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Buttons #1
Buttons & Lace
I owe him a debt.
A big one.
The payment can't be settled with money or favors.
He only wants one thing.
Me.
Every action gets a reward. A button. Once I fill his jar with three hundred and sixty-five buttons, he'll let me go.
He'll let me walk away.
But I have to earn every single one.
By submitting to the darkest, cruelest, and most beautiful man I've ever known.
** TRIGGER WARNING ** There are some dark and disturbing scenes of abuse and punishment.
A big one.
The payment can't be settled with money or favors.
He only wants one thing.
Me.
Every action gets a reward. A button. Once I fill his jar with three hundred and sixty-five buttons, he'll let me go.
He'll let me walk away.
But I have to earn every single one.
By submitting to the darkest, cruelest, and most beautiful man I've ever known.
** TRIGGER WARNING ** There are some dark and disturbing scenes of abuse and punishment.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2016
8221 people are currently reading
27213 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Sky
76 books6,467 followersA New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Penelope Sky is known for her dark romance that makes you fall for her characters….no matter how dark they seem. Her books are being translated into several languages around the world, and she’s sold more than a million books worldwide. She lives in a small town in California with her husband, where she spends most of her time writing on the back porch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,315 reviews
August 22, 2017
It had been some time since I'd read a dark, captivity-themed book, but 'Buttons and Lace' proved to be worth it. I love dark stories with themes that send many of my friends running for the hills. Needless to say, this book is the kind of book that will "trigger" many people. It is dark, twisted, graphic and horrifying. Be forewarned.
If you don't shy away from books with very dark themes and a plethora of abuse, then this one is worth a shot. I listened to the Audible version and I could not pull myself away from it. I was completely sucked in to Pearl's terrifying reality. I listened to each of the books in this series one after the other, until I had listened to every audiobook in the series that has been released.
In the beginning, I thought that Pearl was going to be a weak heroine. Her boyfriend, Jacob, was a total douchebag and she just seemed to tolerate all of his outlandish behaviors. I kept thinking, "when will she get a spine and put this guy out on his ass?" The guy was a total loser and for some unknown reason, she kept him around long after any self-respecting woman would have sent him packing.
While vacationing with Jacob, Pearl is kidnapped. She is taken by human traffickers and sold into a life of sexual slavery. Bought by an incredibly sadistic man, Bones, Pearl is forced to endure unspeakable acts of cruelty.
This is a huge turning point in the story. Pearl undergoes some sort of magical transformation. She evolves into one of the toughest heroines that I've ever encountered. It was like she morphed into a completely different person. I chose to go with it, since the change was a positive one.
Just when you think that this story couldn't get any more twisted, she is kidnapped again. This time, her abductor plans to torture her as a means to avenge his deceased sister. (Twisted, right?) Her new master, Crow, is a business rival of Bones'. His sister was killed by Bones because of their rivalry and he lives with the guilt of her death. Recognizing that Bones has a fondness for his new slave, Crow and his brother, Cane, decide that the best way to exact their revenge is through Bones' slave.
Pearl finds herself going from one captor to another. Both seem to take pleasure in her pain and seem determined to destroy her, bit by bit. Her life is one of suffering.
Despite his bad intentions, something in Pearl calls to Crow. He can't carry out his plans to hurt her, even though he wants to. Her pleas for mercy get to him. He shows her mercy, even as he knows that this will put him at odds with his own brother.
While he may not be willing to hurt her the way that he had initially planned, Crow isn't willing to free Pearl either. He wants her and he's never pretended to be a good man.
Crow offers Pearl a proposition that she can't refuse. She can earn buttons, in exchange for sexual favors. He'll let her buy her freedom when she has 365 buttons. Let the game of dubious consent begin...
As Pearl's story progressed, I reluctantly grew to like Crow. Even though what he was doing was horrible, he endeared himself to me. Right along with Pearl, I fell for this despicable man. What can I say, I have always had a weak spot for anti-heroes!
The first book in the series, 'Buttons and Lace' does end with several unresolved issues. I expected that and dived right into the second book immediately. I couldn't wait to see where this story was headed!
If you like dark, offensive and disturbing stories, then this is a great one. Avoid it if you can't stomach books that deal with topics such as rape, abuse, human trafficking, etc. This is not a warm and fuzzy type of book. You won't find any rainbows and unicorns here.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
If you don't shy away from books with very dark themes and a plethora of abuse, then this one is worth a shot. I listened to the Audible version and I could not pull myself away from it. I was completely sucked in to Pearl's terrifying reality. I listened to each of the books in this series one after the other, until I had listened to every audiobook in the series that has been released.
In the beginning, I thought that Pearl was going to be a weak heroine. Her boyfriend, Jacob, was a total douchebag and she just seemed to tolerate all of his outlandish behaviors. I kept thinking, "when will she get a spine and put this guy out on his ass?" The guy was a total loser and for some unknown reason, she kept him around long after any self-respecting woman would have sent him packing.
While vacationing with Jacob, Pearl is kidnapped. She is taken by human traffickers and sold into a life of sexual slavery. Bought by an incredibly sadistic man, Bones, Pearl is forced to endure unspeakable acts of cruelty.
This is a huge turning point in the story. Pearl undergoes some sort of magical transformation. She evolves into one of the toughest heroines that I've ever encountered. It was like she morphed into a completely different person. I chose to go with it, since the change was a positive one.
Just when you think that this story couldn't get any more twisted, she is kidnapped again. This time, her abductor plans to torture her as a means to avenge his deceased sister. (Twisted, right?) Her new master, Crow, is a business rival of Bones'. His sister was killed by Bones because of their rivalry and he lives with the guilt of her death. Recognizing that Bones has a fondness for his new slave, Crow and his brother, Cane, decide that the best way to exact their revenge is through Bones' slave.
Pearl finds herself going from one captor to another. Both seem to take pleasure in her pain and seem determined to destroy her, bit by bit. Her life is one of suffering.
Despite his bad intentions, something in Pearl calls to Crow. He can't carry out his plans to hurt her, even though he wants to. Her pleas for mercy get to him. He shows her mercy, even as he knows that this will put him at odds with his own brother.
While he may not be willing to hurt her the way that he had initially planned, Crow isn't willing to free Pearl either. He wants her and he's never pretended to be a good man.
Crow offers Pearl a proposition that she can't refuse. She can earn buttons, in exchange for sexual favors. He'll let her buy her freedom when she has 365 buttons. Let the game of dubious consent begin...
As Pearl's story progressed, I reluctantly grew to like Crow. Even though what he was doing was horrible, he endeared himself to me. Right along with Pearl, I fell for this despicable man. What can I say, I have always had a weak spot for anti-heroes!
The first book in the series, 'Buttons and Lace' does end with several unresolved issues. I expected that and dived right into the second book immediately. I couldn't wait to see where this story was headed!
If you like dark, offensive and disturbing stories, then this is a great one. Avoid it if you can't stomach books that deal with topics such as rape, abuse, human trafficking, etc. This is not a warm and fuzzy type of book. You won't find any rainbows and unicorns here.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
November 30, 2023
Природа дала мені очі, і я їх чомусь витратила на це
November 19, 2017
"Maybe I would chop off his dick and make him watch a pack of hounds eat it—if there was enough to go around."
I remember seeing the synopsis of this book last year, and I was so intrigued by the unique story-line... I needed to get my hands on it. Buttons and Lace neither exceeds nor falls behind on my expectations. The writing didn't wow me and the execution of the plot could have been better but still I found myself consumed by the story, guiltily turning pages and needing to find out how it ended.
“Button, your cunt was made for my cock.”
______________
Pearl
Damn, girl.
Pearl was one of those characters where you couldn't figure out if you loved her or wanted to slap the shit out of her. She was so strong and resilient, and gave a grand total of zero fucks when it came to sexist and masochistic men. I was rooting for her all through the book. One of the strongest heroines I've seen in 'dark' erotica so far!
