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Rapture #1
Unchained Desire
Chained to a demon queen for hundreds of years, fallen angel Ramiel has given up on his brothers and sisters—and humanity. He has seven days away from hell to replenish his power and that’s all he cares about—right up until his meeting with the much too innocent Kyria. He fell for that act before and it landed him in hell, he won’t be making that mistake again.
To save her sick father, Kyria knows she must find Ramiel. He’s dark, brooding and everything Kyria should be scared of, but the haunted look in his eyes makes her think there’s more to him. The tattoos and chains don’t frighten her either, but the connection she has with him does. When strange creatures attack her, Ramiel steps in to protect her.
Ramiel believes he’s reluctantly helping Kyria, but what neither of them knows is that she may be the one to save them all...
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2019
38 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 25, 2019
Kyria and her father had been on the run from the cartel even since she was a child and the cartel had killed her mother. But now her father is sick and she had to be the one to find this mysterious Ramiel that her father was always talking about.
Ramiel was only given 7 days a month out of hell in order to restore his holy essence, after that he is dragged back to hell by the demon who held him captive. The demon used his blood for experiments and there is no end in sight to the torment.
Kyria sets out to find Ramiel when her father gets sick, but when she finds him he wants nothing to do with her until she finds herself in danger. For whatever reason when Ramiel senses Kyria is in danger, he comes to her rescue and lets her in on a few secrets. There's a whole other world of beasts out there that she never knew about and now that they know she exists, they'll be coming for her and her father even more than ever. By the time they get back to the motel room where her father was, he's gone and they set out to find out what happened to him.
Kyria and Ramiel go back to the ranch she and her father had been living at for a few years where she finds out that the people she thought she knew, were keeping a lot of secrets from her. A huge twist is revealed and Kyria finds out what she really is. On their journey to find Kyria's father they come in contact with some of Ramiel's family when he needs help. While searching for her father Kyria and Ramiel become a lot closer than either of them had plans to. Their romance was sweet, and sad in part to Ramiel having been tortured for so many years in hell. But he's such a great guy even if he didn't realize it after having been beat down for so long. There was a lot more to this story than I first thought which made it a real page turner.
Ramiel was only given 7 days a month out of hell in order to restore his holy essence, after that he is dragged back to hell by the demon who held him captive. The demon used his blood for experiments and there is no end in sight to the torment.
Kyria sets out to find Ramiel when her father gets sick, but when she finds him he wants nothing to do with her until she finds herself in danger. For whatever reason when Ramiel senses Kyria is in danger, he comes to her rescue and lets her in on a few secrets. There's a whole other world of beasts out there that she never knew about and now that they know she exists, they'll be coming for her and her father even more than ever. By the time they get back to the motel room where her father was, he's gone and they set out to find out what happened to him.
Kyria and Ramiel go back to the ranch she and her father had been living at for a few years where she finds out that the people she thought she knew, were keeping a lot of secrets from her. A huge twist is revealed and Kyria finds out what she really is. On their journey to find Kyria's father they come in contact with some of Ramiel's family when he needs help. While searching for her father Kyria and Ramiel become a lot closer than either of them had plans to. Their romance was sweet, and sad in part to Ramiel having been tortured for so many years in hell. But he's such a great guy even if he didn't realize it after having been beat down for so long. There was a lot more to this story than I first thought which made it a real page turner.
May 27, 2019
Free ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I took a chance on this debut author and I am SO glad I did! It is such a promising start to what hopefully will be an awesome series. It does have a few minor issues, such as varied pacing, that I would love to see fixed in the next book, but I think that’s to be expected for a new author’s first book.
The main characters, Ramiel and Kyria are well written, but I find myself interested in the secondary characters too. Having equally awesome secondary characters distinguishes an “okay” book from “great” books to me. I will be so excited to learn more about Bishop and David, even Val has the potential for a great story. Overall, I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!
