My enemy’s daughter … offered to me as payment towards a debt. Now she’ll become my wife … My pet. I wasn’t always cold-hearted and vindictive. She made me that way. Charlotte Davis … the most beautiful and privileged princess there is. I’d kill for her to be mine.We met by chance at her father’s wedding … And then again years later. But she forgot about me. Ignored me. Enraged me. Then her … me. Ignored me. Enraged me.
Then her father did the unforgivable, and I made it my lifelong goal to ruin him…
By taking her as payment towards a debt he owed.
A debt she will repay by marrying me.
Until death do us part.
A Debt Owed is an enticing new Dark Billionaire Alpha Male Romance novel by New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Clarissa Wild.
WARNING: This book includes scenes that may be disturbing to some readers. more
I really wanted to enjoy this one a bit more. I think the reader was asked to suspend reality a little too much. I wanted to like Charlotte, but, even though she wants freedom, which is understandable, she starts to get annoying. The reasons Easton is mad at her make no sense. You have to assume that a man who was able to build a thriving business so quickly (timeline doesn’t make sense either) would be, at the very least, intelligent, yet he holds things against Charlotte that are out of her control. Also, how is he really getting back at her father by taking her? Her father was always planning to pawn her off for the sake of his business.
A Debt Owed by Clarissa Wild is the first book in the A Dark Billionaire Romance Series. This starts the story of Charlotte and Easton.
Easton seeks revenge and is what has driven him to where he is now. But a few years earlier unknown to Charlotte, Easton has also becomes obsessed with her too. Charlotte is the daughter of his enemy and in time he able to take her from him as a debt payment. Easton will make her his wife and while he is obsessed with her he also seems to want to hurt her too. Easton boarders in his life between being the harshest person to the edge of almost being caring. Charlotte has only every wanted something she has never had…freedom. Freedom from the evil of her life along with just wanting to live. Now it appears that she is being sold to another bad situation that she will work to break free from but Easton brings out emotions in her that she never had before.
This is such a page turner read…I can’t wait for the next installment in their story!!
3.5 Stars
I’ve always been a fan of this author’s books (more or less). She has an easy way to her writing that pulls you in right from the start. It was also a relatively short book, so the plot moved along at a good clip. The plot itself was intriguing. An enemy to lovers type of tale. Although, we are still mostly in the enemies part by end of part one. (lol) Still the couple had some decent chemistry, which makes me excited to see where the story goes in the book two.
I was a little surprised by the lack of heat in this book. I am used to this author’s books being sizzling and dirty, but this one was much tamer in that department. However, I am sure the “sizzling” is coming. There was no OW or OM drama. I didn’t find this particularly angsty, but there are a lot of acrimonious exchanges between these two.
Which leads me to the main issue I had with this book, and that was Easton himself. I’ll admit it…I didn’t like him. I didn’t quite understand why he blamed Charlotte for something her father did. And the reason he was angry with Charlotte (a perceived slight) was pretty lame (IMO). Considering he saw what happened to her when she was a girl and stood up to her father, it seemed a little over the top to have that much anger towards her. Her father, ya, fine…I got that part, but the way her treated Charlotte through the whole book rubbed me the wrong way. Now, Charlotte herself I LOVED. She didn’t bow down (most of the time) and I loved that about her. I was cheering her on at the end of this one and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to in the conclusion.
So a bit of a mixed bag with this one. Easton (and his behavior) was the main issue for me, and I am hoping we get a (little) softer Easton in book two to smooth out some of his rough edges. I want to feel that he has some feelings for Charlotte and it isn’t all about revenge and control. So we’ll see…fingers crossed and all that.
Wow! The drama starts at the very beginning and grows through the whole book. And that ending has me needing more immediately! Such a great book and fun listen!
Charlotte and Easton are enemies in every sense of the word. Charlotte is the payment for a debt of her father and that starts the real drama to this story. Easton has known and wanted Charlotte since the first time he met her. Easton is that bad boy that you have to love. He is dominating, loyal, and swoon worthy. I could not help but to have a love/hate relationship with him. Charlotte is so spunky I related to her immediately. The chemistry between these two is so strong that it is so easy to get pulled into the story. I actually found myself rooting for Charlotte to fall for Easton. I cannot wait to start the next book and find out how this all progresses.
