Vengeance and destruction are all he has left. Lianna Mercier has everything. She’s beautiful, well-educated, her father is rich, powerful — and she works for him. The perfect little princess, raised to be just like daddy.
But it’s all a lie.
A bloody, screwed up lie, and David Gethen is about to tear it all down and destroy Lianna in the process. He wants revenge, he wants to finish the plan his father started years ago — but after he takes her, after he tortures her, he begins to realize just how wrong he may have been.
Publisher's Note: This book is a dark romance that contains intense scenes, graphic language, and capture fantasy which may be disturbing for some readers. Please choose another book if this is not your cup of tea!
Jennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.
This was a strange one for me. A lot of stuff that happened in the story was dark and twisted, but didn't feel dark and twisted.
David wants revenge from a man who destroyed his family, so he rapes, kidnaps, and beats the man's daughter, Lianna. Lianna is scared but also aroused by what's happening to her. Okay, so that part is dark and twisted. But when Lianna finds out why David is doing this to her, she's suddenly on his side and wants to protect him. Next thing you know, they're working together and things between them start feeling domestic. There's also a level of immaturity that just doesn't fit in for this kind of story. The story ends in a cliffhanger, but I'm not interested in continuing.
I'm obviously as messed up as Lianne to also fall for David
I have had Destruction sitting on my kindle, waiting to be read for quite some time. Life, arc reading and buying too many books has meant that I just hadn't gotten around to reading it. However I do know the author is working on completing the second book, so I decided it was time I got myself caught up.
The title is very fitting in so many ways, including the devastation to my soul. This is a pretty dark read, with non-con (albeit it's enjoyed, but she definitely says no), sadism, violence and what is possibly a healthy dollop of Stockholm Syndrome.
David is an antihero of the first order, doing bad things for misguided reasons. He and Lianne share some very warped but extremely hot chemistry. There are passages that make for uncomfortable reading - because you really shouldn't be turned on by such depravity but you are. Lianne is very easy to like and connect to, their is a very natural and likeable feel to her character. I disliked David for so much of the book, but that's because he is written to BE hated, until you don't.
The writing held my attention, the characters interested me, whilst the plot and suspense was well paced so as to hold my attention. I was huddled in the corner of that dank, concrete cell. I was chained across that thin, worn mattress. The skill of the author put me into the middle of the story, had me screaming in the dark and crying in misery alongside Lianne.
If you're looking for your next dark erotic read then you've found it here.
And people said Japanese was weird with their porn fetish.
A woman was kidnapped by a man on a revenge. She was abused and raped multiple times. And she liked it. To make it fair, lets throw in a tall, dark and handsome man so that we won't feel ickish to accept him romantically.
In 1960, a Thai author wrote a book with similar plot. A man was on a revenge mission. He kidnapped a woman; abused and raped her. And then he found out she was innocent. The second half of the book was about that man trying to make amend to the woman but, at the same time finding the person who was responsible for his brother's death. He was conflicted; either pursue his revenge and risk losing the woman he learned to love or forget the revenge and be together with her; if she could ever forgive him that is.
I learned to love the Thai hero. He was not kidding when he started pursuing the heroin romantically. He was in love with her way before he even knew she was innocent. He couldn't understand how a pure woman could be the reason for his brother's death.
This book however, was so wrong that it border a porn fetish. I know some people get off on pain but, damn girl, at least show some resistance. The second half should be the guy pursuing you, not you handing yourself on a silver platter. And shouldn't they be a code word or something. You know, for when you want it to stop. And a 'NO' or 'STOP' is not a code word.
Worst "victim falls in love with her rapist" story ever! Looking at the reviews here, some people were mighty impressed by this book. What a joke!
Lianna (privileged daughter of a rich and powerful businessman) is kidnapped, beaten and repeatedly raped by David aka "Monster" for being unfortunate enough to 1. Be sired by a mafioso boss, and 2. Being naive because she didn't know her daddy was a psychopath.
Bizarrely, Lianna's physical, psychological and sexual abuse is neatly minimised and made acceptable by virtue of the fact that her abusive captor is able to get her rocks off during those terrifying attacks (aww...bless) and because David tells her "the truth" about her evil father. Like, WTH??? He's. A. Complete. Monster.
