The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be a part of the Release Tour & Giveaway for Pepper Winters "Final Debt (Indebted # 6) and "Epilogue (Indebted #7)."
Final Debt:
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1XB1qfa
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1XB1qfa
Synopsis:
The Last Book in the New York TImes Bestselling Dark Romance Series. Where love tries to triumph and darkness continues to reign....
“I’m in love with her, but it might not be enough to stop her from becoming the latest victim of the Debt Inheritance. I know who I am now. I know what I must do. We will be together—I just hope it’s on Earth rather than in heaven.”
It all comes down to this.
Love versus life.
Debts versus death.
Who will win?
Review: Final Debt
It's been 24 hours since I turned the last page of this book (in fact the whole "Indebted" series) and I'm still struggling to put into words how I feel. Spectacular, phenomenal and outstanding are words that just don't seem enough when it comes to describing this work of art, because that's exactly what this was for me... a work of art that I've lived, breathed and felt for the last 15 months. My mind has been blown, my nerves obliterated and my heart completely and utterly shattered. "Final Debt" has got to be one of the best conclusions to a series that I've ever read. Pepper Winters went all out. She really did give it her all and held absolutely nothing back, giving us a story that was so realistic and so true to the characters we'd grown to know, love and even hate in some instances. If you thought the first five books were stomach churningly brutal, think again because with this one, Pepper really did go the extra mile.
Each and every word I read in this final instalment was powerful and hard hitting, this author's writing so fluid, so poetic that it drew emotions from me without even trying. Jethro and Nila's story came alive right before my very eyes because of those words, ensuring I accompanied this couple on their final journey. I was entranced, mesmerised and captivated by what unfolded before me, the stark contrast between beauty and horror doing little to dissuade me from reading on, if anything, drawing me in further. My breath hitched, my heart thudded, I winced, I shook with nervous anticipation. There were moments I felt lighter, where there were distant glimmers of hope. Where a HEA appeared to be within touching distance but Mrs Winters was not going to make this easy for us, the full force of her darkness rearing it's ugly head when I least expected it.
I read "Final Debt" like a woman starved of words. I had questions, so many questions that needed answering and I had to know what the final outcome would be. Would the Hawks take their pound of Flesh as they always had from the Weavers. Would Nila meet her maker? Well, I really don't know how the author did it but every single one of my questions from the whole series (and trust me there were a few) was answered. No stone was left unturned. Many a history lesson was given, shedding light on so many situations and so many of the characters. In fact, chapters told from the unlikeliest of characters really opened my eyes to so many things. And Jethro, Kes and Jasmine... their history, their story, their background... be prepared for tears, so many tears.
As much as this book was full of answers, there were also a whole host of surprise revelations that had me ready to throw my kindle at the wall. WTF??? No way!!!! Holy shit balls!!! were just a few of the comments that past my lips. The characters that I was so desperate to meet their demise were like cats with nine lives and those characters that I held dear were given lifelines that were very quickly snatched away. Who would live? who would die? those were the questions that I craved the answers to.
"Final Debt" was a story about freedom and forgiveness, remorse and redemption and guilt and glory. It's a story that will remain with me for years to come. A story so completely out of the norm when it comes to romance but a story of equal brilliance none the less. I have loved this journey that Nila and Jethro have taken me on and I'm absolutely gutted that it's over.
"Final Debt" gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.
I was a black and white painting, an enigma, a shivering contradiction.
I was numb. I was alive. I was dead. I was reborn.
Each and every word I read in this final instalment was powerful and hard hitting, this author's writing so fluid, so poetic that it drew emotions from me without even trying. Jethro and Nila's story came alive right before my very eyes because of those words, ensuring I accompanied this couple on their final journey. I was entranced, mesmerised and captivated by what unfolded before me, the stark contrast between beauty and horror doing little to dissuade me from reading on, if anything, drawing me in further. My breath hitched, my heart thudded, I winced, I shook with nervous anticipation. There were moments I felt lighter, where there were distant glimmers of hope. Where a HEA appeared to be within touching distance but Mrs Winters was not going to make this easy for us, the full force of her darkness rearing it's ugly head when I least expected it.
