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The Dark Duet #3
Epilogue
I'm writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging. In fact, you probably know too many things and know them far too well. Who am I? Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out. I was a whore in my youth, a killer since my adolescence, and a monster as a man. I am the man who kidnapped Livvie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves. She loves me. It's quite sick, isn't it? Of course, there's more to our story than can be surmised in a few short sentences, but I'm at a loss for justifying my behavior back then. I assume if you're reading this, I don't need to make those justifications. You've already made your own. You're reading this because you want to know about the rest of the story. You want to know what happened that warm summer night in September of 2010, the night I met Livvie at The Paseo. It was the night my life changed all over again. It didn't happen exactly as Livvie said. She's been very kind to me in the retelling of our story. The truth is far more...complicated.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2013
About the author
C.J. Roberts
13 books8,822 followersCJ Roberts is an indie author who favors dark, erotic stories with taboo twists. Her first novel, Captive in the Dark, was independently published in 2011 and is considered one of the pioneer dark romances of the indie author movement. Since then, it has been read and enjoyed by tens of thousands (and scorned by just as many).
CJ was featured in the 2020 documentary film “Naughty Books” by Austen Rachlis, which explores the individual and collective journeys of the indie romance author explosion during its infancy.
She was born and raised in Southern California, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and will eat tacos until her back hurts.
Stalk her on:
Facebook: AuthorCJRoberts
Instagram| Twitter| TikTok: @AuthorCJRoberts
www.aboutcjroberts.com
CJ was featured in the 2020 documentary film “Naughty Books” by Austen Rachlis, which explores the individual and collective journeys of the indie romance author explosion during its infancy.
She was born and raised in Southern California, is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and will eat tacos until her back hurts.
Stalk her on:
Facebook: AuthorCJRoberts
Instagram| Twitter| TikTok: @AuthorCJRoberts
www.aboutcjroberts.com
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June 18, 2013
6/18/13: Alternate ending for Epilogue: The Dark Duet
Watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy0z5J...
Read the alternate ending:
6/12/13: I have started traveling for book signings so I'm hit/miss on communication. ON AMAZON INCOMPLETE DRAFT ISSUE: I apologize for the issue, I have my agent involved now since she has better relationships over there than I do. However, if you call customer service, they will fix it in minutes. Be sure to have deleted the book from your Kindle first or it will cause issues. Final version should have 15 Chapters and an epilogue. Thank you for your loyalty and support.
CJ
6/11/13: I AM EXHAUSTED! Please read! Happy release day. B&N has the final version LIVE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/epilo...
AMAZON READERS: I've heard from Amazon and they are on it. They said they will notify everyone who purchased a copy and replace it with the final version. It should take no more than 6 to 12 hours. Again, I apologize for the error and I'm deeply grateful for your loyalty and support. Reminder: If you do not have 15 Chapters and an epilogue in your version. It is the draft!
ALL OTHER OUTLETS: I will try and get the book up on Smashwords today. They aggregate to all other outlets (iStore, Kobo,Sony, etc.). It can take 2 weeks. However, all the files will be available on Smashwords and can be read on all devices.
6/10/13: Just so you know, the version Amazon is sending out to pre-orders is the draft version. If you don't have 15 Chapters and an epilogue, don't read. I'm working on resolving the issue.
5/19/13: Epilogue Trailer. It's sooooo good!
http://www.irerun.com/Epilogue.m4v
4/25/13: Epilogue is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. Before you ask any questions (I still have to write), please check out website for links and FAQ: http://aboutcjroberts.com/
3/7/2013: You are all well within your rights to want to spank my ass raw...but I'm still writing and I leave for Boston next week. I suck, I know. I just didn't anticipate that I would have so much to say from Caleb's POV. Sigh...
Watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy0z5J...
Read the alternate ending:
6/12/13: I have started traveling for book signings so I'm hit/miss on communication. ON AMAZON INCOMPLETE DRAFT ISSUE: I apologize for the issue, I have my agent involved now since she has better relationships over there than I do. However, if you call customer service, they will fix it in minutes. Be sure to have deleted the book from your Kindle first or it will cause issues. Final version should have 15 Chapters and an epilogue. Thank you for your loyalty and support.
CJ
6/11/13: I AM EXHAUSTED! Please read! Happy release day. B&N has the final version LIVE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/epilo...
AMAZON READERS: I've heard from Amazon and they are on it. They said they will notify everyone who purchased a copy and replace it with the final version. It should take no more than 6 to 12 hours. Again, I apologize for the error and I'm deeply grateful for your loyalty and support. Reminder: If you do not have 15 Chapters and an epilogue in your version. It is the draft!
ALL OTHER OUTLETS: I will try and get the book up on Smashwords today. They aggregate to all other outlets (iStore, Kobo,Sony, etc.). It can take 2 weeks. However, all the files will be available on Smashwords and can be read on all devices.
6/10/13: Just so you know, the version Amazon is sending out to pre-orders is the draft version. If you don't have 15 Chapters and an epilogue, don't read. I'm working on resolving the issue.
5/19/13: Epilogue Trailer. It's sooooo good!
http://www.irerun.com/Epilogue.m4v
4/25/13: Epilogue is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. Before you ask any questions (I still have to write), please check out website for links and FAQ: http://aboutcjroberts.com/
3/7/2013: You are all well within your rights to want to spank my ass raw...but I'm still writing and I leave for Boston next week. I suck, I know. I just didn't anticipate that I would have so much to say from Caleb's POV. Sigh...
June 11, 2013
****** VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE ******
For those of you who pre-ordered and are getting your copies downloaded now, the WRONG VERSION of the book was sent out!!!
If your version does not have 15 Chapters + an epilogue, PLEASE DO NOT READ IT and a corrected version will be out soon!!
***************************
WOW!!! ( FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED )
A few months ago, very late one night, C.J. Roberts released the beginning of an epilogue to THE DARK DUET and I utterly blown away by how amazing it was. Not long after she announced that it would be turned into a full-length epilogue book. This is that book.
WARNING
✦ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE DARK DUET, DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW!!
Instead, go to book #1,Captive in the Dark, and start there.
✦ If you have read the first 2 books though, then this is a spoiler-free review.
The Dark Duet series is one of my all-time favorite stories and so when I found out that there was going to be an epilogue my heart literally just stopped for a moment!! I couldn’t even read it right away because even just the possibility of it brought back a whole slew of strong, heart-clenching emotions I had wrapped up after having finished the series.
My heart was pounding pounding POUNDING. Every detail of the story and my connection to the characters came flooding back to me. From the very first line I was just propelled *right* back to the exact moment that the story had left off. I was right there. My whole heart was involved, instantly. I was *with* it every word of the way. I’m not kidding – it was perfect!
In this epilogue we get to see the story from Caleb’s POV. It takes us back to that scene at the end of book #2 and moved forward from there but this time showing us the story through his eyes…
“I missed you every day, Kitten. Every. Fucking. Day.”
I loved that it felt exactly like Caleb was talking right to me. Ok, us. Ok, the readers. But I can pretend it was me. I felt like it was me. My world just shut down and it was just me hanging onto every detail of the story he told.
The tables were turned in this book and we got to see his frustrations at being in the position of needing HER acceptance. He always had been dominant by nature and so it was a true sign of his love for her that he kept trying to hold himself back and give HER exactly what she needed from him.
“I had gone through all sorts of scenarios in my head prior to making contact with Livvie. However, her passive aggressive behavior toward me was not one of them. My mind is much more problem/solution oriented. Mad at me? Scream at me. Punch me if you’re up to it. Please don’t smile at me sweetly, act like nothing is wrong and then leave me disillusioned. And before you say anything, yes — I realize how fucking ironic my words are. I have played my fair share on mind games with Livvie. It doesn’t mean I liked being on the other side. No man does.”
He tried to play nice and, he was a good person at heart (we all know this) but the truth of it is that he is not nice. He’s not your white picket fence. He’s your dark-and-twisted. But he’s also the guy who loved her with his whole heart and it just broke my mine to see him trying SO hard.
“I know you deserve to be happy. I know you deserve someone… better, but I’m selfish. I want you. I want you bad enough to try and be someone better.”
I loved watching them rediscover each other. They had one hell of a history together but this was like starting fresh to a certain extent – removed from the nightmare, and in a new environment with new hopes and new possibilities.
“No, Kitten. I’m not okay,” I whispered. “I don��t know how long it’s going to take for me to be okay. I just know that as long as you’re with me, there’s a chance that one day… I might be.”
I loved that this truly was an Epilogue in every sense of the word. To me, an epilogue is the happily ever after and with Caleb and Livvie, it wasn’t just a question of slipping into one as so many other book couples do because after the intensly dark and emotional journey of the first two books, it was believable that they would have to work hard to find the exact balance of happy that worked for them. This Epilogue wasn’t just another book in the series, but rather a detailed and focused continuation of how they rebuilt their lives and their relationship.
It’s not often (okay, it’s not ever) that we get to see something like this – an epilogue turned into an entire book. We’ve been through the nightmares and the pain of their journey through the dark but now it was time for them both to find a way to live in the light.
I loved that there was no external drama in this book – it was all focused on the main characters. It literally just showed the struggles of two people try to move on from what they’d been through. It showed the emotional conflict, the questions, the uncertainties, the desires, and most strongly the knowledge that they both needed each other more than anything else in the world. They’d been through so much together and just had to find the way to live with that.
The truth of it is that what happened to Livvie was not okay. What happened to Caleb was not okay. But just because bad things happen, it doesn’t mean there can be no moving forward.
“I didn’t want to hurt her. I loved her. I didn’t know how to do it like normal people. I didn’t know how to tell her how scared I was.”
Their happily-ever-after wasn’t fairy tale perfect but at the same time, I absolutely loved the message it conveyed that even people with the most utterly fucked up pasts could still find their slice of happiness – however unconventional it might be. The point is that they found what worked for them. And that was just absolutely beautiful.
“I know it’s odd between us. How could it not be? We don’t know each other in this world, but I’ve seen you at your worst, and what I know is that you’d do anything to protect me. That’s enough for now. The rest will come.”
I think that this story was so important to tell because after the events that they lived through in the first two books, in order to fully connect with and understand what made them able to move on to their future while living with their pasts, the explanation was necessary to fully show the readers more than just their love for each other but the literally process of how they came to their decisions.
I truly feel that Caleb and Livvie’s story has now come full circle. There are few stories out there that take the time to actually give the readers such a complete picture of the ‘happily ever after’ and it’s a rare and special thing for the readers to experience especially considering the strong levels of emotional connection that bonded us to the characters in the first two books.
The journey they have been through is one of a kind. Twisted. Fucked up. Scarring. Beautiful.
“I had come to understand our relationship would be riddled with moments where the past sucked all the joy out of the present. My only hope was that with enough time, Livvie and I would build memories capable of trumping our beginning.”
RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2013.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I strongly urge you to give it a shot. It is truly in a category on its own. It will test you. Test you to the very possible limit. But oh-my-GOD is it EVER worth it!!
This entire series has a beautiful but utterly RAW and honest intensity to it. It just pulls at your heart. You can’t help but be drawn in. C.J. Roberts’ writing is addictive. Its compelling, beautiful, and deeply evocative. She is honestly one of the most talented authors I’ve read.
I won’t lie though, this story is NOT for the faint of heart. It is captivating, yet deeply twisted… very disturbing and yet truly beautiful. It is gritty and powerful. But honestly, if you feel brave enough to give it a go, its one of *those* stories that you won’t forget.
“I’d kill for you, Livvie. I’d die for you.”
Series rating: 5 ++ stars!
Here’s the reading order:
My casting:
BLURB --> I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging. In fact, you probably know too many things and know them far too well.
Who am I?
Well, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. I was a whore in my youth, a killer since my adolescence, and a monster as a man. I am the man who kidnapped Livvie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves.
She loves me. It’s quite sick, isn’t it?
Of course, there’s more to our story than can be surmised in a few short sentences, but I’m at a loss for justifying my behavior back then. I assume if you’re reading this, I don’t need to make those justifications. You’ve already made your own.
You’re reading this because you want to know about the rest of the story. You want to know what happened that warm summer night in September of 2010, the night I met Livvie at The Paseo. It was the night my life changed all over again.
It didn’t happen exactly as Livvie said. She’s been very kind to me in the retelling of our story. The truth is far more…complicated.
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August 9, 2016
"Livvie, I'll forgive you whatever the hell you want. You don't need my forgiveness; you never have to ask for it. It's yours, Livvie. Anything that's mine to give is already yours."
PERFECT EPILOGUE TO AN ALREADY PERFECT SERIES.
The Dark Duet series is one of the most messed up, dark, twisted, excrutiating, emotional series I've ever read. It's also one of the BEST series I've ever read. So, when I heard there was going to be an epilogue, I knew it was going to be EPIC. And well, that's exactly what it was, to me at least. I loved every single second of this beautiful and unforgettable story and wanted to highlight almost every single sentence. And reading it from Caleb' POV for a change, made it al the more memorable.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Livvie --
Caleb --
"While I no longer kill, I am a killer. A killer in love is a very dangerously thing."
Caleb has come a long way from the person he used to be when he and Livvie first met. He's no longer the coldhearted person he used to be, but he's not exactly Prince Charming yet either. He still has his flaws but that's exactly what made me love him so much. He's not perfect, far from it actually, but for Livvie, he's willing to fight and try to the be the best possible version of himself.
