Branded (Sinners #1)

All of it.

Everything!

Everything!

A definite MUST READ!!!! First I must mention that Abi and Missy gifted me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I'll be honest, when I saw them offering copies I checked the description. I almost chose not to take them up on their offer because I am normally not into these types of books. Boy am I glad I chose to give it a try! I figured I would have to "make" myself keep reading it, but it had me hook, line and sinker from the first page. I was torn between slowing down, savoring the story and rushing on to find out what was going to happen. This book was so well-written and I fell in love with Lexi and Cole from the beginning. I most definitely have a new book boyfriend! There is quiet a bit of violence throughout the book, but I don't feel like it went over and above what would be expected with this type of storyline. I was very impressed with the way the storyline moved. I don't feel like it was rushed for the sake of ending the book. The ending was great, loaded with plenty of twists and turns. I am definitely looking forward to the next book! I also have to say, I mentioned above that this wasn't in my normal genre of books that I read. However, after reading this one I am definitely going to give other books in this genre a closer look!!

Oh, my favorite line from the book?
"When we get out, I'm not leaving you no matter what you think is best for me. Without you, I'm already dead, and each day I get to be with you is one more day we didn't have yesterday. It's my choice and I choose to be with you - no matter what the consequences. I'll fight for us because nothing else brings me happiness except loving you."

Lexi never thought they'd come for her, she'd seen others been taken but didn't think it would be her turn, so trying to take her own life she gets distracted by her ring that her father gave her so she flees but she doesn't stand a chance.

She is taken to The Hole where everyone is branded depending on what sin they have committed, Lexi is branded blue for Lust so not off to a good start when this brings unwanted attention her way. But she is assigned Cole which from the start is just like any other guard but as time goes on she gets to see his caring side when Lexi is taking care of her dying friend, a thirteen year old girl in the hospital where she works as there relationship develops. After they witness the horrific deaths of a guard and a sinner who have fallen in love they do not want this to happen to them so a relationship is strictly off the cards.

I have to admit I was torn between the relationship with Cole and Lexi, as it was forbidden to have a relationship with a guard you feared for their lives and wanted them to end it but aahhh Cole how could she?

I just loved Zeus, Cole's crazy dog who also turns out to be Lexi's protector, he stole the show for me with his whackiness.

Overall I absolutely loved this book and I'm so pleased that I got the chance to read it. I could not put it down and would definitely recommend this book to everyone. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the next book.

I LOVED Branded!! Just finished it. I laughed and cried, that's what a great story should do to you. Adore Zeus and Cole!! I could go on and detail all the things I love about the story and characters, but honestly you need to read it for yourselves and I hope you feel the same way I do.

WOW! I’m completely overwhelmed with what I just read. I must be honest I had full intentions going into this book with reading the first 3 chapters and giving my review. Sadly any other plans I had, never were fulfilled, and I apologize to everyone that has been affected because I just COULDN’T put this book down! I am blown away, in a good way. Dystopian society, really how many ways can you write about it or see movies about them. Well for Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki, this writing duo, Branded is written in a way that totally encompasses you from start to finish. Such descriptive wording makes it so easy to imagine that world right outside your window and you feel every emotion that all characters are feeling, whether it be fear or loathing, excitement, victory or even a sense of peace. I can only wait patiently ( yeah right lol ) for what the rest of the series will bring! Amazing job for these partnered authors on their debut novel! It does not disappoint! I just want to thank Abi and Missy for giving me the opportunity to read their story! ????????????????????

+Sucks you in
+Keeps you on the edge of your seat

"Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.
Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win. The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story."

Cole and Lexi are forced to live in a province ruled by dictatorship and commandeered solely by one vile and vicious man. Innocents and guilty alike are branded based on which one of the seven deadly sins they have been accused of committing. Immediately following the guilty verdict they are imprisoned in the Hole, a controlled and guarded environment filled with pain, suffering, corruption, filth, violence, lack of humanity, death, degradation and despair. Evil lurks around every corner. This dystopian world left us with a sense of unease and fear for those who reside there.

"I'm innocent, but they won't believe me or care."

Lexi, an 18-year-old girl, already living in her own personal torment is about to enter into a whole other kind of hell. The blue ink now wrapped and branded around her neck screams specifically which of the seven deadly sins she has been accused of committing. With absolutely no chance of judge and jury, Lexi has been found guilty and convicted of her "crime." Her fate now consists of imprisonment in a world where rules and humanity cease to exist. In order to survive she has to find the strength within to live in an atmosphere where violence such as gun fire, murder, executions, and rapes are second nature. To top it off, Lexi has also lost all of her privacy and independence when she is forced to be guarded by Cole. Unfortunately, this doesn't work for her because he is the only man who has ever made her senses soar.

