Pepper Winters

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS - No one does dark like Pepper Winters - so dark that I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that the future books in this series give me even a touch of romance, anything! Poor little Tasmin is taken from a party at only age 18 & spends the next two years as a sex slave, writing her memories down on toilet paper in hopes that someday, someone, anyone, no one will rescue her. The sexual violence she has to endure as Pimlico the sex slave is tragic, but I couldn't stomach the physical violence she was made to withstand. Elder Prest comes into her home one day to do business with her demented master, & it seems that Pim might have a glimpse of hope, a beautiful but damaged man might just notice her. "A penny for your thoughts, silent one." Elder might not realize that his attention to her & his way of treating her as a girl who deserves to eat at the table would make her master punish her severely. Elder finally comes to his senses & returns to rescue Pim in the knick of time - another very violent scene displayed right in front of his eyes. Did Pim basically just trade one master for another? Obviously Elder is a dark man himself but there has to be something that made him return for Pim. My hope is that Pim gets her independence because she now knows that the girl she was of 18 is long gone & maybe that isn't a bad thing. Her eyes are open to real life & real tragedy & she won't take one second for granted if she is given a taste of freedom. So dark & violent & heartbreaking. I would say i need an easy read after this but I just need more!… (mehr)

In Dollars, the plot timeline opens in succession with Pim trying to negotiate her new surroundings away from the white mansion. Not knowing whether Pim’s circumstance has improved, she is tentative and doesn’t know how to react to the demands being made upon her. Despite feeling powerless, Pim tries to overcome her past but doesn’t know what feelings to trust, as certain trained behaviors have been instilled in her core.

Pim isn’t the only one trying to adjust to the new living arrangements, as Elder is at odds with his decision. Exposing himself to Pim could lead to disaster but Elder can’t stay away from her. Battling his demons, he is forced to reconcile emotions he buried long ago causing tremendous inner turmoil.

What draws Pim and Elder to each other is complicated. Elder has been very open about his sexual inclinations toward Pim but it’s more than just the physical in that Elder feels a deep connection to her. While Pim is processing her feelings, she is angry and feels betrayed that her body feels an attraction to Elder who wants a certain gift before succumbing to his basest desires.

In this second installment, a range of emotion is present that includes reflection, healing, anger, betrayal and gratitude. With a somber tone, it is obvious Pim has been through hell and knowing the time it will take for her to rebuild adds tremendous tension. Adding to the conflict is the mystery surrounding Elder’s secrets and vulnerabilities. While we get a few glimpses into Elder’s world, there is still so much to be revealed and for Pim to experience.

With much contemplation, Pepper Winters takes her characters on a thoughtful and arduous journey. The plot moves at a pace that forces the reader to pause and feel how Pim’s emotions take a step forward but three steps back. At times, it is frustrating but also realistically portrayed considering her painful experience. With Elder, there were times when I wanted him to surrender to his urges and unleash the beast despite knowing how it would affect Pim and their future.

In all, the story-line successfully continues to build layers of intrigue and added dimension. There is still much to discover in this series and I look forward to continuing to see how it will all unfold.… (mehr)

It's been a little over 24 hours since I finished Hundreds and I am still in a state of shock. I wanted to give myself time to recover before I wrote my review but I don't think I am going to be fully recovered for quite some time. Hundreds starts to really give us a glimpse of who Elder really is (and I must admit I love him so far). We start to learn a lot more about him and what makes him the way he is. Pim surprised the hell out of me in this book. She is far more strong than I thought and I loved watching her slowly discover herself. Hundreds is full of emotional ups and downs and by the time you get to the end you will be totally gutted and dying for more. Pepper Winters is truly the master of complex stories with multilayered characters. I have learned that when reading her books I must always keep an open mind and expect the unexpected because nothing is ever what it seems. Thank you for once again blowing my mind!… (mehr)

Simply put....I am hooked.

As expected, Pepper Winters takes you into a world that’s both dark and beautiful and written so well that you can’t help but fall in love with the characters, the storyline...just everything.

In this book (number four in the series) we start digging into the meat and potatoes part of the story. We learn so much more about Elder and his past. We see Pim growing stronger and becoming more assertive with Elder. Putting a voice to her needs and demanding that they be met.

I don’t want to spoil any part of this story by putting too much information out there. The best thing that I can do for the people who are just as obsessed with this series as I am is to tell you that you will not be disappointed. You will be back for more because with this series.....each book tops the last.

I read this with my girls can’t wait to see if they are ready for more because I am.
… (mehr)