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The Seller
Being sold is just the beginning.
I am in the possession of a man who tells me he is going to train me and then sell me.
What he doesn't know is that I'm safer in his cage than I am on the streets.
He's not the worst man in my life.
He's not even the most dangerous.
A Dark Romance.
I am in the possession of a man who tells me he is going to train me and then sell me.
What he doesn't know is that I'm safer in his cage than I am on the streets.
He's not the worst man in my life.
He's not even the most dangerous.
And though he might plan to auction me, I'm not the one being used.
He will awaken my desires.
He will mold me into his perfect toy.
He will make me marketable to the rich and twisted.
Then he will sell me,
And I'll be free.
It's the perfect plan, as long as I don't make the one mistake that will ruin everything...
Falling in love.
He will awaken my desires.
He will mold me into his perfect toy.
He will make me marketable to the rich and twisted.
Then he will sell me,
And I'll be free.
It's the perfect plan, as long as I don't make the one mistake that will ruin everything...
Falling in love.
A Dark Romance.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2019
648 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Loki Renard
255 books1,098 followersAmazon Top 100, USA Today bestselling, and #1 bestselling author in multiple Amazon categories, Loki Renard writes sizzling hot, occasionally dark and twisted stories of dominance, submission and discipline.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 16, 2022
"If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back, it is yours.
Stavros
That saying keeps playing through my mind, even though it doesn’t apply to Siri.
I don’t love her.
She doesn’t love me.
But I did set her free, or at least I tried to.
She stayed.
So she’s mine."
Ok, second chapter and I was completely hooked by this book.
Since the beginning, the dark ironic humor, catched my eye.
Siri, captive and gives her freedom away? Why? What secrets does she hides?
Stavros and his doubtful humanity made me smile, a lot...
A women trafic dealer with ethics...
We mix it up and we get a high expectation to this story
And guess what? I wasn't disappointed.
It's a age gap story but it doesn't focus on that, which is great because I'm not much a age gap lover.
Stavros is so full of himself that's a bit childish, Siri is very mature and turns his head around, which is funny.
The story has all the triggers but Loki made it fun and it was just so great and easy to read it.
“I am a monster, but one with ethics.”
July 19, 2019
4 STARS!
If you love your smut and a kick-ass heroine, this one's worth reading!
This girl has shaken me, and I don't like what's come loose.A nice twist on the captive trope.
If you love your smut and a kick-ass heroine, this one's worth reading!
July 19, 2019
The Seller was smokin' hot and intense! This was my first Loki Renard read and she didn't disappoint! The writing is beautiful and draws you in. Filthy, hypnotic, and addictive...I couldn't read this one fast enough! If you're looking for something slightly deviant and a whole lot sexy with an interesting story that unravels a little more with each page, then you definitely should read this one!! Five SEXY AND SUSPENSEFUL SELLER stars!
July 7, 2019
When two people are so broken they no longer fit the mold society sets for proper conduct, what happens? Loki Renard gives us Stavros and Siri. Neither one fit the mold. Both are broken and flawed. When these two meet under unusual circumstances all hell breaks loose and world collide. This was a beautiful anti-hero/heroine love story of epic proportion that I was thrilled to have the chance to read this ARC and give my honest review.
July 12, 2019
★ The transaction of Siri ★
—>>> “I am a monster, but one with ethics.” ~ Stavros
Stavros does not know what to make of this girl who does not act according to his usual expectations. She no longer is the simple and straightforward “financial transaction” trained for his high-demand hobby. Instead, she intrigues and captivates him, becoming the object of his intense scrutiny.
Loved the intense interaction woven with well-described thoughts and emotions from both points of view. I was wholly drawn into this cat & mouse storyline!
—>>> “I am a monster, but one with ethics.” ~ Stavros
Stavros does not know what to make of this girl who does not act according to his usual expectations. She no longer is the simple and straightforward “financial transaction” trained for his high-demand hobby. Instead, she intrigues and captivates him, becoming the object of his intense scrutiny.
Loved the intense interaction woven with well-described thoughts and emotions from both points of view. I was wholly drawn into this cat & mouse storyline!
July 11, 2019
I jumped into this blind and I’m so glad I did. While reading I had so many questions and thankfully the author answered them eventually lol yes she made me wait, made me wonder who this girl, Siri was and what she wanted.
So much more to this story then I thought. When I thought the story was gonna finish the author gave it another twist for me to gasp to.
Brilliant read that I literally inhaled in a day. I didn’t want it to end. Written well with a good storyline though be aware this isn’t a story for everyone.
As this is my first read by this author I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future
So much more to this story then I thought. When I thought the story was gonna finish the author gave it another twist for me to gasp to.
Brilliant read that I literally inhaled in a day. I didn’t want it to end. Written well with a good storyline though be aware this isn’t a story for everyone.
As this is my first read by this author I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future
July 14, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Being sold is just the beginning. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting drugged in a nightclub and waking up in the possession of a man twice my age, a man who tells me he is going to train me and then sell me to the highest bidder. What he doesn't know is that I am safer in his cage than I am on the streets. He's not the worlst man in my life. He's not even the most dangerous. He wil awaken my desires. He will mold me into his perfect toy. He will make me marketable to the rich and twisted. Then he will sell me. And I'll be free. It's the perfect plan, as long as I don't make the one mistake that will ruin everything ....Falling in love.
I went into this book blind. I had no idea what it was about I just knew that it was a dark romance and that dark romances are my passion. I love them and can not get enough of them. With that said I will say this is not one of the darkest books I have every read. It's not ultra violent and as harcore in the scenes as some are. But with that said it is has a moment or two but the real thing about this book is trying to figure out what the heck is going one with the main female character Siri. She wakes in the basement of a human trafficer. Stavros is the man she ended up with and he is not exactly what she was expecting. I guess you could say that he is a bad man with a heart and from the moment he lay his eyes on her and she opens that sassy mouth. There is so much more going on in this book than meets the eyes. I don't want to give away anything that happens or why it is happening. I was guessing just like you will be and some things I got and some I did not. This book was so good that I read it in a matter of hours and was sad to see it end. I loved these characters. Siri is a tough as nails, get out of her way or she will make you pay tough. She is smart too. I don't see how she came up with and executed the plan she had in this book. Stavros is a man that grew up with a mom who sold her body for a living so selling humans just kind of feel in his lap. However he is a man with his heart and is not cruel or very mean to his wowmen. It is kind of like tempt them with candy and they will do exatly what you want them to do and he is very picky with his buyers. It made me really like that he wasnt' just this evil man who had no soul. You will see what I mean when you read the book. This was my first time reading a Loki Renard book but now that I have discovered her it will not be my last. Grab this book and enjoy the ride y our about to go on with these two amazing characters.
