The USA Today Bestselling Dark Romance Series
A brilliantly dark, depraved and sensual romance that will have you begging for more!! 5 stars! Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
From New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, comes the third book in the Dark Romance series, Goddess Isles
“There was hate once. Hate born from dangerous attraction and fate’s cruel design.
There was love once. Love … was love once. Love destined to kill us if we didn’t surrender to our war.”
Eleanor Grace suffers an awful affliction. She’s falling for a man who doesn’t deserve her affection or her forgiveness. But there is no cure, so she does something reckless, stupid—she throws safety to the sea and leaps into danger.
Sully Sinclair suffers the same affliction. He’s falling for a goddess who will never earn his trust or his heart if he can help it. However, he wasn’t prepared for the lengths she’d go. How far she’d push to either stop such a bond or kill them both trying.
An elixir given to a monster.
A goddess running for her life.
An ending neither of them can survive.
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THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!!!!! Of course there was so much anticipation coming from the cliffy at the end of Twice A Wish (Book #2) between Sully & Eleanor and the result is explosive. What truly sets this book apart is how Pepper creates this picture perfect world where you can smell the flowers and taste the foods, imagine the sweetness of the fruit, the feel of the water, every experience that Sully & Eleanor have is visceral and real. Sully is able to shed a protective layer now that he realizes his connection to Eleanor is so much more. And Eleanor has emerged like a Phoenix. I loved everything about this book, well except the bad parts, and I’m so excited for Book #4 Fourth A Lie to see what happens next for Sully & Eleanor. This should most definitely be your next 1 click!!!
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To say I powered through this installment of Goddess Isles at breakneck speed is an understatement. I cannot get enough of Sully and Eleanor, the eagerness to see what would happen next with these two is indescribable. It has been some time since I have been this consumed with a series, and to be truthful that series was Pepper’s Monsters series.
Third a Kiss has kicked it up a notch. The passion in this book is palpable, the agony tangible and the intensity substantial as it pours off the pages. It’s wildly erotic and sexually tantalizing. The chemistry between Sully and Eleanor is measureless. With their truths bared, their bond seals tighter. But there is a storm about to crest and there is no telling if Sully and Eleanor can weather the monsoon headed their way.
Winters has once again crafted a sweeping dark romance that makes readers feel deeply and believe in the power of attraction. Third a Kiss is pitch perfect and wonderfully evocative with a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I was left in a torturous pool of desire, angst, and suspense at the end of both Once A Myth and Twice A Wish, but now author Pepper Winters has delivered the soothing elixir to calm my racing heart, put my mind at ease, and wash hope and happiness over me like a Nirvana waterfall.
Third A Kiss transported me into paradise; into a world where fantasy is no longer a dream and all the possibilities that love have to offer are just waiting to be discovered. But like elixir, the effects are short-lived; they wear off eventually and the gripping claws of reality rip us apart. Our minds are hit with a vicious and harsh bite when the unthinkable happens.
Third A Kiss is the highly anticipated book 3 in the 5-book Goddess Isles series, and it was beautiful–until it wasn’t. Our minds have been enlightened, suspicions have been either denied or confirmed, but now there is so much more to consider. Darkness from the past has come calling, awakening a rage like no other. The way this story is unfolding brings new suspense to the pages, new mysteries to solve, new betrayals to discover. Can anyone be trusted now? When all the ash falls, who will be burned, who will be left standing? Third A Kiss has taken the series to a whole other realm. The path has switched directions. Pepper’s words are weaving their tale into my very soul, and a new war has begun.
The series will no doubt continue with more tragedy and angst, but hopefully, more profound love and acceptance will also be found. Sully and Eleanor have a connection that is undeniable but are they doomed to a life without the other or will their hearts find a way to love and protect each other. I envision so many places that this can go, and I could not be more excited for a series to continue.
Pepper has strategically set each book to release one month apart which is the perfect distance to leave you craving more but not drive you crazy with want. I recommend you dive in today, join the masses, and enjoy this amazing tale.
I don’t want to wait for the next two installments. I need then NOW. LOL
I love Pepper and her books. They are amazing. So much pain and despair along with love and passion. Sully and Eleanor have finally “found” each other and disaster strikes making everything look hopeless and impossible.
