Published By: Michelle Abbott
Released : Available Now
Details: Mobi file for honest review, 202 Pages
RATING: 3 STARS
Blurb :
Their love was forbidden and doomed to failure.
A romance set in a world where slavery is government run and slaves are fitted with microchips.
Savannah, fleeing a turbulent relationship, seeks solace at her brother’s country farmhouse. It’s there that she meets Kayden; her brother’s slave who's considered less than human. These two damaged souls form an unbreakable bond, one that’s about to be tested, because Kayden is her brother’s property and he will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
Please note this book contains some sexual scenes, violence and strong language.
******
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:
Neathderthals are humans, although they are called ‘it’, who have a DNA that sets them apart from normal humans.
“No, they’re not human. They’re Neanderthal.”
I give up trying to play and just move a random pawn forward.
“Neaderthal’s have been extinct for years.”
“They found out that’s not the case. They’ve evolved like we have, so they don’t look like you imagine. You can tell because they all have brown and blue eyes, black hair and their hands and feet are bigger than ours.” He takes my castle.
“So if someone has the misfortune to have black hair and big feet they’re captured as a slave?” This conversation is so ridiculous I can’t even play this game anymore. I knock over my king.
“No one’s captured Savannah. They don’t do midnight raids.” he laughs at his own joke. “They test the DNA of all new-borns; have been doing it for years. If it has Neanderthal DNA, it’s put into slavery.”
“They found out that’s not the case. They’ve evolved like we have, so they don’t look like you imagine. You can tell because they all have brown and blue eyes, black hair and their hands and feet are bigger than ours.” He takes my castle.
“So if someone has the misfortune to have black hair and big feet they’re captured as a slave?” This conversation is so ridiculous I can’t even play this game anymore. I knock over my king.
“No one’s captured Savannah. They don’t do midnight raids.” he laughs at his own joke. “They test the DNA of all new-borns; have been doing it for years. If it has Neanderthal DNA, it’s put into slavery.”
Your Master will call you an ‘it’ rather than call you by name. As a slave you have no rights and can be easily executed by electrocution.
Zap of volts and you are disposed of.
I have questions about this whole slavery thing as one of our male leads friends is a female slave who has long legs and a tiny waist. I was thinking long legged Hobbit at one stage. She doesn’t quite feel like she would look the part with big feet and hands on that figure.
I personally needed some more work put into the slavery part of this story.
Savannah is running from her ex boyfriend, Dan, who is a complete dick wad. She flees London to the country side and bunks in with her brother, Simon.
Simon too is a bit of a dick wad. He has a male slave. I thought Ben ( Simon's buddy) and Simon were written well. Simon does horrible things to his slave and you want to turn that around on him.
Ben is a creep and behaves accordingly. I think Savannah needed to reassess how to keep Kayden safe and not go straight for the blow job, idea.
That kind of made me do the book reading , 'ewwwwww' noise. There is the smexi bj and there is the 'ugh don't-go-there-girlfriend' , bj.
Ben is the latter.
Savannah has a soft heart and she befriends the slave who she calls by his name, Kayden.
Kayden is a character I didn’t totally connect with but I liked him. For me personally and it is just my one opinion, it was the way he was written. He appeared uneducated at first, due to his life, which you can understand, you will learn about it as you read. But, then he would sound very intelligent.
But then...
I felt like I wasn’t getting a solid character representation from him. I really liked his friends, even Clay, I would have liked to have seen them more in the story.
I think this story for me, was too short to get a real feel for the characters. I appreciate there is another installment, but I think the I love you’s, were far too soon.
Savannah I found to be a little dumbed down sometimes. I am still not sure what to make of her character. She is kind of fearless, with Kayden’s life , knowing what her brother and his friend can do to Kayden, but she isn’t really keeping him safe. Her feelings for him take over and she does rash and dangerous things, when it comes to Kayden.