Being sold is just the beginning. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting drugged in a nightclub and waking up in the possession of a man twice my age, a man who tells me he is going to train me and then sell me to the highest bidder. What he doesn't know is that I am safer in his cage than I am on the streets. He's not the worlst man in my life. He's not even the most dangerous. He wil awaken my desires. He will mold me into his perfect toy. He will make me marketable to the rich and twisted. Then he will sell me. And I'll be free. It's the perfect plan, as long as I don't make the one mistake that will ruin everything ....Falling in love.
I went into this book blind. I had no idea what it was about I just knew that it was a dark romance and that dark romances are my passion. I love them and can not get enough of them. With that said I will say this is not one of the darkest books I have every read. It's not ultra violent and as harcore in the scenes as some are. But with that said it is has a moment or two but the real thing about this book is trying to figure out what the heck is going one with the main female character Siri. She wakes in the basement of a human trafficer. Stavros is the man she ended up with and he is not exactly what she was expecting. I guess you could say that he is a bad man with a heart and from the moment he lay his eyes on her and she opens that sassy mouth. There is so much more going on in this book than meets the eyes. I don't want to give away anything that happens or why it is happening. I was guessing just like you will be and some things I got and some I did not. This book was so good that I read it in a matter of hours and was sad to see it end. I loved these characters. Siri is a tough as nails, get out of her way or she will make you pay tough. She is smart too. I don't see how she came up with and executed the plan she had in this book. Stavros is a man that grew up with a mom who sold her body for a living so selling humans just kind of feel in his lap. However he is a man with his heart and is not cruel or very mean to his wowmen. It is kind of like tempt them with candy and they will do exatly what you want them to do and he is very picky with his buyers. It made me really like that he wasnt' just this evil man who had no soul. You will see what I mean when you read the book. This was my first time reading a Loki Renard book but now that I have discovered her it will not be my last. Grab this book and enjoy the ride y our about to go on with these two amazing characters.
July 13, 2019
Received ARC from Author for Honest Review
I Give this Book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
Heat: 4/5
Romance: 4.5/5
Dark: 3.5/4ish out of 5, (it wasn’t extremely dark for me)
Suspense: 4/5
Drama: 4.5/5
No Spoilers!
Really enjoyed this book so much and was entrapped from the very beginning to the end!
I definitely plan on buying and rereading this book over and over again.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed Siri, I completely loved her personality!
Stavros I liked him Immediately and he is just hilarious in his own way.
I love this couple very much and they were just perfect for each other.
Great ending!!
Completely recommend if you are a Dark Subject Reader, though for me this was not extensively Dark but it might be for others.
I Recommend this Author Highly, the books just keep getting better and better!
I Give this Book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.
Heat: 4/5
Romance: 4.5/5
Dark: 3.5/4ish out of 5, (it wasn’t extremely dark for me)
Suspense: 4/5
Drama: 4.5/5
No Spoilers!
Really enjoyed this book so much and was entrapped from the very beginning to the end!
I definitely plan on buying and rereading this book over and over again.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed Siri, I completely loved her personality!
Stavros I liked him Immediately and he is just hilarious in his own way.
I love this couple very much and they were just perfect for each other.
Great ending!!
Completely recommend if you are a Dark Subject Reader, though for me this was not extensively Dark but it might be for others.
I Recommend this Author Highly, the books just keep getting better and better!
July 22, 2019
3.5 Stars
July 12, 2019
Just to get this out of the way, I know the book is branded as a dark romance, but i didn't find it particularly dark, given the subject matter. This was more of a psychological thriller with a few dark-ish elements in my opinion. It really concentrates on why Siri is so different than the average girl picked up to be molded and sold through human trafficking, and her battle of wills with Stavros, the seller. He immediately thinks she's not your average girl...perhaps a cop? But Siri is determined to go through Stavros's program and be sold. So you wonder, who is she really and why is she doing this?
Renard is an intellectual writer, no matter if she is writing sci fi or mafia books. Nothing she writes is plain or pure genre. It's as if she does a deep dive into her characters first, way before the story: Who are they? What is their background? What events make them who they are? I have no idea if that's true, but I can't help but take note of the loving way She treats these characters, good or bad. She never judges them, knowing that no one is truly good or bad...they are always somewhere in between. And it's that Gray area that Renard shines brightly. They are all intelligent beings with flaws that are embraced.
'He is not a good man. I am not a nice girl. I am damaged, and I am cold. I am terrified of closeness and connection, but I relish antagonism and the rough play of our intense sexual connection. Stavros and I fit in that way, two broken edges which become whole when pressed together. "
Siri recognizes that the worst people can be changed by what they do in the future. Stavros has been changed by her. I love this line:
"This is what I needed, to be joined with this ruthless man, whose past cannot ever be forgiven but might maybe be transformed by what we both do in the future. "
Renard has taken another simple genre story and turned it around into a unique redemption story with characters not broken at all. They are simply people who try hard not to be defined by the mistakes and judgements of the past so they can trust again.
Renard is an intellectual writer, no matter if she is writing sci fi or mafia books. Nothing she writes is plain or pure genre. It's as if she does a deep dive into her characters first, way before the story: Who are they? What is their background? What events make them who they are? I have no idea if that's true, but I can't help but take note of the loving way She treats these characters, good or bad. She never judges them, knowing that no one is truly good or bad...they are always somewhere in between. And it's that Gray area that Renard shines brightly. They are all intelligent beings with flaws that are embraced.
'He is not a good man. I am not a nice girl. I am damaged, and I am cold. I am terrified of closeness and connection, but I relish antagonism and the rough play of our intense sexual connection. Stavros and I fit in that way, two broken edges which become whole when pressed together. "
Siri recognizes that the worst people can be changed by what they do in the future. Stavros has been changed by her. I love this line:
"This is what I needed, to be joined with this ruthless man, whose past cannot ever be forgiven but might maybe be transformed by what we both do in the future. "
Renard has taken another simple genre story and turned it around into a unique redemption story with characters not broken at all. They are simply people who try hard not to be defined by the mistakes and judgements of the past so they can trust again.
July 11, 2019
The Seller by Loki Renard is the story of Stavros and Siri.
Stavros grew up with a mother that sold herself so besides the struggle of living it was living with the things going on around him. The adult Stavros is into taking women, training them and then selling them which is how he meets Siri. Siri was a women that was taken but he knew from the first site that there was something different about her. Siri hasn't had it easy either which leads her to this life that she wakes up in. For Siri this life isn't as bad as what she is running from.
Page turner of a story.
Stavros grew up with a mother that sold herself so besides the struggle of living it was living with the things going on around him. The adult Stavros is into taking women, training them and then selling them which is how he meets Siri. Siri was a women that was taken but he knew from the first site that there was something different about her. Siri hasn't had it easy either which leads her to this life that she wakes up in. For Siri this life isn't as bad as what she is running from.
