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Collateral #1
Hate Me
Anna
I am a whore. A slave. A possession. I accepted my fate long ago, but fate is not done with me yet. Freedom is so close I can almost taste it, only to have it snatched away under the guise of protection. A gilded cage is still a cage. Friend or foe? Saviour or oppressor? Rafael D’Cruze is a bad man. I hate him, so why do I feel safe with him?
Rafael
She’s a favour. Collateral. A pretty slave. I have no interest in her beyond keeping her alive for the man who now owns her. And yet…I’m fascinated by the little Russian. There is no room for weakness in my world, but it appears the delicate rose has steel petals. I’m willing to bleed for a willing touch, a trusting glance…
A broken little bird. The big bad wolf. A longing that could heal or destroy.
Hate me or hold me?
I am a whore. A slave. A possession. I accepted my fate long ago, but fate is not done with me yet. Freedom is so close I can almost taste it, only to have it snatched away under the guise of protection. A gilded cage is still a cage. Friend or foe? Saviour or oppressor? Rafael D’Cruze is a bad man. I hate him, so why do I feel safe with him?
Rafael
She’s a favour. Collateral. A pretty slave. I have no interest in her beyond keeping her alive for the man who now owns her. And yet…I’m fascinated by the little Russian. There is no room for weakness in my world, but it appears the delicate rose has steel petals. I’m willing to bleed for a willing touch, a trusting glance…
A broken little bird. The big bad wolf. A longing that could heal or destroy.
Hate me or hold me?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2018
About the author
L.P. Lovell
55 books2,329 followersLauren Lovell is an indie author from England. She suffers from a total lack of brain to mouth filter and is the friend you have to explain before you introduce her to anyone, and apologise for afterwards.
She's a self confessed shameless pervert, who may be suffering from slight peen envy.
Lauren loves to hear from readers so please add her on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter. Visit her website www.lplovell.com.
She's a self confessed shameless pervert, who may be suffering from slight peen envy.
Lauren loves to hear from readers so please add her on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter. Visit her website www.lplovell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
February 16, 2018
Any of LP Lovell's books is a fucking MUST read for me...
so, effin DUH?! LOL :)
This is Anna and Rafael's story... Anna Vasiliev being Una Ivanov's sister and Rafael D'Cruze being a mexican cartel boss and acquitance and business contact of Nero Verdi. We meet them all in Kiss of Death series (Kill me and Kiss me) but now we have a full impact of what happened between Anna and Rafael, from the time, Rafael acted as a laison to "pick" Anna up as a new sex trade bought by Nero as a collateral and placed under Rafael's protection.
Anna is broken, was broken over and over from the age of 13 when she was separated from Una in the orphanage, Una was placed under a different torture that eventually turned her into the notorious assassin known as "Kiss of death", but Anna's fate was devastating on a whole other level.
She was trained to be a sex slave, her body bent and obeyed to every vile, horrid violation but her mindset made her survive. She learned how to block it all, how to turn off and endure. She was a whore, used and abused but she was a survivor with her own inner strength and will power but it took tool on her perception of surroundings and other people, especially men.
and that very fact, terrifies her cause Rafael doesn't show any sign of what she expects of a man like him to want from her. He makes no move, no sexual hint, he's unpredictable and that scares her, cause she can't prepare her mind to shut down when needed.
He's quite the opposite, he brings her comfort and confidence. He gives her solace and hope and just a hint of freedom.
He both, challenges and sooths her, he's fascinated by her, intrigued by her and feels connected to her
and she's torn within, cause she knows nothing of the upcoming fate that's unknown...
he slowly gives her purpose, gives her a push towards an outlet in retaliation, he pushes her to release the inner anger and rage that is screaming to be let out.
BUT Rafael has his own scarred past and his ruthlessness has a price...and the situation he finds himself in with Anna, with this crawling need to be close to her, only complicates things, as the rising feelings towards her puts him in an ungrateful position of business breach that is unsavory and won't go well for either party in question...
and it's a checkmate stalemate position to be in, cause there's no way, he'll let her go, now that she's shown him the glimpse of her inner soul that has survived all those years in torture...even if he's aware that he will have to...eventually
And, it's to be continued...*wink*
Still recognizable writing style of LP Lovell as we are used to reading in her books, and yet this story takes a different pace and tone than her usual work. It still ventures into the dark area, but the emphasis is on the emotional and psychological portrayal of both characters and how they mostly mentally seek solace in each other without the physical intercourse, (and that's where the intriguing power of LP+s writing comes to full forte).
That's why the pacing is set from slow to mild with intervals of rush and anticipation, when you fully appreciate those small tokens of physical affection , thus having quite an impression with the seemingly ruthless male character and the image he has to up hold and yet with Anna, he's torn within between strong masculine raw power and tender controlled smooth touch .
They are totally opposite from any of the characters Lauren wrote about, and yet they belong to the league of their own...