I stopped pining for Jethro. I stopped fearing my future.
I stepped into the magic and danced.
I read "Final Debt" like a woman starved of words. I had questions, so many questions that needed answering and I had to know what the final outcome would be. Would the Hawks take their pound of Flesh as they always had from the Weavers. Would Nila meet her maker? Well, I really don't know how the author did it but every single one of my questions from the whole series (and trust me there were a few) was answered. No stone was left unturned. Many a history lesson was given, shedding light on so many situations and so many of the characters. In fact, chapters told from the unlikeliest of characters really opened my eyes to so many things. And Jethro, Kes and Jasmine... their history, their story, their background... be prepared for tears, so many tears.
As much as this book was full of answers, there were also a whole host of surprise revelations that had me ready to throw my kindle at the wall. WTF??? No way!!!! Holy shit balls!!! were just a few of the comments that past my lips. The characters that I was so desperate to meet their demise were like cats with nine lives and those characters that I held dear were given lifelines that were very quickly snatched away. Who would live? who would die? those were the questions that I craved the answers to.
It was cruel. Unjust. Brutal. And dangerous. Good people died.
Bad people lived. And the rest of us had to continue surviving.
"Final Debt" was a story about freedom and forgiveness, remorse and redemption and guilt and glory. It's a story that will remain with me for years to come. A story so completely out of the norm when it comes to romance but a story of equal brilliance none the less. I have loved this journey that Nila and Jethro have taken me on and I'm absolutely gutted that it's over.
"Final Debt" gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.
She was mine as much as I was hers. Now and for always.
Alive or dead. We were one.
Review: Epilogue
Excerpt: Final Debt: Nila
Just as we thought it was all over, that we'd heard the last from the Hawks and the Weavers, Pepper Winters goes and throws us one hell of a bone with this epilogue. OMG did I squeal with excitement when I found out there was just one more little bit to come. This really was the icing on the cake when it comes to the "Indebted Series" giving the readers such a perfect conclusion to this crazy, amazing story that really did tie up everything with the prettiest of bows.
"life isn't meant to be generic and follow a pre-approved script. If it did, where would
be the adventures... the dragon slaying knights and the unicorn riding princesses?"
The tone of this book was different to what we are used to and I never thought I'd hear myself saying it but this final instalment was sweet and kinda endearing. If you wanted to know whether there were wedding bells and kids and picture perfect Happily Ever Afters, then this book will let you know. Spanning several years (almost ten I think), it covers a number of relationships and gives us several POV too.
Again, I know I'm being vague but if you haven't read book #6, I really don't want to give anything away. Both books need to enjoyed without any spoilers. What I will say is that, this book is full of fab little surprises and right up until the last page, I found myself giddy with excitement.
I cannot wait for people to read this epilogue. I'm so desperate to talk about it so hurry up, savour it and then let's chat.
I rated "The Epilogue" ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Excerpt: Final Debt: Nila
“READY TO DIE, Nila?”
Cut’s voice physically hurt me as he forced me to my knees. The ballroom splendour mocked me as I bowed unwillingly at the feet of my executioner.
Velvet and hand-stitched crewel on the walls glittered like the diamonds the Hawks smuggled—a direct contrast to the roughly sawn wood and crude craftsmanship of the guillotine dais. No finesse. No pride. Just a raised podium, framework cushioning a large tarnished blade, and a rope dangling to the side.
“Don’t do this. Cut…think about what you’ve become. You can stop this.” My voice mimicked a beg but I’d vowed not to beg. I’d seen things, understood things, and suffered things I never thought I would be able to endure. I refused to cry or grovel. I wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.
“In five minutes, this will all be over, Weaver.” Cut bent to the side and collected a wicker basket.
The wicker basket.
I didn’t want to think about what its contents would be.
He placed it on the other side of the wooden block.
My lungs demanded more oxygen. My brain demanded more time. And my heart…it demanded more hope, more life, more love.
I’m not ready.
