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Condemned #4
Vagrant
I’ve finally got what I want.
Rafe Mason loves me.
He’s forgiven me.
Survived for me.
Killed for me.
But is it enough?
His darkness owns me.
Consumes me.
Bends me.
Heals me.
Loving him is my destiny…even if it breaks me.
NOTE TO READERS: Vagrant is a dark romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Intended for mature readers. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned. Part 4 in the Condemned series.
Rafe Mason loves me.
He’s forgiven me.
Survived for me.
Killed for me.
But is it enough?
His darkness owns me.
Consumes me.
Bends me.
Heals me.
Loving him is my destiny…even if it breaks me.
NOTE TO READERS: Vagrant is a dark romance with kidnapping and other disturbing themes. Intended for mature readers. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned. Part 4 in the Condemned series.
Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
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2195 people want to read
About the author
Gemma James
60 books2,575 followersGemma James is a USA Today bestselling author of sexy contemporary and dark romance. She loves to explore the darker side of human nature in her fiction, and she’s morbidly curious about anything dark and edgy, from deviant seduction to fascinating villains. Readers have described her stories as being “not for the faint of heart.”
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
She warns you to heed their words! Her playground isn’t full of rainbows and kittens, though she loves both. She lives in Oregon with her husband and children, a gaggle of animals, and bipolar weather.
Like her on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss out on future releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
September 10, 2015
4.5 I'm so sad this series is over stars
**arc kindly provided by the author! thank you Gemma James!**
OMG. What an emotionally charged ending to this amazing series. At this point, it's safe to say that the reader knows Rafe and Alex like the back of their hands. You've come to love this couple and to see them go through the final test of their love is truly bittersweet. I am going to miss reading about this amazing couple!
The book opens to a very depressed Alex who is mourning the loss of Rafe. She finds herself, yet again, having to pick up the pieces of her life and try to move past the heartbreak.
"Time hadn't dulled the pain, hadn't eased the betrayal of abandonment. I'd finally accepted he was gone, and that meant I had nothing left to do but live."
Without giving away any spoilers, just know that this couple is not finished fighting for each other. The inner demons that chips away at them comes to light in this book and it makes for a very emotional read. Rafe still believes that Alex is too good for the likes of him, and Alex still holds on to the memory of the mistake that she made years before that changed the kind boy she loved into the intense and angry man that he is today.
"The worst decision of my life had ricocheted for years, not only destroying Rafe but the lives of so many others."
We've seen this couple overcome MANY obstacles, but the biggest test lies in this book. Can love truly conquer all? Or is the burning need for revenge be what destroys them? You are just going to have to read and find out!
**arc kindly provided by the author! thank you Gemma James!**
OMG. What an emotionally charged ending to this amazing series. At this point, it's safe to say that the reader knows Rafe and Alex like the back of their hands. You've come to love this couple and to see them go through the final test of their love is truly bittersweet. I am going to miss reading about this amazing couple!
The book opens to a very depressed Alex who is mourning the loss of Rafe. She finds herself, yet again, having to pick up the pieces of her life and try to move past the heartbreak.
"Time hadn't dulled the pain, hadn't eased the betrayal of abandonment. I'd finally accepted he was gone, and that meant I had nothing left to do but live."
Without giving away any spoilers, just know that this couple is not finished fighting for each other. The inner demons that chips away at them comes to light in this book and it makes for a very emotional read. Rafe still believes that Alex is too good for the likes of him, and Alex still holds on to the memory of the mistake that she made years before that changed the kind boy she loved into the intense and angry man that he is today.
"The worst decision of my life had ricocheted for years, not only destroying Rafe but the lives of so many others."
We've seen this couple overcome MANY obstacles, but the biggest test lies in this book. Can love truly conquer all? Or is the burning need for revenge be what destroys them? You are just going to have to read and find out!
September 30, 2015
3.5 stars. What a let down......
After giving each of the first 3 books and the Condemned Series 5 star ratings and absolutely loving them, I was VERY eager to get my hands on this book, buying it the week it was released. I had enjoyed the other books in this series so much that I decided to go back and reread books 2 & 3 just to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything before I read this one, book #4. I don't regret rereading Rampant and Fervent since they were just as good the second time through. However, I now wonder if rereading those books made me even more hopeful about Vagrant, causing me to expect too much from this 4th & possibly final installment in this intense series? Like Torrent, Rampant and Fervent, Vagrant has several jaw dropping scenes and each book had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails on more than one occasion. However, I felt that the ending of Vagrant was really anti-climactic. The majority of Vagrant was great, just as creative, jaw dropping, shocking and hot as hell has the books before it yet the ending really disappointed me. I actually wonder if Ms. James was tired of the series and wanted to put an end to it? She could have gone much deeper and fleshed out several portions of Vagrant, especially the finale.
For me, the Condemned series was like going on an awesome roller coaster ride. As the ride comes to an end, the cart starts up the final hill. The last hill is the biggest hill of them all and you're sure there's going to be a vomit-inducing drop after your cart reaches the top. Once your cart finally reaches the top of that hill, you are shocked to find that there is NO drop! You are back where you started the ride, it's time to get off, the ride is over! There is no outlet to release all of the anticipation and excitement that had built up inside of you as you prepared for that final drop. You feel very disappointed.
After giving each of the first 3 books and the Condemned Series 5 star ratings and absolutely loving them, I was VERY eager to get my hands on this book, buying it the week it was released. I had enjoyed the other books in this series so much that I decided to go back and reread books 2 & 3 just to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything before I read this one, book #4. I don't regret rereading Rampant and Fervent since they were just as good the second time through. However, I now wonder if rereading those books made me even more hopeful about Vagrant, causing me to expect too much from this 4th & possibly final installment in this intense series? Like Torrent, Rampant and Fervent, Vagrant has several jaw dropping scenes and each book had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails on more than one occasion. However, I felt that the ending of Vagrant was really anti-climactic. The majority of Vagrant was great, just as creative, jaw dropping, shocking and hot as hell has the books before it yet the ending really disappointed me. I actually wonder if Ms. James was tired of the series and wanted to put an end to it? She could have gone much deeper and fleshed out several portions of Vagrant, especially the finale.
For me, the Condemned series was like going on an awesome roller coaster ride. As the ride comes to an end, the cart starts up the final hill. The last hill is the biggest hill of them all and you're sure there's going to be a vomit-inducing drop after your cart reaches the top. Once your cart finally reaches the top of that hill, you are shocked to find that there is NO drop! You are back where you started the ride, it's time to get off, the ride is over! There is no outlet to release all of the anticipation and excitement that had built up inside of you as you prepared for that final drop. You feel very disappointed.
February 6, 2016
Dark And Sexy!
The fourth, and final, book in the Condemned series, 'Vagrant' returns to the dark, heated vibe of the first book. Rage has his memory back and he's not fighting his darker urges. He wants to own Alex and expects obedience.
Alex is torn between equal parts joy, for being reunited with the man she thought had died, and anger, as she has to face the fact that Rafe chose to abandon her all those months ago. The man that Rafe has become in their time apart is more sinister than the man she has loved for years. She isn't sure she can trust this new Rafe or bring out the old Rafe that he's buried so deep.
Throughout the book, the chemistry between Rafe and Alex continued to be off-the-charts hot. The sex scenes were steamy. Rafe's new penchant for domination and humiliation of Alex led to some very kinky scenes. One punishment in particular, stands out as wrong...but oh, so right.