"They're the Guards of the Commander. They keep the order of society by using violent methods of intimidation. No one befriends a guard. Relationships with them are forbidden inside the hole."

Cole is a one hell of a sexy bad ass. His character is powerful and filled with many layers. On the surface, he is a hard stoic alpha. Below that pretense, we find a man who is very different from the other guards in the Hole. For reasons unknown, he has held onto his humanity and sense of loyalty that ran deep. Cole never deviates from the rules, his self-preservation won't allow him to, until his newest assignment. Once Cole meets Lexi, he is forced to redefine his natural instincts. His personality is so riveting and charming that you become hooked and addicted to him from the first introduction. It was fascinating watching this strong disciplined man living in a world so far depraved begin to show signs of lightness when there was only ever darkness. It left us captivated and totally in love with him.

Lexi is refreshing and in her own way, just as fierce as Cole. She was strong, selfless, compassionate, and determined. Underneath the girl who emptied her stomach contents at the slightest trigger was a beautiful rare young woman who experienced the hardship of life way beyond her years. Her past is full of tragedies and cruelty. The nightmares never really go away. She has had to endure the unthinkable at the hands of a monster, but all it did was prepare her for the hellish turn her life was going to take once she enters the Hole. She takes on her new fate as well as can be expected and we get to see her good heart and devotion to those that are suffering.

You can overcome anything, short of death.

Behind the closed door of their shared room where prying eyes don't exist, their feelings for each other blossom, however, outside those four walls they are not allowed to show anything other than disgust, otherwise their secret runs the risk of extreme and inhuman punishment. Cole and Lexi are a force to be reckoned with. Their relationship with its roller coaster like tendencies added an extra dimension of excitement amongst all the action wrapped drama, especially since it was absolutely forbidden. In the Hole, Guards and Sinners are outlawed from entering into a relationship with each other. Sinners are looked upon as immoral creatures that should be treated as though they don't deserve to exist. If by chance this illicit relationship is exposed the implicated guard and sinner not only put others’ lives at risk, but are punished to the extreme with torture and murder execution style. Cole and Lexi risk everything to chase those stolen moments, hidden touches and kisses, and declarations of love.

"Then please tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do because I don't know. I have orders that I have to follow. If I follow them, I'll lose you. If I don't, I'll be executed and then you'll lose me. Either way I'm screwed and so are you. Damn it, you've complicated everything. You're all I think about. My mind is constantly consumed by you and it scares the crap out of me."

"Lexi...It's real. I'm real. We're Real. Everything's real."

Our hero and heroine are heart wrenching, raw, and breathtaking as they stood alongside one another finding the strength to love and trust in a society where such feelings are criminal. Their emotions flawlessly flowed off the pages. Abi and Missy didn't just tell you with no supporting actions to believe that Lex and Cole were in love, no, they used detailed descriptions that pulled on your own emotions and made you feel their deepening feelings right down deep in your stomach. The authors laid bare the brutality and rawness of Cole and Lexi's secrets, truths, and love. They didn't hold back and spare the explicit details for the weak; it was a raw and gritty tale. Prepare yourself for the pain, fear, excitement, and uncertainty that went with that developing love. Cole and Lexi's connection was strong, even amongst the fear, distrust, and despair they faced every moment of every day, their emotional and physical chemistry continued to be powerful as their relationship grew. We found ourselves seduced by the little moments experienced by these two that seemed so inconsequential, but left such an impact on our hearts.

"Most of all, I wish for peace. If I survive this, all I want is to live with Cole and to live in peace for the rest of my life, knowing I made the right choice."

Branded is a unique story that engages the reader with its fast-paced thrilling plot of action packed drama and forbidden love that every woman wishes she could experience. The unexpected twists and turns will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat with its many sweet, intense, and nerve wracking moments. This book sucks you in from the first page, locks you into this world, and has you pulling for these characters.

If you’re looking for a gritty suspenseful page turner that leaves you wrapped up in its kick ass characters then we suggest you pick this book up now! Even if you are not a fan of dystopian type books, this one will draw you in and totally surprise you. We promise you won't be disappointed. Missy and Abi are AMAZING, seriously TALENTED. To say we will be stalking them until the next edition in Cole and Lexi's adventure is an understatement! (They may need a restraining order by the time the book comes out. ;p) No, there is no big ugly cliffhanger, BUT you will be left wanting more of this dynamic duo and their continuing story. We promise you will not only fall head over heels in love with our damaged hero and heroine, but you will fall fast and you will fall hard.

P.S. There is also tons of humor mixed into this emotional roller coaster of a journey, lightening the mood when the darkness gets to be a bit overwhelming, in the form of Zeus, a Great Dane and some of the playful interactions between Cole And Lexi.