I took a chance on this debut author and I am SO glad I did! It is such a promising start to what hopefully will be an awesome series. It does have a few minor issues, such as varied pacing, that I would love to see fixed in the next book, but I think that’s to be expected for a new author’s first book.
The main characters, Ramiel and Kyria are well written, but I find myself interested in the secondary characters too. Having equally awesome secondary characters distinguishes an “okay” book from “great” books to me. I will be so excited to learn more about Bishop and David, even Val has the potential for a great story. Overall, I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!
April 23, 2019
Unchained Desire
by R. C. Alvarez
Wow! This book was such an intense and emotional read, I loved it.
Kyria and her father have been on the run for her entire life. After being stable for the last 6 years, they have to leave again. But this time her father is sick and needs help from Ramiel.
Ramiel is a involuntarily resident of hell, Chained, drained and tortured for the last 150 years. As his seven day reprieve he receives each month begins, he becomes ensnarled in Kyria’s situation.
But as it turns out Kyria’s dilemma, is exactly what he needs, if he would get over himself. Is it really possible that they are fated to be mates? Crazy Bishop helps the best he can with his crazy mixed up riddles. Can she save him as he saves her? Only crazy Bishops knows.
There were so many characters in this story, but they all fit in without being overwhelming. I also felt that the plot was the right amount of suspense. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley
by R. C. Alvarez
Wow! This book was such an intense and emotional read, I loved it.
Kyria and her father have been on the run for her entire life. After being stable for the last 6 years, they have to leave again. But this time her father is sick and needs help from Ramiel.
Ramiel is a involuntarily resident of hell, Chained, drained and tortured for the last 150 years. As his seven day reprieve he receives each month begins, he becomes ensnarled in Kyria’s situation.
But as it turns out Kyria’s dilemma, is exactly what he needs, if he would get over himself. Is it really possible that they are fated to be mates? Crazy Bishop helps the best he can with his crazy mixed up riddles. Can she save him as he saves her? Only crazy Bishops knows.
There were so many characters in this story, but they all fit in without being overwhelming. I also felt that the plot was the right amount of suspense. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley
May 17, 2019
3.5 stars
Based on the synopsis, this wasn't quite what I was expecting. Still, it was pretty darn good and I often wanted to just keep on reading. I'm not at all that into reading religious themed books, but somehow this one managed to not actually be totally religious. It's hard to explain because while that's sort of the whole backstory, there were tons of things that go against what one would expect. It was an odd sort of mix that I was okay with.
Ram is a fallen archangel that has been enslaved by a demon for the past 150 years. And oh how she has broken him. He has given up on everyone he once called family and his hatred for them abandoning him to this fate burns hot. Kyria is almost as innocent as they come. Sheltered and protected by her father her entire life, she doesn't even know that she's a nephilim. And a special one at that. She sees the good everywhere but won't back down when it comes to protecting the ones she loves.
Ram gets 7 days topside (I don't remember if it's every year or month...or if it was even mentioned) in order for him to replenish his physical form. See, an interesting twist to the angels in this book is that they require human blood in order to stay alive. These precious few days are as close to freedom as Ram can get anymore and he has no desire to waste them. Especially not on some innocent girl that comes to him for help. Helping an innocent is how he ended up enslaved to a demon all those years ago, and he won't risk it. But Kyria has struck a protective instinct in him that he also can't ignore. Especially when he starts having visions again of what would happen if he left her. Kyria was seeking Ram out because he is the one and only lead she has to help her sick father. Everything about him screams that she should be afraid and run, but she also feels this undeniable connection to him.
I loved how Ramiel and Kyria were together. Kyria sees past the harsh exterior that Ram shows the world to the man he truly is. And she's the only one that gets to see the tender side of him he desperately tries to hide. No matter how many times Ram tries to push her away, Kyria refuses to give up on him. And that only makes him love her more each day. Days that are sorely limited. Once Kyria finds out what she is, she also learns of some special skills she has. Together with Ram, she works to be able to use them better and she also trains to protect herself more. Because their enemies are demons and demons don't fight fair.