As the star fighter in an illegal fighting ring, Rafe is too valuable to be allowed to simply walk away. Shelton, the man heading this underground fighting ring, doesn't intend to let him go easily, and maybe not at all. He orchestrates a fight to the death between Rafe and Zach, with Alex as the prize.
Of course, that isn't the end of it. Things never go as planned. Finally, it seems that Rafe and Alex have found their HEA. However, this book left me with an unsettled feeling. It just seemed "too easy" in the end. I feel like this series might not be over after all. No way, could it have all tied up so conveniently in the end.
The fourth, and final, book in the Condemned series, 'Vagrant' returns to the dark, heated vibe of the first book. Rage has his memory back and he's not fighting his darker urges. He wants to own Alex and expects obedience.
Alex is torn between equal parts joy, for being reunited with the man she thought had died, and anger, as she has to face the fact that Rafe chose to abandon her all those months ago. The man that Rafe has become in their time apart is more sinister than the man she has loved for years. She isn't sure she can trust this new Rafe or bring out the old Rafe that he's buried so deep.
Throughout the book, the chemistry between Rafe and Alex continued to be off-the-charts hot. The sex scenes were steamy. Rafe's new penchant for domination and humiliation of Alex led to some very kinky scenes. One punishment in particular, stands out as wrong...but oh, so right.
As the star fighter in an illegal fighting ring, Rafe is too valuable to be allowed to simply walk away. Shelton, the man heading this underground fighting ring, doesn't intend to let him go easily, and maybe not at all. He orchestrates a fight to the death between Rafe and Zach, with Alex as the prize.
Of course, that isn't the end of it. Things never go as planned. Finally, it seems that Rafe and Alex have found their HEA. However, this book left me with an unsettled feeling. It just seemed "too easy" in the end. I feel like this series might not be over after all. No way, could it have all tied up so conveniently in the end.
September 12, 2015
3.5 Stars-I Don't Like This Rafe
Hm I realize the life this guy lived and continues to live makes him hard (in more ways than one), but I wasn't liking this Rafe Mason at all. Sure he would still do anything for his girl, however seemed a bit more twisted and sadistic than I remembered from the three previous books.
"I couldn't let you go no matter how hard I tried." ~ Alex
And she didn't. Alex has waited all of her life for Rafe Mason and finally has him. Rafe however has his sights set on revenge. He isn't about to let Zach get away with what he did all of those years ago. This revenge is fueling quite the fire inside Rafe and he has to expel it somehow, so it's a good thing that's exactly what Alex needs.
"I was born to be his. Until he threw me away again." ~ Alex
Alex is pretty much walking on eggshells now with Rafe as well as Jax. There is something big brewing behind the scenes and until she finds out what, Alex needs to keep her eyes and ears open. Making the wrong move can cost her dearly. Rafe is a ticking time bomb it seems and can't wait to dole out punishments. Lots of them.
"I don't deserve you, Alex. I should let you go, but I can't. I'll end up destroying you." ~ Rafe
Honestly, I wasn't too thrilled with this last installment of the Condemned series and I hate saying that as I enjoyed the others immensely. This "off the rails" Rafe was hard to connect with. He was too intense and it didn't seem like he wanted Alex the way he was suppose to. Too many rules and lessons. A bit of a turn off for me. Written from dual points of view, the book started out great for me, declined in the middle and picked up at the end.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Hm I realize the life this guy lived and continues to live makes him hard (in more ways than one), but I wasn't liking this Rafe Mason at all. Sure he would still do anything for his girl, however seemed a bit more twisted and sadistic than I remembered from the three previous books.
"I couldn't let you go no matter how hard I tried." ~ Alex
And she didn't. Alex has waited all of her life for Rafe Mason and finally has him. Rafe however has his sights set on revenge. He isn't about to let Zach get away with what he did all of those years ago. This revenge is fueling quite the fire inside Rafe and he has to expel it somehow, so it's a good thing that's exactly what Alex needs.
"I was born to be his. Until he threw me away again." ~ Alex
Alex is pretty much walking on eggshells now with Rafe as well as Jax. There is something big brewing behind the scenes and until she finds out what, Alex needs to keep her eyes and ears open. Making the wrong move can cost her dearly. Rafe is a ticking time bomb it seems and can't wait to dole out punishments. Lots of them.
"I don't deserve you, Alex. I should let you go, but I can't. I'll end up destroying you." ~ Rafe
Honestly, I wasn't too thrilled with this last installment of the Condemned series and I hate saying that as I enjoyed the others immensely. This "off the rails" Rafe was hard to connect with. He was too intense and it didn't seem like he wanted Alex the way he was suppose to. Too many rules and lessons. A bit of a turn off for me. Written from dual points of view, the book started out great for me, declined in the middle and picked up at the end.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
October 7, 2015
To say I'm disappointed in this last instalment of the Condemned series would be an understatement. This book is a prime example of an author stretching the hell out of a story for financial gain. There was not a single worthy plot point that made this book necessary and you could tell that the author herself had lost interest in her characters. It's all bollocks, honestly; save time and money and read something else.
September 21, 2015
Would have been 5 Stars but I didn't care for this Rafe at all.
September 15, 2015
Vagrant picks up six months after Fervent ended, and Rafe is back to claim Alex once and for all.
If I’m to be completely honest, I was expecting a lot more from the final book in the Series. I had enjoyed everything, for the most part, up to this point. I was thrilled that Rafe got his memories back at the end of the last book, but if I would have known what to expect because of it then I would have been singing a different tune.
Rafe always had dark desires. He was always controlling. But I felt that he took EVERYTHING to the extreme here and I missed the Rafe that had amnesia. He claimed to love Alex, but I couldn’t see it. Not really. Toward the end there were some moments of connecting, but everything else he did made me feel like she was a thing, and not a person. And with as much as she had been through, I was hoping to see him change just a little. Not get worse.
Alex, on the other hand, grew a lot in the six months apart. She had more of a backbone. Was more defiant. And there were a few scenes that made me so damn proud of her. I just wish she was strong enough to let go of Rafe. I’m telling you, this book really made me not like him.
In the end, I’d have to give Vagrant 3 stars. For this being the end of the series, I sure was left with a lot of questions. Primarily what happened to Jax? Did he take care of their problem, or do Rafe and Alex still have people searching for them? I felt that these questions should have been answered before closing the story. It was a quick read, and I did enjoy parts of it. But other parts left me feeling a bit … empty.
If I’m to be completely honest, I was expecting a lot more from the final book in the Series. I had enjoyed everything, for the most part, up to this point. I was thrilled that Rafe got his memories back at the end of the last book, but if I would have known what to expect because of it then I would have been singing a different tune.
Rafe always had dark desires. He was always controlling. But I felt that he took EVERYTHING to the extreme here and I missed the Rafe that had amnesia. He claimed to love Alex, but I couldn’t see it. Not really. Toward the end there were some moments of connecting, but everything else he did made me feel like she was a thing, and not a person. And with as much as she had been through, I was hoping to see him change just a little. Not get worse.
Alex, on the other hand, grew a lot in the six months apart. She had more of a backbone. Was more defiant. And there were a few scenes that made me so damn proud of her. I just wish she was strong enough to let go of Rafe. I’m telling you, this book really made me not like him.