Yet.
Damn, girl.
Her personality sometimes hindered my love for her. A thought process of hers that really pissed me off was how hypocritical she was. She assumed that she always had it worse (which she did... the situation she was in was awful!) , but that does not evoke the right to make assumptions on others having it better than you. Everyone lives through their own version of hell.
Statements that really made me want to shake her silly:
- "Whatever hardship he thought he lived through, mine was far worse"
- "I felt sorry for him, despite the fact my fate was probably worse than his."
And here's our strong and steadfast protagonist explaining why she couldn't and wouldn't 'get out of the situation':
- "I would starve myself until death took me. But I was too weak for that. I loved food way too much."
I don't know about you, but for a strong person - she really has some contradictory qualities. So it was hard for me to base her and magnetize myself with her. She felt very unreal and not fleshed out, but I loved how kickass and fearless she was when it came to standing up for what is right.
The Story
It was so promising. I loved the whole button-jar aspect. I have read my fair share of dark romance, and although this was a bit on the middle on the 'mild and mental' scale. I really thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters unfold and develop.
I loved the Crow and Cane duo. It added the touch of humor and satire that the book needed in order to add a milder side to the situation. Even though, the story itself got comical at times because of the authors writing and grammatical errors throughout the novel, Crow and Cane were there for the audience to have a little 'more'.
The Romance
The chemistry could have been better, It was as if there was a tiny spark in the air, and you were waiting for it to sizzle and give a little tension, but instead it instantly blows into a full blown fire and you missed all the 'foreplay' and fun parts.
Especially towards the end, when we were figuring out what Crow and Button meant to each other, alongside themselves, we needed that little extra sexual tension to keep the heat up.
I remember seeing the synopsis of this book last year, and I was so intrigued by the unique story-line... I needed to get my hands on it. Buttons and Lace neither exceeds nor falls behind on my expectations. The writing didn't wow me and the execution of the plot could have been better but still I found myself consumed by the story, guiltily turning pages and needing to find out how it ended.
“Button, your cunt was made for my cock.”
______________
Pearl
Damn, girl.
Pearl was one of those characters where you couldn't figure out if you loved her or wanted to slap the shit out of her. She was so strong and resilient, and gave a grand total of zero fucks when it came to sexist and masochistic men. I was rooting for her all through the book. One of the strongest heroines I've seen in 'dark' erotica so far!
Yet.
Damn, girl.
Her personality sometimes hindered my love for her. A thought process of hers that really pissed me off was how hypocritical she was. She assumed that she always had it worse (which she did... the situation she was in was awful!) , but that does not evoke the right to make assumptions on others having it better than you. Everyone lives through their own version of hell.
Statements that really made me want to shake her silly:
- "Whatever hardship he thought he lived through, mine was far worse"
- "I felt sorry for him, despite the fact my fate was probably worse than his."
And here's our strong and steadfast protagonist explaining why she couldn't and wouldn't 'get out of the situation':
- "I would starve myself until death took me. But I was too weak for that. I loved food way too much."
I don't know about you, but for a strong person - she really has some contradictory qualities. So it was hard for me to base her and magnetize myself with her. She felt very unreal and not fleshed out, but I loved how kickass and fearless she was when it came to standing up for what is right.
"He can take your body but not your mind."
The Story
It was so promising. I loved the whole button-jar aspect. I have read my fair share of dark romance, and although this was a bit on the middle on the 'mild and mental' scale. I really thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters unfold and develop.
“Do you see that fucking diamond around her throat?” he demanded. “That shit was on the Titanic before it sank.”
I loved the Crow and Cane duo. It added the touch of humor and satire that the book needed in order to add a milder side to the situation. Even though, the story itself got comical at times because of the authors writing and grammatical errors throughout the novel, Crow and Cane were there for the audience to have a little 'more'.
The Romance
“You can speak to me when I’m finished reading.” His eyes didn’t break their focus as he read. He took a few bites of his food and a sip of his coffee. What an asshole.
Thirty minutes later, he finished the paper from front to back. He folded it back to its original condition and set it on the table.
“Yes?” I read my paper in protest, ignoring him just the way he ignored me. He sipped his coffee and watched me.
“Spiteful, aren’t you?”
The chemistry could have been better, It was as if there was a tiny spark in the air, and you were waiting for it to sizzle and give a little tension, but instead it instantly blows into a full blown fire and you missed all the 'foreplay' and fun parts.
Especially towards the end, when we were figuring out what Crow and Button meant to each other, alongside themselves, we needed that little extra sexual tension to keep the heat up.
She walked out without saying another word, leaving me alone. With three hundred and sixty-five buttons.
October 18, 2020
Used and abused, again!
The heroine, Pearl, gets kidnapped by sex trafficking ring and sold as a slave only to be “rescued” a year later by brothers of a former slave that was tortured and murdered by the Man who bought her. They are out for revenge and intend to use her to get it.
The enslavement and abuse is disturbing as is the fact that the brothers think Nothing of doing the same to this girl as was done to their sister even after she hs suffered at the hands of the same guy first. But that seems to be a common theme in many dark romances, especially with revenge themes. Like what I am doing is not as bad as what you did because I am a hot guy and the girl really likes me!
Crow, one of the brothers takes her to his home and keeps her there, protects her from his brother and doesn’t use her like the first guy. He comes up with a plan that she can buy her freedom from him using buttons, don’t know why but I guess it is as good as anything.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The heroine, Pearl, gets kidnapped by sex trafficking ring and sold as a slave only to be “rescued” a year later by brothers of a former slave that was tortured and murdered by the Man who bought her. They are out for revenge and intend to use her to get it.
The enslavement and abuse is disturbing as is the fact that the brothers think Nothing of doing the same to this girl as was done to their sister even after she hs suffered at the hands of the same guy first. But that seems to be a common theme in many dark romances, especially with revenge themes. Like what I am doing is not as bad as what you did because I am a hot guy and the girl really likes me!
Crow, one of the brothers takes her to his home and keeps her there, protects her from his brother and doesn’t use her like the first guy. He comes up with a plan that she can buy her freedom from him using buttons, don’t know why but I guess it is as good as anything.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
July 11, 2023
3.5 Smut Scale Stars
I really liked this overall as I'm a sucker for this shit, but had a hard time taking Crow seriously as a badass.
Also, this is billed as "dark," but I have a pretty high tolerance so this feel middle-road to me.
But anyway. Already read book two and halfway through book three. Might just so overall series review at the end.
I really liked this overall as I'm a sucker for this shit, but had a hard time taking Crow seriously as a badass.
Also, this is billed as "dark," but I have a pretty high tolerance so this feel middle-road to me.
But anyway. Already read book two and halfway through book three. Might just so overall series review at the end.
January 26, 2018
3.5 Button Stars
I’m familiar with this author’s writing. I read a series before from her and I loved that! You know, I like the characters she creates! The heroins are so strong, they’er naturally fighters, they don’t accept anything they don’t want without a fight, they don’t act like victims! And the heroes; she writes them in such a way that sometimes you want to hate them but you couldn’t and that’s when you’re at war with yourself! This one started out really good, dark like what I like them but then the story continued without anything special to happen! And then it fell flat!! but the thing is the writing was good enough that I couldn’t stop reading, it intrigued me!
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Buttons" series and it ended with a mild cliffhanger. All in all, it was a good read and I hope you like it as well!
I’m familiar with this author’s writing. I read a series before from her and I loved that! You know, I like the characters she creates! The heroins are so strong, they’er naturally fighters, they don’t accept anything they don’t want without a fight, they don’t act like victims! And the heroes; she writes them in such a way that sometimes you want to hate them but you couldn’t and that’s when you’re at war with yourself! This one started out really good, dark like what I like them but then the story continued without anything special to happen! And then it fell flat!! but the thing is the writing was good enough that I couldn’t stop reading, it intrigued me!
