“On your knees.” Captured, collared, and caged is the last place ice-cold Council assassin Jade Lakotesh wants to be, but when she discovers she’s sharing her prison with her target, a ripped barbarian who blames her employer for his fate, she accepts only one of them will leave the cell alive.Walsh Ryker hit rock bottom with the deaths of those he loved most. Now, he’s plummeted to a new low, … plummeted to a new low, trapped with a cellmate as ice cold as she is stunningly hot. She’s out for blood, lacks any ability to cooperate…and leaves him more alive than he’s felt in years. For a man no longer interested in feeling, she may be his greatest hazard to date.
He never expects to see her as more than the enemy. She never expects to crave his rough, raw commands.
But as dangers mount, and they are forced to work together to defeat a shared threat, will the scorching passion between these two enemies entomb them in the dark forever—or be the key that sets them free?
The third book in the Condemned Series, Tormented is a standalone, action-packed, sexy sci-fi, enemies-to-lovers romance with a HEA and a dirty-talking, strong alpha who meets his match where he least expects. You won’t be able to put it down.
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“We’re each other’s always exception. ”
Jade was here for two reasons –
The first two acquire the weapon 223 had developed. The second to wipe out once and for all the putrid scourge that inhabited Dragath25.
She was one of the Councils elite assassins. Conditioned to overcome any obstacles to complete her assignment or face execution. She had a perfect record. Until now.
Captured, (only temporally mind you) she had to play nice with her cellie if she was to acquire her freedom and complete her mission. She had learned long ago that emotions only caused pain so why was this felon causing her chest to ache? Watching the emotionally void Jade slowly melt was a wonder to behold. As everything she was taught to believe was slowly disproved she found she kind of liked that ache in her chest. That need in his eyes.
Ryker couldn’t believe the council scum had sent a female to Dragath25. Worse he was trapped with her and if he wanted to escape he would have to work with her. An assassin. A soldier. Sexy, deadly and such a turn on.
I was looking forward to watching Ryker fall to the clutches of love. He was in a downward spiral after the loss of his family, Eat. Kill. Survive. He really did not have much beyond his pain and anger.
They were so much alike. Both were void of true emotions (or so they thought) and pretty much lived to follow orders and destroy things.
In Tormented we learned a bit more about the Council and we got some insight into 223. IMO this had a touch more suspense than the previous two. I also felt that some foundation was set for future stories. As for Ryker and Jade, these two are explosive together. Both emotionally and physically they bring the heat in this story to a whole new level. There are some new characters introduced and some old ones were lost. I am looking forward to seeing what is happening back at the compound and with the rest of the squad.
Excellent storytelling!
What a pair these two toughies are! I love the interactions between them. Each action hovers on the edge between antagonistic and helpful: adversary or ally. The story is packed with splendid word-pictures, bringing the story to life. So many perils! If not #223 and his feral prison gang, then debilitating dust storms…and more. The thrills and chills are nonstop! And, yes, a unique, delightful love story. Not to be missed!
I loved it. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Tormented is a hot and crazy love story between to people that should never be. I love Jade Lakotesh’s character. She is feisty and knows what she wants. Jade is an assassin for the Council and is sent to the planet to do something she is not sure should be done. So over the book, Jade meets people and becomes attached to Ryker and finds that not all is right and true on New Earth and with the Council.
Ryker is second in command and friends with Hunter from the last book. He is sent on a mission and finds Jade on the same purpose. These two are instant chemistry and totally mouthy to each other. I loved it.
I really couldn’t put this story down and was sad to see it end.
So I liked the two main characters on this one. The way they play off of each other is great. The heroine is very smart and she makes sure Ryker knows it! I like how they keep making truces with each other. Lol and I love that there end goal is mostly the same. Even tho they both don’t realize it.
This conclusion was a great addition to the series. Loved all three books!
Jade is a Council assassin sent to a prison planet to retrieve a weapon of mass destruction. Ryker, an ex-Resistance member whose family was killed by the Council, also wants that weapon. Jade and Ryker are natural enemies who have more in common than they realize.
Tormented is a fast-paced, high action, steamy romance with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Buckle up & get ready for a great read.
This book seems to be nonstop action, it’s one danger after another that the 2 main characters find themselves dealing with. Plus, they have to deal with each other and the attraction that they fight from the very beginning! This is a definite enemy to lovers’ romance, and they are perfect for each other with both their dialogue and actions/games they play. This is a wonderful read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The psychological vulnerability of physically stronger people is at the centre of the story and is wonderfully processed in an atmospherically densely woven story.
