The Reading Vixens: [Blog Tour] Tortured Soul

Synopsis

Emily Donovan didn't know love, she didn't know gentle and her future wasn't hers to own. Because HE owned her. There is only so much one soul can take before it is broken beyond repair and she had reached that milestone long ago.
Braiden Montgomery had secrets, secrets that would see a special place in hell reserved just for him. He was trying to make amends, trying to find his own form of redemption when a waif of a girl with jet black hair and pale blue eyes seized his heart.
Emily's soul had been tortured by men like Braiden, so trusting the dark haired Dom would be one of the most difficult things she would ever do. For a man with skills like Braiden, keeping 'Em' safe would be a piece of cake. Bringing her frozen heart back to life might just prove impossible though.

REVIEW

I never know where to start when I’m writing a review. Sometimes it makes me question my aspiration of one day writing a story that I haven’t quite fully figured out in my mind yet. As I sit back and read these wonderous novels written by so many of the greatest authors, I think I can’t do this… Let me leave it to the superbly talented writers. Kirsty – you blow my mind each and every time. This is the 4^th book of yours that I have read, and I still can’t wrap my head around how amazing you are. I started with Saving Ella, progressed to Breeze of Life, moved on to Fighting Back, and now Tortured Soul. Yes Ma’am, you’ve got this bitch on lock. I can’t thank you enough for being so utterly amazing and sharing your talent with the world. Your stories are truly inspiring, and the message is loud and clear. I am a woman, hear me ROAR. It’s so easy to give up, but if you fight, stay strong, and open yourself to others – you WILL be better. You WILL prosper. Demons will always stay with you, but reading these intense novels has made me realize more so than I already had, that you need to stand up for yourself, and if you need help… there is no shame in getting some. Pride is just a feeling, it can be broken, and then overcome. I really hope that when people read Kirsty’s novels they see the strong independent women with stories of inspiration that will stay with you forever.

Tortured Soul captivates you from the beginning. Even though it’s book 3 in the Mercy’s Angels series, it CAN be read as a standalone. Personally, I don’t recommend it. I think that you should read all of the books in the order in which they were published. In Saving Ella, you meet Ella and Jaxon. Who will forever be one of my favorite snarky couples of all time. Then you meet Charlie and Rebecca in Fighting Back. In this series, every book gives you a little more about the characters, and yes – they intertwine beautifully. I love when you get to see a small glimpse into the future of past characters. Tortured Soul is where you get to meet Emily and Braiden.

"Someone was in here, but I no longer knew who. The girl inside was broken, damaged beyond repair."

Emily is Rebecca’s little sister, so you get to see a little bit more of Rebecca & Charlie in this novel. (Score!) I think Charlie is my favorite… but then I think about Jaxon. Of course, now I’m thinking about Braiden. My, oh my. That man is some kind of candy that you just need to taste. Christian Grey? I’m sorry who is that again? I think you meant Braiden Montgomery. If you didn’t like 50 Shades of Grey, don’t worry… you’ll love this! If you DID like FSoG, you’ll love this too!! It’s on the lighter side, but still intense. Anyways – I freaking loved this couple. Em and Braiden gave me some serious feels for them. Emily being captured and forced into the Dom/Sub world for 8 years wreaked havoc on her. In order to find herself again, she must put her trust in someone other than herself. Braiden’s sexy ass is just the one to show her how to trust again. In fact, he demands it.

"I don't want what other women can give me, Em. I want you, just as you are. Scars, tears, anger, nightmares, fears, I want it all. I need you, Em, and I think you need me, too. I don't know if now is the right time or not, but I'll be damned if I can stay away."

Tortured soul takes you on the journey of re-self-discovery. Losing yourself, fighting back, giving up, and regaining your voice is just a smidgeon of the things Emily has to go through. While reading this book you really get an inner perspective on what it’s like to be held against your will, forgetting who you are, and becoming someone you don’t know.

I can’t even imagine the research and horrifying things Kirsty went through to have this book so dedicated to the truth behind human sex trafficking. I mean honestly, I only know what I see online or in the papers / TV. Emily is so relatable that you think you’re there with her. The struggles and strife she goes through is just unfathomable. The trauma that one experiences while being held in captivity is overwhelming and just breaks my heart to think about it. This novel shows you the lasting effects of mental abuse, along with physical abuse.

Although this is an intense read, about subjects that (I’m hoping) don’t hit close to home, there is a lot of witty banter between characters, charged up sexual tension, angst, lots of love, and plain old hilarity. In fact, I reached a point in the book, where I literally snorted. Not only did I find this amusing, but the fact that someone else actually said it… let alone wrote it down! PRICELESS!!!

“Braiden then proceeded to tell me about his teenage stepsisters, his love of fast cars, and his dislike of beans and corn.

“You don’t like corn?” I asked, amazed. Who doesn’t like corn? He nodded as he sat back, his meal complete, a satisfied smile on his face.”

So if you have not read this novel yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? Release day!? Well, than that’s an acceptable answer. If you’re not waiting for release day….. and you’re not reading this yet, or at least one of the Mercy Angels’ books, we can’t be friends anymore. I’m sorry – but this is how I feel. Love me, love my books. Point being, Go. Right Meow. One-Click. Cherish Kirsty Dallas’ words as I do, I’m telling you… you’ll be hooked.

Kirsty, I love love love you. As always, I enjoyed your words immensely. I can’t wait for your next novel, regardless of when/what it may be. I just hope it’s sooner than later! Don’t make me beg… because I will. If I ever get the chance to go to Australia, I will find you… and plant a big fat kiss on your face! Ok, probably not – because I’ll be too busy fangirling and being a shy little girl to put my big girl panties on and talk to you. There just may be a lot of “Eep!” “Eek!” shrieks, along with jumping around, nervous laughter, and possible crying. You have been warned.

Stalk one of my favorite Aussies!

I'm just a little Aussie girl with a big imagination, so much to write and so little time to do it. When I'm not writing (or reading) I am kept smiling and sane (for the most part) by my 5 year old daughter. She is the light in my world. I have a wonderfully supportive family who keep me completely grounded. Trust me, they will never let any success go to my head!! And I love them for it. I enjoy ice cold ciders, barbeques, music and art. I hate cooking, in fact I think I have major kitchen allergies. My feet rarely grace anything other than flip-flops and even in the middle of a hot Aussie summer, I love my jeans!!! To sum me up in a few words (and you know how hard just a few words is for an author) ~ easy going, laid back, dreamy and passionate.

I hope you all love reading my novels as much as I love writing them.