I don't care if someone is turned on by rough sex. I don't care if someone has a deep-seated desire to be dominated. I do care if that someone is being horribly abused by a sociopath who gets an illicit thrill (not to mention, boner) hearing her screams of terror.
This was the most twisted story I have come across in some time and I read authors like Shayla Black, Cassandra Carr etc... Honestly, I found it completely off-putting. 1 star.
Destruction was Jennifer Bene at her finest. This story was so dark and delicious that I sat gripped reading it in one setting. It was so deliciously dirty and so wrong on so many levels but I just could not stop reading it.
When David Gethen kidnaps Liana Mercier, the daughter of the man that has ruined his life, neither she nor he could have expected the raw and visceral connection they would form. Bene goes into vivid detail about the sexual mind games and torture David puts Liana through but when the truth comes out that Liana is not who David thinks she is - will she be able to forgive him?
I thought this story was erotic, disturbing and fantastic. Three words that can best describe this author. I loved this story! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Oh my dayz. I need to read more from this author as this was a fantastic read.
David Gethen hates Robert Mercier. He’s on a path of Destruction- to destroy everything of Roberts. He decides to kidnap Roberts daughter Lianna. David thought Lianna was as bad as her father but he’s wrong, she’s innocent. Her light with his darkness makes a great story.
I absolutely loved these characters and the storyline is brilliant. I’m looking forward to reading more darkness from this author.
When it comes to dark romance, Jennifer Bene is the absolute queen. Her stories have just about everything that any dark romance lover could want, a twisted and dark Alpha male who has his own secrets and motivations, a beautiful, strong yet submissive woman, and the twisted circumstances that bring them together. Destruction has all that and more.
Robert Mercier has everything anyone could want, wealth, power, and a beautiful daughter named Lianna. Mercier wants to have an heir to his business, and Lianna is it. She works for his company, helping to grow it, and lives with him more than she lives in her own apartment. She's turning into a workaholic, just like her father.
David Gethen is bound and determined to bring down Mercier and he wants to make sure it hurts. The best way to do that is to go through Lianna, Mercier's most prized possession. If David takes Lianna away, then he can get Mercier to do whatever he wants. There's also the added benefit of getting to tear down and ruin Lianna at the same time.
This book is dark and twisted. It kept me guessing the whole time as to what is going to happen. There are so many layers to get through to figure out why anyone did what they just did. It's more than just a steamy story, it's a great ride for your brain too as you try to keep track of everything.
I survived the Destruction!! Well, barely. I'm still holding onto my Kindle trying to grasp all the emotions I'm feeling right now. This author doesn't just give you characters to love. She forces you to become a part of their world and you're so enthralled you don't realize you've reached the end of the book.
This is dark, it's delicious, and it's everything I want in a book that will push me. It wasn't an easy journey by any means, but Jennifer weaves magic with her words and I was sucked into the darkness, I was holding my breath and I was squirming, needing an ice cold shower by the end of certain scenes.
If you love your romance dark, filled with intense, yet alluring and difficult to read scenes, then you have to one click this right the f**k now!
This was a series i was só ready to read! Having read Louise’s reviews,i wanted it....badly! But knowing i needed the whole story,i knew it was better for my health to wait until the last book was published.... And now that it has,i can finally indulge,WOOHOO! First off,i need to warn you this is not an easy read. It deals with some very dark stuff like abuse and rape... Now how to review without saying too much...hmm...
Lianna’s only family is her father,and she’s doing her best to make him a proud father. She works for him,but it’s not easy for a couple of reasons.... When she’s kidnapped,she thinks it’s for a ransom. Her kidnapper enjoys making her scream,making her plead with her father to do whatever he demands. But the torture,and everything else he does to her,not only hurts,it also confuses her. She tries to escape,but fails....
David has lived most of his life working towards revenge for his family. Now that he has Lianna,her reactions make him realise she’s not the girl he thought her to be. In fact,her entire demeanor is not what he expected. When he shares his reasons,everything changes.....
Damn,i am só glad i have the series! Now i can go straight to Inheritance!
