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rihoward's review against another edition
4.0
4.4 stars
Ever since the menagerie was first introduced I have been intrigued by their stories. The abuse that these characters went through was deplorable. As each of these characters gets their own story it is interesting to note how different their healing process is in wiping away the deep-rooted scars that came from this "relationship". Even though Kitty, Piggy, Puppy, and Pony all lived in the same house the way they were treated was far different. This came even more clear in this story with Puppy.
I enjoyed, not sure that is really a good word considering it means I derived pleasure from the circumstances that were Cynthia's former life, how she explained her feelings of not only what happened but how it truly affected her in in the grand scheme of things. The author did a great job showing where she was mentally and physically. This can be attributed to Grayson. That man had the patience of a saint. Puppy's story is heartbreaking. It hurt my heart to think of someone taking a relationship to this extreme especially as it goes against everything that this lifestyle stands for.
I, also, liked seeing Pony. This wasn't because there was anything positive about her in this book but did showcase how broken she was. It adds another dimension to the scars that these women endured. It also paved the way to what I hope was a hint that eventually there will be a book for Pony. I would love to see that journey, although to be honest, that will take a miracle because that girl is so broken.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in this wasn't the actual main characters but rather it was the surprise interactions with Spencer. I have a love-hate relationship with that guy but in this one, I definitely scored a few brownie points and showed he is more than just his cocky surly self. There were some areas that I wanted to be improved on especially towards the end and the conclusion of a HFN made it feel rushed and incomplete. I am guessing this is because oftentimes it is "incomplete" because these characters generally make a reappearance in other BL books or the Roulette anthologies.
I look forward to more from not only this author but this entire series.
Ever since the menagerie was first introduced I have been intrigued by their stories. The abuse that these characters went through was deplorable. As each of these characters gets their own story it is interesting to note how different their healing process is in wiping away the deep-rooted scars that came from this "relationship". Even though Kitty, Piggy, Puppy, and Pony all lived in the same house the way they were treated was far different. This came even more clear in this story with Puppy.
I enjoyed, not sure that is really a good word considering it means I derived pleasure from the circumstances that were Cynthia's former life, how she explained her feelings of not only what happened but how it truly affected her in in the grand scheme of things. The author did a great job showing where she was mentally and physically. This can be attributed to Grayson. That man had the patience of a saint. Puppy's story is heartbreaking. It hurt my heart to think of someone taking a relationship to this extreme especially as it goes against everything that this lifestyle stands for.
I, also, liked seeing Pony. This wasn't because there was anything positive about her in this book but did showcase how broken she was. It adds another dimension to the scars that these women endured. It also paved the way to what I hope was a hint that eventually there will be a book for Pony. I would love to see that journey, although to be honest, that will take a miracle because that girl is so broken.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in this wasn't the actual main characters but rather it was the surprise interactions with Spencer. I have a love-hate relationship with that guy but in this one, I definitely scored a few brownie points and showed he is more than just his cocky surly self. There were some areas that I wanted to be improved on especially towards the end and the conclusion of a HFN made it feel rushed and incomplete. I am guessing this is because oftentimes it is "incomplete" because these characters generally make a reappearance in other BL books or the Roulette anthologies.
I look forward to more from not only this author but this entire series.
bergrose's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mom2three's review against another edition
5.0
This one gutted me from beginning to end, and I cried more times while reading this than I care to admit. I was heartbroken and then I was beyond happy, but both things made me cry. If you have read the other Menagerie books you will know what I'm talking about when I say this was a hard read. Not because the story wasn't well written, but because it was too well written. The anxiety, fear, pain, and longing we're almost more than I could deal with. Maybe it's partly because I have dealt with those issues. Maybe it's because I also know the strength that comes from finding yourself again. Maybe it's because Maren has a way of creating deep bonds between her characters and her readers. Maybe it's because the story isn't just about puppy, but also the pain of everyone involved. Whatever the reason, this one broke me more than any dark read ever has, and it's not a dark read in the least. It's a beautiful story about strength, support, rebirth, and love that can overcome even the worst experiences. I never wanted it to end, but end it did. I have loved every one of the Black Lights books, but the Menagerie girls will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait for Pony to also find her feet again, but I'm sure I'll cry even more through that one than I did this one.
If you love to read character driven books that have beautiful love stories and happy endings than this one shouldn't be missed. It was all I could have hoped for, and more. Bravo Ms. Smith! Bravo!
If you love to read character driven books that have beautiful love stories and happy endings than this one shouldn't be missed. It was all I could have hoped for, and more. Bravo Ms. Smith! Bravo!
lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my word this book is a whirling maelstrom of all the feels.