Not like this.
“Cut—”
“No. No more talking. Not after everything you’ve done.” Ripping a black hood from his pocket, he didn’t hesitate. No fanfare. No second guesses.
I cried out as the scratchy blackness engulfed my face, tightening by a cord around my throat.
The Weaver Wailer chilled me. The diamond collar that’d seen what I’d seen and whispered with phantoms of my slain family prepared to revoke its claim and detach from around my neck.
This was it.
The Final Debt.
Cut pushed my shoulders forward.
A heavy yoke settled over the top of my spine.
I closed my eyes.
I said goodbye.
…
I waited to die.
Nila: One Week Earlier
“NO!”
I pushed back, gripping the handrails of the private jet, throwing my weight against Daniel’s incessant pushing. “Stop!”
“Get up the fucking stairs, Weaver.” Daniel jabbed his elbow into my spine.
I stumbled, bashing my knee against the high tread. “You can’t do this!” How had this happened? How had mere hours turned the entire universe against me? Again.
I wanted to smash every clock. Tear out the cog from every watch.
Time had once again stolen my life.
Jethro!
Daniel cackled. “I think you’ll find we can.” He shoved me higher.
My heart hurt—as if every mile between us and Hawksridge was a blade slicing me further from Jethro’s protection—a disharmony in an already discorded symphony.
One moment, I’d been love-bruised and adored, tiptoeing back into the Hall; the next, I was trapped, forced to dress in jeans and a hoodie, and obey Daniel as he lurked in my doorway, barking orders to pack a few meagre belongings.
He hadn’t left me alone.
His eyes followed my every move. I couldn’t grab the gun I’d hidden thanks to Jasmine. I couldn’t text Jethro to tell him I’d been caught. All I could do was run around my room with my lover’s release still damp on my inner thighs and submit to my nemesis.
The only saving grace was beneath Daniel’s hateful stare, I’d managed to pack the clothing I’d altered a few weeks ago. The cuffs full of needles and hems armoured with tools of my seamstress trade. Those garments were my only hope. There was no loophole. No way to refuse.
I had to trust Jasmine would get word to Jethro. That he would come for me…
Before it’s too late.
The desolation I’d suffered when Daniel first caught me faded to indignant anger. I’d been so close to being free. I’d been in Jethro’s arms. I’d been away from his psychotic family. My heart hardened a little toward Jethro for making me go back.
Why? Why did you send me back?
I didn’t know if I’d have the courage to forgive him.
You know why. And you will. Of course, you will.
I couldn’t hate him because I wasn’t selfish. He’d sent me back to protect all of us. Those precious few who’d accepted him and he’d accepted in return. Love was the worst enemy, winding its commitment, ensuring no freedom when it came to clearheaded thinking of adversity.
Jethro loved too much. Felt too much. Suffered too much. And his siblings would be our downfall. Kestrel and Jasmine relied on him—just like I did. The responsibility of settling his family’s wrongs was a terrible burden to bear.
But he’s not alone.
I might’ve been stolen. Jethro’s plans to save me might be ruined. But I was still alive. Still breathing. I wasn’t the naïve girl who’d first arrived at Hawksridge. I was a woman in love with a Hawk. A Weaver who would draw Hawk blood.
It’s not over…
Pain exploded in my spine as Daniel stabbed me with his fist. “Get in the fucking airplane.”
“No!” I threw myself backward, looking frantically at the private hangar. We weren’t at Heathrow, but a small, private airfield called Turweston. “I won’t!”
No strangers I could call for help.
No police or air marshals.
When Daniel had stalked me from my room and shoved me outside, Cut had been waiting. With a victorious smile, he’d stuffed me in the back of a limousine.
With a purring engine, we’d pulled away from Hawksridge, tyres crunching on gravel as we followed the long driveway off the estate.
My eyes had scoured the trees, their silhouettes growing stronger as the sun tinted the sky with pink blushes. Daniel and Cut sat opposite me, toasting each other with a chilled bottle of champagne. However, I hadn’t been alone on my side of the limo—I had a guard.
