BOOK #REVIEW: Tears of Tess @PepperWinters

Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1) by Pepper Winters captured me from the very first line.

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered. Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

REVIEW: Tears of Tess captured me from the very moment I began reading. There wasn't a single moment that didn't hold my attention. It was gritty and, at times, tough to read, but it felt authentic - as if I were not reading fiction. The story was so vivid in its telling, there were times when I could hear the scary music in the background as I waited for what was to come. Then there were parts I didn't quite understand but the author made it clear by drawing a picture with her words and making me see the connectedness.

This book was masterfully written.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries