Tears of Tess

By: Pepper Winters

Narrated by: Hannah Belle, Jacob Morgan, Punch Audio

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

"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?

©2013 Pepper Winters (P)2016 Pepper Winters

TRULY A TWISTED LOVE AFFAIR!

Would you listen to Tears of Tess again? Why?

IDK....This is a sick and twisted story...I am curious for book 2 though...

What did you like best about this story?

WOW...I dont know that this is a story you can say you like...its a bit overwhelming...its very dark...and well written...and the concept is just brutal..did I like this story? NO..do I like the book and the performance? YES!

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I felt for Tess the whole time...she is very strong willed...and I probably would have really hated this dom/sub relationship if it wouldn't have been Tess who really wanted this...and that is how true dom/sub relationships work.

Any additional comments?

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

This book was a struggle for me emotionally...I have a hard time with dom/sub forced relationships...this is a brutal story of human trafficking and forced slavery....and if you can not wrap your mind around how some people like pain, crave pain and want pain in there sex lives, and that that is the only way they are satisfied, you do not need to listen to this book!

Tess has always been missing something, she has dark fantasies and is not truly happy with her sweet boyfriend Brax, she also has parental issues and has never really felt good enough, or truly loved. Her and Brax take a vacation in Mexico and it all goes to hell, I mean literal hell...Tess is kidnapped and sold like property...she just so happens to end up in France with the dark and very sinister Q! Both these people are really messed up...he sees the fight in her, her intelligence, her passion and it is on!

I had to review my feelings on this book several times, and although I really did like this book, and I want #2 asap...I dont like stories like this on the norm..I know a lot about this lifestyle...the extreme BDSM lifestyle and I probably would not have finished this book if I could not have clearly saw that Tess wanted this, needed this...she was actually more in control of this situation than Q ever really was, and this is what it took for both of them to be set free somehow...it is definitely a sick sick sick and twisted world out there...and don't just think this kind of stuff happens only in fiction, because you are sadly mistaken if you do!

On the narration I think Hannah was ok, but the wrong choice for this book, and why didn't she have an Australian accent, if Tess was from Australia? Jacob was awesome!

THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR WIMPS, DON'T EVEN TRY IT IF YOU CANT HANDLE EXTREME BDSM, IF SO...GO FOR IT YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

WELL WORTH YOUR TIME AND A CREDIT, I AM TRULY BLOWN AWAY!

Hot and Twisty and Depraved Oh MY!

WOW...what an Dark and Depraved read. Lets just say 50 shades doesn't have nothing on this! I couldn't believe the depth and detail in this story. I love how Pepper stories are all narrated. No spoilers here, but some advice..... DO NOT read close to bedtime, you will be up all night!!

So I have been celibate for almost four years and...

I wanted to see if thoughts of a man could turn me on. I have decided to remain celibate for me to learn about myself and search inside for my long time feelings I have had for the same sex. I have only been with women for several years and prior to that I fucked a lot - regardless of gender - and in the middle of that, at age 16, I was raped and robbed at gunpoint by five men...stay with me for a minute...
I left my last relationship almost four years ago. For the first two I did not even touch myself...ever. The following two, it was rare. I believe during this time of celibacy i have had ten orgasms max in four years...and I am an extremely sexual person so ten is like having none at all.
I say all of this so you have a little background on me so that when I say that I have caught up on every single orgasm I have missed out on these last several years you understand what I mean. This series is so ridiculously hot. Plus the story is fabulous. I didn't think I would be turned on by listening to or reading a book, never knew I would be into anything involving Dom/Sub interaction, and definitely didn't think I would ever consider being turned on so much by the sound of a man's voice...ughhhh, the narrator's voice is so sexy. I haven't broken my vow of celibacy but my ovaries hurt from cumming

Dark & Twisty!

I'm on the fence on this one, parts were 4 stars and parts were 3 stars so I'm giving 3.5 stars.

I liked the beginning of this book a lot. I was glued to it in the beginning but then about 1/2 though I started to lose interest then towards the end I was back glued to it again. I liked the characters and their background and history. This is one of those books that I'm having a hard time reviewing without giving spoilers and It's weird to say I liked specific things because of the non-consent thing but I will say that Q, when he lost himself, was hot! The narration was good but the main character was from Australia and didn't have an accent. I think accent should have been used.

