How far would you go to save someone you love? Would you give up your body? Your mind? Your heart? I did and it cost me everything. He says he owns me. And it’s true. I’ve signed over complete control of my body and life for six months to a man I don’t know. Five years he’s been planning this. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But my blackmailer serves it up white hot. He’s addicted to … white hot. He’s addicted to my innocence, and I’m addicted to him.
He likes to hurt me. I love to let him. He brings me to life. He sets me free. He makes my heart feel things it shouldn’t.
But he also scares me. He holds the fate of my brother’s life in his hands. A life behind bars for crimes I know he didn’t commit. My blackmailer can’t give up his revenge on my family, and I can’t be with him if he doesn’t. But I’m nothing more than a butterfly caught in his net. Do I really have a choice?
A Dark Romance Duet. Titles available individually as Echo & Stutter
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Echo
Meeting someone at 16 who leaves a lasting impression…one that you cant get out of your head… Its like trying to solve a rubik’s cube… Who was that man, How does he know my family, What was he doing at our house… Each and every turn you make in solving the cube, comes up with more questions. The colors never really connect together and you keep spinning the cube hoping that you will get it…
This is what 21 year old Brighton has been dealing with… 5 yrs ago this man walked into her life then disappeared. Not a day goes by that she hasnt thought of him…
Ryland, Billionaire… Hot super Hot… Knows what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it. Is he out for revenge or love? Will love make him seek out revenge or will revenge make him seek out love.
This story was a gripping story full of twists and turns. Must immediately dive into book 2 after the ending!!!
Stutter
What a great conclusion to this duet!
How in the world will Brighton ever forgive what has happened? Now pregnant and moved out of the apartment. Unwilling to talk to Ryland because she will cave…she just knows she will. But how can she after surviving the accident he ordered.
We learn in this book the background of these players. Find out that people who seem to want to dance with you because they want to be friends, are not necessarily friends you should hang with.
A couple twists and you have the conclusion.
Good thrilling ride!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
I loved everything about this story. It was a duet, so it truly was a complete story. Ryland is the controlling billionaire set in his ways. He only has one thing in mind, revenge. In walks Brighton, the naive, innocent sister of his enemy. The story unfolds beautifully with lots of steam and action. Lots of supporting characters add wonderfully to the plot.
I loved Brighton and Ryland’s story so much!!
I bought the Duet when it came out and it mysteriously slipped through my Kindle shelves. How bad is that? Because these books are ridiculously good. They are packed full with action, plot twists, and ahem, great sex scenes that are pivotal to character development. There is blackmail putting loyalties and personal limits to the test and there is the powerful redeeming force of love. But above all there are two souls becoming one in an enthralling mirrored learning curve. Bleeding Hearts is no tear jerker but Holy Cow its Epilogue made me cry happy tears indeed. A. Zavarelli is sure my new One-click author.
Holy shit, what did I just read?! The Bleeding Hearts Duet is a twisted, steamy mass of betrayal, pain, secrets, love and sex.
Echo starts off when Brighton is 16 and about to say goodbye to her brother Brayden, when she meets one of his so called friends. Said friend lays a steamy kiss on her, one that she never forgets. She doesn’t get the guy’s name, but she remembers his face and that kiss. Cue 5 years later and Brighton is interviewing at the Bennett Corporation and meets the man whose face has haunted her for the past 5 years. Unfortunately for her, he doesn’t seem to remember her or their kiss. Also unfortunately for her, he happens to be her new boss. But all that will be forgotten as Brighton ends up making a deal with the devil, so to speak, in exchange for evidence that proves her brother is innocent. Lots of sexy, kinky times follow, and Brighton learns that she’s got dark desires, thanks to the devil she made a deal with to own her for the next 6 months.
Stutter starts off right after the end of Echo. Brighton has decided she’s done with both her brother and Ryland. But, when she gets some significant news, how will that affect her and the choices she must now make? How can she live without the man for whom she’s fallen, but who made decisions that almost cost her her life? Stutter is a fitting conclusion for Brighton and Ryland. It’s just as steamy, just as twisted as Echo, but it’s got threads of something lighter for our couple. I love how much both Brighton and Ryland evolved, and how their relationship changed. Its intensity never lessened, but it changed and evolved for the better and both Brighton and Ryland did some of their own personal growth.
Even though Ryland is a class A jackass, and is alpha af, I couldn’t help but fall for him, just as Brighton did. And Brighton? Wow, she’s more than equal to Ryland. She’s sweet, she’s smart, and she’s strong, so strong. I loved their story; so twisted, so dark, but so sexy and emotional!
