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The Marriage Raffle #2
Theirs to Pleasure
In a world where there’s only one woman for every twelve men, a lottery is the chance for five lucky men to win the prize of a lifetime… her hand in marriage.
Shay. Even her name sounds like a sigh.
Shay bringing meals to his cell a few times a week is the only bright spot in the sh%t show that has become Charlie’s existence after being captured by the enemy.
He can’t stop thinking about her.
The barest brush of fingertips as she passes him his tray through the slot in the door.
How she looks up at him through her eyelashes with those gorgeous, haunting green eyes of hers.
Where did she come from?
Who the hell is giving her those bruises on her face?
And more importantly, how can Charlie protect her when he himself is locked up like an animal?
But then one day, Shay’s saves HIM.
She breaks him out of prison and says she knows where Charlie’s sister is—the sister Charlie was afraid was dead.
As soon as Charlie’s free, he makes a vow.
He’ll protect Shay at all costs, even if it means his life.
There’s just one little problem.
The township where his sister lives?
Turns out they have a law that every woman must marry five men.
And His. Sister. Married. Five. Guys.
Even worse? Shay’s the next up for the lottery.
Shay. Even her name sounds like a sigh.
Shay bringing meals to his cell a few times a week is the only bright spot in the sh%t show that has become Charlie’s existence after being captured by the enemy.
He can’t stop thinking about her.
The barest brush of fingertips as she passes him his tray through the slot in the door.
How she looks up at him through her eyelashes with those gorgeous, haunting green eyes of hers.
Where did she come from?
Who the hell is giving her those bruises on her face?
And more importantly, how can Charlie protect her when he himself is locked up like an animal?
But then one day, Shay’s saves HIM.
She breaks him out of prison and says she knows where Charlie’s sister is—the sister Charlie was afraid was dead.
As soon as Charlie’s free, he makes a vow.
He’ll protect Shay at all costs, even if it means his life.
There’s just one little problem.
The township where his sister lives?
Turns out they have a law that every woman must marry five men.
And His. Sister. Married. Five. Guys.
Even worse? Shay’s the next up for the lottery.
ebook
First published May 31, 2018
About the author
Stasia Black
59 books1,727 followersStasia was born in Georgia, grew up in Texas, recently spent a freezing five-year stint in Minnesota, and now is happily planted in sunny California, which she will never, ever leave.
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
February 24, 2023
So Good!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💛🖤💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️😊😘😍🤩
The heroine(s): Shay - She comes to Jacobs Well with Charlie after they escape together. She knows that she will have to marry five men chosen in the marriage lottery, but that is a much better choice than many of the other places. Shay had already experienced the worst life has to offer.
The Hero(es): Charlie - Brother to Audrey from Theirs to Protect. He was thought to be dead, but was held in Travis Territory for three months by the men that attacked them. He is a great guy, but doesn’t like the idea of one woman and five men.
Rafe - A former air force pilot. He is missing his right hand.
Jonas - Former golden boy and preacher, he is now a bit of a screw up and stoner. He grows marijuana for a living.
Henry - He is 41, and used to be an investment banker, now he works in dangerous situations and makes trade deals with MC Presidents, Mob Bosses and more.
Gabriel - He has two boys and wants a mother for them. He didn’t enter the marriage lottery for himself. He works in agriculture.
The Story: Shay has been used and abused for years by Arnold Jason Travis in Travisville but she gathered the courage to help Charlie escape and they go to Jacob’s Well. She is ok with the idea of the Lottery but insists that only four guys are chosen in the lottery as Charlie will be the fifth.
The story was told in multiple points of view and was narrated by dual narrators. Ry Forrest and Simona Rose, who were new narrators for me. I like a guy with a deep voice and Ry’s voice wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t annoying to me either. I liked Simona’s voice for Shay, but some of the accents she used for the other guys, especially Rafe, got on my nerves big time and the voice she used for Charlie made him sound like a little boy even though we know from the first book that he is at least 24.
I loved Theirs to Protect and I really enjoy the way these books have a chapter or more which delves into each of the character’s background so we can learn more about what drives each of them. This story went pretty deep into how these communities work and the threat that Travis poses to Jacob’s Well. It got hella exciting when everything came to a head. I really enjoyed it.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💛🖤💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️😊😘😍🤩
The heroine(s): Shay - She comes to Jacobs Well with Charlie after they escape together. She knows that she will have to marry five men chosen in the marriage lottery, but that is a much better choice than many of the other places. Shay had already experienced the worst life has to offer.
The Hero(es): Charlie - Brother to Audrey from Theirs to Protect. He was thought to be dead, but was held in Travis Territory for three months by the men that attacked them. He is a great guy, but doesn’t like the idea of one woman and five men.
Rafe - A former air force pilot. He is missing his right hand.
Jonas - Former golden boy and preacher, he is now a bit of a screw up and stoner. He grows marijuana for a living.
Henry - He is 41, and used to be an investment banker, now he works in dangerous situations and makes trade deals with MC Presidents, Mob Bosses and more.
Gabriel - He has two boys and wants a mother for them. He didn’t enter the marriage lottery for himself. He works in agriculture.
The Story: Shay has been used and abused for years by Arnold Jason Travis in Travisville but she gathered the courage to help Charlie escape and they go to Jacob’s Well. She is ok with the idea of the Lottery but insists that only four guys are chosen in the lottery as Charlie will be the fifth.
The story was told in multiple points of view and was narrated by dual narrators. Ry Forrest and Simona Rose, who were new narrators for me. I like a guy with a deep voice and Ry’s voice wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t annoying to me either. I liked Simona’s voice for Shay, but some of the accents she used for the other guys, especially Rafe, got on my nerves big time and the voice she used for Charlie made him sound like a little boy even though we know from the first book that he is at least 24.
I loved Theirs to Protect and I really enjoy the way these books have a chapter or more which delves into each of the character’s background so we can learn more about what drives each of them. This story went pretty deep into how these communities work and the threat that Travis poses to Jacob’s Well. It got hella exciting when everything came to a head. I really enjoyed it.
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February 15, 2023
This is my second attempt at this series. It’s odd because there are parts of this story that are written very well, but then other parts are really bad.
If you enjoy high-level of steam, very descriptive RH, you might enjoy this story.
Random thoughts
Dystopian world were 90% of women have died
This is a story of extremes
Excellent character backstories
Is a denied orgasm sufficient means of getting the truth out of someone?
The twist was a huge surprise
I'd classify this as erotica with a kinda-plot
The sex scenes came out of nowhere. It was like oh look at that unique tree and then all of a sudden everyone has their clothes off and are f*cking like rabbits. Meanwhile, I'm still wondering what the tree has to do with anything...
If you enjoy high-level of steam, very descriptive RH, you might enjoy this story.
Random thoughts
Dystopian world were 90% of women have died
This is a story of extremes
Excellent character backstories
Is a denied orgasm sufficient means of getting the truth out of someone?
The twist was a huge surprise
I'd classify this as erotica with a kinda-plot
The sex scenes came out of nowhere. It was like oh look at that unique tree and then all of a sudden everyone has their clothes off and are f*cking like rabbits. Meanwhile, I'm still wondering what the tree has to do with anything...
December 1, 2019
Here I go again.... delving into Stasia Black's post apocalyptic "reverse harem" Texas world where women enter a lottery system and are matched with five husbands. The follow-up to "Theirs to Protect,(Audrey's story)" begins with the discovery that Charlie, Audrey's brother is alive and being held captive by an evil group. Thanks to Shay (our female protagonist) who helps Charlie escape, the pair soon make it to Audrey's location and the siblings are reunited. Imagine his bigger shock when Shay asks to enter the marriage lottery as long as Charlie is chosen as one of her husbands. But what Charlie and everyone else don't know is Shay carries secrets of her own.
I think I enjoyed the characters and conflict in this book a whole lot better than book 1. Shay's husbands were much more fascinating in terms of background. In addition to Charlie, there is Henry who desires the perfect life; Jonas the pot smoking ex-preacher who has been burned by love; Rafe, the one armed rebel with a bit of mystery attached, and Gabriel, the widowed father of two who just wants his kids to have a mom. As we get to know them, we also learn more and more about Shay and it's all heading towards some major action. Which is also going to be the opener to what is essentially a very promising book 3.
I have been a bit preoccupied by work lately and this was the perfect "bubblegum " book to reactivate my reading mojo.
Goodreads review published 19/10/19
I think I enjoyed the characters and conflict in this book a whole lot better than book 1. Shay's husbands were much more fascinating in terms of background. In addition to Charlie, there is Henry who desires the perfect life; Jonas the pot smoking ex-preacher who has been burned by love; Rafe, the one armed rebel with a bit of mystery attached, and Gabriel, the widowed father of two who just wants his kids to have a mom. As we get to know them, we also learn more and more about Shay and it's all heading towards some major action. Which is also going to be the opener to what is essentially a very promising book 3.
I have been a bit preoccupied by work lately and this was the perfect "bubblegum " book to reactivate my reading mojo.
Goodreads review published 19/10/19
November 12, 2021
Reread 11/8/21
This is such a good series. My favorite RH series of all time.
The story is heating up. We are finding out so much new info about Travisville, and Arnold Travis himself. There are so many moving parts and political machinations going on behind the scenes. We are starting to see just how deep Arnold's spies are embedded in Jacob's Well. Literally, you don't know who to trust, it could even be the closest people to you.
I'm not going to give away spoilers about Shay and her harem. I love that Ms. Black is good at making all the men different and individual. She gives time to each one, and switches up the POVs between everyone so you get a real feel for everyone's feeling and motives.
I will say there are sinister plots afoot. People you would never expect are willing to betray everyone. There's an assassination that shakes the whole of The New Republic of Texas, and will throw everyone's lives into chaos. The first time I read this I never saw the twist coming.
You can't go wrong with this series. It has an action packed overarching storyline, in an dystopian setting where society is trying to claw its way back from the brink. Truly good versus evil. You have some of the steamiest RH scenes I've ever read, with distinct male Hs. Badass Heroes and Heroines, fighting the good fight, and uncovering the truth where nothing is what it seems.
This is such a good series. My favorite RH series of all time.
The story is heating up. We are finding out so much new info about Travisville, and Arnold Travis himself. There are so many moving parts and political machinations going on behind the scenes. We are starting to see just how deep Arnold's spies are embedded in Jacob's Well. Literally, you don't know who to trust, it could even be the closest people to you.
I'm not going to give away spoilers about Shay and her harem. I love that Ms. Black is good at making all the men different and individual. She gives time to each one, and switches up the POVs between everyone so you get a real feel for everyone's feeling and motives.
I will say there are sinister plots afoot. People you would never expect are willing to betray everyone. There's an assassination that shakes the whole of The New Republic of Texas, and will throw everyone's lives into chaos. The first time I read this I never saw the twist coming.
You can't go wrong with this series. It has an action packed overarching storyline, in an dystopian setting where society is trying to claw its way back from the brink. Truly good versus evil. You have some of the steamiest RH scenes I've ever read, with distinct male Hs. Badass Heroes and Heroines, fighting the good fight, and uncovering the truth where nothing is what it seems.
February 2, 2020
LaLOOOOOOOOOOOO *enter opera singer voice😂
Don’t you just LOVE it when the sexiness is on point AND THE STORY ACTUALLY HAS A PLOT!?
RH is a relatively new genre to me, but I have read quite a few already, and one thing I have noticed is the lack of a plot in most of them. And as much as I enjoy a good sweaty and kinky scene, I don’t want the entire book to be about it. AND THIS BOOK DELIVERED!