"I missed you every day, Kitten. Every. Fucking. Day."
At the same time, Livvie has to fight some of her own demons. She knows she loves Caleb, but sometimes the past still resurfaces and it's hard for her to relive those memories. But, Livvie is now a much stronger person than she used to be. She stands her own ground and she doesn't give in whenever she and Caleb have an argument. Finally, they can be themselves around each other and be honest about their true feelings, although it's still hard for them to express what they're truly feeling.
***
"I am the man who kidnapped Livvie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. I'm the one who tied her to a bedpost and beat her. I'm the one who nearly sold her into sexual slavery. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves.
She loves me. It's quite sick, isn't it?"
Trying to lead a normal life after everything they've been through isn't easy for either of them but together they try to make the best of it. Together with Livvie's new friends, Claudia and Rubio, they try to build up a everyday life for themselves, filled with love, laughter and celebrations but also filled with some painful trips down memory lane. Still, I can't count the many moments I've literally laughed out loud with one of Caleb's hilariously honest inner monologues or the playful banter between him and Livvie, that showed, once again, how perfect they are for each other.
"We're pretty far from perfect, Kitten. I'm the most fucked up person you know."
"Yeah, but I'm the second most fucked up person I know, and when you put two negatives together, you get a positive. That's math, Caleb. Math is the language of the universe. You can't argue with the universe."
Her grin was patently ridiculous. I love you so damn much.
"There was only one thing the void wanted. Greedily tearing me apart, it asked for Livvie. It asked for my hopes, my dreams. It wanted my memories of her face. It wanted the laughter we had shared. "Mine," the void had decreed. Only Livvie could make me whole, and as soon as I realized it, I couldn't stop looking for her."
The way the story ends, suggests that it might not be the end of the series after all... And I can only hope that that really sinter case and that there's even more Caleb and Livvie to come! But even if it's not, I'm happy with the way things ended and no matter what, Caleb and Livvie will forever continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
"There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story."
"No, Kitten. I'm not okay," I whispered. "I don't know how long it's going to take for me to be okay. I just know that as long as you're with me, there's a chance that one day...I might be."
♥♥♥
February 3, 2015
5 Stars!
It’s been a year. A year since everything changed. A year to find Livvie. A year to find himself.
“I missed you every day, Kitten. Every. Fucking. Day.”
This is an extended epilogue of the Dark Duet, told completley from Caleb’s pov. Yes- you heard that right! A whole book from Caleb. Caleb is the best narrator. It feels like he is sitting right by you, telling you his story. I loved every word of this!
It takes Caleb and Kitten some time to figure things out. They don’t immediately jump into their happy ever after. It takes time. Building back trust.
Livvie is still trying to process everything that happened. She is trying to move on with her life. She has friends who care about her, she is going to school. Caleb showing up rattles everything. Caleb is trying to change. He wants to be different, but its a struggle. All he really knows is that he needs Livvie. It scares him how much he needs her, but he does.
Caleb is still himself, but you get to see a different side of him as well. I love both. I just love all things Caleb! He and Livvie are not perfect people. They both may be a little screwed up, but they are perfect for each other.
And it is HOT, and KINKY, and VERY VERY SEXY! Let me just say that Caleb does not disappoint ;)
This story was entertaining, captivating, and a must read for all readers of ‘The Dark Duet.’ If you haven’t read The Dark Duet, you are really missing out. Caleb is rough around the edges, but he is charming, funny, intriguing, and sexy as hell! It was wonderful to see Caleb and Livvie’s journey after everything. Epilogue is Caleb’s story- completely from his pov, it shows his innermost thoughts, his feelings, and his growth.
CJ Roberts is an amazingly talented author. One of my favorite ‘dark reads’ and I look forward to many more books by her!
I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging.
It’s been a year. A year since everything changed. A year to find Livvie. A year to find himself.
“I missed you every day, Kitten. Every. Fucking. Day.”
This is an extended epilogue of the Dark Duet, told completley from Caleb’s pov. Yes- you heard that right! A whole book from Caleb. Caleb is the best narrator. It feels like he is sitting right by you, telling you his story. I loved every word of this!
It takes Caleb and Kitten some time to figure things out. They don’t immediately jump into their happy ever after. It takes time. Building back trust.
“You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Caleb. You’re also the worst. I’m trying to reconcile those two things.”
Livvie is still trying to process everything that happened. She is trying to move on with her life. She has friends who care about her, she is going to school. Caleb showing up rattles everything. Caleb is trying to change. He wants to be different, but its a struggle. All he really knows is that he needs Livvie. It scares him how much he needs her, but he does.
Caleb is still himself, but you get to see a different side of him as well. I love both. I just love all things Caleb! He and Livvie are not perfect people. They both may be a little screwed up, but they are perfect for each other.
And it is HOT, and KINKY, and VERY VERY SEXY! Let me just say that Caleb does not disappoint ;)
This story was entertaining, captivating, and a must read for all readers of ‘The Dark Duet.’ If you haven’t read The Dark Duet, you are really missing out. Caleb is rough around the edges, but he is charming, funny, intriguing, and sexy as hell! It was wonderful to see Caleb and Livvie’s journey after everything. Epilogue is Caleb’s story- completely from his pov, it shows his innermost thoughts, his feelings, and his growth.
CJ Roberts is an amazingly talented author. One of my favorite ‘dark reads’ and I look forward to many more books by her!
June 14, 2013
QUICK REVIEW/Minor Spoilers -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance -Erotica(Do not read if you have not read books#1 and #2 in this series)
Quick read but a goodread! The captor of our hearts Caleb, takes us on a journey of how he and Livvie learn to move forward after going through hell and back. Caleb finds himself asking "Who am I" at the age of 27, an age when most have figured such a thing out. Yet in a sense he is just beginning.
If you have read The Dark Duet series then you are familiar with his back story as a child prostitute, as a killer, as an abductor. You are painfully aware that this is not easy for him to move on from that life to live a normal one... A life with out
killing
abducting
and training women to be sex slaves.
On top of that the woman he loves was once his captive. And she is still trying to move on from the traumatic experience that forever changed her life.
So now here he stands wanting her, loving her and hoping in his heart that she returns his sentiments. And she does in equal measure. But the pain is still raw and she let's him know it.
“Did you realize you loved me while I was alone in the hospital and weeping over you? When did you shout your love from the rooftops, Caleb? I couldn’t hear you. I was too busy trying to fucking breathe without you. I was busy convincing everyone around me I wasn’t crazy for defending my kidnapper. So, remind me. When did you say the words? I’ll be sure to go back in time and comfort the broken girl you left in your wake. Your love can comfort her, because I’m not the same person anymore..." ~Livvie
At times this book was a hard pill to swallow. Two emotionally damaged people the inflicter and his tormented prisoner what a pair. Some how they make it work he comes to accept the new Livvie, her new life and her new friends. However in between the emotionally charged fights and the incredibly delicious sex scenes I feel like the book ended and Caleb is still trying to find himself now as James. Or maybe a better way to say it is, he is accepting himself as James. I don't know.
I did not feel....closure.
Am I alone on this???
On top of that the ending had a "for now" sign on it. THE END(for now) Is it possible we'll hear from these two again? I hope so!
C A P T I V E
This is not a romance. Romances are filled with valiant men and simpering damsels in distress. Romances have heroes worthy of the title. They slay dragons and climb towers to rescue beautiful princesses they immediately marry and impregnate. Romances end with a happily ever after. This is not a romance. This is a love story. The characters are flawed to the point of being broken. The hero is beautiful, but ugly in ways that defy the ordinary imagination. The heroine isn’t trapped in a tower, but a dark and lonely room. There is no prince coming to save her. While love blooms and thrives, there is no happily ever after. Love does not always begin or end the way we wish it would. A love story can happen to anyone. This one happened to me. ~Livvie
Fave Lines
“I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging” -Caleb
“Everything is in the process of becoming something else. It’s the law of change.” -Caleb
“I've seen you handle your stick, Caleb. You're much better at it than I am” -Livvie
“You be rational, Caleb. You show up out of the fucking blue and just expect me to fall on my back and throw my legs open for you? No! Not until I know what the hell you’ve been up to for the last year. Not until I know why you’re back in my life and what you expect from me.” -Livvie
“Misery I understand. Happiness is terrifying." -Caleb
“What does a former kidnapper/murderer do in retirement?" -Caleb
My Ratings
Characters- Strong Willed and Lovable
Writing Style- Excellent! My preferred cup of tea!
Plot/Storyline- Solid
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I LOVED IT!!!!!! A MUST READ!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance -Erotica(Do not read if you have not read books#1 and #2 in this series)
Quick read but a goodread! The captor of our hearts Caleb, takes us on a journey of how he and Livvie learn to move forward after going through hell and back. Caleb finds himself asking "Who am I" at the age of 27, an age when most have figured such a thing out. Yet in a sense he is just beginning.
If you have read The Dark Duet series then you are familiar with his back story as a child prostitute, as a killer, as an abductor. You are painfully aware that this is not easy for him to move on from that life to live a normal one... A life with out
killing
abducting
and training women to be sex slaves.
On top of that the woman he loves was once his captive. And she is still trying to move on from the traumatic experience that forever changed her life.
So now here he stands wanting her, loving her and hoping in his heart that she returns his sentiments. And she does in equal measure. But the pain is still raw and she let's him know it.
“Did you realize you loved me while I was alone in the hospital and weeping over you? When did you shout your love from the rooftops, Caleb? I couldn’t hear you. I was too busy trying to fucking breathe without you. I was busy convincing everyone around me I wasn’t crazy for defending my kidnapper. So, remind me. When did you say the words? I’ll be sure to go back in time and comfort the broken girl you left in your wake. Your love can comfort her, because I’m not the same person anymore..." ~Livvie
At times this book was a hard pill to swallow. Two emotionally damaged people the inflicter and his tormented prisoner what a pair. Some how they make it work he comes to accept the new Livvie, her new life and her new friends. However in between the emotionally charged fights and the incredibly delicious sex scenes I feel like the book ended and Caleb is still trying to find himself now as James. Or maybe a better way to say it is, he is accepting himself as James. I don't know.
I did not feel....closure.
Am I alone on this???
On top of that the ending had a "for now" sign on it. THE END(for now) Is it possible we'll hear from these two again? I hope so!
C A P T I V E
This is not a romance. Romances are filled with valiant men and simpering damsels in distress. Romances have heroes worthy of the title. They slay dragons and climb towers to rescue beautiful princesses they immediately marry and impregnate. Romances end with a happily ever after. This is not a romance. This is a love story. The characters are flawed to the point of being broken. The hero is beautiful, but ugly in ways that defy the ordinary imagination. The heroine isn’t trapped in a tower, but a dark and lonely room. There is no prince coming to save her. While love blooms and thrives, there is no happily ever after. Love does not always begin or end the way we wish it would. A love story can happen to anyone. This one happened to me. ~Livvie
Fave Lines
“I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging” -Caleb
“Everything is in the process of becoming something else. It’s the law of change.” -Caleb
“I've seen you handle your stick, Caleb. You're much better at it than I am” -Livvie
“You be rational, Caleb. You show up out of the fucking blue and just expect me to fall on my back and throw my legs open for you? No! Not until I know what the hell you’ve been up to for the last year. Not until I know why you’re back in my life and what you expect from me.” -Livvie
“Misery I understand. Happiness is terrifying." -Caleb
“What does a former kidnapper/murderer do in retirement?" -Caleb
My Ratings
Characters- Strong Willed and Lovable
Writing Style- Excellent! My preferred cup of tea!
Plot/Storyline- Solid
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I LOVED IT!!!!!! A MUST READ!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
June 17, 2013
Love does not always begin or end the way we wish it would.
A love story can happen to anyone. This one happened to me
I can’t even remember the number of times I’ve said The Dark Duet is one of my all time fave series and I’ll keep recommending this series to everyone but in all fairness, this book was not as good as Seduced in the Dark. Then I have to give credit to C.J. because she had a difficult job to do.
***PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THIS SERIES***
I’ve read all the reviews from my buddies and they did a kick ass job so let’s keep this short and nice.
The first 40/45% of Epilogue was clearly a 5 stars book for me. I wanted to know what happened when Caleb & Livvie saw each other at the Paseo and I liked the way Livvie handled things. She was not an innocent girl anymore, not after what she has been through. Then, things sweetened up a little bit and I was kind of bored for moments.
I don’t want you guys to take this wrong, C.J. writing style is still music to my ears but the story was not what I was expecting in the second half of the book. I guess I wanted an Epilogue but this was more of a sequel for me and I have issues with sequels after HEAs but this is MY ISSUE so it’s me the one with the problem. The book is totally fine, just not for me.
Someone once told me you shouldn’t let vendettas run your life
The book starts right after Livvie meets Caleb at the Paseo. I was a crying mess when reading that at the end of SITD and I was really looking forward to that moment again when I started Epilogue. It didn’t disappoint, it was great and real. I mean, we cannot expect Livvie to do not ask questions or to trust him no matter what. I like real things, I like real heroines and I loved that part.
But then as the story goes on and things start to ‘settle’ between them I am not sure this is Caleb we are talking about. I mean, MY Caleb from The Dark Duet. And I know he’s obviously changed and all but he was sooooo cheesy sometimes. I don’t like cheesy Caleb.
Happiness is terrifying
So overall I enjoyed some parts but I didn’t enjoyed another parts. I am happy I read this one anyway because as I said, I loved the first half of the book and also that part around 60% when .