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the first installment in the "Buttons" series and it ended with a mild cliffhanger. All in all, it was a good read and I hope you like it as well!
November 19, 2016
This is one of the worst books I've ever read. I've read better smut in fanfic, with better prose and it did not cost me $7. The only reason it's 2 stars instead of 1 is the plot kept me turning the page. It's not good, but it's like watching a slow-motion car crash and being unable to turn away. Of course, it ends with a cliffhanger so I'll have to spend another $7 in February.
The prose is cringe-worthy. I mean, it's really bad. My favourite was, and this is a direct quote, "Her pussy constricted around me like an anaconda. It pleaded for my seed, trying to squeeze it out of me." I laugh just typing that because that's the level of ... I just cannot. I have lost my ability to can. On page 146 in the mobile version, Crow says "it's the fairest relationship in the world." On page 147 he says, "Who said life was fair?" You did, Crow, literally a page ago. It's that off-kilter continuity that really drove me bananas. Of course, I should have known better when the main characters are "Pearl," "Bones," and "Crow."
Also, the author clearly does not understand consent. After being captured by a man from her other captor, she is forced to perform sex acts to "earn her freedom." During this, Pearl asks "Have you ever raped anyone?" He is literally raping her; the consent is dubious at best. The author implies it's not rape. It is. The circumstances are disgusting and squicked me out even more than the snake-to-genitals metaphor.
Basically, the plot is terrible and the prose is even worse. Avoid.
The prose is cringe-worthy. I mean, it's really bad. My favourite was, and this is a direct quote, "Her pussy constricted around me like an anaconda. It pleaded for my seed, trying to squeeze it out of me." I laugh just typing that because that's the level of ... I just cannot. I have lost my ability to can. On page 146 in the mobile version, Crow says "it's the fairest relationship in the world." On page 147 he says, "Who said life was fair?" You did, Crow, literally a page ago. It's that off-kilter continuity that really drove me bananas. Of course, I should have known better when the main characters are "Pearl," "Bones," and "Crow."
Also, the author clearly does not understand consent. After being captured by a man from her other captor, she is forced to perform sex acts to "earn her freedom." During this, Pearl asks "Have you ever raped anyone?" He is literally raping her; the consent is dubious at best. The author implies it's not rape. It is. The circumstances are disgusting and squicked me out even more than the snake-to-genitals metaphor.
Basically, the plot is terrible and the prose is even worse. Avoid.
February 10, 2017
3.5 stars
This book had the potential to be something GREAT! The heroine was strong-willed with nerves of steel and a beautiful exterior, but with a bite as vicious as a pit bull's!
Pearl was the anti-doormat of lead female characters and proved that a woman's strength was beautiful, appealing, and sometimes frightening! But while I loved her inner strength, Crow Barsetti's disdain for Pearl (early on in the story) was blindingly misguided and too contrived. I didn't warm to his character at all and parts of this story felt sophomoric and underdeveloped. Shocking the reader seemed to be high on the agenda and the first quarter of the story seemed a bit rushed, but the heroine's actions made this story a highly appealing read.
Unfortunately, this book was overfilled with what felt like glorified rape fantasies and dubious consent scenes, but I'm curious to see how and if these characters evolve. Definitely looking forward to reading book two of this series!
This book had the potential to be something GREAT! The heroine was strong-willed with nerves of steel and a beautiful exterior, but with a bite as vicious as a pit bull's!
Pearl was the anti-doormat of lead female characters and proved that a woman's strength was beautiful, appealing, and sometimes frightening! But while I loved her inner strength, Crow Barsetti's disdain for Pearl (early on in the story) was blindingly misguided and too contrived. I didn't warm to his character at all and parts of this story felt sophomoric and underdeveloped. Shocking the reader seemed to be high on the agenda and the first quarter of the story seemed a bit rushed, but the heroine's actions made this story a highly appealing read.
Unfortunately, this book was overfilled with what felt like glorified rape fantasies and dubious consent scenes, but I'm curious to see how and if these characters evolve. Definitely looking forward to reading book two of this series!
October 6, 2017
4.5 "button" stars
well, blime me... I liked it.
my first book by Penelope Sky and it was a damn good one...
inspite of the fact that this story revolves around a very well excerisized equation of the infamous trope - captor/captive, hate/love relationship, this was, in fact, a pretty raw, vile scenery of the very same theme, meaning when our main heroine, Pearl gets kidnapped/sold while on her vacation with her shmuck of a boyfriend, and is brutally and constantly raped by the man who bought her for 3 million dollars, her perspective of the current situation she happens to be stuck in, changes the very outcome, starting with her posture and attitude.
At first, she's traumatized, shocked and brutalized by this monster and his associates to whom he shared her with, she finds a strength to harden her inner spirit and overcome the mistreating of her body. She endures it all and she changes the tactics and an approach towards her conditioning and the man called Bones who enslaved her.
She gets under his skin, by complimenting his power, and masculinity aiming to enhence his basic vanity and he falls for it giving her a different treatment by showing her off to the outside world and inside his business...
and just when you start thinking "how long can she put up with all the gruesome, vile molesting" the plot changes direction by leading us into a twirlwind of events, that would utterly change Pearl's life, perspective, thoughts but it will also make her stronger, if possible, her inner fire and spirit will keep her on the edge while she again fights for her freedom as she once more, falls into the arms of another ruthless man who acted upon a very personal revenge against his mortal enemy/rival Bones.
He's Crow Barsetti and he's dangerous, ruthless and cruel BUT he never executed any indulgens in sex slaves, and when Pearl becomes a leverage against a man he hates and wants to destroy, he never accounted for the power play and the spite of the resilient spirit this woman imposed onto him, even in the unfavorable position she was in.
He becomes fascinated with her and he also can't execute the desire/punishment in a forceful way, inspite of the fact that she's a collateral and a means to an end...
Their interactions are borderline crazed and intense, empowering and yet they both breach their personal inner limits, sexually and emotionally, inspite the hatred, inspite the situation, inspite the odds ...and the game they start to play, as he offers her a deal...
will only bring more complex, complicated notions lingering as they both cope with facing what's really starting to unravel between them...especially within Pearl, the ongoing turmoil, self-questioning...
and the real danger in the following unfolding implications have yet to playout...
This is a new author for me, and I have to say I'm more than intrigued with Penelope sky's writing. The story-telling is easy to follow, the plot was multi-layered and very well presented and despite some issues I had with details not mentioned but were somewhat significant, in my opinon, concerning the story and the development in the characterisation, I found this work thrillingly fulfilling and captivating with strong very emotionally realistic heroine and an anti-hero who is not trying to be a romantically portrayed by default.
And that was in fact the best part of the book, the consistency of their true nature while they evolved as characters through out the story. It's complex, complicated, blurred and yet you can still see how they stay true to themselves within the turmoil and inner struggle.
I'll be reading the next installment in a blink of an eye!
well, blime me... I liked it.
my first book by Penelope Sky and it was a damn good one...
inspite of the fact that this story revolves around a very well excerisized equation of the infamous trope - captor/captive, hate/love relationship, this was, in fact, a pretty raw, vile scenery of the very same theme, meaning when our main heroine, Pearl gets kidnapped/sold while on her vacation with her shmuck of a boyfriend, and is brutally and constantly raped by the man who bought her for 3 million dollars, her perspective of the current situation she happens to be stuck in, changes the very outcome, starting with her posture and attitude.
At first, she's traumatized, shocked and brutalized by this monster and his associates to whom he shared her with, she finds a strength to harden her inner spirit and overcome the mistreating of her body. She endures it all and she changes the tactics and an approach towards her conditioning and the man called Bones who enslaved her.
She gets under his skin, by complimenting his power, and masculinity aiming to enhence his basic vanity and he falls for it giving her a different treatment by showing her off to the outside world and inside his business...
