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Trails of Sin #1
Knotted
I try to forget her.
It’s impossible.
Growing up together, Conor and I shared all our firsts.
First love, first kiss, first…
Not all our firsts.
We were sixteen the night she was violently assaulted while I helplessly watched.
I’ll never forget the sounds of her suffering.
Or my inconsolable agony when she left Oklahoma.
Years later, she returns to honor our teenage pact.
Except the boy she loved is gone, replaced by a ruthless cattle rancher knotted with secrets.
She doesn’t know my dark cravings or the trails of sin that lead to her.
I don’t deserve her, but one truth remains.
She’s mine.
TRAILS OF SIN series (HEAs with no cliffhangers - must be read in order):
Knotted #1 - Jake and Conor
Buckled #2 - Jarret and Maybe
Booted #3 - Lorne and Raina
It’s impossible.
Growing up together, Conor and I shared all our firsts.
First love, first kiss, first…
Not all our firsts.
We were sixteen the night she was violently assaulted while I helplessly watched.
I’ll never forget the sounds of her suffering.
Or my inconsolable agony when she left Oklahoma.
Years later, she returns to honor our teenage pact.
Except the boy she loved is gone, replaced by a ruthless cattle rancher knotted with secrets.
She doesn’t know my dark cravings or the trails of sin that lead to her.
I don’t deserve her, but one truth remains.
She’s mine.
TRAILS OF SIN series (HEAs with no cliffhangers - must be read in order):
Knotted #1 - Jake and Conor
Buckled #2 - Jarret and Maybe
Booted #3 - Lorne and Raina
311 pages, ebook
First published April 25, 2018
About the author
Pam Godwin
40 books10.1k followersNew York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Pam Godwin, lives in the Midwest with her husband, cats, retired greyhounds, and an old, foul-mouthed parrot. She traveled the world for seven years, attended three universities, married the vocalist of her favorite rock band, and retired from her quantitative analyst career in 2014 to write full-time.
Her interests veer toward the unconventional: bourbon, full-body tattoos, and tragic villains. Equally peculiar are her aversions to sleeping, eating meat, and dolls with blinking eyes.
SIGNED BOOKS and MERCH: pamgodwin.com/shop
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pamgodwinauthor
TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@pamgodwinauthor
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pamgodwinbooks
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/author/pamgodwin
Her interests veer toward the unconventional: bourbon, full-body tattoos, and tragic villains. Equally peculiar are her aversions to sleeping, eating meat, and dolls with blinking eyes.
SIGNED BOOKS and MERCH: pamgodwin.com/shop
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pamgodwinauthor
TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@pamgodwinauthor
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pamgodwinbooks
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/author/pamgodwin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,627 reviews
April 24, 2018
3 Stars
Sadly, this was just not my favorite Pam Godwin, which sucks, cause it started off really strong for me. Seriously, I was hooked by page one.
This is an ARC, so I need to be vague - but I just didn't like the actions of one of the main characters. It didn't sit well with me, it didn't fit the characterization for that character up to that point (in my opinion), and it tainted the book for me from that point on.
That said, this book was fucking riveting and, while the above issue bothered ME for whatever reason, it definitely won't bother everyone; thus, if you are a Godwin fan and/or the blurb interests you, you should absolutely still pick this up - and no, I'm not saying that to kiss ass cause this is an ARC. Ya'll know I don't give a fuck. I'm saying that because if you like dark smut reads, this book will probably do you right.
I will say that this book is riddled with triggers, so be aware of that going in. If you are worried about something specific, you can always PM me. I will get back to you. Eventually.
Sadly, this was just not my favorite Pam Godwin, which sucks, cause it started off really strong for me. Seriously, I was hooked by page one.
This is an ARC, so I need to be vague - but I just didn't like the actions of one of the main characters. It didn't sit well with me, it didn't fit the characterization for that character up to that point (in my opinion), and it tainted the book for me from that point on.
That said, this book was fucking riveting and, while the above issue bothered ME for whatever reason, it definitely won't bother everyone; thus, if you are a Godwin fan and/or the blurb interests you, you should absolutely still pick this up - and no, I'm not saying that to kiss ass cause this is an ARC. Ya'll know I don't give a fuck. I'm saying that because if you like dark smut reads, this book will probably do you right.
I will say that this book is riddled with triggers, so be aware of that going in. If you are worried about something specific, you can always PM me. I will get back to you. Eventually.
Shelved as 'wrote'
September 6, 2023It's FREE! (no cliffy)
Amazon: mybook.to/knotted
Apple: apple.co/2JFvBlI
Kobo: bit.ly/3i3kIv6
B&N: bit.ly/2rfKBzt
Google: tinyurl.com/y4ms78tf
Audible: adbl.co/2LTbfdu
Signed Paperback: pamgodwin.com/product/knotted
TRAILS OF SIN series
Dark Cowboy Romance
HEAs with no cliffhangers. Each book is a different couple. Must be read in order.
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Amazon: mybook.to/knotted
Apple: apple.co/2JFvBlI
Kobo: bit.ly/3i3kIv6
B&N: bit.ly/2rfKBzt
Google: tinyurl.com/y4ms78tf
Audible: adbl.co/2LTbfdu
Signed Paperback: pamgodwin.com/product/knotted
TRAILS OF SIN series
Dark Cowboy Romance
HEAs with no cliffhangers. Each book is a different couple. Must be read in order.
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May 1, 2018
He slept with nearly every women in their town while “waiting” for heroine. She went through one of the worst things that can ever happen to anyone and instead of being a true hero by waiting for her he became a sex expert in her absence. We have to hear almost constantly about how women loved what he did to them and how he gained so much experience and how in the end even heroine appreciated his expertise in the bedroom. I don’t know how she can live in a town where nearly every women she will bump into including women from their high school have slept with “the love of her life”. I am so disappointed in his slutty ways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2018
4.25 stars!
OMG Pam Godwin- what have you done to me with this book? This story was unputdownable. Literally. I started it in the evening and did not put it down until I finished. It hooked me from the start and didn't let go till the very last page. I felt invested all the way through, and I love when that happens!
Knotted is the story of brothers Jake and Jarret, along with siblings Conor and Lorne. Conor and Jake have been together for a while now, and even though they are young, they know it's a forever kind of love. Something happens in the beginning of this book that shakes this couple to the core and changes the lives of these four friends forever.
I'm not gonna lie, what happens in this book is intense. It's brutal. I was actually a little shocked the author went there . What happens with these characters forever alters all of their lives. There were so many times I wasn't sure what direction this would take, or how the four characters would come back together. If they would ever be the same...
The main characters in this book were both great. I thought Conor was a fantastically strong and independent leading lady. When it came to Jake, there were times I was so upset with him. Looking back at the choices he made, I can see more clearly why he did the things he did. Everything he did, he did because he loved Conor and wanted to protect her. I could never fault him for that. As much as I loved Conor and Jake, I loved Jarret and Lorne equally as much. I am so intrigued to read their books!
Pam Godwin is one of my favorite authors and she does dark-romance better than anyone. I'm impressed that every book she writes is so consistently good. This story tore my heart to shreds, but healed me in the process. It's a story of sibling bonds, friendship, first love, and loyalty. It's a complex tale and one powerful read! I recommend this to all fans of dark romance/romantic suspense. I'm excited to read Jarret's book next, then Lornes! I can't wait for more from these characters.
OMG Pam Godwin- what have you done to me with this book? This story was unputdownable. Literally. I started it in the evening and did not put it down until I finished. It hooked me from the start and didn't let go till the very last page. I felt invested all the way through, and I love when that happens!
Knotted is the story of brothers Jake and Jarret, along with siblings Conor and Lorne. Conor and Jake have been together for a while now, and even though they are young, they know it's a forever kind of love. Something happens in the beginning of this book that shakes this couple to the core and changes the lives of these four friends forever.
“This is going to change us.”
“We won’t let it.”
“You believe that?”
“No.”
I'm not gonna lie, what happens in this book is intense. It's brutal. I was actually a little shocked the author went there . What happens with these characters forever alters all of their lives. There were so many times I wasn't sure what direction this would take, or how the four characters would come back together. If they would ever be the same...
The main characters in this book were both great. I thought Conor was a fantastically strong and independent leading lady. When it came to Jake, there were times I was so upset with him. Looking back at the choices he made, I can see more clearly why he did the things he did. Everything he did, he did because he loved Conor and wanted to protect her. I could never fault him for that. As much as I loved Conor and Jake, I loved Jarret and Lorne equally as much. I am so intrigued to read their books!
Pam Godwin is one of my favorite authors and she does dark-romance better than anyone. I'm impressed that every book she writes is so consistently good. This story tore my heart to shreds, but healed me in the process. It's a story of sibling bonds, friendship, first love, and loyalty. It's a complex tale and one powerful read! I recommend this to all fans of dark romance/romantic suspense. I'm excited to read Jarret's book next, then Lornes! I can't wait for more from these characters.
We’re a feeling that goes beyond starts and stops. We’re stronger than hellos and goodbyes and deeper than beginnings and ends. We’re an existence that can’t be measured.
October 6, 2021
“We’re knotted together, and damn if he doesn’t know how to tie a knot that withstands the test of time.”
4 "Knotted" stars!!!
Conor, is just a girl who miss her cowboy. Years ago she found her one true love. Promises, secrets, horse rides and sunsets were exchanged between her and her lover. Until the day they've both been waiting for turned out to be a disaster. One night, that bought many nightmares afterwards.
She was raped, her virginity taken by two men who wasn't her lover, the one who was supposed to touch. She was raped right infront of her lover, her brother and her best friend who were bound and helpless. Her life turned upside down and she was taken away.
Few years later, she's now changed. Beatings and kicks of her father has roughen her up. She comes back to her motherland seeking hope only to find her brother who is rotting in prison doesn't want her, her best friend giving her cold shoulder, her lover moved on. Everything that's left in her was shattered into pieces, all hopes gone, future unclear. She heads back to a place where she could begin her life again.
Five years later, she returns. For revenge. To destroy the people who raped her. She's not a girl anymore. She left that broken girl at the side of the road, among the dirt that night she found that she was truly alone. She's now a woman whose much more stronger and fierce. And she's unwilling to give the handsome cowboy who broke heart five years ago another chance.
