeps running hoping no-one finds her. Luca goes looking for Beth , will be fine her.....
Beth and Luca. Beth is raised in a church cult environment.Father Allen makes her mom do things for him. Beth finally gets out of the cult but still feels trapped plus is pregnant with Father Allen's child. She runs and keeps running hoping no-one finds her. Luca goes looking for Beth , will be fine her.....
July 6, 2020
I listened to this short book on audible escape to meet my quota of a book a day in july. I was really expecting to hate it because i read the first book in the stripped series and it was not my cup of tea. You can tell Skye really improved in her writing style. This book was actually very interesting and different. I highly enjoyed it!
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