I'd become a great liar since I started living there. When my life was on the line, I did crazy things to survive.
and just when you start thinking "how long can she put up with all the gruesome, vile molesting" the plot changes direction by leading us into a twirlwind of events, that would utterly change Pearl's life, perspective, thoughts but it will also make her stronger, if possible, her inner fire and spirit will keep her on the edge while she again fights for her freedom as she once more, falls into the arms of another ruthless man who acted upon a very personal revenge against his mortal enemy/rival Bones.
He's Crow Barsetti and he's dangerous, ruthless and cruel BUT he never executed any indulgens in sex slaves, and when Pearl becomes a leverage against a man he hates and wants to destroy, he never accounted for the power play and the spite of the resilient spirit this woman imposed onto him, even in the unfavorable position she was in.
"I may be a prisoner, but I'm not a slave. You can try to do whatever you want to me, but I'll fight back-every single time. When you least expect it, i will kill you. and that's a goddamn promise.
He becomes fascinated with her and he also can't execute the desire/punishment in a forceful way, inspite of the fact that she's a collateral and a means to an end...
Their interactions are borderline crazed and intense, empowering and yet they both breach their personal inner limits, sexually and emotionally, inspite the hatred, inspite the situation, inspite the odds ...and the game they start to play, as he offers her a deal...
"I'm not giving you freedom. You're working for it...
You breathe fire. You're strong. Nothing can break you, not even me."
"Then why did you come up with this button arrangement?"
"Because i could tell you wanted me. You needed an excuse to be with me. You're too proud to give in to your captor, even if you're attracted to him. i had to give you a reason. And freedom was the only way to do that. I was willing to lose you as long as I got to have you first."
will only bring more complex, complicated notions lingering as they both cope with facing what's really starting to unravel between them...especially within Pearl, the ongoing turmoil, self-questioning...
In one way, Crow was worse than Bones. He actually made me want to stay. He gave me a beautiful place to live with the freedom to venture outside. He respected my privacy and never forced me to do anything I didn't want to do. he made me feel safe when I shouldn't feel safe at all and that made me not want to leave.
So he was much more dangerous.
and the real danger in the following unfolding implications have yet to playout...
This is a new author for me, and I have to say I'm more than intrigued with Penelope sky's writing. The story-telling is easy to follow, the plot was multi-layered and very well presented and despite some issues I had with details not mentioned but were somewhat significant, in my opinon, concerning the story and the development in the characterisation, I found this work thrillingly fulfilling and captivating with strong very emotionally realistic heroine and an anti-hero who is not trying to be a romantically portrayed by default.
And that was in fact the best part of the book, the consistency of their true nature while they evolved as characters through out the story. It's complex, complicated, blurred and yet you can still see how they stay true to themselves within the turmoil and inner struggle.
I'll be reading the next installment in a blink of an eye!
February 10, 2017
First off.... Triggers! Triggers everywhere! If that is a concern for you as a reader I would caution you to not try this one.
Alright. So Pearl is smart, she's an engineer, she's a product of the foster system, and she's dating a guy named Jacob. Jacob is your run-of-the-mill awful boyfriend. He has gambling issues, he's a liar, he's crap in bed, and treats Pearl like a doormat. Lovely, right? I'd like to think most women would dump him to the curb, but I know many stay in bad relationships regardless of how they're treated.
Then Jacob loses his job. And parks his ass on the couch. Jacob's life revolves around beer, tv, and generally turning their apartment into a pigsty for Pearl to clean up after she gets home from work. For WEEKS this continues.
The "don't get up, I'll deal with it" attitude she had was incredibly annoying.
But, I get it, and understand that not all women are as confrontational as I am. Cause I fo sho would have handled that nonsense.
But that's just me.
So. Moving on.
Pearl is understanding, patient, and deals with Jacob's pity party until he finds another job. Once he does, everything turns around for their relationship. He even wants to take her on vacation! That's exactly what she needs after being the house elf for as long as she has.
The Bahamas! Sun, sand, drinks with little umbrellas... Heaven. Things are looking up for the two.
Until the worst happens: Pearl and Jacob are attacked and she's taken by human traffickers.
Now, I don't want to go into too much detail about what happens to Pearl immediately after she's taken. Basically, she's tossed onto a ship with other women who are in the same situation and told that some of them are going to auction. To be sold as slaves.
It's the real Pearl that we meet on the ship. With Jacob, we saw the Pearl that just takes care of things because she has to, the Pearl who is patient, and who doesn't stick up for herself. We saw the Pearl that goes with the flow and ignores when she's being done wrong. But on the ship we see the survivor, the fighter, the woman who doesn't weather the storm. She IS the storm.
THAT is the Pearl I was waiting for. THAT is the boss ass bitch who will survive this book. And she is GLORIOUS!
Anyway, stuff happens on the ship. More stuff happens after they dock. And stuff after that happens that really sucks. I don't want to spoil it for you by detailing it out here.
So, instead of details, I will give you gifs. Read it! 5 stars. Cheers!
Alright. So Pearl is smart, she's an engineer, she's a product of the foster system, and she's dating a guy named Jacob. Jacob is your run-of-the-mill awful boyfriend. He has gambling issues, he's a liar, he's crap in bed, and treats Pearl like a doormat. Lovely, right? I'd like to think most women would dump him to the curb, but I know many stay in bad relationships regardless of how they're treated.
Then Jacob loses his job. And parks his ass on the couch. Jacob's life revolves around beer, tv, and generally turning their apartment into a pigsty for Pearl to clean up after she gets home from work. For WEEKS this continues.
The "don't get up, I'll deal with it" attitude she had was incredibly annoying.
But, I get it, and understand that not all women are as confrontational as I am. Cause I fo sho would have handled that nonsense.
But that's just me.
So. Moving on.
Pearl is understanding, patient, and deals with Jacob's pity party until he finds another job. Once he does, everything turns around for their relationship. He even wants to take her on vacation! That's exactly what she needs after being the house elf for as long as she has.
The Bahamas! Sun, sand, drinks with little umbrellas... Heaven. Things are looking up for the two.
Until the worst happens: Pearl and Jacob are attacked and she's taken by human traffickers.
Now, I don't want to go into too much detail about what happens to Pearl immediately after she's taken. Basically, she's tossed onto a ship with other women who are in the same situation and told that some of them are going to auction. To be sold as slaves.
It's the real Pearl that we meet on the ship. With Jacob, we saw the Pearl that just takes care of things because she has to, the Pearl who is patient, and who doesn't stick up for herself. We saw the Pearl that goes with the flow and ignores when she's being done wrong. But on the ship we see the survivor, the fighter, the woman who doesn't weather the storm. She IS the storm.
THAT is the Pearl I was waiting for. THAT is the boss ass bitch who will survive this book. And she is GLORIOUS!
Anyway, stuff happens on the ship. More stuff happens after they dock. And stuff after that happens that really sucks. I don't want to spoil it for you by detailing it out here.
So, instead of details, I will give you gifs. Read it! 5 stars. Cheers!
December 10, 2023
Оцінка 1,5.
Upd відгук
Для мене Переслідування Аделіни тепер супер книга😂 в порівнянні з цим.
Обурило, що книга немає попереджень до читача та позначки про 18+. Назва дуже нейтральна і люди можуть не очікувати цього 🤬всередині.
Я не проти dark romance, але я плююсь, коли це написано погано або супер нелогічно.
У даному випадку, я не могла абстрагуватися і отримувати задоволення від читання, бо речі які там є (дякувати вони не сильно розписані) відверто жахливі і погані.
Мені було дійсно, шкода героїню. Є нелогічність сюжету і взагалі нереальність в поведінці. Після того, що Перл пережила, вона б точно не могла насолоджуватися сексом чи чоловіками.