Jake, one night was enough to turn all his dreams in to dust. Seeing the girl he loves raped, abused with blood stains on her thighs while he was helpless to do anything broke something inside him. When she returned, he broke heart but that's because he had no choice. He broke her heart to save her life.
When the second time she returns, he's determined to put back the pieces he broke five years ago, no matter what he has to do to do it.
I’m not an artisan. Just a girl who misses her cowboy
with every stitch and solder, every hour and mile,
every inhale and exhale.
I made this with all that I am, for the one I’ll never stop loving.
~C
I loved this book!! But sadly, it wasn't my favourite book of Pam Godwin but still I loved it! Her words, emotions spread through the pages, extraordinary characters, perfect twist and amazing plotlines are my favourite things about her books. The characters feel and the struggle is real. No prince charmings or palaces and dresses. Just brutal reality and imperfect love.
If your looking for normal sweet cowboy romances, I'm warning you this not that. This one is raw, painful, dark kinky and twisted but yet heartbreakingly beautiful. The end is worth everything.
I loved Conor. I love her strength and how she didn't give up on herself even if she was raped, abuse, heartbroken and when there was nobody else in the world to save. Her character development was amazing. She's feisty and sassy and doesn't back out from challenges which I liked.
Jake, was ok. I usually love Pam's heroes but this one is the one I like the least. I'm happy he managed to give his v-card to Conor secretly but him fucking out his rage through the whole town instead of saving himself for Conor alone wasn't my thing. I wished he didnt do that, because it felt like he was emotionally cheating on her. But all the same he was good. I love his possessiveness, protectiveness and brutality and how he love Conor.
Connection, chemistry, love between these two was amazing. And overall I enjoyed the book! (I might have shed a tear or two here and there)
Troupes
-Cowboy/Cowgirl
-Best Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
-Virgin Hero/Virgin Heroine (at the start)
-Manwhore/ Slut (from the middle)
-Second Chance
Note: This book contains sensitive and dark themes such as rape, violence and kink, No cheating, HEA guaranteed
Highly Recommended!! Enjoy!!!
April 8, 2019
DNF @ 60%. Read a little more today, brought the rating up to 3 stars because the writing isn't bad. I liked the writing from page one. And then I benchmarked some other 2 stars I gave to really good authors whose only fault was to disappoint my expectations and took it back to 2 stars.
Still don't appreciate the convoluted jerking around. Just seems too contrived to me. Can't read on again. Maybe I'll come back in another few months and read another 20%. Maybe even up the star again. But I highly doubt I'll grade it any higher. The front end was too unreal.
Sorry GR mama, can’t do this. I read to escape to happy places, not to go through rape and cheating.
And I’ve read plenty of rape, lots of it. Some scenes really tick me off and some scenes make me emotional. It’s the latter that works for me. The former is what I got in this book.
On top of which, we’re talking about 16 year olds. Getting raped in both holes, I’m being uncharacteristically graphic, but not nearly as graphic as the book.
Then, poor girl has to suffer thru her crazy father. And when she finally got away back to her true love! HE’S BANGING ANOTHER GIRL!!!
and that’s when I say -to hell with this!! No way I’m reading another word.
I’m furious. Sooooooo NOT tittilated or want to know more. So not invested in this book or any more of this author’s writing.
I only give it 2 stars bc the writing is actually not bad.
But I’m DONE with dark books. Really totally done.
Still don't appreciate the convoluted jerking around. Just seems too contrived to me. Can't read on again. Maybe I'll come back in another few months and read another 20%. Maybe even up the star again. But I highly doubt I'll grade it any higher. The front end was too unreal.
Sorry GR mama, can’t do this. I read to escape to happy places, not to go through rape and cheating.
And I’ve read plenty of rape, lots of it. Some scenes really tick me off and some scenes make me emotional. It’s the latter that works for me. The former is what I got in this book.
On top of which, we’re talking about 16 year olds. Getting raped in both holes, I’m being uncharacteristically graphic, but not nearly as graphic as the book.
Then, poor girl has to suffer thru her crazy father. And when she finally got away back to her true love! HE’S BANGING ANOTHER GIRL!!!
and that’s when I say -to hell with this!! No way I’m reading another word.
I’m furious. Sooooooo NOT tittilated or want to know more. So not invested in this book or any more of this author’s writing.
I only give it 2 stars bc the writing is actually not bad.
But I’m DONE with dark books. Really totally done.
July 23, 2021
I absolutely loved Pam Godwin's "Deliver" series, and when I found out she was gonna write another dark romance series with cowboys.... I was all over that !!
At first I figured this was gonna be a trilogy with cliffhangers, so imagine my relieve, when I found out that each book was gonna center around a different couple. They still need to be read in order, but they all have their own HEA ,and better yet NO cliffhanger!!
If you have read some of Pam Godwin's dark romance books, then you know that there will be triggers, which is also the case with this one. Please be aware of that.
Jake, Jarret, Lorne and Conor have been best friends since they were all little. They were raised on the same ranch and their moms even died together when they were young, leaving them with only ther dads. Jake and Jarret are twin-brothers and Lorne and Conor are brother and sister.
As for Jake and Conor, they have been more than friends since they were old enough to decide so.
On Conor's 16th birthday they feel it's finally time to profess their love in a more physical way... Jake has tried to be a good man/boy and he has waited until he felt she was old enough...They are going to be each others first..... Little does he know that all of their lives are about to change forever and Conor will be the one that pays the highest price....
It was horrible....and heartbreaking....
Now it's 6 years laters...6 years of lies, betrayal and heartache... Conor is back on the ranch to honor the pact they made back then.
They have all grown and they have all changed, but for Jake, the love is still very much there and he will do anything to have the love of his life back....Guess it's time to make some confessions....
I absolutely loved this book, it had me crying my eyes out in the very first chapter !! I love books that can break me, but also take the time to slowly put me back together again. That's what this book did...to Conor and to me.
I really don't want to spoiler this story, because I feel this is a book you should really read spoilerfree.
I myself can't wait for for Jarret's story !! Highly recommended ;)
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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May 4, 2018
"I don't know how we'll come back from this."
Knotted is the first book in the Trails of Sin Series. A dark romance with broken characters, Pam Godwin offers a tale of two families who are torn apart through tragedy and greed.
"I broke her heart, because I love her."Jake and Conor have always been together. Both madly in love but too young to act on it, they always knew they were destined to be together. On one tragic night, everything changes. Jake and Conor or torn apart and their families implode. Separated and alone, Conor struggles to deal with the aftermath. With no support and feeling like she is all alone, she does her best to get her life back on track. She never forgot that horrible night or the love she has for Jake. When the time comes for Jake and Conor to seek revenge on those that harmed them, they are brought back together. Their reunion isn't pretty as Jake has much to make up for. Is Conor willing to forgive Jake for letting her go?
"I hold her soft strength tightly against me and mourn with her."Told in dual POV, Knotted is full of intrigue and suspense as the plot unfolds. The terror that Conor and Jake endured is heartbreaking. The time in which they were apart is full of pain and misconceptions. Pam is one author who doesn't shy away from exposing the deepest darkest pain imaginable. As Jake tries to help Conor overcome, I felt frustrated with his methods and wanted Conor to find her voice and yet, in the end, they were able to find their way and overcome.
Overall, if Pam Godwin is writing, I am reading! Knotted offers a new romance series centered around some super sexy cowboys and their women. When families, friends, and lovers are torn apart by an unthinkable tragedy and everything is broken beyond repair, only Ms. Godwin has the creative genius to put it all back together. I cannot wait for Buckled! No doubt more Godwin goodness will be lassoed up and delivered with magnificent skill.
***Trails of Sin***
*This was an (F)BR with CC and WAR!
*ARC graciously provided in exchange for an honest review!
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 2, 2018
4.5 slumbering demons stars
Conor
Jake
Jake and Conor had a life planned, they knew down to the depths of their souls there would never be another one for them, for as long as they lived and they valued and cherished each and every stolen moment. The night that was supposed to be their night, forever cherished and remembered, ended up in blood and ruin…. Leaving them forever changed.
Years of heartbreak, threats and barreling down the trails of sin leads them back to the truth of them. A blood oath, and a second chance to right the wrongs of the past. Jake takes Conor on a journey to reclaim what was supposed to be theirs the only way he knows how.
Knotted was a book I waited for with a baited breath… I mean dark-kinky-cowboy, Yes please! But color me surprised that it more so called to the the romantic in me and just made me loose myself in their love. I freaking loved it. The beginning of the story just sealed me in, made me fall in love, and completely gutted me all with in the two chapters. I felt for each stolen minute, each wrong doing, each unimaginable act against them and the pain they self inflicted on themselves and each other.
They are two souls being stitched back together in an intricate, delicate pattern, one forged of a fire that will never burn out. Conor, is a strong courageous woman, even at sixteen she had some heavy demons to overcome, and they never stopped coming for her. She kept battling and surviving, but never healing or dealing. Could I blame her, not really, would anyone want to open up the past as painful as hers??? Jake is everything a man should be Possessive. Protective. Unbending., he loves her with everything he is, no matter the cost, no matter the pain.
There is one end goal in sight, and it takes strength, patience, unyielding power and submission, trust and control and most of all, love. Sexy and passionate, their chemistry flows off the pages and wraps you up in their story. Their second chance at life and love was truly unique and the process one that was beautiful.
I fell hard for this cowboy, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Jarrett and Lorne. They have all found a place within me, but for now Jake is mine. He is a dominant man who knows how to treat his woman, can hold a tune and cut a rug... panty fucking melting! I recommend you give this a try, it’s dark in theme, and may have some triggers, but in all honestly, it’s not that dark and once you get past the darkness you’ll head straight into the light.
Copy kindly provided by the author, via *Sixty First Reads*, for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book and may differ upon publication.
We’re knotted together, and damn if he doesn’t know how to tie a knot that withstands the test of time.
Conor
She’s my past, my present, and my future. I’m everything when I’m with her and nothing without her.
Jake
He’s a mountain of a man, all shoulders and chest and powerful legs. And those jeans fit so low and provocatively around his hips I can see his religion.
Jake and Conor had a life planned, they knew down to the depths of their souls there would never be another one for them, for as long as they lived and they valued and cherished each and every stolen moment. The night that was supposed to be their night, forever cherished and remembered, ended up in blood and ruin…. Leaving them forever changed.
Years of heartbreak, threats and barreling down the trails of sin leads them back to the truth of them. A blood oath, and a second chance to right the wrongs of the past. Jake takes Conor on a journey to reclaim what was supposed to be theirs the only way he knows how.