Page turner of a story.
January 13, 2022
This book was at least awkward to read, especially when you know someone with the first and the last name of the main male character.... It was ok-ish and somewhat weird, if not ridiculous at some points... I'll avoid future books that take place in Greece. It was like reading about another country...
July 11, 2019
Another emotional, psychologically deep, and full of suspense romantic MUST-READ!
Once again, author Loki Renard gives her avid fans a marvelous romance disguised within an action packed and deeply psychological thriller. Once again, she titillates those readers with the promise of “there is more to this story,” and when that “more” is delivered it is so totally out of the box, that the reader’s reality is modified by the knowledge. Renard’s ability to tease, entice torment and tempt her readers is part of the magic each of her novels brings. While it is in part why her fans come back to drink at the well of unveiled reality Renard promises in each plotline her novels present. That Renard reality has a touch of science fiction, urban fantasy, and erotic darkness that makes each novel divergent, better than the last, and deeply tantalizes both the readers’ imagination and authenticity. As a prelude to THE SELLER, the author challenges readers with an “I dare you . . . “and then delivers on that dare in the most creative and unexpected ways. While I’m not altogether sure I would want to stay long in Loki Renard’s demented imagination, I look forward to each novel she presents with bated breath, knowing full well that the words she weaves will have me falling in love with the flawed characters like Siri, and the anti-heroes like Stavros, and then rooting for their happy for now or that happily ever after a romance is sure to deliver, or not . . . . I voluntarily read a copy of THE SELLER and this is my honest and VOLUNTARY recommendation. If you like your romances to lean to the dark side while presenting a MEMORABLE and creative story full of realistic characters, then the 5+STAR recommended THE SELLER by Loki Renard should be your next romance purchase. Get your copy today! Happy pages! 😉
Once again, author Loki Renard gives her avid fans a marvelous romance disguised within an action packed and deeply psychological thriller. Once again, she titillates those readers with the promise of “there is more to this story,” and when that “more” is delivered it is so totally out of the box, that the reader’s reality is modified by the knowledge. Renard’s ability to tease, entice torment and tempt her readers is part of the magic each of her novels brings. While it is in part why her fans come back to drink at the well of unveiled reality Renard promises in each plotline her novels present. That Renard reality has a touch of science fiction, urban fantasy, and erotic darkness that makes each novel divergent, better than the last, and deeply tantalizes both the readers’ imagination and authenticity. As a prelude to THE SELLER, the author challenges readers with an “I dare you . . . “and then delivers on that dare in the most creative and unexpected ways. While I’m not altogether sure I would want to stay long in Loki Renard’s demented imagination, I look forward to each novel she presents with bated breath, knowing full well that the words she weaves will have me falling in love with the flawed characters like Siri, and the anti-heroes like Stavros, and then rooting for their happy for now or that happily ever after a romance is sure to deliver, or not . . . . I voluntarily read a copy of THE SELLER and this is my honest and VOLUNTARY recommendation. If you like your romances to lean to the dark side while presenting a MEMORABLE and creative story full of realistic characters, then the 5+STAR recommended THE SELLER by Loki Renard should be your next romance purchase. Get your copy today! Happy pages! 😉
July 10, 2019
The Seller: A Dark Romance
By Loki Renard
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
When I first read the blurb for this book I was really intrigued to read it and I have to admit I knew as soon as I started reading the story that I was going to be hooked and I was! 100%! I was completely captivated by the characters and their motives, the interaction between them and this kind of cat and mouse situation going on. The storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end. The author really took me deep into the character’s lives with some fantastic descriptive language, detailed interactions and inner thoughts. The story definitely kept you guessing about what was really going to happen especially with Siri’s character. She was really difficult to work out which for me as a reader I liked, it meant that I couldn’t guess what was going to happen along the way. Stavros was one of those characters that form the outside you know you shouldn’t like but you just can’t help it and I enjoyed unravelling his character and personality as the story went on.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I can definitely say that it won’t be the last! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and I highly recommend it to other readers!
By Loki Renard
5 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
When I first read the blurb for this book I was really intrigued to read it and I have to admit I knew as soon as I started reading the story that I was going to be hooked and I was! 100%! I was completely captivated by the characters and their motives, the interaction between them and this kind of cat and mouse situation going on. The storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end. The author really took me deep into the character’s lives with some fantastic descriptive language, detailed interactions and inner thoughts. The story definitely kept you guessing about what was really going to happen especially with Siri’s character. She was really difficult to work out which for me as a reader I liked, it meant that I couldn’t guess what was going to happen along the way. Stavros was one of those characters that form the outside you know you shouldn’t like but you just can’t help it and I enjoyed unravelling his character and personality as the story went on.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I can definitely say that it won’t be the last! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and I highly recommend it to other readers!
July 11, 2019
I was really surprised by this book. I have read similar stories of course but this one was written in a unique way. With enigmatic characters that just drew me in it kept me glued to the pages.
Siri is the girl who was causing all the problems in this book, ending up in the hands of the seller Stavros, who is not what you would expect him to be. I didn't know who is more surprised when captured - Stavros or Siri, she is certainly not a female to underestimate. I just loved Siri's personality, her zest for life and the way she would wind up Stavros. She is such a ballsy little ball of fire and he has more on his hands than he has ever dealt with before.
Stavros you might think to be a despicable, evil man but Stavros has a heart underneath all that bravo and domination. I enjoyed peeling back his layers to find out what was underneath and boy did he surprise me.
To me, this felt like I was reading a James Bond book; exciting, full of angst with lots of twists and turns. Add in a huge dollop of alpha male domination, erotic sexual moments to make you squirm and an ending I didn't see coming at all. Absolutely brilliant!!!
Siri is the girl who was causing all the problems in this book, ending up in the hands of the seller Stavros, who is not what you would expect him to be. I didn't know who is more surprised when captured - Stavros or Siri, she is certainly not a female to underestimate. I just loved Siri's personality, her zest for life and the way she would wind up Stavros. She is such a ballsy little ball of fire and he has more on his hands than he has ever dealt with before.
Stavros you might think to be a despicable, evil man but Stavros has a heart underneath all that bravo and domination. I enjoyed peeling back his layers to find out what was underneath and boy did he surprise me.
To me, this felt like I was reading a James Bond book; exciting, full of angst with lots of twists and turns. Add in a huge dollop of alpha male domination, erotic sexual moments to make you squirm and an ending I didn't see coming at all. Absolutely brilliant!!!