In the end, I’d have to give Vagrant 3 stars. For this being the end of the series, I sure was left with a lot of questions. Primarily what happened to Jax? Did he take care of their problem, or do Rafe and Alex still have people searching for them? I felt that these questions should have been answered before closing the story. It was a quick read, and I did enjoy parts of it. But other parts left me feeling a bit … empty.
September 15, 2015
This whole series had a firm hold on me from page one! I'm so glad I was able to read them one after the other until the end, I'm pretty sure the wait for the next book would've killed me. They're dark, they're sexy, and the series ends with a most fantastic HEA. What more can you ask for?
When I first received this ARC I immediately jumped in, not realizing it was a series needing to be read in order. It took me 40% of the book before I realized something was terribly wrong, lol. Don't do what I did. Start with Torrent, and get it while it's free!! (Rampant- book 2 is also free right now!)
In the start of the series Rafe is sent to prison for YEARS after Alex accused him of rape, which was a complete lie. You'll learn all about that when you read the series. Since then, Alex's brother Zach has attacked Rafe and caused him to lose his memories but now they're back. Now that his memories have returned he has to deal with Alex's betrayal all over again. He was a pretty tame guy when he suffered amnesia, but in this book we get the full dark beast we had before and I loved it.
While he's dark and dangerous, he also loves Alex more than anything else in this world and is willing to risk everything, even life to keep her safe. He's already proven this by going so far as to leave her for several months thinking that was the best thing for her. But his love for her, and the impending danger from her brother has brought him back into her life. Zach needs to be dealt with or Alex will never be free from threat the rest of her life. There ends up being an underground fight between Rafe and Zach scheduled where it's clear only one of them will be walking away and the ultimate prize is Alex, herself. But will Alex allow herself to be a "prize" in such a high stakes situation? Would she ever forgive Rafe for killing Zach? Despite all the torture, rape and emotional abuse he's put her through he's still her stepbrother and has been acting out of a warped vision of love. Could Rafe ever forgive himself if he killed him? What if Zach were to win...what would happen to Alex? Before the scheduled bout there's many other issues to be worked out between Rafe and Alex, and not all of them are pretty.
It's difficult to write a review that isn't a review of the whole series, and this series has so many unexpected twists and turns that I don't want to ruin it for you. Just know that although there are many losses and regrets throughout, the ending is well worth all the misery. I highly recommend this to any other dark erotic romance fans out there. The sex is kinky and blazing hot, and the emotions run high from start to finish.
When I first received this ARC I immediately jumped in, not realizing it was a series needing to be read in order. It took me 40% of the book before I realized something was terribly wrong, lol. Don't do what I did. Start with Torrent, and get it while it's free!! (Rampant- book 2 is also free right now!)
In the start of the series Rafe is sent to prison for YEARS after Alex accused him of rape, which was a complete lie. You'll learn all about that when you read the series. Since then, Alex's brother Zach has attacked Rafe and caused him to lose his memories but now they're back. Now that his memories have returned he has to deal with Alex's betrayal all over again. He was a pretty tame guy when he suffered amnesia, but in this book we get the full dark beast we had before and I loved it.
While he's dark and dangerous, he also loves Alex more than anything else in this world and is willing to risk everything, even life to keep her safe. He's already proven this by going so far as to leave her for several months thinking that was the best thing for her. But his love for her, and the impending danger from her brother has brought him back into her life. Zach needs to be dealt with or Alex will never be free from threat the rest of her life. There ends up being an underground fight between Rafe and Zach scheduled where it's clear only one of them will be walking away and the ultimate prize is Alex, herself. But will Alex allow herself to be a "prize" in such a high stakes situation? Would she ever forgive Rafe for killing Zach? Despite all the torture, rape and emotional abuse he's put her through he's still her stepbrother and has been acting out of a warped vision of love. Could Rafe ever forgive himself if he killed him? What if Zach were to win...what would happen to Alex? Before the scheduled bout there's many other issues to be worked out between Rafe and Alex, and not all of them are pretty.
It's difficult to write a review that isn't a review of the whole series, and this series has so many unexpected twists and turns that I don't want to ruin it for you. Just know that although there are many losses and regrets throughout, the ending is well worth all the misery. I highly recommend this to any other dark erotic romance fans out there. The sex is kinky and blazing hot, and the emotions run high from start to finish.
September 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
*ARC provided for an honest review*
I'm having a hard time rating this one. As much as I liked the Condemned series Vagrant didn't live up to my expectations.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
I'm having a hard time rating this one. As much as I liked the Condemned series Vagrant didn't live up to my expectations.
September 15, 2015
Review on BadAndDirtyBooks
I have been patiently waiting for the final installment in the Condemned Series and now that it's over I'm both happy and sad. Happy because it was beyond a perfect ending and sad cause I would love more stories about Rafe and Alex.
Holy shit what an amazing final book. Just reading the first chapter and I felt like I was coming home to see a long lost friend.
It picks up right where Fervent ended. Rafe told Alex that he would return to her after he went to help his friend Jax. But he didn't and now six months have passed. Rafe now returns to claim his woman but also because her stepbrother Zach, who kidnapped her in the second book Rampant, has escaped prison. It's a very dark, gritty and highly erotic ride. I loved it.
I'm in awe of Alex. Her strength is unbelievable. After everything Zach and what she put herself through, she's still standing because of her undying love for Rafe. She's seen and experienced so much pain and suffering but Rafe uses his own darkness to harness and ease her pain.
Rafe is darkness personified. He's also experienced pain and suffering but also loss in the hands of Alex. But his pride and love for Alex is too strong and great. She brings out both the sweet, caring but also the very dark, rough but protective Rafe. Especially during sex is Rafe one dark and painful man. But only because that's how Alex likes him. These scenes are so erotic and intense. I could actually feel them release their pain in one another.
"We both knew our true bindings; the invisible line, born of pain and devastation, which connected our hearts. Nothing on earth could sever that, not even six months, during which I'd tumbled down the path of no return,"
Rafe and Alex have so much history together and their chemistry create flames instead of sparks. I love them both because of their strength and their flaws. They have endured so much darkness and have been broken beyond repair but together they come out stronger.
Gemma James has done it again. This book has everything I loved from the whole series. I fell in love with Torrent and the love for Rafe and Alex grew stronger with Rampant, then Fervent. Now it exploded with Vagrant. I'm very pleased and now when I think of the Condemned Series, it will be with a huge smile on my face.
5 BadAssDirtyButDarkAndVeryEroticStars
ARC generously provided by the author for an honest review
I have been patiently waiting for the final installment in the Condemned Series and now that it's over I'm both happy and sad. Happy because it was beyond a perfect ending and sad cause I would love more stories about Rafe and Alex.
Holy shit what an amazing final book. Just reading the first chapter and I felt like I was coming home to see a long lost friend.
It picks up right where Fervent ended. Rafe told Alex that he would return to her after he went to help his friend Jax. But he didn't and now six months have passed. Rafe now returns to claim his woman but also because her stepbrother Zach, who kidnapped her in the second book Rampant, has escaped prison. It's a very dark, gritty and highly erotic ride. I loved it.
I'm in awe of Alex. Her strength is unbelievable. After everything Zach and what she put herself through, she's still standing because of her undying love for Rafe. She's seen and experienced so much pain and suffering but Rafe uses his own darkness to harness and ease her pain.