What would you do for those you love? What if it cost you everything but at the same time made you feel more than you ever have?
Omg! I loved this duet! It’s all about letting go and just allowing yourself to be. Saving family and learning who you can trust. A wonderfully written story that has me wishing there was more because two books just isn’t enough!
This is a duel review – Echo & Stutter – The Bleeding Hearts Duet
“I wanted to break you. I never expected to like you.”
Echo
Brighton Valentine is young, naïve and beautiful. She is devastated when her twin brother is sent to prison at age 16. Five years later an opportunity presents itself. Prison life is difficult for her brother Brayden. Brighton will do anything to help her brother so she accepts this proposal.
“I’ve signed over complete control of my body and life for six months to a man I don’t know.”
Ryland Bennett is a hot, successful, wealthy CEO. He is mysterious and controlling. He uses information that can free Brighton’s brother from prison to get what he wants. And what he wants is Brighton in every way possible.
The story is mysterious in the beginning. Who is Ryland? Everyone seems to know except Brighton. There are plot twists and turns. Some are predictable and some not. The sex is hot! And there is a lot of it! Brighton is sweet and loving. Always thinking the best of people. She also likes to be independent.
“My default setting was awkward and shy, and my experience with men was limited.”
Ryland is a whole lot of hot and kinky! He wants Brighton for revenge but remember you should always be careful of what you ask for. He is drawn to her. Together they scorch up the pages of the book. She becomes his addiction, his obsession. What starts out as a well thought out plan turns out to be anything but….
“I never could have known how addicting it would be. I want to see how far I can take you. How much you will let me do.”
As the story concludes, secrets are revealed. Pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Choices must be made. Lives are at stake. The web continues to weave. I loved it! The story kept me engaged. The mystery of how they are tied together is finally revealed. But secrets come at a cost.
Stutter is the conclusion of the Bleeding Hearts Duet. It cannot be read as a standalone. You must read Echo (book #1), first. This review will contain spoilers if you have not read Echo.
The situation comes to a head between Ryland and Brayden at the end of Echo, and Brighton is caught in the crossfire. The hatred between her brother and boyfriend is more than Brighton can handle. Added to that is an unexpected complication. She needs space from both of them.
“You can both keep playing this twisted game,” I cried. “But I am done. I’m out. I have nothing left to give to anymore.”
Ryland is devastated. He doesn’t give up. But he feels so much guilt because she was in the car that he had run off the road. He expected it to only contain Brayden. He gives Brighton her “space” while trying to come to terms with his actions.
“How do you get someone to forgive the unspeakable?”
“How do you look at yourself knowing you almost killed the woman you love?”
His grief is turned to anger when he discovers her unexpected complication. Ryland is even more devastated. He is empty and broken. He pulls back emotionally. Brighton tries to take her mind off of recent events. But the push and pull between Brighton and Ryland is too great. Once the spark is ignited, the flame roars.
“He was my soul mate. He was my everything, and I wouldn’t change a minute of what had happened between us because it brought us to where we were.”
The web continues to weave. The pieces continue to fall. Both Brighton and Ryland grow together and become closer. There are still many twists and turns to come. The road gets very bumpy. There are added complications. Ryland really evolves in this story. The two learn to communicate and really relate even more to each other. Her light to his dark. Of course there is plenty of wild, crazy sex as well! Stutter compliments Echo, completing it. Although I did enjoy Echo more, I was still happy with the ending.
4 stars overall
This is the second book I read by A Zavarelli (is a duet) and WOW!!! I love her writing even more…
I didn’t know anything about the story and it was an incredible surprise.. the story is divided in two books Echo and Stutter but i’m going to talk about the Duet in general..
I love Ryland he is super mega hot, alpha male, controlling and possessive as hell.
The story of Ryland and Brighton started when she was just a teenager, when she didn’t know who he was and what he was doing in her house.. the only thing she knew is that he stole her heart and a kiss that will remind her of him for years to come… he was full of hate and wanted to destroy Brighton’s Family but what he didn’t expect was to meet her and find her there, he wasn’t prepare for that kiss that will change him forever..
Brighton was desperate for a job when her good friend Nicole offers to help, but Brighton didn’t know what o who was waiting for her in that interview.. when she saw him all her dreams came alive.. she’ve been wanting for this moment to happen some day and now he was there more handsome than ever..
