Everyone thought I was married to the perfect man. But if Conall Walsh were perfect, I wouldn’t have killed him.I thought I got away with it until I received an anonymous note at the ballet company I dance for:You were a very bad girl. If you don’t want me to report what I know about last night, meet me at the old opera house after rehearsal. I will tell you the price of my silence when you … my silence when you arrive. If you speak of this or bring anyone with you… no deal.
But his price isn’t money. It’s me.
THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE contemporary dark romance.
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When it comes to Kitty Thomas, I don’t even read the blurb. One-click!
Another fantastic read by Kitty Thomas! I loved that it was set in the ballet world. Cassia’s relationship with the mysterious “Sir” was very reminiscent of “The Phantom of the Opera,” in my opinion. (I love “Phantom,” so this is a good thing.) Definitely give it a read if you love ballet, sexy mysterious blackmailers, and kinky dark romance.
I’m not a blurb reader especially when it comes to my preferred authors. However, I did take a look at this one because the cover is just so WOW! That I had to pause and look at it. Which then led me straight to the blurb. Let’s see: a ballerina in a less than stellar marriage, offs her abusive husband, gets caught and now looks to be blackmailed into meeting up with a stranger. What could go wrong here?
Got to admit, the very beginning of the book after Cassia has done the dirty deed I may have been a bit true crime giggly. Then I sobered up and just lost myself in the story. I found myself thoroughly enjoying all the aspects of the ballet bits as well as the situation Cassia finds herself in. Who is the blackmailer? What could he want from her? Not money so yeah the obvious next thing is…but why and why Cassia?
As the beauty of the story continues, I found myself lulled into a false since of contentment. That is until TADA! heart stopping moment. Oh boy, those heart stopping moments. The showstopper that had my jaw the floor and scrambling back for a fast re-read even before I finished the book. What? What?! I…WHAT?!?! 0.o
The elements to a ballet are beautiful elegance, perfect form and heart stopping moments. Simply put – Perfection. Author Kitty Thomas could not have come up with a better title for her latest creation because it had all those elements and so much more. This is just one of those stories that sneaks up on you with its complexity and yet it is so simple. Get yourself a copy, light some candles and enjoy the ride.
Now if you excuse me, I have a ballet movie to go watch.
Perfection is a very twisty, unusual and full of surprises read, so good I read it in virtually one sitting.
Overall I really enjoyed this story of Cassia and the mysterious man who knows her secret. I did find I had to suspend my disbelief at times, in order for the story to work, but even despite that I was totally drawn in. The blurb is deliberately vague, and to avoid spoilers I’m going to do the same thing.
I can tell you that I really liked Cassia, she was a really normal, down to earth character – murder of her husband aside. Given the situation, and I’m being deliberately vague here, I did struggle with how quickly she was attracted to her blackmailer. I wasn’t quite convinced by the speed with which she became infatuated, hence the 4 stars. That said, the chemistry was incredibly well written and it didn’t take long for me to buy into the connection. The story itself makes it harder to connect fully with the hero, as he remains very mysterious throughout most of the book Though the situation did make things more interesting and exciting too.
The middle part was less dark, but this was where we really start to build a picture of the characters, and where the story really began to unfold. I have to give credit to the author for some unexpected twists, for seeming to be heading in one direction but actually be leading us along a totally different path and for pulling out some real shocking surprises. I also found it very refreshing that the principal ballerina wasn’t portrayed as a raving bitch, instead was actually a kind and caring human being.
The ending of the book was the real highlight for me, it is incredibly strong and those last few chapters had me gripped. It actually felt really sinister and dark at times, and definitely pushed both mine and Cassia’s buttons. Her confusion, hurt and angst were so visceral, so real that it felt like a punch to the gut.
There are elements of dubious consent, some fairly mild discipline scenes and the relationship contains elements of power exchange and mild humiliation. There is, however, a very definite HEA to soothe the soul.
It’s Kitty Thomas…so it’s a one-click!
I marked my calender as soon as i heard this story was coming.
Because anything Kitty writes is bound to be good.
More than that,anything Kitty writes is bound to be GOOD!
And hearing it was coming early,that was really good news!
Trying to stay close to the release-date was hard…..
Because i only wanted one thing when it landed in my library…..devour it.
Cassia’s husband may seem like a good man,but she knows better.
And one day she decides she’s suffered enough and she kills him.
But making sure there’s no evidence of her crime,that proves to be hard on her…
Trying to act natural afterwards isn’t easy either,but she manages.
Until….
She finds a note.
One that clearly states someone knows what she did.
And she’ll have to pay for his silence,but not with money…..
Cassia surrenders rather quickly to her blackmailer’s demands.
But. She feels she has no choice if she doesn’t want to go to prison….
And what her blackmailer asks of her,and does to her?
Just when you think you have it figured out,something else happens.
This story keeps you on your toes,and makes you love every second
*review for audible version*
I was enveloped into the story right from the start. A bit of mystery, a dark element, a little forbidden, very, very steamy bdsm, all wrapped up into the perfect package. The mystery man is crazy, scorching hot! Cassia may not originally want what this mystery man can give at the start but in all honesty it’s truly what she desires and needs. As the story went on I craved what would happen next. The narrator flawlessly delivered with bringing Cassia to life. A one click, must listen for lovers of dark romance!
So I really liked the beginning of this one it packed a massive punch pulling me in and investing me in the unfolding story.
This is a dark romance and set in the world of ballet another theme that I do adore, I love books set in the dance world.
Another plus was the phantom of the opera vibe running through it, I greatly appreciated this.
So dark level here, I found this on the lighter side more of a murky grey with a touch of kink and a side of control and mild humiliation thrown into the mix to keep the reader on their toes.
I also don’t want to give away to much of the plot which would be very easy so am going to keep this review pretty vagueish.
So Cassia has a mysterious blackmailer who knows exactly what she has done and will use that information (while keeping their own identity a secret) for there own ends and to force Cassia’s compliance.
What he wants is control and her willing obedience.
This was all sorts of sexy and mysterious and it was an easy read that did keep my attention.
There was a big twist that I did not see coming and that was a bloody shocker let me tell you.
So although I did enjoy this I also had some slight issues I wasn’t completely convinced of the actual depth of the chemistry of the characters.
I also wasn’t the biggest fan of Cassia herself she just seemed such a wuss with all the crying and wailing and I found it difficult to compare this girl with the bad-ass who had sliced, diced and dumped her abusive husband.
They just seemed like such different individuals.
Still, this was different and very unusual and it did stand out from the crowd, it was also beautifully written in fact it definitely had more positives than negatives overall.
so it gets a thumbs up from my camp.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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Perfection is a dark contemporary, ballet romance. This is completely independent and a standalone in author Kitty Thomas’s universe. You are thrown right into intense drama at the very beginning. Professional ballerina Cassia has snapped. She poisons her abusive husband before cutting him up and throwing him in the ocean. She feels numb until she is at ballet practice and opens her locker. She finds a letter blackmailing her, she must give 3 hours each week and be completely obedient to her blackmailer. The mystery behind his identity keeps the story interesting. Although it is a dark romance, it is not as intense and crazy as some darker romances. Would definitely recommend this book to any romance reader.
I recieved an ARC from the author in exchang for aan honest rreview.
WOW! Perfection was simply perfection! This story It starts out fast, doesn’t stop until the end and it is oh so dark and twisty; I couldn’t put it down. Kitty Thomas simply has an amazing way telling us the most twisted of tales that keeps us coming back for more! <3<3<3
Kitty Thomas’ Perfection is just that, a work of perfection.
Ms. Thomas once again, tells a tale with twists and turns that just keeps me turning the pages to see what’s next.
A dark tale, Perfection is a stand-alone with so many moments of mystery that will keep you guessing.
A character-driven story, with passion and mystery, told only how Ms. Thomas can. Perfection is a strong recommendation from me.
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!
This was SOOOO GOOD! I loved how the author wrote about ballet and how things work. I’m not a ballet expert by any means but the way it was written made me feel like I was part of that world for a little bit. I loved Cassia. She was a great character. She was also a strong person and even tho she was scared at first. I love how she blooms after she meets her “sir”, who then turns into “master”.
I love how the events play out in the story too. And the way it ends was very satisfying for me. I don’t know if this will happen but I hope there will be more books that link to this one and you get to find out what happens to the characters. There was a bit of a twist which im sure some might be able to guess but I sure didn’t! But I loved where it led. I don’t like giving spoilers so let’s just say if your a fan of this author or of dark romance you won’t regret getting this book.
