One powerful serial killer. One visceral connection.One deadly secret that should have stayed buried.Men like Ethan Reilly should never fall in love. Dark, enigmatic and dangerous, Ethan is the perfect predator until he meets Lily Simpson, a woman passionate enough to placate him and strong enough to surrender to him. For a while Lily’s love is enough. But the darkness inside Ethan is too … darkness inside Ethan is too powerful to contain, and soon it spills into their burgeoning love affair. As he wrestles with his demons, Ethan must come to terms with who he really is, but if he does, what happens to Lily? Can any love be strong enough to survive a past as terrible as Ethan’s? And what kind of future can they forge from the ashes of his awful admission?
Read Flawed, a Dark Necessities prequel, and discover the making of not one, but two monsters.
This book contains dark and twisted scenes. You have been warned…
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Chilling, horrifying, mesmerizing, fascinating, erotic & emotionally consuming: ALL superbly combined together into a story so dark & deceptively enthralling, this reader was sucked into a totally frightening tale of predator & prey I couldn’t escape. The author grabbed me by the throat immediately & all I can say is the suspense, the emotional horror & plot itself, along with the 2 main characters never released me. This story, the plot & the CHARACTERS completely consumed me! And *everything* only continued to intensify up to & including the pulse pounding cliffhanger ending, GAH!!!
It’s England, 1969 & the main characters are 29 yr old Ethan Reilly (anti-H) an experienced lethal predator & 19 yr old Lily Simpson (h) an innocent naïve woman just beginning to spread her wings towards independence. And both are on a collision course that will fundamentally alter their lives forever. But not how either of them expects, or realizes . . . .
The frightening beauty of this terribly dark story with its equally dark characters is the deft & stellar writing of the author. The author lets the reader into both Ethan & Lily’s minds via alternating POV’s which helps the reader experience & sometimes understand their respective thoughts, motives, fears & lusts.
Ethan is a terrifying anti-H, because in spite of the heinous acts he’s committed there is a piece of him that, while not remotely ‘likable’ is horribly mesmerizing. His self-confidence, his aura of power & control, his tall handsome muscular good looks & a devastating & lethal smile. Not all predators hunt the same way, & Ethan is like a leopard: silent, deadly, focused, intense & his true colors are never seen until his prey is locked in his Herculean grip. And his prey never realizes he is stalking them. And while as a reader I should have found him loathsome & horrifying, some how the author kept me enthralled & fascinated by this dark, dark predator.
Lily is one of Ethan’s unrealizing prey, she is seduced by his maturity, his low key natural dominance, his sexual magnetism & the mysterious psychic dreams & connection they both share. She’s inexperienced, sheltered, a pampered only child & has no understanding or defense against the suave & mature predator now focused on her.
The author does a superb job of pulling the reader into the growing darkness of the relationship that blooms between Ethan & Lily, his ‘Little Flower’: how Ethan ramps up his initial gentle dominance to ever increasing heights physically, sexually & mentally until Lily can think of, dream of & crave only Ethan. And Ethan is in equally in unknown waters as Lily has affected him like no other woman & that means treading a path he’s never before walked.
As the story progressed, the author drew me ever deeper into Lily’s realization of the horrifying situation in which she found herself. And as a counterpoint to Lily’s increasingly panicked & disbelieving POV, came Ethan’s POV which was almost always calm, measured & focused on HIS goals, wants & dark dominant desires.
And the ending while a cliffhanger, IMO was hands down OUTSTANDING & the last 2 paragraphs literally caused my heart to clench . . . .
A dark, dark, dark read that was emotionally gut wrenching & I loved it. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Wow!! I have not read the Dark Necessities as of yet but if they are this good as this prequel they will be my next on my list to read. Love every thing about this book seeing and hearing both of their thoughts is a bonus to me. And this strange and dark charismatic Ethan and Lily have it’s so over the top of obsessive I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one and see what more mayhem this two will bring.
This book is so so so bad that it’s good! It is very dark and you’ve been warned. You have a serial killer, Ethan, hunting his next victim who is a sweet innocent virgin named Lily. There is also Lily’s slutty friend and coworker, her overprotective parents and his clueless sister. Ethan starts hunting Lily and then begins dating (?) her. They also find each other in their dreams. Ms. Brandon, your mind is a messed up beautiful dark place. I can’t wait for the second book eek!
Bravely Depraved, Gloriously Dark & Disturbing… “Flawed”, by Felicity Brandon poses a universal question: Is there a partner, a most perfect life mate, for even the most evil among us?
The first in Brandon’s Dark Necessities Prequel, “Flawed” is the beginning of Ethan and Lily’s story. It lays the foundation for exploration into the idea of whether true love can exist among wickedness. Of whether or not a sadistic sociopath born of childhood trauma can truly love a cosseted, timid innocent, and whether she can truly love the sadist in return despite his true nature.