Rafe is darkness personified. He's also experienced pain and suffering but also loss in the hands of Alex. But his pride and love for Alex is too strong and great. She brings out both the sweet, caring but also the very dark, rough but protective Rafe. Especially during sex is Rafe one dark and painful man. But only because that's how Alex likes him. These scenes are so erotic and intense. I could actually feel them release their pain in one another.
"We both knew our true bindings; the invisible line, born of pain and devastation, which connected our hearts. Nothing on earth could sever that, not even six months, during which I'd tumbled down the path of no return,"
Rafe and Alex have so much history together and their chemistry create flames instead of sparks. I love them both because of their strength and their flaws. They have endured so much darkness and have been broken beyond repair but together they come out stronger.
Gemma James has done it again. This book has everything I loved from the whole series. I fell in love with Torrent and the love for Rafe and Alex grew stronger with Rampant, then Fervent. Now it exploded with Vagrant. I'm very pleased and now when I think of the Condemned Series, it will be with a huge smile on my face.
5 BadAssDirtyButDarkAndVeryEroticStars
ARC generously provided by the author for an honest review
July 5, 2016
***** 5 "Never Letting You Go" Stars *****
Gemma James....HOT DAMN GIRL....this series WAS PHENOMENAL!!!!
"His darkness owns me. Consumes me. Bends me. Heals me.
Alex is trying to come to terms with the decision that Rage made at the end of book 3. When she finally thinks she has her life under some what control, she is greeted with her past that she had hoped for 6 months ago.
Rafe and Alex's journey to keep her safe is met with road block after road block and truths that won't necessarily set them free.
Hold on tight because this finale will take you on ride of sexy goodness and breath holding drama.
Miss James you are propped yourself nicely on my fave authors shelf.
Gemma James....HOT DAMN GIRL....this series WAS PHENOMENAL!!!!
"His darkness owns me. Consumes me. Bends me. Heals me.
Alex is trying to come to terms with the decision that Rage made at the end of book 3. When she finally thinks she has her life under some what control, she is greeted with her past that she had hoped for 6 months ago.
Rafe and Alex's journey to keep her safe is met with road block after road block and truths that won't necessarily set them free.
Hold on tight because this finale will take you on ride of sexy goodness and breath holding drama.
Miss James you are propped yourself nicely on my fave authors shelf.
September 21, 2015
Too anti climactic for me
June 10, 2017
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
3 Stars!
Dark, twisted kind of love...
The Review:
I have mixed feelings about this book. First, I liked that we got a sufficient ending to Rafe and Alex’s story, but at the same time, I also think this book was tame compared to the first three. I’m glad Rafe and Alex finally got to a place where things seemed somewhat settled, but the author went full throttle with the first three books and it seemed almost like in this book, she wanted to save and somewhat redeem her characters more than letting them be who they really were. Dark, vengeful and bad-ass!
I enjoy edgy, gritty, twisted reads and this series has been fantastic since the first! I’ve loved Rafe and Alex’s journey the whole way through. I just think this book lost some of it’s edge, and could have used a bit more of what I loved so much from the first three.
Let me explain...
Story/Characters...
Rafe and Alex’s story ends the way it begins ... dark, sexy and totally screwed up. They aren’t normal and in this last installment of the Condemned series, it’s proven once again their abnormal kind of love, works for them.
Rafe is a different man now. In the three previous books, we see conflicting sides to Rafe each time. The first book, he’s bent on revenge. In book two, he’s lost his memory and a we see a softer side to him, though the darkness peeks through occasionally. In book three, we see a desperate Rafe as he tries to find a way to free himself and Alex from the clutches of madmen. And now, in this book, he’s a culmination of all three of those Rafe’s, both loving and vengeful, and determined to embrace his darkness, taking Alex along for the ride. Old enemies resurface and Rafe and Alex have one final challenge before they can fully live out their darkly-ever-after.
I’ve enjoyed this series ever since the captivating moment in the first book where Rafe steals Alex away and we slowly find out why he’s so hardened and why she’s so guilty. And I’ve enjoyed all the different facets of each character as their layers were revealed, especially Rafe’s. He’s one complex man and poor Alex is so guilt ridden (as she should be!), it’s heartbreaking. One lie broke so many lives.
Rafe loves Alex’s tears and she gives them to him in spades in this book ... almost a little too much. I’ll be honest, I got a little tired of all her “tears”. She’s a bit stronger in this book, finally accepting her role in things and seeing the damage she caused. Rafe has a choice to make a yet again, someone else is pulling his strings. But Alex is desperate to save what little bit of humanity she feels is left in Rafe. I both loved and hated that. Loved, because she showed how much she cared and how far she was willing to go for the man she loved, but also hated, because Rafe exploring his darkness is always sexy!
I also wanted to see Alex a little more on equal ground with Rafe. He's so unrelenting in this book, which is who I’ve come to expect him to be but at the same time, it also gave Alex NO room to be her own person. So see. I’m on the fence about this book.
The Wrap Up:
With a world of people plaguing their relationship from the start, Alex and Rafe finally found a way to conquer it all and find their own kind of happy. I enjoyed this book, but I think it was missing something fundamental that the first three books had. Plus the story itself just felt ... off.
Though I didn’t get the satisfying last book I wanted, I still very much love this series, love this author and know I can always count on her books to give me the darkness when I crave it!
3 Stars!
Dark, twisted kind of love...
The Review:
I have mixed feelings about this book. First, I liked that we got a sufficient ending to Rafe and Alex’s story, but at the same time, I also think this book was tame compared to the first three. I’m glad Rafe and Alex finally got to a place where things seemed somewhat settled, but the author went full throttle with the first three books and it seemed almost like in this book, she wanted to save and somewhat redeem her characters more than letting them be who they really were. Dark, vengeful and bad-ass!
I enjoy edgy, gritty, twisted reads and this series has been fantastic since the first! I’ve loved Rafe and Alex’s journey the whole way through. I just think this book lost some of it’s edge, and could have used a bit more of what I loved so much from the first three.
Let me explain...
Story/Characters...
Rafe and Alex’s story ends the way it begins ... dark, sexy and totally screwed up. They aren’t normal and in this last installment of the Condemned series, it’s proven once again their abnormal kind of love, works for them.
Rafe is a different man now. In the three previous books, we see conflicting sides to Rafe each time. The first book, he’s bent on revenge. In book two, he’s lost his memory and a we see a softer side to him, though the darkness peeks through occasionally. In book three, we see a desperate Rafe as he tries to find a way to free himself and Alex from the clutches of madmen. And now, in this book, he’s a culmination of all three of those Rafe’s, both loving and vengeful, and determined to embrace his darkness, taking Alex along for the ride. Old enemies resurface and Rafe and Alex have one final challenge before they can fully live out their darkly-ever-after.
I’ve enjoyed this series ever since the captivating moment in the first book where Rafe steals Alex away and we slowly find out why he’s so hardened and why she’s so guilty. And I’ve enjoyed all the different facets of each character as their layers were revealed, especially Rafe’s. He’s one complex man and poor Alex is so guilt ridden (as she should be!), it’s heartbreaking. One lie broke so many lives.
Rafe loves Alex’s tears and she gives them to him in spades in this book ... almost a little too much. I’ll be honest, I got a little tired of all her “tears”. She’s a bit stronger in this book, finally accepting her role in things and seeing the damage she caused. Rafe has a choice to make a yet again, someone else is pulling his strings. But Alex is desperate to save what little bit of humanity she feels is left in Rafe. I both loved and hated that. Loved, because she showed how much she cared and how far she was willing to go for the man she loved, but also hated, because Rafe exploring his darkness is always sexy!