Deep feelings, bottomless fears and the courage to leave your box and dare to do something new make the characters realistic and lovable heroes. All this never intrusive but never too easy.
Tension and action keep the reader captivated. The world design is again unfriendly with beautiful, hidden corners, the real opponents are dark, sinister, mean and terrible people, who perform and plan horrible deeds.
As in previous books, a great overall scenario with a great story.
Love can be found in most surprising places…even the most hellish! Council assassin Jade Lakotesh has arrived on the prison planet on a mission to recover a weapon and stop a mad man. She survives by closing out everyone. No one gets close, that is forbidden. She is flawless and lethal and never fails in her mission. Until she ends up naked and chained in a dark container, her assignment in jeopardy. The fault lies with the huge, naked man chained with her. And she has no idea how to stop her reactions to him.
Ex-Resistance fighter Walsh Ryker lost his family to the hated Council. He lives only for revenge and he never wants to feel anything again. Love and softness only brings pain. Now his mission to capture a dangerous weapon is in peril thanks to the ice cold spitfire he is chained up with. She makes him feel things he thought were long dead. She makes him want to wring her neck! She is everything he ever wanted and completely dangerous.
These two must work together to defeat a madman and save helpless captives. If they don’t kill each other first. Or burn each other with their lust.
I loved everything about this story. And I didn’t think I would because I don’t like tough, hard, cold heroines! But Jade is not really what she appears to be. She is complicated and delicate and sad.
And Ryker? He is everything that I love in a Hero! He protects the weak and fights the good fight for the good of everyone. He is handsome and scarred inside and out but like the Phoenix, he rises and burns.
Alison Aimes is such a wonderful storyteller! This book unfolds like a movie in my mind and I can see and feel and hear everything clearly. She makes me want to find out more about the people of Dragath25 . That is talent!
There is dirty sex, and violence and danger at every turn. But at the heart of it it’s a love story of two hurt people who heal each other and it’s beautiful!
Ex-Resistance fighter Walsh Ryker is on a mission to retrieve a lethal and advanced weapon from 223’s gang when he ends up imprisoned in a cage with the gorgeous Jade. Too bad she’s Council. Council assassin Jade Lakotesh has been instructed from childhood to root out all emotion, but the handsome Walsh’s presence makes it clear that Jade’s detachment is far from perfect. What happens when Walsh and Jade have to team up to escape and steal the weapon from 223?
Tormented is an action-packed, suspenseful and steamy story full of twists and turns that will have you turning pages non-stop. I can’t wait to read Tamed, Book 4 in the Condemned series.
Gritty, raw, dark and brutal, this book is packed with intensity. Jade and Ryker’s story will keep you on edge with lots of danger, drama and excitement; while deep emotions and the two very complex, wounded characters will engage your own emotions and have you rooting for them. Action packed and filled with scorching steam, I thought this was a really good read.
Ms. Aimes is a new to me author.
Tormented is the first book I’ve read by her.
I’d didn’t realize that this book is part of a series.
But I had no problems understanding and keeping up with everything.
I wish I would have read the first book though to get more background and info.
I liked Ryker and Jade.
I thought they complimented and completed each other perfectly.
They were opposite one another but they fit together.
I appreciated how the author had them grow and expand.
They didn’t stay stagnant.
They learned from each other and drew on the strengths each one of them possessed.
This book is filled with action and adventure.
With a whole lot os sizzling hotness in between.
I looking forward to read the next book in the series.
I was really looking forward to this one just because of how much of a tool Ryker could sometimes be in the previous book and I was interested to see how this would play out in his own story.
I was also very intrigued to see if the glimpses we got beneath the surface off this complex man who had lost so much would continue and just what kind of man in essence Ryker at his core actually was.
So Walsh Ryker ex-council soldier turned resistance fighter with such a tragic back story and Jade Lakotesh brainwashed council assassin on this brutal penal planet to retrieve a dangerous weapon and then destroy Dragath25 and all who reside there.
But plans are never set in stone and when these two end up imprisoned together they must work together like it or not to outwit Prisoner 223 and his gang.
So Ryker detests anything Council and Jade is most definitely their trained lackey.
But the more she learns here the more she questions her superiors cruel methods and her ultimate mission statement and goals.
Jade despite her profession has a strong moral compass, she’s also all about the logic and likes to weigh the odds.
Ryker is her complete opposite, a bit of a hot-head he sometimes speaks and acts before he thinks.