4.5 stars–THIRD A KISS is the third instalment in Pepper Winters contemporary, adult. GODDESS ISLES erotic, dark romance series focusing on billionaire Sullivan Sinclair, and his captive Eleanor ‘Jinx’ Grace. The GODDESS ISLES series is set in the same world as the author’s MONSTERS IN THE DARK and the INDEBTED series. THIRD A KISS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book two TWICE A WISH.
WARNING: Due to the nature and dark content of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
SOME BACKGROUND: At twenty-one years old, Eleanor Grace was kidnapped, violated and drugged on her way to becoming a sexual slave. A prisoner in a gilded cage, Eleanor, along with several other girls, are either the willing sexual partner in a fantasy island paradise, or find themselves forced into a lifetime of suffering and pain. Purchased by billionaire Sullivan Sinclair, Eleanor is defiant to the end but a defiance that will come with a price. Four years a slave, Eleanor is about to discover that all is not well on the island paradise or with the man who now dominates and governs every aspect of her life.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Eleanor and Sullivan) THIRD A KISS continues to focus on the building relationship between Sullivan Sinclair and his captive Eleanor Grace. Sullivan is a billionaire with a dark and tormented past who believes humanity is worthless, and beneath his feet but Goddess Jinx aka Eleanor Grace, has stirred something deep within Sullivan Sinclair, something he struggles to accept or comprehend. As their relationship turns personal, Sullivan falls for the woman of his dreams; Eleanor falls for the monster that could destroy her life but not all is well in the island paradise when jealousy and betrayal set into motion a series of events meant to destroy them all.
THIRD A KISS is a raw, visceral and dark story of sexual slavery and human bondage; a story of one man’s obsession with a woman he control body and soul but a woman who is about to control every part of the man with whom she will fall in love. Pepper Winters pulls the reader, kicking and screaming, into a world of power, hatred, hunger and control.
Sully and Eleanor/Jinx have crossed a line there is not return from, she now has to face what she had done to him, he had warned her to run, she didn’t, now the goddess would understand what she had unleashed. I am so hooked on this I can’t wait for more of this twisted love affair.i voluntarily reviewed this book.
Sullivan is everything in this story. He certainly proves that he is a beast under his fine suit. But he is also a complicated man with many layers. My heart aches for him and the pain he has endured and continues to endure. He doesn’t trust and who could blame him? Those who were supposed to love him were the ones who caused him the most pain. I just want to wrap him up and hold him tight. I love him even more in this story.
I have to say, I was slightly miffed with Eleanor in this story. Her decision to force Sully into a situation that he didn’t ask for wasn’t something I agree with. I understand her desperate need to have him admit the truth but I didn’t agree with her methods. But as the story continued, I realised that it was a turning point and I sort of forgave her. However it was a risk.
There seemed to be something lurking on the horizon, something I couldn’t quite describe but something was coming. And I’m not the only one. Sully has a feeling that his connection with Eleanor will end badly… Forces around them are working against them and many are trying to keep them apart. Just when I thought or at least hoped that things would take a turn for the better, that danger was front and centre. I didn’t know what to expect but it came and I fear where this will lead. What I do know is that I pushed aside everything to devour this story. I have truly been sullied by Sully and I’m not upset about it. Not one bit.
A kiss – that kiss– is so much more than a kiss in Third A Kiss in the Goddess Isles series. Primal, radioactive love and pure rapture … all because of a kiss that cements two magnetic souls in destiny. Walls will crumble and others will rise, hearts will open, danger is near, and wagons will circle. The vulnerability of Sully and Jinx was stunning in a sensual bender of lies, betrayal, and trust. Will truth set them free? “I fell for the monster. It could all be a lie.” This book will spear your heart and emotions, deliver numerous shocks and twists, leave you clinging to another cliffy, and offer an even bigger “fix” of cutie pies, Pika and Skittles! There’s so much to learn about Euphoria, the island, Sully’s dark past, and the uncertain destiny between these kismet lovers. It was truly a tour de force of emotions and a real page-turner.
This series just keeps getting better!
Sensual, dark and erotic story set in in an exotic location was simply divine.
Couple it with the authors unique vivid storytelling, and the result is sensual overload!
Intense, suspenseful and compelling, the story flowed so seamlessly I was swept back into Sully and Eleanor’s world. I couldn’t stop reading to discover what would unfold next.
The intense and unexpected twists left me wanting more.
I cannot wait to see what’s next!
