PRISONER (Criminals & Captives #1) by SKYE WARREN & ANNIKA MARTIN

‘Did they take what makes him human? What makes him civilised.’

G&J: This story….THIS STORY!!! Read it and become oblivious to everything around you as you live and breathe the gripping journey of Grayson and Abby which begins in the least romantic of places; prison. Prisoner tested us at times yet captivated us in equal measure. When you’ve not had anything remotely good happen to you or possessed something ‘yours alone’ in life; when that something special comes along would you not fight tooth and nail to keep it even if you don’t fully understand it nor why? Would this not become an obsession to keep and protect? Whilst the methods are questionable the true purpose and meaning behind the actions were understandable. Our hearts ached; our pulse soared and our soppy love-struck souls rejoiced at the good old saying love will conquer all no matter where it begins and how ugly it gets or starts out.

Prisoner was extremely raw and dark whilst having moments of pure beauty and passion. The writing was seamless; stunning and extremely harrowing. Revenge and retribution is a dangerous emotional game; throw in love and unquestionable sexual tension and you’ve got one explosive story.

‘…to the outside observer, fear and arousal look like very much the same thing.’

This is Grayson’s story; an anti-hero who we wanted to punch and hug in the same breath. He was a puzzle – starting off in distorted unrecognisable pieces which, once pieced together, became a complete picture of beauty shrouded in perceived ugliness.

‘They say there are two types of fear –the kind that has you running far, far away, and the kind that shakes you so deeply that you can’t look away. For me, Grayson is the second kind of fear.’

We cried as we uncovered distressing details from our Grayson’s life. Believe us; the Authors didn’t need to expose or graphically dramatize his past. Just the insinuation and snippets had the hairs on the back of our necks standing on end as the tears fell.

‘The feel of brutality that hangs about him is compelling and….somehow beautiful.’

What is it about anti-heroes that we love so much? It’s a fine line between love and hate; exaggerated emotions that can blur into one intense passion. A passion which can only be satisfied when reacting to the hate with love. Grayson was an enigma unfolding before our eyes. Yes we hated him but we loved him too with all our hearts.

“I know what it’s like to hate what’s happening. And to hate that you like it.”

At the end of the day how can you not understand and empathise upon learning of the harrowing start in life he had to endure. And sweet sensible Abby; hiding from a past touched by guilt and suffering.

“Sometimes, Abigail, you have to punch a fucking hole in your soul to survive.” 

Abby; the light to Grayson’s dark right? Well, arguably not as we learn what hides behind that prim façade. We all wear a shield to hide what we want no one to know about us. Abby hides her well until her soul recognised Grayson’s.

‘He takes my air and breathes it back into me. He takes control of me, and I can finally give in.’

Oh did these two fight for what they wanted; when really they wanted the same thing. The heart wants what it wants no matter how irrational and impossible it may seem. Abby is a strong and resilient heroine. She never loses the fight for what she wants and understands to be right in relation to what she believes in.

“I’m tougher than I look.”

“I know that sweetheart. You’d have to be, to survive me.”

So whilst this was not an easy read at times we devoured it and left wanting the next book in this series. We can’t wait to find out what happens in the journey of vengeance and discovery. We’re hoping Nate gets his own story because damn THAT man! And of course Stone. These brothers who have a bond so incredibly strong and emotionally unbreakable. So yeah; we highly recommend this book to readers who are willing to travel outside their comfort zones and who embrace every emotion possible to be had from reading.

‘I want to hurt her and I want to protect her. Break her and shield her.’