Nearly ruined by narration...

Oh how it pains me to register a so-so review for this book. This is one of those stories that I think is best left to be enjoyed in print form.

This is the first book I've read by author Pepper Winters. And fair warning - it is only book one in a series that is 3.5 books long. Tears of Tess doesn't end with a dramatic cliffhanger. The epilogue provides enough closure that you could be satisfied reading only the first book. As the other books aren't yet available on Audible, I'm not sure whether I will continue the series especially if more of the same narration continues in the subsequent books.

So the narration. I like Jacob Morgan. I am convinced he is actually Zachary Webber (who is my favorite narrator). I've never had a problem with his narration until this book and it isn't wholly his fault. My issue is with Brax' (minor character) non-existent Australian accent and bad sound editing. Hannah Belle however is the narrator that made this listening experience AWFUL. She didn't provide an Australian accent for Tess (the main character), and her attempts at French accents and repeated mispronunciation of French dialog made me so mad at times that I just wanted to stop listening altogether. Going back to the sound editing - this book is told from Tess' POV, but all female dialog is handled by Hannah, and male dialog is read by Jacob. While in my experience this format is less common, when done right it makes for an enjoyable listen as it is hard for most narrators to pull off convincing voices of the opposite sex. It is painfully clear that Jacob and Hannah recorded separately. Volume problems were prevalent. Sometimes Jacob's dialog was very quiet compared to Hannah and also had a "tinny" quality. It was such a distraction - imagine an intimate sex scene where it literally sounds as though the couple isn't even in the same room together.

Back to the book itself. This is not my first rodeo in the genre of dark erotica/Stolkholm syndrome love. However, Winters came away with a bit of a different twist that set it apart from others in the genre. Q was a good romantic lead as Tess' master. He was dark and mysterious and deliciously damaged. I just wish that the author had held back on more of the hints along the way as to Q's story and intentions. By the end of the book, I was actually a bit frustrated by Tess' stupidity and obliviousness. Also, I must gripe about one thing that drove me a bit batty. The word pelt. It was used over and over and over again to describe Q's hair. Please, for the love of all that is holy use some other word to describe Q's hair or better yet, don't describe it beyond a time or two. I've got the visual, thanks.

As for whether this book is credit worthy, I'm on the fence. It was a solid story, but as stated in my review headline, it was nearly ruined by the narration. Such a shame.

Hated this so much

I never expected to hate the main characters as much as I did in this book. I was hoping they'd both kill each other.

Not everyone's cup of tea.

The narration is excellent. But I could not connect to the story in any way, shape or form. Thank goodness for that. This book is very dark and deals with a terrible theme of human traffic and slavery. I didn't like the characters and the the justification for their behaviors was weak. I understand why the story was done the way it was but I either rolled eyes or cringed the entire time. For those who like dark stories, this book will please you.

Encourages abuse

Well written, but I felt like this book encouraged abuse. BDSM is fine, but this was something more brutal.

AhhhMazing! So dark, So complex, Twisted and Good! A must read!

Pepper Winters is an excellent author. This story draws you in, and at the same time, dares you to test your limits because at times, it can be difficult to hear the struggles that Tess and Q endure.

The narrators are beyond Good, they're Great! You can't help but feel the emotion they are able to convey with their performance! Hanna Belle and Jacob Morgan are two of the best narrators I've heard, quickly ranked in my list of favorites.

I don't know how this book could get lower than 5 stars! I listen to several books a week, as I work from home, it allows me this luxury. I only write reviews on the books I consider to be the cream of the crop... This series deserves a review!

If you want erotica, intrigue, twisted love, and resolution, this series will not disappoint!

So well written, you can't help but be captivated and entertained by the story of Tess and Q.

I hope you enjoy these two books as much as I did. The second book is even deeper, darker, and more descriptive... so be prepared, you'll want to know what's in store for these characters, and Pepper Winters delivers in a Big way!

Tears of Tess

This is absolutely the most outstanding book I have ever read in the BDSM genre. I loved Tess' strength. No matter what was dished out she was up for it. As intense as was the pain and pleasure the search to understand was even better.
I loved this book.

poor

one of the most boring and totally unbelievable books I have ever read. struggled to reach the end.

Captivating from start to finish !!!