It is a dark and twisted tale not for the faint of heart. A literary exploration truly born from the blackest recesses of romantic possibility, yet deliciously captivating, sparking emotional proclivities within your psyche you may not have before explored or realized/admitted you wanted to.
However, if you believe in the concept of soul mates, the idea of the universe creating a matching soul for every being, our literal “other half” you will want to explore this book. Even if it offends your everyday sensibilities. Because if you believe the concept of soul mates is true you will not be able to deny this book’s validity, despite how dark and unnerving it truly is. For the reason that if true, the universe would not discern “good” from “evil” it would simply match one soul with its proper counterpart. There would be no good or evil only corresponding matched sets destined to be locked together forever once found, regardless of intention or circumstance.
And with that acceptance in mind you will understand and appreciate this book despite its darkness. You will love it even, it will be impossible not to as you wind through the pathways of Ethan’s sadistic urges matched with Lily’s desire for subjugation, Lily’s innocent light matched with Ethan’s tainted dark, his master to her submissive, his need to dominate and control to her need to submit and let go.
Are parts of this tale a bit over the top? Yes, yes they are, and I personally could have done without the whole thought invasion subplot. Yes, I understand the purpose of it, especially in relation to Ethan and Lily’s underlying emotional barriers and the veracity it brings to their soul connection, but nonetheless, I found it a bit cheesy despite its intended tone. However, the cheesy bits don’t detract horribly from the overall glorious depravity of the story and I am genuinely looking forward to book two.
This is the 1st story in this trilogy of prequels, and is Lily and Ethan’s journey. This is a well written flawless story, which is dark, depraved, twisted, intense, gritty, raw, steamy, and an emotional psychological thriller, which had me totally intrigued and hooked throughout, and I cannot wait to read more in this fascinating series.
Starting this book I had gone through a drought of poorly written books that I didn’t finish, so when I started this on I didn’t have really high hopes. I am so glad so was wrong. This one has a bit of everything: mystery, suspense, super hot sexytimez, spankings, bondage, D/s, murder, a little ESP. I know that some novels that try too much really feel like they tried too much… not this one. Really well written. It’s a series, but luckily all novels in the series are on KU. I’ve already got the next one queued up and ready!
The words that Felicity used in this story painted a picture that took my mind to a variety of different levels. This narrative is mysterious, deeply frightening, alluring, and erotically enticing.
For the most part, Ethan’s personality is addicting and intriguing and terrifyingly compelling. Ethan is the depraved hunter, while Lily personifies an innocent prey. I love the way Ethan is able to reach deep into Lily’s subconscious and slowly and carefully stimulate her hidden sensuality. I am amazed at how adept he is at teaching her to accept and appreciate the hidden secrets her body craves.
When Ethan admits his misdeeds to Lily, their adventure takes a more serious and devious path. How should Lily deal with the new information? Should she run? Should she stay? I cannot wait for the next book to continue their journey!
I’ve been waiting for this book since Felicity Brandon announced she was writing it. I couldn’t put it down. Very dark, intense,twisted and erotic. We meet Ethan, who makes you believe monsters in the dark are real. Lily is a young and innocent lady whom Ethan becomes infatuated with. You’ll need to hang on tight as this ride will take you over the cliff before you realize there is a cliff. Awaiting impatiently, patiently for the next book.
After reading The Dark Necessities Trilogy, I was prepared to start off hating Ethan. I didn’t expect to start off this series wanting to cry and feeling sorry for him. Felicity managed to pull all the right strings yet again. These are all a must read if you like your books dark and twisted but will still make you feel.
Darkly Erotic and Disturbing!
“Flawed” the prequel to the Dark Necessities trilogy, is an intensely dark, disturbing, deeply erotic, highly emotional, psychological thriller and totally impossible to put down! The prologue sets the tone for the novel, enticing the reader to proceed with heightened trepidation. Professionally written and extremely fast-paced, the plot flows seamlessly, pitting predator against prey. Told from dual perspectives, the reader is immersed into the mind of a monster and his young, innocent target. Ethan, the antihero, is a deadly master manipulator who seduces the heroine, Lily, with his good looks, dominant sexuality and Machiavellian traits. With a hint of the preternatural, the lead characters are intuitively connected through an inexplicable, ethereal bond. Ethan is essentially a heinous psychopath with a beguiling allure and an uncanny ability to ensnare Lily as well as the reader. Both lead characters are complex, multilayered and as their relationship develops so does the darkness, depravity as well as the dominance.
Although the novel concludes on a cliffhanger, “Flawed” is a multifaceted, completely riveting, dark erotic romance, evoking a gamut of strong emotions, easily earning a five-star rating.
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only due to dark, sexually explicit content within a power exchange relationship.