She’s alive because I broke her heart, and she’s going to stay alive while I put it back together.
Knotted was a book I waited for with a baited breath… I mean dark-kinky-cowboy, Yes please! But color me surprised that it more so called to the the romantic in me and just made me loose myself in their love. I freaking loved it. The beginning of the story just sealed me in, made me fall in love, and completely gutted me all with in the two chapters. I felt for each stolen minute, each wrong doing, each unimaginable act against them and the pain they self inflicted on themselves and each other.
They are two souls being stitched back together in an intricate, delicate pattern, one forged of a fire that will never burn out. Conor, is a strong courageous woman, even at sixteen she had some heavy demons to overcome, and they never stopped coming for her. She kept battling and surviving, but never healing or dealing. Could I blame her, not really, would anyone want to open up the past as painful as hers??? Jake is everything a man should be Possessive. Protective. Unbending., he loves her with everything he is, no matter the cost, no matter the pain.
There is one end goal in sight, and it takes strength, patience, unyielding power and submission, trust and control and most of all, love. Sexy and passionate, their chemistry flows off the pages and wraps you up in their story. Their second chance at life and love was truly unique and the process one that was beautiful.
I fell hard for this cowboy, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Jarrett and Lorne. They have all found a place within me, but for now Jake is mine. He is a dominant man who knows how to treat his woman, can hold a tune and cut a rug... panty fucking melting! I recommend you give this a try, it’s dark in theme, and may have some triggers, but in all honestly, it’s not that dark and once you get past the darkness you’ll head straight into the light.
Copy kindly provided by the author, via *Sixty First Reads*, for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book and may differ upon publication.
May 1, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
‘KNOTTED:’ Is the first, full length, dark book in Pam Goodwin’s ‘Trails of Sin’ series. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives'
In this we meet Jack and Coner Cassidy, two childhood sweethearts who grew up together, Conor knew at a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian and Jack wanted life on the cattle ranch to go on as he knew it.
You’re lulled into a false sense of security, caught up in the love these two childhood sweethearts shared for each other, the feels as they sneak away for their first time, when out of nowhere you're thrown into a world of darkness that even I wasn’t expecting.
What should’ve been a night that these two young teens remember on Conors sixteenth will forever be shrouded in tragedy. Coner's virginity was brutally stolen from her whilst the love of her life Jake had to sit there and watch it all unfold. No one came out of there unmarred. A blood oath, and a pact that revenge will be served glue these friendships even stronger together.
Thinking that Conor would be enfolded within these two families as she strived to heal didn't happen, instead she's ripped away from all she knew, all she loved, thrown into darkness yet again with no contact with those left behind.
No matter what, we stay together. Miles, months, cities, years...We're bigger than anything that tries to come between us.
Coner like a phoenix rising will worm her way into your heart, a damaged girl seeking vengeance, seeking love, seeking to put the past behind her. So many twists and turns, lies, murder and deceit will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you put the pieces of the puzzle together.
I went into this blind, not looking at reviews, glanced at the synopsis, eyed up the cover knew what this author could deliver when she states it’s going to be dark you know that’s what she will deliver and I signed up, and I am so glad I did. This exceeded ALL my expectations, it’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s emotional, it’s downright addictive.
The beginning of the book I loved, it's not until she reconnects with her first love Jack and his unorthodox psychotherapy of trying to get her to deal with what happened to her, where I found myself struggling with this, it became difficult to read, to understand, to comprehend, it just didn't make sense to me, take that out and this would've become an easy 5 star read for me. (But that is just my opinion).
Each book within the series will focus on each male character which are introduced in this book, the characters are: Twin brothers (Jake and Jarret) and brother and sister (Lorne and Conor).
Trails of Sin series continues with:
Buckled Book#2 Jarret's story
Booted Book#3 Lorne's story
* Teasers used in my review are off the Authors facebook page *
April 1, 2022
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Main character
🆗 Pace
❌ Romance
❌❌❌ Love interest
DNF at 75%
*I apologize in advance; this is more a rant against Jake than a review about the book… I went in expecting a good grovel/redemption story and ended up with an overdone sub/dom story with a conceited jerk as the main love interest. *
Connor and Jake grew up together and have been in love for a while now. Then, after a horrific night where Connor gets raped and people get killed, she is forced to leave the ranch and start fresh in Washington with her father.
This book started off great. It is dark and full of angst, and I was really curious to see how Jake would redeem himself after voluntarily ignoring Connor for 2 years, then letting her catch him in bed with another girl on purpose. We soon learn that he pushed her away to protect her because "people" wanted her and her brother dead, but the execution was not to my liking at all. Jake (the “love interest”) was the biggest disappointment in this book. I decided not to finish this book because I hated him and couldn’t take any more of his bullshit.
I love angst and drama, but I wish that Connor would make Jake pay a little bit? He told her that he did everything he did to protect her, but does not give her many details, and she says that she still hates him, but it does not look like it. I had trouble connecting with Connor after she gets reunited with Jake because I would hate the guy so much!
Also, I don't understand why she lets him treat her that way. He made some research on Internet and appointed himself as her therapist, forcing her to relive her trauma and triggering her on purpose in exchange for freaking answers as to why he pushed her away and who wants her dead. HE FORCES HER INTO SHITTY HOMEMADE "THERAPY" SESSIONS IN EXCHANGE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT WHO WANTS HER DEAD. You read that right. Yet, somehow, while she says that she resents him, she does comply to his demands.
✔️ Letting him sleep in her bed in exchange for information
✔️ Letting him hold her by the wrist even if it elicits a strong negative reaction (but she does not really have a choice because he gets all mad and screams at her if she refuses to listen).
✔️ Letting him tie her down and not untying her until she writes down her feelings in a journal (because she needs to do things his way now whether she likes it or not).
How about no? How about Jake stop being so arrogant and a jerk and lets a real therapist deal with it? How about she does not let him do this to her simply because she somehow still loves him? The guy has some serious sex appeal or a magical dick. You know since he seems confident that he can cure her emotional trauma and magically turn her lust into a love that will magically solve all of her problems and traumas. More importantly, the magical dick gives him permission to disregard Connor's trauma and deal with her in his stupid and conceited way. I HATE HIM. I was so disappointed and disgusted by him, he’s basically promoting the fact that BDSM and google searching on emotional shock therapy is enough to cure PTSD and sexual trauma.
The main character also got on my nerves because she accepted everything too easily considering everything that he did to her because even though it was to "protect her" and "help her", he hurt her and made her feel worthless.
I mean… WTF is that?! 😖😖
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🆗 Main character
🆗 Pace
❌ Romance
❌❌❌ Love interest
DNF at 75%
*I apologize in advance; this is more a rant against Jake than a review about the book… I went in expecting a good grovel/redemption story and ended up with an overdone sub/dom story with a conceited jerk as the main love interest. *
Connor and Jake grew up together and have been in love for a while now. Then, after a horrific night where Connor gets raped and people get killed, she is forced to leave the ranch and start fresh in Washington with her father.
This book started off great. It is dark and full of angst, and I was really curious to see how Jake would redeem himself after voluntarily ignoring Connor for 2 years, then letting her catch him in bed with another girl on purpose. We soon learn that he pushed her away to protect her because "people" wanted her and her brother dead, but the execution was not to my liking at all. Jake (the “love interest”) was the biggest disappointment in this book. I decided not to finish this book because I hated him and couldn’t take any more of his bullshit.
I love angst and drama, but I wish that Connor would make Jake pay a little bit? He told her that he did everything he did to protect her, but does not give her many details, and she says that she still hates him, but it does not look like it. I had trouble connecting with Connor after she gets reunited with Jake because I would hate the guy so much!
Also, I don't understand why she lets him treat her that way. He made some research on Internet and appointed himself as her therapist, forcing her to relive her trauma and triggering her on purpose in exchange for freaking answers as to why he pushed her away and who wants her dead. HE FORCES HER INTO SHITTY HOMEMADE "THERAPY" SESSIONS IN EXCHANGE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT WHO WANTS HER DEAD. You read that right. Yet, somehow, while she says that she resents him, she does comply to his demands.
✔️ Letting him sleep in her bed in exchange for information
✔️ Letting him hold her by the wrist even if it elicits a strong negative reaction (but she does not really have a choice because he gets all mad and screams at her if she refuses to listen).
✔️ Letting him tie her down and not untying her until she writes down her feelings in a journal (because she needs to do things his way now whether she likes it or not).
How about no? How about Jake stop being so arrogant and a jerk and lets a real therapist deal with it? How about she does not let him do this to her simply because she somehow still loves him? The guy has some serious sex appeal or a magical dick. You know since he seems confident that he can cure her emotional trauma and magically turn her lust into a love that will magically solve all of her problems and traumas. More importantly, the magical dick gives him permission to disregard Connor's trauma and deal with her in his stupid and conceited way. I HATE HIM. I was so disappointed and disgusted by him, he’s basically promoting the fact that BDSM and google searching on emotional shock therapy is enough to cure PTSD and sexual trauma.
The main character also got on my nerves because she accepted everything too easily considering everything that he did to her because even though it was to "protect her" and "help her", he hurt her and made her feel worthless.
“I can’t talk about…” She grips the edge of the sink, trembling and wheezing. “Not the ravine. I can’t do this.”
“You can, and you won’t be alone.”
Her nails scratch against the counter, her breaths loud and fitful. “I can’t have sex from behind.”
“Every position, Conor.”
A shuddering sob escapes her lips. “I think… Maybe…” She gulps for air. “There’s medicine I can take for the anxiety. That would be better.”
“Medication is addictive and unnecessary. Lift your arms.”
She crosses them, hugging her waist.
I step back just enough to let my hand fly. The hard smack on her ass sends her up on her toes. Her hands drop to the counter, and she releases a half-cry, half-moan.
“Arms up.” I spank her again. “I’d love to spend all night reddening your ass.”
A deep, reluctant groan sounds in the back of her throat, pulsing a surge of blood to my cock. She loves when I spank her, so much so she’ll risk a panic attack just to feel the bite of my palm.
I mean… WTF is that?! 😖😖
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Shelved as 'not-for-me'
October 4, 2023If I could erase the spoilers I read for this then I would 🥴
SPOILERS COMING…
The h gets graped, severely, and the H’s answer is to “sleep” with the h’s nemesis (it’s fake), have the h walk in, so that the h is heartbroken enough and leaves because her life is in danger 🥴. While she’s gone, he sleeps around with EVERY AVAILABLE WOMAN.