Oh boy, did it deliver!
Shay is a woman stuck by the hands of one evil man. She lives in a society where women are sparse and in this specific city called Travisville, they are treated as slaves to the men.
Assholes..
Anyhow, enter Charlie. A prisoner in the same city, and brother to Audrey, the female H in book 1.
They form a bond and will do whatever it takes to escape Travisville.
Will they succeed? Maybe. But all is not what it seems and you just wait to have your mind blown.
Read:04/02/2019
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre: RH/Dystopian/Romance
Cover: 3 stars
POV: Multiple
Will I recommend: Yes, my fellow RH lovers - just start with book 1 👏
Don’t you just LOVE it when the sexiness is on point AND THE STORY ACTUALLY HAS A PLOT!?
RH is a relatively new genre to me, but I have read quite a few already, and one thing I have noticed is the lack of a plot in most of them. And as much as I enjoy a good sweaty and kinky scene, I don’t want the entire book to be about it. AND THIS BOOK DELIVERED!
Oh boy, did it deliver!
Shay is a woman stuck by the hands of one evil man. She lives in a society where women are sparse and in this specific city called Travisville, they are treated as slaves to the men.
Assholes..
Anyhow, enter Charlie. A prisoner in the same city, and brother to Audrey, the female H in book 1.
They form a bond and will do whatever it takes to escape Travisville.
Will they succeed? Maybe. But all is not what it seems and you just wait to have your mind blown.
Read:04/02/2019
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre: RH/Dystopian/Romance
Cover: 3 stars
POV: Multiple
Will I recommend: Yes, my fellow RH lovers - just start with book 1 👏
March 24, 2020
The previous book was okay. I liked the idea and the world that’s been created. I liked the husbands but Audrey was annoying.
This one started well. I liked Shay and settled down for a good read with a strong female lead...or so I thought.
It appears these books have a pattern. This includes a eureka moment. A moment when the female lead is set on her path. Realises the urgency and.... then delays doing anything for weeks.
I’m torn here because I like the back story. The world building. But the females are doing my head in. Also in this one I didn’t particularly like the husbands either.
If Shay had a superpower it would be her libido. She was insatiable and after a while I started skimming most of these scenes.
This one started well. I liked Shay and settled down for a good read with a strong female lead...or so I thought.
It appears these books have a pattern. This includes a eureka moment. A moment when the female lead is set on her path. Realises the urgency and.... then delays doing anything for weeks.
I’m torn here because I like the back story. The world building. But the females are doing my head in. Also in this one I didn’t particularly like the husbands either.
If Shay had a superpower it would be her libido. She was insatiable and after a while I started skimming most of these scenes.
October 21, 2018
2.5 stars
Very unbalanced, but strangely entertaining.
Very unbalanced, but strangely entertaining.
November 19, 2018
Even better than the first book.
We get to see what happens when Charlie gets caught by the bad guys and how Shay helps him escape. They make their way to Jacob's Well and after a marriage lottery, Shay ends up with 5 husbands.
I love how we get POVs from each husband. This makes them all unique so they don't all get blended together like some reverse harem books tend to do. The chemistry was HOT!
The twists kept coming and I was blown away multiple times. Couldn't put it down.
We get to see what happens when Charlie gets caught by the bad guys and how Shay helps him escape. They make their way to Jacob's Well and after a marriage lottery, Shay ends up with 5 husbands.
I love how we get POVs from each husband. This makes them all unique so they don't all get blended together like some reverse harem books tend to do. The chemistry was HOT!
The twists kept coming and I was blown away multiple times. Couldn't put it down.
June 1, 2018
Well this was interesting. I believe that this is my first novel that i've read written by Stasia Black, and in a way, i'm really glad that i took a chance on it. A dystopian/futuristic type of novel, Theirs To Pleasure takes into consideration that women are all but extinct after a plague that ravaged the world almost 15 years ago.
Now, i haven't read the previous book in the series before getting my hands on this, but i have to admit that it wasn't all that necessary as i wasn't overly confused on the past, present and what i'm suspecting will be the next instalment of the series, so that really worked in favor for this author. While i love reading series, there are some things that i'm known for it's that i read series out of order until i can get to the beginning of it and get back to the flow.
I won't say that i didn't understand how the ratio of 5 men to 1 female would be able to repopulate the earth, but i have to say that it was an engaging and i really wanted to keep reading to find out what was to happen to Shay and Charlie and whether they'd find their place in this new 'regime'.
I doubt this will be my last book by this author as she has a captivating way to develop her stories that will make you really want to find out what'll happen to her characters from the very beginning all the way to the end.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Contact Us Today: smallgirlandherbooks@gmail.com
June 19, 2018
I was actually excited to see this book. It turned out to be a colossal disappointment and a near total waste of time. Especially the character of Drea, who I was hoping really was bad ass lesbian down for her gender and willing to fight tooth and claw for us but she only ends up treated as an annoyance inches away from comic relief that encourages readers to laugh in the face of feminism and women's rights all the while going on about governor Wolford's dreamy blue eyes. Smdh. For real? This is where the author chose to take it?
Apparently polyamorous couples can't exist without postapocalyptic disasters. Disasters that turn every almost decent womyn character into cock-starved drones who no longer know that being forced to marry five men whether you want to or not is NO WAY TO LIVE OR LOVE.
Shay is annoying and her only defining trait is her libido, which gets worse and more annoying, senseless, and tasteless when she's high on weed. Her husbands have ZERO redeeming traits, I didn't enjoy any of them as characters. Then waxing poetic about Shay's oh so beautiful body every other sentence was the among the worst experiences I had reading through this. Admittedly I skimmed the last 25% or so of the book, it is that bad. The only character more annoying than Shay is Wolford's disgusting, brainwashed, pampered daughter, Sophia.
And what the hell even was that terrible ending?