Kyria's father had been kidnapped that night she went to find Ram, and it wasn't hard to figure out who took him. When it's confirmed though, instead of working together with anyone, Ram barters for her father's freedom alone and makes a decision that he would only do for Kyria. A decision that frustrated the hell out of me. The ending with this one was really good and I really liked how everything went down. I am definitely curious as to what will happen next, and given the chance I would also definitely give it a read.
I will say that Bishop was one of my favorite characters here. Too much knowledge stuck in a human body has pretty much driven him mad, and he mostly speaks in nothing but riddles. But if one paid enough attention, they can sometimes figure out exactly what he's trying to say. And his crazy was actually kind of fun to me.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
Based on the synopsis, this wasn't quite what I was expecting. Still, it was pretty darn good and I often wanted to just keep on reading. I'm not at all that into reading religious themed books, but somehow this one managed to not actually be totally religious. It's hard to explain because while that's sort of the whole backstory, there were tons of things that go against what one would expect. It was an odd sort of mix that I was okay with.
Ram is a fallen archangel that has been enslaved by a demon for the past 150 years. And oh how she has broken him. He has given up on everyone he once called family and his hatred for them abandoning him to this fate burns hot. Kyria is almost as innocent as they come. Sheltered and protected by her father her entire life, she doesn't even know that she's a nephilim. And a special one at that. She sees the good everywhere but won't back down when it comes to protecting the ones she loves.
Ram gets 7 days topside (I don't remember if it's every year or month...or if it was even mentioned) in order for him to replenish his physical form. See, an interesting twist to the angels in this book is that they require human blood in order to stay alive. These precious few days are as close to freedom as Ram can get anymore and he has no desire to waste them. Especially not on some innocent girl that comes to him for help. Helping an innocent is how he ended up enslaved to a demon all those years ago, and he won't risk it. But Kyria has struck a protective instinct in him that he also can't ignore. Especially when he starts having visions again of what would happen if he left her. Kyria was seeking Ram out because he is the one and only lead she has to help her sick father. Everything about him screams that she should be afraid and run, but she also feels this undeniable connection to him.
I loved how Ramiel and Kyria were together. Kyria sees past the harsh exterior that Ram shows the world to the man he truly is. And she's the only one that gets to see the tender side of him he desperately tries to hide. No matter how many times Ram tries to push her away, Kyria refuses to give up on him. And that only makes him love her more each day. Days that are sorely limited. Once Kyria finds out what she is, she also learns of some special skills she has. Together with Ram, she works to be able to use them better and she also trains to protect herself more. Because their enemies are demons and demons don't fight fair.
Kyria's father had been kidnapped that night she went to find Ram, and it wasn't hard to figure out who took him. When it's confirmed though, instead of working together with anyone, Ram barters for her father's freedom alone and makes a decision that he would only do for Kyria. A decision that frustrated the hell out of me. The ending with this one was really good and I really liked how everything went down. I am definitely curious as to what will happen next, and given the chance I would also definitely give it a read.
I will say that Bishop was one of my favorite characters here. Too much knowledge stuck in a human body has pretty much driven him mad, and he mostly speaks in nothing but riddles. But if one paid enough attention, they can sometimes figure out exactly what he's trying to say. And his crazy was actually kind of fun to me.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
May 18, 2019
I really like the characters. Ramiel and Kyria got something interesting going on to keep the pages turning.
May 18, 2019
Ramiel's story is painstakingly good and Kyria's a delight. Definitely recommending to my friends.
May 18, 2019
As a dude who loves reading romances, this one I gotta say is a must grab.
May 18, 2019
Supernatural angels? Check.
Romance dynamic to yearn for? Check.
Characters to fall in love with? Check.
Take a chance with this book. You won't regret it.
Romance dynamic to yearn for? Check.
Characters to fall in love with? Check.
Take a chance with this book. You won't regret it.