I’m sorry…
WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. F???? Why would breaking her even more be the answer 😐.
She also gets beat up by her father. As if she needs any more pain 😐
Meanwhile, he’s sticking his d in all of the Ps he can…
Like. How is this romantic?????!!! I’m so angry!!!
And, of course, he’s ALWAYS loved her 🙄 and knew she was his “soul mate” and he would be getting her back 😐.
Pssssshhh. Soulmate? Sure 🙄
It’s a small town. When she comes back, she has to endure hearing women talking about how good THE LOVE OF HER LIFE is 🥴
Like 🤢. Honestly… I’m gagging with how sick this makes me 🥴
And then… he uses BDSM to help “treat” her trauma. 😐 and she appreciates it because she’s loved him so much. Sigh.
Boy- how about you treat it (her trauma) with love and respect for her body and emotions by NOT BEING A HOOOOAR!?!?!?!
This poor woman can’t even go to the local diner without encountering someone that her “true love” has been with.
I. Feel. Sick🥴
And, the cherry on top, is she comments on how “all of his practice paid off” when they start becoming intimate.
NOT. FOR. ME.
SPOILERS COMING…
The h gets graped, severely, and the H’s answer is to “sleep” with the h’s nemesis (it’s fake), have the h walk in, so that the h is heartbroken enough and leaves because her life is in danger 🥴. While she’s gone, he sleeps around with EVERY AVAILABLE WOMAN.
I’m sorry…
WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. F???? Why would breaking her even more be the answer 😐.
She also gets beat up by her father. As if she needs any more pain 😐
Meanwhile, he’s sticking his d in all of the Ps he can…
Like. How is this romantic?????!!! I’m so angry!!!
And, of course, he’s ALWAYS loved her 🙄 and knew she was his “soul mate” and he would be getting her back 😐.
Pssssshhh. Soulmate? Sure 🙄
It’s a small town. When she comes back, she has to endure hearing women talking about how good THE LOVE OF HER LIFE is 🥴
Like 🤢. Honestly… I’m gagging with how sick this makes me 🥴
And then… he uses BDSM to help “treat” her trauma. 😐 and she appreciates it because she’s loved him so much. Sigh.
Boy- how about you treat it (her trauma) with love and respect for her body and emotions by NOT BEING A HOOOOAR!?!?!?!
This poor woman can’t even go to the local diner without encountering someone that her “true love” has been with.
I. Feel. Sick🥴
And, the cherry on top, is she comments on how “all of his practice paid off” when they start becoming intimate.
NOT. FOR. ME.
May 1, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I've been eager to read a book by Pam Godwin for a long time, have had Dirty Ties on my Kindle for a while. Finally, finally I had the chance to find out what the rave is all about. I do have a couple of her books on my kindle but you know...#bloggerproblems. When I saw the blurb for Knotted I WAS SO IN. It promises angsty, heartbreak and a wicked cowboy. Yes. Yes. AAAAND YES, PLEASE!
Despite knowing what the blurb was alluding to I was kept in a false sense of security at the beginning. Knotted started out really sweet with two teenagers in love, getting down to business for the very first time. What then ensued was nothing short of devastating and heartbreaking. I was broken along with Conor.
After you have something happening to you that works your very soul over with a cheese grinder you think it can't get much worse. What Conor had to endure even after her ordeal was horrific and would break a weaker minded human being. And here's what I loved most about her - she fought. ALL. THE. TIME. She fought for her soul and didn't bargain. Her trust had to be earned, deserved and once you'd lost it it was hard to get it back. She was a resilient woman who showed strength in exposing her weaknesses to the people who broke her trust. She'd been robbed of everything so there was no point of hiding them anyway.
Jake's hand in Conor's heartbreak was hard to witness. The choices he made for everyone close to him were high-handed, and sometimes selfish. He was a little bully, seemingly unrepentant of his actions...until later in the book his own facade cracked. He showered Conor with TLC and tough love. His deep feelings for Conor, nourished from childhood on, were everything. I loved his determination to see the girl he loved return to herself.
Admittedly I had a couple of issues and they mostly had to do with Jake. It is way, WAY unrealistic for a 17 year old virgin to know that they are into BDSM, at least not the way Jake was into it. He sounded more like a 30 year old man than a teenager so that wasn't quite working for me. The second thing I found utterly unrealistic was Jake's treatment of Conor's PTSD. Researching PTSD therapy on the internet doesn't give you the knowledge and authority you need to help somebody deal with their past trauma. And it definitely doesn't work in days or weeks. It takes months and years.
The BDSM is on the lighter side so I suppose most people who like their sexy times in books a little spicier will be happy with this one.
With all that being said I enjoyed this story immensely. What you get here is definitely on the darker spectrum of romance. Knotted is sexy and steamy, gripping and riveting. It's about an epic love that will make you weep when things are getting hard. Pam Godwin is an extraordinarily talented author whose writing voice has a touch of poetry - I'm crushing so hard on her. I can't wait to discover all of her different timbres.
All teasers courtesy of the author
May 1, 2018
5 He's My Heaven Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
-There's something in that look of his I'll never find in another person. It's the bridge between us, the bond that cements us together.
This is a story about four childhood friends who grew up together on a ranch in Oklahoma, and were inseparable. It's a brother and sister, Lorne & Conor, and twin brothers Jake & Jerret. The Julep Ranch was the center of their lives where their families shared a home and spent all their time working & playing together. They had an unbreakable friendship with unwavering trust. Things were pretty carefree until one devastating night changes everything.
Conor Cassidy can't remember a time she didn't love Jake Holsten with her whole heart. He was her entire world. They shared an extraordinary closeness, and a special bond that could never be broken, but when the unthinkable happens one tragic evening their lives are forever altered as Conor moves away. Her life is ripped apart and she feels alone & unwanted. She feels abandoned by the three people that matter most to her.
While Conor is away she hopes Jake will wait for her. She goes through hell over the years but refuses to break. By the time she finally returns home she's there to honor a teenage oath they all made for vengeance. She's angry & doesn't have time for distractions from her past. She isn't the same girl full of hopes and dreams.
Jake knows he broke Conor's heart, but he vows to put it back together again. He's had his reasons for every decision he's made concerning Conor, but she's always been his home, and he's determined to have a future with her. He's persistent & refuses to give up on her. He believes their love is indestructible.
-Jake Holsten is the real deal, and my body recognizes every strapping inch of him.
-He knows he affects me, every achy part of me, and fuck if that doesn’t put a sly smile on his face.
-“We’re bigger than anything that tries to come between us.”
-We’re an existence that can’t be measured. It doesn’t matter where she is or what I’ve done. We’ll always come back to this place. A place that can’t be found on a map or a time line. Nothing in the world can touch us here.
-He doesn’t just stitch my heart back together. He welds it to his own.
I loved this story so much! It's the first book in the Trails of Sin series, & introduces us to a world of corruption, secrets and lies between two families. It deals with some serious subject matter, and parts of it are brutal, and heartbreaking. Then there's the beautiful, unforgettable love story between soulmates Jake & Conor. I adored this couple and their unstoppable, intense love & devotion for one another. And we must also mention these dark, dominant, sexy as hell cowboys, and there are even twins. Hotness X 2. I can't wait for Jarret's book up next! :))
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2EW7L2y
(ARC provided by author)
-There's something in that look of his I'll never find in another person. It's the bridge between us, the bond that cements us together.
This is a story about four childhood friends who grew up together on a ranch in Oklahoma, and were inseparable. It's a brother and sister, Lorne & Conor, and twin brothers Jake & Jerret. The Julep Ranch was the center of their lives where their families shared a home and spent all their time working & playing together. They had an unbreakable friendship with unwavering trust. Things were pretty carefree until one devastating night changes everything.
Conor Cassidy can't remember a time she didn't love Jake Holsten with her whole heart. He was her entire world. They shared an extraordinary closeness, and a special bond that could never be broken, but when the unthinkable happens one tragic evening their lives are forever altered as Conor moves away. Her life is ripped apart and she feels alone & unwanted. She feels abandoned by the three people that matter most to her.
While Conor is away she hopes Jake will wait for her. She goes through hell over the years but refuses to break. By the time she finally returns home she's there to honor a teenage oath they all made for vengeance. She's angry & doesn't have time for distractions from her past. She isn't the same girl full of hopes and dreams.
Jake knows he broke Conor's heart, but he vows to put it back together again. He's had his reasons for every decision he's made concerning Conor, but she's always been his home, and he's determined to have a future with her. He's persistent & refuses to give up on her. He believes their love is indestructible.
-Jake Holsten is the real deal, and my body recognizes every strapping inch of him.
-He knows he affects me, every achy part of me, and fuck if that doesn’t put a sly smile on his face.
-“We’re bigger than anything that tries to come between us.”
-We’re an existence that can’t be measured. It doesn’t matter where she is or what I’ve done. We’ll always come back to this place. A place that can’t be found on a map or a time line. Nothing in the world can touch us here.
-He doesn’t just stitch my heart back together. He welds it to his own.
I loved this story so much! It's the first book in the Trails of Sin series, & introduces us to a world of corruption, secrets and lies between two families. It deals with some serious subject matter, and parts of it are brutal, and heartbreaking. Then there's the beautiful, unforgettable love story between soulmates Jake & Conor. I adored this couple and their unstoppable, intense love & devotion for one another. And we must also mention these dark, dominant, sexy as hell cowboys, and there are even twins. Hotness X 2. I can't wait for Jarret's book up next! :))
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2EW7L2y
April 29, 2018
3.5 STARS
No matter what she writes, Pam Godwin never fails to bring her signature grit to the stories that make them simply unputdownable. When I saw she'll be coming out with a brand new series revolving around kinky cowboys, I'm not even sure I took a moment to blink before adding these bad boys to my TBR. And while I should be used to her knack for knocking me on my ass with her brand of emotional grit, I still wasn't quite prepared for what this story will bring.
Jake and Conor were childhood sweethearts. The best of friends with an undeniable connection that leads to an unforgettable love. Their fathers frown on their relationship, with Conor's father forbidding it, but nothing could keep them apart. Along with Conor's older brother, and Jake's brother, they're as thick as thieves. Until what should have been a nigh of stolen kisses and lost innocence turns into a thing of nightmares that irrevocably changes the course of all of their lives.
