It started with Piggy. It escalated with Kitty. It ends with Puppy.
For almost a year, Ethen O’Dowell has been locked behind bars and yet Puppy is far from free. A legal ward of her parents, she shares her bedroom with Pony, the only part of her old, submissive life that she has left… apart from the guilt, the fear, and the weekly punishments Ethen dishes out every time they visit him. Escape … him. Escape is all Puppy dreams about. Escape and somehow finding the courage to once more become the person she used to be–someone who lived life on her own terms and never let herself be afraid. Sadly, those days are long over, and as the old saying goes, there’s just no getting them back again. Or is there?
It’s a dead night at Black Light when ex-military man Carlson Garvey decides all he wants is a quiet drink and some downtime to practice his Shibari. What he isn’t expecting is the petite brunette who plops down at his table, squeaks out a terrified hello, and promptly flees again. There’s a story here and although he doesn’t know it, Carlson doesn’t need to. He recognizes a broken soul when he sees one.
Sometimes the only thing a broken person needs is the right Dom willing to intervene.
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One of my absolute favorite Black Light books is Ms. Smith’s Black Light: Fearless. I absolutely fell in love with Noah and Kitty, and her recovery from Ethen. So, when Black Light: Brave was announced it was on my ‘must get’ list as soon as it released.
This is a fantastic story, from Puppy’s POV, with Pony included as a secondary character. I was sucked into Puppy’s story strictly on the basis of how strong she was in spite of being so incredibly damaged by a man who is the antithesis of everything a true Master / Dom is.
Puppy’s story carries this book, and that’s as it should be. The strongest parts of this story are hers, and yet that is also part of why I felt this book was a little less engaging than Fearless. Pony is so incredibly broken, and I wanted both to hear more of her story, and yet because of how powerful Puppy’s story is, and the beauty of growth of her relationship with Carlson, I sometimes felt Pony’s story arc an intrusion into Puppy’s narrative, even as I recognize it was important that it be there. I think this is a case of the author being hoisted on her own petard; she’s created two powerful characters, and they are fighting for readers attention in this book, which is something I did not feel in Fearless.
Still, ANYONE who has even the tiniest bit of burning hatred rage for Ethen from other of Ms. Smith’s stories will want to read this book. I will give no spoilers, but there is satisfaction in the denouement, although I wanted it to go soooooo much slower and with more…
No. You’ll need to read it for yourself to find out. And you NEED to read this. Despite a little bit of being pulled in too many directions, this is a great novel to follow up on Fearless, and another solid offering from this author.
I’m telling you, Ethen O’Dowell left an absolute mess of destruction in his wake. “Brave” picks up after all hell broke loose with Kitty. Only this time we get to see Puppy’s story and bless her heart. What a story it is. Ethen is in prison; not for what he did to his submissives, no, that was barely mentioned at trial, it was for stealing Nalani’s, aka Kitty’s, house and car and selling them. This emotional storyline is one that contains the true definition of dysfunction in a family, fear, bravery, manipulation, D/s, and a wonderful romance. I don’t want to give anything away because the story takes off with a running start and doesn’t slow down.
Puppy’s and Carlson’s story feels like a trek through a bog in the beginning. One misstep and they’d both be sinking. Puppy drowning in her brainwashed state and Carlson jumping after her to safe her. Although Carlson is a relatively new addition to the Black Light crew, the help he gets in caring for the former Menagerie captive is immediate.
Slowly all the damage done by Puppy and Pony’s former so-called Dom comes to light and makes you wonder those two are still able to function at all.
Ms Smith vividly depicts the beginning of the slow process of de-programming a scrambled mind by exchanging brutality and self satisfaction with constancy, and loving care.
This is a satisfying end for the last Menagerie girls and their former captor.
I haven’t read all Black Light books yet, but this one was definitely the most emotional one I’ve read so far!
It pulled my heartstrings and made me shed tears for Puppy. First sad ones and then in the end happy and proud ones. She was so brave and so strong even after everything she endured with Ethen.
