EVEN THE BROKEN, THROUGH LOVE, CAN FIND GRACE…Secrets never stay hidden.The burden of guilt never lifts from the heart. Born and raised in The Order of David, Sister Phebe knows nothing but cult life. Head of the Sacred Sisters of New Zion, Phebe was groomed from childhood for one purpose: to seduce. Prized as a harlot, as a New Zion whore, Phebe is taken from the doomed cult by Meister, the … by Meister, the notorious leader of the Aryan Brotherhood. Taken as his possession. Taken to be the woman who will obey his every sexual demand. Under his heavy hand, Phebe finds herself in a place much worse than she could ever have imagined… with absolutely no one to help. And no glimpse of hope.
Xavier ‘AK’ Deyes is content with his life as Sergeant-At-Arms of the Hades Hangmen. Leader of the infamous ‘Psycho Trio’ and ex-special ops sniper, AK knows how to fight. Experienced in warfare and schooled in military operations, AK is vital to the Hangmen. When his Vice President needs help retrieving his missing sister-in-law, Phebe, from a Klan-funded trafficking ring, AK volunteers to go in. AK remembers the red-head from New Zion. Remembers everything about her from the single time they met—her red hair, blue eyes and freckled face. But when he finds her, heavily drugged and under Meister’s control, her sorry condition causes him to remember more than the beautiful woman he once tied to a tree. Saving Phebe forces hidden demons from his past to return. A past he can never move on from, no matter how hard he tries.
As AK fights to help Phebe, and in turn she strives to help him, they realize their secret sins will never leave them alone. Kindred broken souls, they realize the only way they can be rid of their ghosts is to face them together and try to find peace.
Despair soon turns to hope, and damaged hearts soon start to heal. But when their deep, painful scars resurface, becoming too much to bear, the time comes when they must make a heavy choice: stay forever damned; or together, find grace.
Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, disturbingly sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and very mature topics. Recommended for age 18 and over.
NOT a standalone. MUST be read as part of The Hades Hangmen Series
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The Order is gone, but now AK’s own battle is just beginning. He needs to find the woman that has the blue eyes and red hair that has been haunting his thoughts. And when he finds her he will do what needs to be done to save her.
Phoebe’s life has never been her own person. In the Order she did what was expected of her. Things that she was always told was her duty for her and others salvation. Now the Order is no more, and she is a prisoner. Where her captor keeps her locked in a place that keeps her haunted thoughts in the front of her mind.
Finding and getting Phoebe out the physical hell is only the first battle for AK and the rest of the Psycho Trio. But, trying to save Phoebe stirs up a past that AK can’t let go.
AK and Phoebe’s story is an emotional one. There were moments that if I was a crier, I would have. These broken souls are ones that are needed for both of then to heal one another. Your heart will hurt for both of them. And after getting even a little of Little Ash, you will want even more of him.
Can you say emotional?
Can you say heartbreaking?
Can you say beautiful?
Well the author has taken those 3 ingredients and cooked up something fabulous!
AK and Phebe….
From Deep Redemption, we know that Phebe was given to Meister. And what a charming chap he was! Phebe absolutely bewitched me. And I’m not the only one….
AK..what a beautiful man. If I ever need rehabilitation then I want AK!
This book was dark and dealt with some disturbing things. But it was also astongishingly beautiful. Roll on more Hangmen!
**Trigger warnings drugs, rape, abuse violence**
So here we have AK’s story. There was a little part when AK met a woman in a previous book and I was hoping that there would be more there. So we know that AK is part of the psycho trio. We figure out how he got his name too. He was a marine. Now he is part of Hades Hangmen. So what troubles this man. Well it took a bit to get that information out but we got it. Ouch, it was bitter. Then we have Phebe who is Lilah blood sister and she is in a predicament that is not the best. She was taken by Meister who is not a good man. He is a top officer for the clan and he is ruthless. He has been taken women from the cult and using them. Phebe has been used by both the cult and him. She now realizes that the things she was taught and told were wrong. Her story is not easy to swallow either. The things she did for the cult, I have no words for. She was groomed for it. Then we find out about a kid she had. Like WTH. She was trying to keep her from doing what she was doing. My heart was hurting for her. Then AK is there again but this time for her. Can these two heal each other? The pain emotional pain these two have is heart breaking? They have a connection that is undeniable. Can Phebe get out of her head and actually see him? Even though he struggles he is there for her? Can she do the same in return? Be prepared to choke up on the tears because this one will leave you breathless several times.