Forced to watch the love of his life brutally get her innocence stolen while he can do nothing about it breaks something inside Jake. When her father takes her away to Chicago, he knows the best thing he can do is let her go, even if she leaves with his heart and doesn't know it. Their bond may be broken, their connection now ravaged, but the pact they form after the violence of their evening will never be forgotten.
Years later, Conor returns to the small to honor their pact, but nothing is the same. Jake isn't the boy she remembers, and their teenage connection is in tethers from the choices he made over the years. But Jake is determined to right his wrongs, and he's even more determined to protect Conor from a danger that she never even knew existed. He's going to break through all her walls, even the one she's built to protect around her heart.
Knotted was a slow burn second chance romance with plenty of hidden danger and suspense to keep the reader glued to the pages. It would have easily been a 5 star for me if not for the way Conor's therapy was handled. I struggled to wrap my mind around the fact that someone that gets brutally raped is able to heal at the hands of her lover that did nothing more than research her condition, as quickly as she did. Yes, Conor has her triggers, and yes it takes her a while to move past them with Jake. But I still found it difficult to suspend my disbelief enough to buy into her being able to move past them through Jake's form of sexual and mental therapy. I could see it in the long run, maybe, but not as quickly as it happened here.
That aside, I absolutely devoured this story. I was desperate to turn the pages to learn more and more about the mysterious danger, and the Dallas sized drama with Conor and Jake's families. There's a delicious hook for Jake's brother's story here, but I'm downright salivating for Conor's brother to get his book. I have a feeling his book will pack one heck of a punch.
Jake and Conor were sizzling together. And while I wanted to hate Jake for how he chose to drive Conor away, I also couldn't help but understand his reasons behind it. I loved Conor's strength even after everything she's faced and forced to endure in her young life.
Knotted was a gritty and suspenseful read full of sizzle and mystery. It wasn't Pam's typical dark, but it was certainly no walk in the park either. I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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With a hand in my hair and the other on my hip, he bends me into his heat and sets fire to my world.
No matter what she writes, Pam Godwin never fails to bring her signature grit to the stories that make them simply unputdownable. When I saw she'll be coming out with a brand new series revolving around kinky cowboys, I'm not even sure I took a moment to blink before adding these bad boys to my TBR. And while I should be used to her knack for knocking me on my ass with her brand of emotional grit, I still wasn't quite prepared for what this story will bring.
Jake and Conor were childhood sweethearts. The best of friends with an undeniable connection that leads to an unforgettable love. Their fathers frown on their relationship, with Conor's father forbidding it, but nothing could keep them apart. Along with Conor's older brother, and Jake's brother, they're as thick as thieves. Until what should have been a nigh of stolen kisses and lost innocence turns into a thing of nightmares that irrevocably changes the course of all of their lives.
Forced to watch the love of his life brutally get her innocence stolen while he can do nothing about it breaks something inside Jake. When her father takes her away to Chicago, he knows the best thing he can do is let her go, even if she leaves with his heart and doesn't know it. Their bond may be broken, their connection now ravaged, but the pact they form after the violence of their evening will never be forgotten.
Years later, Conor returns to the small to honor their pact, but nothing is the same. Jake isn't the boy she remembers, and their teenage connection is in tethers from the choices he made over the years. But Jake is determined to right his wrongs, and he's even more determined to protect Conor from a danger that she never even knew existed. He's going to break through all her walls, even the one she's built to protect around her heart.
Knotted was a slow burn second chance romance with plenty of hidden danger and suspense to keep the reader glued to the pages. It would have easily been a 5 star for me if not for the way Conor's therapy was handled. I struggled to wrap my mind around the fact that someone that gets brutally raped is able to heal at the hands of her lover that did nothing more than research her condition, as quickly as she did. Yes, Conor has her triggers, and yes it takes her a while to move past them with Jake. But I still found it difficult to suspend my disbelief enough to buy into her being able to move past them through Jake's form of sexual and mental therapy. I could see it in the long run, maybe, but not as quickly as it happened here.
That aside, I absolutely devoured this story. I was desperate to turn the pages to learn more and more about the mysterious danger, and the Dallas sized drama with Conor and Jake's families. There's a delicious hook for Jake's brother's story here, but I'm downright salivating for Conor's brother to get his book. I have a feeling his book will pack one heck of a punch.
Jake and Conor were sizzling together. And while I wanted to hate Jake for how he chose to drive Conor away, I also couldn't help but understand his reasons behind it. I loved Conor's strength even after everything she's faced and forced to endure in her young life.
Knotted was a gritty and suspenseful read full of sizzle and mystery. It wasn't Pam's typical dark, but it was certainly no walk in the park either. I can't wait for more in this series!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 21, 2018
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone book 1 of 3 from Trails of Sin series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Jake Holsten and Conor Cassidy were inseparable since they were young. They knew they were made for each other. However, what supposed to be a momentous occasion turned out to be a complete nightmare that pulled them apart until years later when they were forced to face each other to wrangle their demons.
I haven't read a cowboy hero for a long time so I was excited to dive into this one. On the surface Jake exuded sexiness but I had problem with him right from the beginning with how he handled things. I was also hoping his dominance was more prominent in a different way.
I sympathized with Connor with how she kept being let down by people around her. Most of her reactions were understandable and made her relatable, even though she was too agreeable.
The basis of the story was interesting. I like the elements of darkness in this one especially at the beginning of the book. And I love that the author didn't hold back yet restrained enough not to go too far. However, there were certain things that I felt could be better especially with the characters' actions that (even in fiction) I felt undermining a serious real life issue. I was also hoping to feel more for both characters.
Knotted is a story of healing and righting the wrong. It would appeal to fans of dark second chance romance.
Note:
If you plan to read the book, (unless you have triggers) I suggest avoid reading the blurb because it's spoilery and would lessen the impact of the story.
Books in the series:
🐴 👋 🐴 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Liz . . . 🐴 👋 🐴
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone book 1 of 3 from Trails of Sin series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Jake Holsten and Conor Cassidy were inseparable since they were young. They knew they were made for each other. However, what supposed to be a momentous occasion turned out to be a complete nightmare that pulled them apart until years later when they were forced to face each other to wrangle their demons.
The salt of his skin, the mint on his breath, the dark, predatory bite of his essence. I taste it on my tongue and feel it in my blood. I tremble through and through, drugged by his rugged beauty.
I haven't read a cowboy hero for a long time so I was excited to dive into this one. On the surface Jake exuded sexiness but I had problem with him right from the beginning with how he handled things. I was also hoping his dominance was more prominent in a different way.
"You’re stronger, fiercer, and so goddamn ornery it makes me hard. Really fucking hard.”
I sympathized with Connor with how she kept being let down by people around her. Most of her reactions were understandable and made her relatable, even though she was too agreeable.
He’s not safe. Not where my heart’s concerned. Of all the men who have hurt me, his cruelty was the most damaging.
The basis of the story was interesting. I like the elements of darkness in this one especially at the beginning of the book. And I love that the author didn't hold back yet restrained enough not to go too far. However, there were certain things that I felt could be better especially with the characters' actions that (even in fiction) I felt undermining a serious real life issue. I was also hoping to feel more for both characters.
Knotted is a story of healing and righting the wrong. It would appeal to fans of dark second chance romance.
Note:
If you plan to read the book, (unless you have triggers) I suggest avoid reading the blurb because it's spoilery and would lessen the impact of the story.
Books in the series:
🐴 👋 🐴 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Liz . . . 🐴 👋 🐴
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 1, 2018
After only having read a couple of chapters of Knotted my heart was ripped open. It was brutal, it was beyond intense and excruciating. That was all it took for me to be captured by Pam Godwin’s new book and her characters Conor, Jake, Jarrett and Lorne.
Knotted is all about loyalty and sacrifice. Love and losses. Forgiveness and acceptance. This group of people are family and best friends. They’ll do everything together and trust each other explicitly until a horrific trauma changes them all irrevocably.
Conor and Jake are childhood sweethearts and their love is pure and beautiful. When everything is taken away from them, Jarrett and Lorne they’ll do what’s necessary to protect each other no matter the costs. It’s dark and gritty. What’s not is Jake and his love for Conor. She’s repressing her past and her emotions but Jake is determined to bring Conor out of this numbness. His methods are tough but he does it because of love and guilt. I really enjoyed their journey back towards one another. It’s emotional and difficult but it had to be with what Conor had experienced.
I enjoyed Jake and Jarrett’s brotherly love and bond as much as Conor and her brother Lorne. Their fight for justice was entertaining and offered plenty of laughs and swoons. I’m invested in every character and I can’t wait to read Jarrett and Lorne’s books. The Trail Of Sin series is simply fabulous.
4 BadAssDirtyPactStars
I received an ARC
Knotted is all about loyalty and sacrifice. Love and losses. Forgiveness and acceptance. This group of people are family and best friends. They’ll do everything together and trust each other explicitly until a horrific trauma changes them all irrevocably.
Conor and Jake are childhood sweethearts and their love is pure and beautiful. When everything is taken away from them, Jarrett and Lorne they’ll do what’s necessary to protect each other no matter the costs. It’s dark and gritty. What’s not is Jake and his love for Conor. She’s repressing her past and her emotions but Jake is determined to bring Conor out of this numbness. His methods are tough but he does it because of love and guilt. I really enjoyed their journey back towards one another. It’s emotional and difficult but it had to be with what Conor had experienced.
I enjoyed Jake and Jarrett’s brotherly love and bond as much as Conor and her brother Lorne. Their fight for justice was entertaining and offered plenty of laughs and swoons. I’m invested in every character and I can’t wait to read Jarrett and Lorne’s books. The Trail Of Sin series is simply fabulous.
4 BadAssDirtyPactStars
I received an ARC
July 25, 2019
2.5 stars
This book starts almost immediately with a pretty horrifying event which is shortly followed by even more emotionally rending scenes. I wasn't sure how the author would turn this around into a romance book, but I had high hopes because one of my favorite books did succeed in turning something equally awful into something realistically wonderful (Kane's Hell, highly recommended). However, it turns out my concerns about this book were warranted because I was 'treated' to a story that involved Magical Dick Syndrome (MDS). What is MDS? Well, MDS is most easily identifiable by it's ability to cure all kinds of emotional trauma in the heroine, it can turn her lust into love with little to no effort, and most importantly can overcome past hurts inflicted on to the heroine by the carrier of MDS. My interest in reading the next book in this 'series' is zero - the woman of the next book is named 'Maybe'. That's her name. No, just no. That might be even worse than MDS.
