Those who like their romances a bit dark, full of angst, and with heroes who are far from perfect will get just that with Savaged by Nacole Stayton. Keep reading to get a tantalizing taste of this book along with my impressions of it, and learn even more by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour. Come back tomorrow to make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $50 Amazon GC and 2 signed copies of this release too!
He chose to fight, but the aftermath became a daily reminder, carved into his once flawless flesh.
Despite years of self-imposed solitude, Niko hungers for companionship and suffers from an aching loneliness that the darkness cannot satisfy. He temporarily soothes his pain with women, hired women, whose only purpose is to service him. Easy.
He didn’t expect a complication like Cambree Evans, but desperation corrupts even the most innocent.
When emotions blend with lust, will Cambree's softness and ability to look past Niko's flaws be the one thing that releases him from his own personal hell?
Will the monster in the dark prove that his savaged heart is worth saving?
EXCERPT:
I’ve gone days, weeks, maybe even months without stopping and looking at myself. There isn’t much to see, my body is just a shell, a mask of sorts. The man staring back at me resembles a beast hiding my true self underneath its scarred reflection. I’m not even truly living. The death certification hidden away in my private safe is proof of that.
My lids slip down over my eyes as I remember the image I used to see when I came into this room – a man with russet hair that was a little longer on top and shorter around my ears and neck, dark eyes that were alluring and inviting, a little stubble on my jawline that screamed sex appeal. I was a businessman through and through, but the sexy gaze that I kept on my face at all times was enough for women to want me, a man in a suit, a man who broke all the rules.
My confidence died with the old me.
My lids slip down over my eyes as I remember the image I used to see when I came into this room – a man with russet hair that was a little longer on top and shorter around my ears and neck, dark eyes that were alluring and inviting, a little stubble on my jawline that screamed sex appeal. I was a businessman through and through, but the sexy gaze that I kept on my face at all times was enough for women to want me, a man in a suit, a man who broke all the rules.
My confidence died with the old me.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
Niko grew up in a family where appearances were everything. Successful in the public eye the reality was his mother was an alcoholic and his father was murdered in a horrendous way that Niko witnessed. After that he decided to live life to the fullest and immersed himself in alcohol and sex. Everything seemed to be going his way until the night he was attacked and left with life-altering scars both inside and out. Where he used to be considered a catch he now hides in the dark, pretending to be dead while hiding from his enemies. The darkness, and his self-hatred, is slowly corrupting his soul and he's losing himself in his loneliness. Rage overtakes him at times and the only thing to soothe him is sex under his terms. He doesn't want a connection with the women who come to him for fear they'll be drawn into his dangerous life and find the man hiding in the shadows repulsive. His rules get thrown out the window though the day Cambree enters his dark realm and shines a light on the heart and soul he lost long ago. Against his will he's drawn to her for her honesty, loyalty, and strong will. He lets her in like no woman before which brings her right into the middle of danger as his enemies get closer. When we first see Niko he's more Beast than man and full of self-loathing. He's closed himself off from the world except for his friend Jared who's his bodyguard and procurer of women. Women have become nameless and unfulfilling until the day he hires Cambree and you could see a weight lifted off him and a lightening of his soul in her presence. Their connection starts off as friends and quickly morphs into more and I found myself fully immersed in the twists and turns that befell them and that culminated in some surprising moments towards the end of the story.
Cambree's parents died when she was young and she was left with only her grandmother caring for her. Now that her grandmother is ill she feels an obligation to see her taken care of in style which has left her broke with no option beyond that that Niko's offering her. She feels that being with Niko is shameful but once she's in his presence she sees a man full of demons who she's drawn to. Cambree is straight forward, loyal, kindhearted, and strong-willed. She's willing to stick up for herself and it's this strength and smarts that has Niko forming a friendship with her. The more they're together the closer they become and the more the man emerges in a relationship put in jeopardy from enemies far away and close to home. Once Cambree makes a commitment though it's her and Niko against the twists and turns putting the lightness now part of his life in jeopardy.
This is an engaging story with a sense of foreboding permeating the pages from start to finish. Niko's been through a terrible ordeal that's left him doubting himself as a man and the only time he feels powerful is when it comes to sex. He's a broken man early on who broke my heart who slowly emerged from the darkness courtesy of Cambree's strength and support which was heartwarming to see. He thought himself a monster and I was intrigued by the author's modern twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast theme. Niko is all man despite his deformity who oozed sex appeal and I could understand all the women being drawn to him. It's a dark and dangerous world surrounding Niko and it was easy to get caught up in the connection between these two compelling characters who are perfect for each other. Ms. Stayton has crafted a modern yet classic tale that doesn't pull any punches when vividly detailing one man's misery. I was impressed by my first book of Ms. Stayton's and look forward to where she'll take us next.
My rating for this is an A-
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Nacole Stayton is the Amazon Bestselling author of The Upside of Letting Go, as well as other new adult and contemporary romance titles, including A Graceful Mess and In the Lyrics. She is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass State where she spends her days working at a local hospital in the billing department and nights writing vigorously on her current novel. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life, like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle. She is passionate about her faith, family, and The Vampire Diaries.
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Lovely review, thank you! Sounds like an emotional read (and thanks to the author for having an entry that doesn't require FB or Twitter!)
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