Review: Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters

Title: Tears of Tess
Author: Pepper Winters
Age Group: New Adult
Release Date: 28th August 2013
Publishers: Self Published
Available from: Amazon
Source: Author

A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.

Then it all changed.

I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

_____________

I wasn’t sure about reviewing Tears of Tess, but all those teasers Pepper posted over Facebook had me wanting to give it a try. I am so glad I did. It’s not as dark as I had thought, but is still gritty and touches on some tough issues. If you’re not a fan of slavery and non-consensual sex, then you may want to give it a miss. But if you can look past these elements and see the story as a whole, you won’t be disappointed.

At its heart, Tears of Tess is a story of survival and self-discovery. We never know how strong we are until we are tested and Tess’s strength constantly shines through the pages. I was continually amazed at her resilience and fortitude no matter her situation. Tess is a heroine you can look up to and admire. When we first meet Tess she’s in a loving, if stifling relationship with Brax. She has some kinky thoughts and desires but Brax isn’t sold on her wanting to explore their sexual relationship more. She hopes their holiday will help him open up a bit, but everything changes in a moment when she’s taken. From here Tess is subjected to degradation and humiliation. I’m not sure I could have survived what she does. Pepper tells Tess’s story so vividly, it’s like you’re right there alongside her. I couldn’t flick through the pages fast enough!

Then there’s Q. Such a dark and intriguing character who will have you quivering in your skin. He’s so complex and it was frustrating at times trying to figure him out. When you do realise the extent of his characters intricacies, it’s hard not to fall for him. He’s a good guy with some rather wicked and sinful cravings. Q makes Tess realise her own dark desires and awakens a fire in her. Their chemistry leaps off the pages and it’s a wonder your fingers don’t burn. She has to come to terms with the fact that she can submit to him but not lose herself in the process. Their journey together is an emotional rollercoaster full of heartbreak, betrayal, erotic discovery, understanding and forgiveness. It will break you, mess with your head and leave you wrung out when you’ve finished. Tears of Tess is such a compelling and beautiful read. I am already looking forward to whatever Pepper releases next.

5/5