Review: Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters
♥♥♥ 4.5 "Monster" Stars ♥♥♥
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Three little words. If anyone asked what I was most afraid of, what terrified me, stole my breath, and made my life flicker before my eyes, I would say three little words.
I was sold.
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Based on the many mixed reviews, I had no idea what to think about this book. But after a bit of persuasion from my friend here on goodreads, Mirjana. I decided, why the hell not and just gave it a try. I am so happy that I finally did after so long having this on my to be read shelf.
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‘Monsters find each other in the dark.’
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As the story started out, I wasn't too interested I will admit. We have our heroine Tess who is in a very unhappy yet comfortable relationship with her boyfriend of two years Brax. After living her whole life feeling like a reject she finally has someone who cares about her and loves her. But, there is something inside her, something that she craves. She wishes to be dominated by a man sexually. Something her sweet Brax is not comfortable with. So, she keeps it internally, fantasizing about faceless men taking her the way she really wants to be. 
Brax wants to do something special with Tess so they fly to Mexico for a romantic trip. This trip quickly turns sour, especially after Tess is kidnapped, bar coded, and sold to a wealthy french man named Q. She hasn't lost her fight for freedom which I actually really liked. I LOVED that she never gave up, and didn't let her circumstances break her. She remained strong through it all. But she also had a hard time because she did have a weakness, it was the thing she kept hidden. She desired Q because he could give her exactly what she wanted, to be at his mercy.
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"After tonight, every time I say your name you’ll get wet for me. I not only own your body but your identity, too. Do you deny it?”"
"No, I don’t deny it. I’m yours. Through and through."
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Q was a very confusing, hard, domineering, and sexy man. He made my emotions and ovaries go nuts. I didn't understand him much of the time, but that didn't stop me for wanting to know so much more about him. He was just so damn intriguing. He always seemed to be battling himself and I wanted to know why. Somehow, these two characters worked really well together. It became about two characters trying to accept themselves with all their flaws, as well as learn how to accept each other.
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I want to hurt you.
I want to own you.
I want to devour you.
I want to make you mine.
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Tess goes through quite the transformation from start to end. I didn't really like how meek she was, but enjoyed seeing her grow into her own person. I was captivated by the story and the characters. I was so happy that I was able to connect with Tess. I won't lie though, there were moments she frustrated me by how she saw, thought, or decided to do things. I also was frustrated a bit by how much Q confused me with his hot and coldness. But for the most part I did enjoy them both. I enjoyed the sexual chemistry they shared. I think those scenes were done very well, just the perfect amount of steam. It made me want Q too! He was very mysterious and hot. I was so happy to learn the truth about him in the end.
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"Je suis à toi." I am yours.
"Nous sommes les uns des autres." We are each others.
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The very last parts of the book had me so confused. I was conflicted because I know I should be happy for her, but I didn't get why I wasnt'. Then things were okay again. There is still so much I need to know about Q since he seems to have so many demons to battle. Now it's Tess's turn to try to help him heal from his haunting past. I just really hope Q doesn't go too far with her. I absolutely LOVED that the epilogue was in Q's POV. I seriously thought that it was all so interesting. Now I can't wait to start on the next book. This one had it's slow moments but overall it was fascinating to read. It wasn't super duper dark or anything, but it still had it's effed up moments. It was quite the emotional ride. I would definitely recommend you give this a try for yourself.
*Warning: contains scenes of violence and rape.*