This series just keeps getting better with each book and this one starts with a bang!
Third a Kiss is a perfectly delicious read with all the emotions, angst and downright sexiness you could want. Complex characters and a intriguing story line just add to this entertaining page turner!
In Third a Kiss we continue down a path of deceit, illusions, heartbreak, love, loss, mystery and of course trust. Eleanor’s experience on Goddess Island has not changed her or how she views the world. She continues to push Sully, never backing down from her truth and who she is. Love her!! Eleanor is willing to sacrifice her heart and her safety to prove to Sully that their deep and raw connection is real. She will not leave the island until she has shown Sully what a future together could be like. She does the unthinkable and her stunt has left Sully out of control and seeking the one thing he has been trying to avoid. Sully does what he can to stay away from the world that has done nothing but hurt him. He has built an oasis far away from his former life where he makes the rules and is in full control, ultimately locking himself and his heart in a cage. Eleanor does what she can to pry his cage open, and when Sully’s heart starts to finally beat again, his past shows up destroy all that he is. Cannot wait to continue Sully and Eleanor’s journey in Fourth a Lie.
Now Pepper REALLY has the wheels in my head spinning. Nothing is ever clean and buttoned-up when she is at the wheel. This literary ride just keeps getting more exciting!
Pepper Winters Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog
Third a Kiss was amazing! Amazing! Amazing! It picks right up where book 2 left off; with Eleanor dealing with the repercussions of her actions against Sully. This also eventually gives Eleanor the opportunity to look into Sully’s personal space where he lives. One thing I really liked about Third a Kiss, besides the growing relationship between Sully and Eleanor Grace, was the fact that it really began to show the reader what Sully was like outside of business. We were discovering more about Sully’s personal character as the same time as Eleanor Grace; what made him tick. The book also iterated the effects Sully has on animals and how they in return felt about this complicated man. That ended though…it made me tear-up. Pepper Winters
“I have been sullied by Sully… in every possible way.”
Well, hot damn! Let me catch my breath for a freaking minute, because this book just wrecked havoc on my body and emotions! And the culprit? Yep, Sully Sinclair. My gawd, this man. He will be the death of me I swear. He is, quite possibly, the most stubborn man I know and to quote what Eleanor said “it made me want to slap him, then kiss him, then slap him all over again.”
“You, Eleanor Grace, are something. You have the power to be everything. And that is why you’ll forever remain nothing.”
I was so glad that Eleanor didn’t give up for what she felt for Sully. She fought so hard to break through that damn impenetrable walls of his. We’ve found out the depth of his trust issues and my heart just burst with sorrow and love for the bullied, betrayed boy. The question is, will this tentative understanding be enough to survive years of mistrust?
“An epidemic over everything that I am. That is what I feel for you. A sickness I can’t find a cure for.”
“Love could potentially be the best thing that’d ever happened to Sully and me… or it could be the worst disaster we’d ever have to live through.”
Just when I thought all would be roses and rainbows with these two, the author just pulled another one on me. Their love story, apparently, will not be an easy one. Great love story never does anyway, so there’s that. I really don’t know if my heart is strong enough to survive book 4, you guys. Because the ending of this book? Man, I’m already starting to tear my hair and bite my nails raw from fear and suspense. May can’t come soon enough!! I need my Sully fix right now!!
Holy…every time I think that the storyline couldn’t pull up a new twist, I’m pleasantly surprised! Sully doesn’t trust anyone other than the animals in the world and is confounded/confused about his feelings for Eleanor, so very quick to push her away. She sees through this and continues to go out of her way to get him to see that all life has value. After a near death episode, she could have been vindictive and cruel, but instead, opted for mercy and asked Sully for the same. So many of my questions from the previous books have been answered, only to have new questions arise. I am loving this twisty, dark series so much!
This has been my fav so far.. You find out alot about Sully. A Storm is coming !!! Whos get throw off it. Who will survive ? This book is intense , The Cliff is the worst yet lol Yall are going to love to hate Pepper Winters because you love her writing but the not knowing whats to come. These books flow so well I cant believe how fast I gone through them. I can say the only thing I trust on that Island is Cal, Pika and Skittles lol
“She fed me Elixir”
“She made me fucking wild”
“She ran”
“I chased”
“You would know if I ever fucked you. I told you you’d never be the same if I did”
“I fell for a monster..believing I could see the good inside him, when really…it could all be a lie.”