Kayden is quite fearless when it comes to his life and safety. He just rolls with the punches.
Savannah knew what her brother could do, and did, but she still took those chances. I know she is supposed to be in love with the slave, but I think I needed that to be more believable. I would accept how that played out, more, if I was truly believing in these two as a couple.
I totally get that slaves are slaves, but...
Simon has a girlfriend, who is a bit of a biaaatch, but he treats his sister like she is nothing. He cares about her, but he shows her no respect, like she is brainless.
I liked Jenny, she seems like she has a good heart. Savannah has a good heart.
Kayden at twenty six, has this boyish charm, made declarations of love, but he was missing something, for me. He endeared me sometimes and then others...
I felt like I was getting somewhere with Kayden when Michelle would give me a little bit of back story to his character. I liked it when he shared his dirty teddy with Savannah. Yet she didn't seem to do anything with the dirty teddy. It meant a lot to him that teddy. It was against the rules, yet he had kept his child teddy safe.
Savannah certainly knows how to go from one bad relationship to another and then into the frying pan.
That would be the next book.
I would have liked to know a time for this book, or more information about the world that has been built with slaves.
I got told there are slaves. I got told about DNA. But that was it. It seemed like the modern world, with phones, cars etc, but with slaves.
It felt like a combination of hundred years ago and today. Wooden poles for whipping in the field, dirty bed in a caravan, the compound where you are left out in the weather as punishment until your execution.
I got mixed vibes.
I give this book 3 stars as I felt it did need some work on the story line for me , personally. Other readers may totally dig it, as is. And that is awesome.
I'm not sure of the genre either, I get it is romance, and I assume New Adult. I'm not sure if this is a dystopian world?
I wish Michelle all the best with her writing.
We’re in the corner of a large field. A rusty old caravan rests on bricks, there’s cardboard where a window should be, the glass must have got smashed I guess. In front of the caravan is a large bonfire and from the light of the flames I can make out two men and a woman sitting around it.
The woman stands up and runs towards us. Even dressed in rags she’s beautiful. Curvy, with long legs and a tiny little waist, long ebony curls tumble down her back. She flings her arms around Kayden and he lifts her off her feet and spins her around, then smiles down at her.
Oh I’m so stupid. I thought he liked me but she’s obviously his girlfriend. If she isn’t I can see he wants her to be. Why did I come here? I should have gone to the movies. Turning around I start to walk back the way we came. He’s too busy talking to her; he won’t even notice I’m gone. I don’t know how I’m going to get home in the dark, I’m going to get lost and Simon will have to send out a search party, they probably won’t find me until morning. My eyes fill with tears as I stumble blindly. I hear footsteps behind me and then Kayden is in front of me, his hands on my shoulders. “Where you going Savannah?”
“Home. Enjoy the picnic.”
“What’s wrong? What have I done? I’m sorry.”
Ugh, I don’t want to tell him. I’m too ashamed to admit that I thought he liked me. Maybe I can pretend I’m not feeling well but then he’ll have to walk me back and I’ll know that he’ll wish he could’ve stayed here with her. That’ll make me feel even more stupid. I’ve got no choice, I’m going to have to put a brave face on this. It’ll only be for a couple of hours, then I can go home and cry. I’ll avoid Kayden after tonight. “I’m fine.” I put on my best fake smile. “I thought I’d left something at home but now I remember it’s in the bag.”
He puts his arm around my shoulder and we walk back over to the others. This is the last time I’ll ever feel his hands on me. Maybe I should be making the most of it, but I can’t. We sit down around the fire with them. They’re looking at me but no one is saying a word. Finally Kayden speaks. “This is Savannah. She’s my owner’s sister.”
The beautiful one looks at him, her eyes wide. “You call her by her name Kade?” Oh they are so definitely dating. She’s shortened his name; I can never call him that now. She obviously thinks we’ve got close. So did I. We’re both wrong.
“She told me to call her that.”