*clears her throat*
I had the honor of reading a BETA edited copy
*shouts shamelessly*
I fuckin love you, Lauren!!!!😍😍😍😍
And Thank. You. So. Much.
*pumps fists in the air*
so, effin DUH?! LOL :)
This is Anna and Rafael's story... Anna Vasiliev being Una Ivanov's sister and Rafael D'Cruze being a mexican cartel boss and acquitance and business contact of Nero Verdi. We meet them all in Kiss of Death series (Kill me and Kiss me) but now we have a full impact of what happened between Anna and Rafael, from the time, Rafael acted as a laison to "pick" Anna up as a new sex trade bought by Nero as a collateral and placed under Rafael's protection.
Anna is broken, was broken over and over from the age of 13 when she was separated from Una in the orphanage, Una was placed under a different torture that eventually turned her into the notorious assassin known as "Kiss of death", but Anna's fate was devastating on a whole other level.
She was trained to be a sex slave, her body bent and obeyed to every vile, horrid violation but her mindset made her survive. She learned how to block it all, how to turn off and endure. She was a whore, used and abused but she was a survivor with her own inner strength and will power but it took tool on her perception of surroundings and other people, especially men.
Years of slavery have made me hate men like him with every fiber of my being, and perhaps just men in general. They all disgust me, and yet I can't help but notice Rafael's cold form of beauty.
and that very fact, terrifies her cause Rafael doesn't show any sign of what she expects of a man like him to want from her. He makes no move, no sexual hint, he's unpredictable and that scares her, cause she can't prepare her mind to shut down when needed.
He's quite the opposite, he brings her comfort and confidence. He gives her solace and hope and just a hint of freedom.
"Choose whether you want to be a victim or a survivor."
He both, challenges and sooths her, he's fascinated by her, intrigued by her and feels connected to her
and she's torn within, cause she knows nothing of the upcoming fate that's unknown...
"What do you want?"
"I want to be free," she whispers.
"No, you don't. You say you want it, but I offer it to you, and you're scared to take it. You're so busy being so goddamn angry that you haven't realized you're standing in a cage and the door is open."
he slowly gives her purpose, gives her a push towards an outlet in retaliation, he pushes her to release the inner anger and rage that is screaming to be let out.
BUT Rafael has his own scarred past and his ruthlessness has a price...and the situation he finds himself in with Anna, with this crawling need to be close to her, only complicates things, as the rising feelings towards her puts him in an ungrateful position of business breach that is unsavory and won't go well for either party in question...
and it's a checkmate stalemate position to be in, cause there's no way, he'll let her go, now that she's shown him the glimpse of her inner soul that has survived all those years in torture...even if he's aware that he will have to...eventually
"You want to own me?"
"No, I want to love you...But I'm giving you a choice...
And, it's to be continued...*wink*
Still recognizable writing style of LP Lovell as we are used to reading in her books, and yet this story takes a different pace and tone than her usual work. It still ventures into the dark area, but the emphasis is on the emotional and psychological portrayal of both characters and how they mostly mentally seek solace in each other without the physical intercourse, (and that's where the intriguing power of LP+s writing comes to full forte).
That's why the pacing is set from slow to mild with intervals of rush and anticipation, when you fully appreciate those small tokens of physical affection , thus having quite an impression with the seemingly ruthless male character and the image he has to up hold and yet with Anna, he's torn within between strong masculine raw power and tender controlled smooth touch .
They are totally opposite from any of the characters Lauren wrote about, and yet they belong to the league of their own...
*clears her throat*
I had the honor of reading a BETA edited copy
*shouts shamelessly*
I fuckin love you, Lauren!!!!😍😍😍😍
And Thank. You. So. Much.
*pumps fists in the air*
February 26, 2018
This book was great! Its pretty dark and some scenes made me uncomfortable but the story was so good!
Anna was sold as a sex slave at age 13. She’s been through so many horrible things, after being a slave for 9 years. She’s strong and still maintains a certain innocence, but she’s still has some dark in her. Who could blame her though? She’s seen the worst that humanity can offer and is still sane. I respected her so much for her resilience and willingness to live.
Rafael, is the boss of the Juarez cartel. He has to protect Anna as a favor to another cartel boss who bought her. Being a cartel boss means being tough and killing without remorse, but he has a soft spot for Anna and wants to love her with all her traumas and darkness. He actually welcomes that darkness cause he’s kinda messed up too.
Overall this was a good dark romance. This book ends on a cliffhanger so I can’t wait for book 2!
Anna was sold as a sex slave at age 13. She’s been through so many horrible things, after being a slave for 9 years. She’s strong and still maintains a certain innocence, but she’s still has some dark in her. Who could blame her though? She’s seen the worst that humanity can offer and is still sane. I respected her so much for her resilience and willingness to live.
Rafael, is the boss of the Juarez cartel. He has to protect Anna as a favor to another cartel boss who bought her. Being a cartel boss means being tough and killing without remorse, but he has a soft spot for Anna and wants to love her with all her traumas and darkness. He actually welcomes that darkness cause he’s kinda messed up too.