This book starts almost immediately with a pretty horrifying event which is shortly followed by even more emotionally rending scenes. I wasn't sure how the author would turn this around into a romance book, but I had high hopes because one of my favorite books did succeed in turning something equally awful into something realistically wonderful (Kane's Hell, highly recommended). However, it turns out my concerns about this book were warranted because I was 'treated' to a story that involved Magical Dick Syndrome (MDS). What is MDS? Well, MDS is most easily identifiable by it's ability to cure all kinds of emotional trauma in the heroine, it can turn her lust into love with little to no effort, and most importantly can overcome past hurts inflicted on to the heroine by the carrier of MDS. My interest in reading the next book in this 'series' is zero - the woman of the next book is named 'Maybe'. That's her name. No, just no. That might be even worse than MDS.
January 3, 2022
This was dark with a twist of an H who thinks his online research makes him a certified therapist. *insert roll eye*
WTF man, if someone talks to me or treats me like that ever, I’m pushing him down the stairs and staging an “accident”.
Buuut… I’m all up for reading stories about trauma and how different all the characters face it and deal with it and although this may have been a bit… unbelievable, I liked the main characters relationship, how far it went back in time and how special it was.
So all in all, I had a good time reading it!
WTF man, if someone talks to me or treats me like that ever, I’m pushing him down the stairs and staging an “accident”.
Buuut… I’m all up for reading stories about trauma and how different all the characters face it and deal with it and although this may have been a bit… unbelievable, I liked the main characters relationship, how far it went back in time and how special it was.
So all in all, I had a good time reading it!
April 30, 2018
3,5 stars
It was intense and fast paced!I went to this one blind without reading the synopsis!I didn't wrote a review immediately it took me actually many days to think about it!
I wasn't sure how I was feeling about it!The story line was different and captivating and I have to say that I enjoyed the second book more than the first! Jake wasn't a favorite hero from the beginning I don't know why but I couldn't like him as I wanted!I have to say that slowly I liked him more!
This is a dark read and intense and I'm sure the next book will be even better!
It was intense and fast paced!I went to this one blind without reading the synopsis!I didn't wrote a review immediately it took me actually many days to think about it!
I wasn't sure how I was feeling about it!The story line was different and captivating and I have to say that I enjoyed the second book more than the first! Jake wasn't a favorite hero from the beginning I don't know why but I couldn't like him as I wanted!I have to say that slowly I liked him more!
This is a dark read and intense and I'm sure the next book will be even better!
October 31, 2023
You have got to be fucking kidding me
June 5, 2020
Only Pam Godwin could make me read a novel about cowboys.
Now, I love me a manwhore. Mix in some cheating? Fucking catnip. But it’s gotta come with a good fucking grovel/redemption.
But this here...
The H as a manwhore irritates the fuck out of me.
His girl is raped at 16 in front of him the night they planned on giving each other their virginity, he LOVES her, saves himself to fuck her anonymously at 20, then proceeds to fuck all the catty bitches she hated in their high school KNOWING he intends to eventually bring her back when it’s safe and live in this tiny town of 416 people. AND THEY NEVER ADRESS IT.
I can’t believe he ever loved her or put her above others. If he’d fucked a bunch of unknown chicks in Stillwater I would have been less angry with his character. The guy who goes to this much trouble for his “woman” wouldn’t have fucked her enemy, the town bike. He would’ve either kept it in his pants (can’t believe I’m saying that) or fucked women she would never meet. Because he didn’t, I can’t believe anything else he tells me because he’s already proved himself a liar.
I’m also greatly unimpressed with the h. She literally rolls the fuck over when she learns this, cries on his chest. And somehow the next morning the H feels ILY should be enough to erase his betrayals...AND IT DOES CUZ SHE NEARLY FUCKS HIM!!!
Here’s what she says!!
“God, Jake.” I pant against his sinful lips. “You’ve always been such a good kisser. But now…” I let him catch and lick my tongue, moaning into his mouth. “All your practicing over the years has paid off.”
I AM SO ANGRY!!
And I NEVER go on about this trope, it truly is my catnip, but here, this was such a stumbling block for me it tainted the entire book. Once the added issues of the H’s plan on “curing” the h of her trauma came to light, I wanted to start killing fictional characters. I was just utterly disappointed and deeply disgusted by it. This book basically promotes the idea that BDSM and uneducated google searching on emotional shock therapy cures sexual trauma induced PTSD.
When he told her anxiety medication was “addictive and unnecessary” and his use of bondage was awesome sauce I realized this author has zero understanding of rape or sexual trauma.
As a survivor of abduction and prolonged sexual violence, I’m appalled by all the messages this book spouts about rape recovery.
I expected more from this author.
The next biggest issue I have is that ALL the action takes place off page. The book builds this great plot and then everything is just told through convos. BIG waste of time. I’m reading the next just yo see if my plot questions are answered. But if it’s as big as a hot mess, I’ll just DNF
3 stars for the brilliant first half of this book. But the last half makes it difficult to leave any stars.
EXCERPT:
(when he tells her they’re going to scene of rape where she’s going to describe what happened and he’s basically going to have sex with her in all they ways she was raped)...
“I can’t talk about…” She grips the edge of the sink, trembling and wheezing. “Not the ravine. I can’t do this.”
“You can, and you won’t be alone.”
Her nails scratch against the counter, her breaths loud and fitful. “I can’t have sex from behind.”
“Every position, Conor.”
A shuddering sob escapes her lips. “I think… Maybe…” She gulps for air. “There’s medicine I can take for the anxiety. That would be better.”
“Medication is addictive and unnecessary. Lift your arms.”
She crosses them, hugging her waist.
I step back just enough to let my hand fly. The hard smack on her ass sends her up on her toes. Her hands drop to the counter, and she releases a half-cry, half-moan.
“Arms up.” I spank her again. “I’d love to spend all night reddening your ass.”
A deep, reluctant groan sounds in the back of her throat, pulsing a surge of blood to my cock. She loves when I spank her, so much so she’ll risk a panic attack just to feel the bite of my palm.
Now, I love me a manwhore. Mix in some cheating? Fucking catnip. But it’s gotta come with a good fucking grovel/redemption.
But this here...
The H as a manwhore irritates the fuck out of me.
His girl is raped at 16 in front of him the night they planned on giving each other their virginity, he LOVES her, saves himself to fuck her anonymously at 20, then proceeds to fuck all the catty bitches she hated in their high school KNOWING he intends to eventually bring her back when it’s safe and live in this tiny town of 416 people. AND THEY NEVER ADRESS IT.
I can’t believe he ever loved her or put her above others. If he’d fucked a bunch of unknown chicks in Stillwater I would have been less angry with his character. The guy who goes to this much trouble for his “woman” wouldn’t have fucked her enemy, the town bike. He would’ve either kept it in his pants (can’t believe I’m saying that) or fucked women she would never meet. Because he didn’t, I can’t believe anything else he tells me because he’s already proved himself a liar.
I’m also greatly unimpressed with the h. She literally rolls the fuck over when she learns this, cries on his chest. And somehow the next morning the H feels ILY should be enough to erase his betrayals...AND IT DOES CUZ SHE NEARLY FUCKS HIM!!!
Here’s what she says!!
“God, Jake.” I pant against his sinful lips. “You’ve always been such a good kisser. But now…” I let him catch and lick my tongue, moaning into his mouth. “All your practicing over the years has paid off.”
I AM SO ANGRY!!
And I NEVER go on about this trope, it truly is my catnip, but here, this was such a stumbling block for me it tainted the entire book. Once the added issues of the H’s plan on “curing” the h of her trauma came to light, I wanted to start killing fictional characters. I was just utterly disappointed and deeply disgusted by it. This book basically promotes the idea that BDSM and uneducated google searching on emotional shock therapy cures sexual trauma induced PTSD.
When he told her anxiety medication was “addictive and unnecessary” and his use of bondage was awesome sauce I realized this author has zero understanding of rape or sexual trauma.
As a survivor of abduction and prolonged sexual violence, I’m appalled by all the messages this book spouts about rape recovery.
I expected more from this author.
The next biggest issue I have is that ALL the action takes place off page. The book builds this great plot and then everything is just told through convos. BIG waste of time. I’m reading the next just yo see if my plot questions are answered. But if it’s as big as a hot mess, I’ll just DNF
3 stars for the brilliant first half of this book. But the last half makes it difficult to leave any stars.
EXCERPT:
(when he tells her they’re going to scene of rape where she’s going to describe what happened and he’s basically going to have sex with her in all they ways she was raped)...
“I can’t talk about…” She grips the edge of the sink, trembling and wheezing. “Not the ravine. I can’t do this.”
“You can, and you won’t be alone.”
Her nails scratch against the counter, her breaths loud and fitful. “I can’t have sex from behind.”
“Every position, Conor.”
A shuddering sob escapes her lips. “I think… Maybe…” She gulps for air. “There’s medicine I can take for the anxiety. That would be better.”
“Medication is addictive and unnecessary. Lift your arms.”
She crosses them, hugging her waist.
I step back just enough to let my hand fly. The hard smack on her ass sends her up on her toes. Her hands drop to the counter, and she releases a half-cry, half-moan.
“Arms up.” I spank her again. “I’d love to spend all night reddening your ass.”
A deep, reluctant groan sounds in the back of her throat, pulsing a surge of blood to my cock. She loves when I spank her, so much so she’ll risk a panic attack just to feel the bite of my palm.
October 14, 2019
4 1/2 stars
In a word: Heart
This story got me right in the heart from the very beginning. This series focuses on 2 families occupying 1 (very large) cattle ranch. One family has a set of twin boys, Jake and Jarret; the other is comprised of Lorne (older brother) and Conor (younger sister). All 4 of these kids have been raised together and are as close as anyone can be, especially Jake and Conor, who have been in love with each other as long as they can remember; this book focuses on their story.