The story of Ryland and Brighton was not easy, there were so many secrets specially on Ryland’s part, there was hatred between him and Brighton’s brother.. from an old family wound.. he wanted to end the whole Family but life change and plans change and love can change everything .. Ryland may have to reconsider his plans of vengeance if he wants to keep the love of his life..
lies and secrets can destroy this beautiful relationship, this beautiful love but only them can save their feelings, only them have the key to stay together and make this work..
I love Brighton even thou sometimes i wanted to scream NOOOOO!! but she was bold and strong and didn’t take any S… from anybody.. her love was so strong and pure for Ryland.. i really felt the connection between them and i love how their relationship slowly grew but at the same time was fast and consuming..
Ryland was stubborn, controlling and determine he didn’t really know what he wanted at first but at the same time he knew he wanted her.. in his life forever.. he won’t stop until he gets whats he wants, until Brightons belongs to him.. even thou she belonged to him from the first moment they saw each other..
A great story with great characters.. i love also the other secondary characters that helped so much to build this story, Nicole and Matt their love was also beautiful.. to see them grow at the same time with Ryland and Brighton.. even the story of Norma.. it was nice to see how she recovered herself and try to make amends, tried to be someone new and found love with Ted .. i didn’t like Brightons brother.. he was a pain in the a… all the time causing troubles and just wanted revenge .. he was just full of hate..
They’re so many great things that i like about the story.. the sex is great, the dirty talking is Amazing and the love between them is the best… it really love this Duet and i can’t wait to read more from A. Zavarelli..
How does an author mix darkness, beauty, passion, and uncertainty and get the most amazing story? Well, you would have to ask this author because these stories contain the perfect balance. This is more than a revenge story, it is a journey into what love can truly accomplish.
This is the story of Brighton, an uncertain girl who finds herself bound to Ryland by circumstance and passion. She is captured by this man (emotionally) and finds herself desiring him in ways that make her question herself and her heart. Ryland is a rich eccentric billionaire, who decided that he wanted Brighton so he created a way to have her. He is the typical alpha male: dominate, possessive, and controlling.
The love story (because that is what this story is) is a difficult journey for these two. They must overcome lies, deceit, distrust, and anger to get to their HEA (and boy to they work for it). These two stories are filled with unforeseen twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. This is a duet of stories but I guarantee that once you start the first you will read right through to the end. You will not be able to put them down. These stories were so beautifully written that I want to be able to experience them again for the first time. They are an amazing journey and it was a pleasure to take it with them.
I had read this Duet when they were separate novels ~ ‘Echo’ & the conclusion, ‘Stutter’, so the chance to re-read them in the same book was too good to be true!!
Brighton was brought up in a trailer park with nothing but an alcoholic Mum & her twin brother, Brayden, for the first 16 years of her life but then everything changed!!
Her brother is going to Prison, the next day, for Murder & death whilst drink driving. She knows he’s innocent, he HAS to be but he says he’s not. That same night she meets a friend of his for the first time. He kissed her like he needed her more than anything in this world but then he walked away & she doesn’t see him again for 5 years & in all that time she never forgot his gorgeous face or that searing kiss!!
Ryland is a Tech Billionaire with huge secrets & dark desires he’s been keeping in check for the past 5 years. Things have now fallen into place & all of his maneuvers to take his revenge are finally lined up. The last piece is in place … Brighton is in San Francisco working for his Company & completely dependent on her salary, namely him!! It’s time to make his final moves to get his vengeance & give his family it’s final peace!!
Brighton is blackmailed into a sexually submissive, pain & pleasure based relationship. She has no power within it, to her knowledge. All of this is to get her blackmailer to release proof he holds that her brothers innocent!! Brighton starts to crave the darkness & pain that this man brings to her, she can’t keep her heart out of this twisted relationship. His verbal rejection & coldness hurts more than his belt!!
Ryland is ruthless at the best of times but when he realises he’s been the cause of her very real & serious physical pain it nearly destroys them both & ends what they’d started!! Now Brighton is in grave danger from elsewhere & Ryland will stop at nothing to protect the light in his dark world. How far will he need to go?
This Duet is dark & delious with deviant tendencies. As it progresses it turns into a dark romance of obsessive love that burns deep & true. Lies come to light, truths are told & horrors unearthed that shatter hearts. It has a wonderful epilogue that let’s your heart soar free, which is deserved after the rollercoaster it’s endured throughout the ‘Bleeding Hearts Duet’!! A first class twisted tale
Debbie, 1970, UK