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, questionable grammar or misplaced commas.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
STEAM FACTOR: 5 Decadent, Erotic Stars
WRITING STYLE: 5 Professional Stars
PLOT: 5 Riveting Stars
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 Dominant, Machiavellian Stars
CONCLUSION: 5 Wait and See Cliffhanger Stars
*** I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review ***
It’s dark, mesmerizing, and full of love – in sometimes a very twisted way. It’s very intense and dark. I did say dark, didn’t I?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Felicity Brandon’s latest book Flawed really floored me. Her characters are both complex and yet compelling and you feel like you know them by the end of the book. Felicity has the power to create original storylines that pull you in and keep you involved throughout. I found Flawed characters Ethan and Lilly relationship interesting and complex and I was sorry the story ended where it did. Their love for each other intrigued me in wanting to know them more. To me Flawed is a dark story full of romance and the hope that they will overcome all the obstacles in their way. I sure hope Felicity Brandon will write a book two and three I think there is a lot of story left untold and I can’t wait to find out more. I highly recommend this book to everyone, you wont be disappointed.
Monsters aren’t supposed to be sexy and drop dead gorgeous.
They aren’t supposed to have dazzling smiles and alluring personalities.
But that is exactly what Ethan is.
Ethan is the monster that takes the victim by surprise because he doesn’t “look” like a serial killer.
He’s a man with no empathy and no remorse.
Ethan is psychopath.
But he fits into society because he gets by on his looks and his unassuming personality.
Lily is a nineteen year old young lady.
Growing up in the late sixties.
Caught up between being what society perceives as what a woman’s role should be.
And her desire to live the life the young ladies at that time were striving for.
One fateful night Ethan comes barreling into her life.
Neither one of them will ever be the same again.
Ethan is not someone I would want to meet on a dark lonely street.
But to my horror I don’t totally hate him.
I credit that to Ms. Brandon’s writing.
So not only did this book get my attention from the get go.
It held it all the way through.
It also gave me such conflicting feelings and emotions.
Can’t wait for more!
Twisted. The end leaves you hanging. I have to read book 2.
I fell into this one from page one. I knew what to expect (sort of) because I have read the Dark Necessities series, but I was a little unprepared for my reaction. I couldn’t put it down! It is dark, twisted, sexy, gut-wrenching, and HOT.
This story had me on my toes and reading late into the night because I started it late in the night and I figured okay I will read a few chapters and then finish the book in the morning. So I started reading and could not stop lord let me tell you this has a hint of paranormal as the main characters Ethan and Lily meet in their dreams and Ethan can read Lily’s mind.
This is one of those stories that I wanted to jump into the book and slap Ethan. At times he made me so mad and at times I wanted to hug and kiss him. But I loved Lily and her strength because she did not take Ethan’s crap. She knew he had a bad past and she was willing to stay with him and to try things she never thought she would.
This is an amazing beginning to the series and I can’t wait for book one because that effing ending had me screaming at my kindle like oh hell to the no that can’t be…….
Felicity Brandon never fails me in the dark and forbidden category. She had created masterpieces with Taken, Tamed, and Entwined already. This book just gives you the back story of him and lily, which is oh so delicious and dark. She creates a world of forbidden, but captivating scenes that drug you and keep you under for hours after you have read it.
Ethan is your anti-hero that you have come to love from the other books written by her. Lily is drawn to him and they are captivated. Their story is one that you need to read on your own. They are strong together. This book has themes of bdsm that might be hard for some to read, but she does an amazing job of putting it on paper. Just read it for yourself. No spoilers here!!!
Truly, go read this book. She writes some of my favorite books and never leaves me disappointed or questioning.
This book absolutely floored me. It is a dark and twisted novel looking into the mind of a serial killer, Ethan. Lily is the sweet innocent virgin, and is his next victim. With twists and turns, and dark romance, this book was one you won’t be able to put down. A spectacular read and I highly recommend it.
This is the prequel to “The Dark Necessities” series and I was totally captivated from the very first page! This dark storyline was well written, the plot flowed effortlessly from page to page and the characters were written with great detail and depth! As I turned each and every page I was totally invested as the story unfolded between Ethan and Lily! I cannot wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!
Flawed A Dark Necessities Prequel is another great beginning of a dark romance that is both thrilling and exciting as only Felicity Brandon can tell. You will be on edge throughout this whole story as you follow the relationship between Ethan who is a deadly prediator who also can read minds. Innocent young Lily who has no idea that she is now in Ethan’s sight as his visions of her leads him on this path that he must have her. After a chance encounter, Lily is drawn to Ethan even as far as having visions of him which troubles her. Their relationship is based on control, passion, discipline and bondage as well as lies and deceit. Can these two be together amongst all of the terror and turmoil that surrounds this relationship and can Lily save Ethan or will she turn to the dark side when all is revealed. Will they have a future together? This is one story that you will not be able to put down as you find that your feelings are all over the place as the reader now has to wait to see what happens to these amazing characters. I voluntairly reviewed an advance copy of this book.