I seriously hoped that the author would continue to question and challenge the laws of Jacob's Well, and show women characters I can get behind, that make me want to engross myself in their stories. Guess that was too much to hope for.
Apparently polyamorous couples can't exist without postapocalyptic disasters. Disasters that turn every almost decent womyn character into cock-starved drones who no longer know that being forced to marry five men whether you want to or not is NO WAY TO LIVE OR LOVE.
Shay is annoying and her only defining trait is her libido, which gets worse and more annoying, senseless, and tasteless when she's high on weed. Her husbands have ZERO redeeming traits, I didn't enjoy any of them as characters. Then waxing poetic about Shay's oh so beautiful body every other sentence was the among the worst experiences I had reading through this. Admittedly I skimmed the last 25% or so of the book, it is that bad. The only character more annoying than Shay is Wolford's disgusting, brainwashed, pampered daughter, Sophia.
And what the hell even was that terrible ending?
I seriously hoped that the author would continue to question and challenge the laws of Jacob's Well, and show women characters I can get behind, that make me want to engross myself in their stories. Guess that was too much to hope for.
June 1, 2018
So this book starts out with Charlie and Shay running away from a horrible group of people that are trying to overtake the government. Which we met in the last book. Shay helps Charlie escape this group and get to the town his sister is living in. When Charlie sees that his sister is okay but married to 5 guys he is a little-pi**ed off. Needless to say, Charlie does not find anything good about the lottery. Until Shay says she wants to enter it, but Charlie has to be her first husband.
Shay is a very strong character. I loved that. She has so many secrets that she is hiding, but over time we learn them. But will we learn them in time? Shay ends up marrying Charlie, Henry, Jonas, Rafe, and Gabriel each of them with their own problems, history, and show of love. But will any of them be the families downfall? Or will they all end up with their happy ever after?
Again this book has a lot of twists and turns but I loved the characters and the story that I could not put my Kindle down. I am excited to see where Stasia goes next with this series.
May 14, 2020
RATING: 4.5 STARS
Cool twist.
Cool twist.
July 3, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What an interesting take on life after an Armageddon event. Apparently a virus went through wiping out most of the women and after that there were some bombings. The survivors are pretty much grouped together in different types of settlements all following different rules. Shay helps release a prisoner and the two of them end up in a place where each women is put into a marriage lottery where five husbands are chosen for her to from a clan. The problem is that Shay and her men all have secrets that they will have to overcome before they can even dream of their HEA. In a world this messed up that can include all kinds of messed up stuff. I was definitely surprised on every page I must say so the writing will keep you hooked until the last page. If any of the above sounds like your cup of tea then this book is probably for you. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What an interesting take on life after an Armageddon event. Apparently a virus went through wiping out most of the women and after that there were some bombings. The survivors are pretty much grouped together in different types of settlements all following different rules. Shay helps release a prisoner and the two of them end up in a place where each women is put into a marriage lottery where five husbands are chosen for her to from a clan. The problem is that Shay and her men all have secrets that they will have to overcome before they can even dream of their HEA. In a world this messed up that can include all kinds of messed up stuff. I was definitely surprised on every page I must say so the writing will keep you hooked until the last page. If any of the above sounds like your cup of tea then this book is probably for you. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
December 7, 2022
Estoy sorprendida. No pensé que estos libros fueran a mejorar, pero al parecer la trama apocalíptica que rodea a las historias y a la serie como tal, me ha dejado intrigada. Si ignoramos las escenas spicy y lo extraño de la situación de tener 5 esposos, la pelea política y de poder, junto a las traiciones y la lucha que hay... me gusta.
Bueno, mejor dicho, me parece interesante y, no creo que lo haga pronto, pero puede que lea los otros solo por saber si al final el comandante logra ser el presidente de la nueva nación.
PD: ¿A quien se le ocurrió hacer esta portada? Es decir, no quiero desmerecer el trabajo de nadie o algo por el estilo, pero quisiera elegir un libro para leer, este no sería mi primera opción.
Por más que digamos que no podemos juzgar un libro por su portada, a veces es inevitable no hacerlo.
Bueno, mejor dicho, me parece interesante y, no creo que lo haga pronto, pero puede que lea los otros solo por saber si al final el comandante logra ser el presidente de la nueva nación.
PD: ¿A quien se le ocurrió hacer esta portada? Es decir, no quiero desmerecer el trabajo de nadie o algo por el estilo, pero quisiera elegir un libro para leer, este no sería mi primera opción.
Por más que digamos que no podemos juzgar un libro por su portada, a veces es inevitable no hacerlo.
Want to read
May 7, 2020🎁 Books 2-5 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (5/7/2020)! 🎁
June 3, 2018
More dystopian thriller/menage romance
Stasia Black's Theirs to Pleasure takes up where Theirs to Protect left off. Charlie, Audrey's brother, survived the attack that separated him from Audrey. He gets to Jacob's Well to see his sister with the help of Shay, a woman who sneaks them out of the warlord's camp. Shay trusts Charlie, so when her marriage lottery comes up, she agrees to 4 other guys plus Charlie. In this unstable dystopian world, no one is as they seem, and everybody hides secrets. Even Shay, Charlie, Jonas, Gabriel, and Henry. Although the polyamorous marriage works, and the sex is smoking hot, the warlord who threatens Jacob's Well continues to undermine everyone's efforts to keep things peaceful and safe. But who is the spy? Who is the saboteur? Who can Shay trust her secrets to? And who will die if she does tell what she knows? The tension and conflicts are off the charts, the story's climax is jaw-dropping dramatic, and the heat of this 5-man, one-woman menage is incendiary. If you aren't into spanking, pain, or domination this may not be your read, but Black as always makes the sex serve the plot and the character development, so it works seamlessly into the story. I want to thank the author for the ARC, and this review is, as always, voluntary, independent,and uncompensated. It is also a recommendation: Read Theirs to Protect first, and then read this book. You'll love it.