This being said, I will be reading Agent Reed book, I actually can’t wait for it. I know C.J. can deliver what we are expecting. This is how I am picturing him right now.
Ladies, you can spank me now for not giving this 5 stars, can't wait! You all know how much I love a good spanking...
July 3, 2013
♥♥♥ FANFUCKINGTASTIC!!!♥♥♥
One of my all time favorite series comes to a close and it could not have gone out better than this. Epilogue lived up to every one of my expectations.
Epilogue starts off with Caleb deciding to give us his side of the story.. what happened after we left off in The Dark Duet.
I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging. In fact, you probably know too many things and know them far too well.
Caleb tells us his story of his journey to win Livvie back. Although she is still deeply and irrevocably in love with Caleb, he still has to prove that he's not going anywhere....that she means as much to him as he does to her. Caleb is completely obsessed with Livvie and will do whatever it takes to keep her.. the pain he felt while they were apart was just as great as hers.
It wasn’t until Livvie walked away and I was truly alone in the world that I began to feel what love could be. It didn’t come to me as it came to others; I had to find love as I had found everything else that defined me: through my suffering. The chasm Livvie’s absence opened in me was a hungry void. It was alive, the void, and it would not be filled with vengeance. It was not soothed by my attempts to right my wrongs. It was not pleased by random women. It did not sleep, despite the amount of drink I imbibed to dull my senses.
One of the things I loved most about this book was that although Caleb had set out to reclaim Livvie, he was still his dark and twisty self with the sharp sexual edge we've come to love about him. Caleb still knows how to make Kitten's body react just the way he wants..and he's relentless....
We get to see Caleb grow...his love for Livvie so enormous that there is nothing he wouldn't do for her. He knows he doesn't deserve Livvie, but he wants to be a better man FOR her.
Yes, this was an amazing end to the story of Caleb and Livvie but I'm sad it's over. I can only hope that perhaps C.J. might give us a little something extra later on, a little taste of where they are in the future *crosses fingers*.
This is definitely a MUST READ series in my opinion..but it's not for the faint of heart. It's very dark and upsetting at times but it's a truly stunning story. Not many books have made me feel as confused about my feelings as C.J. was able to do with The Dark Duet series and I'm thankful for the journey she took me on. This is what a good book does, it takes you into the story and doesn't let you go. I've never read another character like Caleb and I'm quite sure I never will. He's one of a kind...
So, goodbye Caleb *sniffles* I hope your able to drop us a line and check in one day in the not to distant future; but until then.. I got nothing but love for you baby!!
One of my all time favorite series comes to a close and it could not have gone out better than this. Epilogue lived up to every one of my expectations.
Epilogue starts off with Caleb deciding to give us his side of the story.. what happened after we left off in The Dark Duet.
I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging. In fact, you probably know too many things and know them far too well.
Caleb tells us his story of his journey to win Livvie back. Although she is still deeply and irrevocably in love with Caleb, he still has to prove that he's not going anywhere....that she means as much to him as he does to her. Caleb is completely obsessed with Livvie and will do whatever it takes to keep her.. the pain he felt while they were apart was just as great as hers.
It wasn’t until Livvie walked away and I was truly alone in the world that I began to feel what love could be. It didn’t come to me as it came to others; I had to find love as I had found everything else that defined me: through my suffering. The chasm Livvie’s absence opened in me was a hungry void. It was alive, the void, and it would not be filled with vengeance. It was not soothed by my attempts to right my wrongs. It was not pleased by random women. It did not sleep, despite the amount of drink I imbibed to dull my senses.
One of the things I loved most about this book was that although Caleb had set out to reclaim Livvie, he was still his dark and twisty self with the sharp sexual edge we've come to love about him. Caleb still knows how to make Kitten's body react just the way he wants..and he's relentless....
We get to see Caleb grow...his love for Livvie so enormous that there is nothing he wouldn't do for her. He knows he doesn't deserve Livvie, but he wants to be a better man FOR her.
Yes, this was an amazing end to the story of Caleb and Livvie but I'm sad it's over. I can only hope that perhaps C.J. might give us a little something extra later on, a little taste of where they are in the future *crosses fingers*.
This is definitely a MUST READ series in my opinion..but it's not for the faint of heart. It's very dark and upsetting at times but it's a truly stunning story. Not many books have made me feel as confused about my feelings as C.J. was able to do with The Dark Duet series and I'm thankful for the journey she took me on. This is what a good book does, it takes you into the story and doesn't let you go. I've never read another character like Caleb and I'm quite sure I never will. He's one of a kind...
So, goodbye Caleb *sniffles* I hope your able to drop us a line and check in one day in the not to distant future; but until then.. I got nothing but love for you baby!!
June 28, 2015
Added June 28th
Did I jus imagined that I read C. J. Roberts saying on FB that this hunk of a man is cast in TDD TV series?
------------------------------------------------------
5 extraordinary stars!
Thank you for the ride C. J. Roberts, I enjoyed every single word of it.
I can't believe the journey ends here :-(.
It was one helluva unforgettable ride. I think at this point analyses of the book is unnecessary. Those who've read C.J Roberts previous books know that she is brilliant at what she does. You either got it or you don't, and she's GOT IT :-D.
All I can think about at this point is the fact that TDD series has come to an end. I feel like I should wait a day or two to write the review, but here comes my babble :).
This books isn't as intense as her previous books, but just as emotional. It's about Livvie and Caleb leaving past behind and starting new. The story grips your attention from the very beginning and holds it to the very end.
"Who am I?
Well, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. I was a whore in my youth, a killer since my adolescence, and a monster as a man. I am the man who kidnapped Livvie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves."
Nothing big happens in this story. Caleb and Livvie already got their happy ending. We've read Livvie's point of view, and now, Caleb tells us his. And it's freaking brilliant!
Their first meeting after a year isn't very pleasant.
And who can blame Livvie? WTF Caleb? I would have done the same thing :-). But OMG it's hard to hate him. In so many ways he is still the same, but you also get to see his softer side (Yeah, I know, who knew he had one :-)).
You get to see how far they've come since their first meeting. Their second-first meeting is hard on both of them. Both of them are hurt, confused and unsure, but that thing that drew them together is still there.
There is no unnecessary drama. Yes, there is a lot of questions, but they both are willing to meet the other one halfway. That is what was so amazing about this book.
When they finally got to that "We are gonna be okay" place, it was joy to read. It was both fun and sad to. Fun because.... Because they both have a very kinky side to them. C. J. Roberts knows how to keep readers entertained :-D. It was nice to see Livvie having a little bit of power for once :-).
.
The biggest surprise of all was Livvie, and her ability to forgive Caleb. Don't get me wrong, I like Livvie, loved her from the very beginning, but her strength and how understanding she was amazed me. It's impossible not to love her. I understand why Caleb was struggling so much. He wanted to the right thing, but how could you let go of someone like her?
Caleb still has his kink on, but he is not the same man we got to meet in the first book. He is thoughtful and considerate when it comes to Livvie. It's not easy. He lived in that dark hole for a very long time, but f@ck me if he doesn't try to be the man that she deserves.
Livvie, you kinky kinky girl :-). It was nice to see her having some power. Although sometimes I wasn't sure who was on top, there was no mistake that she was Caleb's equal. There were many situations where she gladly gave up the control, but only because she knew she could trust him. And it was oh-so-pleasurable to read :-).
Fantastic read. Writing is superb, amazing character development. Although I'm sad that Caleb's and Livvie's story is over, I can't wait for C. J. Roberts next book.
Did I jus imagined that I read C. J. Roberts saying on FB that this hunk of a man is cast in TDD TV series?
------------------------------------------------------
5 extraordinary stars!
Thank you for the ride C. J. Roberts, I enjoyed every single word of it.
I can't believe the journey ends here :-(.
It was one helluva unforgettable ride. I think at this point analyses of the book is unnecessary. Those who've read C.J Roberts previous books know that she is brilliant at what she does. You either got it or you don't, and she's GOT IT :-D.
All I can think about at this point is the fact that TDD series has come to an end. I feel like I should wait a day or two to write the review, but here comes my babble :).
This books isn't as intense as her previous books, but just as emotional. It's about Livvie and Caleb leaving past behind and starting new. The story grips your attention from the very beginning and holds it to the very end.
"Who am I?
Well, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. I was a whore in my youth, a killer since my adolescence, and a monster as a man. I am the man who kidnapped Livvie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves."
Nothing big happens in this story. Caleb and Livvie already got their happy ending. We've read Livvie's point of view, and now, Caleb tells us his. And it's freaking brilliant!
Their first meeting after a year isn't very pleasant.
And who can blame Livvie? WTF Caleb? I would have done the same thing :-). But OMG it's hard to hate him. In so many ways he is still the same, but you also get to see his softer side (Yeah, I know, who knew he had one :-)).
"I know I can't ease our past. I can't promise you I'm a completely different person. I'm messed up in ways most people can't possibly understand, but I care about you. I had to find you and tell you you're the only thing I care about anymore
You get to see how far they've come since their first meeting. Their second-first meeting is hard on both of them. Both of them are hurt, confused and unsure, but that thing that drew them together is still there.
There is no unnecessary drama. Yes, there is a lot of questions, but they both are willing to meet the other one halfway. That is what was so amazing about this book.
When they finally got to that "We are gonna be okay" place, it was joy to read. It was both fun and sad to. Fun because.... Because they both have a very kinky side to them. C. J. Roberts knows how to keep readers entertained :-D. It was nice to see Livvie having a little bit of power for once :-).
The biggest surprise of all was Livvie, and her ability to forgive Caleb. Don't get me wrong, I like Livvie, loved her from the very beginning, but her strength and how understanding she was amazed me. It's impossible not to love her. I understand why Caleb was struggling so much. He wanted to the right thing, but how could you let go of someone like her?
Caleb still has his kink on, but he is not the same man we got to meet in the first book. He is thoughtful and considerate when it comes to Livvie. It's not easy. He lived in that dark hole for a very long time, but f@ck me if he doesn't try to be the man that she deserves.
Livvie, you kinky kinky girl :-). It was nice to see her having some power. Although sometimes I wasn't sure who was on top, there was no mistake that she was Caleb's equal. There were many situations where she gladly gave up the control, but only because she knew she could trust him. And it was oh-so-pleasurable to read :-).
Fantastic read. Writing is superb, amazing character development. Although I'm sad that Caleb's and Livvie's story is over, I can't wait for C. J. Roberts next book.
------------------
I just want to say one last thing. On the release day of TDD3 there was a mistake done by either amazon or Roberts herself, and it resulted in readers getting the draft instead of the finished copy of the book. I had to wait the whole day before I got the finished version of the book. Waiting was excruciating :). When I finally found out that the full book was available I decided to read the draft first. Why? because Roberts posted following message on her Facebook page: "My stomach hurts. I am physically fucking ill thinking about all ppl reading that shitty draft. Fuuuuuuuuuck!" I refused to believe that it was that bad. So, I decided to read it to see for myself. And let me tell you what. If every writer could write a draft at least half as "bad" as Roberts draft, there would be at least 4 star reviews from me every.single.time!
June 24, 2013
First let me say... I LOVED the Dark Duet! I found this series because it was often compared to mine. As C.J. has stated - a VERY unfair comparison. The Dark Duet and Epilogue are erotic, mine are not. But - we do have a kind of "mind-fuck" in common. Now, with that said... I LOVED the angst produced in the Dark Duet! I couldn't sleep, I HAD to know what would happen next.
Epilogue is just what it promised to be - Caleb's POV AFTER (thus the title) the end of Seduced in the Dark. I knew the ending, yet I continually worried something unforeseen would occur! **ANGST** (I won't tell you if it does or not, you need to find out for yourself!)
I loved watching Caleb's inner struggles and transformation. It gives me hope for redemption! Well done C.J.! Thanks for this intimate look inside Caleb and Livie's / James and Sophie's relationship!
I'm gonna fan fic in my own head about their future! Well, I already did. And I have a big smile on my face!!!
EDIT: 6/24/13 I don't know how I missed it, but I just read the alternate ending of Epilogue on C.J's goodreads page. It has been over a week since I read Epilogue and the alternate ending left me with tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat, and a huge smile on my face! Thanks C.J! Those three words made the entire story - all three books even better (if that were possible!). I always say I'm not a romantic, but maybe I'm wrong!
Epilogue is just what it promised to be - Caleb's POV AFTER (thus the title) the end of Seduced in the Dark. I knew the ending, yet I continually worried something unforeseen would occur! **ANGST** (I won't tell you if it does or not, you need to find out for yourself!)
I loved watching Caleb's inner struggles and transformation. It gives me hope for redemption! Well done C.J.! Thanks for this intimate look inside Caleb and Livie's / James and Sophie's relationship!
I'm gonna fan fic in my own head about their future! Well, I already did. And I have a big smile on my face!!!
EDIT: 6/24/13 I don't know how I missed it, but I just read the alternate ending of Epilogue on C.J's goodreads page. It has been over a week since I read Epilogue and the alternate ending left me with tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat, and a huge smile on my face! Thanks C.J! Those three words made the entire story - all three books even better (if that were possible!). I always say I'm not a romantic, but maybe I'm wrong!
October 11, 2014
*3 So-So Stars*
This story is written entirely from Caleb's emotional perspective. As the title suggests, this is not a re-telling of the first two stories, but a conclusion that offers sporadic flashbacks into Caleb's dark past. While I didn't necessarily dislike this addition, I found it extremely inconsistent with the overall tone of the story.
