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Synopsis
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit.
They lie.
For 21 days she held on.
But on Day 22, she would have given anything for the sweet slumber of death.
Because on Day 22, she realizes that her only way out means certain death for one of the two men she loves.
A haunting tale of passion, loss, and redemption, The Paper Swan is a darkly intense yet heartwarming love story, textured with grit, intrigue, and suspense. Please note: This is NOT a love triangle.
A full-length, standalone novel, intended for mature audiences due to violence, sex and language. Subject matter may be disturbing for some readers.
Excerpt
The light from the hallway outlined Damian’s form, casting a sinister shadow over my bed. I wanted to hide somewhere it couldn’t reach me.
He placed a tray on the bed and pulled up a chair. He left the lights off, but I smelled food. He’d brought me food.
I approached the tray cautiously, keeping my eyes averted. I remembered what had happened the last time I’d defied him, and I was going to be a good girl. I was going to be a good, conditioned girl. I could barely contain the hunger pangs that were rolling through my stomach in short, tight contractions, but I forced myself to slow down, to behave, to be civil and not bury my face in the plate like I wanted to.
It was some kind of fish, simply grilled, with rice on the side. God, it smelled good. There was no cutlery, which was fine, because all I wanted to do was rip into it, but I knew he was watching, so I pinched off a piece with my fingers, and the oil and cooking juices mingled with the rice.
“Not so fast,” he said.
Oh God, not again. Please just let me eat.
I wondered what he’d do if I licked my fingers.
I could taste the fish so bad.
“Stand up,” he instructed.
I swallowed the dry lump in my throat, the one that wanted to scream and cry and whimper and beg. I swallowed the tasteless, fishless lump and stood.
“Take your clothes off,” he said from the shadows.
I had been expecting it. Sooner or later, one way or another, it always came down to their dick. Suck it, lick it, stroke it, fuck it.
Because my mother didn’t love me.
Because my father hit me.
Because my teacher fondled me.
Because I was bullied.
Because my wife left me.
Because my kids don’t talk to me.
That’s why I drink.
I gamble.
I can’t stop eating.
I’m addicted to sex.
I cut myself.
I pull out my eyelashes.
I do drugs.
But it’s not always enough, you know? And sometimes, it spills over because you can’t control it, because you need to make others feel your pain, your hurt, your rage, because it’s tough to walk around all scarred up, in a world full of slick billboards and bright, smiley toothpaste ads and shiny, happy people. Life’s not always fair. So suck it, lick it, stroke it, fuck it.
I didn’t care what category of dysfunction Damian fell in to. Sometimes it’s because I’m just pure evil, you know? I kept my mind on the prize as I unbuttoned my top. It might have looked like I was staring at the floor, but I was eating rice and fish with my eyes. It’s amazing—the things you can do in survival mode. I stepped out of my pants and stood before him in my bra and panties. Agent Provocateur. Midnight Captive Collection.
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Review
★★★★★ stars
When I read a great book, I often find it difficult to put into words how magnificent it is. I want to run pillar to post grabbing everyone shaking them while yelling, "Oh my goodness, you have to read this book! You have no idea what you're missing out on!"Of course that tends to scare people more often than not, but I'll try my level best to do this book justice.
There are some books that just read better in the silence of the night. I didn't start reading this book until 1 AM. I figured I'd read a chapter and then go to sleep. I didn't stop until I'd finished it at 3 AM. Even then sleep wouldn't come. My mind was wide awake even if my body was tired. I was trying to process how amazing the book I'd just finished was. It was truly a struggle. I must say the blurb is totally deceptive, but in a good way. You think you have an idea about what the story will be about, but then you're jolted by the very first page. It captured my attention and didn't let it go until I was finished. This story is dark, poetic, a deep romance, and even philosophical. It has some of the most profound lines I've had the pleasure to read.
Leylah Attar took me on this incredible journey with Damian and Skye. I experienced so many emotions, among them pain, fear, heartbreak, hope, and love. There were innumerable tears. I couldn't help myself. It was impossible to foreshadow so many events in this book. Damian might have been explosive in his anger, but there were revelations in this book that rocked him as much as they did Skye and me. I couldn't believe the turns this book took. They were gut wrenching; some were easier to understand than others. The themes in this story are universal and unforgettable. The one that stood out to me the most was the power of love and revenge.
The Paper Swan is an epic story of loss, love, revenge, redemption, and forgiveness. From the first page to the last, it's just unbelievably amazing. It's best to go into this book as blind as possible so you have the best reading experience. The hangover this book leaves will last for days. It's impossible for it not to. Damian and Skye had an undeniable chemistry and a connection that is soul deep. When the connection the characters have with one another is so deep it shows in their mannerisms, speech, and movements. Words are not always needed to convey thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
This is my first Leylah Attar novel. She's published two other books before this. She shows such maturity and promise. If she writes at this level now, I can't wait to see the heights she achieves. This book will leave a lasting impression on you as it did me. Pick it up today and find out why!
The Paper Swan is an epic story of loss, love, revenge, redemption, and forgiveness. From the first page to the last, it's just unbelievably amazing. It's best to go into this book as blind as possible so you have the best reading experience. The hangover this book leaves will last for days. It's impossible for it not to. Damian and Skye had an undeniable chemistry and a connection that is soul deep. When the connection the characters have with one another is so deep it shows in their mannerisms, speech, and movements. Words are not always needed to convey thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
This is my first Leylah Attar novel. She's published two other books before this. She shows such maturity and promise. If she writes at this level now, I can't wait to see the heights she achieves. This book will leave a lasting impression on you as it did me. Pick it up today and find out why!
*Thank you to the publicist for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them in any manner.*
The Paper Swan Purchase Links
About the Author
Leylah Attar writes stories about love - shaken, stirred and served with a twist. When she's not writing, she can be found pursuing her other passions: photography, food, family and travel. Sometimes she disappears into the black hole of the internet, but can usually be enticed out with chocolate.
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