Stasia Black's Theirs to Pleasure takes up where Theirs to Protect left off. Charlie, Audrey's brother, survived the attack that separated him from Audrey. He gets to Jacob's Well to see his sister with the help of Shay, a woman who sneaks them out of the warlord's camp. Shay trusts Charlie, so when her marriage lottery comes up, she agrees to 4 other guys plus Charlie. In this unstable dystopian world, no one is as they seem, and everybody hides secrets. Even Shay, Charlie, Jonas, Gabriel, and Henry. Although the polyamorous marriage works, and the sex is smoking hot, the warlord who threatens Jacob's Well continues to undermine everyone's efforts to keep things peaceful and safe. But who is the spy? Who is the saboteur? Who can Shay trust her secrets to? And who will die if she does tell what she knows? The tension and conflicts are off the charts, the story's climax is jaw-dropping dramatic, and the heat of this 5-man, one-woman menage is incendiary. If you aren't into spanking, pain, or domination this may not be your read, but Black as always makes the sex serve the plot and the character development, so it works seamlessly into the story. I want to thank the author for the ARC, and this review is, as always, voluntary, independent,and uncompensated. It is also a recommendation: Read Theirs to Protect first, and then read this book. You'll love it.
January 31, 2019
In the first few chapters, I wasn't sure that I would like this. But, I decided to keep pushing on, and I'm glad I did. By the time I got to the end, I really did like it.
One reason that I wasn't sure that I would like it was I didn't originally connect with the guys. Charlie was OK when we first met him, but when he and Shay escaped and they got to town, he was kind of a jerk. He was really judgemental about his sister and her chosen lifestyle. She was happy with her five husbands, so why he's being all p1ssy about it, I don't know. Then when he found out that Shay was going to have to marry 5 guys too, well, 4 guys plus him, he just was kind of a jerk about it. Eventually, we find out more behind his reasoning and as we learn more about Charlie, he really grew on me. He's very young, not necessarily agewise, but world wise. He doesn't have a lot of experience outside of his family, so of course he's going to have some issues.
Henry was just... slimy and smarmy from the very beginning. From what we saw in his head vs. what we saw in the other guys' heads, I think that he saw Shay much more as an accessory or statue piece than he did as a real life person and wife, even as he thinks that he loves her. I just didn't like him at all.
Jonas was confusing to me from the beginning. It was like he was 2 people sharing one mind and body. It was really interesting to learn more about him.
Gabriel is nearly non-existent in a lot of the book, but of the things we do learn about him, we know that he loves his sons more than life himself, and that he's truly a good man with a loving heart who is very conflicted about what's going on.
I wish we had been able to learn more about Rafe, we just never spent enough time in his head to really learn a whole lot about him, but he seems like a real BAMF, who was there to kick butt and chew gum and he was all out of bubblegum.
I can't imagine being a woman in these books. There's some horrific things that happen that make the world kind of hellish. But, she's a lot stronger than people thought that she was, including her.
I'm looking forward to the next book and can't wait to see where it's going to go and what's going to happen with Eric and Drea, and the storyline with Travis.
One reason that I wasn't sure that I would like it was I didn't originally connect with the guys. Charlie was OK when we first met him, but when he and Shay escaped and they got to town, he was kind of a jerk. He was really judgemental about his sister and her chosen lifestyle. She was happy with her five husbands, so why he's being all p1ssy about it, I don't know. Then when he found out that Shay was going to have to marry 5 guys too, well, 4 guys plus him, he just was kind of a jerk about it. Eventually, we find out more behind his reasoning and as we learn more about Charlie, he really grew on me. He's very young, not necessarily agewise, but world wise. He doesn't have a lot of experience outside of his family, so of course he's going to have some issues.
Henry was just... slimy and smarmy from the very beginning. From what we saw in his head vs. what we saw in the other guys' heads, I think that he saw Shay much more as an accessory or statue piece than he did as a real life person and wife, even as he thinks that he loves her. I just didn't like him at all.
Jonas was confusing to me from the beginning. It was like he was 2 people sharing one mind and body. It was really interesting to learn more about him.
Gabriel is nearly non-existent in a lot of the book, but of the things we do learn about him, we know that he loves his sons more than life himself, and that he's truly a good man with a loving heart who is very conflicted about what's going on.
I wish we had been able to learn more about Rafe, we just never spent enough time in his head to really learn a whole lot about him, but he seems like a real BAMF, who was there to kick butt and chew gum and he was all out of bubblegum.
I can't imagine being a woman in these books. There's some horrific things that happen that make the world kind of hellish. But, she's a lot stronger than people thought that she was, including her.
I'm looking forward to the next book and can't wait to see where it's going to go and what's going to happen with Eric and Drea, and the storyline with Travis.
February 10, 2020
This series is H.O.T.T. - hot! And its not just the men, its everything - the writing, the plot, the twists, the charecters. The steamy scenes are just a bonus.
I am in love with the law that states "every woman must marry five men". There are some words that shouldn't, in any way belong, in the same sentence, let alone be strung together to make a swoon-worthy phrase. But damn it, I want my sexy apocalypse. With everything happening in this world of Stasia Black I wouldn't mind being a raffle won wife. This guys make the end of the world worth it.
I am in love with the law that states "every woman must marry five men". There are some words that shouldn't, in any way belong, in the same sentence, let alone be strung together to make a swoon-worthy phrase. But damn it, I want my sexy apocalypse. With everything happening in this world of Stasia Black I wouldn't mind being a raffle won wife. This guys make the end of the world worth it.