Epilogue opens with Caleb inviting us into his world—generously letting us step into his twisted and tortured mind. He speaks directly to the reader in a very personal manner, which I adored. Although I was happy to see that Caleb wasn't spontaneously cured of his emotional demons, I must admit, it wasn't at all what I expected.
I understand time has passed and both Caleb and Livvie have changed—but there were many moments where Caleb's character felt too different from his original persona. Rather than appearing as a broken man evolving, he came across as two separate characters, and I couldn't help getting tripped up by the blatant disconnect.
I also had mixed emotions over the way Caleb and Livvie were portrayed in a domestic, 'normal' setting. The fact that they were attempting their shot at normalcy was heartwarming, inspiring, and strange to witness all at the same time. Some things are just better left unsaid, and I feel the Dark Duet was too intense and exquisitely twisted to turn around and attempt a conventional aftermath where Caleb watches Harry Potter and plays Rock Band with quirky, upbeat friends. Not to say that I'd prefer seeing these characters bask in misery, but it didn't feel genuine no matter how hard I willed it to.
That said, we do often see Caleb in a state of despair, fighting to extinguish his old ways--and he does achieve much redemption while doing so. Livvie struggles to let go of the pain he has caused her and remains a solid support system for Caleb.
I really liked the design of this story and how it was constructed to reveal Caleb writing his own book for us. This author has a unique and beautiful way with words and my favorite parts in this story were the glimpses of Livvie's touching writing. The amazing Duet books will remain forever with me; they dared me to leap out of my comfort zone and I have found many more beautiful reads because of that!
All-in-all, this was a decent, somewhat uneventful, but tender epilogue that concluded a truly stunning series.
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Dark Erotica
▪ Steam Caliber: Maximum steam
▪ Romance: Complicated, but evolving. Not entirely convincing.
▪ Characters: Showed tremendous growth; at times, characters felt too altered.
▪ Plot: While still battling their demons, Caleb and Livvie make a genuine attempt at a 'normal' relationship.
▪ Writing: Superb, dark, and intense. Author excels at engaging the reader.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Caleb's epilogue
▪ Cliffhanger: None
This story is written entirely from Caleb's emotional perspective. As the title suggests, this is not a re-telling of the first two stories, but a conclusion that offers sporadic flashbacks into Caleb's dark past. While I didn't necessarily dislike this addition, I found it extremely inconsistent with the overall tone of the story.
Epilogue opens with Caleb inviting us into his world—generously letting us step into his twisted and tortured mind. He speaks directly to the reader in a very personal manner, which I adored. Although I was happy to see that Caleb wasn't spontaneously cured of his emotional demons, I must admit, it wasn't at all what I expected.
I understand time has passed and both Caleb and Livvie have changed—but there were many moments where Caleb's character felt too different from his original persona. Rather than appearing as a broken man evolving, he came across as two separate characters, and I couldn't help getting tripped up by the blatant disconnect.
I also had mixed emotions over the way Caleb and Livvie were portrayed in a domestic, 'normal' setting. The fact that they were attempting their shot at normalcy was heartwarming, inspiring, and strange to witness all at the same time. Some things are just better left unsaid, and I feel the Dark Duet was too intense and exquisitely twisted to turn around and attempt a conventional aftermath where Caleb watches Harry Potter and plays Rock Band with quirky, upbeat friends. Not to say that I'd prefer seeing these characters bask in misery, but it didn't feel genuine no matter how hard I willed it to.
That said, we do often see Caleb in a state of despair, fighting to extinguish his old ways--and he does achieve much redemption while doing so. Livvie struggles to let go of the pain he has caused her and remains a solid support system for Caleb.
I was learning that happiness also presents new ways to suffer. Misery, I understand. Happiness is terrifying.
I really liked the design of this story and how it was constructed to reveal Caleb writing his own book for us. This author has a unique and beautiful way with words and my favorite parts in this story were the glimpses of Livvie's touching writing. The amazing Duet books will remain forever with me; they dared me to leap out of my comfort zone and I have found many more beautiful reads because of that!
All-in-all, this was a decent, somewhat uneventful, but tender epilogue that concluded a truly stunning series.
▪ Genre/Category: Dark Erotica
▪ Steam Caliber: Maximum steam
▪ Romance: Complicated, but evolving. Not entirely convincing.
▪ Characters: Showed tremendous growth; at times, characters felt too altered.
▪ Plot: While still battling their demons, Caleb and Livvie make a genuine attempt at a 'normal' relationship.
▪ Writing: Superb, dark, and intense. Author excels at engaging the reader.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Caleb's epilogue
▪ Cliffhanger: None
December 5, 2016
Awwww. Sniff.sniff.... I loved hearing Caleb's voice and his POV was so heartbreaking. Dear lawd, my heart broke for this man, who had to have had the worst childhood ever. My poor heart...sniff.
I loved him and Livvie together, both navigating the tenuous link that binds them even though their journey started from a dark and evil path. I loved how he found her and how Livvie forgave him and accepted him back. It was so sweet..sniff...sniff, and Caleb was so funny. This was a perfect conclusion to the series. Thanks CJ.
Will I remember in a month? Yes, certainly.
Do I recommend? Yes
Will I buy other books by this author? Yes
Shelved as 'z-2013'
January 7, 20162 DAYSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! :D :D :D :D
~~
I am not a masochistic. Not going to read this!
But you guys can.. Here is - Chapter, 2
______
I knew what she looked like when her pussy was wet. -Chapter, 1
Lets do the happy dance, cause we get MORE of Caleb and Livvie! *woot woot*
SO EFFING EXCITED!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D
I love you C.J. Roberts!!
OH MY.... OH MY....no words COVER!
~~
I am not a masochistic. Not going to read this!
But you guys can.. Here is - Chapter, 2
______
I knew what she looked like when her pussy was wet. -Chapter, 1
Lets do the happy dance, cause we get MORE of Caleb and Livvie! *woot woot*
SO EFFING EXCITED!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D
I love you C.J. Roberts!!
OH MY.... OH MY....
August 30, 2019
Reto #13 PopSugar 2019: Una relectura de tu libro favorito
No creo que pueda decir que este ES mi libro favorito, pero sí es mi favorito de esta trilogía que ya leí hace algunos años. Últimamente, en diferentes redes sociales, he estado leyendo varios comentarios sobre este tipo de novelas y sobre las de C.J. Roberts en particular y, de repente, me vi nuevamente sumergida en sus páginas. Es una historia que marca. Recordaba perfectamente los detalles de las dos primeras entregas y, creo que ahora disfruté más este cierre, podría decir que comprendí mejor a los personajes y sintonicé mejor con ellos... mantengo mis cuatro estrellas.
___________________________
Reseña 1a. lectura:
Si bien Seducida en la Oscuridad tiene un final redondo y absolutamente conclusivo con su epílogo, para aquellos que nos quedamos con gusto a poco la autora nos recompensa con esta entrega, la que no es ni más ni menos que la ampliación de ese mismo epílogo, pero desde el punto de vista de Caleb.
Como la costumbre era conocer los acontecimientos desde la mirada de Livvie, fue muy atractivo meterse en la cabeza de Caleb. Creo que la autora lo hizo muy bien, porque captó su más pura esencia y en ningún momento uno se confunde en la lectura.
Reitero que el libro es un epílogo, por lo que no vamos a encontrar la estructura clásica de una novela o giros argumentales; sólo son dos personas muy dañadas que quieren sacar adelante una relación basada en los profundos sentimientos que tienen el uno por el otro. Por lo mismo, fue muy gratificante la forma en que ambos personajes ponen de su parte para poder construir una historia juntos sobre los cimientos de su pasado. Al final, la idea de Livvie de recrear sus peores momentos junto a Caleb, para reconstruir recuerdos placenteros sobre esas mismas experiencias, fue increíblemente acertada en el contexto del relato. Porque sí, nuestra pequeña Livvie, que no alcanzó a conocer ninguna otra forma de relacionarse con una pareja antes de Caleb, ahora no se conforma con menos.
En resumen, este libro no es necesario en el contexto de la historia, pero sí es uno de los que más se disfruta.
No creo que pueda decir que este ES mi libro favorito, pero sí es mi favorito de esta trilogía que ya leí hace algunos años. Últimamente, en diferentes redes sociales, he estado leyendo varios comentarios sobre este tipo de novelas y sobre las de C.J. Roberts en particular y, de repente, me vi nuevamente sumergida en sus páginas. Es una historia que marca. Recordaba perfectamente los detalles de las dos primeras entregas y, creo que ahora disfruté más este cierre, podría decir que comprendí mejor a los personajes y sintonicé mejor con ellos... mantengo mis cuatro estrellas.
___________________________
Reseña 1a. lectura:
Si bien Seducida en la Oscuridad tiene un final redondo y absolutamente conclusivo con su epílogo, para aquellos que nos quedamos con gusto a poco la autora nos recompensa con esta entrega, la que no es ni más ni menos que la ampliación de ese mismo epílogo, pero desde el punto de vista de Caleb.
Como la costumbre era conocer los acontecimientos desde la mirada de Livvie, fue muy atractivo meterse en la cabeza de Caleb. Creo que la autora lo hizo muy bien, porque captó su más pura esencia y en ningún momento uno se confunde en la lectura.
Reitero que el libro es un epílogo, por lo que no vamos a encontrar la estructura clásica de una novela o giros argumentales; sólo son dos personas muy dañadas que quieren sacar adelante una relación basada en los profundos sentimientos que tienen el uno por el otro. Por lo mismo, fue muy gratificante la forma en que ambos personajes ponen de su parte para poder construir una historia juntos sobre los cimientos de su pasado. Al final, la idea de Livvie de recrear sus peores momentos junto a Caleb, para reconstruir recuerdos placenteros sobre esas mismas experiencias, fue increíblemente acertada en el contexto del relato. Porque sí, nuestra pequeña Livvie, que no alcanzó a conocer ninguna otra forma de relacionarse con una pareja antes de Caleb, ahora no se conforma con menos.
En resumen, este libro no es necesario en el contexto de la historia, pero sí es uno de los que más se disfruta.
June 19, 2013
ETA: Alternate ending posted by C.J. Roberts on 6/18/13...I've put it under the spoiler incase you don't want to see it!
I LOVE the last line! ♥
and here's a video she posted that explains things:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy0z5J...
******************************************************
My Review:
The Epilogue...the ending...the happy ever after, or not? Well, we begged for it and now we have it...for better or worse.
This story is exactly what I thought it would be and everything I didn't think it would be. I wanted to know what happened to Livvie and Caleb, I wanted to know if they got a happy ever after and I wanted Caleb's POV. What I wasn't expecting is how much I would miss Livvie and how raw and exposed we would find Caleb.
My Caleb
Both Livvie and Caleb have changed...how could they not? But we get to experience with them, how and if the new Livvie and Caleb can work. And it's a little unnerving seeing the two sides of them mesh together. Livvie suggested that there are times for them to be Sophia and James and times for them to be Livvie and Caleb and I thought that was ingenious. But I like how Caleb said it best:
And of course, we get many amazing, steamy sex scenes from Kitten and Sexy...that chemistry is still there and it was sooo much more because they were able to just love each other.
I did enjoy all of Caleb's firsts and I have to hand it to Livvie and how well she incorporated things. I was a little surprised at first at Caleb's go with the flow "vibe", I really thought he would be involved in all kinds of things. But it worked for him and I think his "exercise program" was a big help as was his construction projects.
I really enjoyed the parts that Rubio and Claudia brought to the story. I got a kick out of all the things that Caleb thought and how he came around on some things. Who knew that Caleb could be so funny...in a serious and scary sort of way!
My favorite, favorite thing was another first...
...my heart just went out to that little boy and the man that he has become.
And the ending? Well, curses CJR....how could you end a book like that?? But as Frank Herbert was quoted, "There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story." (for now)
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I missed you every day, Kitten. Every. F*cking. Day.”
♥ “No, Kitten. I’m not okay,” I whispered. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take for me to be okay. I just know that as long as you’re with me, there’s a chance that one day… I might be.”
♦ (I use feet for your benefit, but you should really learn metric, America)... I loved all Caleb's little comments to the reader!
♦ "I'd never considered myself socially retarded until that moment."
♥ "Mine."
♦ "Livvie and I will never wear matching outfits. No!"... LOL!
♦ "Sexy's Kung-fu Boo-Boo kit."
I LOVE the last line! ♥
and here's a video she posted that explains things:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy0z5J...
******************************************************
My Review:
The Epilogue...the ending...the happy ever after, or not? Well, we begged for it and now we have it...for better or worse.
This story is exactly what I thought it would be and everything I didn't think it would be. I wanted to know what happened to Livvie and Caleb, I wanted to know if they got a happy ever after and I wanted Caleb's POV. What I wasn't expecting is how much I would miss Livvie and how raw and exposed we would find Caleb.
My Caleb
Both Livvie and Caleb have changed...how could they not? But we get to experience with them, how and if the new Livvie and Caleb can work. And it's a little unnerving seeing the two sides of them mesh together. Livvie suggested that there are times for them to be Sophia and James and times for them to be Livvie and Caleb and I thought that was ingenious. But I like how Caleb said it best:
And of course, we get many amazing, steamy sex scenes from Kitten and Sexy...that chemistry is still there and it was sooo much more because they were able to just love each other.