Kai Kennicott nailed Charlotte. Kai easily brings out Charlotte’s spunk. Kai brought Charlotte to life and made her so much fun to hear about. Wen Ross, what can I say, he is always the perfect bad boy. He has that rough, dominating voice that really brings Easton to life. Kai and Wen naturally brought out the chemistry between Charlotte and Easton. I could not imagine a better narrating team.
I read this book in a couple of hours, I really could not put it down. Sold by her father to the enemy Charlotte is married and held captive. Wow, that is a terrible situation but I loved the writing it hel me captive for a couple of hours and I enjoyed it. The fact that it is in the Netherlands is an extra present for me.
This book is full of suspense and stride and so much more . I highly recommend.
This book completely boggled my mind. First off before reading this book, let me warn you. There is a cliffhanger and this is the first book in a series. And it WILL leaving you wanting so much more! I honestly had no idea what I was getting into when I read the description of this book. There’s so much that is uncovered in this book that leaves you asking yourself why. Why couldn’t this couple make their way back to each other without the underlying circumstances? The answer’s obvious because it wouldn’t be the dark, suspenseful, angsty book it is if they did.
Easton is out for revenge and what better way to get it then making the girl he loves finally his? In the beginning, I was extremely excited to see this couple’s relationship play out. BUT this book isn’t your typical romance and Easton sure isn’t your typical hero. You will HATE him for a while until he slowly starts peeling his layers back and only then will he slowly grow on you. And when his true feelings, outside of the deal, for Charlotte begin to unravel you will question everything you’ve thought about this broody, beast of a man. And Charlotte is definitely a fierce heroine who isn’t going to just back down or should I say lay down for Easton. She keeps him on his toes at every corner showing him just how much of a fighter she is.
This book will definitely take you on a journey and leave you hanging, but it is so worth the read. Easton and Charlotte are constantly at each others throats and fighting their feelings, but when they come together it is sure to melt us all. The inside we get into each of the character’s thoughts and feelings prove that there is much more under the surface and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this explosive duo in book 2….maybe actual explosives with the way this book ended.
Rating: story 4.25, narration 5
I listened to the audio version of this and I have say the two narrators were excellent! What was also different was when it was Eastons pov (wow his voice) if Charlotte spoke, the female narrator said her words and vice versa. I’ve not heard narration done like that before and I loved it!
Easton is a grade A a-hole out for revenge. He’s so bitter and wants to destroy Charlotte’s father, so takes his daughter against her will as payment for his debt. I totally understand his quest for revenge against Charlotte’s father, but Charlotte herself? That “incident” has festered out of control into a big messy open wound that I’m not sure can heal, unless Easton can allow the defenses around his heart to crumble and let out the softer side from his youth (if it still exists) and admit he went about things all wrong with Charlotte.
Charlotte is a strong, feisty, sassy woman but fairly innocent to the ways of the world. She’s been betrayed in the worst way by the one person who is supposed to love her unconditionally, her father. She’s not about to lie down and submit though and fights Easton all the way, despite the attraction her body feels but her mind hates. I really liked her.
I have the audible only so can’t give the exact quote, but Charlotte says words to the effect of:
…You want my love but you give me nothing of yourself to love….
And that is what I love most about these type of storylines, the moment when the guy realises he wants her happiness and her love given freely, the hate, the revenge just doesn’t matter anymore. Redemption is sweet! That is what I’m really hoping for in book two, because I have to be honest, I don’t like Easton very much at the moment. I’m sure there’s a smidgen of nice human being there, but he’s playing hard to get!
This is an enemies to…..well I can’t say lovers yet because there is still a lot of hate going on, despite their combustable chemistry. I really liked the story though, I looked forward to listening to more each morning on the journey to work, but whoa, that ending!….it’s a cliffhanger, so I’m going straight on to book two, I need to know how this plays out!! Go Charlotte, bring that man to his knees
A Debt Owed by Clarissa Wile is a Dark Billionaire Romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross. This is the first book in The Debut Duet.
This is the first book of Clarissa’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. The book does end on a cliffhanger but that was not a surprise since it is part of a duet series. I can’t wait for A Debt Repaid to be released on audible.