June 26, 2021
Loved it
July 2, 2018
The second book in The Marriage Lottery series is a sensual and exciting read that holds readers captive from the very beginning. The story starts off giving a bit of background for how Shay and Charlie met which lets readers know right off the bat that this story is going to be full of thrilling suspense and action. The fast pace ensures that readers never have a dull moment or lose interest in anything that is going on and let me just say that there are lots of exciting events that take place, events that steam the senses, events that hold readers in suspense and events that really get the adrenaline pumping. Shay knew that she would participate in the lottery and have five husbands and while she intends to share her body, she will keep her secrets which certainly keeps readers guessing and on edge. The five men, Charlie, Rafe, Jonas, Gabriel and Henry all have stirring parts in this story as well, but since one of them may or may not be a spy for the enemy, readers are kept on edge no matter how well they get to know them.
These strong, captivating characters are brought to vivid life and easily enthrall readers with their story, so much so that surprising twists ensure that the readers can’t determine all the secrets and who is the enemy until the very thrilling reveal. The romance itself is full of super sexy and erotic scenes as well emotional turmoil that adds realism to the story especially since nothing is ever black and white. The story is also quite intense, not only because the emotionally troubled relationship but also due to the conspiracy that these characters find themselves embroiled in.
Once again, I was completely taken in by Stasia Black’s story and her well-developed characters and post-apocalyptic world that I had no problem envisioning, so I can’t wait to read the next one.
These strong, captivating characters are brought to vivid life and easily enthrall readers with their story, so much so that surprising twists ensure that the readers can’t determine all the secrets and who is the enemy until the very thrilling reveal. The romance itself is full of super sexy and erotic scenes as well emotional turmoil that adds realism to the story especially since nothing is ever black and white. The story is also quite intense, not only because the emotionally troubled relationship but also due to the conspiracy that these characters find themselves embroiled in.
Once again, I was completely taken in by Stasia Black’s story and her well-developed characters and post-apocalyptic world that I had no problem envisioning, so I can’t wait to read the next one.
June 15, 2018
Exceeded expectations
I was amazed that this book actually exceeded my expectations. It's after the end of the world as we know it and most women are dead due to a virus. Life is not good for women. There are different factions and this book takes place in Texas. You have a power hungry crazy guy who wants to rule the world. You have a guy who named himself president that was a good guy at one time but became corrupted by his total power. Only one town is close to being fair and they are progressive by having a lottery that gives a woman to five guys to become a family clan. Guess it's a good thing that all the women are beautiful and all the guys are handsome hunks. In real life this would be far from the reality and one woman would be forced to be with 5 guys of questionable looks and character. I did have an issue with this story trying to sell this as the perfect option for society. Personally, I could get that women would have to choose five husbands, but the husbands that wanted a chance should court the woman and she would make her choices. Outside of a novel, the solution here would not work or be romantic. NOW a small spoiler ahead. While Shay was able to forgive Jonas, I don't think I could ever let him dominate me again in her shoes. I might forgive, but could I really respect the guy that was that weak and I am sorry it is weak. I get not having it in you to be a killer, but when you are facing down a guy like Hitler that has been and is going to be killing your friends and family and wants to take your woman to abuse again, you sacrifice your beliefs and suffer with any guilt and pull the trigger. You protect. It's real easy to say you can't kill. It's harder to do what you have to do to protect those that need it. Even he knew he was wrong and weak and unworthy. Yes, I could have forgiven him, but never would I respect him enough to submit to him. Because in the end, he didn't make the hard decision. He made the easiest one.
I was amazed that this book actually exceeded my expectations. It's after the end of the world as we know it and most women are dead due to a virus. Life is not good for women. There are different factions and this book takes place in Texas. You have a power hungry crazy guy who wants to rule the world. You have a guy who named himself president that was a good guy at one time but became corrupted by his total power. Only one town is close to being fair and they are progressive by having a lottery that gives a woman to five guys to become a family clan. Guess it's a good thing that all the women are beautiful and all the guys are handsome hunks. In real life this would be far from the reality and one woman would be forced to be with 5 guys of questionable looks and character. I did have an issue with this story trying to sell this as the perfect option for society. Personally, I could get that women would have to choose five husbands, but the husbands that wanted a chance should court the woman and she would make her choices. Outside of a novel, the solution here would not work or be romantic. NOW a small spoiler ahead. While Shay was able to forgive Jonas, I don't think I could ever let him dominate me again in her shoes. I might forgive, but could I really respect the guy that was that weak and I am sorry it is weak. I get not having it in you to be a killer, but when you are facing down a guy like Hitler that has been and is going to be killing your friends and family and wants to take your woman to abuse again, you sacrifice your beliefs and suffer with any guilt and pull the trigger. You protect. It's real easy to say you can't kill. It's harder to do what you have to do to protect those that need it. Even he knew he was wrong and weak and unworthy. Yes, I could have forgiven him, but never would I respect him enough to submit to him. Because in the end, he didn't make the hard decision. He made the easiest one.
June 14, 2018
Four and a half stars**
I don’t know exactly what I expected, but “Theirs to Pleasure” by Stasia Black delivered much, much more. The story begins years after a plague decimates about 75% of the female population that is followed by a nuclear holocaust. Protagonist Shay escapes enslavement in one camp and finds her way to a settlement called ‘Jacob’s Well’. One of the conditions for new female residents there is to marry five men chosen by draw. Each of Shay’s new husbands (Charlie, Jonas, Gabriel, Rafe, and Henry) has his own backstory and motivation for entering the lottery. These stories unwind over the course of the book. Generally, post-apocalyptic stories don’t appeal to me, but this one shared more than just danger and hardship. There was mind-blowing sex, suspense-filled mystery, danger, and intrigue; oh my!
This was book two of a series, but I read it as a standalone with no issues. I unreservedly recommend this book and look forward to reading it again.