Overall this was a good dark romance. This book ends on a cliffhanger so I can’t wait for book 2!
December 20, 2022
Part 1
3 ⚡️🌪🤔⭐️s
A too slow burn, dark, suspenseful read.
I liked the writing style yet the execution was a little messy.
3 ⚡️🌪🤔⭐️s
A too slow burn, dark, suspenseful read.
I liked the writing style yet the execution was a little messy.
August 3, 2018
★ 3.5 stars!!! ★
“I want your darkness, your fire, your sheer will to survive.” His finger trails over my lips slowly. “I need this; your trust, the way you look at me as though I’m your savior, even when you know I’m really the monster.”
February 20, 2018
So I had one night off this week. Only one night and I desperately wanted to read. L. P. Happened to message me and happened to mention she was done and I know it was fate. I snatched this sucker up as fast as I could and I am so happy I did.
There is something about her voice that I will never get over. I love the wild ride, the twists and turns and the suspense that kept me turning the page and refusing to get up or do anything that would tear me away from this world.
It’s a slow burn guys. A tense build up and a shocking twist that had me on the edge of my seat. #click as fast as you can.
There is something about her voice that I will never get over. I love the wild ride, the twists and turns and the suspense that kept me turning the page and refusing to get up or do anything that would tear me away from this world.
It’s a slow burn guys. A tense build up and a shocking twist that had me on the edge of my seat. #click as fast as you can.
February 26, 2018
"I want to both cure her of the taint on her soul and corrupt it so entirely that she’s just as blackened as I am."
After finishing Una and Nero's story, I couldn't wait to read about Anna. Although there's so doubt the two sisters are cut from the same cloth, Anna's book had a different vibe, more somber and yet in a way sweeter.
What she went through broke her and at the same time there's still that defiance and strength that characterize her. Taken, sold, abused and used as a whore, Anna never lost her fight, though.
I love the highly emotional tone of the story. Being in Anna's head was fascinating. LP Lovell captured Anna's struggles and hopelessness, her coping mechanisms in a way that felt real. Connecting with her was very easy.
At the hands of Rafael who keeps her as collateral, she fights her demons. Lost, she tries to learn how to live and make the simplest choices. Rafael, boss of the Juarez Cartle is a ruthless and powerful man, but his control and patience toward Anna were incredible. She intrigues him, he respects her. Their relationship, given the threats and the tension they are subjected to, felt like a reprieve. Trust and hope might allow Anna to heal but these might be the exact things that will break her irrevocably.
"Anna. I want your darkness, your fire, your sheer will to survive.”
An engaging plot, angst, rhythm, and L.P Lovell's mafia world compelled me. I can't wait to read more and see what decisions they are going to make.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
After finishing Una and Nero's story, I couldn't wait to read about Anna. Although there's so doubt the two sisters are cut from the same cloth, Anna's book had a different vibe, more somber and yet in a way sweeter.
What she went through broke her and at the same time there's still that defiance and strength that characterize her. Taken, sold, abused and used as a whore, Anna never lost her fight, though.
I love the highly emotional tone of the story. Being in Anna's head was fascinating. LP Lovell captured Anna's struggles and hopelessness, her coping mechanisms in a way that felt real. Connecting with her was very easy.
At the hands of Rafael who keeps her as collateral, she fights her demons. Lost, she tries to learn how to live and make the simplest choices. Rafael, boss of the Juarez Cartle is a ruthless and powerful man, but his control and patience toward Anna were incredible. She intrigues him, he respects her. Their relationship, given the threats and the tension they are subjected to, felt like a reprieve. Trust and hope might allow Anna to heal but these might be the exact things that will break her irrevocably.
"Anna. I want your darkness, your fire, your sheer will to survive.”
An engaging plot, angst, rhythm, and L.P Lovell's mafia world compelled me. I can't wait to read more and see what decisions they are going to make.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
May 2, 2018
5 Stars!
Thought I was going to skim this to refresh my memory but I reread the whole book! Loved it just as much as the first time! Loving the second book too!
LP Lovell you rock girl! Loving this series!!
Thought I was going to skim this to refresh my memory but I reread the whole book! Loved it just as much as the first time! Loving the second book too!
LP Lovell you rock girl! Loving this series!!
April 28, 2018
4.5 stars
Hate Me is the story of Rafael and Anna. We met them both in the Kiss of Death series and we know that Rafael is the head of a Cartel and Anna is the sister of Una who was sold as a sex slave when she was thirteen. This story was hard to read at times but I loved watching Anna blossom under Rafael. While I like sex in my romances I appreciate the fact that the author didn't have Anna falling into bed with Rafael. The slow burn in this story was perfect. After what she's been through the fact that he can actually put his hands on her or even kiss her is far enough at this point. Rafael is exactly what I love in my H's. He is dangerous and will kill when he needs to but he also shows a side to Anna that is loving and caring. My only complaint is that this story is what was happening along with Kiss Me and by the end it hadn't caught up yet. With that said I loved this book and can't wait for book 2.
