My name is Avery Decker, and my story isn’t for the faint of heart. It is about revenge and hatred, misery and violence. I wasn’t always this way even though it was in my blood. I grew up happy and in love with my best friend until she betrayed me and walked away. After that, I fell into the deep, dark world I was meant for. Presleigh Clarke’s actions turned me into the ruthless man I am today. … am today. Too bad for her, I believe people should pay for the things they have done. The more painful and messy, the better. I get off on making people bleed. It feeds my inner demon, and right now, he is starving. She crossed me once, so now she’ll know what it’s like to fear me. But not all stories end the way you think they will … mine certainly didn’t.
Slaughter is a dark romance
Contains disturbing scenes
*Violent sexual situations
more
A twisted delight!
I love dark, twisted stories full of suspense. I love when stories test your limits, and push boundaries as far as they possibly can. This book gives you all of that. The characters are multi-dimensional and the overall plot keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat. The only thing that bothered me, was an excess use of exclamation marks, but the story is so good that I was able to see past it. This is a must read darkly tale, and I’m excited to see what the next book has to offer.
I haven’t read a book that shocked me this much for a long time.
Slaughter is a dark, dirty and vulgar story. Despite many plots that can be considered as triggers, the story of Presleigh and Avery drew me from the first page.
Presleigh and Avery were raised in the cruel world of sexual slavery that their fathers guided. This world is full of violence, rapes, screams and tears.
Despite the circumstances that freeze blood in the veins, Avery and Presleigh were connected by honest, unique love. They both wanted an out of this cruel world to start a new life together. But it didn’t happen. The lovers were separated and for 11 years they lived in a sense of betrayal and hatred towards each other. After such a long time they both changed. Avery is currently a reminder of his father – he’s merciless, cruel and full of hatred. Presleigh is the ghost of the former self. She’s constantly partying, drinking and sleeping around, only to feel numbness.
After 11 years, Avery appears again in Presleigh’s life. But this is not a happy reunion. On the one hand, Avery wants to protect the woman he once loved, and on the other, he tortures her in the name of his own revenge. Former lovers are drowning in the depths of hatred, unfulfilled promises and unrestrained lust. Because despite the time that has passed, their bodies can’t forget the closeness that once connected them.
Chapter by chapter we experience a whole range of emotions with heroes. My heart was crying over Presleigh when all the horrors that had met her were revealed. I felt an unbelievable rage when I learned about the lies that Avery was fed. When it comes to intimate scenes between characters, you must remember that we have dark romance in front of us – the sex is brutal and hardcore.
Shantel Tessier did a great job in this story. Slaughter is a perfect example of what dark romance should look like. Despite heavy topics, I could not put down this book. I definitely recommend it!
This is one twisted, dark love story.
When Avery and Presleigh were teenagers in love they were the most normal ones of their families. Which is a whole bowl of crazy. Then life got twisted for them and turned them into totally different people. Ones that neither of them recognize after 11 years.
Most of the first part of the book I just wanted to cry for Presleigh or Bunny as Avery calls her. Meanwhile I wanted to slap Avery. He keeps her as his slave to protect her but torments for his own revenge.
This books sends you on many wild rides that you are almost always expecting the worst case scenario. Presleigh is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. When you learn about her past and then see what she has to overcome you will agree with me. It’s a must read.
One of my many favorites from the book.
“ ….. we’re just two people who love one another in a way that most will never understand. It’s messy. But the most beautiful things are never just handed over to you wrapped up in a bow. It takes tears and sweat to get what you want. Even blood. And I’d bleed for this man. All he’d have to do is ask. ‘Cause I know without a shadow to doubt that he would do the same for me. “ -Presleigh
5 big slaughter stars
Can I just say I am loving Shantel’s dark side? this book is so good. Right from the start, I was hooked Avery and Pres Story will pull you in and not let go till the last word. It is twisted it is dark full of mystery. it will have you on the edge of your seat wondering how it all going play out and let me tell you what a ride it is..
You just feel for both these characters.
Great characters to both love and hate. the writing is brilliant I can’t wait for Tristan and Chloe’s book it going be so good. I highly recommend the book it is so good.
This is not what I would call a standalone!
I prefer to read standalones or completed series so when I read Slaughter’s blurb and saw it was a standalone I moved it closer to the top of my TBR because I had read Make You Beg by the same author and loved it. It was truly a standalone. Ends were tied up at the end of the book. That to me is a standalone. I was so disappointed to see I had read all of this book only to find out if I want to see the ends tied up I will need to read the next book about his brother. If I had known this I would have waited to read the completed series and not felt cheated. Cheated by whom? Or by what? The author? The blurb? The book? I don’t know, but I do feel cheated out of the full story. (Let me just be clear. I do not feel cheated out of money. I wanted to see a resolution that never came concerning a major portion of the story.)
This story starts off strong. I was excited to read about Avery and Presleigh (Bunny). It’s told in dual POVs in the present and in flashbacks. The two main characters have come to hate each other and we learn slowly through multiple flashbacks what happened to ruin the young love between the characters.
The story is really good. Shantel Tessier is very talented. However, I’m ranking and reviewing this as the standalone I was informed it was. Imagine ranking and reviewing a book that has an incomplete ending. Because of the writing of Ms. Tessier and the good parts of the story I’m ranking this with three stars, but there is a part of me that wants to give it less.
A drawback of this being a first book of a bigger story is that there is a lot of fluff that didn’t need to be in a standalone. It became a chore to read some of the passages because it felt drawn out and repetitive. This was nagging at me as I was reading it oblivious that I would get to the end and find out that if I wanted to read more I would need to read the brother’s book (which has not been released at the time of this review.)
A star off because of the filler and a star off because the story was not completed at the end of the book.
There are four major villains in this story. Shantel Tessier made us hate them. There is a lot of violence in this book (and a lot of sex.) I’m okay with both. When I am made to hate a character I want to have one of two things happen. I want to come to understand why he did what he did or I want to see him punished. Four villains in this book. Two were punished. The other two? Well, nothing happens to them in this standalone. I’m guessing that they’ll be dealt with in either the next book or who knows? Perhaps there will be a third book. I actually think there might be considering that there are two brothers and a mysterious hired man and there are three girls: the heroine, the brother’s girl, and a friend of the heroine who has joined the group. I’m guessing now she’s joined it to be the hired hand’s girl in book 3.
Look, Shantel Tessier is a talented writer who wrote a good story and will probably complete it in the following books of this standalone. I’m done. I’ve read what I’m going to read of this story and its characters. I hate that I won’t know their stories, but I’ll have moved on by the time the other parts will come. I’m sorry that a simple statement that this was not a standalone and that the story would continue in other books would have made me wait for the story to be completed and then I could read the whole thing and enjoy it. I can’t say I can’t recommend the story, but I can’t recommend this as a standalone because it isn’t! The story will continue in other books so read it if you want with the knowledge that it is not a standalone.
This book was very hard to read. I struggled with all the abuse and sex slavery. I can understand the love story intertwined within the violent context of the situation, and there were parts that I loved, unfortunately the context was too intense for me. The author is an amazing writer, this story could not have been easy to write.
Avery and Presleigh’s story is a dark romance standalone, where childhood sweethearts grow apart and years later they find each other again. Enemies to lovers, it’s very dark so unless you love that kind of book proceed there are triggers for some readers. The story kept me on edge I truly liked it as I do love very dark romances.
Oh boy was this book seriously dark and freaking intense. If you have triggers then proceed cautiously because Slaughter has an abundance of delicious triggers that I would recommend for the faint hearted.
The hatred between Avery and Presleigh was on a whole new level that I have never seen before which I absolutely loved. But there was also an intense passion between them which made me root for them. Avery is dominant, intense, possessive and hell bent on revenge. Presleigh uses men, drugs and alcohol to help dull the memories of her past. She is seriously broken but her heart is fierce.
My heart broke for Presleigh after finding out what really happened eleven years ago. There were so many secrets and twists that I never saw coming. I absolutely loved how the book ended because I think it was pure Avery and Presleigh.
If you don’t like reading dark, gritty and emotionally raw books, this is probably not the book for you. It does contain dubcon/noncon content. If none of these are a trigger, then this is the perfect story for you!
Presleigh and Avery were high school sweethearts that were ready to leave their family’s sordid past behind and set out on their own. However, fate is a fickle and a series of unfortunate events drove a deep rift between them.
Fast forward 11 years….
Avery forces his way back into Avery’s life and he is dead set on taking every scrap of dignity away from Presleigh.
Through the twists and turns of this story, the truth of the events that happened 11 years ago finally come to light. The truth that is both emotionally and physically scarring. There is a HEA but there is a dark and twisted path to get to it.
I absolutely love Avery and Bunny’s story! I was in awe of very dark and twisted turn! This story made cry and kept me on the edge of my seat!! I just loved how Bunny was able to handle her own against Avery!! Overall this story was amazing!!
This book is intense. I’ve found that every book I’ve read by Shantal has delivered me to that “hurt so good” destination.
Avery and Presleigh were childhood sweethearts. They found love in the darkest of worlds. Madly in love, engaged and expecting- until they weren’t. This book starts 11 years later and their hatred for each other going strong. The term that there is a thin line between love and hate has never been so accurately depicted than in this book. As the current storyline unfolds, we get flashbacks that slowly tell us what happened 11 years ago. I couldn’t put the book down because although I had my suspicions, I had to know for sure. Once we do find out, I feel sadness for both of them, but I also wanted to throat punch Avery because his stubbornness cemented their 11 years of suffering. This is where the unexpected comic relief came in with the names of Chloe and Alex. It was about time someone put him in his place. Also, it was nice to see some #TeamPres support form for the first time in her entire life.
There are some truly hideous villains in this story. Some pay their dues and some are left outstanding. Hopefully those outstanding dues are paid in Tristan’s book.
This review is purposely vague because I didn’t want reveal any spoilers. Happy reading 🙂
Wow….so this book was seriously just what I needed. Dark, twisted, so many curveballs. This is definitely not a sweet romance. Presleigh….what a strong gal. Totally stands against adversity. Avery…do I want to kiss him or kill him?! This book was insane and I loved it.
This book was one of the best dark….twisted….amazing stories I have ever! I’m not sure what took me so long to read Slaughter but currently kicking myself for the wait.
Shantel always brings her A Game with her writing and this book was absolutely perfection at its finest. I have read alot of her books. I’m slowly working my way through her entire backlist but Slaughter for sure is on my top list.
Avery and Presleigh are everything. My heart broke for them especially Presleigh. What she goes through will brake you. Avery he’s the bad good guy. I say bad good because he really was hard to not like right away. I was hooked on to their story from the beginning. I could not put this book down. When I finished I wanted to read it again.
I’m counting down the days until the next book is released! I cant wait for more of them and to get Tristan’s story.
As the book says, it’s really not for faint hearted. I don’t know how I survived this book. It was one heck of a ride. I dived in this book on pure recommendations without the plot and it’s insanely f***** up. I stopped a lot of time to take a break and there were times where I didn’t want to read further but curiosity took over me, I wanted to know how this ends.
Avery and Presleigh (Bunny) were childhood sweethearts who fall apart and hate each other which turns out to be a huge misunderstanding due to lack of communication. Eleven years later, Avery barges in Bunny’s life to take revenge but also to protect her in his own f***** up ways. They have been through hell (especially Bunny) and they put each other through some more of it together as well. But when the truth is out Avery unleashes hell on people who hurt Bunny.
The supportive characters were amazing – Tristan, Chloe, Alex and Kayn. Tristan and Chloe will be getting their book and I am excited for them and I hope to see more of Avery and Presleigh’s happy ending in the next book.
This book contains lies, danger, twists and a lot of physical and sexually abuse scenes.
Honestly, I don’t what to say about this book to give it justice. Shantell did such an amazing job breaking my heart and taking each piece and breaking it up even more before she slowly started putting each piece together again. And created something so beautifully broken. It’s exactly how I’d describe Presleigh and Avery’s story. There is so much hurt and pain and anger and hunger for revenge… you start to wonder if they’ll ever find their way back to each other and if things can truly be healed between them. It’s dark and delicious and breathtaking and gut wrenching. This story finds a place deep in your soul and doesn’t leave for a very long time, if ever. If you dive in be ready for a crazy ride. You’ll feel every emotion. I PROMISE ITS WORTH IT!!!!!!!!
Very interesting story! Definitely had dark and unsettling, but that’s exactly what I’m in the mood for sometimes. Loved Avery and Presleigh, the twists and turns to this story were great, the chemistry was fantastic, the passion and jealousy were there… perfect blend to weave a twisted tale. I gave this a solid 4 stars only because the ending left me hanging a bit.
Dark and yummy just the way I love my books. You’re going to hold your breath in anticipation of what will happen next the entire time. The plot, the storyline, and the characters were all amazing.
Phenomenal read, from a phenomenal author!!! Shantel Tessier NEVER disappoints!!!
*Trigger Warning*Not for Everyone*
When I say that I love this book, I mean I LOVE IT!
I went into this completely blind with the warning “It’s Dark”. Dark doesn’t even begin to describe what this book is. It’s a Dark, Evil, Twisted and Suspenseful story that is full of pain, betrayal, heartache and secrets.
You will be pushed, backed into a corner and have all your limits tested.
Avery and Presleigh have an absolutely horrible childhood trauma that is so intricately weaved with deceit it will have you left feeling exposed and raw.
If you think you’ll be screaming a safe word to get out of this one, think again. There are no “safe words”, there is no “No!”, you are not in control.
You have been warned. Good luck, and Happy Reading!!
Once again Shantel draws you into her dark world right from the get go. There has yet to be a book of hers that I know I won’t put down as soon as I start it and this was no different. Avery and Presleigh is everything. First love, betrayal, enemies to lovers, second chance, twists and turns that you don’t see all wrapped up in a pretty black bow. There are some pretty graphics scenes that some might find discomfort but not me I loved it!
Avery had one love in his life and she destroyed him. After her, he became what he swore he would never be and never looked back. When finding out that someone else was going to take her for their own sick purposes, for her brother’s debt, he decides that the best person to have her is hisself.
“Our story may have once been hearts and flowers, but now it’s storm clouds and hurricanes.”
Don’t judge Presleigh too much, because who you think she is, is so far from correct assumption. Her story will break your heart and everything that you think you know will have that twist that makes you admire her so much more. Years after Avery went radio silent and left her without even giving her a chance to explain what happened, he appears out of nowhere and abducts her to “save her”. The past will explode into the present as everything is questionable and the secrets that are revealed will break your heart.
“She’s been my anger. She’s been my love. She had been my happiness. And now she is gonna be my damnation.’
Even though this can be read as a standalone , there are loose ends that will be tied up in Avery’s brother’s book.