Bravo Bane! Bravo! From beginning to end this story captured my attention! I can’t recall the hype of the story waning at any time!
The storyline is phenomenal. It amazes me the depth of Lianna’s gullibility and naivety regarding her dad. Not one single clue. That plot in itself is a good one. However, David is the STORY! Dude swooped in like a mighty Cat 5 and left destruction in his wake! Or did he...sometimes the game changes and the player will get played....
Bane does an amazing job with the dynamics of this story. I’m all for the dark and she produced it in SPADES in this story!
My friend recommended this book to me.. and told me it was good and to read the whole thing.. now... i read some dark romances.. this one.. is 5x dark in my mind and wow..
NOW WARNING... SPOILERS AHEAD.. SOME ARE NOT.. WELL HAPPY..
Lianna is kidnapped thanks to her fathers sins, that she doesn't know about she's innocent in this whole thing, shes tough and then sometimes she isn't her body really doesn't listen to her mind when she gets off from her kidnapper doing some crappy things to her.. heck she starts falling in love with him maybe 70% mark of the book when she learns the truth about her father. Dont fall in love with your rapist.. i didnt mark this as romance cuz.. well theirs nothing romantic about that.. darkish yes..
Now david he's dark, cold and abit crazy... i did at one point feel bad for david for wanting revenge on Lianna dad for what he did to his family but he still a fucked up guy.. and he took it out on lianna and i mean he did alot of fucked up things to her rape, whipping (no blood was drawn), humiliation, he starts feeling guilty when he finds out she has no clue what her father is really like.. those feelings start to cloud him.
Things take a turn and shit hits the fan.. do i feel like david is redeemed i dont think so... he even said how can she be around a sick monster like him.. am i going to read book 2.. maybe i wanna see how their story ends.. idk..
Why a 1.5 star.. i really like the plot.. just not the whole rape thing if that was deleted maybe it would be maybe higher rating for me.. ..
Alot of agnst... no virgins.. no ow/om drama..
Recommend- maybe if you enjoy dark romance Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Hate to love (or lust) Abuse Raped Not safe Alot of sexual assault Mental torture HFN
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Destruction” is thoroughly riveting, evocatively dark and totally twisted! After a somewhat slow start, I just couldn’t bring myself to look away feeling compelled to continue and I’m so glad I did. “Destruction” destroyed me and then put me back together piece by agonizing piece. The hero is truly maniacal and commits ineffable acts but somehow, I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. The heroine’s strength is remarkable, she is a survivor and truly “the light” we should all strive to be. Professionally written and fast paced the author weaves a tale of mystery and suspense rarely realized in an erotic thriller. Not for the faint of heart (heed the warning) “Destruction” is both darkly compelling as well as moving and meaningful.
Take a chance on the dark and you may just see the light!
One of the best dark romances I've read this year. I loved the story. Loved the characters. I was sucked in and didn't want it to end. There were no "slow" parts for me. It started and didn't stop. Loved it. Very dark.
I voluntarily accepted an ARC of this book here is my review.
*Spoiler FREE*
A new author and a new book. I had no idea what to expect. I went in totally blind and didnt even read the blurb. I did not expect to be ragged into the dark side of fiction and taken on a wild ride of kidnap, captivity, sex, intrigue and revenge.
I loved the mystery of the captor and the unknown element. It created a rather dark atmosphere and upped the fear factor a whole bunch.
Dark romance is my go to genre and I find it very hard to find new books and authors that I havent read before with original stories. I thought it was a cleverly written story and I really enjoyed reading it.
It was a bit of an odd experience reading this books dual pov written in the third person but it managed to work but wasnt my favourite withe this authors style. However the story and the characters sucked me straight in and I couldnt put it down. Jennifer Bene is going on my to-read author list. I'm definitely going to find more of her books to read!