” . . .”
: adult dark romance, motorcycle gang, single parent, two broken damaged characters, emotional
*TW for explicit rape scenes, human trafficking, pedophilia, abuse, violence, among others*
Y’all this is the darkest book I have ever read. When I’m telling you that I, the girl who has no triggers, struggled to read some scenes, I’m hella serious.
I thought I experienced pain and heartbreak on deep redemption, but damnable grace was 10x worse in that regard. Phebe and AK’s stories are the saddest ever. They literally went thru a lot, yet they proved to be the strongest people out there. Their characters grew a lot and seeing how they healed each other is the most satisfying thing ever.
The book isn’t cult centered as all the previous books, in fact it focuses on human trafficking and new villains the hades hangmen will have to deal with. For that I’m really grateful to see Tillie dive into new storylines for the upcoming books.
Also I’m so excited to see the new relationships that Tillie teased on here. I think they all have potential, which I cannot wait to dive in!!
As for the romance, I think it was well developed with the right emotions and smut as always. In that regard, Tillie never fails to amaze me. After all the pain, I’m so glad AK and Phebe had their well deserved HEA.
This series keeps getting better and better. Istg, just when I think Tillie can’t top the previous book, she always proves me wrong. If you are someone who enjoys dark storylines, this series is for you. It’s a MUST read!!
Oh! Here we go. AK’s story brought out the emotions! Phoebe and AK have both been through so much. I never would have thought that AK’s past was so haunting. While in a different way than Flame’s, it was just as hard, just less disturbing.
This one was super dark I’ve come to expect all sorts of messed up shit from this series but this one actually went further than usual and was exceptionally messed up.
It carries on from the previous book in the series so does need to be read In the correct order.
This deals with the rescue of Lilah’s sister Phebe, the Hangman stormed the New Zion stronghold in the previous book but it was too late for Phebe who was taken captive by Meister a monster obsessed with possessing her.
Her present reality is hell on earth her every waking moment a nightmare she can only escape from in a drug-induced haze.
Sharing her fate are her fellow Order sisters some of them little more than children sold to the brotherhood to be used and abused in the most depraved and wicked ways.
Phebe is the property of Meister and though as a sacred sister she is used to using her sexuality and body for the order’s benefit nothing could have prepared her for his depraved and torturous attentions.
The hangmen infiltrate the brotherhoods compound an old ghost town, equipped with false alias AK, Viking, Flame, Cowboy and hush as backup prepare and do what’s necessary to bring Phebe home.
The aftermath here has far-reaching consequences and removing Phebe from her nightmare is only the first step in a long recovery.
Broken and hurting Phebe uses crutches to move forward which she finally manages with the tender care of hangman AK.
As Phebe’s ordeal brings forth AK’s own past demons to the surface the two realise just how alike they both are and for Phebe it’s also the first time in her life that someone actually sees her, looking beneath the carefully cultivated illusion to really what lies beneath.
Phebe is a mass of guilt, regret and shame emotions AK has plenty of experience with himself, she is desperately trying to bury her demons using whatever cocktail available to quiet it all.
Together these two heal each other’s broken pieces, there mutual shared pain connecting them on every level.
So this has deep triggers and wasn’t an easy read it deals with some heavy stuff that wasn’t easy to read.
We also catch up with other events in the hangman and I especially loved the chapters that dealt with flame.
I always feel Like I need a mini-break after finishing one of these books as it’s such an intense and emotional experience just please do be aware that this series isn’t for the faint of heart as it does get dark.
