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Anointed

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-Zebadiah- The last time I saw her, she was marked with blood. Excommunicated. Now she’s returned, along with my temptation. Our touch is blasphemous. Perverse. They say she’s tainted, but they will not speak against me. His holy blood is in my veins and my word is truth. I’m the f*cking Prophet. -Laurel Ann- For twelve years, I fought for my soul in this evil world. Until my God sent him. My oldest friend. The only boy I ever loved. What we’re doing risks everything, yet we can’t stop. When I sin with him, it’s the purest I’ve ever felt. I lived half my life with the Philistines and I know what they call us. Cult. Freaks. Fanatics. But they’re wrong. We aren’t any of those things. For we are the Anointed. ***This is a full length standalone novel containing disturbing scenes and sensitive subject matter that may be triggering to some readers.

407 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2018

231 people are currently reading
1839 people want to read

About the author

Charity B.

10 books1,166 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,556 reviews2,233 followers
November 22, 2018
Genre: Dark Erotic Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




Zebadiah (Zeb) Fitch and Laurel Ann Henderson grew up under the protection of the Prophet in the Anointed Land. They were raised to served a purpose for their community and their god. But when faith was tested, they had to decide if they value their hearts or their souls.



I never considered that there were other belief systems when I left home. I assumed they didn’t believe in anything, never thinking past the fact that they were all heathens. The truth is, they think they’re on the right path, and I can respect them for trying, even if they are misguided.


I was first attracted to this book by its dark and gritty cover, and I’m happy to say the story delivered exactly that. The book didn’t hold any punches. There were heightened emotions throughout the story, predominantly anger and repulsion towards how the characters treated each other and outsiders.



I like how Zeb and Laurel had a different dynamic when it came to their faith compared to other typical cult related books. Sometimes their mentality was frustrating but there were also times when it was amusing. Their bond and situation made the sex scenes blasphemously filthy, which made me very happy lol!

“The line I walk every day is nearly translucent. The spiritual crown lays heavy upon my head, and you can’t comprehend what this is like for me…constantly being torn between righteousness and my own feelings.”


Anointed is a story of faith and desires. It would appeal to fans of cult based dark romance.

Note:
If you plan to read this book I suggest avoid reading the blurb because it is spoilery.




✖ 🙏 ✖ . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . ✖ 🙏 ✖



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Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,064 reviews2,873 followers
November 12, 2018
description

I think my expectations for this book got the better of me. After reading the blurb, I thought I was going to get a dark and twisted erotic romance type of read. Which unfortunately wasn't the case. In fact, in my opinion, the blurb is a bit misleading as it really only covers the last 20%ish of the book. That said. it wasn't a bad book by any means. The writing itself was very good, but it was SO slow moving and long that I struggled to stay engaged. I almost gave up several times (the last 20% did kick up in pace). Throw in a bunch of unlikable characters (I legit wanted to throat punch Laurel Ann for her constant judgmental attitude), huge time jumps, things that didn't quite make sense to me, and lord save me, and it just wasn't a massive hit with me. It happens...

The cover, on the other hand, is ALL kinds of awesome.

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Profile Image for CC.
1,257 reviews725 followers
November 22, 2018
4.5 Stars



As the oldest son of the Prophet, Zebadiah Fitch is destined to succeed his father and rule the Anointed Land. Zebadiah has been known to be a loyal friend but situations arise causing him to doubt what he believes to be moral. Rising to the top, Zebadiah has a rare opportunity to regain what he has lost and isn’t about to lose her again.

“You will always be my friend, Laurel Ann. You think getting away with things is difficult in your family? It’s twice as hard in mine. It won’t happen often, but I promise I’ll make sure we get time together without anyone knowing, okay?”

Laurel Ann Henderson is a righteous woman and devout in her beliefs despite being put in a position where she’s tested. Upon living nine years outside of her family home, she learns to adapt to the Philistine style of life, though she remains true to religious teachings. Wanting to be reunited with those she loves seems like impossibility until she is given the ultimate choice.

“I’ve lived each half of my life in opposing worlds. I’m scared for my soul, and honestly, I’m a little scared to go back.”

Told in dual POV and over a time span, Zebadiah and Laurel Ann share a longstanding bond that neither believe could be broken. Though they try to protect each other while leading a moral life, they also feel deep love toward each other and want to be together. Additionally, the chemistry between them is palpable. Knowing what is at stake for each, their decisions lead them down a road where they won’t be able to turn back.