He thought she was Daddy's spoiled little princess. He turned her into his fallen Angel. This book was really dark, and their relationship was pretty messed up. David kidnapped Lianna and held her, using her against her father. There's a long, dark history there, and David has reason to hate her father. He thought Lianna knew about everything her father had done though, so it was a real shock when he realizes she's a complete innocent. They balance each other out though, David is all darkness, and Lianna brings him light. Somehow, they manage to make things work, and she becomes his Angel. I really enjoyed this book, but it was intense! If you need warnings on your books, or you have triggers, you may want to pass on this one. There are scenes which will make you uncomfortable. All in all, it was a beautifully dark and twisted romance!
Don’t bother. Seriously. What a waste of time. I wish everyone in this book had ended up dead. This is what I get for reading books from ads on Facebook.
Question 2: Is there anything...anyone who could change your mind?
I was staring out with these questions in mind when I started Destruction. David, the main character within the story, wore hate and revenge like they were his first and middle names. I kept thinking well this can't end well.
Lianna Mercier didn't understand that David was coming after her and he was taking no prisoners. David wanted her father at his mercy--mainly he wanted Lianna's father on his knees. Also he wanted to ruin her. Even though David was completely crazy, I was with him every step of the way. I kept thinking there has to be a method to his madness, right?
I loved Lianna's character. She was strong and fought back. It didn't matter that even she was in prisoned. The twist, which came, threw me along with Lianna. People always say ignorance is bliss but I'm glad she finally knew the truth. It was painful. This truth would ruin her. Maybe not physically but definitely emotionally.
By the end, Lianna embraced the change in her life. Understood the truth and wanted to make the darkness hers. David... Well David was still completely cray cray but I still loved him. *shrug* I knew the reason behind his craziness and so did Lianna. She was the light to his darkness and his darkness brought truth to light.
2.5 rounded up to 3. I couldn’t put this down for the first 75%. It really had me roped in. But when the H and h’s shift in dynamic occurred, it no longer help my interest. The H did a complete 180 and acted like a weak puppy. The h became the dominant one. I didn’t like it. Also, for whatever reason, the secret identity of her father and his background was kind of bland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ehat happens when vengeance is all you've lived for and the woman who was meant to be your tool of destruction turns into the object of your uncontrollable desire. Jennifer Bene once again takes us into the deepest corners of lust, desire, passion and control. She is unapologetically dark and she makes you like it.
Let's start off with that cover. GORGEOUS! The story, characters and darkness all rolled into one was magnificent!
I was pulled into this story from the first word. There wasn't a part of this story that I didn't like! Lianna and David have an undeniable spark, even going through everything they go through!
If you've ever read one of Jennifer Bene's books, you know she can take your breath away with her darkness and Destruction is no exception! What I loved about Destruction was how much of a psychological thriller it was. I love me some dark, but mix it with a mind *beep* and I was on the edge of my seat. The other great thing about book is you can really connect with the 2 main characters. The character development in this book is amazing! I felt Lianna's anger and sorrow during her captivity and I felt David's rage and frustration with Lianna and her father. This book is brilliantly written and will keep you captivated until the very last word!
Jennifer Bene is a dark romance author I always look forward to reading. Her books are always purely dark with a touch of romance that always make me addicted. I live for her books. Most of the times, I am rendered speechless and shaking my head because the story she comes up with that are beyond my wildest dreams. Her writing style is always captivating and well developed that you become so engrossed in the book. Basically, they cast a dark spell on me. Destruction was such an interesting dark that had a compelling plot.
To me, Destruction was not really a romance. Yes there were romantic qualities interlocking with the plot. To me, it was dark suspense with disturbing elements. Trust me, you need to heed the warning of this book because Destruction is truly fucked up on another level. Twisted. Menacing. Heart Pumping. Chilling. Destruction was psychological thriller with elements of mayhem, vengeance, lies and secrets that fully decimated my soul. This book was roller coaster of madness. Seriously, I was losing my mind. I did struggled with the first 20% of the book but once I reached 20%, the story picked up and I was caught in a web of mystery and dark BDSM. This book is borderline dark. It will creep into your heart and give you terrifying spasms all over. It is truly complex and the story stays in you forever. Jennifer gave me everything. She gave dose of psycho crazy that I needed. She gave me well developed story that make you question yourself a bit. Destruction will definitely cause destruction to your mind, body, heart and soul. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. I was mesmerized. That 80% gave me truly exhilarating ride.