I did enjoy all of Caleb's firsts and I have to hand it to Livvie and how well she incorporated things. I was a little surprised at first at Caleb's go with the flow "vibe", I really thought he would be involved in all kinds of things. But it worked for him and I think his "exercise program" was a big help as was his construction projects.
I really enjoyed the parts that Rubio and Claudia brought to the story. I got a kick out of all the things that Caleb thought and how he came around on some things. Who knew that Caleb could be so funny...in a serious and scary sort of way!
My favorite, favorite thing was another first...
...my heart just went out to that little boy and the man that he has become.
And the ending? Well, curses CJR....how could you end a book like that?? But as Frank Herbert was quoted, "There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story." (for now)
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I missed you every day, Kitten. Every. F*cking. Day.”
♥ “No, Kitten. I’m not okay,” I whispered. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take for me to be okay. I just know that as long as you’re with me, there’s a chance that one day… I might be.”
♦ (I use feet for your benefit, but you should really learn metric, America)... I loved all Caleb's little comments to the reader!
♦ "I'd never considered myself socially retarded until that moment."
♥ "Mine."
♦ "Livvie and I will never wear matching outfits. No!"... LOL!
♦ "Sexy's Kung-fu Boo-Boo kit."
March 26, 2015
“If you're sighing with contentment, you're either one sick fuck or you don't grasp the seriousness of the situation. While I no longer kill, I am a killer. A killer in love is a very dangerous thing.”
Epilogue is told from Caleb's point of view, which was a total treat. I loved knowing what was going on inside his head. Caleb has been looking for Sophie and it has taken a lot of work to find her. She didn't make it easy. She was once his captive, but he made the mistake of falling in love with her.
“I’m sorry, Livvie, I really am. You kill me. Pepper spray? I’ve tracked you all over the world and that’s what’s going to stop me―pepper spray.”
Sophia has a new name and new identity courtesy of the witness protection agency. She appears to have moved on from her traumatic abduction and rescue. She's attending college and has become her own woman. Will she be receptive to Caleb becoming a part of her life, now that she has had time to reflect on all the horrible things that happened to her after he abducted her.
“And if you can believe it…she slapped me again.
“What the hell is wrong with you? Stop hitting me!” I finally looked up at her, but she was a blur. She hit me so hard my damn eyes were watering (I was not crying – eyes water. I think we all know I’m a badass and I don’t cry).”
I loved the reunion between these two. Caleb had to meet Livvie on her terms. He was no longer in total control, but at her mercy. Their reunion was full of emotions. Anger, Love, Lust, and Betrayal simmured between these two.
I loved watching these two fall in love again but as two completely different individuals. I loved how Livvie was able to find a way to tell her story in a way that allowed Caleb to see things from her point of view. This Epilogue was the perfect ending to a phenomenal series. Caleb sums things up perfectly.
“Once upon a time I saved Livvie. She’s been saving me ever since.”
This is NOT a must read for fans of this series, but it is the icing on the cake. It will make your heart smile to see these two happy together ;o))
Epilogue is told from Caleb's point of view, which was a total treat. I loved knowing what was going on inside his head. Caleb has been looking for Sophie and it has taken a lot of work to find her. She didn't make it easy. She was once his captive, but he made the mistake of falling in love with her.
“I’m sorry, Livvie, I really am. You kill me. Pepper spray? I’ve tracked you all over the world and that’s what’s going to stop me―pepper spray.”
Sophia has a new name and new identity courtesy of the witness protection agency. She appears to have moved on from her traumatic abduction and rescue. She's attending college and has become her own woman. Will she be receptive to Caleb becoming a part of her life, now that she has had time to reflect on all the horrible things that happened to her after he abducted her.
“And if you can believe it…she slapped me again.
“What the hell is wrong with you? Stop hitting me!” I finally looked up at her, but she was a blur. She hit me so hard my damn eyes were watering (I was not crying – eyes water. I think we all know I’m a badass and I don’t cry).”
I loved the reunion between these two. Caleb had to meet Livvie on her terms. He was no longer in total control, but at her mercy. Their reunion was full of emotions. Anger, Love, Lust, and Betrayal simmured between these two.
I loved watching these two fall in love again but as two completely different individuals. I loved how Livvie was able to find a way to tell her story in a way that allowed Caleb to see things from her point of view. This Epilogue was the perfect ending to a phenomenal series. Caleb sums things up perfectly.
“Once upon a time I saved Livvie. She’s been saving me ever since.”
This is NOT a must read for fans of this series, but it is the icing on the cake. It will make your heart smile to see these two happy together ;o))
June 16, 2013
The sex was...Hot. Hot. Hot.
Post-trauma Livvie and Caleb as a couple outside of the bedroom, however...
There's something about seeing the "after" that tends to mess with the entire experience. Sometimes I'd rather be left on my own to imagine what happens next. Watching people in a domesticated setting kills some of the mystery. Example : Any Fever series fans remember the travesty that was Barrons ?
But I was curious enough to read this and it was still hot when it needed to be, so *thumbs up* for that.
I'm glad that Caleb wasn't "miraculously" normal after all he'd been through. Do I think he was less creepy than he should have been, given how twisted he was before? Possibly? But the author did a good job of balancing who he was before and who he is now without tipping too far in either direction. There had to be some healing and some semblance of humanity poking around in there, or the entire epilogue would have been pointless. But if he'd all of a sudden become a completely level-headed and mainstream-functioning individual, it would have killed the point of books 1 and 2.
Overall, I don't gather that there was a necessary epilogue happening here. Book 2 ended the story at a good point. But fans who can't get enough of these characters will probably enjoy checking this short book out.
Post-trauma Livvie and Caleb as a couple outside of the bedroom, however...
There's something about seeing the "after" that tends to mess with the entire experience. Sometimes I'd rather be left on my own to imagine what happens next. Watching people in a domesticated setting kills some of the mystery. Example : Any Fever series fans remember the travesty that was Barrons ?
But I was curious enough to read this and it was still hot when it needed to be, so *thumbs up* for that.
I'm glad that Caleb wasn't "miraculously" normal after all he'd been through. Do I think he was less creepy than he should have been, given how twisted he was before? Possibly? But the author did a good job of balancing who he was before and who he is now without tipping too far in either direction. There had to be some healing and some semblance of humanity poking around in there, or the entire epilogue would have been pointless. But if he'd all of a sudden become a completely level-headed and mainstream-functioning individual, it would have killed the point of books 1 and 2.
Overall, I don't gather that there was a necessary epilogue happening here. Book 2 ended the story at a good point. But fans who can't get enough of these characters will probably enjoy checking this short book out.
February 13, 2014
**For those interested, this is on price drop at Amazon US for $0.99, 2/13/14 :)**
I am SO disappointed with this book. "Epilogue" was something I never thought could be possible with this series...
BORING.
Honestly, if I wanted some BDSM light with no plot I would read Fifty Shades of Grey. When I open a book by C.J. Roberts, I expect dark twisted romance, kinky sex, and angst to the highest degree. I don't want to read pages and pages of dull dinner parties and playing Guitar Hero (or Rock Band? I forget, I was too busy yawning). This book was taking the bad ass of all bad asses (Caleb) and making him do horribly mundane things. I don't want to see Caleb cooking freaking dinner or making puns or going clothes shopping. This book was like turning on all the lights during a one night stand and finding out that the person you are hooking up with has oozing boils on his face... just horrifying.
To boot, nothing happened in this book! I was expected some major drama and got NOTHING. I wanted some tension, some adrenaline but instead I just got never-ending chapters of whiny complaining.
Le sigh At least the sex was hot (smoking at times, hence the extra star). However, I still just wanted them to go balls to the wall and this was just so wishy washy. In the end, I actually wish that I ended their story on book two. It was perfect. Now my memory of Livvie and Caleb is marred by this... disaster.
I am SO disappointed with this book. "Epilogue" was something I never thought could be possible with this series...
BORING.
Honestly, if I wanted some BDSM light with no plot I would read Fifty Shades of Grey. When I open a book by C.J. Roberts, I expect dark twisted romance, kinky sex, and angst to the highest degree. I don't want to read pages and pages of dull dinner parties and playing Guitar Hero (or Rock Band? I forget, I was too busy yawning). This book was taking the bad ass of all bad asses (Caleb) and making him do horribly mundane things. I don't want to see Caleb cooking freaking dinner or making puns or going clothes shopping. This book was like turning on all the lights during a one night stand and finding out that the person you are hooking up with has oozing boils on his face... just horrifying.
To boot, nothing happened in this book! I was expected some major drama and got NOTHING. I wanted some tension, some adrenaline but instead I just got never-ending chapters of whiny complaining.
Le sigh At least the sex was hot (smoking at times, hence the extra star). However, I still just wanted them to go balls to the wall and this was just so wishy washy. In the end, I actually wish that I ended their story on book two. It was perfect. Now my memory of Livvie and Caleb is marred by this... disaster.
June 15, 2013
5 million stars!!!
This book is nothing but amazing and anyone who is reading this review
has obviously read Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark
I’m writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging”
I- One of the millions of females who fell madly in love with Caleb was
ecstatic when I heard there was an Epilogue from Caleb's POV.
Yes Caleb..
What I was expecting was a summary of what happened from Caleb's mind.
C.J Roberts gave me that and much much more. If it was possible to rate
a book more than 5 stars this would be it!
"I thought finding Livvie would give me certainty, but I was learning that happiness also
represents new ways to suffer. Misery, I understand. Happiness is terrifying."
"What if she loved me and all I had to offer was a husk of a heart to love her with? How can "anyone understand what love is without experiencing it? It would be like trying to describe "color to a blind man. Some things you have to see for yourself. To understand love, you have to "feel it for yourself."
This sweet beautifully damaged man let us in to his mind and soul,
baring it all for us to see, to understand and to follow his journey
into being 'normal' and finally finding his place and happiness with the
person who could break through his defences and into his heart.
My rage was a living, breathing monster in my gut and it fed on every word she’d said.
"It’s difficult to process all the things I feel when Livvie expresses herself this way. If "I were a wolf, I would howl. If I were a lion, I would roar. If we lived in the jungle, I would bring "her a wolf and a lion to feast on."
From the Caleb we Knew to the Caleb that's talking to us
Now....
“Everything is in the process of becoming something else. It’s the law of change.” I briefly kissed Livvie’s eyelids before she could open them. “I’m in the process of becoming something else, Livvie. I hope it’s something good, something far removed from the monster you knew.”
“I was not crying - eyes water. I think we all know I'm a badass and I don't cry."
Reading his personal thoughts was such an intimate experience and if
this is possible I fell more in love than ever before.
“He is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. That includes puppies, babies, rainbows, sunsets, and sunrises. I can’t even call him a man―men don’t look this good.”
Reading this story makes you sad when his sad, happy when his happy and
YES ladies.... Horny when Caleb is horny!!
This Caleb is sexy, funny, sweet and at times he is so broken that you
actually feel his pain to your core! His inner conflict and self
loathing just show us that Caleb is a good man just as Livvie thought.
Epilogue is so much more than just Caleb's POV- it fills in the gaps and
answers all the questions we had BUT what's even more special we are
taken into the future with Caleb and Livvie who are now Sophia and James.
The passion between these
two is scorching but we also get to see how these two have grown between
then and now.
You. Are. Mine. Say it for me.”
“I’m yours, Caleb”
CJ Roberts is a brilliant writer, possibly one of the best I've read to
date! A series so magnificently written, she deserves nothing but appraisals!
Showing us light in the darkness.......
Laughter from the tears.......
Healing from the pain.....
Love from the hate....
So yes ill Beg... Beg for more..
For what it’s worth, I think I might actually miss you.
Will you miss me?
Will you cry?
If you do, please drink a tear for me and know that I never meant to cause you pain. Our parting is no cause to fret. In the words of Frank Herbert, “There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.”
Survival is the most important thing. It affords us the chance to live and to find all of the things that make living worthwhile. I found redemption. I found forgiveness. I found love.”
June 22, 2013
Do not read this review if you haven’t read the previous books :)
It's really sad when a story ends. This journey had its ups and downs but I never thought that it would end in this way .I'm really glad I read these books because characters as Livvie should be mimicked. What I mean is that even though she was manipulated so badly she managed to stay strong on her feet again. It was difficult to forget him , to erase her past but what about Caleb? This book has all the answers about these two people. I'm very happy that the author decided to write the Epilogue .
If she hadn’t I'm sure I'll still be wondering how they would deal with their lives.
Caleb's void roars in life and the only person who can make him whole again is Livvie . He has to find her , be with her !
Their meeting isnt mentioned in SITD and I have to admit that I laughed a lot.
She hit me so hard my damn eyes were watering (I was not crying—eyes water. I think we all know I’m a badass and I don’t cry).
Livvie is willing to try again with him.Start everything from the beginning , be a normal couple , but is that even possible since they're both fucked up in the worst ways?
It is very nice to see these two trying.Livvie is really good in pretending that is a normal college girl.Caleb on the other hand left me laughing so hard.Oh god he was such a caveman.I guess some habits *clears throat* cant be forgotten .
Around her he is soft and we can see that he is a human after all. I always thought that he was a f***ing b@stard.I dont know how the author did this but I ended up liking him .
I dont know what's wrong with me but I cant review this book so I'm stopping here.I loved it and that's all it matters.These two characters will definitely stay with me forever.
Can I say goodbye?
Not really.