Я не одразу зрозуміла, що героїня потрапила не до головного героя. Кроу кращий ніж інший, але немає чіткого позиціонування, то він хороший, то псіхований звір. Було тут і натяк на 50 відтінків сірого, але в дуже скомканому виконанні. Ґудзики могли бути чим завгодно –копійки, цукерки, значки, як на мене недостатньо обґрунтування. Мереживо взагалі один раз проскочило, то чому воно у назві книги?!
Фух, я мабуть, сита по горло темою торгівлі людьми, тож більше не хочу (дякую).
От чесно, якщо хочеться почитати дакр, то беріть Аделіну і насолоджуйтесь.
Окремо дяка перекладачам за таку незліченну кількість синонімів до статевих органів. Я прям виписувала їх😅ох ця багата українська мова.
Повний відгук 🎧 Spotify, Apple Podcasts або Telegram https://t.me/imaginary_club/284
Посилання у біо.
Оцінка ⭐️💫/5
Spicy 🌶️🌶️/5
Upd відгук
Для мене Переслідування Аделіни тепер супер книга😂 в порівнянні з цим.
Обурило, що книга немає попереджень до читача та позначки про 18+. Назва дуже нейтральна і люди можуть не очікувати цього 🤬всередині.
Я не проти dark romance, але я плююсь, коли це написано погано або супер нелогічно.
У даному випадку, я не могла абстрагуватися і отримувати задоволення від читання, бо речі які там є (дякувати вони не сильно розписані) відверто жахливі і погані.
Мені було дійсно, шкода героїню. Є нелогічність сюжету і взагалі нереальність в поведінці. Після того, що Перл пережила, вона б точно не могла насолоджуватися сексом чи чоловіками.
Я не одразу зрозуміла, що героїня потрапила не до головного героя. Кроу кращий ніж інший, але немає чіткого позиціонування, то він хороший, то псіхований звір. Було тут і натяк на 50 відтінків сірого, але в дуже скомканому виконанні. Ґудзики могли бути чим завгодно –копійки, цукерки, значки, як на мене недостатньо обґрунтування. Мереживо взагалі один раз проскочило, то чому воно у назві книги?!
Фух, я мабуть, сита по горло темою торгівлі людьми, тож більше не хочу (дякую).
От чесно, якщо хочеться почитати дакр, то беріть Аделіну і насолоджуйтесь.
Окремо дяка перекладачам за таку незліченну кількість синонімів до статевих органів. Я прям виписувала їх😅ох ця багата українська мова.
Повний відгук 🎧 Spotify, Apple Podcasts або Telegram https://t.me/imaginary_club/284
Посилання у біо.
Оцінка ⭐️💫/5
Spicy 🌶️🌶️/5
February 26, 2017
Every single character is dickish. Every last one.
Rape, rape everywhere.
Save your money, buy any other book. This one pissed me off no end.
Rape, rape everywhere.
Save your money, buy any other book. This one pissed me off no end.
January 6, 2018
No sé qué error cometí para empezar si quiera este libro.
Desagradable es quedarme corta...
Una trama sin sentido, trata de blancas y violaciones a tutiplén, odio y toxicidad en cada línea.Un argumento que puede resultar interesante si se hubiese tratado con un mínimo de clase, pero es tan superficial en un tema tan horrendo que encima intenta hacernos creer que hay algo erótico debajo de semejante despropósito.
Lo siento, pero este libro no sirve ni para hacer fuego...
Desagradable es quedarme corta...
Una trama sin sentido, trata de blancas y violaciones a tutiplén, odio y toxicidad en cada línea.Un argumento que puede resultar interesante si se hubiese tratado con un mínimo de clase, pero es tan superficial en un tema tan horrendo que encima intenta hacernos creer que hay algo erótico debajo de semejante despropósito.
Lo siento, pero este libro no sirve ni para hacer fuego...
March 31, 2018
5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 so dark 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟s
It feels so oxymoron that I just loved this book!!! Although Pearl 💔 clearly has gone through hell and more, all this story is so breathtaking !!!!
I am awed by her defiance, gallantry and great fortitude! As far as Crow🖤 is concerned, under his savageness there are shreds of compassion and humanity, as well as he is very perceptive.
It feels so oxymoron that I just loved this book!!! Although Pearl 💔 clearly has gone through hell and more, all this story is so breathtaking !!!!
I am awed by her defiance, gallantry and great fortitude! As far as Crow🖤 is concerned, under his savageness there are shreds of compassion and humanity, as well as he is very perceptive.
March 15, 2024
Поповнити словниковий запас синонімами - done ✔️
А тепер піду помию очі з відбілювачем.
А тепер піду помию очі з відбілювачем.
December 14, 2020
This book was...bad. Not because of the consent issues, because if you’re picking this book up, you know what you’re getting into - it was the unbearable “not like other girls” energy. The MC fights every move that her rapists and captors make? She’s SO not like other girls! She’s a mechanical engineer who thinks taking things apart and making things is cool? Wow, she’s so much smarter and inquisitive than any other woman these male characters have ever met!
Utterly unbelievable. She decided to manipulate her first captor (a sadist) by telling him that she maybe sort of finds some of his cruelty hot, and then BOOM! He falls and love with her. Like??? She literally says this ONCE. We are now supposed to believe she’s a manipulative genius??
I don’t know how many times I rolled my eyes. Especially when her second captor acted like he’s never met a fighty woman before, and that this trait makes her sexy and different. Because all other women are submissive victims.
Honestly, this was so simple and bland. The author didn’t even attempt to approach something like Stockholm Syndrome with subtlety or nuance. Nor did she try to approach the male POV with anything but a slobbery rapey horndog mindset. Ugh.
Utterly unbelievable. She decided to manipulate her first captor (a sadist) by telling him that she maybe sort of finds some of his cruelty hot, and then BOOM! He falls and love with her. Like??? She literally says this ONCE. We are now supposed to believe she’s a manipulative genius??
I don’t know how many times I rolled my eyes. Especially when her second captor acted like he’s never met a fighty woman before, and that this trait makes her sexy and different. Because all other women are submissive victims.
Honestly, this was so simple and bland. The author didn’t even attempt to approach something like Stockholm Syndrome with subtlety or nuance. Nor did she try to approach the male POV with anything but a slobbery rapey horndog mindset. Ugh.
January 4, 2021
Here it is, my last read of 2020.
When I was reading the banker series by Penelope Sky, I got so many recommendations for this book. This is the book that was recommended to me the most and I totally get the hype.
I am obsessed with this series already. I will keep it short and just say that I can't wait to read this book.
With that said, happy new year, everyone! I hope you have an amazing 2021!
When I was reading the banker series by Penelope Sky, I got so many recommendations for this book. This is the book that was recommended to me the most and I totally get the hype.
I am obsessed with this series already. I will keep it short and just say that I can't wait to read this book.
With that said, happy new year, everyone! I hope you have an amazing 2021!
July 26, 2024
Upd: 2.5/5, прочитала другу частину, то перша виглядає дуже погано на її фоні
Тому минулий відгук вже не актуальний
Тому минулий відгук вже не актуальний
November 12, 2020
There is a good story idea here. So, I sincerely hope my rating doesn't discourage the author. Also, my rating is in no way affected by the dark content in this book. I'm an avid reader of Dark Romance and Dark Erotica. If anything, being such a fan of the genre has made me a tougher critic of it.
My rating is simply based on the execution of this story.
February 7, 2017
This is hard to review because I'm still trying to figure out what was just read...Pearl is a captive in human trafficking situation. Crow is no one’s hero, but only time will tell how much harm he will bring to her. This is a very dark read. Non-consent times 10.
The Good:
1. Crow is a very interesting character. Though not as fleshed out, something about him reminded me of my ultimate alpha Barrons
with the same scary hotness.
2. Pearl wasn't a weak heroine which helped me continue reading despite so many scenes that made me flinch.
3. I liked the whole button thing.
4. The dynamic between Pearl and Crow intrigued me, and kept me invested.
The Bad:
1. The beginning almost did me in. Kind of surprised it didn't end in a DNF.
2. The dialogue outside of the conversations between Crow, and Pearl often had me laughing in a bad way. It’s very over the top, and inauthentic.