I don’t know exactly what I expected, but “Theirs to Pleasure” by Stasia Black delivered much, much more. The story begins years after a plague decimates about 75% of the female population that is followed by a nuclear holocaust. Protagonist Shay escapes enslavement in one camp and finds her way to a settlement called ‘Jacob’s Well’. One of the conditions for new female residents there is to marry five men chosen by draw. Each of Shay’s new husbands (Charlie, Jonas, Gabriel, Rafe, and Henry) has his own backstory and motivation for entering the lottery. These stories unwind over the course of the book. Generally, post-apocalyptic stories don’t appeal to me, but this one shared more than just danger and hardship. There was mind-blowing sex, suspense-filled mystery, danger, and intrigue; oh my!
This was book two of a series, but I read it as a standalone with no issues. I unreservedly recommend this book and look forward to reading it again.
August 24, 2018
3.5 stars
Not as good as the first book but I'm still in love with the dystopian world that this series is set in!
The exciting part... Things are a changin'; the storyline has pushed forward (big time), more characters (from different territories) are introduced & clans are expanding. There was lots of betrayal, sex, danger & surprises in this one.
My biggest gripe... The relationship Shay had with her husbands felt awkward on many occasions. She didn't have equally strong bonds with each guy, like how Audrey had with hers in the first book. It kinda felt as if she favored some more than others in certain "encounters" & I didn't like that. I just wasn't a huge fan of Shay.
Looking forward to the next book in this series, Their Bride. From what little we know of them, the husbands seem like they'll be very interesting characters!
Not as good as the first book but I'm still in love with the dystopian world that this series is set in!
The exciting part... Things are a changin'; the storyline has pushed forward (big time), more characters (from different territories) are introduced & clans are expanding. There was lots of betrayal, sex, danger & surprises in this one.
My biggest gripe... The relationship Shay had with her husbands felt awkward on many occasions. She didn't have equally strong bonds with each guy, like how Audrey had with hers in the first book. It kinda felt as if she favored some more than others in certain "encounters" & I didn't like that. I just wasn't a huge fan of Shay.
Looking forward to the next book in this series, Their Bride. From what little we know of them, the husbands seem like they'll be very interesting characters!
May 30, 2018
Well Written Story with some major plot twists! It kept me on The Edge during whole read.
Ms. Black created World That will keep each reader engaged in its story and events.
Shay - woman kept in facility for woman. She had been beaten abused and raped for a few years. Suddenly New prisoner appears - who is he? Is He Her only hope?
All guys were Great and so so different That you will beg for Them All (wink)!
Events are fast changing so read carefully and enjoy this Great read!
Ms. Black created World That will keep each reader engaged in its story and events.
Shay - woman kept in facility for woman. She had been beaten abused and raped for a few years. Suddenly New prisoner appears - who is he? Is He Her only hope?
All guys were Great and so so different That you will beg for Them All (wink)!
Events are fast changing so read carefully and enjoy this Great read!
January 20, 2023
1.8
pensé que sería mejor, no esperaba que fuera perfecto. solo lo leí porque habían hombres con frío en la portada y quería leer un libro así, pero no me arrepiento de nada.
al final me empezó a importar poco lo que pasaba, como que ya me daba lo mismo
pensé que sería mejor, no esperaba que fuera perfecto. solo lo leí porque habían hombres con frío en la portada y quería leer un libro así, pero no me arrepiento de nada.
al final me empezó a importar poco lo que pasaba, como que ya me daba lo mismo
September 21, 2021
3.5⭐️
En realidad, muy buen libro
En realidad, muy buen libro
August 21, 2022
En esta historia vemos que el amor de una madre hacia sus hijos es fuerte y capaz de hacer todo por ellos.
La dinámica es la misma que en el primer libro, pero más fuerte y vemos un poco de la historia de todo este mundo y más de los enemigos del municipio de travis
¿los tremendo plot twist que se mandó? 10/10 me tenía con el alma en la boca todo el tiempo y sospechando de todos.
Obviamente este NO ES UN LIBRO PARA TODOS POR FAVOR LEER LAS ADVERTENCIAS.
⭐ 4,5 estrellas de una vez porque me gusto mucho que nos dieran un poco más el fondo de todo el conflicto.
🌶 3,5.
La dinámica es la misma que en el primer libro, pero más fuerte y vemos un poco de la historia de todo este mundo y más de los enemigos del municipio de travis
¿los tremendo plot twist que se mandó? 10/10 me tenía con el alma en la boca todo el tiempo y sospechando de todos.
Obviamente este NO ES UN LIBRO PARA TODOS POR FAVOR LEER LAS ADVERTENCIAS.
⭐ 4,5 estrellas de una vez porque me gusto mucho que nos dieran un poco más el fondo de todo el conflicto.
🌶 3,5.
February 12, 2023
La muerte de Henry
Lo merecía? Sí
Le lloré? Bastante
Lo merecía? Sí
Le lloré? Bastante
May 6, 2020
Spoilers!!!!!
Im reading this series free on Amazon, going from one book to the next, and I have to say this one fell wayyy short of my expectations. The synopsis of the first book sounded intriguing and I LOVE dystopian books so I gave it a shot..... well.... I've made it about 1/3 of the way through the 3rd book and I'm not sure if its worth continuing the series. In book 2, Shay (MC) gets her husband lottery, there were little inconstancies all through out like how one of her husbands had his hand blown off, but all the sudden catches a mirror "with his hands." I literally went back through the story to make sure I didn't miss reread anything, which I didn't, the editor/authors must have missed it all through out the book.
As the story continues, we find out she is a spy and is actively continuing to spy for the bad guy who, lets be honest, he raped her repeatedly and shared her with others without her consent. She has a child with him and one from a previous person, which is what she is being blackmailed with. She finally ends up trusting one of her husbands enough to tell him (Henry) but soon finds out he ALSO is a spy. When her and her husbands are facing off against Travis (the bad guy), Henry is killed and NO ONE seems to care! Not only that but another husband of hers lets Travis get away! I DON'T UNDERSTAND! Your wife is repeatedly raped by this guy, not only that but he is a notorious flesh dealer, he killed one of her husbands and instead of dealing with him and killing him, he escapes but only after being shot twice, with one of those shots being in the knee cap....if this guy was shot in the knee cap, there is literally NO WAY he could have just run way to escape.