“The line I walk every day is nearly translucent. The spiritual crown lays heavy upon my head, and you can’t comprehend what this is like for me…constantly being torn between righteousness and my own feelings.”



In starting this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect and hadn’t read the blurb but knew it was dark subject matter. So, when it became apparent the setting was a cult compound, I started to have some doubts until they were blown away. What I loved about these characters were the differing dynamics in their family lives and how they equalized such actions with their faith. I had so many warring emotions while reading this story and the theme definitely made me think about the varied dimension these characters offered. I also appreciate the blasphemous boundaries that were pushed by the author, without such, these characters would have felt stagnate in their pursuits and struggles. Of course, those scenes were incredibly erotic as well.

Overall, this story exceeded my expectations in terms of character development and layers of complexity in the plot. With differing perspectives and an engaging narrative, I was completely intrigued and hooked.

Anointed is about faith, obligation and sacrifice. This book will appeal to those who like to push limits in their reading content.


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*



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Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,104 followers
November 3, 2018
4,5-5 stars

I'm new to this author and I'm speechless!I didn't know what to expect I'm telling you this book blew me away!

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I like the way the story goes and that we get to know about Zebadiah and Laurel Ann's friendship.These characters were so unique and I was intrigued with the story.


The story is dark and raw, I find the storyline unique and I was hooked till the end!

 


  
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,039 reviews317 followers
May 15, 2020
Somewhere between 3.5 stars and 4 stars (liked and really liked)

Anointed is the first work I've read by Charity B, and is a dark romance set in a religious cult. It does contain triggers, abuse and violence so if any of these might be an issue then you need to proceed with caution.

What lover of dark reads could resist that blurb? It totally drew me in with it's promise of darkness, secrecy and cults. However it is quite misleading as the blurb really only deals with the last half of the book. The first third is actually their time as young teens in the 'Anointed Land', followed by snapshots of the years between Laurel Ann being excommunicated and her return to the compound. It didn't lesson my enjoyment of the book as this part was nicely dark too.

Laurel Ann is 13 when we first meet her, whilst Zebadiah, the Prophet's eldest son, is 15. They have strong feelings for each other and both pray to their god Zaaron that he will allow them to be bound together. However girls are considered ready for 'marriage' as soon as they get 'the blood of innocence', but Zebadiah won't be eligible until he is 18, and even that is considered young. Zaaron doesn't listen to their prayers, and Zeb's father chooses to bind Laur to the worst person possible.

This part of the story really drew me in, I really felt the love between Laur and Zeb. I also believed in them and felt a good connection to them. This didn't last when we moved into the present day/future. Generally, I still believed in and cared for Laurel Ann as a character, but Zeb felt flat at times. In the last few chapters this connection came back and once again I was rooting for Laur and Zeb to find their HEA.

There are dark scenes through out the story, some involving main characters and some involving side ones. Whilst the scenes were grim, scary and usually involved pain for someone, they sometimes felt more tell than show. There are quite a few scenes of both physical and sexual abuse. Whilst these are 'physically' described well, I personally feel more impact and darkness when they are conveyed more through emotions. I still enjoyed them though.

I borrowed the following quote by Wendy Douglas from a review of another book - it perfectly sums up why this book didn't achieve 4.5 - 5 stars for me.

"much of the action ... was told in passive voice without involving the reader to become part of the story. I wanted to see, hear, feel and experience the things"

That aside this is still a really well written story with an evil riddled, twisty plot but also with love and hope at it's core. Overall the pace was good, though it did slow and drag on a couple of brief occasions, but not enough to push me into skimming parts. That might have been because I always want to know how the book ends though!

This is most certainly an 18+ read due to it's sexual content, violence, abuse and language. The consensual sex scenes are actually quite tasteful and not unnecessarily long. I do recommend this book to those that love dark romance, I did enjoy it and I will certainly read more work by the author.
Profile Image for Mimiorphee.
699 reviews41 followers
November 2, 2018
My love for this book all started with that stunning and oh-so-very intriguing cover, but after a few sentences into it books I was hooked, and that thrill I felt never left me once until the end.

Charity B. is a new author to me, but the level of emotions, the weight of the atmosphere, her skilled characterization I discovered in Anointed, will make of her an author whose work I'll closely follow. 

