My rating is actually a 4.5 but Goodreads doesn't allow for half stars.

Copying author's warning 'that this is a dark romance/romantic suspense that contains themes that may not be appropriate for all readers, including sexual assault and self injury.' I'll also warn if you have sensitivities there is also human trafficking, and BDSM.

I didn't read the intro so I wasn't 100% sure where the story was going right away. At first we see Sophie as a child connecting with her father, managing her mother's abandonment and her father's struggle with alcohol and gambling. Fast forward to the present, her father's gambling debt has him in deep water and Sophie won't let them take her father without her. Sophie gives herself to Mr. King to save her father.

At first it is unclear what the cost to her will be as Ellery confines her to a fancy room and purchases clothing for her. I could feel how off balance and unsure Sophie was, knowing King was going to give her to someone else but his actions seemed to indicate otherwise.

It becomes clear that Ellery is a dominant, sadist and Sophie is a submissive, masochist. A perfect BDSM match accept he has plans to turn her over to a nasty man in order to save another. These characters have flaws but that made them very engaging, I loved learning about them.

I was asked by the author if I'd be willing to read her story, which I'm so glad I accepted. If you enjoy dark romance and BDSM I think you'll enjoy their story. They're complicated and their situation makes it even more complicated but this couple was clearly made for each other. I really enjoyed the extended peek into their future. For a first book I think Ashby has done a great job, with only a few minor editing issues.

More of my reviews can be found at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

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