I also wanted to see Alex a little more on equal ground with Rafe. He's so unrelenting in this book, which is who I’ve come to expect him to be but at the same time, it also gave Alex NO room to be her own person. So see. I’m on the fence about this book.
The Wrap Up:
With a world of people plaguing their relationship from the start, Alex and Rafe finally found a way to conquer it all and find their own kind of happy. I enjoyed this book, but I think it was missing something fundamental that the first three books had. Plus the story itself just felt ... off.
Though I didn’t get the satisfying last book I wanted, I still very much love this series, love this author and know I can always count on her books to give me the darkness when I crave it!
September 14, 2015
Book Review: Vagrant by Gemma James
15 SEP BY KATHY READS FICTION
Vagrant by Gemma James
Published by Self-Published on September 15, 2015
Pages: 156
Book Review: Vagrant by Gemma JamesSeries: Condemned #4
Format: eARC
This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is the conclusion to Alex and Rafe's story.
I’ve finally got what I want.
Rafe Mason loves me.
He’s forgiven me.
Survived for me.
Killed for me.
But is it enough?
His darkness owns me.
Consumes me.
Bends me.
Heals me.
Loving him shouldn’t be this hard.
Amazon B&N.com iBooks Goodreads
My final thoughts:
While the intensity and grit are strong in Vagrant, the ebb and flow of the book has me wishing there had been more emotion to Rafe and Alex’s story. This is still a series I highly recommend to those who can handle the dark and sexually scary.
My review:
I’ve been a fan of the Condemned series since the first book was released, each leaving me begging for a resolution to the white-knuckling finish in each of the previous books. This is one of the things I love most about Gemma James’s books – she leaves you begging for more while providing a complete story in few words, always delivering a sharp-edged story, and picks up in a sequel exactly where the previous book left off. Vagrant is raw and extremely gritty in the sadistic nature of its characters. Every character in this story is sick and twisted, and the tone of the book reflects that darkness. Before reading any further, know that this series is meant to be read in order, so there may be unintentional spoilers to those who haven’t read the first three books in the series.
Rafe is even more sadistic in this installment than the others, as he’s finally coming into his true nature and bearing the psychological pain of all that happened to him in prison. His treatment of Alex, the woman he professes to love, is so barbaric that the love I had for him evaporated quickly. He still had his tender side in caring for Alex, but it remained shadowed by his vicious punishments. Just when I thought Alex was going to and should hate him, I realized that she is just as sick and twisted as Rafe, needing the punishments he doled; they were the balm to all the pain she’s experienced the hand of her brother, Zach. In a sick and weirdly anti-therapeutic way, Rafe’s cruel treatment of Alex seems to be the preventive care to Alex’s own masochism. I found myself hating Rafe more than loving him and wanting Alex to escape him as much as I always wanted her to escape Zach. Sadly, their brokenness is the glue that holds them together and provides what each of them need.
The really twisted piece in this entire series is that Rafe’s treatment of Alex is eerily not that different from Zach. Both of these men are perverted, so it’s simply a matter of who is doing the act and not the act being done in their carnal cruelty. While the intensity and grit are there, the ebb and flow of the book has me wishing there had been more emotion to Rafe and Alex’s story. I didn’t feel the emotional connection, and it seemed to be more of a rushed resolution for Alex and Rafe. The same intense climax as I felt in the other installments was tame in comparison, making Vagrant my least favorite in the series. With that said, this is still a series I highly recommend to those who can handle the dark and sexually scary, and Gemma James is the reigning queen mistress of delivering vicious, twisted, and sexually perverted stories.
15 SEP BY KATHY READS FICTION
Vagrant by Gemma James
Published by Self-Published on September 15, 2015
Pages: 156
Book Review: Vagrant by Gemma JamesSeries: Condemned #4
Format: eARC
This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is the conclusion to Alex and Rafe's story.
I’ve finally got what I want.
Rafe Mason loves me.
He’s forgiven me.
Survived for me.
Killed for me.
But is it enough?
His darkness owns me.
Consumes me.
Bends me.
Heals me.
Loving him shouldn’t be this hard.
Amazon B&N.com iBooks Goodreads
My final thoughts:
While the intensity and grit are strong in Vagrant, the ebb and flow of the book has me wishing there had been more emotion to Rafe and Alex’s story. This is still a series I highly recommend to those who can handle the dark and sexually scary.
My review:
I’ve been a fan of the Condemned series since the first book was released, each leaving me begging for a resolution to the white-knuckling finish in each of the previous books. This is one of the things I love most about Gemma James’s books – she leaves you begging for more while providing a complete story in few words, always delivering a sharp-edged story, and picks up in a sequel exactly where the previous book left off. Vagrant is raw and extremely gritty in the sadistic nature of its characters. Every character in this story is sick and twisted, and the tone of the book reflects that darkness. Before reading any further, know that this series is meant to be read in order, so there may be unintentional spoilers to those who haven’t read the first three books in the series.
Rafe is even more sadistic in this installment than the others, as he’s finally coming into his true nature and bearing the psychological pain of all that happened to him in prison. His treatment of Alex, the woman he professes to love, is so barbaric that the love I had for him evaporated quickly. He still had his tender side in caring for Alex, but it remained shadowed by his vicious punishments. Just when I thought Alex was going to and should hate him, I realized that she is just as sick and twisted as Rafe, needing the punishments he doled; they were the balm to all the pain she’s experienced the hand of her brother, Zach. In a sick and weirdly anti-therapeutic way, Rafe’s cruel treatment of Alex seems to be the preventive care to Alex’s own masochism. I found myself hating Rafe more than loving him and wanting Alex to escape him as much as I always wanted her to escape Zach. Sadly, their brokenness is the glue that holds them together and provides what each of them need.
The really twisted piece in this entire series is that Rafe’s treatment of Alex is eerily not that different from Zach. Both of these men are perverted, so it’s simply a matter of who is doing the act and not the act being done in their carnal cruelty. While the intensity and grit are there, the ebb and flow of the book has me wishing there had been more emotion to Rafe and Alex’s story. I didn’t feel the emotional connection, and it seemed to be more of a rushed resolution for Alex and Rafe. The same intense climax as I felt in the other installments was tame in comparison, making Vagrant my least favorite in the series. With that said, this is still a series I highly recommend to those who can handle the dark and sexually scary, and Gemma James is the reigning queen mistress of delivering vicious, twisted, and sexually perverted stories.
January 27, 2016
Vagrant by Gemma James
Rafe & Alex's Conclusion
YOUR HOME IS UNDERNEATH ME
5 Stars because 10 is (again) not an option!
Sooooo... This is it! This is the end of an era! I loved it, I hated it, and I wanted to start the series all over again! God help me, but I'm a dirty, filthy whore who can't get enough of this tale of woe and despair. This is the fourth and FINAL installment of the Condemned series and I feel like a part of me will forever be left on the pages of this invigorating tale. Gemma James is the instigator behind this chilling story and she's perfected the cringe worthy dialogue to a tee!
Rafe... God, Rafe! He's gone, he's back, and he's mean as ever! I knew he'd be back. How in the world was he ever going to stay away from his one true love? Some would say that's fighting, but we know better, don't we? I like this new and improved Rafe... the memory is back, "The Choker" is on his game, and this time he's got a plan. It may be a totally fucked up plan, but at least this time he has one! Hells Bells I love this man!