I close my eyes. I don’t want to hear anymore. He was obviously happy calling me Miss and keeping his distance. I should have left things as they were. I should never have asked for his help with the eggs. Should’ve, would’ve could’ve. I tune out the rest of their conversation and look around at my companions. The guy sitting opposite looks a couple of years younger than me. He has the same blue and brown eyes and dark hair as Kayden but this guy’s hair is longer, wavy and flopping into his eyes. He notices me looking at him. “The names Trent. Nice to meet you Miss.”
I’m about to tell him to call me Savannah but I made that mistake with Kayden, so I keep my mouth shut. “Nice to meet you too.”
I look to the other guy. He’s about my age. He’s shirtless and lean and toned like Kayden. His hair is shaved close to his scalp but what distinguishes him the most are the scars and bruises all over his face and body and the thick metal collar around his neck. There are scars on his arms that look like someone has carved letters into his skin with a knife. Looking closer I see they are in fact letters. FUK on his bicep and U on his forearm, is it supposed to be ‘fuck you’. I quickly close my mouth, suddenly aware that I’ve been gawping at him. He’s glaring at me. His eyes are hard and glacial. Nervous, I turn towards a friendlier face, Trent’s.
He’s pouring liquid from a plastic bottle into some tin mugs and he hands one to me. Putting it to my lips, my eyes water, it smells like paint stripper. I can’t get past the smell to be able to drink the contents. “What is this?”
Trent sniggers. “It’s home-made potato wine Miss. It’s ninety percent proof, so go easy.”
Everyone else is drinking it, so I hold my nose and take a mouthful of the foul smelling liquid. Oh God, my throat is on fire! Coughing and spluttering I can feel Kayden rubbing my back. “It takes some getting used to Savannah.”
I take another mouthful, not looking at him. I’m in the mood to get drunk. His hand still rests on my back. What’s his game? Is he using me to make his girlfriend jealous? Now I’m being ridiculous, I couldn’t make her jealous if I tried. I guess the alcohol has given me confidence and I tell him to take his hand off my back. He does but now he’s frowning at me.
“I’ve brought some food.” I open the cool bag. “There’s eggs, crisps, peanut butter sandwiches and muffins. Help yourselves.”
Kayden leans towards me. “Thank you,” he says softly.
I just nod. I’m still not looking at him but I can feel his eyes burning into the side of my face. Trent and the beauty queen dive into the food. The guy with the collar just looks at it, he seems pissed off. Kayden isn’t eating anything either. I had no intention of having any, I can get food anytime.
Kayden leans in towards me again. “The girl’s name is Kaci and-”
I don’t let him finish. Standing up I walk away from the fire and light a cigarette. I don’t want to know her damn name. Kaci and Kayden, even their names are perfect for each other. Pinching the bridge of my nose I want to go back home more than ever. I finish smoking, put out my cigarette and walk back over to them.
Kayden is hanging his head, his shoulders are slumped and he’s picking at his fingers. Then I spot the source of his misery. Kaci is sitting on the lap of the guy with the collar, feeding him egg. Unrequited love. I know how that feels. I should be glad that she’s not his girlfriend but watching him mope over her is actually worse. Trent has disappeared.
I turn the radio on, I need a distraction. The DJ announces it’s the love hour. Oh great! Kayden raises his head. “Will you dance with me Savannah?” An hour ago I would have jumped at the chance, but not now. He only wants to dance with me because he can’t have Kaci. I shake my head. His eyes drop to his hands and he resumes picking at his fingers.
Trent returns with another plastic bottle full of hooch. I hold my mug out to him for a top up. Kaci is now snogging her boyfriend, Kayden is still moping over her and I don’t want to watch this anymore. I mouth to Trent, “Do you want to dance?”