November 19, 2019
This was a real twist on what I was expecting! From the beginning, it seems to be a straightforward forced captivity story (which I like, but you already know how those go). Only the captive-Siri-isn't at all what the sex slave seller-Stavros-had in mind. You know something's up with her, but neither the reader nor Stavros can quite pinpoint it. I can't say too much more without spoiling who Siri is and her motives, but I really enjoyed the journey LR took me on with these two. Action, violence, and of course some of that trademark kink >:) Siri was a badazz, strong woman, though a little young for some of her actions to be believable. A character like Stavros should by all accounts be irredeemable, and he really would have been--with anyone else but Siri. All I can finish with is buckle up and enjoy where this story takes you!
July 26, 2019
Once Siri finds herself captured by Stavros, the Seller, she's exactly where she wants to be, Stavros is as confused as we are as their surprises are revealed. Nothing is easy, explanations make no sense, Siri is not what Stavros expected. I was enthralled by this story, it had me guessing all the way through. As I read and tried to figure out what was really happening, Siri's training continues and no answers were coming. This is a book that will grab you and never let you go until the very end when all is made clear. Read it, if you're ready for a story that keeps you wondering and totally captured.
July 10, 2019
The Seller was a good book about Siri and Stavros and everything that they struggled with, and the secrets both of them hid fro each other.
Merged review:
The Seller was a good book about Siri and Stavros and everything that they struggled with, and the secrets both of them hid fro each other.
Merged review:
The Seller was a good book about Siri and Stavros and everything that they struggled with, and the secrets both of them hid fro each other.
July 17, 2019
"Some of them call me the devil. Others worship the ground I walk on. None behave the way she does."
I am familiar with Loki Renard but this may be the first book of hers I have read....it popped up on my suggestion list and the blurb pulled me in. And after the short read, its left me....
Thats not to say it was a bad read, in fact it was phenomenal....never before have I read something so short yet so detailed and action packed. This author definitely has a talent few have mastered, everything is cleverly written and authentic. No cheesy sexual dialogue (I could kiss her for this....I hate when sex scenes are ruined with unrealistic porn-style dialogue that NO ONE utters in the real world). No plot holes or failed "twist" attempts. She created a world where a stolen woman is a complete spitfire, turning her seller's world upside down.
"I might never understand what it is that binds us, but when we are together, we ignite."
Told in dual POV, this isn't your typical slave/seller story. Trust me when I say this girl is packing some high stakes secrets and refuses to give up on her goal. It is considered a dark romance, but compared to other dark romances this is on the lighter side of dark. Thats not to say it isnt absolutely filthy and deliciously raunchy.
Synopsis:
"Nothing good comes of finding yourself down here. This is the place hope comes to die."
Stavros is the Seller....he takes girls and turns them into pristine jewels, selling them to the richest men in the world (but only the men who treat his girls like the prizes they are). A new girl arrives in his basement and he thinks its just another day in the office....well he gets more than he could handle with Siri. She doesn't cry. Doesn't break. Or beg. Or do anything that every other girl has done before her. What she does do though is knock him on his ass with her back talk and refusal to be tamed or broken.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”“I don’t know, Mr Human Trafficker, why don’t you tell me?”
....yes, she gives him such a hard time you cant help but laugh. With very little background to go by and an exterior that is almost impossible to break through, he has to up his game if he expects to get her sold off. He isn't sure what her game is, but he knows she will be the one to lose in the end....at least he hopes.
"I’m going to leave marks. I’m going to make an impression. She’s going to regret whatever little game it was she decided to play with me."
"At times, I’ve been close to tears, but there is a reason for all of this, and I hold on to that reason."
Siri is right where she wants to be, yet we are in the dark about why. Is she a cop? There is find a loved one? Or just to get close to Stavros or infiltrate his organization? Whatever reason it is, she isn't telling. The more interaction she has with him, the more she is punished, she finds herseld craving the depravity just as much as he does.
“You want to be here, Siri. You crave the depraved things you know I’ll do to you, if you’re a good enough girl to deserve them.”
“What’s your secret, Siri?”
But with suspicious events happening too close for comfort, he knows she isn't being upfront. But who in their sane mind would purposefully put themselves in captivity? Siri's plans depend on her just getting through her time with Stavros and being put up for sale.....she can't get trapped in his web.
"This is the most dangerous thing I will ever do. If I fail, it may be the only thing I ever do."
"Athens is cursed, as far as I’m concerned. This city has harbored liars and murderers for thousands of years. I used to think the history was beautiful. Now it just seems oppressive, and the blood I once took so much pride in seems tainted."
With threats closing in, Stavros knows they need to go lay low in Athens......he thinks its safer that way. Siri knows Athens will be her downfall. She tries to warn him. She tries to keep him from taking her there. She knows the moment she steps foot in Athens her plans are ruined. The problem? Stavros won't listen.
"I can’t shake the feeling it has something to do with Siri, but how could a nineteen year old American girl who took a drink from the wrong guy in a bar have anything to do with half of Athens being on high alert?"
“Who the FUCK are you!?”
Guess what? Siri is right and Athens will be the place where ALL her secrets will be uncovered and its nothing that you expect....
"He is not a good man. I am not a nice girl. I am damaged, and I am cold. I am terrified of closeness and connection, but I relish antagonism and the rough play of our intense sexual connection. Stavros and I fit in that way, two broken edges which become whole when pressed together."
To not spoil anything, after the events in Athens things go from bad to worse, worse to okay, okay to a nightmare....all to find their own HFN (or HEA--you can decide), you have to read to see if that means together or a love story spent apart.
“You’re always going to be mine. Whether you’re right here with me, or across the other side of the world. I am never, ever letting you go.”
Characters:
"A girl with a spirit like this is too much to be contained by anyone, ever. You could lock her away underground and she’d break her way back to the light by sheer force of will. It’s what I love about her."
Siri is so many things. A spitfire. A smart ass. Powerful, beautiful, and wild. But she is also damaged and the leader of a loveless life so far. Her hard exterior is what protects her but its also natural to her.....she is not a submissive, but she desperately needs structure and dominance in one form or another. Her life has never been her own, always being a tool for men's advantage in one way or another....
"She’s been a tool from the moment she was born, and she doesn’t dare give herself to anyone - except me, but even then, only sexually."
She is a hard one to crack, and its even harder to get her to trust.....there will be times she will make you have this reaction in some form....
....but then the things that so naturally come out of her mouth are both hilarious and so in your face you can't help but forgive her and laugh your ass off.
“I’m not your material, whatever the fuck that means. You gonna skin me? Turn me into a handbag?”
"I am a monster, but one with ethics."
Now for Stavros....he is one of the most well written anti-hero characters in a LONG time. We should hate him, I mean he deals in human flesh. But somehow, he has a way of explaining it that almost makes sense of it (yes I know I am going to hell).....thats how great of a job she does with his character. He is older but also incredibly hot. He is power but also sensuality. And he has this natural presence....