Ok, the epilogue confused me a lot.
I want to believe that we arent saying a goodbye forever but that we will see them again.
I'm looking forward to more :)
PS; quoted pics are edited by me so feel free to use them but dont claim them as yours :)
June 14, 2013
I was never able to be fully drawn into this book like I was the first two. As much as I wanted Caleb and Livvie to move past their experience and integrate into society, I'm not sure I actually wanted to watch it happen. I loved Seduce in the Dark so much and I think it was truly the masterpiece of the series. So of course since I loved the characters so much, I wanted more. Now that I got what I thought I wanted, I'm not so sure.
Here's an example of why this book was just 'off' for me.
Caleb
My reaction
Then my reaction to my reaction
Do I want to think of Caleb as
Yeah, that is just one example and the book was full of super cutesy stuff that just didn't really fit with the series. You know what they say about too much of a good thing.
Here's an example of why this book was just 'off' for me.
Caleb
My reaction
Then my reaction to my reaction
Do I want to think of Caleb as
Yeah, that is just one example and the book was full of super cutesy stuff that just didn't really fit with the series. You know what they say about too much of a good thing.
June 13, 2013
The only word that can describe this book: Perfection.
In Epilogue, we continue Caleb's and Livvie's story. This time though it is told completely from Caleb's POV. I didn't think it was possible to love Caleb any more than I did already but I do. To read his struggle to overcome the past and to try to make sense of who he is today-is he Caleb or James? I loved reading their process of self growth and forgiveness.
This story is witty, sexy <---BOY IS IT SEXY..Hmm...
and touching. I never wanted it to end. I found myself slowing down and savoring the last bit of story I had left. When I was done it was bittersweet.
I am
June 17, 2013
***TEASER***
“I know you deserve to be happy. I know you deserve someone… better, but I’m selfish. I want you. I want you bad enough to try and be someone better.” -Caleb
Holy shit! I LOVE CALEB!!! I FUCKING LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!! OMG, I can't wait for this book! Can't freakin wait!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEE!
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD.....I'M SCREAMING!!!!!!! MORE CALEB???? MORE FUCKING CALEB??? OH YES, YES YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
“I know you deserve to be happy. I know you deserve someone… better, but I’m selfish. I want you. I want you bad enough to try and be someone better.” -Caleb
Holy shit! I LOVE CALEB!!! I FUCKING LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!! OMG, I can't wait for this book! Can't freakin wait!!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEE!
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD.....I'M SCREAMING!!!!!!! MORE CALEB???? MORE FUCKING CALEB??? OH YES, YES YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
September 10, 2020
Actually it didn't work for me
It almost felt.......
I don't know , Boring ?
It's a short book at least for my standards but still I had a hard time to finish it
Also
I had some major issues which put me off at the first place
If I don't pin point it , it will bother me a lot 😑
{ If you haven't read book 1 and 2 then don't proceed it will be spoilerish}
So-
1.Double Standards aka mother of hypocrisy :
Sweetheart , you are allowed to cheat on her ; when you are having a break or you are on your "redemption period" you can sleep with other women with the side remark "they didn't mean anything because they are not Livvie "
WTF dude ?
What is it ?
and She can't even see a man ? You will flip just by hearing about it ?
2. PDA:
Don't get me wrong I am all for holding hands , hands on small of the back , forhead kisses but you have to eat each others faces in public to prove you are a couple 😂 I mean why ?
I mean it wouldn't bother me that much if not for the fact Mr. James aka Caleb had done the things to her Beloved kitten in book two. This time obviously it was consensual but still it made me uncomfortable .
3.Red Flag
Guiltily admitting possessiveness , protectiveness , having a claim on your girl is always a turn on for me . Hell This Man is one my favourite books
But in this case it freaked me out
Here is a scenario from the book -
"I won’t be here a second longer than you want me to be. I promise.”I didn’t mention the part where I’d lose my fucking mind. I wasn’t sure what I would do if Livvie didn’t want to be with me.I didn’t necessarily have anything to go back to except killing and smuggling. Was I a better person? Maybe not.I was only
better when I was living for her.I felt like a time-bomb."
I mean
RUN SIS RUN!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
4. Pet
I mean stop !
Stop calling her that! She is not your slave
I was feeling offended on her behalf 😒
In short I was better off without Book 3
I think he needs monthly psychiatrist visits
Whatever at least Livvie Slapped him quite a few times so I am happy 😂
If you guys are up for quick SMUT read which you will get here ( plenty ) then here you go.
Unfortunately SMUT is not my thing unless I feel the chemistry, respect and affection from the Male Lead if that makes sense 🙄
From Chapter 11 things got comparatively
better for me.
I think I was seeking for his closure and apology more than the sexy stuffs
Also when it is a 15 chaptered book and I didn't like 10 chapters of it then it's not cool at all.
I will again emphasise on my statement if you are not fond of Dark Romance then it is not your thing
you could love this book
or
you will absouletly despise it
there is no middle ground
then again I think I crave for darkness time to time to appreciate the brightness more. Love is not always beautiful it's ugly too and you can't access it's beauty without fighting it's ugliness
Happy Reading xoxo
It almost felt.......
I don't know , Boring ?
It's a short book at least for my standards but still I had a hard time to finish it
Also
I had some major issues which put me off at the first place
If I don't pin point it , it will bother me a lot 😑
{ If you haven't read book 1 and 2 then don't proceed it will be spoilerish}
So-
1.Double Standards aka mother of hypocrisy :
Sweetheart , you are allowed to cheat on her ; when you are having a break or you are on your "redemption period" you can sleep with other women with the side remark "they didn't mean anything because they are not Livvie "
WTF dude ?
What is it ?
and She can't even see a man ? You will flip just by hearing about it ?
2. PDA:
Don't get me wrong I am all for holding hands , hands on small of the back , forhead kisses but you have to eat each others faces in public to prove you are a couple 😂 I mean why ?
I mean it wouldn't bother me that much if not for the fact Mr. James aka Caleb had done the things to her Beloved kitten in book two. This time obviously it was consensual but still it made me uncomfortable .
3.Red Flag
Guiltily admitting possessiveness , protectiveness , having a claim on your girl is always a turn on for me . Hell This Man is one my favourite books
But in this case it freaked me out
Here is a scenario from the book -
"I won’t be here a second longer than you want me to be. I promise.”I didn’t mention the part where I’d lose my fucking mind. I wasn’t sure what I would do if Livvie didn’t want to be with me.I didn’t necessarily have anything to go back to except killing and smuggling. Was I a better person? Maybe not.I was only
better when I was living for her.I felt like a time-bomb."
I mean
RUN SIS RUN!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
4. Pet
I mean stop !
Stop calling her that! She is not your slave
I was feeling offended on her behalf 😒
In short I was better off without Book 3
I think he needs monthly psychiatrist visits
Whatever at least Livvie Slapped him quite a few times so I am happy 😂
If you guys are up for quick SMUT read which you will get here ( plenty ) then here you go.
Unfortunately SMUT is not my thing unless I feel the chemistry, respect and affection from the Male Lead if that makes sense 🙄
From Chapter 11 things got comparatively
better for me.
I think I was seeking for his closure and apology more than the sexy stuffs
Also when it is a 15 chaptered book and I didn't like 10 chapters of it then it's not cool at all.
I will again emphasise on my statement if you are not fond of Dark Romance then it is not your thing
you could love this book
or
you will absouletly despise it
there is no middle ground
then again I think I crave for darkness time to time to appreciate the brightness more. Love is not always beautiful it's ugly too and you can't access it's beauty without fighting it's ugliness
Happy Reading xoxo
December 2, 2013
10.0000000 Stars Masterpiece..
Yes after all the waiting and the drama with the draft(I'm not complaining it gave me time to re-read the first two books)i finally finished it..
WOW!
I love James(good) and Caleb(evil) with the same amount..
I actually found Caleb yes the one we all know being so sweet..
Don't judge me just yet! I'm crazy Anna(mama bear) and Rosa already pointed out that when i told them he is a cutie-pie..
I know you 'll never thought of him like that but please consider this: A super hot guy 6,4 feet tall, throwing a tanrum inside an elevator because he is scared for life..by some kids bouncing around..
Yes the same guy who firstly kills and then talks..
Joking aside it's refreshing seeing him unsure, afraid and out of his league in so many levels..
He never had a normal life and the way he is being introduced to so many things it's really captivating.. The movies, the games, the friends.. The birthdays..Yes those in particular.. And the dreams..
Even after they found each other their relationship keeps moving, growing, changing and becoming stronger..
How can anyone hold a grudge when those two find in each other their missing half..
And who would still be upset with him while he plays Super Mario like the six year old he never had the chance to be..
Caleb is working hard with himself, he screws up a bit but he never gives up.. He comes to terms with many issues and tries to resolve the rest.. They heal each other and Livvie has made excellent work with herself..
Caleb's witt and his snarky comments whith an honest inner voice and Livvie's braziness, humor and ability to diffuse the time bomb that he is made the book light and easier to read..
I also enjoyed Rubio and Claudia..
This is why we read books for the occasional rare finding of a read that will blow up your mind stumble upon your shattered heart's little pieces and make you whole again..
Gifting you with a new perspective of your self and the world and the story your reading.. Take you to your limits and even further..
Conratulations CJ Roberts for the amazing conclusion to such an unbelievable series..
I would write my fav quotes but i decided against it.. They were too many..
Yes after all the waiting and the drama with the draft(I'm not complaining it gave me time to re-read the first two books)i finally finished it..
WOW!
I love James(good) and Caleb(evil) with the same amount..
I actually found Caleb yes the one we all know being so sweet..
Don't judge me just yet! I'm crazy Anna(mama bear) and Rosa already pointed out that when i told them he is a cutie-pie..
I know you 'll never thought of him like that but please consider this: A super hot guy 6,4 feet tall, throwing a tanrum inside an elevator because he is scared for life..by some kids bouncing around..
Yes the same guy who firstly kills and then talks..
Joking aside it's refreshing seeing him unsure, afraid and out of his league in so many levels..
He never had a normal life and the way he is being introduced to so many things it's really captivating.. The movies, the games, the friends.. The birthdays..Yes those in particular.. And the dreams..
Even after they found each other their relationship keeps moving, growing, changing and becoming stronger..
How can anyone hold a grudge when those two find in each other their missing half..
And who would still be upset with him while he plays Super Mario like the six year old he never had the chance to be..
Caleb is working hard with himself, he screws up a bit but he never gives up.. He comes to terms with many issues and tries to resolve the rest.. They heal each other and Livvie has made excellent work with herself..
Caleb's witt and his snarky comments whith an honest inner voice and Livvie's braziness, humor and ability to diffuse the time bomb that he is made the book light and easier to read..
I also enjoyed Rubio and Claudia..
This is why we read books for the occasional rare finding of a read that will blow up your mind stumble upon your shattered heart's little pieces and make you whole again..
Gifting you with a new perspective of your self and the world and the story your reading.. Take you to your limits and even further..
Conratulations CJ Roberts for the amazing conclusion to such an unbelievable series..
I would write my fav quotes but i decided against it.. They were too many..
June 14, 2013
Is this fifteen chapter book worth the purchase and read? ABSOLUTELY!
Epilogue is told completely in Caleb/James pov which was...sarcastic/witty, heartbreaking, heart-warming and sexy. Caleb takes a reader through his two sides…Caleb and James and how he now is the combination of both men.
"I am the man who kidnapped Livie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. I'm the one who tied her to a bedpost and beat her. I'm the one who nearly sold her into sexual slavery. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves. She loves me. It's quite sick, isn't it?"
Readers experience Caleb's inner thoughts and his desire to be with Livie and find a way to fit into her life. Livie is a survivor. She has not only survived Caleb but all the mind bending time she spent with Agent Reed in book two. This story starts right where Seduced in the Dark left our couple. This story shows the ups and downs they experienced to make their relationship work.
Caleb learns that there are many more sides to the girl he held captured in the dark. The day-to-day Livie loves movies, friends, holidays and a reader will enjoy Caleb becoming a good boyfriend. As these two find what works for them and their relationship stepping out from the dark into the light of day.
I only wanted one thing since book one – I wanted the girl at the bus stop to survive the horror that grabbed her out of her life. I feared that she would never survive both physically and mentally from the ordeal. She will forever be one of my favorite book heroines. Livie/Sophie ~You did it!
"There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story." ~ Frank Herbert"
I want to thank C.J. Roberts for this series. It will forever haunt me.
November 19, 2014
** 3 "#CalebIsWayBetterThanJames" STARS **
"Tell me to stop and I will. Tell me you don't want me to pull your tights down and f*ck you up against this wall. Remind me of what a terrible person I am. Tell me I'm a sick bastard and you want me out of your life forever. Tell me I don't deserve you. Tell me all the things I already know."
~ CALEB/JAMES
I hate DNFing. I hate it, so I do it VERY rarely.
This is one of the seldom number of books that had pushed me to do it though when I first read it.
But just because I hated to see a book from one of my favorite series on my shameful DNF list, I decided to give it another try now.
I'm glad I did. I've missed Caleb and Livvie, so I was happy to read about them some more.
But I still think this book is UNNECESSARY.
The ending of Seduced in the Dark is PERFECT.
Why ruin it by dragging the story?
Caleb has come back for Livvie.
Livvie has been waiting for Caleb.
Now they are finally together. Now they finally have a chance at happiness.
But it's not that easy to erase the past, the mistakes, the heartbreaks.