I loved how the focus was more on the emotional side of BDSM. It was beautifully written with such an intense, powerful and emotional storyline.
I couldn’t put it down and stayed awake until early morning hours just to finish it in one sitting! I just couldn’t get enough of Puppy and Carlson.
This was truly wonderful addition to the Black Light world and absolute must read.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Brave rounds off the menagerie stories, following on from Piggy and Kitty. Here we follow the emotional journey of Puppy as she slowly gathers her courage to change her abusive situation. This was a heart wrenching emotional ride, I was really willing Puppy on and thought her doubts, bravery, courage all shine through in this great character writing. I loved the way Carlson quietly took control in a non threatening way and became her protector whilst not wavering from what needed to be done. It was interesting to have the involvement of Pony too – although she is not appealing to me at all, I thought Maren did a great job of accurately portraying really how deeply embroiled in the abusive situation she had become. Some suspense at the end rounds this off to be another cracking Black Light book – can’t get enough of this series from multiple authors, highly recommend!
I loved this book so much! First, I appreciated the work the author put into Puppy’s character because I could almost feel what she was feeling. The fear, insecurity, confusion, while this flickering flame of who she really is trying to shine through. I cheered for her so hard when she originally escaped to Black Light with a single purpose to her mission. I loved the patience, the kindness, the protectiveness of Carlson, and how he got Spencer & Klara on board her mission. Like Puppy, I loved and loathed Pony and her brokenness. I wish I understood more about Puppy’s mother (that’s a story in itself, I bet). I went through all the feels in this book and came out the other side a better person for having read it. There are not enough stars for how much this book made me feel.
I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.
Truly exceptional
After reading Piggy and Kitty’s stories, it was clear this was going to be an emotional rollercoaster of a book, and it didn’t disappoint. Puppy and Pony are the last of the Menagerie Girls; Ethen O’Dowell is in jail, and they visit him, Pony disciplining herself and Puppy at his behest while both share a room at Puppy’s childhood home, living with her mother. Cynthia’s (Puppy) mother treats Cynthia like a child, buying her childish clothes, and she loathes Pony, in fact saying this to her face. It is a story of two lost souls – and then there’s Carlson, a Black Light Dom who sees the terrified yet brave woman in the inappropriate T-shirts and behind the appalling panic attacks.
I wasn’t expecting this book’s ending, and I salute the author for that because there were so many ways this could have gone – and most had no potential for happiness for any of the participants. It’s difficult to write a reaction to this book, which is ultimately what a review is. Is it well written – indeed, expertly so. Are the characters well-drawn and do they engage the reader – again, indeed, expertly so. Was I left wrung out and slightly shaken at the end – indeed I was, but in a good way if that makes sense. My heart broke in parts of this book, and it is still a little fractured. Maren Smith is a masterful storyteller, and this story and its characters will stay with you long after the last page.
I was given a copy of this book, and it has left me in awe. The review is voluntary and the views my own.
First there was Piggy, then Kitty and now Puppy and Pony. The menagerie is back.
there is a new book in the Black Light series and I have to say that it is one of the best in the series. It has everything including “All the Feels”.
The book gripped me from the first page and I could not put it down before I finished it. I was cheering Puppy on her journey to start over and find herself again. It is a journey full of heartbreak, setbacks and little burst of joy and hope.
Carlson was a rock that held steady in the tuberlend storm. his reaction and interaction with Puppy were wonderful to read about. The growing trust and love. They made me laugh and melted my heart. They just made sense.
I didn’t want the book to end.
I spent half the time reading this book wanting to reach through the pages to hug Puppy, Maren Smith’s characterization is so powerful. Carlson is everything that Puppy needs and bless his and Spencer’s hearts they wouldn’t let Pony keep living in her hell even if that was what she wanted. I felt for Cynthia’s mother because she obviously had problems of her own and no-one to help her, but that doesn’t make the way she treated her daughter any better. I cried through the last chapter but it was the perfect ending. I loved this book!