3. Where the hell did Pearl an engineer, get these supergirl-Angelina Jolie movie-spy thriller fight skills? She was taking down trained security, stealing guns, and making excellent shots like it was nothing.
4. I am open to non-con type books, but prefer the titillating ones. This was brutal in ways that didn't work for me. Pearl's previous owner Bones was disgusting.
5. What the hell kind of revenge plot is this?
Final Thoughts
The first half of this book was a chore, but totally picked up by the end. I will continue with the next book to see how it all ends.
The Good:
1. Crow is a very interesting character. Though not as fleshed out, something about him reminded me of my ultimate alpha Barrons
with the same scary hotness.2. Pearl wasn't a weak heroine which helped me continue reading despite so many scenes that made me flinch.
3. I liked the whole button thing.
4. The dynamic between Pearl and Crow intrigued me, and kept me invested.
The Bad:
1. The beginning almost did me in. Kind of surprised it didn't end in a DNF.
2. The dialogue outside of the conversations between Crow, and Pearl often had me laughing in a bad way. It’s very over the top, and inauthentic.
3. Where the hell did Pearl an engineer, get these supergirl-Angelina Jolie movie-spy thriller fight skills? She was taking down trained security, stealing guns, and making excellent shots like it was nothing.
4. I am open to non-con type books, but prefer the titillating ones. This was brutal in ways that didn't work for me. Pearl's previous owner Bones was disgusting.
5. What the hell kind of revenge plot is this?
Final Thoughts
The first half of this book was a chore, but totally picked up by the end. I will continue with the next book to see how it all ends.
id-rather-kiss-drake
April 20, 2024Not in ANY lifetime will i read this.☹
Dnfed at......3%.
SPOILERS AHEAD---🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥
🐾First of all, she has a bf(a TOTAL douchebag) in the starting.
😲She gets kidnapped while vacationing with the bf.
🥺Sold into sex-slavery.
🤐Bought by a ruthless man Bones(say whaaaaaat? 🤔😆). He did all the Christian Grey activities with her. But she is NO Anastasia, coz ...girl is #STRONGaf.
😩Sold again to a rival of Bones named Crow(Caw!! Caw!!!). He is a rival becoz his sister was killed by Bones.
👦👧👦Crow does the BDSM activities with her. Then later asks his twin Cain.....or was it Cane? Don't remember 🤔.......anyways, so Cane never screwed her. At all. He beat her until she was almost dead,But he never f***ed her.
🙄Hello Cliffy!!!
What u can expect?🌼
It's Darker than black hole.
Hotter than a hydrothermal vent.(It means gyeser you nerds!)
Sexier than Kylie Jenner(If you are into that kind of thing 😛).
What u can't expect?❌
Submissive h.
Safety.
Virgins.
Sweet-diabetic romance.
TRIGGERS--😭😭🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺
Rape.
Sex Slavery.
Both above are on-page.
Dnfed at......3%.
SPOILERS AHEAD---🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥
🐾First of all, she has a bf(a TOTAL douchebag) in the starting.
😲She gets kidnapped while vacationing with the bf.
🥺Sold into sex-slavery.
🤐Bought by a ruthless man Bones(say whaaaaaat? 🤔😆). He did all the Christian Grey activities with her. But she is NO Anastasia, coz ...girl is #STRONGaf.
😩Sold again to a rival of Bones named Crow(Caw!! Caw!!!). He is a rival becoz his sister was killed by Bones.
👦👧👦Crow does the BDSM activities with her. Then later asks his twin Cain.....or was it Cane? Don't remember 🤔.......anyways, so Cane never screwed her. At all. He beat her until she was almost dead,But he never f***ed her.
🙄Hello Cliffy!!!
What u can expect?🌼
It's Darker than black hole.
Hotter than a hydrothermal vent.(It means gyeser you nerds!)
Sexier than Kylie Jenner(If you are into that kind of thing 😛).
What u can't expect?❌
Submissive h.
Safety.
Virgins.
Sweet-diabetic romance.
TRIGGERS--😭😭🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺🔺
Rape.
Sex Slavery.
Both above are on-page.
June 26, 2025
я давно таких огидних книжок не читала. сюжет толком відсутній, але більша половина книжки – це одні зґвалтування і насильство.
хочеться лише одне запитати: ЩО. ЦЕ. ЗА. ЛАЙНО?
що Бонс, що Кроу – для мене на одному рівні. по факту, це безневинна жінка, яка стала жертвою. і я не розумію, яким чином її приплели до помсти. у моєму ідеальному сценарії Перл вбиває всіх цих покидьків – і це ЄДИНА ПОМСТА, яку я сприймаю.
кілька разів плакала, бо інакше – ніяк. Перл сильна, але навіть їй уже необхідне лікування після таких пережитків.
1/5 ⭐️ (і це ще дуже щедро).
хочеться лише одне запитати: ЩО. ЦЕ. ЗА. ЛАЙНО?
що Бонс, що Кроу – для мене на одному рівні. по факту, це безневинна жінка, яка стала жертвою. і я не розумію, яким чином її приплели до помсти. у моєму ідеальному сценарії Перл вбиває всіх цих покидьків – і це ЄДИНА ПОМСТА, яку я сприймаю.
кілька разів плакала, бо інакше – ніяк. Перл сильна, але навіть їй уже необхідне лікування після таких пережитків.
1/5 ⭐️ (і це ще дуже щедро).
July 24, 2018
Cuando leí por primera vez la sinopsis de este libro, pensé que sería una lectura oscura increíble me aterrorizaría. Las lecturas oscuras son mi gusto culposo, en las que me siento como si estuviera sentada en una montaña rusa gritando a todo pulmón y levantando las manos para dar vuelta hacia la página siguiente. Es exactamente como sentí al leer este libro. Fue fantástico y no me decepcionó.
Botones y Encaje tiene una estructura única en la que nos encontramos con los personajes principales, Pearl y Crow, por separado antes de que la autora los reúna. Obtenemos sus historias paralelas y observamos lentamente como las tramas de ambas partes hacen movimientos que inevitablemente forzarán su encuentro inicial.
Primero conocemos a Pearl, ella está en una situación horrible. Cosas terribles y profundamente perturbadoras se le pasan repetidamente a manos de su "maestro" (Bones) y sus amigos hasta que conoce a Crow. Me encantaba que su fuerza fuera inconmensurable incluso frente a tanta brutalidad. Me encantó su fuerza, coraje e inteligencia. No importaba lo que pasara, nunca cedió para demostrar que era más que un rival para los hombres con los que estaba en contacto. Nunca leí una historia en la que la protagonista tuvo tanta lucha en ella y ¡me encantó!.
Crow es un personaje un tanto misterioso, ya que averiguamos por qué hace lo que le hace a Pearl. Crow tiene una venganza contra los nefastos Bones y no se detendrá ante nada para deshacer y lastimar a lo único que le importa a Bones. Lo que no anticipa es la atracción abrasadora e inesperada que siente por su bella cautiva. Además, él es igualmente protector y cariñoso y luego malicioso y brutal para ella, así que no podemos evitar preguntarnos cuáles son sus verdaderas intenciones.
Me encantó eso en este libro, nunca estás realmente seguro de lo que sucederá después. Después de leer el primer libro, estoy tan profundamente enganchada. En general, fue una lectura fantástica. Estoy muy impresionada y espero ansiosa el segundo libro de la trilogía.
Botones y Encaje tiene una estructura única en la que nos encontramos con los personajes principales, Pearl y Crow, por separado antes de que la autora los reúna. Obtenemos sus historias paralelas y observamos lentamente como las tramas de ambas partes hacen movimientos que inevitablemente forzarán su encuentro inicial.