He nods his head and grins as he takes my hand. Kayden’s head snaps up and I hear him gasp as Trent and I start moving to the music. I can feel tears pricking at my eyes but I’m not going to make a fool of myself by crying in front of him. I lose myself in the music, the hooch is certainly helping, I’m beginning to feel better and am starting to enjoy myself. The song ends but I don’t want to stop, so I keep swaying with Trent till the next song begins. I’m not in the mood for conversation but he starts talking and I can’t ignore him. “Thanks for the food Miss.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I hope Clay didn’t upset you Miss. It’s not you, he doesn’t like any humans.”
“Is Clay the guy with the collar,” I whisper. He nods and I glance across at Clay. He’s wrapped himself around Kaci and he’s actually smiling.
The song ends and I bend down to pick up my mug of hooch. I’m still holding Trent with my other hand; I’m not ready to stop dancing yet. I take a big gulp of the hooch and put my arms around Trent as the next song begins.
“TRENT!” We both jump and look towards Kayden who is now standing up, his fists clenched and glaring murderously at Trent. He snarls at him, “Trent, sit the fuck down.”
Trent looks at me. “I’d better not dance with you because…,” he nods towards Kayden.
Sitting down I knock back the remainder of my hooch. I should be feeling drunk. I wish I were, but I’m not. Trent throws more logs on the fire. He doesn’t seem bothered by the way Kayden spoke to him. He’s laughing and joking with Clay. Kayden is staring into the fire, his face sullen.
Michelle Abbott lives in the UK and hates describing herself in 3rd person. She's a self-published author of new adult romance, and likes to write about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl. She's an avid reader of romance, is addicted to coffee and loves wine and chocolate, so yeah, not the most healthy eating and drinking habits :-) She spends way too much time online when she should be writing. She collects teddy bears and occasionally knits a couple of rows on a sweater she started years ago, which she may eventually finish in time to wear for her funeral :-)
Savannah certainly knows how to go from one bad relationship to another and then into the frying pan.
That would be the next book.
I would have liked to know a time for this book, or more information about the world that has been built with slaves.
I got told there are slaves. I got told about DNA. But that was it. It seemed like the modern world, with phones, cars etc, but with slaves.
It felt like a combination of hundred years ago and today. Wooden poles for whipping in the field, dirty bed in a caravan, the compound where you are left out in the weather as punishment until your execution.
I got mixed vibes.
I give this book 3 stars as I felt it did need some work on the story line for me , personally. Other readers may totally dig it, as is. And that is awesome.
I'm not sure of the genre either, I get it is romance, and I assume New Adult. I'm not sure if this is a dystopian world?
I wish Michelle all the best with her writing.
Michelle
We’re in the corner of a large field. A rusty old caravan rests on bricks, there’s cardboard where a window should be, the glass must have got smashed I guess. In front of the caravan is a large bonfire and from the light of the flames I can make out two men and a woman sitting around it.
The woman stands up and runs towards us. Even dressed in rags she’s beautiful. Curvy, with long legs and a tiny little waist, long ebony curls tumble down her back. She flings her arms around Kayden and he lifts her off her feet and spins her around, then smiles down at her.
Oh I’m so stupid. I thought he liked me but she’s obviously his girlfriend. If she isn’t I can see he wants her to be. Why did I come here? I should have gone to the movies. Turning around I start to walk back the way we came. He’s too busy talking to her; he won’t even notice I’m gone. I don’t know how I’m going to get home in the dark, I’m going to get lost and Simon will have to send out a search party, they probably won’t find me until morning. My eyes fill with tears as I stumble blindly. I hear footsteps behind me and then Kayden is in front of me, his hands on my shoulders. “Where you going Savannah?”
“Home. Enjoy the picnic.”
“What’s wrong? What have I done? I’m sorry.”