I loved this Black Light book. Puppy wants a life outside Ethen, but it is so hard for her. She has panic attacks and self esteem issues. But she bravely moves out of her comfort zone to go to Black Light. She meets Carlson there and he starts working with her so that she can get past Ethen. This is a hard book to read, get your tissues ready. The author brings you into Puppy’s mind and we find how she was brainwashed and how hard she works to find her freedom. I know that this is supposed to be the last book, but I really want to read Pony’s story. Please?!? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. This story was different, with the emotional being, twists and turns, with puppy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our heroine has a past, and not a good one, with no one to help her find the light. Until an encounter with our hero provides the spark…
This is book 17 in the series. I have not read any of the previous books and did pretty well. I could tell there were things I was missing, but I was still able to enjoy the story as is. That being said, I think it is worthwhile to eventually go back to the beginning as I think that will be a different experience.
This is a highly emotional book with a BDSM theme. It manages to show both the happy use and bad abuse of the fetish, which results in some highly emotional scenes. It was such a roller coaster that I think the title says it all: You have to be brave to make it through. The story is well written and the characters well developed, with all the strengths and flaws that come naturally. The final result is an excellent story which will put you through the wringer.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Can I just punch Ethan. Love the fact that puppy manages to escape this hellhole and find a real dom. I feel bad for pony though. Can’t wait for hdr story
Puppy has finally gotten free of Ethen, her abusive ex dominant. She’s on the run and meets Carlson. Carlson is the type of guy she needs to help her overcome her abuse from her ex. A story with all the feels.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
What an emotional book. I will say I am glad Puppy found Carlson and had the courage to say Hi. Pony was the most effected by Ethen. You will have to read the book to see what happens between all four of them. Enjoy
This is an intense roller-coaster of a story. I loved how Carlson handled Puppy. Even though he struggled with it, he gave her just what she needed. A great story you won’t want to put down.
This was a heavy story to get through. It was emotionally overwhelming at times, heartbreaking at others and finally uplifting at the end. The characters were deeply complex.
The psychological, physical and verbal abuse Puppy has to overcome is horrifying. She starts the story unable to pick out clothes to wear each day or hold a job and by the end of the book has discovered what she likes/dislikes, can verbalize her wishes, got a job and could rent her own place.
Carlson seems a bit lonely and in need of a purpose at the beginning of the book. Once he meets Puppy and decides to take her as his submissive he finds his purpose by helping her heal and function as an adult. As their relationship evolves and grows they fall in love and eventually get their HEA.
I haven’t had the opportunity to read the first two menagerie books, but now I have to to see how the other girls turn their lives around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an enthralling story about abuse and hope. The story is full of surprises right up to the very end and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for some of the characters. This is a book that pulled me in from the get-go and didn’t let go till the very end. It’s a wonderfully written steady paced story that leads to a HEA for some of the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a very dark story that takes you from the slaves Puppy and Pony, broken and brainwashed by the Menagerie Master, Ethen to Cynthia’s trials to be normal again with a new master, Carlson.After all the emotional upheaval, I wanted a better ending. An epilogue with a commitment between Cynthia and Carlson. A proposal or collaring ceremony perhaps.
I was fascinated by this story!
by sewsummore
This dark romance that sent chills down my spine when I read this book. Poppy and Puppy were two submissives that had been brainwashed into submissive servitude by their former Dom. Poppy was unable to rise above the pain, but Puppy or Cynthia, her real name was slowly rising above the pain, to function and yearn for what she had lost. Carlson met Cynthia at the BDSM Club that she had visited, he had no knowledge of her circumstances but knew she was a woman in need of help. He recognized her as a submissive, and little by little, was able to help her overcome the past. Despite the dar content in this book, I was fascinated with Cynthia and Carlson’s story and happy that there was a future for them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.