From New York Times bestseller, Pepper Winters, comes a new Dark Romance Series, Goddess Isles.For those who loved Monsters in the Dark, Indebted, and Dollar Series, you’ll LOVE this one!“There was a boy once. A boy who wasn’t strong enough to save me when I was taken.”There was a girl once. A girl called Tess Snow who sat with me in the dark, waiting to be sold.There was an … waiting to be sold.
There was an owner once. An owner who bought me, entrapped me, and made me his unwilling goddess.”
Eleanor Grace is a naïve dreamer. Trusting and young, she believes her travel-loving boyfriend can save her when her freedom is snatched and sold. Squirrelled away to an island at dawn, delivered to a man even darkness won’t touch, she’s bound by a contract.
Sullivan Sinclair is the giver of fantasies. Any wish, any desire–he is the master at quenching any appetite. His private paradise and perfectly trained goddesses are there for one purpose: to ensure every guest is extremely well satisfied.
He bought her.
He trapped her.
She belongs to him.
Dark Romance
First book of the Goddess Isles
75,000 words
Pepper has again singled herself out as the Queen of Darkness and Suspense.Wanton Book Lover Blog
Once A Myth needs to be on your e-reader, in your hands, and being read as soon as it is LIVE. As a dark romance lover, I highly recommend it! Chris
I believe one of the best series of a dark and twisted tale of 2020. And yes, I’m predicting that after just reading book 1. Sassy Southern
I’ve loved Pepper’s work since Monsters in the dark and all the in between work and let me tell you this is one of the best work she’s ever done. Dangerously in love with books
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Book 1 in the Goddess Series. Pepper Winters has undeniable talent.
Outstanding!
Pepper Winters is one of my all time favorite authors and I have never read one of her books and didn’t absolutely love it and this is no different! This book really sets the stage for another intoxicating story! Pepper is a writing genius!
This is the first book in the Goddess Isles, an unexpectedly very dark erotica romance. This story has some very sensitive triggers (human trafficking, slavery, rap, and dubious consent induced by drugs). This story is not for the faint of heart. I was definitely out of my comfort zone while listening to thist audiobook. Despite that, I was not able to look away, and felt like a voyeur for the most part of the story. Sullivan (Sully) and Eleanor’s story is dark, raw, emotionally intense, brutal, twisted, and disturbing. Eleanor/Jinx is unfortunate, strong, and combative. Sully is an extremely dark anti-hero. He is definitely not a character you can love, at least not in this first installment, and I doubt you ever can. The story is set in the beautiful Paradise Island owned by Sully. On this island, there are Gods (pervent men), and Goddess (traficked women/slaves). The slaves have a surprisingly good relationship with Sully. The storyline is complex, intriguing, fast-paced, and twisted. The world building is thought provoking and shocking. The story ends with a cliffhanger. I have to admit that I have a hate/love about this story. I hate the slavery, and human trafiking parts, of course. I like the tortuousness of this story, its darkness, and the complexity of the characters. Sarah Puckett and Scott Rider did an outstanding job with the narration. Sarah Puckett did an emotional reading of this story, giving to Eleanor a voice filled with strenght and vulnerability. Scott Rider did a great interpretation as Sully. Their voices are perfect together. I would love to listen to the next installment in the Series, Twice a Wish, to know what happens next. If I cannot recommend this audiobook because of the sensitive subjects, I can recommend it for its narration. The acting is wonderful. #AudiobookObsession
This dark romance is everything you need. Pepper Winters is a amazing author. Once a myth is dark, twisted, and full of angst. I’m still reeling that cliffhanger. There is just something about Sully. I really intrigued by his character and believe we have yet seen the real him yet. I loved Eleanor she is strong willed and fights back every step of the way considering her circumstances. But they can not denie the what is between them. I’m going to go start book 2 now mmmkay. You definitely will read this in one go and be dying to know the rest! Thank you Pepper for this!
oh this book…i don’t even know what to say about it…the tension between Sully and Jinx is just amazing…i felt all Jinx’s emotions as this story played out… I wanted to just absolutely strangle Sully on many occasions and it was all i could do not to throw my kindle across the room. at times i was ready to scream at them to just do it already to get a break from the tension between them. so much hate, and passion between the two of them.. it was amazing.. another great book by Pepper Winters… I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Another fantastic dark and twisted storyline by Pepper Winters! This captivating story will have you in the edge of your seat and begging for more. Undeniable chemistry and heart pounding moments will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Can’t wait to dive into Twice a Wish!