April 17, 2019
Ram really has a soft spot for his woman, “you’re breaking my heart.” He cupped her cheek. “Nothing you could ever do would disappoint me.” I liked this book, I liked Ram.
August 8, 2019
I just finished this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I know i let is sit in my queue for a while but that was a huge mistake. It took longer than normal for me to finish this book, not because it wasnt good ! i had to keep stopping because it was so intense i had to take a breather. But every time I picked it up again, I was hooked. This is basically a good vs. evil love story but it didn't end there and I am looking forward to the next book. I hope i dont have to wait too long. Beautifully written and amazingly worded. I caught the essence of every scene and the details to set the scene were wonderful.
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May 24, 2019
Unchained Desire by R.C. Alvarez is book one in "The Rapture Series" exploring the depths of the supernatural romance genre. Kyria is introduced as an innocent young woman getting thrown into some deep shit whether she likes it or not. Family troubles, not unlike something you'd see in an episode of In Plain Sight, requires Kyria to take on more responsibility than she's ready for. With her father sick and in trouble, there's only one man she can turn to...and he's got his own problems going for him. Unprepared and scared out of her mind, Kyria takes to the streets of Houston to find the man that might be able to help. Ramiel (or "Ram" as he's eventually known) is by no means an ordinary dude. He's a fallen angel who's serving a long stint in hell (the actual hell, no metaphors here) and is currently on a brief reprieve as he needs blood to feed before he slips back "downstairs" to continue serving his sentence, with all the chains and tattoos to match. Naturally, at first there's little motivation for Ramiel to help or even give a damn about Kyria when she first confronts him. But there's something about her that's got his attention, as well as the attention of a few demons from around town after she's dismissed. After getting Kyria out of a demon laden jam, Ram clues her in on some hard truths. Kyria is just a girl trying to help her father and escape some baddies...but why did she just sprout wings?
Think of the average fantasy romance, and picture it in your mind. Got it? If you're anything like me you're probably picturing some cute girl coming of age that through weird happenstance meets a big hunk who for some reason is also a werewolf, or a vampire, or Satan himself. She's a worthless mere mortal but for no adequately explored reason the supernatural dude feels the need to protect her because she's neurotic or whatever. *washes mouth out with soap* I hope to put your mind at ease here when I say Unchained Desire doesn't use any of these tired tropes when delving into the mechanics of this genre. While Kyria starts out as an innocent girl in WAY over her head, the sudden discovery of her supernatural abilities gives this story an extra layer of charm. When the female lead doesn't need to be physically dependent on the male lead's weird powers, the action and romance factors can branch off in pretty much any direction. More importantly, the reader isn't going to be spoiling themselves by thinking they have the plot figured out one third of the way through. The reader can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. This ride, mind you, is quite interesting.
Eventually Kyria comes to realize that her life is far and beyond more strange than anything she was compelled to accept when she was a child. Coming to grips with the world around her, the cast of characters and situations met in said world are unique, interesting, and crazy enough to keep the reader invested and the pages turning. Kyria and Ram's relationship escalates in a relatable way...as relatable as wing sprouting demons and blood drinkers can be anyway. Romance is to be had here, not just physical carnal expression. Despite the crazy blood curdling shit taking place, the romantic elements keep the story grounded in such a way that yields a sensible and rewarding balance. Besides, if I was sentenced to unspeakable torture in the literal version of hell, some hardcore shameless sex wouldn't be the first thing on my mind either.
Verdict: Unchained Desire by R.C. Alvarez is a spine tingling paranormal romantic drama that keeps equal parts story and human feeling in the balance for a rewarding final product. I appreciate the novel going for the "full fantasy" over the more tired supers/mortals power struggle in this genre. A simmering romance with plenty of heart along with a brutal, exciting layer of paranormal drama...what's not to like? So long as you don't need your fantasy warm and fuzzy for the duration, this is indeed a great world to get lost in. Like I've been saying for years, the pathway to hell begins in Houston.