He comes strolling out of the shadows, a smirk on his face, his gait so fucking casual. He looks so. fucking. pleased with himself.
.... he's got this swagger about him that just....yum
And add in the most filthy mouth that says all the right things....
“Be as bad as you want, baby,” he says softly. “I’m here for it.”
But he's also the true definition of a dominant, and Loki wrote him in such a way that no one can deny that fact....
"Stavros doesn’t play at dominance. He is naturally dominant in every way, and it is so easy to give in to it, to let him take over, to spread my legs and feel the thick length of his cock pressed against my belly."
But the way he recognizes the change that Siri makes in him, embraces it, and is willing to set her free because he wants her happy more than anything....well that makes him swoon-worthy.
“Be nice,” he chides. “I might have you bend over, back that pussy up to the bars and take me that way - but not if you act out.”
These two together? They say more with their bodies than they ever could with words. They are the definition of sexual intensity and sexual depravity. Its fucking hot. But when it comes down to it, he immediately recognizes the power of Siri's uhhhh....vagina has over him. And in turn he allows himself to worship her long before she recognizes the power she has over him and he has over her.
"I have fucked a lot of women. I have done depraved things to many, if not all of them. I have used female flesh a thousand times. But it was never like that before. Those were experiences of the flesh. That, whatever happened just now, was spiritual - and I don’t believe in anything."
But lets recognize Loki's insane talent of writing about sex. She doesnt include cringey dialogue (she uses things like "oh my godddd" instead of "yes please") and she makes even the dirtiest sex something I am living for right now....let me just order myself a cage to recreate this scene....
It’s just sex. Caged sex, but still, just sex. Why does it feel so fucking good?
Why does it sound so fucking hot??
.....jesus lawdddd, no shame over here.
Final Thoughts:
This is a short read....at only 175 pages it would have been easy for the author to take short cuts or try to pack too much in and absolutely ruin this book. Luckily for us, this story is perfection with his steady pace, sexual intensity, hilarious witty banter, suspense, and shocking twists. Its not rushed, and it does a great job at leaving the ending almost open ended so you can create your own long term story of our Seller and his girl who could not be sold.
“You’re fucking mine,” he growls. “And you’re mine,” I snarl right back. “I’ll own you every bit as much as you own me.”“More,” he says grazing his teeth over the sensitive side of my neck. “You’ve changed everything, Siri. You’ve broken me.”
So download it. Devour it. And add it to your recommend shelf so more readers can get their hands on this unconventional love story.
I am Siri, the girl who could not be sold. He is my hero. This is my happily ever after.
I am familiar with Loki Renard but this may be the first book of hers I have read....it popped up on my suggestion list and the blurb pulled me in. And after the short read, its left me....
Thats not to say it was a bad read, in fact it was phenomenal....never before have I read something so short yet so detailed and action packed. This author definitely has a talent few have mastered, everything is cleverly written and authentic. No cheesy sexual dialogue (I could kiss her for this....I hate when sex scenes are ruined with unrealistic porn-style dialogue that NO ONE utters in the real world). No plot holes or failed "twist" attempts. She created a world where a stolen woman is a complete spitfire, turning her seller's world upside down.
"I might never understand what it is that binds us, but when we are together, we ignite."
Told in dual POV, this isn't your typical slave/seller story. Trust me when I say this girl is packing some high stakes secrets and refuses to give up on her goal. It is considered a dark romance, but compared to other dark romances this is on the lighter side of dark. Thats not to say it isnt absolutely filthy and deliciously raunchy.
Synopsis:
"Nothing good comes of finding yourself down here. This is the place hope comes to die."
Stavros is the Seller....he takes girls and turns them into pristine jewels, selling them to the richest men in the world (but only the men who treat his girls like the prizes they are). A new girl arrives in his basement and he thinks its just another day in the office....well he gets more than he could handle with Siri. She doesn't cry. Doesn't break. Or beg. Or do anything that every other girl has done before her. What she does do though is knock him on his ass with her back talk and refusal to be tamed or broken.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”“I don’t know, Mr Human Trafficker, why don’t you tell me?”
....yes, she gives him such a hard time you cant help but laugh. With very little background to go by and an exterior that is almost impossible to break through, he has to up his game if he expects to get her sold off. He isn't sure what her game is, but he knows she will be the one to lose in the end....at least he hopes.
"I’m going to leave marks. I’m going to make an impression. She’s going to regret whatever little game it was she decided to play with me."
"At times, I’ve been close to tears, but there is a reason for all of this, and I hold on to that reason."
Siri is right where she wants to be, yet we are in the dark about why. Is she a cop? There is find a loved one? Or just to get close to Stavros or infiltrate his organization? Whatever reason it is, she isn't telling. The more interaction she has with him, the more she is punished, she finds herseld craving the depravity just as much as he does.
“You want to be here, Siri. You crave the depraved things you know I’ll do to you, if you’re a good enough girl to deserve them.”
“What’s your secret, Siri?”
But with suspicious events happening too close for comfort, he knows she isn't being upfront. But who in their sane mind would purposefully put themselves in captivity? Siri's plans depend on her just getting through her time with Stavros and being put up for sale.....she can't get trapped in his web.
"This is the most dangerous thing I will ever do. If I fail, it may be the only thing I ever do."
"Athens is cursed, as far as I’m concerned. This city has harbored liars and murderers for thousands of years. I used to think the history was beautiful. Now it just seems oppressive, and the blood I once took so much pride in seems tainted."
With threats closing in, Stavros knows they need to go lay low in Athens......he thinks its safer that way. Siri knows Athens will be her downfall. She tries to warn him. She tries to keep him from taking her there. She knows the moment she steps foot in Athens her plans are ruined. The problem? Stavros won't listen.
"I can’t shake the feeling it has something to do with Siri, but how could a nineteen year old American girl who took a drink from the wrong guy in a bar have anything to do with half of Athens being on high alert?"
“Who the FUCK are you!?”
Guess what? Siri is right and Athens will be the place where ALL her secrets will be uncovered and its nothing that you expect....
"He is not a good man. I am not a nice girl. I am damaged, and I am cold. I am terrified of closeness and connection, but I relish antagonism and the rough play of our intense sexual connection. Stavros and I fit in that way, two broken edges which become whole when pressed together."
To not spoil anything, after the events in Athens things go from bad to worse, worse to okay, okay to a nightmare....all to find their own HFN (or HEA--you can decide), you have to read to see if that means together or a love story spent apart.
“You’re always going to be mine. Whether you’re right here with me, or across the other side of the world. I am never, ever letting you go.”
Characters:
"A girl with a spirit like this is too much to be contained by anyone, ever. You could lock her away underground and she’d break her way back to the light by sheer force of will. It’s what I love about her."