This is my first book by this author and oh my goodness it was hot like straight out of the oven hot. I look forward to continuing on with the series. The narration was amazing.
#AudiobooksObsessionsReviewer
I’m a huge fan of Pepper Winter’s and her dark reads, it’s one of my guilty pleasures, for me, this one was a little drawn out without much information, and it felt like it was over before we got any real information. I will read the next book because I want to see what happens, I was given an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
ARC received from Next Step PR
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be: unique.
Pepper Winters weaves an extraordinary, captivating, and unique story that instantly pulled me in. The book focuses on creating people’s fantasies and making myths come true, and while that may be true within the pages, she also made it so in the book itself. This book is a myth and a dream come true. Only Pepper could take such a story and make it seem magical and all okay. While reading, I felt as if I wasn’t in real life; that I existed here but was living in Pepper’s world. Much of this has to do with the wonderful writing! From the very first page, this book envelops readers in lush descriptions of people, feelings, and especially scenery to the point that I literally felt like I could hear, see, and feel what was being described.
In fear of spoilers, I can’t say much about the plot, other than what is given in the synopsis. As described, Eleanor is taken by the same people who had taken Tess Snow from the Monsters in the Dark trilogy. She’s there at the same time with Tess, but soon they end up on different paths. Tess, we know is sold to Q, while Eleanor is taken away to a mystical island and delivered to Sullivan Sinclair, a powerful man, who has dedicated this island to being a mythical pleasure island. I won’t say more regarding the island in fear of spoilers. All in all though, compared to where the other women end up, this one isn’t a bad go. Think tropical island vacation for living. There is one aspect, hinted at in the synopsis, that I was personally concerned about as I didn’t think I would enjoy it. It does/will occur, but alas, only Pepper could make me feel comfortable and okay with it all. I was nervous going into this series, but will have no qualms here on forth, because, as suspected, this book cooled those.
Sullivan is such an enigma so far. Again, I won’t say much, but I can’t wait to see how his interactions with Eleanor carry on in future books. He’s darkness, but I foresee a lot that will happen there. He’s gonna be a great character for this series. From page one, I was overwhelmed and pleased with Eleanor’s responses and fire. She doesn’t give what they want; no screaming, pleading, or crying. She’s strong from the very beginning, up to the end of this book. A lot of the book was her trying to fight for her life with Sullivan; not in a begging, bargaining way, but in a way that lets him know who is really boss. Hence their interactions being so amazing, and not being able to wait to see what is next in store for these two.
Of course, this ends on a cliffhanger. A darn good one too! I suspect they will all be like that. It’ll be a hard month, waiting for Sullivan to take me back to his island.
***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****
Pepper Winters has seriously outdone herself!! This is one of her darkest books yet!! We get a taste of the twisted world of human trafficking. Once a Myth is addictive. I’m in awe of the strength and sheer determination Eleanor exhibits. Sully is the Pide Piper bringing all the rich and darkly twisted men out to play at his forbidden island with any treat they could want… in the form of a stolen girl or woman. I can’t even tell you all, how insanely addictive this story was… it was everything I need in an occasional mindfuck!
Sarah Puckett was fabulous! I loved that she didn’t make Eleanor sound weak. She might have been in a difficult situation but she had a steel spine and Puckett really gave her strength. It’s hard to find that line between that girl that has been taken and is scared to the strength she shows. Sarah Pucket brought her to life. This was my first time listening to Scott Rider but I really enjoyed his deep voice. Sully is a no-nonsense voice that edges on cruel while still sounding sexy.
