Merciless: Volume 1

MERCILESS - IS POWERFUL - DANGEROUS - DARK - PASSIONATE & STEAMING-HOT! I was transfixed to this story which held my absolute attention until the dramatic conclusion. Inside; suspense, action, intriguing dialogue, emotional moments, and intense sensuous romance. As the head of his family, Carter is protective; his glare potent and his orders must be followed to a T. He is also traffic-stopping hot, wise and seems to always get what he wants; he wants the doe-eyed beauty Aria a mafia Princess to be totally his. Aria and Carter have a history unknown to her and she also has a past that haunts her nights. Their story is life-changing and as the two become closer their wants and needs intensify. STIRRING read and passionately written by a truly gifted author. The characters are praise-worthy and engaging. I loved the backstories of both Aria and Carter and the vivid scene descriptions are dynamic. I feel that Carter and Aria are a great match. Aria proves to be a strong woman and though Carter is powerful and his guard is always up there is a caring side that bubbles in his soul for her. I relished this story and found it to be a most gratifying read so {of my own volition without any stipulations, I reviewed an advanced copy.} Without any reservations, I recommend this read.

Not all matches are made in heaven. Carter Cross is the man you want to love, the man you want to trust and believe in, and the man you know you should hate. Carter Cross has his reasons for what he does and how he treats his new possession, Aria, but he is so frustrating. We are given a hint as to why he wants Aria for his own, but the whole story is yet to be revealed. This story is a constant push and pull between Aria and Carter and the ending will shock you, leave you with jaw-dropping desperation for more. Aria Talvery now belongs to Carter Cross but she fights him at every turn, staying strong to resist him seems easy at first, but Aria slowly weakens and wavers. Carter has a presence about him that calls to Aria’s inner being. He is a pleasure she knows she should steer clear of but how long can she hold out? Carter’s gentle touches and soft whispers, call to Aria to give in. Her mind says no but her body desperately wants her to let go. I love Aria’s character. She is strong and feisty. Even though Carter brings out desires in her body and makes her weaken, she always keeps her eye on the goal. She may seem to have submitted fully to Carter, but Aria continues to lay in wait for the perfect moment. The moment when she is the one in control commanding those around her. She is the pampered daughter of a drug lord and knows that she has been sheltered from the horrible truths that surround her. She has experienced unimaginable pain in her life that has left her reeling with debilitating memories. Now, a kidnapped prize in the drug war between three families, Aria fights for her life at the puzzling hands of Carter Cross. Why does he do what he does? Why is she his captive? These are the questions Aria wants to answer and she may have to give up some of her stubborn pride to get those answers. Merciless was not what I expected. I enjoy reading dark romance for the different dynamic between the characters. I always end up feeling some connection to the male and enjoy seeing him conquered by a strong female lead. Although I am enjoying Aria and Carter, there is so much about Carter that I don’t understand and I find puzzling. I just have a hard time figuring him out, understanding what his purpose in his treatment of Aria is. His love for her right now seems more like the love between a loyal pet and its owner instead of a man for a woman. Carter’s treatment of Aria really makes me wonder about everything he has endured in his life to have hardened him so much. After finishing Merciless, I am left to think and rethink the events in the story, wondering if Carter is redeemable. Will he win over my heart in the conclusion, Heartless. Merciless was still a page turner for me so it earns 4 stars.

What a wonderful book. The way Ms Winters is able to weave so much into a story is amazing. Carter and Aria are awesome. Carter definitely has a dark side to him and Aria is so sheltered to what the world she lives in is all about. Yes, she knows her father is not a good man but she knows little else. She is damaged from what happened to her mother and doesn't even know it. Carter has his own past he is dealing with in regards to Aria's father and what happened to him and how it involves Aria. Something she isn't even aware of. Deep down Carter only wants to protect and love Aria. He feels a strong connection with her and at times he doesn't seem to understand what it all means. Carter desperately wants Aria to not fear him and to trust that everything he does he does for her. Once I started reading their story I could not put it down. I can not wait to read the rest of Carter and Aria's story. It seems that it can only get better from here.