Siri is so many things. A spitfire. A smart ass. Powerful, beautiful, and wild. But she is also damaged and the leader of a loveless life so far. Her hard exterior is what protects her but its also natural to her.....she is not a submissive, but she desperately needs structure and dominance in one form or another. Her life has never been her own, always being a tool for men's advantage in one way or another....
"She’s been a tool from the moment she was born, and she doesn’t dare give herself to anyone - except me, but even then, only sexually."
She is a hard one to crack, and its even harder to get her to trust.....there will be times she will make you have this reaction in some form....
....but then the things that so naturally come out of her mouth are both hilarious and so in your face you can't help but forgive her and laugh your ass off.
“I’m not your material, whatever the fuck that means. You gonna skin me? Turn me into a handbag?”
"I am a monster, but one with ethics."
Now for Stavros....he is one of the most well written anti-hero characters in a LONG time. We should hate him, I mean he deals in human flesh. But somehow, he has a way of explaining it that almost makes sense of it (yes I know I am going to hell).....thats how great of a job she does with his character. He is older but also incredibly hot. He is power but also sensuality. And he has this natural presence....
He comes strolling out of the shadows, a smirk on his face, his gait so fucking casual. He looks so. fucking. pleased with himself.
.... he's got this swagger about him that just....yum
And add in the most filthy mouth that says all the right things....
“Be as bad as you want, baby,” he says softly. “I’m here for it.”
But he's also the true definition of a dominant, and Loki wrote him in such a way that no one can deny that fact....
"Stavros doesn’t play at dominance. He is naturally dominant in every way, and it is so easy to give in to it, to let him take over, to spread my legs and feel the thick length of his cock pressed against my belly."
But the way he recognizes the change that Siri makes in him, embraces it, and is willing to set her free because he wants her happy more than anything....well that makes him swoon-worthy.
“Be nice,” he chides. “I might have you bend over, back that pussy up to the bars and take me that way - but not if you act out.”
These two together? They say more with their bodies than they ever could with words. They are the definition of sexual intensity and sexual depravity. Its fucking hot. But when it comes down to it, he immediately recognizes the power of Siri's uhhhh....vagina has over him. And in turn he allows himself to worship her long before she recognizes the power she has over him and he has over her.
"I have fucked a lot of women. I have done depraved things to many, if not all of them. I have used female flesh a thousand times. But it was never like that before. Those were experiences of the flesh. That, whatever happened just now, was spiritual - and I don’t believe in anything."
But lets recognize Loki's insane talent of writing about sex. She doesnt include cringey dialogue (she uses things like "oh my godddd" instead of "yes please") and she makes even the dirtiest sex something I am living for right now....let me just order myself a cage to recreate this scene....
It’s just sex. Caged sex, but still, just sex. Why does it feel so fucking good?
Why does it sound so fucking hot??
.....jesus lawdddd, no shame over here.
Final Thoughts:
This is a short read....at only 175 pages it would have been easy for the author to take short cuts or try to pack too much in and absolutely ruin this book. Luckily for us, this story is perfection with his steady pace, sexual intensity, hilarious witty banter, suspense, and shocking twists. Its not rushed, and it does a great job at leaving the ending almost open ended so you can create your own long term story of our Seller and his girl who could not be sold.
“You’re fucking mine,” he growls. “And you’re mine,” I snarl right back. “I’ll own you every bit as much as you own me.”“More,” he says grazing his teeth over the sensitive side of my neck. “You’ve changed everything, Siri. You’ve broken me.”
So download it. Devour it. And add it to your recommend shelf so more readers can get their hands on this unconventional love story.
I am Siri, the girl who could not be sold. He is my hero. This is my happily ever after.
July 7, 2019
I was really surprised by this book. I have read similar stories of course but this one was written in a unique way. With enigmatic characters that just drew me in it kept me glued to the pages.
Siri is the girl who was causing all the problems in this book, ending up in the hands of the seller Stavros, who is not what you would expect him to be. I didn't know who is more surprised when captured - Stavros or Siri, she is certainly not a female to underestimate. I just loved Siri's personality, her zest for life and the way she would wind up Stavros. She is such a ballsy little ball of fire and he has more on his hands than he has ever dealt with before.
Stavros you might think to be a despicable, evil man but Stavros has a heart underneath all that bravo and domination. I enjoyed peeling back his layers to find out what was underneath and boy did he surprise me.
To me, this felt like I was reading a James Bond book; exciting, full of angst with lots of twists and turns. Add in a huge dollop of alpha male domination, erotic sexual moments to make you squirm and an ending I didn't see coming at all. Absolutely brilliant!!!
Siri is the girl who was causing all the problems in this book, ending up in the hands of the seller Stavros, who is not what you would expect him to be. I didn't know who is more surprised when captured - Stavros or Siri, she is certainly not a female to underestimate. I just loved Siri's personality, her zest for life and the way she would wind up Stavros. She is such a ballsy little ball of fire and he has more on his hands than he has ever dealt with before.
Stavros you might think to be a despicable, evil man but Stavros has a heart underneath all that bravo and domination. I enjoyed peeling back his layers to find out what was underneath and boy did he surprise me.
To me, this felt like I was reading a James Bond book; exciting, full of angst with lots of twists and turns. Add in a huge dollop of alpha male domination, erotic sexual moments to make you squirm and an ending I didn't see coming at all. Absolutely brilliant!!!
August 5, 2019
Anything you think you know about this book...yeah, you probably don’t. This book was so damn good and it takes you on the wildest ride. Honestly, I don’t even know what to say...I know, right...shocking. I am quickly becoming a big Loki Renard fan. Love the writing style, the ability to pull out so many emotions, and to be able to entice you to read something that you may not have read initially...and to get you to love it.
This is a dark read, with some spanking, hand and belt. There is a scene that may have triggers for some, but Stavros saves her. These two were hot, hot and this was a bit of a mindf*ck. An OTT dominant alpha, a smart, sarcastic and tough as nails female, older man, younger female. Great storyline, so many emotions, a little bit in the future and an hea. If you want to read a dark romance that will have you staying up late to read it, this is the book for you.
This is a dark read, with some spanking, hand and belt. There is a scene that may have triggers for some, but Stavros saves her. These two were hot, hot and this was a bit of a mindf*ck. An OTT dominant alpha, a smart, sarcastic and tough as nails female, older man, younger female. Great storyline, so many emotions, a little bit in the future and an hea. If you want to read a dark romance that will have you staying up late to read it, this is the book for you.
July 11, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "THE SELLER" OMG!!!! Loki Renard can really write a phenominal storyline full of suspense, intrigue,angst, hot erotic sizzling sex scenes, with some intense dark twisted scenes.