It opens with Jake and Conor engaging in playful flirting and banter on horseback en route with their brothers to a "secret" meeting spot where they will fully consummate their relationship, as Jake was adamant about waiting until Conor was 16 before "going all the way." The two of them are perfect as a couple - very sweet and over the moon for each other with no doubt that they are each other's forever. Jarret and Lorne, who are aware of the plans, "escort" them out there and plan to make themselves scarce while ensuring that they are not disturbed (as the fathers are not so approving of the relationship). Things appear to go as planned, but then everything goes horribly awry as the kids are attacked by two men with guns and knives. The boys are helpless to do anything as they are forced to watch the strangers rape Conor, and what happens from there changes their lives forever.
What I liked:
--- The main characters were both extremely likable; the author connects the reader with them from the start so that the attachment is there pretty much immediately
--- While the attack scene was graphic, violent, and beyond disturbing, the author gave that level of detail effectively so that the reader was in those moments with the main characters through the expected reactions (horror, disgust, anger, helplessness), but also the unexpected (tenderness/love Jake gave to Conor when he could do nothing else)
--- Interesting plot lines with some mystery... as not all was what it seemed
--- HOT lovin' (even when they were not as physically intimate, the reader could sense the main characters' connection on a deeper level)
What I didn't like as much:
--- Jake is such a likable character that it was hard for me to picture him doing some of the things he "had" to do in the story
--- Without giving things away, the plans for the building of Conor's veterinary office (her childhood dream) is pretty messed up
Overall, a heart-wrenching, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and heart-reaffirming story that gives the reader "all the feels" (along with some steamy treats!).
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters -- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5 (looking forward to the other 2 guys' stories!)
Steam Level --- 4/5
Violence --- TRIGGERS!! it's a "dark romance" for a reason --- there are graphic descriptions of rape (vaginal & anal plus bondage) that are disturbing, especially for those with triggers
Language --- Moderate
POV --- Dual (main characters)
Other/Misc. --- contains some mild (consensual) BDSM elements
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
In a word: Heart
This story got me right in the heart from the very beginning. This series focuses on 2 families occupying 1 (very large) cattle ranch. One family has a set of twin boys, Jake and Jarret; the other is comprised of Lorne (older brother) and Conor (younger sister). All 4 of these kids have been raised together and are as close as anyone can be, especially Jake and Conor, who have been in love with each other as long as they can remember; this book focuses on their story.
It opens with Jake and Conor engaging in playful flirting and banter on horseback en route with their brothers to a "secret" meeting spot where they will fully consummate their relationship, as Jake was adamant about waiting until Conor was 16 before "going all the way." The two of them are perfect as a couple - very sweet and over the moon for each other with no doubt that they are each other's forever. Jarret and Lorne, who are aware of the plans, "escort" them out there and plan to make themselves scarce while ensuring that they are not disturbed (as the fathers are not so approving of the relationship). Things appear to go as planned, but then everything goes horribly awry as the kids are attacked by two men with guns and knives. The boys are helpless to do anything as they are forced to watch the strangers rape Conor, and what happens from there changes their lives forever.
What I liked:
--- The main characters were both extremely likable; the author connects the reader with them from the start so that the attachment is there pretty much immediately
--- While the attack scene was graphic, violent, and beyond disturbing, the author gave that level of detail effectively so that the reader was in those moments with the main characters through the expected reactions (horror, disgust, anger, helplessness), but also the unexpected (tenderness/love Jake gave to Conor when he could do nothing else)
--- Interesting plot lines with some mystery... as not all was what it seemed
--- HOT lovin' (even when they were not as physically intimate, the reader could sense the main characters' connection on a deeper level)
What I didn't like as much:
--- Jake is such a likable character that it was hard for me to picture him doing some of the things he "had" to do in the story
--- Without giving things away, the plans for the building of Conor's veterinary office (her childhood dream) is pretty messed up
Overall, a heart-wrenching, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and heart-reaffirming story that gives the reader "all the feels" (along with some steamy treats!).
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters -- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5 (looking forward to the other 2 guys' stories!)
Steam Level --- 4/5
Violence --- TRIGGERS!! it's a "dark romance" for a reason --- there are graphic descriptions of rape (vaginal & anal plus bondage) that are disturbing, especially for those with triggers
Language --- Moderate
POV --- Dual (main characters)
Other/Misc. --- contains some mild (consensual) BDSM elements
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
April 26, 2018
This review is hard to write. I’m conflicted, so here it goes.
The basis of this story revolves around a fateful, tragic, brutal, devastating night. The characters, twins(Jake and Jarret) and brother and sister(Lorne and Conor) , were just 16, 17, and 18 years old. Conor and Jake were childhood sweethearts. Always knowing that they were the one for each other. Even though they were young, the connection was intense and forever knowing. They grew up together and were all inseparable. Then the tragic night occurs.....it’s gut wrenching and nauseating. Conor, the only girl in the group of 4, is violently assaulted. Their lives would never be the same. But once the night ends, the four make a blood oath that will bind them forever. And this story, spans 5 years.
First and foremost, I don’t believe that someone that young can just go on with her life after being so traumatized. I felt that the author swept the aftermath under the rug so that the story could continue. And the story continues with the separation of the kids and Conor leaving Oklahoma. Of course there is a lot happening that leads to the separation........and then there is a lot of pain and mystery after.
Second, I did enjoy the premise of the story. The love between Conor and Jake, the mystery surrounding their separation, and their subsequent reuniting is full of love, trust and healing. But the nagging feeling of Conor and her ability to just move on, stays with me throughout the entire story.
So finally, while I know this is a work of fiction, parts worked for me and parts didn’t. Knotted has many wonderful reviews and I just seem to fall in between. The author writes extremely well so I look forward to continuing with the series.
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review *
September 29, 2018
I have always loved Pam Godwin’s work! She has always been an auto-buy for me.. in fact I rarely read the blurb! Lol! I see her name and then I one click!!
“Knotted” is book one in a trilogy that stars some very hot cowboys! This is a dark romance, and this trilogy comes with warnings that aren’t to be taken lightly. There are definitely triggers for certain people in this story and if you are not into dark reads then I would suggest you to pass this one. For those of us that enjoy a wonderful dark disturbing story then here is a great read!
I have to admit that the beginning of this was heartbreaking and so very hard to read. I was distraught with what the heroine endured... actually for what the group of these childhood friends/ siblings had to witness. One thing with Pam’s stories is that they are so well written, it feels like you are right there with the characters. In this particular incident, that made it really hard to come back from. Normally I would rate this book a five stars but the hero makes some choices that I wasn’t happy about and it left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the book!
Even with that disappointment though, I still thoroughly enjoyed this read and I’m dying to get to the second book immediately!!
“Knotted” is book one in a trilogy that stars some very hot cowboys! This is a dark romance, and this trilogy comes with warnings that aren’t to be taken lightly. There are definitely triggers for certain people in this story and if you are not into dark reads then I would suggest you to pass this one. For those of us that enjoy a wonderful dark disturbing story then here is a great read!
I have to admit that the beginning of this was heartbreaking and so very hard to read. I was distraught with what the heroine endured... actually for what the group of these childhood friends/ siblings had to witness. One thing with Pam’s stories is that they are so well written, it feels like you are right there with the characters. In this particular incident, that made it really hard to come back from. Normally I would rate this book a five stars but the hero makes some choices that I wasn’t happy about and it left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the book!
Even with that disappointment though, I still thoroughly enjoyed this read and I’m dying to get to the second book immediately!!
April 30, 2018
The high points can also be the darkest...
***3.5 stars***
I’ve been reading Knotted over the last couple of days. As a favour to you, I’m going to share a tip…DON’T START READING THIS ONE JUST BEFORE BEDTIME!!! Sorry for shouting, but I can tell you, this book messed with me a little. I tried to go to bed at my normal time after reading a few pages, then tossed and turned overthinking what I had just read. Two hours later (and a wee bit frustrated) I gave up and started reading again.
The thing I find a little weird is that the high points of a dark read can sometimes be the worst moments of the story. A well written dark read will pull you in to observe the pain, humiliation and suffering of the characters. I sometimes wonder why I like dark reads so much. In reality, I don't think I'd be the sort of person who would stay in the dark. I'd be looking for a light, whether I'm holding it myself, or seeing if I can share a little of someone else's.
My brain is consumed with processing all the feelings it provokes. I’m also trying to analyse what my own reactions would be if faced with a similar situation. Would I be strong, weak or compartmentalise the feelings? Could I stand on my own two feet and face my demons? Should I seek help and guidance from family, friends or a professional?
In Knotted, I found myself struggling to work out what was worse…being violated and abused – or – having your supposed loved ones break your heart? Could I forgive a loved one who had a good reason for breaking my heart? Should I forgive them for not sharing their reasons why they chose to keep me in the dark?
For the majority of the story, I was sucked in and loved the push and pull on my emotions. The characters grew over the years and we get to see some of the significant life choices they are forced to make. One of the things I loved the most was that the author chose not to leave us completely in the dark. By giving us alternate POV’s, we don’t have to wait until the bitter end to see why some of the horrible things happened, the reactions, and the choices made. It all just came together well and I loved the pacing.
I did struggle towards the end of the story. I felt like I needed to see inside Jake’s head a little more. Some of his choices didn’t sit right with me and I found that I struggled to forgive him and questioned how Conor could or would. Unfortunately, I think her forgiveness was tied to her lust for Jake and him not really giving her much of a choice about it.
Knotted was a pretty steamy read. While some of the scenes were quite confronting, we do also get some scenes where we see the connection between Jake and Conor. They definitely have a lot of lust for each other.
If you’re a fan of cowboy romances, who doesn’t mind it a little dark and a lot steamy, I definitely recommend Knotted.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
***3.5 stars***
I’ve been reading Knotted over the last couple of days. As a favour to you, I’m going to share a tip…DON’T START READING THIS ONE JUST BEFORE BEDTIME!!! Sorry for shouting, but I can tell you, this book messed with me a little. I tried to go to bed at my normal time after reading a few pages, then tossed and turned overthinking what I had just read. Two hours later (and a wee bit frustrated) I gave up and started reading again.
The thing I find a little weird is that the high points of a dark read can sometimes be the worst moments of the story. A well written dark read will pull you in to observe the pain, humiliation and suffering of the characters. I sometimes wonder why I like dark reads so much. In reality, I don't think I'd be the sort of person who would stay in the dark. I'd be looking for a light, whether I'm holding it myself, or seeing if I can share a little of someone else's.