That said it’s totally worth it and fabulously well written.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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These books are not easy to review. What these characters go though is pretty hard to stomach. Just when you think it can’t get any worse… it does! The things AK and Phepe have gone through were so sad. They both were so broken. Haunted by the memories of their past. Reliving the memories like a film being played over and over again with no relief in sight to relive them of the pain they are going through.
I was so anxious with some parts of this book that I wanted to skip ahead just to find out right away what would happen! (I didn’t of course…but this book had me on my toes!!)
Phebe was definitely different than the other women in this series. She was so broken and lost. She was so brainwashed! It was sad to read! They way they brought her up in the cult was just so heartbreaking. She never had a chance at having a normal life.
Oh man… AK story really, really broke my heart! He did something that he thought he could handle and it backfired on him. And he’s been living and dealing with the regrets of that decision he made so many years ago.
It takes a certain person to look past Phepe past. It’s a lot to deal with. Especially her past with men. But after reading this story AK was the right person for her. They understand each other on a level no on else could. They accepted everything about each other with no judgement. They were good together. They both healed each other and in the process found a part of themselves that they didn’t think they would ever have.
“It has never been like that before, not for me. This was different. I, with you, am different. I . . .”
“I am at peace.”
Towards the end of this book I had tears in my eyes. It was all just so much. This book definitely met all my expectations and more! I loved the bonus chapter! And I was happy to see who it was about!!! (I don’t want to give anything away!) but I can’t wait to read about that story!! And I loved how far Flame’s character has come! How he’s pushed himself here and there out of his comfort zone.
I’m so hooked on this series and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!!
** this book is part of a series. I suggest you start at the beginning. If you were to start now. You would be lost!**
*ARC provided for an honest review*
Ak and Phebe. I loved this story. Ak is one of my favourite characters in this series. I love him. He carries a lot of pain and guilt. And when he met Phebe, he knew he needed to save her. They were two broken souls who saved one another. This story is a lot about forginess. Of letting go of the past. It was dark, intense and real.
AK and Phebe
This series gets better and better. A story with all the evils of the world and it’s so compelling you can’t stop reading. It’s so hard to read with the violence and fuckupness. Psycho trio, the bond, the brotherhood.
Everything was right about this story I don’t even know where to start.
How do you write a story with all the bad things that happens in the world but still manage to put love and heart into it, I cried the whole last part of the story it had all the feels. I must admit Viking at the end had me pissing myself. I loved his sense of humour.
This book slayed me! I kind of want to go as far as to say this might just be my favorite so far in the series! Tillie Cole seriously brings it like no other. She doesn’t hold back in her writing, she knows how to grab you and hold on the whole way. Everything she writes is phenomenal.
I loved this book. AK and Phebe’s story ripped my heart open and put it back together again. The torture these characters go through kills me. The dark makes the light so much brighter. I can’t wait for more of this series!
Let me start by saying this series will not be for everyone. I do recommend readers reading the books in order because there is so much that goes on and it might be confusing if you haven’t read the previous books. This book is dark, twisted, gritty and down right disgusting at times. It has rape of underage girls; children as young as 10 and women, drugs, abuse, racist parts, killings, trafficking and more. Damnable Grace gives us Xavier (AK) and Phebe’s (Red) story. I enjoyed Xavier a lot and I enjoyed the back and forth banter between him and his brothers. I loved how he was with Ash, Flame and Vike. I enjoyed a few good laughs when it came to their antics. When it came to Phebe, I could not hate her character because she didn’t know any better. She believed what she was raised to believe and did what she was taught to do. I enjoyed her relationship with Ak even if at times it was twisted and disturbing. It was their story, nothing more and nothing less. Its just the beginning for Phebe’s daughter and now that Ash has his eyes on her I’m wondering if there will be a story for them in the future. I guess I have to continue reading the series to find out and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
This was a perfect book! I was anxious to start this series at first but the moment I picked up It Ain’t Me Babe I was obsessed. I feel like I’ve been waiting for this book forever. I love AK and Phebe, two broken souls mended by each other. I’m so excited to see what comes next in this series!