“You, Eleanor Grace are something. You have the power to be everything. And that is why you’ll forever remain nothing.”
“That is yours. It was yours the moment I fucking met you. It knew..all while I tried to say otherwise.”
“She was my downfall. Watching her trust you. Watching her choose you over anyone.”
“I didnt stand a goddamn chance after that”
“The only danger you in, Eleanor, is from me. I can promise they won’t bite and maul you, but I can’t say the same for me.”
“You haven’t scarred me off. Even though I probably run for my life.”
If I thought I was consumed with Once A Myth and Twice A Wish…Third A Kiss has me completely and utterly gobsmacked!!
Pepper Winters, you have captured my heart and soul with your phenomenally spellbinding tale of intrigue and captivating characters! I am obsessed with your vividly phenomenal storytelling and ability to totally and willingly take me captive with your addictively mesmerizing wordsmithery!
I find myself with a lack of words to express how I feel. Not because of lack of understanding or appreciating what I just read but because of feeling awestruck and anxious to know what happens next!
THIS is why Pepper Winters is the Queen of dark romance. The beginning of this book will have you holding your breath, on the edge of your seat. You think you know what’s coming, but you have NO idea what’s really headed your way!
Pepper puts you on that island. You can feel the cool breeze of the ocean, the sand under your toes. You FEEL every emotion, the good, bad and ugly. It’s erotic, emotional, angsty and such an addicting story that you will not be able to put down.
The twists and turns, the sexual chemistry, the relationship between Sully and Eleanor, the ENDING…absolutely stunning. Each book in this series has blown my mind and I cannot wait to see where book four takes us!
This picks up where we left off and Eleanor pushing Sully’s boundaries is a work of art and a gamble from which either one might not come back of. But I digress, buttons are being pushed, passions unleashed. Eleanor is fire, brimstone and emotions and her fearless attitude makes her the perfect heroine to Sully’s darkness. I can’t wait to see where we will be taken next but the explosive cliffhanger will leave you breathless and wanting more! I honestly volunteered to review this arc.
Is this the real life or is this just fantasy? It all started by a myth. Then moved to a wish. We’ve reached the kiss.
Last we read we found out that Sully had a bit of humanity left inside of him. Not everything he does is dark and evil. Sully has shown a few weaknesses especially when it comes to Eleanor.
To know danger you must first understand how Sully got his start. Pepper explores Sully’s past experiences threading in the memories with Eleanor sharing glimpses of the man he once was. It’s good versus evil. He’s two different men at a crossroads within himself. Eleanor is just the sweet temptation to cure him of his evil ways.
Overall:
I’m having a difficult time putting into words how I feel about Third A Kiss. With this being the third book and the middle book in a five book series it fell flat for me. With that said I need to explain that this book is crucial as it’s setting the pace for the next book which I’m certain will have all the action and suspense I’ve been craving. Third A Kiss set the groundwork for the next two books.
It’s so much harder reviewing a series than a stand-alone because in a series the pace is stretched out. I want so badly to review each book separately yet it doesn’t seem fair when the series isn’t finished. Based on the revelations and growth so far in the series I will say this book is essential to the growth of the characters.
You can still count on Pepper to deliver intense, graphic, and erotic sex scenes. That hasn’t changed. You bet Sully still is dangerous. You still get that same sense of tranquility with being on a beautiful island surrounded by water, sand, and sun even with goddesses being held against there will.
If it’s one thing Pepper is good at is words. She can describe a sex scene with many words, yet for me I found with this being the third book I wasn’t excited as the prospect of reading these sex scenes. The intensity was still there, yet the taboo nature of those scenes was not the same as before. While I found the use of elixir mixed with fantasy was extremely exotic and darkly taboo I wasn’t too keen when these elements were removed.
Third A Kiss is not as dark or taboo as books 1 and 2. The third book focuses more on the goddesses as individuals and less as a means to fulfill the contract. Sully is more personable in this book. We see a human side to his character that we got a glimpse of before. The character development of Sully was phenomenal. Sadly I was hoping for something more complicated, something more sinister.
Well I must say for a third book it was an eye opening experience into the heart of euphoria. Breaking into Sully’s weaknesses was a treat. Expanding on Eleanor and Sully’s characters as individuals and a couple was enlightening.