In this story, you'll be plunged into a secluded society, an cult called the Anointed Land. Set in Oklahoma near the little town of Horbet (which I google earthed, that was fun), behind a high fence the time seems to have stopped at the beginning of the last century. Archaic laws, punishments called cleansing, violence toward thoses who disobei, barbaric rituals, rhythm the life of this followers. The degree of realism was striking, and strike me, it did! Omg, that book ook hit me hard. I couldn't put it down, even at the most difficult moments. 

It's such a difficult read! I felt for the main characters, Laur, Zeb, Zeke, Benji, Kaila and felt every one of their emotions. Sadness, resignation, love, betrayal, lust, loss, doubt, rage, guilt, you name it. Needless to say it was an emotional rollercoaster, one that left me dizzy. Laur and Zeb's journey broke my heart, many times. Laur's fierceness, resilience, adaptatability mixed with her strong faith and her desire to stay virtuous and pure where endearing. Charity Bailey amazingly captured their mixed and contradictory feelings. Torn between his guilt, love, and his sense of duty, Zeb is an intriguing multi layered characters. There were noments I wanted to punch him for putting Laur through all this madness, or not doing more to help her. For a long part of the book, I didn't even like him anymore. 

The incredible writing style, the tone (dark with sparkles of light) , the twisted plot and the building of the storyline until its denouement proved to be well-thought and clever. I loved being in the whirlwind of this gut-wrenching story.

Dark reads lovers, this is definitively not a book you want to miss out on, enjoy!


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Profile Image for Book Boyfriend Whoarder Tania .
232 reviews120 followers
October 30, 2018
This book is not your normal book, beware this is a book about the cult world. With that said I really loved this story the writing was so good, the way the story is written has me in awe. Loved the way some of the characters are bad and super evil. And how how even some of the main characters you want to strangle sometimes for their actions. There will be times you want to cry and just scream at the characters in the book other times you want to laugh and feel their love and pain.


This is a story about a young girl and young boy who are raised in the world of the anointed and are told since birth everyone living outside their land are evil and are heathens. They are raised to get married once the young girls get their first period and they don’t get to choose to who they marry or at what age. In this story we learn about Laurel Ann and Zebediah. How they’re world will turn upside down. How they handle everything that is thrown their way. There are plenty of other characters in the book you get to meet. Some of them are funny and others you will feel their pain I don’t want to give away anything about this story. It’s a must read I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dark romances it’s so good. 5 star review.
Profile Image for Literatures Movies.
623 reviews342 followers
ahh-how-about-no
November 22, 2018

We all know I'm a greedy bitch.

And greedy bitches don't like sharing. Which apparently happens in this book.

So it shall be a no from me.

Profile Image for Betül.
1,068 reviews291 followers
October 26, 2018
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

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4.5 stars

"The world outside the protection of the Anointed Land is full of evil and sinners."

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to read this book. This is my first book by Charity B., and the blurb and cover were just too enticing to pass. I have read books about cults/sects before, and I am just drawn to the whole dark and taboo sides of those type of stories. Because these cults are somewhat unknown to us, the author can pretty much do anything with the story, and go as dark and crazy as she wants. What I love most about these type of stories is the unpredictability and the plot twists. I just love not being able to anticipate what will happen next, it keeps me on the edge of my seat. I am very impressed by Charity's writing/world-building skills. Anointed felt like a complete story, and I just loved how everything progressed, even though there were many messed up dark things happening. This book had me on an emotional roller coaster, and I just couldn't contain my tears a couple of times.

"When I'm with him this way, I don't feel like myself. I become another person, in another life, one that's free to love. I know this is a sin, but...I want to sin with him."