Hate Me is the story of Rafael and Anna. We met them both in the Kiss of Death series and we know that Rafael is the head of a Cartel and Anna is the sister of Una who was sold as a sex slave when she was thirteen. This story was hard to read at times but I loved watching Anna blossom under Rafael. While I like sex in my romances I appreciate the fact that the author didn't have Anna falling into bed with Rafael. The slow burn in this story was perfect. After what she's been through the fact that he can actually put his hands on her or even kiss her is far enough at this point. Rafael is exactly what I love in my H's. He is dangerous and will kill when he needs to but he also shows a side to Anna that is loving and caring. My only complaint is that this story is what was happening along with Kiss Me and by the end it hadn't caught up yet. With that said I loved this book and can't wait for book 2.
Read
February 28, 2018I started reading this - what got into me, I don't know?
It made my stomach turn - stopped reading at 40%....not my cup of tea...should never have picked it up...entirely my fault.
It made my stomach turn - stopped reading at 40%....not my cup of tea...should never have picked it up...entirely my fault.
May 5, 2018
hands down, one of my favorite reads of 2018 so far!!!!
February 6, 2019
Really enjoyed this Book ! A different story with different drama and characters !!
July 26, 2018
4 stars
Hate Me is book number one in the Collateral Series. This is a spin off to Kill Me and Kiss Me (Kiss of Death Series).
It has to be noted at this point that the Kiss of Death series gave life to my favourite Hero and Heroine, of all time..
Una Ivanov and Nero hold an unrivalled place in my heart.
In the previous series we were introduced to Anna and Rafael as secondary characters. Personally, I don't see any reason why these books can't be read first, as Anna and Rafael’s story runs directly parallel to Una and Nero’s.
The book takes us back to the very start and we get Anna and Rafael’s perspective of events.
We already know that Rafael is the head of a drugs cartel in Mexico and that Anna is Una’s missing sister. Anna was taken from an orphanage and separated from Una at the age of thirteen. She was ultimately sold as a sex slave and lost – presumed dead.
While Una is a badass Russian Assassin, Anna is just as badass, but in a sweeter more endearing way. She has been through unspeakable horrors in her life, and although she is undoubtedly broken when we meet her, she is still strong.
Through circumstance Rafael is entrusted to protect Anna from being recaptured and killed by her master. We explore their journey and there are some really beautiful moments between the pair. They become each other saviours.
"I'm playing a deadly game, and Rafael D'Cruze might destroy me where hundreds before him have failed."
This is a short book and ends on a cliff hanger.
Where Kiss of Death is explosive and packed with action, Collateral is calmer and more thoughtful; it is simply two people falling in love.
For me the book was never going to compare to Una and Nero’s story, but it was still a fun read for me and it was interesting to see what was happening in Mexico, whilst Una and Nero were busy making the Italian and Russian Mafia's bleed.
There is a part two to this book and, by the looks of things, even a third book to be released. I’m really hoping that the third book takes us into the present and we get to find out what has happened to Una, Nero, Anna and Rafael.
Hate Me is book number one in the Collateral Series. This is a spin off to Kill Me and Kiss Me (Kiss of Death Series).
It has to be noted at this point that the Kiss of Death series gave life to my favourite Hero and Heroine, of all time..
Una Ivanov and Nero hold an unrivalled place in my heart.
In the previous series we were introduced to Anna and Rafael as secondary characters. Personally, I don't see any reason why these books can't be read first, as Anna and Rafael’s story runs directly parallel to Una and Nero’s.
The book takes us back to the very start and we get Anna and Rafael’s perspective of events.
We already know that Rafael is the head of a drugs cartel in Mexico and that Anna is Una’s missing sister. Anna was taken from an orphanage and separated from Una at the age of thirteen. She was ultimately sold as a sex slave and lost – presumed dead.
While Una is a badass Russian Assassin, Anna is just as badass, but in a sweeter more endearing way. She has been through unspeakable horrors in her life, and although she is undoubtedly broken when we meet her, she is still strong.
Through circumstance Rafael is entrusted to protect Anna from being recaptured and killed by her master. We explore their journey and there are some really beautiful moments between the pair. They become each other saviours.
"I'm playing a deadly game, and Rafael D'Cruze might destroy me where hundreds before him have failed."
This is a short book and ends on a cliff hanger.
Where Kiss of Death is explosive and packed with action, Collateral is calmer and more thoughtful; it is simply two people falling in love.
For me the book was never going to compare to Una and Nero’s story, but it was still a fun read for me and it was interesting to see what was happening in Mexico, whilst Una and Nero were busy making the Italian and Russian Mafia's bleed.