Primero conocemos a Pearl, ella está en una situación horrible. Cosas terribles y profundamente perturbadoras se le pasan repetidamente a manos de su "maestro" (Bones) y sus amigos hasta que conoce a Crow. Me encantaba que su fuerza fuera inconmensurable incluso frente a tanta brutalidad. Me encantó su fuerza, coraje e inteligencia. No importaba lo que pasara, nunca cedió para demostrar que era más que un rival para los hombres con los que estaba en contacto. Nunca leí una historia en la que la protagonista tuvo tanta lucha en ella y ¡me encantó!.
Crow es un personaje un tanto misterioso, ya que averiguamos por qué hace lo que le hace a Pearl. Crow tiene una venganza contra los nefastos Bones y no se detendrá ante nada para deshacer y lastimar a lo único que le importa a Bones. Lo que no anticipa es la atracción abrasadora e inesperada que siente por su bella cautiva. Además, él es igualmente protector y cariñoso y luego malicioso y brutal para ella, así que no podemos evitar preguntarnos cuáles son sus verdaderas intenciones.
Me encantó eso en este libro, nunca estás realmente seguro de lo que sucederá después. Después de leer el primer libro, estoy tan profundamente enganchada. En general, fue una lectura fantástica. Estoy muy impresionada y espero ansiosa el segundo libro de la trilogía.
November 14, 2016
When I first read the blurb to this book, I figured that this would be an amazing dark read that would equally consume and terrify me. Dark reads are an adrenaline rush where I feel as if I'm sitting on a roller coaster with one hand covering my mouth and the other manically flipping to the next page. This is exactly how I felt reading this book. It was fantastic and did not disappoint.
Buttons and Lace has a unique structure in that we meet the main characters, Pearl and Crow, separately before the author brings them together. We get their parallel stories and slowly watch as both sides make moves which will inevitably force their initial meet.
We first meet Pearl, she's in a horrible situation. Terrible and deeply disturbing things are repeatedly done to her at the hands of her "master" (Bones) and his friends until she meets Crow. I loved that her strength was immeasurable even in the face of so much brutality. She was perfect.
Crow is a little bit of a mysterious character as we find out the reason why he does what he does to Pearl. In addition, he is equally protective and caring and then malicious and brutal to her so we can't help but wonder what his true intentions are.
I loved that in this book, you are never really sure what will happen next. After reading the first book I am so deeply hooked. All in all this was a fantastic read. I am so impressed and look forward to the second book in the trilogy. ~ Ratula, 4.5 "Buttons are Everything" Stars!
Buttons and Lace has a unique structure in that we meet the main characters, Pearl and Crow, separately before the author brings them together. We get their parallel stories and slowly watch as both sides make moves which will inevitably force their initial meet.
We first meet Pearl, she's in a horrible situation. Terrible and deeply disturbing things are repeatedly done to her at the hands of her "master" (Bones) and his friends until she meets Crow. I loved that her strength was immeasurable even in the face of so much brutality. She was perfect.
Crow is a little bit of a mysterious character as we find out the reason why he does what he does to Pearl. In addition, he is equally protective and caring and then malicious and brutal to her so we can't help but wonder what his true intentions are.
I loved that in this book, you are never really sure what will happen next. After reading the first book I am so deeply hooked. All in all this was a fantastic read. I am so impressed and look forward to the second book in the trilogy. ~ Ratula, 4.5 "Buttons are Everything" Stars!
December 11, 2023
2,5 ⭐
Охх...відчуваю, що тепер всі ті "піструки", "хтивці" й "товкачі" мені снитися будуть 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Насправді, все не настільки погано,
бо останній раз я так істерично реготала над книжкою, коли читала "Жнець" Шустермана. А тепер ось це 😁
📎"Я й забула, що лежу зв'язана, як та свинюка, і відчувала лише задоволення"
І нехай пробачить мене авторка, але весь той "глибокий" сенс, який вона хотіла донести читачам, губиться на сторінках десь між "жезлом" та "печеркою".
Я не можу охрестити цю книгу "жорстокою", мене особисто тут нічого не тригернуло. Так, в книзі є сцени фізичного й сексуального насилля, але все описане тут сприймається настільки нереальним, що в Санту легше повірити, аніж в це.
П.с ну і "красномовний" переклад насправді зіграв злий жарт з цією книгою, бо, можливо, без усіх цих "хтивників" і "товкачів" книга б сприймалась трохи краще, але це не точно 🤣
Охх...відчуваю, що тепер всі ті "піструки", "хтивці" й "товкачі" мені снитися будуть 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Насправді, все не настільки погано,
бо останній раз я так істерично реготала над книжкою, коли читала "Жнець" Шустермана. А тепер ось це 😁
📎"Я й забула, що лежу зв'язана, як та свинюка, і відчувала лише задоволення"
І нехай пробачить мене авторка, але весь той "глибокий" сенс, який вона хотіла донести читачам, губиться на сторінках десь між "жезлом" та "печеркою".
Я не можу охрестити цю книгу "жорстокою", мене особисто тут нічого не тригернуло. Так, в книзі є сцени фізичного й сексуального насилля, але все описане тут сприймається настільки нереальним, що в Санту легше повірити, аніж в це.
П.с ну і "красномовний" переклад насправді зіграв злий жарт з цією книгою, бо, можливо, без усіх цих "хтивників" і "товкачів" книга б сприймалась трохи краще, але це не точно 🤣
May 17, 2018
Buttons and Lace (Buttons #1) by Penelope Sky
Haunting, disturbing, emotionally tormenting and oh so dark!
Pearl is kidnapped whilst on vacation and sold to a sadistic man named Bones for 3 million dollars. She is brutally treated by Bones but Pearl learns quickly that if she wants to survive this she has to outsmart her captor and plots her escape. She tricks Bones by getting under his skin and into his black heart.
Crow Barsetti a dangerous and powerful arms dealer had a business deal go horribly wrong with Bones, he has been waiting and watching carefully to seek his revenge and when he sees Pearl with Bones he knew she would be the perfect leverage.
Pearl has become a pawn in a dangerous game and she is now in Crow’s possession. He is ruthless and cruel but also mysterious and sexy and has a sad backstory of his own.
Crow offers Pearl a chance to earn her freedom in the form of buttons, but giving up those buttons means she must give up herself completely.
Will Pearl earn her freedom or will Crow possess her for himself forever?
This book has a lot of mixed reviews but for me I absolutely loved it, I loved Pearls strength and bravery. I got lost in Crows complexity and fell in love with the man behind the mask. Being a fan of the dark, this definitely ticked all the right boxes for me.
The book ends on a mild cliff-hanger so I am eager to read Buttons & Hate to see how Pearl and Crows story continues.
WARNING: This book contains a lot of triggers. It is very dark and graphic and not for the faint hearted.
BLUSH RATING: 4
ROMANCE RATING:3
PLOT RATING: 4
DARKNESS RATING: 5
OVERALL: 5
GENRE: Dark Romance
NARRATION: Dual POV
BOOK DETAILS: Book 1 in the Buttons Series
AUDIO AVAILABLE- Whisper sync ready
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Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo,Samantha Cook
Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
OMG Michael Ferraiuolo!!!, I am in love with his voice, he has been matched perfectly for Crow, he has that harshness and arrogance in his tone but also when needed a softer resonance takes over in his voice and it makes you weak in the knees.
Samantha Cook has that strength in her voice that makes you connect emotionally with the character she is one of my favourite female narrators and her performance was brilliant as always.
I really loved the audio version of this book and look forward to hearing Buttons and Hate.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
March 1, 2018
2 stars.
Review in my account bookstagram
Botones y encaje lo inicié más por evitar caer en un bloqueo lector que porque me emocionara mucho la historia.
Yo no sabía de eso iba este libro, en su sinopsis habla de una protagonista que tiene una deuda demasiado grande y es prisionera. Por cada favor que cumpla, su captor le da un botón. Al completar 365 botones, tiene asegurada su libertad. Bastante intrigante.