Siri was kidnapped to be trained and sold by Stavros the seller but he didn't realize it was all set up he didn't kniw who she truly was.
This was a fantastic book you just couldn't out down and Loki always has strong, women in her stories and Siri was and had to be strong her life had been filled with horror.
This is absolutely a must have book you just can't miss you'll never be disappointed reading one of Loki's books she's such a talented creative writer and knows how to pull her readers in. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!!
Siri was kidnapped to be trained and sold by Stavros the seller but he didn't realize it was all set up he didn't kniw who she truly was.
This was a fantastic book you just couldn't out down and Loki always has strong, women in her stories and Siri was and had to be strong her life had been filled with horror.
This is absolutely a must have book you just can't miss you'll never be disappointed reading one of Loki's books she's such a talented creative writer and knows how to pull her readers in. AWESOME AWESOME READ!!!!!!
July 12, 2019
That was dark and delicious! Okay not too terribly dark but really delicious. There is a kidnapping, the consent is questionable along with the intent. So if that is a trigger for you this might not be your kind of book. If you can get past these issues then you in for a great ride.
This tale has a nice twist to the kidnapped and sold story. This is so not what I had expected. Plan on falling hard for these two characters. Their personalities will pull you in and keep you glued to the pages. Yes, that might sound like a line but it is so true with this book. Siri, the heroin is so strong and sassy. And the author really keeps you guessing with her. Who is she? What is her goal? I loved the mystery. I think you will too.
This tale has a nice twist to the kidnapped and sold story. This is so not what I had expected. Plan on falling hard for these two characters. Their personalities will pull you in and keep you glued to the pages. Yes, that might sound like a line but it is so true with this book. Siri, the heroin is so strong and sassy. And the author really keeps you guessing with her. Who is she? What is her goal? I loved the mystery. I think you will too.
July 11, 2019
I thought that this book was enticing and delicious. With its very unique plot and characters, this read quickly captures and controls your attention. Stavros and Siri are complex and complicated characters that easily stole into my heart. Both these characters are tough and broken but fit together beautifully. The story itself will keep you on your toes. I would liken it to a house of mirrors. There is plenty going on but most of it is not what it seems. Exciting, twisted, dark, suspenseful, dramatic, romantic and steamy, this tale will leave you breathless! I am posting a trutthful review by my own choice.
July 11, 2019
So not what I thought!! I devoured this book. First I love a good story about this topic, human trafficking can be a hard one to write well and this story is done fantastically. I found the psychological aspects of this story fascinating. You don’t know who Siri is or why she isn’t exactly upset about being kidnapped and sold. This book intrigued me to the point that I couldn’t put it down. I did nothing all day and it was so worth it. Beautifully written the characters are fully developed and I felt like I knew them. Great read.
July 13, 2019
More than meets the eye here....
First time reader of this author and I must say I underestimated the content. I assumed it would be all about the taboo,kink and or sexual extravaganza which is fine by me and has its place in the captive dub con romance I crave, but this was impressively well rounded! Complete with an intriguing storyline with a hint of mystery,a brewing emotional connection ,a steely heroine and a redemptive antihero.
In short,I freaking loved it and am kicking myself for not delving into Loki Renard's catalogue sooner!
First time reader of this author and I must say I underestimated the content. I assumed it would be all about the taboo,kink and or sexual extravaganza which is fine by me and has its place in the captive dub con romance I crave, but this was impressively well rounded! Complete with an intriguing storyline with a hint of mystery,a brewing emotional connection ,a steely heroine and a redemptive antihero.
In short,I freaking loved it and am kicking myself for not delving into Loki Renard's catalogue sooner!
July 21, 2019
I love Loki and her twisted and sadistic characters, and The Seller is no different. Loki brings Stavros and Siri together when Stavros has Siri kidnapped and brought to him to have sold to the highest bidder. It wasn't personal. It is all business. But Siri is okay with this. She needs to leave before her family finds her.
The story of Stavros and Siri is dark and sometimes a little funny. But all in all a good story.
July 11, 2019
Stavros and Siri are two broken people and not your average hero/heroine. Siri ends up kidnapped from a club and taken to human trafficker Stavros. She doesn't act like any woman in the situation would so Stavros becomes intrigued by her. They both have to follow one rule: Don't fall in love. A great twisted story and psychological thriller.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
February 3, 2021
Enjoyed this one. There's some icky moments (the fact he has trained women much younger than her when she's 18/19? That's not okay) but overall when it comes to dark reads I liked the twists and concept.
February 26, 2022
I have mixed feelings about Loki Renard; many of the reasons why are represented in this book. Because of these, I found this hard to rate, so settled on 3 stars. If, however, your qualms are not mine, you'll probably rate this book more highly. As always, this is my opinion; take it for what it's worth.
Likes:
1) Strong heroines: Or "bratty," as they're frequently called. What I like best about Ms. Renard's books is that her female characters stay true to themselves: the discipline may briefly cow them, but never for long. This is a refreshing change from most books in this genre where the heroines are almost always stronger and more autonomous at the beginning of the books than they are at the end (which is not the purpose of dd, but, then again, most authors writing in this genre don't really understand it; Carolyn Faulkner is particularly guilty of this). Siri is very strong, very capable, very smart, and very brave as . But she is not perfect: her vulnerabilities and her specific weaknesses only deepen her character (see below, where I talk about "character complexity").
2) Heroes: They usually end up accepting and respecting the heroine for who she is -- which, again, is more than most "heroes" do in these books. They also tend to be less perfect, less judgemental, and less rigid than, again, most "heroes" in these books. In this book, while Stavros has his problems (scroll below to "dislikes"), I do appreciate how he ultimately .
3) Humor: Ms. Renard is among the funniest writers in this genre and, in part because of this, her dialogue is much more lively than most writers'. Example: “Or I’m going to drag you out and whip your bare ass with my belt.” “Is that part of your accidental kidnapping service?"
4) Writing: Ms. Renard is one of the better writers in this genre: detailed world-building; character motivation and complexity (in this case, the characters change and grow a lot); varied sentence structure; see above regarding dialogue. That said, this book had several editing errors, which I don't usually see in her books. I note that this one is self-published, which may be why.
5) Plots: The storylines are usually inventive; while she tends to rely on the usual mystery-driven plots that are so familiar in this genre (probably because it allows the H to save the h), she usually includes some surprises. In this particular case, while I did figure out some of Siri's backstory, I didn't expect her to .
Dislikes:
1) Tone: Ms. Renard's books vary wildly in tone; this book is no exception. The first half is actually the darkest in some ways, as Siri is a captive, but it's also the funniest. The second half loses the humor and becomes much more emotionally dark. This uneveness -- true of many of her books, such as Tex's Revenge -- can be very jarring for readers. That's not to say that books can't have both humor and emotion, just that she doesn't blend them well, perhaps because the switch between the two is too abrupt.