Marquise, Bonnie’s damn henchman, sat beside me; a mountain of muscle, unyielding and impenetrable.
“Come along.” A strange voice raised my gaze.
A man in a captain’s uniform smiled from the top of the aircraft steps. The private plane’s fuselage glinted in graphite grey. Sparkling diamonds, inlaid in the shape of a windswept ribbon, decorated the tail.
“I don’t want to leave England.”
Daniel laughed behind me. “Like you have a choice.”
“I always have a choice, Buzzard.” I glowered over my shoulder. “Just like this choice of yours will not end well for you.”
If I don’t kill you, Jethro will.
As far as Daniel knew, his slain brother was supposedly rotting in some unmarked grave. Jethro was right. The element of surprise trumped any of Cut and Daniel’s grand delusions.
He snarled, “Watch it, bitch. Everything you say to me here will be paid in full when we’re there.”
“Now, now. No need for threats.” The captain climbed down a rung, holding out his hand. “She’ll get on board. Won’t you, my dear? No need to be afraid of flying. I have an exemplary record.” White hair tufted from either side of his pristine flying cap. In his mid-fifties, he looked fit and toned and impatient to take off.
“I can’t leave.”
I can’t be so far from Jethro.
The captain smiled, waving at his vessel. “Of course, you can. Plus, I bet you’ve never travelled in such style.”
“It’s nothing against your mode of transport. It’s the destination I disagree to. I’m staying here.” I dug my heels into the metal grate, fighting against Daniel’s perpetual pushing. “I don’t have my passport, visa… I can’t travel across borders, so you might as well let me return home.”
Home.
Had Hawksridge Hall become my home?
No, don’t be absurd.
But Jethro had. It didn’t matter where we ended up. What we did for work. How our lives panned out. As long as I was alive with Jethro by my side…I would be home.
“Don’t fuss about that.” The captain waved his hand in invitation. “Travel is good for the soul.”
Not my soul.
Travel meant my soul would become untethered from my body, thanks to Cut and the Final Debt.
The sun barely peeked over the horizon, hidden by soupy fog and reluctant night. The world refused to warm, unable to shed the morning frost or dislodge the claws of winter. England didn’t want to say goodbye as much as I did, its reluctant dawn wanting me to stay.
“If you don’t get on the motherfucking plane in two seconds, Weaver, you’ll live to regret it,” Daniel growled.
I glared at the youngest Hawk. “Haven’t you learned by now your threats don’t scare me?”
Forcing myself to stand taller, I hid the quaking in my bones, the quivering in muscles, the rampant terror scurrying in my blood. “I know where you want to take me, and I refuse.”
Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose. A second later, he cuffed me on the back of the head. “Behave!”
I gritted my teeth against the wash of agony.
“Almasi Kipanga is a fucking treat for the likes of you, Weaver. Get on your knees and show some goddamn appreciation. Otherwise, I’ll rip out your fucking tongue and ensure peace for the rest of the trip.”
“Ah, as I said, there’s no need for violence.” The captain took another step, prying my hand off the railing and tugging me upward. “Come along, my dear. Let’s get you inside. And don’t you worry about visas and things. Leave it to me. Airport control won’t be an issue.”
Vertigo cast the world in monochromatic greys as I swayed toward the captain. “But—”
Cut barrelled past Daniel—reaching the end of his patience. Grabbing my arse, he shoved me upward, forcing me like unwilling livestock up the final steps. “I have your passport, Nila. Get on the plane.” His breath skated over the back of my neck. “And don’t think about refusing again. Got it?”
Gripping the fuselage, I looked over my shoulder. “My passport? How did you—”
He waved a black binder in my face. “Everything is in here. You have no more excuses, and I won’t ask again. Get on the fucking plane or I’ll knock you out and you can wake up when we get there.”
Author Bio:
Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex... her books have sex.
She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.
Her Dark Erotica books include:
Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1)
Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2)
Her Grey Romance books include:
Destroyed
GIVEAWAY: $50.00 Amazon Card Signed Copy of Indebted Epilogue
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