My parents thought emigrating from Germany to the American frontier was going to be a good thing. But it seems that a darkness is doomed to follow us wherever we go and life can be so harsh and unforgiving in this world, especially for a woman.
Luckily, I have my brother, Thomas, to watch out for me. He can only do so much, though, and after that vile attack, I find myself shrouded in darkness more than ever. It was then I realized that festering gloom came from within.
Although society won’t take kindly to it, we have forsaken God to live an unholy life, and just as things finally began to calm down, the past reared its ugly head and came back to destroy everything we’ve built.
But as Thomas once told me, I would ride my steed through the fires of hell to salvage the only thing worth living for, and if the devil himself gets in my way, he will beg God for mercy.
*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
This is a quick taboo old west romance that is both forbidden and sweet while heartbreaking at moments as well. I enjoyed how the romance was realistic in terms of the specific isolated situation both Thomas and Kate found themselves in.
Their devoted and protected love for one another was beautiful to see even in the most broken moments. I was enthralled throughout this story and its unique depiction of a forbidden/taboo love story.
Do you want a historical romance with murder? Then this might be for you.
If you do not like taboo relationship then this will not be the book for you. Thomas and Kate are siblings who have devoted themselves to each other no matter what and forever. This kind of taboo relationship in those days was not right. If you threatened one of them then you would pay the price for wat you did. Some might consider them the Bonnie and Clyde of the historical romance.
i have mixed feelings and can only give this 2.5 stars.
i didn't think there was enough chemistry and pining established between Kate and Thomas before all hell broke loose. with all the absence and time jumps, the story sort of barreled forward to Kate becoming a victim and Thomas having no choice but to handle the situation. without the letter from the first chapter, there was really no reason to believe he was acting in a way that wasn't brotherly. to go from an assault, to committing murder, to then being intimate... it felt rushed and forced to say the very least.
i did appreciate that Katarina's response to her own traumas always led her to being hostile with Thomas. he didn't deserve it, but with grief that strong, it makes sense she would lash out at the person closest to her.
the parent situation was bizarre. to have so much disdain for their relationship only to turn around and make suggestions about how to dispose of bodies??? i mean, okay...
i think the only parts worth reading were Kate's revenge. two entitled men believing that money earned them the right to have her as their own, only to be struck down by the very object of their desire was a fitting end for them both.
i would have liked to see more intimate interactions between Thomas and Kate that didn't rely on murder or sex to saturate their bond. by the time the end rolled around, i felt too stunned to speak and not in a good way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So I wanted to live this book but it was really depressing. Like spoiler alert- these German immigrants were blood thirsty. And I felt like they didn't deserve a kid after all the killing they did. Also to kill an innocent family and steal their kid!?! Like am I supposed to cheer for that?! This story was not the HEA I wanted. They turned into lying child stealing villians in my opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
My parents thought emigrating from Germany to the American frontier was going to be a good thing. But it seems that a darkness is doomed to follow us wherever we go and life can be so harsh and unforgiving in this world, especially for a woman. Luckily, I have my brother, Thomas, to watch out for me. He can only do so much, thought, and after that vile attack, I find myself shrouded in darkness more than ever. It was then I realized that festering gloom came from within. Although society won't take kindly to it, we have forsaken God to live an unholy life, and just as things finally began to calm down, the past reared its ugly head and came back to destroy everything we've built. But as Thomas once told me, I would ride my steed through the fires of hell to salvage the only thing worth living for, and if the devil himself gets in my way, he will beg God for mercy.
Well I have to say that has some dark elements but I'm not so sure that what was most shocking to be is the relationship between the two main characters. I so wasn't prepared for that and by the time you get there you're to far in to quit. If taboo relationships bother you then you might be bothered by this book. I am warning you now but there is more to the story than just that. This is the story of a family that immigrates from to a small western town and then a little later to a inn and store on the actual frontier trail. But they live in a small town and everyone of he boys in that town knows that they can not even really speak to Kate without the wrath of Thomas following shortly after. Many men pay attention to Kate and she soon discover from the new doctor in town that she has a love of medicine too and trains her to be his assistant but in reality she is basically doing his job because he likes to hit the sauce to much. She has another admirer too and she refuses all gifts and wealth he tries to bestow on her all while being mindful of Thomas but Thomas and his father go out of town a lot for jobs. But Thomas takes care of his sister and everyone knows it so if you pick on her you are just as well picking on Thomas too. He loves her after all and she knows that this is wrong but the way they were raised by there parents it seems natural to them. Things get crazier and crazier in this book and I need to stop telling you about the story or you won't be as shocked as I am. This was a little hard for me to read because of the brother/sister relationship. I'm not going to lie but I thought the story was well written. Kept me on my toes and I had to know how it ended and what a shocker that was too.
I've read some dark and taboo books before but never this taboo...........!!!!! Yes they are siblings so bear that in mind if you're gonna give this book a read.
This story is set in the 1800's and I've never really been a fan of books set in the old western times but I really enjoyed this. There are some really heartbreaking moments in this book, but some heartwarming ones too, even thou they are siblings who are having a sexual relationship, you really feel the love they have for each other.
Thomas and Kate will go to any lengths to be together, they will protect each other at any cost!!! I forgot they were brother and sister sometimes, but even though I said I would never ever read such a taboo type book, I actually really enjoyed this story and the characters. Can't wait to read more of this author.
Summary: Taboo Suspense Historical Western 3POV Not on KU
TW: Rape Assault Graphic violence Murder Mental health Forced medical procedures
This is my second book by Beckett Riley I’ve read in the last 24 hours and I’d have to say she’s easily becoming one of my favorite taboo authors. I normally don’t love 3POV but it worked for this book. I loved her writing style and the story flowed well together. Most taboo books can have some cringy scenes or dialogues and I haven’t found that with either of her books yet. The story was interesting and unique and I loved the historical 1800’s western vibe. There are some pretty big triggers in this one so keep that in mind if you decide to read. But I definitely recommend to anyone who’s looking for a Wild West themed taboo book.
A historical romance with a good dose of murder. We travel back in time to the 1800's where outlaws, horses and hard work paid off. Wow! Thomas and Kate were siblings who had devoted themselves to each other at all costs. A taboo relationship unheard of in those days. If you threatened them in any way you paid the price. At times they made Bonnie and Clyde look like angels. Heartbreaking at times but yet heartwarming. Sometimes I even forgot they were siblings.
Hmmmm, not really sure about this. It had taboo elements, but the setting and some of the situations kept it from really having that taboo vibe. I honestly don’t know if I enjoyed it or not. Interestingly enough I can’t recall ever having no opinion about a book. It was well written the story was decent I actually enjoyed the relationship between the couple, I just think we needed a bit more of it.
A historical romance with this kind of taboo?? YES PLEASE! I have never read a book like this from the 1800s and it was a wild ride for sure. But it definitely would have benefited from being longer, with more fleshed out characters. Otherwise, I loved it and I am definitely on the lookout for BR’s next taboo book!