Ugh, I don’t want to tell him. I’m too ashamed to admit that I thought he liked me. Maybe I can pretend I’m not feeling well but then he’ll have to walk me back and I’ll know that he’ll wish he could’ve stayed here with her. That’ll make me feel even more stupid. I’ve got no choice, I’m going to have to put a brave face on this. It’ll only be for a couple of hours, then I can go home and cry. I’ll avoid Kayden after tonight. “I’m fine.” I put on my best fake smile. “I thought I’d left something at home but now I remember it’s in the bag.”
He puts his arm around my shoulder and we walk back over to the others. This is the last time I’ll ever feel his hands on me. Maybe I should be making the most of it, but I can’t. We sit down around the fire with them. They’re looking at me but no one is saying a word. Finally Kayden speaks. “This is Savannah. She’s my owner’s sister.”
The beautiful one looks at him, her eyes wide. “You call her by her name Kade?” Oh they are so definitely dating. She’s shortened his name; I can never call him that now. She obviously thinks we’ve got close. So did I. We’re both wrong.
“She told me to call her that.”
I close my eyes. I don’t want to hear anymore. He was obviously happy calling me Miss and keeping his distance. I should have left things as they were. I should never have asked for his help with the eggs. Should’ve, would’ve could’ve. I tune out the rest of their conversation and look around at my companions. The guy sitting opposite looks a couple of years younger than me. He has the same blue and brown eyes and dark hair as Kayden but this guy’s hair is longer, wavy and flopping into his eyes. He notices me looking at him. “The names Trent. Nice to meet you Miss.”
I’m about to tell him to call me Savannah but I made that mistake with Kayden, so I keep my mouth shut. “Nice to meet you too.”
I look to the other guy. He’s about my age. He’s shirtless and lean and toned like Kayden. His hair is shaved close to his scalp but what distinguishes him the most are the scars and bruises all over his face and body and the thick metal collar around his neck. There are scars on his arms that look like someone has carved letters into his skin with a knife. Looking closer I see they are in fact letters. FUK on his bicep and U on his forearm, is it supposed to be ‘fuck you’. I quickly close my mouth, suddenly aware that I’ve been gawping at him. He’s glaring at me. His eyes are hard and glacial. Nervous, I turn towards a friendlier face, Trent’s.
He’s pouring liquid from a plastic bottle into some tin mugs and he hands one to me. Putting it to my lips, my eyes water, it smells like paint stripper. I can’t get past the smell to be able to drink the contents. “What is this?”
Trent sniggers. “It’s home-made potato wine Miss. It’s ninety percent proof, so go easy.”
Everyone else is drinking it, so I hold my nose and take a mouthful of the foul smelling liquid. Oh God, my throat is on fire! Coughing and spluttering I can feel Kayden rubbing my back. “It takes some getting used to Savannah.”
I take another mouthful, not looking at him. I’m in the mood to get drunk. His hand still rests on my back. What’s his game? Is he using me to make his girlfriend jealous? Now I’m being ridiculous, I couldn’t make her jealous if I tried. I guess the alcohol has given me confidence and I tell him to take his hand off my back. He does but now he’s frowning at me.
“I’ve brought some food.” I open the cool bag. “There’s eggs, crisps, peanut butter sandwiches and muffins. Help yourselves.”
Kayden leans towards me. “Thank you,” he says softly.
I just nod. I’m still not looking at him but I can feel his eyes burning into the side of my face. Trent and the beauty queen dive into the food. The guy with the collar just looks at it, he seems pissed off. Kayden isn’t eating anything either. I had no intention of having any, I can get food anytime.
Kayden leans in towards me again. “The girl’s name is Kaci and-”
I don’t let him finish. Standing up I walk away from the fire and light a cigarette. I don’t want to know her damn name. Kaci and Kayden, even their names are perfect for each other. Pinching the bridge of my nose I want to go back home more than ever. I finish smoking, put out my cigarette and walk back over to them.
Kayden is hanging his head, his shoulders are slumped and he’s picking at his fingers. Then I spot the source of his misery. Kaci is sitting on the lap of the guy with the collar, feeding him egg. Unrequited love. I know how that feels. I should be glad that she’s not his girlfriend but watching him mope over her is actually worse. Trent has disappeared.