Together these two were dynamite and they had an explosive personal chemistry that just projected off the page.
So, this was very much enemy to lovers and out of the three in the Condemned series: this one I enjoyed the most.
“Tormented” for me was just the complete package.
I’m not sure why this had the slight edge for me in terms of my rating, I just felt a tad more connected overall to Ryker and Jade as characters and the whole story here just felt so evolved and developed.
Action-packed practically from the onset and full of witty banter between the two mains this was such a page-turner.
I also appreciated the added explanations about prisoner 223 and his background.
this one for me was the stand out winner of this series so far, each book for me slightly topping the previous.
I am really looking forward to experiencing Griff’s book next, we will hopefully discover what darkness he keeps hidden behind his deliberately charming persona.
Fingers crossed that a newly enlightened someone might have caught a slim break and will get his own story as well.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Tormented (The Condemned Series, #3).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
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Can you imagine being caged with your enemy? Jade is an assassin who has learned to trust no one but herself. Ryker is a scarred ex-resistance fighter and has lost those he most cared for. In order to escape they must cooperate with each other, the last thing in the world either of them wants to do.
I love a good, interesting story with characters that have real depth to them. I want to get to know them…why they act the way they do…and what led them to be in the cage together. This is a good, meaty story and I couldn’t put it down.
I didn’t know what to expect, having not read any of the other books in this series. I must say I was pleased with book. It is a stand-alone in the series enough that I’m not completely lost as to what is going on. The world-building is done well, as is the character development throughout the story. It is very believable, to me, that to 2 characters can come to have such extreme feelings for one another in such a short time based upon the emotions and situations that author portrays in the book. They seem real enough for the emotions to ring true (though the setting in on an alien planet). Don’t get me wrong, I hate books that try to force feelings and situations into short timeframe to suit a plot, but that doesn’t feel the case in this book. I look forward to read the other books in this series, if this is an example
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read this book as part of the Condemned Series Books 1-3 trilogy. A great thing about this writer is that she pulls you into the world and storyline that continues to pluck favorite subcharacters and give them their own story. I love this story of Ryker , who was introduced in Book 2. He is a tormented man after losing is family to a corrupt, self serving Council. While on a mission, with a team mate, they are separated, he comes across one of the Council’s deadly operatives. She has a mission of her own. Ryker wants nothing more to get his hands around her neck to take his revenge. She has lethal skills, that don’t fit with his plans. Amazing tale!
They are in a cell together, assassin and target. Neither want to be there, let alone next to each other but there is an attractive between them. They may need to work to escape the danger which is coming. Will they work well together? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Engaging Action/Adventure Sci-Fi Romance!
“Tormented” is the third book in The Condemned series, is professionally written/edited, engaging and extremely fast paced. Although the third installment within the series, the novel can be read as a standalone but for maximum enjoyment and additional background material, reading the prior novels may be warranted. The story is conveyed from dual perspectives, providing the reader with the thoughts, emotions and aspirations of both lead characters. The female lead, Jade, is portrayed as remarkably strong both physically as well as mentally and initially depicted as a cold, detached, unemotional assassin. As a former resistance fighter, the male lead Ryker is also a tough protagonist, who has disengaged himself emotionally to cope with his tragic past. The protagonist’s characterizations are quite complex, and both undergo a transformation throughout the story-line, in this enemies to lovers dark sci-fi/fantasy adventure romance.
Set on the prison planet of Dragath25 the world-building is excellent, providing a vivid mental image of the planet and the many dangers to the inhabitants from a depraved prison gang, the vile Counsel as well as the planet’s natural environment. Teeming with plenty of action, adventure, danger, suspense and high heat, “Tormented” is guaranteed to keep readers turning (or swiping) pages to find out what happens next. As with most prison planet backdrops, Dragath25 is a violent, merciless as well as forbidding world and not appropriate for sensitive readers.
Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over due to explicit sexual content and violence.
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 Steamy Stars
WRITING STYLE: 5 Professional Stars
PLOT: 5 Action/Adventure Stars
ENGAGING CHARACTERS: 5 Ex- Resistance Stars
SATISFYING CONCLUSION: 5 Fulfilling Stars
*** I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review ***
This is my first book by this author. This book is filled with lots of action and twist and turns. Loved how well developed and engaging characters were and the storyline had from page one till the end. Action packed and steamy chemistry between the main characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This is a fast read with plenty of drama and amazing chemistry. Jade and Ryker are great characters with lots of depth and emotion. Their story draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it!