Less than half of the book is focusing on the characters when they are in their teens (13/15 years old), and this shows us the friendship between Zebadiah and Laurel Ann. I think this part of the story was important to get a feel of how everything worked in the cult and how the relationships were. It also helps the reader connect with the characters. When Laurel Ann is excommunicated, she feels like her life is over. She doesn't want to live with sinners, however after twelve years she finds a balance between her beliefs and living in the normal world. Zeb goes from a nice boy to a hardened prophet, and Laurel Ann isn't the same girl either. I absolutely loved the organic character development in this book, it felt very real. This is a complex but easy to follow story, and the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because I felt like the last part of the story was a bit rushed. Anointed is a great read for my fellow Dark Romance lovers. If you love a story with plot twists and a lot of crazy things happening, then I highly recommend you to read this book. I can't wait to read this author's other books.
Profile Image for Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader.
2,138 reviews55 followers
November 3, 2018
Many/most of us have read stories about cult members but those books weren’t written by Charity B!!!! If you’ve read her books, you know that she steps way, way, way outside the box, her books requiring every trigger warning imaginable! Fortunately for us readers, she doesn’t write the way Amazon wants her to write but she writes from her heart, and holy hell, can you feel it through her words!! I was fortunately able to read a Beta copy and later, I proofread the final draft. With over 9200 books on my TBR, I usually avoid rereads but not when it comes to Charity’s books! I devoured and loved ANOINTED both times, riding a roller coaster of emotions each time I read it even after already knowing how things would turn out. This is a story that hit me hard and will stay with me forever. I am not an author so I don’t have the words to adequately describe how creative this book is or how talented Charity is... If you are not afraid of boundaries being crossed and want to read a truly innovative, powerful, moving, sometimes sad yet sometimes smoking hot book, this is an absolute must read!!!!
Profile Image for Gizel Alvarez.
581 reviews77 followers
November 2, 2018
This book bring to life a cult and it's interference in the happiness of our heroine and a not so typical hero.
While the author gave us their story there where secondary characters whose strong voices held me captive, so this will be my not so subtle way of asking the author for their story.
This book is definitely one that had me entralled in it's pages, one I would recommend.


I know most people won't read a dark romance because of the uncertainty of the HEA rest assure it does have one however it is definitely not something they easiely attain.
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,265 reviews123 followers
November 7, 2018
***4 Stars***

Dark.

Disturbing.

An utterly fascinating.

Yeah, I know. Fascinating probably wasn’t one of the words you’d’ve thought I would use to describe Anointed, but it was fascinating. Even when it made even me fidget uncomfortably. Even when I got frustrated with the characters, though I knew they were only reacting to things based on how they were raised. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Zebadian and Laurel Ann were characters that made my eyes hurt, but at the same time I honestly liked. They held their beliefs close the their hearts and stuck to them as closely as possible and I admired their loyalty even when I saw the pitfalls in what they had been raised with. But what got me the most was how inherently good they truly were even after all they experienced. They had a sort of naivete that they came by honestly and I found it quite interesting as they dealt with the differences of their reality and that of the outside world.

As for their journey to their HEA. To say it was a rocky road is an absolute understatement. Dark, disturbing, soul shattering. That is the way I’d describe their journey and yet through all of it, they were always linked. They were always each others in a way that was unbreakable even when breaking was something they couldn’t avoid. In the end, I really liked where they ended up and wouldn’t have minded being privy to what their future held because it was sure to be an interesting adventure.

This is a dark read. Hands down. The triggers are real and even I winced at certain situations that appear in this book, but at the same time it is a commentary on how power can corrupt and how twisted some souls truly are. But that was the draw. To see just how far down the depravity hole one could fall, and let me tell you ~ there are those that never hit bottom. This is my first read by the author and I must give her credit for not pulling any punches here. The writing was engaging and I enjoyed all the feels she pulled out of me with this one. As for the secondary characters, Kaila, Zeke and Benji were my favs of them all. I do have one thing that I wish there had been more of in the end, but I understand why it was done in summary since it would have added many, many more pages to the story that may or may not have been necessary.

I rarely, if ever, give comparisons to other reads I’ve done, but here I think it’s needed to give those an idea of the craycray they will stumbling into should they be considering taking this one on ~ So, this one is on par (and at times even more dark) with Sick Fux by Tillie Cole and The Pretty Little Doll series by Ker Dukey and K Webster. ~ if that is your cup of tea, then have it. If, not, then you take your chances, but you have been warned.

~ Copy provided by IndieSage PR & voluntarily reviewed ~

Profile Image for Laura Lee.
957 reviews174 followers
November 11, 2018
Anointed
By Charity B.
4.5 Stars

Well if there is one thing in a book that will suck me in immediately, it’s when a book is centered around a cult. I absolutely love reading about them. When my friend Gizel Alvarez told me, I needed to read this one, my heart fluttered when I saw what it was about. Thank You Gizel for the great recommendation!

