Will the bonds of love prove stronger than a man back from the dead and bent on revenge?Miles Lawrence Hawkins, the fifth Earl of Archewyne, is determined to retire from life as a king’s man. Working clandestine cases for the Crown might be in his blood, but keeping his family safe is a more paramount concern. When he and his wife are kidnapped, the chances of escaping slip away, especially when … away, especially when the man behind the insane plan is his brother, Nigel, who has been assumed dead for years.
A mysterious note arrives following the unexpected death of her father blaming her husband for that event, and the Countess of Archewyne wonders what game is afoot. Doubts and fears add to growing ennui when Emmaline lands in a world of pain and confusion. A masked captor makes hideous demands unless she and the earl provide classified information. Through it all, she clings to her love for her husband while biding her time.
Physical and emotional torture continues until the reason is finally revealed—to lure the Duke of Rathesborne into the web to answer for his alleged crimes against Nigel. As their world tilts on the whim of a mad man, they both battle to survive. Nothing short of a miracle can put their lives back together again or repair the damage gained in captivity, but fighting for the future is well worth any cost.
Trigger Warning: Some of the content found in this book may be triggering and/or sensitive. Physical and mental abuse, sexual violence, sexual assault and attempted rape/abuse may be some of the topics mentioned within the pages and might illicit a strong or potentially harmful emotional response.
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This was a highly charged story that captured me at the first and did not let go until the end. I have read this series from the first and I thought the stories could not get any better. But this author continues to push the imagination and delivers an emotional, heart pounding tale that I stayed up until 3 reading this morning. Miles and Emmaline are trying to get through the unexpected death of her father. Miles has been contemplating retiring from his life as a spy for the crown and only wants to devote his time to their family. When they receive a mysterious note claiming Miles knows the person who killed Emmy’s father. That is when everything unravels. He and Emmy are kidnapped by a deranged “Master” whose only intent is to torture them both, physically and mentally to the nth degree, while at first asking them secrets to the Crown. In their battle to survive they rely on the deep love they have for each other and their inner strength. But they can only endure so much can’t they? Who is the person who has taken them and what does he really want? You will be so surprised at some of the answers and revelations that come out. I can only hope that there are many more stories to this series because I feel invested in these characters lives!! Thank you Sandra Sookoo for another great addition to the Thieves of the Ton.
Sandra does it again with another breathtaking adventure and story of love beating the odds. The emotions hit you from page drawing you into the story and not letting go. I was so worried about her and Miles because of that note that I didn’t see their kidnapping coming until it happened. The whole time they are held captive was another emotional rollercoaster. Between them willing to die for each other, knowing the secrets, and the torture they were going through I was holding my breath at every turn. I was really afraid of what would happen during another one of Sandra’s amazing fight scenes. So much going on and the details that keep you on the edge until the end. Nigel was truly evil and crazy and he may be the villain to top all villains. When it came to the end there were still many emotions. I was sad, relieved, happy, and amused with how their lives were going to change and that his decision was made for him.
Emmaline is in a bad place in her mind because of everything that has happened. I was hurting for her as she was going through everything from the start and cheering her on. She continues to be a favorite with how she’s strong, but also still a human and not immune to things. When that spark returned to her I wanted to jump up and down. Especially when she put on a show.
Miles is still trapped in that mindset of their work puts them in danger and afraid he will lose his wife. I love that his humor still comes through no matter what and that he doesn’t give up. He also was going through his own emotions because of everything, but his love for her would not let him give up. I feared he would have to make a decision he shouldn’t, but it all worked out.
I wanted to help Peter so much and loved seeing Jonathon again.
I agree with the trigger warning of this book. It is a pretty intense book and the emotions and many of the scenes could be triggering to some readers. To give you an idea of how intense scenes are I would say its up near Outlander level. Not as graphic, but the emotions are there and details are still intense.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
Tortured by a Horrible Secret by Sandra Sookoo is an intense and emotional story. WOW!! A story of sexual assault, mental and physical abuse, torture, sexual violence, attempted rape, secrets, among other things, true friendship and the power of true love. A dark, emotional story of love conquering all.
I enjoyed the h/h’s determination to survive their horrible ordeal and come out stronger with their love intact. Ms. Sookoo did an amazing job with her descriptions and handling of the sensitive content and emotional upheaval. To me it shows what a talented storyteller, to be able to convey to readers the raw emotions between the H/H. A seat on the edge of your seat story. One I truly enjoyed. I can’t wait for the next installment.
*Please be aware…..Some of the topics mentioned in this story and may illicit a strong emotional response for some readers.*
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Violence
Reviewer: AprilR