This was a great book! It made my heart ache, swoon, smile, melt & everything else in between.
AK & Phebe made for such a fantastic couple. They were both such strong characters; so selfless, nurturing, hopeful & beautifully damaged. Loved how they helped one another begin the healing process (because heaven knows it ain’t over) & how protective they were over the rest of their friends & family as well. Can’t wait to re-visit them in future books!
That scene with Meister, Phebe & Sapphira… OMG. What he did, the venom he spewed… I. Just. Can’t. Even. Let me say, I LOVE dark but that combined with everything else those ladies had been through was hard to read about. I couldn’t help but shed tears for them.
LOVED that bonus chapter at the end & what happened right before in the epilogue… Lil’ Ash & Sapphira would be so damn cute together! Fingers crossed they happen in the future.
Looking forward to the next book in Hades Hangmen series (hopefully it’s Hush, Sia & Cowboy) but REALLY CAN’T WAIT to get my hands on “I Do, Babe: A Novella” in a couple of days! ‘Bout time Styx & Mae are gettin’ married!! 🙂
Side Note: That little drawing Maddie did of her & Flame… Would LOVE for that to happen in the next book!
A special thanks to Monique for buddy reading this with me. xx
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to AK. From the previous books, we knew that AK is part of the Psycho Trio. We knew that he rescued Flame. We knew that he had a thing for Red. But in this book, this wonderful book, we learn more about the man behind the AK sniper rifle.
And who better to help us see how sweet and caring AK can be than our lovely heroine – Phebe. She definitely has the worst back story of all the commune women. Or at least in my opinion anyway. You see, she wasn’t a ‘Cursed’ like Mae, Lilah, and Maddie; she was the head of Sacred Sisters, and her assigned destiny was a horrible one. Her character is heavily conflicted and will really test your patience. There were times that I really struggled with her, but she had her reasons for everything she did. Her mistakes made her character more realistic. Red, as AK likes to call her, is a character I don’t think I could handle on her own. AK really brings out the positive light in her. I ship them sooo hard.
Overall, I’m still loving this series. Tille Cole keeps me on my toes with her brilliant enemies and creative plots. The next book is a novella with a wedding! I can’t wait to revisit Styx and Mae for their big day!
5 Stars!
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This book broke my heart. Both Phebe and AK are so damaged from the tragedies of their life . They both have built walls around themselves and suffer silently. As usual in this series we have the crazy religious cult which is just a bunch of sexual predators and pedophiles. Then there’s the KKK and the Aryian brotherhood thrown into the mix. The rape and abuse that Phebe had to endure is mind boggling. But I have to be frank, at times I just got tired of her behavior and actions even though I understood that most women wouldn’t live through what she had to endure. It’s a story of two damaged souls finding their true mate who can heal them and make them whole. But beware, the story is very dark and full of triggers to include rape, pedophelia, abuse, death and just general heartbreak. It does have a HEA for the H/h and we get to revisit with the characters from previous books
Love AK. Another amazing book that I couldn’t put down. Love Ak & Phebe together, both have pasts and nightmares and both need each more then they both realized. This was an emotional read that will tug at your heartstrings. I absolutely love this series and all the characters, once you read this series it will have you hooked. I can’t wait to read ehat will happen next.
This was an emotional rollercoaster. Having just read the other stories in this series you would think I was prepared. That could not have been further from the truth. These to emotionally damaged and lonely people have experienced more than anyone should have to go through. I won’t get into it, suffice it to say be prepared. Heartbreaking. Devastating. Soul crushing. Acceptance. Healing. Love and the power it has to mend even the darkest corners of your soul. Beautiful. Just a few choice words to try to describe it without ruining it. Definitely not to be missed! AK and Phebes are a match born of strife and strengthened in the shared pain and loss.