Now our beautifully broken Alex isn't so broken anymore. She's done some major growing up since Fervent. She seems more sensible... more wise... and.. well.. normal! Don't get me wrong, she's still pretty fucked up, but I think her head is in a better place now. The hairs on the back of my neck still stand on end when Rafe orders her around and punishes her, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to waking my hubs up in the middle of the night for a little "face down ass up" after reading that punishment scene! Holy fucking HOT!!!!
Again, as usual, this is a "can't put down" kinda book. It's tragic, it's comical, and it's still astonishing. Rafe and Alex are like a part of me that I will never surrender. All their damage, all their pain, and all the blood, sweat, and tears I'd take all over again if it meant that I could read this for the first time, one more time. Well, it's definitely one of the best conclusion I've read in a really long time. It had the perfect build up and the characters (lead and supporting) were fantastically horrifying and realistic. Gemma's writing style is one of the best in the business and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I laughed though tears and had mini heart attacks while engulfed in this incredible story. I love your word girl. I love your characters. AND I love you!!!
Rafe & Alex's Conclusion
YOUR HOME IS UNDERNEATH ME
5 Stars because 10 is (again) not an option!
Sooooo... This is it! This is the end of an era! I loved it, I hated it, and I wanted to start the series all over again! God help me, but I'm a dirty, filthy whore who can't get enough of this tale of woe and despair. This is the fourth and FINAL installment of the Condemned series and I feel like a part of me will forever be left on the pages of this invigorating tale. Gemma James is the instigator behind this chilling story and she's perfected the cringe worthy dialogue to a tee!
Rafe... God, Rafe! He's gone, he's back, and he's mean as ever! I knew he'd be back. How in the world was he ever going to stay away from his one true love? Some would say that's fighting, but we know better, don't we? I like this new and improved Rafe... the memory is back, "The Choker" is on his game, and this time he's got a plan. It may be a totally fucked up plan, but at least this time he has one! Hells Bells I love this man!
Now our beautifully broken Alex isn't so broken anymore. She's done some major growing up since Fervent. She seems more sensible... more wise... and.. well.. normal! Don't get me wrong, she's still pretty fucked up, but I think her head is in a better place now. The hairs on the back of my neck still stand on end when Rafe orders her around and punishes her, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to waking my hubs up in the middle of the night for a little "face down ass up" after reading that punishment scene! Holy fucking HOT!!!!
Again, as usual, this is a "can't put down" kinda book. It's tragic, it's comical, and it's still astonishing. Rafe and Alex are like a part of me that I will never surrender. All their damage, all their pain, and all the blood, sweat, and tears I'd take all over again if it meant that I could read this for the first time, one more time. Well, it's definitely one of the best conclusion I've read in a really long time. It had the perfect build up and the characters (lead and supporting) were fantastically horrifying and realistic. Gemma's writing style is one of the best in the business and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I laughed though tears and had mini heart attacks while engulfed in this incredible story. I love your word girl. I love your characters. AND I love you!!!
October 13, 2015
Gemma, YOU DID IT TO ME AGAIN! GAH. I would ask myself why I keep coming back for more, but you write some fantastic stories and I can NOT get enough!
This is the conclusion of the Condemned series, and if you haven’t read the first three, YOU NEED TO RIGHT NOW!
Rafe and Alex are back! And thank goodness I had done laundry first, as my panties ended up damp at some points. Rafe is back to the person we first met—all broody, alpha, and oh so dominant male. If he was a real person, I might have to off Alex and take my turn.
Alex is… well I don’t want to give too much away, but she is conflicted. She has a lot of decisions to make, feelings to come to terms with, and fears to deal with.
I love Gemma’s writing style. She is able to portray emotions through the pages and make you feel right along with the characters. She also makes the characters real for you. I had a hard time near the end of this book knowing that I was almost done and not wanting the story to ever end. ~ Devlynn, 5 stars
~~~
I think each time I read one of Gemma’s books, I want to throw my Kindle at various parts of it… I’m not sure what I read or what actually happened, but I love every moment of it. She stretches my mind to the brink, to where I wonder if this could be what I’m reading. Alas, it is, and Alex and Rafe still have more of a story to tell. I’m not convinced that it’s really over but until I find out more, I’ll accept where we are.
I will say, please Gemma I need more Jax in my life I need to know so much more about him. He’s an enigma and I feel like there is more for us to learn. Parts of the story wrapped up remarkably well and others, I keep wanting more. In my world, that’s the sign of a spectacular author. She’s leaving just enough open for the possibility of more
Thank you for introducing us to a different world. Actions do have consequences. Love is an amazing part of both actions and the consequences, and you never know what the future holds. ~ Heather, 4.5 stars
~~~
The angel on my shoulder is screaming for dear life, while the devil on the other shoulder is rejoicing in pure dark bliss. This book had all the WTFs. Every twisted fantasy that your mind could conjure appeared in this book!
I feel like I have to put emphasis on this. Vagrant was a twisted mind screw. I was turned on while being disgusted with myself for being so. I was completely pulled out of my comfort zone, while being surprised at how far my zone actually stretched. If you like vanilla, this book isn't for you. If you like to be transported into a dark fantasy that will make you forget your name, then this book is a must read! ~ Kelly, 4 stars
This is the conclusion of the Condemned series, and if you haven’t read the first three, YOU NEED TO RIGHT NOW!
Rafe and Alex are back! And thank goodness I had done laundry first, as my panties ended up damp at some points. Rafe is back to the person we first met—all broody, alpha, and oh so dominant male. If he was a real person, I might have to off Alex and take my turn.
Alex is… well I don’t want to give too much away, but she is conflicted. She has a lot of decisions to make, feelings to come to terms with, and fears to deal with.
I love Gemma’s writing style. She is able to portray emotions through the pages and make you feel right along with the characters. She also makes the characters real for you. I had a hard time near the end of this book knowing that I was almost done and not wanting the story to ever end. ~ Devlynn, 5 stars
~~~
I think each time I read one of Gemma’s books, I want to throw my Kindle at various parts of it… I’m not sure what I read or what actually happened, but I love every moment of it. She stretches my mind to the brink, to where I wonder if this could be what I’m reading. Alas, it is, and Alex and Rafe still have more of a story to tell. I’m not convinced that it’s really over but until I find out more, I’ll accept where we are.
I will say, please Gemma I need more Jax in my life I need to know so much more about him. He’s an enigma and I feel like there is more for us to learn. Parts of the story wrapped up remarkably well and others, I keep wanting more. In my world, that’s the sign of a spectacular author. She’s leaving just enough open for the possibility of more
Thank you for introducing us to a different world. Actions do have consequences. Love is an amazing part of both actions and the consequences, and you never know what the future holds. ~ Heather, 4.5 stars
~~~
The angel on my shoulder is screaming for dear life, while the devil on the other shoulder is rejoicing in pure dark bliss. This book had all the WTFs. Every twisted fantasy that your mind could conjure appeared in this book!
I feel like I have to put emphasis on this. Vagrant was a twisted mind screw. I was turned on while being disgusted with myself for being so. I was completely pulled out of my comfort zone, while being surprised at how far my zone actually stretched. If you like vanilla, this book isn't for you. If you like to be transported into a dark fantasy that will make you forget your name, then this book is a must read! ~ Kelly, 4 stars
September 13, 2015
This is book four and the conclusion to Rafe and Alex's story. I really didn't want this book or series to end.