There is a part two to this book and, by the looks of things, even a third book to be released. I’m really hoping that the third book takes us into the present and we get to find out what has happened to Una, Nero, Anna and Rafael.
July 28, 2019
This was a pretty good read. This was the first book in the
" Collateral "
series. Anna was sold as a slave at the age of 13, just like her sister was three years prior. She's been sold multiple times and has had some very sick twisted owners. She use drugs to get through all of the things that have happened to her. Anna hasn't showed any fight in her until Rafael comes into her life. Rafael is the boss of the Juarez cartel he runs the city and shows no sign of weakness. When Nero an Italian mafia boss calls in a favor Rafael begins looking for Anna. He has no idea what Nero wants with her. He wants to settle his debt, but there's something about Anna that speaks to him. He gravitates towards her and he finds himself conflicted on what he wants and what he should do with her. Anna feels so safe with him Rafael is dark and dangerous and continues to show Anna the way of his world but no matter what, he makes her feel safe. Eventually he has to hand her over to Nero. This was a pretty good read I have read this author before. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 26, 2018
More please!!!!
I am no stranger to LP and lover of the dark side, so with the two of them together I get all giddy inside. Hate me sucks you into this dark and dingy world pretty quickly.
Anna is a slave, bought and sold more than once in her young life. She is possession and doesn't remember what is it like to be free. She doesn't hope or dream, she just checks out and plays her part. Until she is sold to yet another buyer.
Rafael is a bad man, a king of a cartel. He is deals in death and drugs and power. But when someone who he owes a lot to asks for a favor he doesn't hesitate. Until he finds out what he is to be watching over. Anna has just failed to escape the clutches of one prison only to enter into his domain. She is broken both inside and out, but her sheer lack of life is something that Rafael takes notice to.
This story is about survival and figuring out the mystery behind this slave that has caught everyone's attention. It is a darker read, lots to get your blood pumping, and depravity at its finest. This story is not complete though and just when things start to come to to light we are thrown into darkness because the book ends. And now I want more...
April 11, 2018
Good
I soaked this book up. I fell in love with Rafael and Anna. This book was raw, sexy and dark and beautiful at the same time. I have never read a book by this author , this was my first and will not be my last. If you love the cartel and mafia books then you will love this one.
I soaked this book up. I fell in love with Rafael and Anna. This book was raw, sexy and dark and beautiful at the same time. I have never read a book by this author , this was my first and will not be my last. If you love the cartel and mafia books then you will love this one.
Shelved as 'momma-raised-a-quitter'
January 27, 2022Dnf @ 60% 😴😴😴
February 21, 2018
"I want your darkness, your fire, your sheer will to survive."
Hate Me is a raw and gritty cartel story that is hauntingly beautiful. While it does run parallel in the same world in Kill Me and Kiss Me, it can be read as a standalone.
At the age of thirteen, Anna was sold as a slave. Just like her sister was three years prior. She's been sold multiple times and has had some very sick and twisted owners over the years. While she may use drugs to get through all of the horrific things that happens to her and she may seem pliant, there's still a bit of fight in her. She just hasn't shown it yet. That is until Rafael comes into her life.
Rafael is the boss of the Juarez cartel. He runs the city and shows no sign of weakness. When Nero, an Italian mafia boss calls in for a favor, Rafael finds himself on a quest to locate Anna. He has no idea what Nero wants with her and quite frankly doesn't care. He just wants to settle his debt and move on. But there's something about Anna that speaks to him. He gravitates towards her and he finds himself conflicted on what he wants and what he should do.
"She's this perfect balance of pure innocence and the most deprived darkness, drawing me in. I want to both cure her of the taint on her soul and corrupt it."
Only Rafael sees just how broken and strong Anna is. Which in turn is why Anna feels so safe with him. He's dark and dangerous and continues to show Anna the way of his world but no matter what, he makes her feel safe. Eventually he has to hand her over to Nero, right? So this dark dance they are doing needs to stop.
"So broken, so strong. She's like a shattered mirror, cracks rippling over a distorted reflection. Her pieces are so desperately fragile, and yet unbreakable."
Hate Me has a bit different tone than the Kiss of Death Series. Yes, we have a cartel with drugs, violence and the story of Anna being sold as a slave. What makes this one a bit different is that this one focuses more on the mental relationship between Anna and Rafael. In their own ways, they are healing each other. Both have their own set of issues and will never be full healed but the other makes it better.
The only thing that held me back a bit and the reason why this wasn't a five star read was because the slow burn between Anna and Rafael was so slow for me that it took me a really long time to connect to them. Sure, I liked them but I wanted to feel their emotions with them and I didn't start doing that until closer to the end.
Hate Me leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. I think that slow burn I talked about is going to be explosive in the next one. If you are looking for a raw and gritty cartel book that is heartbreaking but has the potential to be healing, then you should pick up Hate Me now!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Hate Me is a raw and gritty cartel story that is hauntingly beautiful. While it does run parallel in the same world in Kill Me and Kiss Me, it can be read as a standalone.