Caleb is having trouble being normal. He is having trouble being the man that Livvie needs him to be. He is having trouble being James.
She was mine, and yet I couldn't touch her where it mattered. I couldn't touch her heart and force her to give me the things I had stupidly come to need. (...) Loving Livvie was like allowing myself to be peeled open and hollowed out. She made me weak. She made me vulnerable. She made me ache and long and hope for all the things that could never be mine.
~ CALEB/JAMES
Livvie is having trouble trusting Caleb again. She is having trouble forgetting and forgiving. She is having trouble believing he can change, that he loves her, that he will never leave her again...
"You are the best thing that's ever happened to me, Caleb. You're also the worst."
~ LIVVIE/SOPHIE
Will they be able to come over all the obstacles on their way to happiness?
May 16, 2015
"3 sexy stars"
Anything to do with Livvie, Caleb and C J Roberts I absolutely love and Epilogue was no exception. Yes! I realize I rated it ‘3 stars’ not because I hated it or it was boring but the author is to blame here, Yes Mrs Roberts I blame you if my future dark/angst/romance reads fall short because you have created one of the best scintillating story of love, betrayal, faith and survival in ‘Seduced in the Dark’ which will forever be my top favorite.
Livvie even after moving to different country realizes her feelings for Caleb has not changed, she never moved on from the day he left without so much of saying how he feels or if he’s ever going to meet her again. Buried in his misery due to aftermath of betrayal from Rafiq and killing his only family, Caleb moves around the world righting his wrong in a path of salvation but never finds it as he knows it lies with his kitten. Almost after a year Caleb tracks down Livvie and sends her a note to meet him, but their reunion doesn’t go as expected. Livvie does miss him though she is not the same girl who obeys him or cling to him for her survival, it leaves Caleb to save their relationship and be a better man for Livvie and win her heart, gain her trust by loving her back.
Caleb tries hard alright! He does everything in his power to make things work out for them but it’s not as easy as he first thought. Even when love brought them together there are so many things that can rip them apart. Livvie finds it hard to trust him since he once broke her heart and left her to face their reality alone. There is part of her which always fears him, sees him as a monster he once was. Caleb never had a normal life but living with Livvie made him to see different shades to life, he’s still struggling with the demons of his past but also embraces his new found happiness and life to normalcy with Livvie and he has no intention to let it go. The only way for them to move forward is to let go the memories of their old life, make new one’s and be true to their feelings for one another.
That being said, I still enjoyed this most deserved ending for Livvie and Caleb. And I’m so glad the author gave it from Caleb’s POV, we knew his dilemma from past two books but being in his head makes you see his struggle and understand his conflict very well. I seriously didn’t expect him to be so damn witty and funny, I loved their banters, their cute romantic moments and the very first birthday Caleb ever celebrated was heart touching. I have to say this since it occupies major part of the book-“SEX” is like freaking HOT and that was the only time I got to see control freak, dominating, horny badass side of Caleb, gladly the author didn’t try to overshadow the story by filling it with sex scenes.
“Once upon a time I saved Livvie. She’s been saving me ever since.”
This is the story of second chance, healing, living and loving, a perfect conclusion to the perfect love story.
Anything to do with Livvie, Caleb and C J Roberts I absolutely love and Epilogue was no exception. Yes! I realize I rated it ‘3 stars’ not because I hated it or it was boring but the author is to blame here, Yes Mrs Roberts I blame you if my future dark/angst/romance reads fall short because you have created one of the best scintillating story of love, betrayal, faith and survival in ‘Seduced in the Dark’ which will forever be my top favorite.
“I’m writing this because you begged.This is a prolonged epilogue to an already written one in book 2 of this series said from Caleb’s POV. It’s a detailed version of their reunion after one year of separation.
You know how I love the begging”
Livvie even after moving to different country realizes her feelings for Caleb has not changed, she never moved on from the day he left without so much of saying how he feels or if he’s ever going to meet her again. Buried in his misery due to aftermath of betrayal from Rafiq and killing his only family, Caleb moves around the world righting his wrong in a path of salvation but never finds it as he knows it lies with his kitten. Almost after a year Caleb tracks down Livvie and sends her a note to meet him, but their reunion doesn’t go as expected. Livvie does miss him though she is not the same girl who obeys him or cling to him for her survival, it leaves Caleb to save their relationship and be a better man for Livvie and win her heart, gain her trust by loving her back.
Caleb tries hard alright! He does everything in his power to make things work out for them but it’s not as easy as he first thought. Even when love brought them together there are so many things that can rip them apart. Livvie finds it hard to trust him since he once broke her heart and left her to face their reality alone. There is part of her which always fears him, sees him as a monster he once was. Caleb never had a normal life but living with Livvie made him to see different shades to life, he’s still struggling with the demons of his past but also embraces his new found happiness and life to normalcy with Livvie and he has no intention to let it go. The only way for them to move forward is to let go the memories of their old life, make new one’s and be true to their feelings for one another.
“I found redemption.Rating clarification-There was no drama no angst and no Caleb’y allure to his new persona and I missed him terribly. James on other hand was thoughtful, sweet, funny and ‘best boyfriend’ as Sophie would say. There was a detailed account of day to day activities which was quite a drag and most of the times I felt these two characters are totally different from one’s we have come to know and love.
I found forgiveness.
I found love.
- Caleb”
That being said, I still enjoyed this most deserved ending for Livvie and Caleb. And I’m so glad the author gave it from Caleb’s POV, we knew his dilemma from past two books but being in his head makes you see his struggle and understand his conflict very well. I seriously didn’t expect him to be so damn witty and funny, I loved their banters, their cute romantic moments and the very first birthday Caleb ever celebrated was heart touching. I have to say this since it occupies major part of the book-“SEX” is like freaking HOT and that was the only time I got to see control freak, dominating, horny badass side of Caleb, gladly the author didn’t try to overshadow the story by filling it with sex scenes.
“Once upon a time I saved Livvie. She’s been saving me ever since.”
This is the story of second chance, healing, living and loving, a perfect conclusion to the perfect love story.
June 13, 2013
"I'm writing this because you begged."
[image error]
"She loves me. It's quite sick, isn't it?"
"I think... I'm going to like this a lot"
I feel like I'm going to burst, it was so freaking good......I'm on a ♥Caleb♥ cloud right now....I don't know how I'm going to move on? I know it's slightly wrong to love him but I just do; I can't help it. He was very, very bad; he still can be bad but......eeeek...you just HAVE to read this series!!
Don't hesitate just DO IT!!!!!
"You're sexy"
"If I didn't know you I'd be scared of you."
The Epilogue is all Caleb, his thoughts, his feelings, his redemption, his version.
Amazing
Stunning
Gorgeous
Beautiful
Compelling
The story is all of these words and more...... So much more!! ♥
[image error]
Who is the man?
Caleb and Livvie have amazing banter between them in this book, we see Caleb's fabulous wit and personality, his fears, his journey of self discovery and what makes him happy.
"She was wet and warm and fcuking heaven wrapped around me. I never wanted to leave the safety of her body."
"Misery, I understand. Happiness is terrifying."
Livvie, or Sophia as she is now known, has also evolved...she is confident, self assured, feisty, strong...
"I needed Livvie"
"She was a vessel for my pleasure, a willing participant in my depravity."
She knows what she wants to satisfy her sexually, she has acquired certain tastes and is not afraid to ask for what she wants ~
"Are you hungry?........
Then get here and eat my pussy!"
As you may imagine this book was deliciously sexy....off the scale, and the last chapter...well...(fanning myself!).....orgasmic!!
♥Fours years later....where are they in their life's journey?
The Dark Duet series, for me, has been amazing, one of my most memorable reads ever, and it will remain in my thoughts for a long time to come. The Epilogue finished the series perfectly, I was literally overcome with emotion whilst reading it. I had tears at the start and tears at the end, Caleb would have loved me! xoxox
WOW WOW WOW
"I think you deserve to be happy. We both do."
**BR with the Pink Lady Mistress**
picture attributions ~ Mikhail Popov [CC-BY-SA-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
By Lies Thru a Lens (Gemma Uploaded by tm) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
[image error]
"She loves me. It's quite sick, isn't it?"
♥"You'd do anything to protect me."
"I think... I'm going to like this a lot"
I feel like I'm going to burst, it was so freaking good......I'm on a ♥Caleb♥ cloud right now....I don't know how I'm going to move on? I know it's slightly wrong to love him but I just do; I can't help it. He was very, very bad; he still can be bad but......eeeek...you just HAVE to read this series!!
Don't hesitate just DO IT!!!!!
"You're sexy"
"If I didn't know you I'd be scared of you."
The Epilogue is all Caleb, his thoughts, his feelings, his redemption, his version.
Amazing
Stunning
Gorgeous
Beautiful
Compelling
The story is all of these words and more...... So much more!! ♥
[image error]
Who is the man?
Caleb and Livvie have amazing banter between them in this book, we see Caleb's fabulous wit and personality, his fears, his journey of self discovery and what makes him happy.
"She was wet and warm and fcuking heaven wrapped around me. I never wanted to leave the safety of her body."
"Misery, I understand. Happiness is terrifying."
Livvie, or Sophia as she is now known, has also evolved...she is confident, self assured, feisty, strong...
"I needed Livvie"
"She was a vessel for my pleasure, a willing participant in my depravity."
She knows what she wants to satisfy her sexually, she has acquired certain tastes and is not afraid to ask for what she wants ~
"Are you hungry?........
Then get here and eat my pussy!"
As you may imagine this book was deliciously sexy....off the scale, and the last chapter...well...(fanning myself!).....orgasmic!!
♥Fours years later....where are they in their life's journey?
The Dark Duet series, for me, has been amazing, one of my most memorable reads ever, and it will remain in my thoughts for a long time to come. The Epilogue finished the series perfectly, I was literally overcome with emotion whilst reading it. I had tears at the start and tears at the end, Caleb would have loved me! xoxox
WOW WOW WOW
"I think you deserve to be happy. We both do."
**BR with the Pink Lady Mistress**
picture attributions ~ Mikhail Popov [CC-BY-SA-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons
By Lies Thru a Lens (Gemma Uploaded by tm) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
June 1, 2013
Who am I?
Am I Caleb?
Am I James?
I’ve often asked myself this very thing and have always come up with a different answer. Perhaps the only answer that can be truthful is to say, “I am both.”
Such was the beginning of Epilogue and with these words I was drawn back into the Dark Duet series. Those words crushed me for the man who was, and is, Caleb/James.
Being up close and personal with Caleb felt……. intimate. I experienced a connection and a love for Caleb the like in which I never have before – it was as if Caleb was narrating his story to me personally. As if this beautiful, dangerous and damaged man was laying his inner most thoughts, fears and feelings bare… to ME.
“Tell me I don’t deserve you. Tell me all the things I already know.”
Caleb’s telling of his story touched me deeply and had me laughing with him, feeling happiness and sadness for him, whilst also experiencing a sense of anger both at him and with him. Stripping his emotions bare for all to see rendered me to tears and made want to reach out, touch his cheek, offer him assurance and urge him to continue. His humour charmed me and the power of Caleb’s voice culminated in emotions of every description to course through me.
“She wanted me. She wanted me as much as I wanted her…..”
Caleb’s story always demanded to be told. Well I know I wanted to hear it – and who else but Caleb could make us understand and give us the answers we so desperately craved. There was much I desired to hear. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I was completely satisfied at the end of Seduced, but if I was going to be privy to Caleb’s narrative on how Livvie and Caleb arrived at the point at the end of Seduced …well, the opportunity was one I wasn’t going to miss!! From that point, a want to know became a need to know.
“Fear is part of it.”
Why Livvie? Why did he choose Livvie, and how was she to have such an effect on Caleb……how was she able to enter his heart and break down his defenses where others hadn’t. Who was Caleb now? Was he very different to the Caleb then? What feelings did he experience that night in September of 2010, the night he met Livvie at The Paseo. I needed to know it all!
“It was only natural for her to wonder about the ways I hadn’t changed.”
Well, I could not have been more impressed with the execution and conclusion of Caleb’s words in Epilogue if I tried. CJ Roberts has indeed done Caleb, and her readers proud.
Caleb is an engaging, charming, sexy and witty narrator who completely captivated me. His is a story peppered with humour, inner conflict, cheekiness and honesty.
Did Caleb slip effortlessly back into Livvie’s life or did he have to fight like he has never fought before? How had Livvie coped without Caleb during his absence and how did Livvie move on and make a life for herself?
“I always wondered—before—if you craved me like this. Did you?”
We are afforded so much more than mere “answers” in Epilogue. CJ Roberts has written a raw tale in what I feel is an absolute must read for those of us who took Livvie and Caleb into our hearts. To bear witness to the struggle, the turmoil, the fun, the sensuality and the absolute passion between these two really is compelling reading and in no way constitutes “an alternative pov” tag.
Epilogue does not simply fill in the gaps. It manages to give us an extension of the story where the reader experiences a journey so different and intoxicating it’s akin to feeling a new phase in the lives of Livvie and Caleb. Epilogue is a frank, gritty, passionate and emotional read where feelings are stripped raw and the narrative is told in an almost voyeuristic manner.
Oh yeah, I admit it….there was a time or two I actually answered Caleb, such was the intimate nature in the way he conveyed his thoughts, as if he were conversing with me personally.
“No one knew who we were or what we had been through to get to that moment.”