The storyline keeps up the fast paced grittiness that we got in the previous books. Rafe and Alex are still running from their past. Will they find peace and a happy ever after? Well you'll have to read to find out.
I absolutely loved and inhaled this book like I did with the previous books. It's certainly not for the faint hearted but I'm convinced my mind is totally warped from reading these books.. Lol
I thought the author wrote a great series and I'm really sad it's ended. My fingers are crossed she writes some more dark epicness:)!
The storyline keeps up the fast paced grittiness that we got in the previous books. Rafe and Alex are still running from their past. Will they find peace and a happy ever after? Well you'll have to read to find out.
I absolutely loved and inhaled this book like I did with the previous books. It's certainly not for the faint hearted but I'm convinced my mind is totally warped from reading these books.. Lol
I thought the author wrote a great series and I'm really sad it's ended. My fingers are crossed she writes some more dark epicness:)!
January 9, 2018
Ms. James warns us that this series is dark, sexually explicit and violent. That it may be unsuitable for some readers. Well let me tell you, I will surely be reading the Condemned series over and over again. It was erotic, dark, devious and I loved every minute of it. And, I'm thrilled I waited until the series was finished to start reading it otherwise I would have been off the wall waiting for each and every one. Now, I only need to wait six more days until Deviant is released. I can do it, I can do it, I can do it!!! *silently screams*
June 13, 2022
Rafe and Alex's story came to a great conclusion!
This couple has endured so much, and been hurt too much, but they are surviving and doing the best they can do.
That scene with Jax and Rafe was so hot and carnal!
Highly recommend this series!
This couple has endured so much, and been hurt too much, but they are surviving and doing the best they can do.
That scene with Jax and Rafe was so hot and carnal!
Highly recommend this series!
September 15, 2015
What a rush! A high-octane, gritty and heavily erotic conclusion to one of my favorite dark romance series.
If you are looking for something sweet, light, and romantic then turn around and run away, OR you can run towards the darkness and try something new with this incredible dark erotic series. Believe me, it is worth the risk.
Alex and Rafe have been through so much. It was bittersweet to have their story come to an end. I was thrilled for them to finally get the happy ending they deserve, and I was sad to say goodbye to these beautifully damaged, complex couple.
This fast-moving final chapter continues with the ever-growing struggle that these two face with their past and with their enemies, old and new. We open up to Alex struggling to pick up the pieces with Rafe gone from her life. She is grieving the loss, but not fully accepting the fact that he is no longer by her side to make her feel whole. Little does she know, Rafe isn't done with her yet. Still dealing with his inner demons, he decides he can no longer stay away. Their reunion takes them back to the very beginning. The helplessness, the pleasurable pain, the feeling of giving up control comes rushing to the forefront, giving us an incredibly emotionally charged story that will rip at your heart and mess with your mind.
An epic battle of revenge and love occur in this fantastic conclusion of a dark and memorable series. What a crazy ride this has been! Gemma James is a great dark erotic writer and I hope she continues to give us page after page of twisted naughty goodness. I'm excited to see what she has up her sleeve.
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
If you are looking for something sweet, light, and romantic then turn around and run away, OR you can run towards the darkness and try something new with this incredible dark erotic series. Believe me, it is worth the risk.
Alex and Rafe have been through so much. It was bittersweet to have their story come to an end. I was thrilled for them to finally get the happy ending they deserve, and I was sad to say goodbye to these beautifully damaged, complex couple.
This fast-moving final chapter continues with the ever-growing struggle that these two face with their past and with their enemies, old and new. We open up to Alex struggling to pick up the pieces with Rafe gone from her life. She is grieving the loss, but not fully accepting the fact that he is no longer by her side to make her feel whole. Little does she know, Rafe isn't done with her yet. Still dealing with his inner demons, he decides he can no longer stay away. Their reunion takes them back to the very beginning. The helplessness, the pleasurable pain, the feeling of giving up control comes rushing to the forefront, giving us an incredibly emotionally charged story that will rip at your heart and mess with your mind.
An epic battle of revenge and love occur in this fantastic conclusion of a dark and memorable series. What a crazy ride this has been! Gemma James is a great dark erotic writer and I hope she continues to give us page after page of twisted naughty goodness. I'm excited to see what she has up her sleeve.
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 21, 2023
Overall ⭐️⭐️/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶 /5
Spice quality 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
I had high hopes for this book, but it really was lacking. It felt like filler chapters with nothing really happening.
Alex is the same, all about Rafe. He is all about Alex and wants her to talk about everything and never lie to him, but the moment she wants him to talk about anything, he shuts down and uses sleeping with her as a way to distract her.
It all doesn't seem very healthy, and I do hope that it changes. The premise of this book is fantastic. I just think the contents of this book could have been put in the book before this.
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶 /5
Spice quality 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
I had high hopes for this book, but it really was lacking. It felt like filler chapters with nothing really happening.
Alex is the same, all about Rafe. He is all about Alex and wants her to talk about everything and never lie to him, but the moment she wants him to talk about anything, he shuts down and uses sleeping with her as a way to distract her.
It all doesn't seem very healthy, and I do hope that it changes. The premise of this book is fantastic. I just think the contents of this book could have been put in the book before this.
October 3, 2015
AHHHHHH! No Gemma you can't end the series like that! I have so many unanswered questions, like where did Zach go, does he leave Alex alone, and do Rafe and Alex every get married?
I really hope there is another book, or at least a spin offjust so I can have some closure.
I really hope there is another book, or at least a spin offjust so I can have some closure.
January 31, 2016
HOLY MOTHER. My head, heart and soul are in a clusterfuck of emotions that I don't think I understand. The sexual vibes and the intense tension? God. I definitely needed more than a pair of panties and fuck, I'd happily kneel for Rafe. That's all. [Full Review Coming].
Want to read
July 25, 2025Vagrant is Part 4 in the Condemned series.
Extremely dark. Extremely disturbing themes. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned.
Need to finish this series!
#4 of
Condemned Series: Books 1-4
Prch Amz February 8, 2016
Extremely dark. Extremely disturbing themes. Not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned.
Need to finish this series!
#4 of
Condemned Series: Books 1-4
Prch Amz February 8, 2016
October 1, 2015
what a great mindfuck!
May 1, 2016
Talk about an anticlimactic ending. All that build up and .... Nothin. Kinda disappointed about that.
August 18, 2020
It was missing something for me, but still very good
At this point, we just want Alex and Rafe to be happy and have their HEA.
The book starts off Six months after where book 3 leaves off. In book 3, Rafe tells Jax to tell Alex that he is gone, as in dead. So at the beginning of the book, we see Alex is struggling with his disappearance, death, or whatever it is that he is supposed to be. She gets a tattoo that covers the scars left behind by Zach. Soon after, she goes home and finds that someone has broken in. She has her gun ready to shoot and then Rafe reveals himself. In the six months that he’s been apart from Alex, he has been working in the underground fighting ring and makes money off of that. He basically kidnaps Alex and takes her to his new home, a boat. Although it would seem that Alex would not succumb to his charm, she does. This kind of frustrated me because I expected her to be a little more mad at him for leaving her for six months and making her think he was gone, but sometimes I understood why she gave in. I would’ve liked for her to have more of a spine and given him a harder time than the very minimal times she did. 🙄
Rafe was dark in this book. Yes, he got his memory back, but he wasn’t this dark in the last couple of books. It was fine, but he used it to not answer Alex‘s questions, which is why she should have insisted and not caved so much. Communication is definitely an issue and something that they need to work on. The reason why he goes to get her in the first place is because Zach is loose and looking for her and he’s afraid. So now, he’s very protective of her and continually willing to punish her for not obeying him. The one scene that kind of bothered me involved the ginger, not because it was happening, more about everyone involved and the reason why it was happening.