#AudiobookObsession
Paradise Island, the state of euphoria, where men’s sexual fantasies and desires are granted by the Goddesses. Eleanor kidnapped, starved and brought to Paradise by traffickers. She knows the only way for her to survive is to not to show fear. From the time she stepped off the helicopter, she was different. holding her head up, walking as though she already was a goddess, his goddess.
Her defiant, strong attitude intrigued Sully. She was his ideal woman. He needed her to obey and submit to his rules. Eleanor’s strength, confidence, defiance, brings emotions, that Sully doesn’t want to feel. He wants her for his own, not to share with the men that paid a high price for her. There is a definite attraction between the two. Sully almost submits to his sexual urges but backs away from her pleading for him while she is under the euphoria drug. This story goes into detail Eleanor’s thoughts, emotions and determination to survive and escape.
Sarah Puckett narration, all the emotions, that Eleanor is going through. anger, defeat confidence, are top notch.
Scott Rider is an excellent narrator. giving Sully the raw emotions, lust, anger, desire, jealousy to this story. Excellent!
audiobookobsessionreviewer
“Because that´s normality, Eleanor Grace, and I deal in myth…”
What on earth just happened?!!!! Pepper Winters just amazed me, again… Oh my god!!!! I knew she had a wicked mind but to create such a male character, so different from her other ones, I cannot even begin to understand how she manages to imagine someone like THAT!! This one is going in my forever in love Goodreads list. I just….agh I loved it!!!!
So it is only obvious to give this earth shattering book…all the amazing dark loving stars in the world!!!!
Pepper Winters is the reason I began reading dark romance novels, so she is one of those authors that every day I just keep refreshing the timeline on Instagram, Facebook or Goodreads just to see if she is working in something new that for sure is going to blow my mind.
Eleanor, ok first let me say that I love that name so I got really excited to connect with her in the very first chapter. She´s taken away and sold to be a part of a world she doesn’t even begin to understand how it works, but she can´t let him break her, she´s strong, she knows how to survive and she is going to survive Sully.
Sully…oh boy where to begin. We really know nothing about his personality or much about his past, only that he inherited a pharmaceutical company and he created this new world, an island of goddesses; where he keeps all kinds of secrets; and only the most exclusive millionaires get access to.
I really don’t want to spoil anything, so I am going to leave it there, just know that if you take a leap with Once a Myth, well be prepared to be blown away. The moment I finished this book, well I just knew that my review needed a mind blowing photo… I´m just rambling but I need to vent LOL I need you to understand that if you’ve read Pepper Winters books, you know the drill…if you haven’t, well be prepared to be blown away, to suffer, to fall in love and to feel even emotions you thought you weren’t capable of feeling.
And well I am going to need a whole month just to recover my mind and emotions, because all I’m going to be thinking is Sully until I get Twice a Wish. Get this one ASAP, you´re going to love it!!!
– Lenor Ble
The Flamingo Bookshelf
I have a few go to authors when I looking for dark, Pepper is up there on the list.
No holds barred into the story at a fast pace, that holds you in your seat. The heroine isn’t afraid to stand up to her captor and a captor that is love able on one hand and an absolute prick on the other. Win/ win. My only fault with the story is Pepper has a tendency to take you to a ledge and leaves you to hang, but it’s ok because I know whatever she has in store next is well worth the wait.
Fantastic narration by Sarah & Scott.
Review for Audiobook Obsession
Amazing book, read it in a day as I do all of peppers books. Cant wait to finish the series
Pepper Winters is back and she is better than ever. If you are a fan of DARK romance just fork over the credit now. You will be so glad you did.
Seriously ladies when are we going to stop going backpacking with our boyfriends? You should just know that the minute you land shiz is about to get real. Eleanor finds herself in the hands of some RUTHLESS men, being sold to the highest bidder, She is whisked off to an Island owned by Sully Sinclair. And ladies and gents if there was ever a special place in the cold cockles of your heart for Jethro Hawk you are going to lose your mind over sully.