It’s truly amazing how people in cults truly believe their Prophet. The words, actions, beliefs that the Prophet spews. The innocent who are raised believing there is no other way of living.

This is Laurel Ann and Zebadiah’s story. One of their time living in the Anointed Land.

It’s not a pretty story. It’s a story of how two young children born and raised in this community survive.

I was totally engrossed in this book! Although at times, a bit slow moving, I still couldn’t put it down. Great job Charity B!

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Profile Image for T.L. Martin.
Author 8 books364 followers
October 16, 2018
I beta read an early copy of this one, and can I just say how lucky I am? ❤︎ This is not a sweet and fluffy romance, but anyone who's already read Charity's work will be prepared. There are triggers, and this isn't considered "safe." Several scenes had me squirming, and one in particular was so raw and real I had to step away (then ended up in tears once I pushed through it), yet I devoured every second.

This is a story about an innocent and pure form of love between two young people growing up in an extremist cult, and how cruel and unforeseen circumstances constantly force them to places (mentally, physically, emotionally -- you name it) beyond what they would have ever expected. But in the midst of everything are very real characters that are surprisingly easy to relate to, and gah, I was just dying for those two to find their HEA.

If you enjoy original storylines, themes that make you think and/or push your boundaries, great psychological progression, and the kind of romance that's steamy and rough around the edges, but also achingly tender, then this one is for you ❤︎
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,127 reviews192 followers
November 23, 2020
Anointed has been on my TBR for a while and I'm not sure why I was waiting.
This story was intense and so well written. The characters were wonderful and true to who they are. The relationships of these people in the Anointed land were very creative and extremely detailed.
I loved this book!
Profile Image for Angela.
475 reviews7 followers
December 19, 2019
For those who have triggers be warned. That being said I loved reading this dark, devastating, intense story. I found myself thinking many times wtf & then omg how? Have you ever heard a story about a cult & think how do people get involved in this stuff? Well what happens when you are born there? It’s the only thing you know. You are taught to fear everything! I can’t wait to see what else this author writes.
Profile Image for witchy_book_babe.
456 reviews49 followers
September 24, 2024
Unputdownable


First off, Anointed put me through ALL the emotions:





Secondly, wow! Charity B. has such an incredible story telling ability to write about some rather disturbing content, that is not there just for shock in my opinion. It carries a heavy weight and depth that hits me right in my soul. The talent that that takes, to be able to carry out this type of story telling successfully is not easily accomplished. However, Charity continues to prove to me that she can balance it all and show off the multi-dimensional writer she is.

I don't even know how to properly review this book because it evolves so much throughout. One thing for sure though, this is not a story for the weak. For me, the most terrifying things in books can be the ones that dabble with themes that actually are a reality for people all over the world. This book contains Cult-like Religious themes, that include a plethora of horrors, at least they were horrifying to me. There were a few scenes that were difficult for me to get through because the absolute evil and pain being caused was agonizing.

I feel like this book doesn't start off quite as a Romance, but definitely ends as one. And I don't think it could have been any other way. The majority of the book is really focused on these characters reality, which is a horrific one at that. And Charity spent the time developing how these characters have been brainwashed and that they don't just magically change overnight.

There was a scene where I about exploded and was ready to be done with Zeb (MMC)....but, it all made complete sense. And again, it couldn't have been any other way. I could not put this book down for very long and kept chasing the pages down to see what would happen next. Also, shoutout to the altar oil scene....

Whew, what an insane ride Anointed was!
Profile Image for kara.
504 reviews34 followers
February 18, 2022
2.5⭐️ meh I was intrigued at first but then once all the questions I had got answered I didn’t like answers and got bored. Tho I still kind of want to read some more cult romance (don’t judge me).
Profile Image for Charity B..
Author 10 books1,166 followers
November 21, 2019
~Anointed is LIVE and FREE in KU~

This a full-length standalone dark romantic suspense that takes place inside a radically religious cult. Please heed the warnings before reading.