At the age of thirteen, Anna was sold as a slave. Just like her sister was three years prior. She's been sold multiple times and has had some very sick and twisted owners over the years. While she may use drugs to get through all of the horrific things that happens to her and she may seem pliant, there's still a bit of fight in her. She just hasn't shown it yet. That is until Rafael comes into her life.
Rafael is the boss of the Juarez cartel. He runs the city and shows no sign of weakness. When Nero, an Italian mafia boss calls in for a favor, Rafael finds himself on a quest to locate Anna. He has no idea what Nero wants with her and quite frankly doesn't care. He just wants to settle his debt and move on. But there's something about Anna that speaks to him. He gravitates towards her and he finds himself conflicted on what he wants and what he should do.
"She's this perfect balance of pure innocence and the most deprived darkness, drawing me in. I want to both cure her of the taint on her soul and corrupt it."
Only Rafael sees just how broken and strong Anna is. Which in turn is why Anna feels so safe with him. He's dark and dangerous and continues to show Anna the way of his world but no matter what, he makes her feel safe. Eventually he has to hand her over to Nero, right? So this dark dance they are doing needs to stop.
"So broken, so strong. She's like a shattered mirror, cracks rippling over a distorted reflection. Her pieces are so desperately fragile, and yet unbreakable."
Hate Me has a bit different tone than the Kiss of Death Series. Yes, we have a cartel with drugs, violence and the story of Anna being sold as a slave. What makes this one a bit different is that this one focuses more on the mental relationship between Anna and Rafael. In their own ways, they are healing each other. Both have their own set of issues and will never be full healed but the other makes it better.
The only thing that held me back a bit and the reason why this wasn't a five star read was because the slow burn between Anna and Rafael was so slow for me that it took me a really long time to connect to them. Sure, I liked them but I wanted to feel their emotions with them and I didn't start doing that until closer to the end.
Hate Me leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. I think that slow burn I talked about is going to be explosive in the next one. If you are looking for a raw and gritty cartel book that is heartbreaking but has the potential to be healing, then you should pick up Hate Me now!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
February 19, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you L.P. Lovell!
Yes, yes, yes! This is a prime example of my favourite kind of read; mafia/bratva/cartel dark romance. Lovell, in my opinion, sets the standard. This series and these characters are honestly everything. We fall for the "bad" guys and question our morals when we find ourselves agreeing with them and rooting for them.
Ever since the Kiss of Death series, I always wanted to know more about Una's sister, and this story does not disappoint. I honestly need more of Anna and Rafe... soon. Their story transported me and held me captive until I finished it; even now when I have finished it, they remain firmly planted in my mind. That's how good Lovell is.
Anna is such a broken, yet strong and complex character. I loved reading her perspective of the story; her thoughts, her impressions, her feelings. She is so different from Una, yet just as captivating.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
Yes, yes, yes! This is a prime example of my favourite kind of read; mafia/bratva/cartel dark romance. Lovell, in my opinion, sets the standard. This series and these characters are honestly everything. We fall for the "bad" guys and question our morals when we find ourselves agreeing with them and rooting for them.
Ever since the Kiss of Death series, I always wanted to know more about Una's sister, and this story does not disappoint. I honestly need more of Anna and Rafe... soon. Their story transported me and held me captive until I finished it; even now when I have finished it, they remain firmly planted in my mind. That's how good Lovell is.
Anna is such a broken, yet strong and complex character. I loved reading her perspective of the story; her thoughts, her impressions, her feelings. She is so different from Una, yet just as captivating.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series!
February 22, 2018
When I saw the blurb for Hate Me I knew I had to have it. Dark mafia is my crack and I needed another hit. This book was so good. It was a little different from past books by this author but Anna and Rafael were very addicting. I could not put this down!
Anna Vasiliev is the sister of Una Ivanov from the Kiss of Death series. But while Una was raised to be a hardened assassin, Anna was on the other side of the spectrum - a victim brutalized at a young age and forced to be a sex slave. Rafael D'Cruze is an associate of Nero from the previous series and he is hired to locate her. This was a slow burn of epic proportions and focused more on the mental connection between Anna and Rafael. I love that Rafael was not what Anna was expecting and was like nothing she could have imagined. Likewise, Rafael knew about the abuse and torture she had been through but still saw her strength and resiliency.
I enjoyed their connection and can't wait for the next book in the series! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Anna Vasiliev is the sister of Una Ivanov from the Kiss of Death series. But while Una was raised to be a hardened assassin, Anna was on the other side of the spectrum - a victim brutalized at a young age and forced to be a sex slave. Rafael D'Cruze is an associate of Nero from the previous series and he is hired to locate her. This was a slow burn of epic proportions and focused more on the mental connection between Anna and Rafael. I love that Rafael was not what Anna was expecting and was like nothing she could have imagined. Likewise, Rafael knew about the abuse and torture she had been through but still saw her strength and resiliency.