Special Thanks to R.C. Alvarez for providing an advanced copy of Unchained Desire to TehBen.com for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Think of the average fantasy romance, and picture it in your mind. Got it? If you're anything like me you're probably picturing some cute girl coming of age that through weird happenstance meets a big hunk who for some reason is also a werewolf, or a vampire, or Satan himself. She's a worthless mere mortal but for no adequately explored reason the supernatural dude feels the need to protect her because she's neurotic or whatever. *washes mouth out with soap* I hope to put your mind at ease here when I say Unchained Desire doesn't use any of these tired tropes when delving into the mechanics of this genre. While Kyria starts out as an innocent girl in WAY over her head, the sudden discovery of her supernatural abilities gives this story an extra layer of charm. When the female lead doesn't need to be physically dependent on the male lead's weird powers, the action and romance factors can branch off in pretty much any direction. More importantly, the reader isn't going to be spoiling themselves by thinking they have the plot figured out one third of the way through. The reader can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. This ride, mind you, is quite interesting.
Eventually Kyria comes to realize that her life is far and beyond more strange than anything she was compelled to accept when she was a child. Coming to grips with the world around her, the cast of characters and situations met in said world are unique, interesting, and crazy enough to keep the reader invested and the pages turning. Kyria and Ram's relationship escalates in a relatable way...as relatable as wing sprouting demons and blood drinkers can be anyway. Romance is to be had here, not just physical carnal expression. Despite the crazy blood curdling shit taking place, the romantic elements keep the story grounded in such a way that yields a sensible and rewarding balance. Besides, if I was sentenced to unspeakable torture in the literal version of hell, some hardcore shameless sex wouldn't be the first thing on my mind either.
Verdict: Unchained Desire by R.C. Alvarez is a spine tingling paranormal romantic drama that keeps equal parts story and human feeling in the balance for a rewarding final product. I appreciate the novel going for the "full fantasy" over the more tired supers/mortals power struggle in this genre. A simmering romance with plenty of heart along with a brutal, exciting layer of paranormal drama...what's not to like? So long as you don't need your fantasy warm and fuzzy for the duration, this is indeed a great world to get lost in. Like I've been saying for years, the pathway to hell begins in Houston.
Special Thanks to R.C. Alvarez for providing an advanced copy of Unchained Desire to TehBen.com for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 14, 2019
This is a debut novel for this author. I was intrigued by the synopsis but wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was please that the writing was will done, clear thoughts and good flow to the story.
I love paranormal, but the angel/demon trope is not usually something I gravitate towards. Kuddos to the author on this one, though. She brings us a bit of a twist. A sheltered heroine with lots of secrets revealed to her as the story goes on. Ramiel is a typical broody alpha but he also has some courage to try to change the outcome if he can.
Looks like there are a lot more characters waiting in the wings, hoping to find their HEA. There is still a huge good vs evil fight to come and I hope we get to see Kyria and Ramiel again.
Good start to a new series!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
I love paranormal, but the angel/demon trope is not usually something I gravitate towards. Kuddos to the author on this one, though. She brings us a bit of a twist. A sheltered heroine with lots of secrets revealed to her as the story goes on. Ramiel is a typical broody alpha but he also has some courage to try to change the outcome if he can.
Looks like there are a lot more characters waiting in the wings, hoping to find their HEA. There is still a huge good vs evil fight to come and I hope we get to see Kyria and Ramiel again.
Good start to a new series!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
June 2, 2019
This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed it! Kyria and her father have been on the run off and on. This time they have settled down for the last six years, when her father tells her that they have to leave again and he suddenly he falls sick. Ramiel(a fallen angel) has been tortured over a century and during his 7 day reprieve helps out Kyria. This story had some interesting takes and surprises, especially for Kyria. Together the two of them work together to unravel the mysteries of Kyria and fight off the baddies. I loved it and look forward to reading more from R.C. Alvarez. 4 solid stars*****
****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Entangled Publishing through NetGalley*****
****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Entangled Publishing through NetGalley*****
May 18, 2019
While my usual persuasion is that of intense werewolf romances, I delved into this book and was not disappointed. Definitely enjoyed the tone that the worldbuilding promoted (angel's sipping on blood's not something you read everyday). If given a chance to read the sequel, I'd gladly take it on.