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**The religious group in this book is not based on any real religion or church and is completely fictional.**

Playlist:
1. Miracle – The Score
2. Way Down We Go – Kaleo
3. Glitter & Gold – Barns Courtney
4. Blackbird Song – Lee DeWyze
5. Heaven – Troye Sivan feat. Betty Who
6. Bartholomew – The Silent Comedy
7. Lovely – Billie Eilish
8. Blood//Water – Grandson
9. Hellfire – Barns Courtney
10. Lead Me Home – Jamie N. Commons
11. I Walk the Line – Halsey
12. Hurt – Johnny Cash

description

"Anointed is fanf*ckingtastic!...Go in blind. This was a wild, dark, depraved cult ride...Holy moly...trust me..READ THIS BOOK!" 5 stars -Wickedly Sweet & Synful Book Blog

"Several scenes had me squirming, and one in particular was so raw and real I had to step away (then ended up in tears once I pushed through it), yet I devoured every second."5 stars - T.L. Martin, author of Dancing in the Dark

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Profile Image for SusanAhh.
486 reviews129 followers
December 8, 2018
“Yes, evil exists. I’ve seen it. It was just hidden behind my beliefs.” – Zebadiah



Anointed is a dry dusty read that pits basic human desire and natural attraction against a cult-type religion. The male protagonist Zebadiah is torn between his obligation to become the “Prophet” for his isolated sect and his lifelong desire for his childhood sweetheart Laurel Ann. Laurel Ann has a pure heart for her beliefs... no matter the pain and cost to her. She too, cannot understand the capricious whims of her God.

This author does an admirable job highlighting the devotion one has when raised and brought up from the cradle in a belief system, no matter the leap in logic one has to make to hold fast to these beliefs. The pain of losing faith and the realization of all the evil committed in the name of one’s God is a heavy psychological burden. I appreciated the author’s resolution of some of these issues, especially dealing with the legality and issue of child brides.

The eroticism is off-the charts and it is a dirty pleasure to read how Zebadiah and Laurel Ann eventually succumb to their desires. While not a romance, there is a love story. For the love to flourish, the chains of a flawed system of belief must be broken.

Lastly…I am left wondering about my own childhood indoctrinations and teachings…the flaws I now perceive in them. Yet, my searching has not left me Godless but with a richer, deeper and more mystical understanding that I have come to know God as the redeeming power of Love.


Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews363 followers
November 14, 2018
description
This story captivated me from the very first chapter. Anointed by Charity B is not a comfortable read but it keeps you turning each page!

To say that the Zebadiah and Laurel Ann have a background that is horrific is a huge understatement. The beliefs that they were raised to follow was brainwashed in their heads from a young age they knew not to question.

There was so many characters that made this book more than just a love story for the H and h. In fact the secondary characters had just as big of an impact on Zeb and Laurel Ann as their faith.

There are so many uncomfortable scenes and situations in Anointed that if you have any triggers they will definitely hit you. But if you can power through you will love this book.

This is my first book by Charity B, and I am a fan. Her writing was brilliant!
107 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2018
Oh my goodness, Charity Bailey has done it again.
In Anointed, Ms. Bailey writes a complex novel about a Cult. She thoroughly researched Cult life, an in return, has written a masterpiece.

In this book, Ms. Bailey takes a disturbing, and critical look at Cults. The despair and sheer terror of cult life, made my blood boil. Ms. Bailey’s novel is as timely as it is disturbing. She combines a true love story and adds suspense that can make your skin crawl. Through a sharp eye Ms.Bailey has her readers taking a critical look into a life of fear, terror, and all forms of abuse, that is most commonly found in Cults.

Her characters are well developed and CLEARLY defined. Her imagery is spot. Furthermore, this book will leave you with the biggest book hangover you have ever experienced. I literately could not put this book down.

Way to knock it out of the ballpark Charity Bailey.
Profile Image for Michelle.
552 reviews44 followers
November 18, 2018

First book read by Charity B and wow she blew my mind with this book - worth at least 5 stars!!!


Anointed is not a book for the faint hearted, it is a brutal story, full of violence, sexual abuse, brain washing and a harsh reality into how easily people will follow others blindly and protect those inside the cult world they believe to be above anything and everyone outside the cult lifestyle.

This is Laurel Ann and Zebadiah’s story mainly but we also follow others fighting for love and happiness, it is not an easy story, but to understand we have to start at the beginning and trust me Charity B will keep you hooked and turning those pages as she takes us deep inside their cult world.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
November 13, 2018
Anointed by Charity B. is the story of Zebadian and Laurel Ann.
This book starts their story when they are young. Laurel Ann is around 13 years of age and Zeb is around 15 years of age. This deal with them living and dealing with an Cult that Zeb father is the actual Prophet's son. Zeb and Laurel Ann are very much drawn to each other but age of marriage and who they can marry are issue for them. Although there is more going on with them the is the heart of the story. This book grows with them through the years and their story. This is a book that you won't be putting down once you start it.
Profile Image for Book Boyfriend Whoarder Mari.
702 reviews216 followers
November 10, 2018
When love conquers beyond different worlds.