I enjoyed their connection and can't wait for the next book in the series! 4 stars! ~Ratula
February 19, 2018
LP Lovell’s new book, the first in her Collateral series, is a different sort of story to what we’ve become accustomed to from her...but it’s still deliciously dark.
Lp Lovell so effortlessly draws the reader in, trapping you almost instantly in a web of twisted turns, stoking the embers of fear, excitement and hope.
The characters are brilliantly depicted and you easily envision the chemistry and danger surrounding them. Trust is what is called for but it’s not easily come by and when it’s time to make a choice, her first choice in what feels like forever and it could mean life or death, will it be the right one?
Absolutely thrilling! A nail-biting tale that evokes empathy and takes you on an unforgettable journey, only to leave you itching like an addict desperate for a fix.
Highly recommended! I can’t wait for book #2.
Lp Lovell so effortlessly draws the reader in, trapping you almost instantly in a web of twisted turns, stoking the embers of fear, excitement and hope.
The characters are brilliantly depicted and you easily envision the chemistry and danger surrounding them. Trust is what is called for but it’s not easily come by and when it’s time to make a choice, her first choice in what feels like forever and it could mean life or death, will it be the right one?
Absolutely thrilling! A nail-biting tale that evokes empathy and takes you on an unforgettable journey, only to leave you itching like an addict desperate for a fix.
Highly recommended! I can’t wait for book #2.
March 31, 2018
Dark and twisted but oh so good
Anna was sold as a young girl and has endured depravity first hand, what she has lived through gave me shivers. When she’s sold again Rafael is tasked with keeping her safe.
Don’t think Rafael is her saviour he’s every bit as bad as the men who took her. However the fun starts when she starts to her under his skin bad he starts to think if her as his.
When enemies come looking for Anna all bets are off but what or who is Anna really ??
I’ve never read the Kiss of Death books but I’m going to start them.
Anna was sold as a young girl and has endured depravity first hand, what she has lived through gave me shivers. When she’s sold again Rafael is tasked with keeping her safe.
Don’t think Rafael is her saviour he’s every bit as bad as the men who took her. However the fun starts when she starts to her under his skin bad he starts to think if her as his.
When enemies come looking for Anna all bets are off but what or who is Anna really ??
I’ve never read the Kiss of Death books but I’m going to start them.
March 20, 2018
No cheating. Heroine is a sex slave who has been kidnapped. She is sold to this Cartel boss as a favor to his Italian friend ( sort of) He protects her but it’s a mystery who the Italian paid so much for her, millions I think. She is someone important, the sister to a very good contract killer hit woman who the Italian wants to use as leverage to get her to kill his enemies. It’s a cliffy. They fall for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2018
Rollercoaster ride
Ms Lovell sure puts you on an emotional up down ride every time and this is one hell of an up down!
I thought Anna would be the weak sister, but she is one strong woman who has gone through just as much or more then her sister. She is surviving and Rafe is helping her.
Lots of blood, gore, violence, other nastiness so be prepared. Not for the faint of heart.
Ms Lovell sure puts you on an emotional up down ride every time and this is one hell of an up down!
I thought Anna would be the weak sister, but she is one strong woman who has gone through just as much or more then her sister. She is surviving and Rafe is helping her.
Lots of blood, gore, violence, other nastiness so be prepared. Not for the faint of heart.
February 23, 2018
Full review to come.
February 22, 2018
I am impressed with this book. It was dark and gritty and told of horrific things without ever crossing a line into something gratuitous. I was completely wrapped up in Anna and Raphael and their precarious relationship, they were both so interesting alone, and together their dynamic was completely engrossing.
Hate Me is the first book in LP Lovell’s Collateral series. This series is a spinoff of her Kiss of Death series, though you do not have to read that series before this book. Honestly, I didn’t know this book had ties to anything else until I read a review outlining the connection. I did find this book interesting enough that I would love to go and read that series when I’m done with this one. Hate Me is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Anna & Raphael.
Hate Me is a glimpse behind the filthy curtain of drug cartels. It oozed violence and hatred. It was rife with the ugliest side of the law. It never shied away from exposing readers to the worst parts of humanity. Each moment of violence walked a fine line between being grotesque and cathartic. I found myself questioning my own moral compass in some moments, as I never questioned the necessity of the punishments bestowed on the offenders.
Anna was tragic. Her history. Her present. Her reality. Raphael was terrifying. His life. His world. His influence. Together they balanced each other extremes. She should have been too broken for him. He should have been too callous for her. She needed someone to push her beyond what she’d come to expect from men. He needed someone to see him as more than a stone-cold cartel boss. The push and pull they had was exactly what they both needed and allowed them to build a relationship built on more than attraction and chemistry.
The only wish I have for this book, and it’s really not even fair to ask for it until I read the next book, would be to get more of Raphael’s backstory. We have the broad strokes, but I have a feeling there is so much more to the man than we’ve even begun to see.