I have said this before in other reviews, WHY OH WHY do authors do this?!!!! They ruin the integrity of their writing/storyline to extend the book/series instead of allowing the books to finish naturally. Complete BS. Aggghhhh!!! The 3rd book isn't much better, the MC (Vanessa) is supposedly has this tough outer shell because of years of being in the wilderness by herself. She just ends up coming off as desperate for affection and mistakes sex for love and happiness. This story just seems inauthentic and I'm not even sure if its worth finishing.
Im reading this series free on Amazon, going from one book to the next, and I have to say this one fell wayyy short of my expectations. The synopsis of the first book sounded intriguing and I LOVE dystopian books so I gave it a shot..... well.... I've made it about 1/3 of the way through the 3rd book and I'm not sure if its worth continuing the series. In book 2, Shay (MC) gets her husband lottery, there were little inconstancies all through out like how one of her husbands had his hand blown off, but all the sudden catches a mirror "with his hands." I literally went back through the story to make sure I didn't miss reread anything, which I didn't, the editor/authors must have missed it all through out the book.
As the story continues, we find out she is a spy and is actively continuing to spy for the bad guy who, lets be honest, he raped her repeatedly and shared her with others without her consent. She has a child with him and one from a previous person, which is what she is being blackmailed with. She finally ends up trusting one of her husbands enough to tell him (Henry) but soon finds out he ALSO is a spy. When her and her husbands are facing off against Travis (the bad guy), Henry is killed and NO ONE seems to care! Not only that but another husband of hers lets Travis get away! I DON'T UNDERSTAND! Your wife is repeatedly raped by this guy, not only that but he is a notorious flesh dealer, he killed one of her husbands and instead of dealing with him and killing him, he escapes but only after being shot twice, with one of those shots being in the knee cap....if this guy was shot in the knee cap, there is literally NO WAY he could have just run way to escape.
I have said this before in other reviews, WHY OH WHY do authors do this?!!!! They ruin the integrity of their writing/storyline to extend the book/series instead of allowing the books to finish naturally. Complete BS. Aggghhhh!!! The 3rd book isn't much better, the MC (Vanessa) is supposedly has this tough outer shell because of years of being in the wilderness by herself. She just ends up coming off as desperate for affection and mistakes sex for love and happiness. This story just seems inauthentic and I'm not even sure if its worth finishing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
Apareció entre los recomendados la novela anterior de la saga:
Unidos para protegerla: Romance de un harén inverso.
Y decidí que merecía la pena hacer una última lectura mamarracha este año, le dí dos estrellas por algunos detalles que moralmente me disgustan y no me permiten dar mayor puntuación a una novela pero la verdad es que me reí bastante con la lectura y no estuvo mal dentro del tipo de libro que es así que decidí darle la oportunidad a esta segunda parte.
A continuación algunos CW (content warning/avisos de contenido sensible) que se pueden adivinar fácilmente por la sinopsis .
En esta hay un mayor contenido... ¿político? ¿de poder? que en el anterior y aunque sigue habiendo una cantidad de sexo quizás está más balanceado que en el anterior.
Las cosas positivas de la novela anterior se mantienen: hay un mundo que explica el por qué las cosas son como son, los personajes masculinos se diferencian fácilmente, cada uno tiene su historia y su drama interno lo cual es de agradecer. Uno de ellos tiene una discapacidad física lo cual es una novedad que he recibido gratamente entre tanto ser musculoso y guapísimo.
La aparición de cierto tema sexual entrelazado con la trama de ella me ha generado mucha inquietud porque es difícil tratarlo bien y aunque no creo que sea la peor representación que he leído las motivaciones de los personajes son muy turbias y hay una gestión de la culpa bastante deficiente.
No obstante la cantidad de violencia en general de la historia hace que abandone esta saga. No me apetece leer más cosas de ese tipo o en ese contexto, prefiero utilizar mi tiempo en leer otro tipo de cosas. Eso no quiere decir que la novela o la saga sean malas es simplemente que no son "mi rollo".
Unidos para protegerla: Romance de un harén inverso.
Y decidí que merecía la pena hacer una última lectura mamarracha este año, le dí dos estrellas por algunos detalles que moralmente me disgustan y no me permiten dar mayor puntuación a una novela pero la verdad es que me reí bastante con la lectura y no estuvo mal dentro del tipo de libro que es así que decidí darle la oportunidad a esta segunda parte.
A continuación algunos CW (content warning/avisos de contenido sensible) que se pueden adivinar fácilmente por la sinopsis .
En esta hay un mayor contenido... ¿político? ¿de poder? que en el anterior y aunque sigue habiendo una cantidad de sexo quizás está más balanceado que en el anterior.
Las cosas positivas de la novela anterior se mantienen: hay un mundo que explica el por qué las cosas son como son, los personajes masculinos se diferencian fácilmente, cada uno tiene su historia y su drama interno lo cual es de agradecer. Uno de ellos tiene una discapacidad física lo cual es una novedad que he recibido gratamente entre tanto ser musculoso y guapísimo.
La aparición de cierto tema sexual entrelazado con la trama de ella me ha generado mucha inquietud porque es difícil tratarlo bien y aunque no creo que sea la peor representación que he leído las motivaciones de los personajes son muy turbias y hay una gestión de la culpa bastante deficiente.
No obstante la cantidad de violencia en general de la historia hace que abandone esta saga. No me apetece leer más cosas de ese tipo o en ese contexto, prefiero utilizar mi tiempo en leer otro tipo de cosas. Eso no quiere decir que la novela o la saga sean malas es simplemente que no son "mi rollo".
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