The sex is kinky and very, VERY hot …..oh and very, very consensual…..VERY consensual.
These two have been programmed in such a way that sex, the sex they enjoy, is very much a part of them as breathing. How they express and feel, so much is sexual and experiencing the emotion built into these scenes will leave you breathless. Yep readers, these two definitely know how to get your pulse racing!
“No questions, Pet. You’ll like it. I promise. Or at the very least, I will.”
As I said, the manner in which this story is told really does make one feel like a voyeur watching two people in their most private, intimate moments and with this came the heart crashing feelings of witnessing Caleb attempting to assimilate into Livvie’s life, trying to understand the woman she was to the woman she is, addressing his guilt and desperately wanting to be part of Livvie’s life.
“My feelings toward her were on the tip of my tongue. I’d been holding the words in since the moment I had watched her walk out of my life…”
Livvie was a revelation. This girl who we all empathized with, hurt with and who made us feel so desperately for the girl who lost her youth and her innocence and who, at the hands of Caleb experienced the most harrowing, confusing and conflicting of situations and emotions…..how did Livvie survive and maintain the capacity to forgive and love? Or did she? Hers is an inner strength we admire greatly.
“I want to ask you a few questions, Caleb, and I need for you to be completely honest with me. Can you do that?”
I cannot urge readers enough to pick up and devour Epilogue as I did. To refer to Epilogue as merely “Caleb’s pov” would so far off the mark because Epilogue is, in fact, an extension of the story and an absolute MUST READ.
CJ Roberts is an author who knows how to deliver a story. This author loves, deeply loves her characters and it shows. She has never shied from telling Caleb and Livvie’s story the way “they” want it told and has always remained true to her characters, even if that has been at the discomfort of the reader and for that I admire and respect her greatly.
As a reader I love nothing more than to be tested. To be taken out of my comfort zone, to question my thought process and feel emotion to the point of tears and anger, to have my gut twisting and my heart aching….it’s what reading is all about for me and it’s bloody exhilarating. There’s nothing better, and I can tell you that has been my experience with every book in the Dark Duet Series and Epilogue is no exception.
“Tell me I’m a sick bastard and you want me out of your life forever.”
Epilogue is Caleb’s story and who better to trust with his story than the person who loves him most. CJ Roberts….. Caleb and I commend you. What a truly sensual, beautiful, emotional, provocative, passionate and raw story you and Caleb have given us.
“I know, Pet. We’ve come a long way from there. Yet, here we are….”
Caleb spoke, CJ answered and I listened.
Caleb and Livvie, you own my heart. .
ARC Supplied by author for an honest review
Am I Caleb?
Am I James?
I’ve often asked myself this very thing and have always come up with a different answer. Perhaps the only answer that can be truthful is to say, “I am both.”
Such was the beginning of Epilogue and with these words I was drawn back into the Dark Duet series. Those words crushed me for the man who was, and is, Caleb/James.
Being up close and personal with Caleb felt……. intimate. I experienced a connection and a love for Caleb the like in which I never have before – it was as if Caleb was narrating his story to me personally. As if this beautiful, dangerous and damaged man was laying his inner most thoughts, fears and feelings bare… to ME.
“Tell me I don’t deserve you. Tell me all the things I already know.”
Caleb’s telling of his story touched me deeply and had me laughing with him, feeling happiness and sadness for him, whilst also experiencing a sense of anger both at him and with him. Stripping his emotions bare for all to see rendered me to tears and made want to reach out, touch his cheek, offer him assurance and urge him to continue. His humour charmed me and the power of Caleb’s voice culminated in emotions of every description to course through me.
“She wanted me. She wanted me as much as I wanted her…..”
Caleb’s story always demanded to be told. Well I know I wanted to hear it – and who else but Caleb could make us understand and give us the answers we so desperately craved. There was much I desired to hear. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I was completely satisfied at the end of Seduced, but if I was going to be privy to Caleb’s narrative on how Livvie and Caleb arrived at the point at the end of Seduced …well, the opportunity was one I wasn’t going to miss!! From that point, a want to know became a need to know.
“Fear is part of it.”
Why Livvie? Why did he choose Livvie, and how was she to have such an effect on Caleb……how was she able to enter his heart and break down his defenses where others hadn’t. Who was Caleb now? Was he very different to the Caleb then? What feelings did he experience that night in September of 2010, the night he met Livvie at The Paseo. I needed to know it all!
“It was only natural for her to wonder about the ways I hadn’t changed.”
Well, I could not have been more impressed with the execution and conclusion of Caleb’s words in Epilogue if I tried. CJ Roberts has indeed done Caleb, and her readers proud.
Caleb is an engaging, charming, sexy and witty narrator who completely captivated me. His is a story peppered with humour, inner conflict, cheekiness and honesty.
Did Caleb slip effortlessly back into Livvie’s life or did he have to fight like he has never fought before? How had Livvie coped without Caleb during his absence and how did Livvie move on and make a life for herself?
“I always wondered—before—if you craved me like this. Did you?”
We are afforded so much more than mere “answers” in Epilogue. CJ Roberts has written a raw tale in what I feel is an absolute must read for those of us who took Livvie and Caleb into our hearts. To bear witness to the struggle, the turmoil, the fun, the sensuality and the absolute passion between these two really is compelling reading and in no way constitutes “an alternative pov” tag.
Epilogue does not simply fill in the gaps. It manages to give us an extension of the story where the reader experiences a journey so different and intoxicating it’s akin to feeling a new phase in the lives of Livvie and Caleb. Epilogue is a frank, gritty, passionate and emotional read where feelings are stripped raw and the narrative is told in an almost voyeuristic manner.
Oh yeah, I admit it….there was a time or two I actually answered Caleb, such was the intimate nature in the way he conveyed his thoughts, as if he were conversing with me personally.
“No one knew who we were or what we had been through to get to that moment.”
The sex is kinky and very, VERY hot …..oh and very, very consensual…..VERY consensual.
These two have been programmed in such a way that sex, the sex they enjoy, is very much a part of them as breathing. How they express and feel, so much is sexual and experiencing the emotion built into these scenes will leave you breathless. Yep readers, these two definitely know how to get your pulse racing!
“No questions, Pet. You’ll like it. I promise. Or at the very least, I will.”
As I said, the manner in which this story is told really does make one feel like a voyeur watching two people in their most private, intimate moments and with this came the heart crashing feelings of witnessing Caleb attempting to assimilate into Livvie’s life, trying to understand the woman she was to the woman she is, addressing his guilt and desperately wanting to be part of Livvie’s life.
“My feelings toward her were on the tip of my tongue. I’d been holding the words in since the moment I had watched her walk out of my life…”
Livvie was a revelation. This girl who we all empathized with, hurt with and who made us feel so desperately for the girl who lost her youth and her innocence and who, at the hands of Caleb experienced the most harrowing, confusing and conflicting of situations and emotions…..how did Livvie survive and maintain the capacity to forgive and love? Or did she? Hers is an inner strength we admire greatly.
“I want to ask you a few questions, Caleb, and I need for you to be completely honest with me. Can you do that?”
I cannot urge readers enough to pick up and devour Epilogue as I did. To refer to Epilogue as merely “Caleb’s pov” would so far off the mark because Epilogue is, in fact, an extension of the story and an absolute MUST READ.
CJ Roberts is an author who knows how to deliver a story. This author loves, deeply loves her characters and it shows. She has never shied from telling Caleb and Livvie’s story the way “they” want it told and has always remained true to her characters, even if that has been at the discomfort of the reader and for that I admire and respect her greatly.
As a reader I love nothing more than to be tested. To be taken out of my comfort zone, to question my thought process and feel emotion to the point of tears and anger, to have my gut twisting and my heart aching….it’s what reading is all about for me and it’s bloody exhilarating. There’s nothing better, and I can tell you that has been my experience with every book in the Dark Duet Series and Epilogue is no exception.
“Tell me I’m a sick bastard and you want me out of your life forever.”
Epilogue is Caleb’s story and who better to trust with his story than the person who loves him most. CJ Roberts….. Caleb and I commend you. What a truly sensual, beautiful, emotional, provocative, passionate and raw story you and Caleb have given us.
“I know, Pet. We’ve come a long way from there. Yet, here we are….”
Caleb spoke, CJ answered and I listened.
Caleb and Livvie, you own my heart. .
ARC Supplied by author for an honest review
June 14, 2013
“Well, first, I want to say I’m thankful for the food. I can’t wait to eat it. But, more importantly…I’m thankful that I’m here at all.”
When I read that first book, I remember putting it aside at some point thinking that what I was witnessing was crazy. I felt like I was intruding on emotions that I had no business watching. And frankly that I would never be able to understand. So when I saw the above quote, my heart broke for her. She's not even 20 years old, for God's sake, and makes statements with such subtlety knowing how lucky she is for having survived a fate that would have been her mental doom.
“I apologize, Livvie. I’ve apologized ad nauseum. I fuck you when you want to be fucked. I play nice for your friends. I wait for you to come home because I have nothing more to do. You’ve become my whole life! Meanwhile, you’re writing about me. You still see me as the man I was. You still see the killer; beautiful on the outside and hideous on the inside. Why are you with me? Why am I trying so hard to be someone else when all I’ll ever be to you is the man who ruined your life?”
I mean how do you forgive the person who practically destroyed you, broke you down, put you back together, saved you and then left you? Not only how do you forgive him, but how do you trust him?
“You love me?” she said as she looked into my eyes. “When did you come to the realization? Was it when I told you I loved you and you said it was cute? Or maybe it was after I killed a man? Possibly, when I begged you not to leave me at the border? “Did you realize you loved me while I was alone in the hospital and weeping over you? When did you shout your love from the rooftops, Caleb? I couldn’t hear you. I was too busy trying to fucking breathe without you. I was busy convincing everyone around me I wasn’t crazy for defending my kidnapper. So, remind me. When did you say the words? I’ll be sure to go back in me and comfort the broken girl you le in your wake. Your love can comfort her, because I’m not the same person anymore."
Feelings are possible. Desire is possible. Even love is possible. But trust?This is a long and exhausting path but one that is necessary. Seeing Caleb reading about Livvie's experience through her eyes was one nice, vicious bitchslap that woke him up.
“I’ve learned to breathe without you. I’ve learned there’s no one in this life I can trust. It isn’t the fact you read my words. I don’t care about that. I would have shown you eventually. It’s the note you left. It’s now. It’s knowing that at any moment you’re going to run off and leave me again. How can I tell you I love you? How could I survive it again?”
But what I seem to agree with is that, two negatives may make a positive. So make this positive count. Turn Caleb into James and the dog into a man. Because after all that torture, there has to be a sliver of hope. Just a thread is enough to bind to broken shells together. To fill two empty voids. To write an epilogue to a story.
I imagined myself as her Prince Charming. I was not a monster. I was worthy. My heart was not an empty husk; it was engorged with blood and feeling. Buried inside Livvie, my heart responded to the truth in her eyes: I love you too, Livvie.
When I read that first book, I remember putting it aside at some point thinking that what I was witnessing was crazy. I felt like I was intruding on emotions that I had no business watching. And frankly that I would never be able to understand. So when I saw the above quote, my heart broke for her. She's not even 20 years old, for God's sake, and makes statements with such subtlety knowing how lucky she is for having survived a fate that would have been her mental doom.
“I apologize, Livvie. I’ve apologized ad nauseum. I fuck you when you want to be fucked. I play nice for your friends. I wait for you to come home because I have nothing more to do. You’ve become my whole life! Meanwhile, you’re writing about me. You still see me as the man I was. You still see the killer; beautiful on the outside and hideous on the inside. Why are you with me? Why am I trying so hard to be someone else when all I’ll ever be to you is the man who ruined your life?”
I mean how do you forgive the person who practically destroyed you, broke you down, put you back together, saved you and then left you? Not only how do you forgive him, but how do you trust him?
“You love me?” she said as she looked into my eyes. “When did you come to the realization? Was it when I told you I loved you and you said it was cute? Or maybe it was after I killed a man? Possibly, when I begged you not to leave me at the border? “Did you realize you loved me while I was alone in the hospital and weeping over you? When did you shout your love from the rooftops, Caleb? I couldn’t hear you. I was too busy trying to fucking breathe without you. I was busy convincing everyone around me I wasn’t crazy for defending my kidnapper. So, remind me. When did you say the words? I’ll be sure to go back in me and comfort the broken girl you le in your wake. Your love can comfort her, because I’m not the same person anymore."
Feelings are possible. Desire is possible. Even love is possible. But trust?This is a long and exhausting path but one that is necessary. Seeing Caleb reading about Livvie's experience through her eyes was one nice, vicious bitchslap that woke him up.
“I’ve learned to breathe without you. I’ve learned there’s no one in this life I can trust. It isn’t the fact you read my words. I don’t care about that. I would have shown you eventually. It’s the note you left. It’s now. It’s knowing that at any moment you’re going to run off and leave me again. How can I tell you I love you? How could I survive it again?”
But what I seem to agree with is that, two negatives may make a positive. So make this positive count. Turn Caleb into James and the dog into a man. Because after all that torture, there has to be a sliver of hope. Just a thread is enough to bind to broken shells together. To fill two empty voids. To write an epilogue to a story.
I imagined myself as her Prince Charming. I was not a monster. I was worthy. My heart was not an empty husk; it was engorged with blood and feeling. Buried inside Livvie, my heart responded to the truth in her eyes: I love you too, Livvie.
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