Book Review: Stolen Innocence

Let me start off by saying how grateful I am to be a part of Julia Syke’s advanced readers group. She is definitely one of my favorite authors out there. Here books have given me a great place to escape over the years when my life has been crazy and I needed a little getaway. And several of her books have made a second go-around through my Kindle. I’m sure they’ll get read a third time too.

That being said, let’s move on to here latest novella – “Stolen Innocence.”

This quick read is a prequel to full-length novel “Stealing Beauty” that’s set to be released on Januray 15th. You can pre-order now to make sure it pops up on your Kindle as soon as it’s out.

SPOILER ALERT

“Stolen Innocence” gives us the background story of a character – Valentina – we first read about in “Sweet Captivity” and “Claiming My Sweet Captive” (which is the same story from a different POV).

In “Claiming My Sweet Captive” we found out that Andres’ younger half-sister had been sold by their older brother when she was still a young girl of fourteen. Andres’ knew nothing of what happened to her. So in this new prequel, we find out what happened all those years ago. How after the death of Andres’ and Cristian’s father, a young Valentina was sold by Cristian to cover debts left to him (now that he’s in charge).

Valentina finds herself prisoner in the home of Vincente, his goon Hugo, his mistress Mariana, and his son Adrian. She’s dressed up like a the woman Vincente waits for her to become. For the time being she’s spared from being forced into the position of his mistress while they wait for her to become a woman.

As Valentina is left to her studies with Adrian, they grow closer. Over time they grow to love each other and hope for a way out – a way for Adrian to protect Valentina from his terrible father.

When they are caught in a slightly compromising position, Adrian hopes to protect Valentina. But when Vincente drecrees that Adrian is to be sent away to run a branch of the family business in America and threatens to kill Valentina if he ever returns to Colombia, he’s left with no options.

Meanwhile Valentina is given to Hugo as his new wife as punishment. She is left with nothing but her hope that somehow Adrian will be able to come to her rescue.

This novella definitely left me wanting more. It was great. And the love that Valentina and Adrian were able to find together even through such a bad situation, was touching. More! I need more!!

I’ve read some of Julia’s teasers on Facebook and I know it’s going to be great. But that’s what I expect from her anyways because she’s amazing.

Get “Stolen Innocence” & Pre-Order “Stealing Beauty”