On this ethereal island depravity is the name of the game and Sully is the dealer. But even Sully isn’t prepared for the likes of Eleanor. Their chemistry may set fire to your headset. She fights him at every turn. Their minds are telling them no but their bodies are having a different conversation. AND IT’S HOT!
I effing love an anti-hero and Pepper just delivers. I can’t wait for this series to continue.
The narration is awesome!
AudiobookObsession
“Raw and untouched, she bristled with injustice and courage. She could be Artemis’s reincarnation or perhaps Aphrodite’s twin. She didn’t need to be turned into a goddess, she was one.”
Whew. Just whew. Days later after I’ve read Once A Myth, the first book in this newest dark romance series, my thirst to know Sully has never been quenched. My body was on fire from from the uncharted, electrifying, chemistry between Sully and Eleanor. I can’t. I just can’t with these two.
“His beauty wasn’t fair. It made a mockery of every other beautiful thing because it turned perfection into a sin. Prettiness was a weapon and a curse. In a woman’s case, it was mainly a curse. In Sully’s case, it was most definitely a weapon. An annihilation.”
Like Eleanor, I’m confused about what I feel for Sully. I feel so much for Eleanor’s predicament and Sully is one complex man. I don’t know if I should hate him for what he stands for or admire him because of it. And even when he is being impossibly rude, I couldn’t deny the pull he has as a character. Gahhh!!!
The ability of the author to lure, seduce and twist me into knots with her strong characters and captivating story is nothing short of amazing. And let’s not talk about that ending! Ugh! Lucky for me, book two is out. I couldn’t recommend this enough so yes, read it! Right now!
This is the first book in the Goddess Isles series, and the story of Sullivan, and Eleanor. When Eleanor arrives on Sullivan’s private “Goddess” Island, he is taken with her, but she is no going to submit without a fight. This was an amazing read, the characters have fiery chemistry, and their story kept me captivated the entire book. This is dark, twisted, intense, steamy, depraved, dramatic, emotional, and suspenseful. I highly recommend this book, and can’t wait to read book two.
Once A Myth by Pepper Winters is the first in the Goddess Isles series.
I was completely pulled in from the first page. Such an emotionally gripping rollercoaster, I was struggling through the entire story, rooting for “Jinx’s” escape one minute and her then for her to give in to Sully the next! Looking forward to more in this series!
Ohh my lorrrdd! WTAF?? Excuse my language, but what in the hell did I just read? We asked for dark and dirty – and Pepper Winters delivered – or rather excelled all our wildest expectations. And this is just the beginning – book one out of five. Holy moly.
ONCE A MYTH is wrong on countless levels, similar to a train wreck waiting to happen. I wanted to stop, to look away, but I just couldn’t – I loved watching the derailment unfold far too much. The uniqueness of it, the unconventionality and the unpredictability of it all… Ms. Winters is a mastermind and proved once more why she is one of my absolute favorite authors out there – ever since I read TEARS OF TESS all those moons ago. This woman truly is unstoppable!!
All those intricate details, those masterfully interwoven tinsels that are slowly but steadily uncovered, that provoke more questions than they answered and that ultimately will create the bigger picture we were too blind to see, too stuck to have ever uncovered on our own. This is what makes her stories so intoxicating, so utterly passionately enthralling – and again: This is just the beginning!!
Ms. Winters creates that kind of heroes that are impossible to resist – they are a mystery shrouded in darkness, powerful and extremely intelligent. They all have their questionable agendas – but always with one hidden noble motive. Sullivan Sinclair is no different.
This book and its characters will stay with me, will linger on my mind, deeply rooted in my heart, in my soul until the next instalment is released and beyond, never to be forgotten. I’m not sure I am even a little bit prepared for what’s to come, but I will brave it for sure – there’s no way I couldn’t – I need to know everything!! I am ready. Bring it!!