Overall, It was still a good book, but I needed more. It seemed to be on the shorter side than usual for some reason. Also, I read a lot of reviews saying that this was the last book? It’s not. There are two more books after this. I’m wondering if when she wrote this book she was thinking of ending it here, but then the way the book ended kind of left things on a cliffhanger, so I understand the need for more books. Plus, there are some details revealed in this book and even in book 3 that were not resolved, so I’m glad that there are two more books.
At this point, we just want Alex and Rafe to be happy and have their HEA.
The book starts off Six months after where book 3 leaves off. In book 3, Rafe tells Jax to tell Alex that he is gone, as in dead. So at the beginning of the book, we see Alex is struggling with his disappearance, death, or whatever it is that he is supposed to be. She gets a tattoo that covers the scars left behind by Zach. Soon after, she goes home and finds that someone has broken in. She has her gun ready to shoot and then Rafe reveals himself. In the six months that he’s been apart from Alex, he has been working in the underground fighting ring and makes money off of that. He basically kidnaps Alex and takes her to his new home, a boat. Although it would seem that Alex would not succumb to his charm, she does. This kind of frustrated me because I expected her to be a little more mad at him for leaving her for six months and making her think he was gone, but sometimes I understood why she gave in. I would’ve liked for her to have more of a spine and given him a harder time than the very minimal times she did. 🙄
Rafe was dark in this book. Yes, he got his memory back, but he wasn’t this dark in the last couple of books. It was fine, but he used it to not answer Alex‘s questions, which is why she should have insisted and not caved so much. Communication is definitely an issue and something that they need to work on. The reason why he goes to get her in the first place is because Zach is loose and looking for her and he’s afraid. So now, he’s very protective of her and continually willing to punish her for not obeying him. The one scene that kind of bothered me involved the ginger, not because it was happening, more about everyone involved and the reason why it was happening.
Overall, It was still a good book, but I needed more. It seemed to be on the shorter side than usual for some reason. Also, I read a lot of reviews saying that this was the last book? It’s not. There are two more books after this. I’m wondering if when she wrote this book she was thinking of ending it here, but then the way the book ended kind of left things on a cliffhanger, so I understand the need for more books. Plus, there are some details revealed in this book and even in book 3 that were not resolved, so I’m glad that there are two more books.
October 19, 2017
I"m going to give the overall series 4 star. It really had my emotions going, even hours after. I'm not left with a warm fuzzy feeling but definitely keeps going through my head.
The first book was 3.5 star and had me gasping and freaking out a lot
the second book i gave 3 stars for as it was just too much for me. The whole kidnapping and raping by her step brother was just too much. But also, it just seemed to lack a little. But that could be because of my disgust at the rapes.
The third book was awesome. by far the best book. Grueling and painful and shocking and intense. I was close to giving it 4.5 star but again, i cant bring myself to do that for a series that writes such dark dark stuff.
this book, the fourth was good maybe not a a four star but by now i think the whole series is worth four stars (i.e. i will read it again some time). This book was much tamer but it ended really well (albeit at a sudden halt) but it rounded up the series really well.
I would have liked to know how Jax dealt with the H and their "issue".
4.5 writing - she is an amazing writer and really gets in peoples heads. Perfectly descriptive - no need to skim as there is no waffle. In fact you cant because almost all that she writes is important to the story. (i did skim some bits but often found myself having to reread as i missed something,
4.5 characters - really got in their heads and even though sadomasochism is something that i cant comprehend, the way she wrote, made me understand why they were that way.
3.5 story plot - sometimes it was a bit too much and there were a few loose ends at the end.
4.0 sex scenes - hot sometimes and disgusting at others.
4.0 angst - intense at times, constant at others, always wanting to know what happens next..
The first book was 3.5 star and had me gasping and freaking out a lot
the second book i gave 3 stars for as it was just too much for me. The whole kidnapping and raping by her step brother was just too much. But also, it just seemed to lack a little. But that could be because of my disgust at the rapes.
The third book was awesome. by far the best book. Grueling and painful and shocking and intense. I was close to giving it 4.5 star but again, i cant bring myself to do that for a series that writes such dark dark stuff.
this book, the fourth was good maybe not a a four star but by now i think the whole series is worth four stars (i.e. i will read it again some time). This book was much tamer but it ended really well (albeit at a sudden halt) but it rounded up the series really well.
I would have liked to know how Jax dealt with the H and their "issue".
4.5 writing - she is an amazing writer and really gets in peoples heads. Perfectly descriptive - no need to skim as there is no waffle. In fact you cant because almost all that she writes is important to the story. (i did skim some bits but often found myself having to reread as i missed something,
4.5 characters - really got in their heads and even though sadomasochism is something that i cant comprehend, the way she wrote, made me understand why they were that way.
3.5 story plot - sometimes it was a bit too much and there were a few loose ends at the end.
4.0 sex scenes - hot sometimes and disgusting at others.
4.0 angst - intense at times, constant at others, always wanting to know what happens next..
March 5, 2018
I loved this book couldn't put it down. After trying her best to go on living without Rafe in her life, Alex got a new tattoo to symbolize her new beginning. When Alex went home there was a note on her door and she knew who it was from, but it couldn't be because he was gone, so she thought it was someone coming to get her, but when she went inside and heard his voice she was shocked but also angry for leaving her all this time. When Alex woke up she notice that it wasn't her bedroom, Rafe was there with her and right away told her that she was his and told her his four rules that she had to obey. Alex was being punished by Rafe for every little thing that she did or she didn't do. When Alex managed to escape while Rafe was at the barn, but while listening she found out that Shelton the man incharged wanted for Rafe and Zach to fight and that she was the prize. Rafe came back to his boat and found Jax hand cuffed to a pole were Alex had left him. When Rafe brought Alex back he punished her bad, but this time he let Jax punish her too for pointing the gun at him. On the night of the fight against Rafe orders Alex spoked to Zach and he told her something about his father that involved her mother. When Alex went to where Rafe was standing the other men broke open the door where Zack was and the room was empty, Rafe knew Alex had something to do with that. Rafe & Alex managed to escape that place with jax help.
March 21, 2018
I've read books/series that have made me question my mental capacity before, but none of them have quite taken me the way this series did. I got books 1-4 on Kindle, and I devoured them in a week give or take. I 'didn't' want to finish the series, I kept telling myself- Don't do it, Cinta. Don't. It's horrible, it's terrible, what does it say about you if you go back? I ended up telling myself to shut the fuck up because I NEEDED to know what the hell happened with Rafe and Alex- and Zack, oh god, ZACK! WTF. There are definitely parts of the story that were hard to read, but you kept reading anyway because it was HOT and disturbing and I eventually got to the point in the series where I was like... It can't get any worse, and then I had the sickening realization that it COULD and WOULD get worse and this both filled me with dread and anticipation. I'm still debating if I want to read book 5, I really liked how the 4th book ended but I have a sick fascination with Rafe and Alex now so ... I'll likely be reading book 5 at some point.
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