Once again Tillie Cole keeps us captivated and draws us back in to the world of the Hades Hangmen MC in this fifth instalment of the Hades Hangmen series. The books need to be read in order as the story progresses and is full of layers as events from previous books are mentioned. Tillie is really good a incorporating past events into the book to jog your memory as it’s been a while since I read deep redemption I was concerned I wouldn’t remember characters & events.
There was never any doubt in my mind that this was going to be yet another exceptional, gut wrenching, harrowing tale as the MC set out to rescue Lilah’s sister Phebe from the evil and depraved clutches of Meister. Tillie’s writing is both dark and sensual covering taboo subject such as PTSD, rape, paedophile rings, human trafficking and cult life. This author has a style that just draws you into the world she writes about, you can feel the fear, the anger, the chaos… it’s raw, its evil but realistic , you know that this could be happening somewhere near you. It tore my soul apart to think that people could be A. Be this evil and B. Subjected to rape at the age of 8 and being groomed well before then.
I loved AKs story, this book is my second favourite in the series, I still love Styx, the hangman mute will always be my number 1. But my heart just went out to both Phebe and AK, they both had a troubled pasts and both were still reliving their hell in their nightmares. They were a comfort for each other as they both battled to overcome the demons from their past. Told from a multiple POVs it was great to hear more from flame as he comes to terms with being a brother.
This whole series is so much more than a 5 star read. It’s not a book I can binge on because the content is so dark it really gets in to your head and makes you think… I have to keep taking breaks to process. That’s not a negative point… when a book makes you feel a whole range of emotions you know the author has got it right and made that connection with their reader.
***5 ‘Chase the Sunrise’ Stars***
Holy. Hell. (Understatement of the year)
This book will rip you to shreds and make you bleed and want to make others bleed, numerous times, and then it will slowly start to stitch you back up with the help of a sweet, Hangmen style sweet (let’s not get shit twisted ~ this is a Tillie Cole dark romance now), romance and the Hangmen and their women.
GAH. Where to start? What to say? What not to say? So bloody difficult, but it must get done.
I ended up adoring AK and Phebe. AK may be one of The Psycho Trio, but as we all know what’s on the surface doesn’t always match what is going on inside and AK has a lot going on inside and it made me bleed for him and yet admire him even more. Finding out about his past and seeing how it shaped him into one of the few people in the universe that has the ability to reign in Vike and Flame brought out all the feels. I bled for Phebe. Everything that she was put through by the Order and Meister was simply brutal. But to watch as she clawed her way out showed just how strong she was. Their journey is brutal on so many levels, but as they continued to collide all I could see was how perfect they were for each other. They tore each other apart and then helped each other heal and grow stronger than they ever were before.
And as for the rest of the Hangmen and their women that we’ve come to know and love ~ there is no skimping on all that goodness. Viking, Flame and even Lil Ash are front and center in this journey and if you didn’t love them before, you will now. Though Viking…that man…I just…when he finally gets a book we’re all in for a h/ll of a ride. We also get to hang out with a few of the other brothers that haven’t had too much page time and I seriously want more. And for those who want to know, Rider is in this one and I still have nothin’ but love the man.
I think I’ve said this in every review I’ve done for a Tillie Cole dark romance, the woman goes big. This is balls to the wall, no apologies given, in your face reading. There is no sugarcoating anything, not the dark and not the sweet ~ and, yes there is sweet mixed in. So if you have triggers then move right on past these books, though I will say you are missing out on one of the best dark romances out there. But if not, or you want to give it a go, then don’t start with this one. Go back to It Ain’t Me, Babe to get the full experience and for the love all that is holy do NOT skip Deep Redemption. Don’t do it. You’ll be sorry. It’s an amazing read and, as far as I’m concerned, must be read to truly understand all that goes on in this one. We get a few teases as to what will possibly be coming next for the Hangmen and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Cole will be taking us next!
~ Copy provided by Ardent Prose PR & voluntarily reviewed ~