Could use more werewolves in flannel. Just saying.
Could use more werewolves in flannel. Just saying.
May 23, 2019
Excellent intro into a fascinating word, with incredibly engaging characters that make you want to continue to turn the page. I’m looking forward to more from the Rapture series as a result!
The relationship between Kyria and Ramiel is engaging and intense.
The utilisation of ‘Bishop’ to lead both characters and the reader through the story was superb and very well thought out.
Overall, a brilliant read and one that has made me long for more.
The relationship between Kyria and Ramiel is engaging and intense.
The utilisation of ‘Bishop’ to lead both characters and the reader through the story was superb and very well thought out.
Overall, a brilliant read and one that has made me long for more.
May 18, 2019
The author has a way of pulling you in from the very start. A grip that will hold you from the first page to the last. This book did not disappoint my desire for a new and intriguing take on paranormal romance. The characters are addicting and you'll find yourself wanting more. I can't wait for the next book and am very excited to continue to see more from this author.
May 23, 2019
By looking at The cover I had expected that I would get some hot paranormal stuff and only that. Yet I got so much more which makes me extremely happy.
Characters had depth, were strong, loveable and for sure I was cheering for them. The plot had some twists but nothing on the extreme side.
I hope book 2 will follow soon.
Characters had depth, were strong, loveable and for sure I was cheering for them. The plot had some twists but nothing on the extreme side.
I hope book 2 will follow soon.
May 18, 2019
Good read for passing the time.
May 18, 2019
Omg I can't wait for the sequel. Please tell me there is a sequel.
May 18, 2019
Love Ramiel. Big brooding boys are my weakness.
May 18, 2019
Interesting read with interesting characters. RC know what they're doing.
May 18, 2019
Picked it up for the cover art. Stayed for the story.
May 18, 2019
Wonderful how the author can keep your heart in their hands and threaten it with the end of every chapter. Looking forward to see what those hands wrought next in the upcoming installment.
May 18, 2019
Great writing and great characters. I would very much like to read more!
May 18, 2019
Love this book! Looking forward to seeing more of the world created.
May 27, 2019
This book is amazing! It's a really original story and I really loved the writing style. Ramiel and Kyria are amazing together and I loved them. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
May 18, 2019
I love Ram! From start to finish, this story is magic.
May 1, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of this authors work. I highly recommend this author to friends and family alike.
May 19, 2019
I was given an ARC copy in return from an honest review.
This book is about Angels, Demons and Nephellims.
Our hero is Ramsiel an archangel that has been enslaved to a demon lord for over a century. Kyria has been on the run most her life but doesn't know exactly why. Her dad falls ill and she is forced to look for the the only person who could help her Ramsiel. The rest you would have to read yourselves!
I liked this story because of all the characters felt real with their flaws and redeeming qualities. The guy is bitter but he has very valid reasons for that. The girl is innocent but not to the point of being stupidly gullible and most importantly she is not totally helpless.
The emotional bond between Kyria and Ram has time to develop before the sex happens and when it does happen it's just the right amount.
This is the first book of planned series and I'll be happy to read some more.
This book is about Angels, Demons and Nephellims.
Our hero is Ramsiel an archangel that has been enslaved to a demon lord for over a century. Kyria has been on the run most her life but doesn't know exactly why. Her dad falls ill and she is forced to look for the the only person who could help her Ramsiel. The rest you would have to read yourselves!
I liked this story because of all the characters felt real with their flaws and redeeming qualities. The guy is bitter but he has very valid reasons for that. The girl is innocent but not to the point of being stupidly gullible and most importantly she is not totally helpless.
The emotional bond between Kyria and Ram has time to develop before the sex happens and when it does happen it's just the right amount.
This is the first book of planned series and I'll be happy to read some more.
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