LP Lovell is a new to me author. If this book is indicative of her writing style and story building, I am sold. There was a rawness to her writing that felt perfect for the characters and the world they lived in. I will definitely be reading the subsequent novels in this series and checking out her backlist when I have the time.
Hate Me is the first book in LP Lovell’s Collateral series. This series is a spinoff of her Kiss of Death series, though you do not have to read that series before this book. Honestly, I didn’t know this book had ties to anything else until I read a review outlining the connection. I did find this book interesting enough that I would love to go and read that series when I’m done with this one. Hate Me is written in dual first-person perspective, narrated by Anna & Raphael.
Hate Me is a glimpse behind the filthy curtain of drug cartels. It oozed violence and hatred. It was rife with the ugliest side of the law. It never shied away from exposing readers to the worst parts of humanity. Each moment of violence walked a fine line between being grotesque and cathartic. I found myself questioning my own moral compass in some moments, as I never questioned the necessity of the punishments bestowed on the offenders.
Anna was tragic. Her history. Her present. Her reality. Raphael was terrifying. His life. His world. His influence. Together they balanced each other extremes. She should have been too broken for him. He should have been too callous for her. She needed someone to push her beyond what she’d come to expect from men. He needed someone to see him as more than a stone-cold cartel boss. The push and pull they had was exactly what they both needed and allowed them to build a relationship built on more than attraction and chemistry.
The only wish I have for this book, and it’s really not even fair to ask for it until I read the next book, would be to get more of Raphael’s backstory. We have the broad strokes, but I have a feeling there is so much more to the man than we’ve even begun to see.
LP Lovell is a new to me author. If this book is indicative of her writing style and story building, I am sold. There was a rawness to her writing that felt perfect for the characters and the world they lived in. I will definitely be reading the subsequent novels in this series and checking out her backlist when I have the time.
Want to read
February 3, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/3/2019)! 🎁 💞💞
Blurb:
Anna
I am a whore. A slave. A possession. I accepted my fate long ago, but fate is not done with me yet. Freedom is so close I can almost taste it, only to have it snatched away under the guise of protection. A gilded cage is still a cage. Friend or foe? Saviour or oppressor? Rafael D’Cruze is a bad man. I hate him, so why do I feel safe with him?
Rafael
She’s a favour. Collateral. A pretty slave. I have no interest in her beyond keeping her alive for the man who now owns her. And yet…I’m fascinated by the little Russian. There is no room for weakness in my world, but it appears the delicate rose has steel petals. I’m willing to bleed for a willing touch, a trusting glance…
A broken little bird. The big bad wolf. A longing that could heal or destroy.
Hate me or hold me?
Blurb:
Anna
I am a whore. A slave. A possession. I accepted my fate long ago, but fate is not done with me yet. Freedom is so close I can almost taste it, only to have it snatched away under the guise of protection. A gilded cage is still a cage. Friend or foe? Saviour or oppressor? Rafael D’Cruze is a bad man. I hate him, so why do I feel safe with him?
Rafael
She’s a favour. Collateral. A pretty slave. I have no interest in her beyond keeping her alive for the man who now owns her. And yet…I’m fascinated by the little Russian. There is no room for weakness in my world, but it appears the delicate rose has steel petals. I’m willing to bleed for a willing touch, a trusting glance…
A broken little bird. The big bad wolf. A longing that could heal or destroy.
Hate me or hold me?
April 9, 2018
Can I give this more than gives stars please because honestly it deserves so much more!
This is dark, beautifully dark with stunning moments of light that take your breath away. The characters are absolutely superb, so well thought out and totally believable and I found myself lost in their world and really annoyed when I had to put the story down to do real life stuff. My only complaint is that it ended and I didn’t want it to!
This is dark, beautifully dark with stunning moments of light that take your breath away. The characters are absolutely superb, so well thought out and totally believable and I found myself lost in their world and really annoyed when I had to put the story down to do real life stuff. My only complaint is that it ended and I didn’t want it to!
March 2, 2018
F**king cliffhanger.
I'm sure by the time book #2 comes out in May I wouldn't remember a single soul from this book. Still I enjoyed this one as is. Great sexual tension too.
I'm sure by the time book #2 comes out in May I wouldn't remember a single soul from this book. Still I enjoyed this one as is. Great sexual tension too.
March 30, 2021
3.5 ⭐️’s
h is a sex slave.
H is part of the Mexican cartel.
He has the job to kidnap her.
I liked how she showed her strength in a different way than Una’s. She had more of an inner strength.
h is a sex slave.
H is part of the Mexican cartel.
He has the job to kidnap her.
I liked how she showed her strength in a different way than Una’s. She had more of an inner strength.
January 6, 2023
Rated
5 Suns: ☀☀☀☀☀
Kindle Unlimited Read
5 Suns: ☀☀☀☀☀
Kindle Unlimited Read
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