Jules Donovan has been in and out of unsavory foster homes and repulsive motels her entire life. She’s known nothing but loss, abandonment, crime, and pain. Now that she's aged out of the system, she can’t remember ever having dreams for her future because she’s constantly fighting for daily survival.
When she meets the Riley brothers, there’s something about them that draws her in. She’s never let her guard down, but Dante and Holden make her feel valuable, like she actually matters. And for the first time in her life, she senses something she’s never experienced before—protection.
But can these mysterious brothers keep her safe from the dark monsters that lie in wait, ready for their final revenge? And how in the hell does older brother Dante know so much about her anyway?
Unbeknownst to her, things have been set in motion ever since she was ripped from her mother’s womb and, as each jagged piece of her life unfolds, she will begin to wonder, who’s really in charge of her fate?
**TRIGGER WARNING...this novel contains non-explicit scenes of abuse. There is strong language throughout. Relinquished is intended for mature readers**
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Hearts
***This story deals with adult situations that some may not be able to handle. This story contains abuse, torture, rape, and sex. It also shows what it is like to survive it and become stronger. But some of the graphic detail may be too much for some readers.***
This is the first book I have read by Author K.A. Hunter and it most certainly will not be my last. Her writing is full of vivid details that place you right alongside her characters as you read. The spider web of twist and turns had me captivated as I flipped through the pages trying to discover what really happened to Jules.
In parts of this story I felt like there was too much detail and it pulled us away from what was really going on. Jules was too lost in her head and pulled us away from the situation at hand. Then we would dive back into the story. That is why I am giving this story 4.5 of 5 hearts.
There were a few times I wanted to hide poor Jules myself and was afraid to find out more of what truly happened to her. Every time I thought this story could not throw me for a loop, I was wrong. All the way to the very end K.A. Hunter unraveled her web of mystery and mouth dropping wonder.
Saying Juliana ‘Jules’ Donovan had a shitty life is putting it nicely. This poor girl has been through hell and keeps getting sucked into hell the entire book. She cannot figure out why she is always receiving the short end of the stick. It is like she takes two steps forward and ten steps back. Her entire life it was as if some evil puppet master was pulling her strings.
Jules does not like getting close to anyone. It seems that when she lets someone in they die. And she does not want anything to happen to her new friends Dante and Holden Riley. I absolutely loved watching Jules with the guys. But good lord if Dante did not give Jules and me both whiplashes.
Oh, Holden Riley, you are one sexy man. I swear from the moment Holden is introduced into the picture I was swooning and rooting for him. He is in love with Jules and be damned if anyone including Jules does not let him love her. He knows she is a broken soul that needs loved and cherished and he is the man to do it. The way Holden was with Jules was perfect. He protected her, made sure she knew that she was it for him, and took baby steps with her so she would not run.
When Jules would panic and push Holden away he knew just what to do to let her see that he was not going to walk away and that they would be okay.
This scene right here melted my heart big time.
“Not at all. I love your scars.” His index and middle fingers trailed over the thin lines on my wrists. “They’re your badges of honor and remind me each day to be thankful for every moment I get to spend with you.”
Dante Riley is one sexy man. He is built like a brickhouse and runs a gym along with a rescue shelter for human trafficking survivors with Holden. He is demanding and only likes things his way. If Dante barks he expects everyone to listen. There were times I wanted to smack this man upside the head with his dominance. Then he would be sweet and caring and I would melt. He is so worried about keeping Jules and Holden apart that he forgets to worry about himself.
The ending of this story is just WOW! I did not see all of that coming to a head! It was insane! I read as fast as I could wanting to know more and more, all along my jaw was hanging open. I was in the “are you freakin’ kidding me!” mode. LOL. That ending was intense and crazy but oh so good!
AMAZON US I AMAZON UK I AMAZON CA I AMAZON AU I SMASHWORDS I NOOK I KOBO
Kimi Flores/K.A. Hunter lives in Southern California with her husband, who happened to be her high school sweetheart and prom date and their two hilarious boys.
When she's not reading, writing, or hanging out with family and friends, Kimi spends her time in the kitchen trying to come up with vegan meals that don't taste like cardboard.
Volunteering is extremely important to her, and she and her family work with several local non-profit organizations. A portion of her sales will always go to charity.
Currently, she writes contemporary romance stories under her real name Kimi Flores and grittier romantic suspense novels under her pen name K.A. Hunter.
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