This was my first book by Charity B and it won’t be my last.

This story was more than a story about a couple in love. Yes love was a factor, but it wasn’t only romantic. There was love tied to friendship. There was love tied to family. There was love tied to faith. Most importantly there was love between soulmates.

As a reader I got sucked into a world that I couldn’t comprehend or justify. The Anointed have no justification, other than being a cult. But you see that life through two pair of eyes. You see it since their childhood. In return you grow up with them as they do and learn their faith. Their very misguided faith.

You meet very cruel and very disgusting characters. As a mom, I wanted to butcher some of them. Momma bear don’t play. Some might not be able to stomach some situations. Even for me it was hard to comprehend them. But Charity has a way with words that do justice for those situations. They are raw and real, they pull your emotions out. That’s the type of book this is. You will have all the emotions.

Laurel and Zeb, you feel their connection. You crave it. You mourn it. Soulmates is what this couple is. Their passion was lit. I won’t lie though, Zeb wasn’t one of my faves in the book. The hero here will always be Laurel. Her strength and determination are what help her free everyone. Her love for Zeb was her anchor. They do truly deserve their happy ever after.

My love for side characters was not disappointed. You meet a couple that you fall in love with. Those will definitely stick with me. Zeke, man can I keep him?? I’m compromising and sharing him with my book buddy. He definitely shines as well.

All in all this was a 5 star read. The story was written beautifully. The characters were complex and imperfect. The twists and turns definitely kept you on the edge. This world brings light into so many issues. It definitely kept my interest form beginning to end. Well done Charity B.

Profile Image for Rachel Beamin'.
366 reviews45 followers
December 3, 2018
Whoa. I don’t really know what to write about this book.
It is a very thought provoking book, one that welcomes you into the mind of 2 cult members. Though, in their mind they are not a cult, but a religious group who prays to Zarron.

Laurel Ann is a 13-year-old girl being raised as an Anointed, an extreme religious group. When Laurel Ann starts her period for the first time, she and her best friend Zebadiah try in vain to hide the evidence. However, the deception costs them much more than what they anticipated.

Laurel is excommunicated and is forced to live among the lowly philistines, and by the grace of something, she befriends one. However, through the whole book she looks down upon them. Any time someone tries to talk to her about religion, she automatically claims it is blasphemous and shuts them down.

Laurel Ann’s only want in life is to return to the Anointed lands, to see her family, and to pray to Zarron and eventually see the Paradise Star.

Zebadiah is the first-born son of the Prophet, leaving him next in line to take over. After Laurel Ann is excommunicated, Zebadiah slowly takes things into his own hands, becoming judge, jury, and executioner.

In the 12 years Laurel Ann is gone, Zeb moves on, he marries….and has 2 wives. He becomes the Prophet, the leader of the Anointed. Once Zeb takes over, his only goal is to bring Laurel Ann back.

When this book says it is a trigger sensitive read, it means TRIGGER SENSITIVE. It deals with cults, rape, rape of minors, sodomy, suicide, murder, adultery, and downright dirty plotting.
Profile Image for Hakima Lamour.
41 reviews
April 27, 2020
Soo good!

Omg! I don’t even know where to begin with this book. At first I didn’t know if i would like it because it’s so different that anything I usually read.... oh my! It sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down until I was done. I read it all in one day. This book is soo good because it allows you to see things from the 2 MC’s POV.. and how one can get it wrapped up in a cult and believe all the teachings... it lets you understand how children feel in it and how they question themselves.. also the plot twist at the end had me like wwwhhhaaattt!!! I loved every page of this book and yes it was dark at some points but the end makes up for all of it!
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews68 followers
August 23, 2020
Life in a cult is effed up.

I have a thing for books with cult or religious themes. This didn't disappoint. Annointed is about Laurel Ann and Zebadiah... about their story and life within a cult and how they find their truths.

There are quite a few triggers here. It's told in dual POV. Definitely recommend for anyone who loves dark romance with cult-y religious themes.
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