Kai and Wen did an amazing job on the dual narration. They really brought the story to life.
Terrific Story & Narration Captivating & Intense!
A Debt Owed (A Dark Billionaire Romance)
The Debt Duet, Book 1
By: Clarissa Wild
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Clarissa Wild does it again, she pens another terrific novel! She is a gifted author who creates stories that are captivating from start to end and “ A Debt Owed” is no exception. This dark and twisted romance is about vengeance, Easton Van Buren is a self made billionaire who is driven by hate and anger. His revenge became his obsession and he sets his plan in motion in the first book of “The Debt Duet”. Charlotte Davis met Easton years ago, but according to her father he was not good enough for her. When they meet again Charlotte ignored him while her father totally dissed him, he walked away with thoughts that one day he will show them. He also blames another life changing event on them as well and this adds fuel to fire his already twisted mind. I was one the fence on whether Easton is a genius or a madman, just when I start to like him again he pulls some cunning crap. I loved when Charlotte started to grow a pair and play into his game to try to outsmart him. I hated her loyalty to her POS father and I hope she gets a chance to set him straight, the brother too. This book is well written and well plotted, there is never a dull moment with plenty of drama, angst, some thrilling and suspenseful moments, twists and some hot scenes. Clarissa Wild, thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward what happens next in this duet.
I listened to the Audible edition, Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are fantastic narrators and voice artist. They bring these characters to life, giving them their voices and personality. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they project the characters emotions into their performance and their portrayal of the characters was spot on. They are entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen
Loved Easton & Charlotte. Danger, twisted, action, dark, disturbing, steamy, sexy and so good. I didn’t want to stop listening to this book because it was just that amazing. Be aware there is a cliffhanger.
Once again Kai & Wen knocked it out of the park with their amazing narration of this book.
KU. DNF @ 17%. I’m supposed to believe a 25yo, coming from nothing, is so successful he owns multiple nightclubs, has a private jet, can loan out millions, and has enough influence to kidnap a woman screaming in a coffee shop without anyone doing anything?
Rich or not, Easton comes across as delusional, not domineering or sexy or whatever. I get dark romance. But this is like calling Silence of the Lambs dark romance…”it will put the lotion on or it will get the hose!”
Easton has always wanted Charlotte, he blames her and her father for his father’s death, Charlotte’s father never thought Easton was good enough for her. Now Easton has made something of himself and wants revenge on him, and he wants Charlotte.
Charlotte can’t believe her father actually used her for his debt, sold her to a man that is no where near the boy she knew, she’s his prisoner or her father dies.
Easton loves Charlotte, even though she was sold to him he’s always wanted her, and he’s going to make her love him.
Charlotte doesn’t like the confliction with how Easton makes her feel, the more she finds out, she just wants to be free not imprisoned by him and she’s going to everything she can to escape.
Ends on a cliff hanger.
I have read some of Wild’s books and I have enjoyed them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It shows that when you have money you can get away with more. When Charlotte’s father trades his life for hers things really heat up. Easton has always wanted Charlotte and this is his opportunity to have her. Sadly she has other ideas but the more she hears and pays attention her things begin top change. This book is filled with twists and turns. I can not wait to read the next book
If I could put 4.5 I would. I really like the story line and Clarissa is a really good writer. I’m pissed though. I HATE Easton right now. The way he treated Charlotte throughout this whole book seriously pissed me off!! He says he wants her heart and soul but he treats her like a dog in a cage. Ugh I really hope he redeems himself in the next book because I want to strangle him! Charlotte took her chance and I’m glad she did. Diving into the next book now!