Lo que inicia con un tema fuerte y poco relatado para mí en la literatura, como lo es la trata de blancas y la esclavitud sexual, se torna a casi mitad de la historia en un libro surrealista. Yo no quiero criticar duramente a la autora, pero lo que escribe aquí se desvía a mitad del libro a un romance tóxico, una relación nada sana. El segundo de esta serie, porque sí, es una serie, lo leí inmediatamente después de terminar este (yo a veces digo que no me quiero por someterme a estas torturas voluntariamente 😂), dicha relación empeora, así que mejor no invierto mi tiempo en subir mi opinión.
A pesar de ello, se lee super rápido o yo tuve que leerlo super rápido para no tener que cuestionar mucho lo que está escrito. Le di un 2/5, porque siendo honesta, yo quería variar mis lecturas, no podía soltar este libro, lo leí en un tiempo bastante corto y como objetivo de saturarme y lo logré.
Review in my account bookstagram
Botones y encaje lo inicié más por evitar caer en un bloqueo lector que porque me emocionara mucho la historia.
Yo no sabía de eso iba este libro, en su sinopsis habla de una protagonista que tiene una deuda demasiado grande y es prisionera. Por cada favor que cumpla, su captor le da un botón. Al completar 365 botones, tiene asegurada su libertad. Bastante intrigante.
Lo que inicia con un tema fuerte y poco relatado para mí en la literatura, como lo es la trata de blancas y la esclavitud sexual, se torna a casi mitad de la historia en un libro surrealista. Yo no quiero criticar duramente a la autora, pero lo que escribe aquí se desvía a mitad del libro a un romance tóxico, una relación nada sana. El segundo de esta serie, porque sí, es una serie, lo leí inmediatamente después de terminar este (yo a veces digo que no me quiero por someterme a estas torturas voluntariamente 😂), dicha relación empeora, así que mejor no invierto mi tiempo en subir mi opinión.
A pesar de ello, se lee super rápido o yo tuve que leerlo super rápido para no tener que cuestionar mucho lo que está escrito. Le di un 2/5, porque siendo honesta, yo quería variar mis lecturas, no podía soltar este libro, lo leí en un tiempo bastante corto y como objetivo de saturarme y lo logré.
September 15, 2018
CROW BARSETTİ'YLE TANIŞMANIN VAKTİ GELMİŞ DE GEÇMİŞ HABERİMİZ YOK..
"Maybe I wouldn't have tried to kill you if you didn't try to choke me last night."
"And maybe I wouldn't have had to do that if you just admitted you're mine."
"I'II die before that happens."
"Then I'II kill you and bring you back to life."
HA-Rİ-KA-YDI!!1
NOT: Ben Tess'in Gözyaşları'nı okurken Brax'in Tess'i satacağını düşünmüştüm, tatile çıkıp o mal yere girdiklerinde. 'Kesin birileriyle anlaşma falan yaptı bu kızı satacak, şerefsiz.' kafasıyla okudum hep. Sürekli 'umarım satmıştır de Tess ne bok olduğunu anlar, bırakır artık bir şeyler hissetmeyi, ona geri dönme isteğini falan.. EFSANE BİR ŞEY OLDU
BRAX TESS'İ SATMADI AMA...
aması birazdan magazin A ekranlarında.. kdgdlksgj
Kitabı okuyacaklarıma eklemişim,
yazar popüler değil,
buradaki arkadaşlarımdan kimse okumamış..
tabi bunlar başlamama neden olan şeyler değil,
neden olan şey kitabın arka kapak yazısında yazan şeydi.
Arka kapak yazılarına lanet olsun, okuyacak olan okumadan başlasın
çünkü arka kapakta yazandan daha fazlası var
VE GERÇEKTEN DEĞER GÖRMESİ GEREKEN BİR KİTAP
100 sayfa şey anlattım ama kitap ciddi ciddi çok iyiydi
yani Pepper gibi bi master'ın hikayelerini okumuşum ama yine de IYYY diyerek okumadım
BÜTÜN GECE UYANIKTIM YA O KADAR GÜZELDİ Kİ
ÖZELLİKLE DE CROW VE PEARL'IN TARTIŞMALARI DFLKGJLDKGJ
KONUŞMALARI, BİRBİRLERİNE VERDİKLERİ TEPKİLER FALAN
harcanmış bu kitap bildiğin
bir kere
adamla kızın tanışması, yakınlaşması,
her şeyin bir nedeni var,
kız zaten her şeye boyun eğmeyen türden olunca... tadından yenmedi yani dlkfjlgkj
I grabbed one button from the jar and walked to his bedroom. The door was locked like usual, so I knocked.
He answered it a moment later, shirtless and tired. His hair was messy, and his eyes conveyed his exhaustion. He didn’t look at me with irritation like he normally would. Now, he was just concerned.
I held up the button then placed it in his palm. “Can I sleep with you?” A single button in exchange for a night of sleep seemed fair.
Bu düğme muhabbeti de artık Crow dayanamadı, Pearl'de kendiliğinden gelmiyor
365 düğmeyi kazan, istediğimi ver, bir düğme al
365 taneyi al ve seni özgür bırakayım, serbest kal, özgürlüğüne kavuş...
The door opened, and Crow stared at me with an expressionless face. His eyebrows were furrowed, and his hair was slightly messy from rolling around in his bed. He only wore his black boxers. “Button, what’s wrong?”
I moved into his chest and rested my cheek against his slowly beating heart. “Nightmare.”
He enveloped me in his arms and rubbed my back gently. His chin rested on my head, and he quietly consoled me, his affection doing most of the work.
When I was in his arms, I immediately felt better. I was soothed just as I was when I slept with him. I loved my room, but I didn’t want to be alone. I wanted to sleep beside my dream catcher. I moved from his embrace and headed to his bedroom.
He grabbed my hand and steadied me. “What are you doing?”
“Going to sleep.” I pulled away.
“You can’t sleep in here.”
I turned his way, assuming I’d heard him wrong. “Excuse me?”
“You can’t sleep in here,” he repeated. “This is my room—not yours.”
“I slept in here last night.”
“That was a special circumstance.”
What was his deal? “You slap me around and fuck me, but you won’t sleep with me?” I couldn’t keep the anger from escaping my throat. “I had a nightmare, and I don’t want to be alone, but you’re turning me away anyway?” It hurt that I was opening myself up to him and showing my vulnerability, but he didn’t give a damn.
“I’ll go to your room and lie with you until you fall asleep.”
That just made it worse. “So you’ll only do it completely out of pity?”
His eyes darkened in irritation. “I don’t know what you expect from me. I’m your master, and you’re my slave. I’m not your boyfriend. I’m not even your lover. I don’t owe you a damn thing.”
That was a slap in the face. “Fuck you, Crow.”
February 23, 2021
No!!
Sabemos que estas cosas pasan, trata de blancas, maltrato físico, esclavitud sexual... soy consciente de ello y, podría haberme gustado este libro si hubiera sido escrito en otro contexto (un drama quizás) porque es una desfachatez tratar de convertir todo esto en algo romántico...
Sabemos que estas cosas pasan, trata de blancas, maltrato físico, esclavitud sexual... soy consciente de ello y, podría haberme gustado este libro si hubiera sido escrito en otro contexto (un drama quizás) porque es una desfachatez tratar de convertir todo esto en algo romántico...
maybe
August 21, 2022Note to self
This is not a romance series. Just because the h falls in love eventually doesn’t make it a romance novel.🙄
Very dark fiction with lots of sex.
The h is raped by multiple men during the series, and there are multiple Hs throughout.
MFM scenes too.
Not my jam.
This is not a romance series. Just because the h falls in love eventually doesn’t make it a romance novel.🙄
Very dark fiction with lots of sex.
The h is raped by multiple men during the series, and there are multiple Hs throughout.
MFM scenes too.
Not my jam.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,315 reviews