I think Maren Smith has left me a little bit broken after reading, Brave. I cries so many times, so many tears, as my heart broke repeatedly for the heroine's suffering. She may also have created the most perfect and amazing Dom in Carlson. She isn't a little, and he isn't a Daddy but he was as gentle, caring and nurturing as any girl could want and as the heroine definitely needed.
I don't want to keep referring to her as Puppy, even though this is how she refers to, and thinks of, herself for a LOT of the story. However I don't want to ruin any special moments of the book, so do forgive me for referring to the heroine as 'her'. Puppy feels like I'm giving power to Ethan, and even though he is, in fact all of them are, fictional characters in a book, I just can't bring myself to do it.
I think Maren Smith has left me a little bit broken after reading, Brave. I cries so many times, so many tears, as my heart broke repeatedly for the heroine's suffering. She may also have created the most perfect and amazing Dom in Carlson. She isn't a little, and he isn't a Daddy but he was as gentle, caring and nurturing as any girl could want and as the heroine definitely needed.
I don't want to keep referring to her as Puppy, even though this is how she refers to, and thinks of, herself for a LOT of the story. However I don't want to ruin any special moments of the book, so do forgive me for referring to the heroine as 'her'. Puppy feels like I'm giving power to Ethan, and even though he is, in fact all of them are, fictional characters in a book, I just can't bring myself to do it.
helenfinch's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect
I loved the story of Puppy nd Carlson. It was perfect. The lead in for Pony's story has me anxious to read it.
I loved the story of Puppy nd Carlson. It was perfect. The lead in for Pony's story has me anxious to read it.
brittneywoo's review
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kelly_reads_books's review against another edition
5.0
I love the Black Light Series books and Brave was so good. I was always wondering what happened to Pony and Puppy and now I know more about them, and what they went through. My goodness, but I want to pummel Ethen!
I think Carlson is my new BBF! The man has the patience of a saint, and the authority of a Dom, all wrapped into a beautiful, masculine package.
Brave is a wonderful story, a page turner, with some shocking oh my moments, but it is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys these books!
I think Carlson is my new BBF! The man has the patience of a saint, and the authority of a Dom, all wrapped into a beautiful, masculine package.
Brave is a wonderful story, a page turner, with some shocking oh my moments, but it is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys these books!
jigsawgirl's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a very intense, emotional read. What I didn't understand is why people reacted to Cynthia (Puppy - although I can't bring myself to refer to her by that name) and Pony (I don't think her real name was mentioned) as if THEY did something wrong.
It is frightening to imagine how much more broken these two women could get. Cynthia was in a bad way, but Pony was tragic. As Cynthia began to rise above what Ethan had done to her, I can't imagine how difficult it was to be around Pony. I also couldn't figure out why no one seemed to be interested in finding her a kink friendly therapist to assist Carlson in helping along her recovery.
As I started the book, I thought more about Carlson's comments about him being broken would be revealed. I think that he discovered Cynthia was so much worse than he anticipated, that his brokenness was forgotten.
To add to that, what was the deal with Cynthia is mother? I didn't understand her behavior at all in regard to her daughter. Did she try to get her any help? Talk about all three of the women living in a toxic situation.
On some level, this book was emotionally exhausting. It kept me intrigued from start to finish. It did bother me that it seemed like Cynthia and Pony were somehow being blamed and judged for Ethan's actions. Also to hear about the reason Ethan was convicted and was in jail was a slap in the face to not just women, but victims everywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
It is frightening to imagine how much more broken these two women could get. Cynthia was in a bad way, but Pony was tragic. As Cynthia began to rise above what Ethan had done to her, I can't imagine how difficult it was to be around Pony. I also couldn't figure out why no one seemed to be interested in finding her a kink friendly therapist to assist Carlson in helping along her recovery.
As I started the book, I thought more about Carlson's comments about him being broken would be revealed. I think that he discovered Cynthia was so much worse than he anticipated, that his brokenness was forgotten.
To add to that, what was the deal with Cynthia is mother? I didn't understand her behavior at all in regard to her daughter. Did she try to get her any help? Talk about all three of the women living in a toxic situation.
On some level, this book was emotionally exhausting. It kept me intrigued from start to finish. It did bother me that it seemed like Cynthia and Pony were somehow being blamed and judged for Ethan's actions. Also to hear about the reason Ethan was convicted and was in jail was a slap in the face to not just women, but victims everywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
tlea's review
4.0
This is the latest entry in the Black Light series and while it could be easily read standalone, is probably best read after (at least) Black Light Fearless. This is the story of Puppy, the third of the Menagerie girls trying to piece her life back together after years of physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse at the hands of their former 'Master', Ethan. In a moment of bravery Puppy meets Carlson who does his best to help Puppy take back her life. This is not a happy, gentle read and is very dark in places that mean it may not suit all readers. However, it is a story of strength and bravery and power - our own and those we grant power to.