Another great books by Kitty Thomas. I really enjoyed Cassia’s story and even till the end wasn’t 100% sure what was going on and who was behind things that were happening. If you like dark and suspenseful than this is the book for you. I found Cassia to be a very strong female character despite all the things that have and will happen to her and I appreciate when an author can write a dark book and keep the character strong.
Kitty Thomas has done it again! Once again I sat down in the evening before bed with the intentions to start a book and ended up reading all the way thru. This book is amazing but I don’t want to give away spoilers. The book is filled with mystery and hooks you from the beginning. I love Cassia and how fragile she is but yet strong. The twists and turns in this book was like being on an emotional rollercoaster with her and I loved every minute of it. Highly recommend if you like Kitty Thomas novels, M/s situations, dubious content or a great book with an abusive husband getting what he deserves! This book is must read!
“I wonder if he can see the fear in my eyes. I’m afraid of what I feel, afraid of what I want, afraid of this dark slithering thing he’s awakened inside of me…”
Cassia seems to have the perfect life married to the rich and powerful Conall Walsh. But what is perceived as perfection by those that live outside the walls of Cassia’s home, is a living nightmare to her…a nightmare that ends in the death of her tormentor…and awakens an entirely new darkness in the form of her blackmailer…a blackmailer that does not demand money, but rather her complete obedience and submission…
Perfection is a darkly enticing romance that I devoured in one sitting! Loved and highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
“I feel like I’m glitching in and out of existence, accompanied by a static electric hum.”
Kitty Thomas delivers another dark and delicious book.
In the perfect life, with the perfect husband, lies the perfect ballerina wife, Cassia, who kills her husband.
“Most people seemed to worry about upsetting my husband.”
While Cassia manages to take some control of her her life back, someone has been watching her. Someone has snatched that small control she thought she had.
Someone has freed and caged her all in one swift threat.
“I’ve pretty much left the realm of normal socially acceptable behavior.”
When the plot twist comes, you’re shook, but when Kitty gives you another twist you never knew you needed, slowly put your book down. Don’t throw it! Because you’ll want to soak up these words, catch your breath and see how it ends!!
It’s no secret that Kitty Thomas is one of my favorite dark romance writers. On top of that, books set in the ballet world have always been my guilty pleasure. So I was extremely excited when I heard about Perfection. It absolutely didn’t disappoint. This is a tale of an aspiring ballet dancer stuck in an abusive marriage and forced to resort to quite gruesome measures to escape her tormentor.
But is she safe or is another predator waiting in the wings? I loved the premise of the book and the mystery as well as a sort of Phantom of the Opera vibe that was woven through the narrative. Cassia is a very relatable heroine despite the circumstances she finds herself in. Ms. Thomas really invites the reader to experience the gamut of feelings from despair to lust to fear as Cassia is drawn deeper into the depraved web masterfully woven by the mystery man. I really loved how well researched the dance aspects of the book appeared and the detail that Ms. Thomas included to make it feel authentic. The book didn’t seem overly dark even though the subject matter certainly holds some dark elements. The chemistry between main characters was off the charts. The book is definitely as hot and provocative as you would expect from Kitty Thomas’ work. I have to say that the twist took me for a loop and I didn’t see it coming. I really enjoyed how it all turned out and I hope Ms. Thomas revisits the world of dance in the future.
This story was fabulous!
When I started reading Perfection I was getting the vibes of Phantom of the Opera and Black Swan, and those are really good vibes to me. I got feeling that this story was going to be epic and very memorable. And Kitty Thomas did not disappoint.
This story is unique in its entirety, and evoked emotions in me all over the spectrum. I was craving to know who “Sir” was and anxiously waited for his reveal… and I did not see that coming.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantastic writing, a unique story, and wonderful,
complicated characters.
Wow! This was a brilliant story!! It started off with a bang and never let up. It was beautiful, hot, elegant and forbidden all rolled in to one incredible book! I couldn’t put it down once I started it. It was absolute perfection!!
I was enthralled from this story from the first until the end. My heart is still beating out of my chest from the lingering effect. The absolute stunning imagery, the effects, I could hear the music, I could sense the fear, the tension, the sexual desire. This book was a masterpiece of a ballet in itself, and Cassia was front and centre, in the spotlight, from the beginning until the final curtain fell. I want to stand and give that rousing round of applause and toss roses at the authour, because it is well deserved!