2) Ideology: So, all books (all art, really) -- even the fluffiest, frothiest escapism or hard-core, plotless erotica -- represent some ideology. I often have a problem with Ms. Renard's narratives. In this book, the ideology she represents is commerce. And while she has some interesting things to say about capitalism run amok (how the most powerful buy and sell the weakest, which is certainly true), her comparison between Stavros' human-trafficking and men who give engagement rings to their brides is weak since the latter is consensual and the former is not.
3) Stavros: I listed the good about Stavros; now here's the bad. He's a human trafficker and he traffics in very young women. In fact, some are probably children as at one point he muses that he's taken much younger "women" than the 19 year old Siri. So, know that the "hero" you're supposed to like is probably a pedophile (I took away a star for this line alone). Now, many of Ms. Renard's female characters are this young and I find barely post-pubescent female characters very problematic. Attention authors: you do realize that many 18 year olds are still in high school, right? While it's true that he has a .
4) Subject matter: In this case, it's human-trafficking of very young girls. It may not have been wise to publish this in the Jeffrey Epstein era, particularly as Ms. Renard jokes about it. She assures us that none of the girls are "harmed." Nevertheless, we know that they are kidnapped, imprisoned and chained in a dark cellar, terrified, given no choice over who they are sold to, and, well, sold. I don't find any of this remotely appealing. Unfortunately, it now seems to be a sub-genre (see, for example, Jane Henry's loathsome The Bratva's Baby, which is getting so many 5-star reviews despite the fact that the book implies that the hero has killed some of the women he can't sell: "Typically, the women we use for our own gain disappear, never to be seen nor heard from again"). Now, Ms. Renard likes to shock and to be "edgy" and "dark" and she likes to snarkily poke fun at institutions or things that other people might treat with more reverence. Only you can judge how humorous you find human-trafficking.
Finally, some of her kinks aren't mine (cages, public humiliation, reverse harems in which I can never keep any of the men straight), but this is subjective.
2 3/4 stars, if that's a possible rating. I do recommend this book with the above disclaimers -- not all of which will be things that bother you.
Note: While ymmv, I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book almost 3 stars because it wasn't bad and I did sort of like it. The reason I didn't give it more is because I had serious reservations about the subject matter; you may not. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. Again, ymmv, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Likes:
1) Strong heroines: Or "bratty," as they're frequently called. What I like best about Ms. Renard's books is that her female characters stay true to themselves: the discipline may briefly cow them, but never for long. This is a refreshing change from most books in this genre where the heroines are almost always stronger and more autonomous at the beginning of the books than they are at the end (which is not the purpose of dd, but, then again, most authors writing in this genre don't really understand it; Carolyn Faulkner is particularly guilty of this). Siri is very strong, very capable, very smart, and very brave as . But she is not perfect: her vulnerabilities and her specific weaknesses only deepen her character (see below, where I talk about "character complexity").
2) Heroes: They usually end up accepting and respecting the heroine for who she is -- which, again, is more than most "heroes" do in these books. They also tend to be less perfect, less judgemental, and less rigid than, again, most "heroes" in these books. In this book, while Stavros has his problems (scroll below to "dislikes"), I do appreciate how he ultimately .
3) Humor: Ms. Renard is among the funniest writers in this genre and, in part because of this, her dialogue is much more lively than most writers'. Example: “Or I’m going to drag you out and whip your bare ass with my belt.” “Is that part of your accidental kidnapping service?"
4) Writing: Ms. Renard is one of the better writers in this genre: detailed world-building; character motivation and complexity (in this case, the characters change and grow a lot); varied sentence structure; see above regarding dialogue. That said, this book had several editing errors, which I don't usually see in her books. I note that this one is self-published, which may be why.
5) Plots: The storylines are usually inventive; while she tends to rely on the usual mystery-driven plots that are so familiar in this genre (probably because it allows the H to save the h), she usually includes some surprises. In this particular case, while I did figure out some of Siri's backstory, I didn't expect her to .
Dislikes:
1) Tone: Ms. Renard's books vary wildly in tone; this book is no exception. The first half is actually the darkest in some ways, as Siri is a captive, but it's also the funniest. The second half loses the humor and becomes much more emotionally dark. This uneveness -- true of many of her books, such as Tex's Revenge -- can be very jarring for readers. That's not to say that books can't have both humor and emotion, just that she doesn't blend them well, perhaps because the switch between the two is too abrupt.
2) Ideology: So, all books (all art, really) -- even the fluffiest, frothiest escapism or hard-core, plotless erotica -- represent some ideology. I often have a problem with Ms. Renard's narratives. In this book, the ideology she represents is commerce. And while she has some interesting things to say about capitalism run amok (how the most powerful buy and sell the weakest, which is certainly true), her comparison between Stavros' human-trafficking and men who give engagement rings to their brides is weak since the latter is consensual and the former is not.
3) Stavros: I listed the good about Stavros; now here's the bad. He's a human trafficker and he traffics in very young women. In fact, some are probably children as at one point he muses that he's taken much younger "women" than the 19 year old Siri. So, know that the "hero" you're supposed to like is probably a pedophile (I took away a star for this line alone). Now, many of Ms. Renard's female characters are this young and I find barely post-pubescent female characters very problematic. Attention authors: you do realize that many 18 year olds are still in high school, right? While it's true that he has a .
4) Subject matter: In this case, it's human-trafficking of very young girls. It may not have been wise to publish this in the Jeffrey Epstein era, particularly as Ms. Renard jokes about it. She assures us that none of the girls are "harmed." Nevertheless, we know that they are kidnapped, imprisoned and chained in a dark cellar, terrified, given no choice over who they are sold to, and, well, sold. I don't find any of this remotely appealing. Unfortunately, it now seems to be a sub-genre (see, for example, Jane Henry's loathsome The Bratva's Baby, which is getting so many 5-star reviews despite the fact that the book implies that the hero has killed some of the women he can't sell: "Typically, the women we use for our own gain disappear, never to be seen nor heard from again"). Now, Ms. Renard likes to shock and to be "edgy" and "dark" and she likes to snarkily poke fun at institutions or things that other people might treat with more reverence. Only you can judge how humorous you find human-trafficking.
Finally, some of her kinks aren't mine (cages, public humiliation, reverse harems in which I can never keep any of the men straight), but this is subjective.
2 3/4 stars, if that's a possible rating. I do recommend this book with the above disclaimers -- not all of which will be things that bother you.
Note: While ymmv, I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book almost 3 stars because it wasn't bad and I did sort of like it. The reason I didn't give it more is because I had serious reservations about the subject matter; you may not. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. Again, ymmv, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
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