Seriously this book is not easy. it will eat you up and tear your heart. I was introduced to Lianna and David were not a simply captor/captive story couple. No, they had interesting and different chemistry but yet it was complex and very messed up in most parts. Lianna was a businesswoman trying to fit the life her father gave her. David was dark and psycho. I can;t say more about them because I might accidentally spoil but you need to read this book to full understand Lianna and David. He was dark and she was the light.
I really enjoyed this dark treat. At the end, I really wanted more. An epilogue to tie together. In a way something was missing at the end. However, I was still engrossed. I recommend it.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I think DESTRUCTION is my new favorite Jennifer Bene story. Lianna’s world is flipped upside down when everything she thought she knew about her father, his company… herself is torn apart leaving her exposed in ways she never dreamed were possible. Loosely based on the tale of Rapunzel, which you will key in on, Ms. Bene takes dark and twisted to an engrossing new level that will leave you rapidly tapping those pages and unable to put the story down. *Of note, if things of dubious consent and dark and twisted don’t have you squirming in your seat, this may not be the story for you. But if it does, one-click. Do it now.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
David Gethen is a man out for revenge. He hates with a passion Robert Mercier who has the perfect daughter, Lianna Mercier. She has got it all. Beauty, educated, powerful all because of her dad. She is the perfect little princess and raised to be just like her father. David is going to destory everthing Robert has and taking hsi precious daughter is just thr ticket to do this. She after all has to be just as bad as her father. What he doesnt expect is her her to be so sweet and innocent. This is one wild ride that will take you to places you never expect to go. I am so torn on what to say about this book . I don not want to gove anything more away than what I have. This is a book that need to be experienced first hand. Just buckle your seat belt and hold on for dear life. It is one wild ride, a ride well woth taking though if you love dark books. Jennifer Bene has rocked my world and blown my mind with Destruction.
David Gethen hates Robert Mercier. He is determined to destroy anything Mercier loves and desires. He decides to kidnap Roberts daughter Lianna as a form of revenge and because he lumped Lianna under the same evil brush as her father. David soon finds out Lianna is quite innocent and pure, she is sweet and kind. What is he to do with her now? Does he punish her or does he corrupt the sweet beauty? I loved this story of two people who end up meeting in messed up circumstances yet finding love despite of it. Light and Dark make a great story. Lianna and David have an undeniable spark evem with all the twists in this story. I found the characters to be fabulous and the plot to be tight. My Rating: 4.5 stars ***** “I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Itching for something dark and twisty to read and Bene doesn’t disappoint at all!
David Gethen is a man out for revenge, vengeance. He’s twisted and mysterious and intriguing.
He brings destruction into his the life of the wealthy and powerful man, Robert Mercier. He takes his time by kidnapping and breaking down his daughter, beautiful and strong and yet gullible and naive, Lianna Mercier.
But who knew David would desire Lianna as much as he did?
Destruction kept me on my toes! I kept on thinking... OMG! What’s going to happen next?
Bene has a way of taking you into the deepest, darkest corners and craving more of the darkness. She writes dark anything amazingly well! I’m living for it!
Wow. The word “dark” doesn’t even touch this book in my opinion. It’s a pure masterpiece. From page one Jennifer Bene had me questioning everything I stood for. I mean am I one who believes in revenge? Am I one that believes people get what they deserve? Both of those answers were yes, in the beginning. Once again my morals and limits were tested time and time again. Jennifer Bene never fails to make me question it all and just how far I think I can be pushed and how much I will endure throughout her books. I’m in utter awe that I was squirming. That isn’t something that normally happens to me but this book did just that.
I definitely need therapy on why I love books like this. This book had me riveted from page one. I got extremely sick when I was reading this and the inconvenience of not being able to finish it earlier made me even angrier than the actual Doctor/medicine/get rest aspect.
These characters were hot as hell. The secrets, the intrigue, the suspense were phenomenal. I cannot leave out the steam. Good lord. So many scenes made my kindle almost combust.
This book has triggers. This book is dark and twisty. I cannot wait to see where this story goes in the future. It's a HFN ending but there are so many variables got the future.