I turn the radio on, I need a distraction. The DJ announces it’s the love hour. Oh great! Kayden raises his head. “Will you dance with me Savannah?” An hour ago I would have jumped at the chance, but not now. He only wants to dance with me because he can’t have Kaci. I shake my head. His eyes drop to his hands and he resumes picking at his fingers.
Trent returns with another plastic bottle full of hooch. I hold my mug out to him for a top up. Kaci is now snogging her boyfriend, Kayden is still moping over her and I don’t want to watch this anymore. I mouth to Trent, “Do you want to dance?”
He nods his head and grins as he takes my hand. Kayden’s head snaps up and I hear him gasp as Trent and I start moving to the music. I can feel tears pricking at my eyes but I’m not going to make a fool of myself by crying in front of him. I lose myself in the music, the hooch is certainly helping, I’m beginning to feel better and am starting to enjoy myself. The song ends but I don’t want to stop, so I keep swaying with Trent till the next song begins. I’m not in the mood for conversation but he starts talking and I can’t ignore him. “Thanks for the food Miss.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I hope Clay didn’t upset you Miss. It’s not you, he doesn’t like any humans.”
“Is Clay the guy with the collar,” I whisper. He nods and I glance across at Clay. He’s wrapped himself around Kaci and he’s actually smiling.
The song ends and I bend down to pick up my mug of hooch. I’m still holding Trent with my other hand; I’m not ready to stop dancing yet. I take a big gulp of the hooch and put my arms around Trent as the next song begins.
“TRENT!” We both jump and look towards Kayden who is now standing up, his fists clenched and glaring murderously at Trent. He snarls at him, “Trent, sit the fuck down.”
Trent looks at me. “I’d better not dance with you because…,” he nods towards Kayden.
Sitting down I knock back the remainder of my hooch. I should be feeling drunk. I wish I were, but I’m not. Trent throws more logs on the fire. He doesn’t seem bothered by the way Kayden spoke to him. He’s laughing and joking with Clay. Kayden is staring into the fire, his face sullen.
Michelle Abbott lives in the UK and hates describing herself in 3rd person. She's a self-published author of new adult romance, and likes to write about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl. She's an avid reader of romance, is addicted to coffee and loves wine and chocolate, so yeah, not the most healthy eating and drinking habits :-) She spends way too much time online when she should be writing. She collects teddy bears and occasionally knits a couple of rows on a sweater she started years ago, which she may eventually finish in time to wear for her funeral :-)
I'm sorry it was a little difficult for you to relate with the characters, it's usually something really problematic for me. And I would have had a lot of questions about the slavery part so I agree as well. I didn't know this one so thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHey Melliane,
DeleteSometimes I need that bit of information to lay the world down in my brain. Especially when it is something new like this with slavery. I know movies and books like Hunger Games give us no year, but we can tell from the writing that it is possibly futuristic due to the clothing and technology etc. Obviously the Districts were different, but again that showed me a time difference in the world. So, I think I need a paragraph to settle some questions I had.
Thank you for the review, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteNo worries , Michelle :D
DeleteThis is dark and waaay outside my comfort zone. I think I'd have a hard time connecting with anybody too!
ReplyDeleteI think I only had trouble Miss B, was because I personally needed a bit more, for myself. Others maybe ok with how In Chains is for them. I read an enormous amount, just like you , so I am looking for me to satisfy me :D
DeleteI read the blurb and thought to myself: wow, this sounds dark and then read your review and now I'm not sure. The biggest problem for me would probably be the insta-love relationship. Will have to think about this.
ReplyDeleteHope your next read is better.
Hi, give it a read, as it is just my one personal opinion. I read a WIDE variety of genres, so I am open to anything, but I just needed some more, personally from this one to satisfy my experience.
Delete