My brain is consumed with processing all the feelings it provokes. I’m also trying to analyse what my own reactions would be if faced with a similar situation. Would I be strong, weak or compartmentalise the feelings? Could I stand on my own two feet and face my demons? Should I seek help and guidance from family, friends or a professional?
In Knotted, I found myself struggling to work out what was worse…being violated and abused – or – having your supposed loved ones break your heart? Could I forgive a loved one who had a good reason for breaking my heart? Should I forgive them for not sharing their reasons why they chose to keep me in the dark?
For the majority of the story, I was sucked in and loved the push and pull on my emotions. The characters grew over the years and we get to see some of the significant life choices they are forced to make. One of the things I loved the most was that the author chose not to leave us completely in the dark. By giving us alternate POV’s, we don’t have to wait until the bitter end to see why some of the horrible things happened, the reactions, and the choices made. It all just came together well and I loved the pacing.
I did struggle towards the end of the story. I felt like I needed to see inside Jake’s head a little more. Some of his choices didn’t sit right with me and I found that I struggled to forgive him and questioned how Conor could or would. Unfortunately, I think her forgiveness was tied to her lust for Jake and him not really giving her much of a choice about it.
Knotted was a pretty steamy read. While some of the scenes were quite confronting, we do also get some scenes where we see the connection between Jake and Conor. They definitely have a lot of lust for each other.
If you’re a fan of cowboy romances, who doesn’t mind it a little dark and a lot steamy, I definitely recommend Knotted.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
April 21, 2018
3.5 Stars
Conor Cassidy grew up as a country girl on a ranch with dreams of becoming a veterinarian. At 16 years old, she seemed to have it all, a loving family and a boyfriend she adores, but her life changes in the course of one night.
“You were there, looking right at me, holding me with your presence. It made a difference.”
Jake Holsten always knew what he wanted out of a life, a life in cattle ranching and the fiery girl he called as his own. When the unexpected occurs, Jake is forced to question those he trusts and protect the girl who always had his heart.
“I did the only thing I could to protect her. I broke her heart because I love her.”
Told in dual POV, the experiences of Conor and Jake begin like most teen romances that evoke unbridled love and a deep connection. However, when they experience a life changing event, Conor and Jake are left to pick up the pieces. As Jake learns more, he takes the lead in an effort to shield Conor from danger but he also isolates her in way that shatters her heart.
“I’ve been wandering aimlessly, so lost and far away from myself. But I just found the door that leads me back.”
As years pass, Conor’s pain doesn’t diminish but she also isn’t about to let all her dreams vanish. Pursuing her education, she finally has the impetus to return home and claim what is hers but she surprised to learn the reasons Jake kept her away. Now that Jake can protect Conor, he is dedicated to helping her heal.
In this narrative, a serious issue is at the forefront and then family complications further compound the situation. When it was time for Conor to confront her demons, Jake took the lead and at times it felt like he was undermining her strength. Additionally, the secret lost impact on me because it caused Conor so much unnecessary pain. While I did feel a connection between Conor and Jake, their reconciliation felt a little rushed. However, they did come full circle and I liked the symbolism of the ending. ;)
Knotted is a story about tragedy, sacrifice, trust and healing. This book would appeal to those looking for a second chance at romance.
Trails of Sin series:
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Lonestar Liz!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 24, 2018
❝He's fire and ruthlessness, and I'm desperate to be burned and consumed. Together, we're a grunting, hungry battlefield, hunting and raiding, chasing and pillaging.❞
You guys! I read 'Knotted by Pam Godwin, throughout the night! I started at 10:00pm thinking I would read for an hour, at most, and then go to sleep. I last looked at the clock at 3:00am. I’m not sure when I fell asleep but I awoke at 7:30 with my book on my chest. I immediately started reading again. This story is so good! It’s gritty, dark, sexy, emotional ... it’s all the adjectives! You need this in your life!
Admittedly, it's been awhile since I've read this author. As we all do, I have my favorite authors that I stick with consistently. While that means I'm sure to have great reading experiences, it also means, there are some talented writers out there who I am missing out on. Clearly, Pam Godwin is one of those authors.
'Knotted' was exquisitely written. It is one of my favorites of the year!
Twin brothers, Jake and Jarret Holsten live with their father, and Lorne and Conor Cassidy and their father, on the land owned by Cassidy's. Their dads built the house both families live in on the ten thousand acres that belonged to Conors mom, Ava O'Conor. Their fathers became business partners after Ava and Julep (Jake and Jarret's mother) died, leaving them to run the business and raise four kids.
From birth, these four roamed their land, laughed, played, sang and became best friends. There was never any doubt that they would one day run the family business. Each having their own jobs. Likewise, there was never doubt that Jake and Conor would be married and grow old together with their family surrounding them.
And then tragedy struck, the unthinkable happened, and Conor was ripped from the farm and taken to Chicago by her father, and Lorne was thrown in prison.
Years later with revenge on her mind, Conor comes back to the Oklahoma farm she grew up on to confront the men who threw her away.
But there were secrets that took the three men years to flesh out. As soon as they uncovered one, 10 more would bubble to the surface. It was these secrets and the danger they provided that forced the three friends to keep their Conor away until the time it was safe for her to come home.
❝I'm still a virgin, because I love Conor Cassidy.❞
❝I broke her heart, because I love her.❞
❝I'll bleed for her, because I love her.❞
❝I'll kill for her, because I love her.❞
❝I'll make sure she realizes her dream, because I love her.❞
❝I'll hunt down her enemies. I'll protect her from afar. I'll let her believe I don't love her. Because I love her.❞
Jake's love for Conor never wavered, never faltered and always burned as the driving force in everything he did. When she showed back up at the ranch after all of those years, Jake knew one thing for sure, she was his! Alpha, possessive, protective and kind, smart and loving, he was the PERFECT hero!
❝My girl is sunshine, rawhide, and pure fight.❞
Conor was beautifully written. She was broken, yet she was strong, she was submissive, yet she was powerful. Despite what happened to her, she pulled up her bootstraps and powered through. She moved on with her life, refusing to let her circumstances define her.
Knotted was a complex story with complex characters. The main characters are thoroughly fleshed out. There is no question, that by the end of the book you know all there is to know about Conor and Jake. Godwin developed her secondary characters, Jarret and Lorne, to the point where the reader is eager to know more. She set up their coming books, 'Buckled' #2 - Jarret and Maybe 'Booted' #3 - Lorne and Raina, perfectly!
I experienced all the emotions while reading this book. With 'Knotted', Pam Godwin built a rollercoaster of emotions. The highs were thrilling and the lows were gut-wrenching.
'Knotted' is a powerful, second chance romance, about healing, unconditional love, and friendships that never die! 5 Stars!
**I was provided a review copy by the author. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.**
April 27, 2020
Interesting, intriguing, well written, typical Pam Godwin. Not my favorite of all her books but still a good story. Can’t wait for the next two.
April 19, 2018
5 Tie Me Up, Ride Me, Hello Cowboy Stars
Knotted is a standalone and is part of the Trails of Sin series. Each book will focus on a different male in the series.
Knotted is about Jake and Conor
Buckled is about Jarret the female I believe will be revealed at the end of the book.
Booted is about Lorne
Jake and Jarret are twins
Lorne and Conor are brother and sister, two years apart.
From the first page I couldn’t stop reading Knotted, I was addicted. I was addicted to the characters, I was addicted to the storyline and I was addicted to the writing flow. Knotted is a rough book to read, as stated in the blurb, they watched her get helplessly assaulted and from that point forward, everyone’s innocence was tarnished.
I love a good second chance novel and I love all characters in this book. Knotted is about four group of kids, growing up and learning that the world isn’t all good. It’s about love, young love, brotherly love, friendship love and what you would do for the ones you love.
Conor is the heroine of the story and she’s everything you could hope for in a leading female character. She’s young, fearless and so vibrant. She’s the only girl in the group and so she is protected to the extreme by the males in her life.
Jake and Conor have this kind of love that can’t be broken. They found each other young and no matter what nothing will tear them apart, but of course not everything lasts forever and what happens when everyone grows up and faces the real world?
I love Jake. He’s the book boyfriend we all readers crave to read. He’s strong, heroic and so lovable. You want to hate and love him at the same time.
There are so many times I cringed while I read and I felt like my heart was being torn apart, but like I said, Knotted is so addicting, you can’t stop reading it!
There’s a lot that goes on in this book and there is never a dull moment. I love the dynamics between all characters and I love how everyone and everything is related and involved. This is a highly emotional and dramatic book that will get your heart racing, but oh in a good way.
An Arc was provided
Knotted is about Jake and Conor - https://amzn.to/2Hg5j93
Buckled is about Jarret - July 10
Booted is about Lorne - Sept 18
Knotted is a standalone and is part of the Trails of Sin series. Each book will focus on a different male in the series.
Knotted is about Jake and Conor
Buckled is about Jarret the female I believe will be revealed at the end of the book.
Booted is about Lorne
Jake and Jarret are twins
Lorne and Conor are brother and sister, two years apart.
From the first page I couldn’t stop reading Knotted, I was addicted. I was addicted to the characters, I was addicted to the storyline and I was addicted to the writing flow. Knotted is a rough book to read, as stated in the blurb, they watched her get helplessly assaulted and from that point forward, everyone’s innocence was tarnished.
I love a good second chance novel and I love all characters in this book. Knotted is about four group of kids, growing up and learning that the world isn’t all good. It’s about love, young love, brotherly love, friendship love and what you would do for the ones you love.
Conor is the heroine of the story and she’s everything you could hope for in a leading female character. She’s young, fearless and so vibrant. She’s the only girl in the group and so she is protected to the extreme by the males in her life.
Jake and Conor have this kind of love that can’t be broken. They found each other young and no matter what nothing will tear them apart, but of course not everything lasts forever and what happens when everyone grows up and faces the real world?
I love Jake. He’s the book boyfriend we all readers crave to read. He’s strong, heroic and so lovable. You want to hate and love him at the same time.
There are so many times I cringed while I read and I felt like my heart was being torn apart, but like I said, Knotted is so addicting, you can’t stop reading it!
There’s a lot that goes on in this book and there is never a dull moment. I love the dynamics between all characters and I love how everyone and everything is related and involved. This is a highly emotional and dramatic book that will get your heart racing, but oh in a good way.
An Arc was provided
Knotted is about Jake and Conor - https://amzn.to/2Hg5j93
Buckled is about Jarret - July 10
Booted is about Lorne - Sept 18
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