The cover is beautiful and really lures me in as a reader. I was intrigued and ready for a story to sweep my off my feet through the cringe of a forced-wife scenario. I know it has been done before and I was ready for it again. I also wouldn’t marry a man because I feared my father would die if I didn’t. In no way was the deal her fault and she should have walked away and let him kill her father. That is just my opinion! I would say that everyone in this book just needs a really good therapist. I liked how the book was written from both perspectives, Charlotte and Easton. It was very helpful as a reader to know what was going on inside the mind of each character. I do believe the author had intentionally made this a book that really made readers squirm while reading it. This makes such a strong statement and is really different, like you said Amy, in comparison to all of the other dark romances. I don’t think I could attempt to write this one any differently. Of course, as a reader I want a happy ending most of the time, but I also enjoy the thrill of such a shocking story. This is completely different than other stories and in the most uncomfortable way. I also felt a bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe from some of the details in the book, which was interesting to consider as a reader. I couldn’t put this one down, I mean I felt like I couldn’t look away for a minute because I was going to miss something in the story. It was quite honestly like a terrible train wreck you can’t look away from because it is fascinating in its own horror. I think my biggest emotion in reading this book was discomfort. I found it so uncomfortable reading about this man ruining her life for such trivial reasons. He is a truly deformed man. It reminded me a lot of Phantom of the Opera, a broken man causing damage to the lives of others, except he knew the damage he was doing and reveled in it. He is obsessed with poor Charlotte in all the wrong ways and we have no reason to feel like Charlotte deserved any of it. I think it would be helpful for me as a reader to find out that Easton has a mental illness and either gets help or destroys himself in his process for unnecessary revenge. Like we have said, it just feels like I need more explanation if he is simply crazy or if something else terrible happened to him in his life. There are so many different books out there with different goals in mind. This book could be enjoyable for a certain type of reader. I wouldn’t say that I disliked this book. The writing was good and the storyline had a good flow. However, as we stated throughout this review, Easton is void of compassion and you are sitting back watching a woman’s life be torn to pieces for the pleasure of a sick man. This book is not much different than You by Caroline Kepnes. It is certainly uncomfortable and should be read with caution!
Our hero has desired our heroine since they first met, but now she is a pawn in a game between him and her father. Who will come out ahead or will everyone lose?
This is an intense dark romance story, although I hesitate to call it a romance at this point in the story. This is the first book and it introduces the conflict and our characters, but we do not get a clean resolution here. Be warned you will want to immediately move on to book two.
But the journey is worthwhile. There are a lot of secrets and intrigue in this book, never quite knowing what is going to happen next. Our heroine is a strong one, which she needs to be caught in the middle of this duel. There are a lot of twists and turns which kept me glued to the page and ready for the next book. You won’t be satisfied with just the one.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Well now…this book was certainly very interesting. I was having a hard time coming to terms with what was going on and I was torn with my love/hate relationship with the story.
Charlotte frustrated me to no ends, but she did me proud in the end there. Easton is psychotic for sure. I did not know whether I wanted Charlotte to kill him or fall for him. I have mixed feelings about him. I sort of understand Charlotte on that end.
I did not realize this book was not a standalone. That cliffhanger, though. Ugh, as much as I hate to say it..I need the next book. I have to know what happens next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, this was amazing. But I expected nothing less from Clarissa. It was intense, the suspense and heat were off the charts, and from chapter one to the last page, it held my attention. I love how this author writes her dark romances. She doesn’t shy away from much, and this book was no different.
The characters were awesome. LOVED Charlotte. She was fun, sassy, and firey. She was a strong female character, and they are the best in romances like this.
Easton was something else.. I hated to love him, but loved to hate him!! So many parts in the book I wanted to reach in and punch him in the face! LOL. But if I am honest, that is half the reason I loved this book so much, because I was so bent out of shape on how I am meant to feel about a character. It’s mind fucking and it’s amazing! Ms. Wild has a way with her words, and her books where she makes you feel every bit of the emotions these characters experience themselves, and damn… It was all the feels! A wrecking ball of emotions swooping in and knocking me on my ass. Over and Over.
Now, I need book two, right away!!
5 stars
5.0 out of 5 stars Cliffhanger ahead and I can’t wait for the ending!!!
May 30, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
While I am not a huge fan of cliffhangers, there are a few authors that I will wait for the next book to get the HEA. Clarissa Wild is one of those authors. I have fallen in love over and over again with her characters and while Easton is a little bit hard to swallow right now, I know he will redeem himself eventually. Charlotte has learned that she is expected to give up her “free” life and marry a stranger so her father can live. Yup, her father has a debt that needs to be paid to save his business and he has offered Charlotte as “payment”. Plenty of past actions need to be resolved before these two can have their HEA. Will they be able to overcome them? Yes, we must have patience and wait for the next book but I’m not worried. We are reading a Clarissa Wild book after all. “I voluntarily read a advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.”