The Narrator's were both amazing, Hannah Belle and Jacob Morgan brought the book to life !! My first Pepper Winters Audible book - loved every moment looking forward to listening to more or her books :)

Dark Romance indeed

My first book in this genre, normally i do fantasy or historical.
I must say Tears of Tess is a wild story, all the stop's have been pulled. The book stays clear of usual cliche's and is unpredictable which is great and its easy to get "captured" by the story.

The performance was exceptional, Hannah Belle's voice is so beyond perfect. Like liquid sugar for your ears.

Highest recommendations

Fantastic as Audio

Holy Moly Guacamole! This had me gripped from the first page! Intense doesn't even begin to describe this book. From the get go I had my ideas as to how this book should pan out, I had so many theories. I literally had no clue, everything I presumed, guessed, thought I knew was all so far from the actual plot that I found it completely and utterly refreshing. I always pride myself on seeing the outcome of books, I couldn't have been more wrong. This book is dark and deals with some extremely sensitive issues, (kidnapping, sex slaves, drugs, rape to name but a few), any bad thing you can think of, it happens. That being said it has to go down as one of my favourite reads this year. The synopsis gives you all the plot details, I just want to say, if you like dark this is a must read, the characters are perfection, the story beautifully written. Full five stars.

Powerful, so very dark.....simply incredible!

What did you like most about Tears of Tess?

It is a topic covering one of the darkest, worst sides of humanity but here is also a dark love story of accepting deep desires, fighting yet coming to terms with wants and needs that humiliate, cause shame whilst at the same time allow the lead roles to live life in full colour for the very first time. It is not twisted to love such a story even though the socially acceptable response is probably to be disgusted by it, there is a little darkness in all of us!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I adore both the main characters. Tess struggles with her dark feelings and Q is burdened with guilt. Both are steeped in shame yet find acceptance in each other in addition to a deep connection that has always been lacking from their lives.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favourite?

The narrators are amazing!!!!! The accent provided by Q (Jacob Morgan) is so wonderfully sexy, wow...wet pants all round; sorry to be crude but to have a lover speak to you with that voice and accent would be enough to ignite anyone's knickers!!!! It is not often that I comment on the narrators but I really feel that the two in this case helped make this story the success in audio format that it is. Without being patronizing...you both did an incredible job. Thank you.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were many reactions to this book, all powerful. The hope and despair sweep you along as do Q and Tess's feeling of shame and guilt. It is an exceptional story.

Any additional comments?

I have read all of the books to start with and thought that they were incredible but to see them in audio format...well, I had to buy. The rest of her books are equally as enjoyable. All are dark in nature but Pepper Winters is a truly gifted author. You will not be disappointed.Please invest but don't be sorry if you miss appointments as you are too caught up in their story!!! Be warned!!! :)

Very enjoyable

A good mix of story and excitement

Not as dark as I expected but good nonetheless

Little redeeming

Why doesn’t Tess have an Australian accent?
Why did they choose narrators who don’t have a clue how to speak French?
Why was I BORED through 90% of this dark romance?

it's awful don't read it TW!!

Trigger warnings all over, I can't get down with fetishizing what is very traumatic for a lot of people. I'm all for a fetish but this was done very poorly, I can even fathom why it was published, I am lost for words

Not bad

But, absolutely not the authors best work, the story is beautifully written but lack a bit of depth and the expected 'darkness' is almost nonexistent.. Sure the topic is dark, but the story don't give the feeling of it..

The Dollar Series is much darker and books that leaves the reader with a whole lot of different feelings for our characters, this book, not so much..

But as always, it's beautiful and almost artful written..

Both narretors does a great job..

Dark Romance with triggers

I loved this book. Its the first book I've read by Pepper Winters and it won't be the last. I'm glad I listened to this story rather than read it because there's quite a bit of French spoken throughout, if I was reading the book I would have probably skimmed over the French bits as I can't speak or read French. The narrators were amazing, they really brought the story to life and I was so, so happy that Hannah spoke all of the female parts and Jacob spoke all of the male parts. A lot of audio books are ruined by females putting on male voices and vice versa.

This is a dark romance with triggers (kidnapping, slavery, rape, human trafficking, BDSM to name a few), this book is not for wimps. There are lots of panty wetting smoking hot scenes. This book is this first in the 'Monsters in the dark' series but it doesn't end on a cliff hanger which is amazing. I loved this story so much that I will be reading the rest of the series.