4.5 STARS!!

Let me just start by saying that this book isn't for the faint of heart!!
This story is PITCH-BLACK!! This may be the most twisted and darkest book I have read in my life!!

After being taken, for Emma everyday became a struggle for survival while being forced to give a performance of her life. Ethan is the director, and a monster with a twisted mind to create the kind of art he's looking for!!

This story was brilliantly developed, well-written and well-plotted. Mind-Blowing characters that will take your breath away. The Director is going to keep you hook from start to end, you may need to take a break to keep your sanity in control, but you'll be going right back to it!!

This is a story worth reading if you're into dark romance. You won't be disappointed!!

UMMMM, WOW!

I have no idea on how to write this review without giving some spoilers but I will do my best.

This book has to be one of the most RAW books I have ever read. Their is a primal beast living in many and this story shows how depraved the beast can be.

FUCK or DIE what a choice to make but really is it a choice at all? Would you be okay with being raped constantly by men that have absolutely no soul because the beast within them has taken hold of it or would you choose to die instead hoping and praying that a single bullet to the head would do the trick but not really knowing what they would do to kill you and it can be absolutely worse than being left to the soulless beast.

Ethan Cole is not the beast I originally believed he was, YES he has some major issues but things aren't always as they seem. There is a confusing relationship between him and Emma, not sure relationship is the right term for what they have but it will do.

Emma had been abducted from the streets of Boston and shipped off to an undisclosed place to be an ACTRESS in "their" dark, twisted, porn movies and she becomes a femme fatal in some snuff movies as well.....FUCK or DIE which would you choose?!?

This book is so RAW and UNFILTERED that it will not be available for purchase on AMAZON you can only find it on the authors website and Smashwords....that alone should tell you that you are in for a DARK EROTIC RIDE!

Storyline: 5
Angst: 3
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 5
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

Stolen off the streets while trying to find a taxi, Emma is living her worst nightmare. You would think becoming an actress would be every woman’s dream. But not this kind of actress. Not for him. Successful horror director Ethan Cole disappeared from the world and no one knew if he was dead or alive. But Emma has found him. Or more accurately he has found Emma. And she’s given the choice…fuck or die. But is there really a choice?

“I was more statistical than that, a daddy’s girl who expected to marry a man that was tall and strong, smart and put together, someone who could carry me through life one handed while solving every problem tossed in our path. I wanted a hero to help me through the tough times, so I never bothered exploring whether I could be a hero myself.

However, there were no strong men here to save me now. All I had was myself, and if I wanted to survive, if there was any hope for possible escape, I had to shed the damsel in distress mentality. I had to be smart. Had to be strong. Would have to endure every horror imaginable.”

And she did it again. Whoa. I cringed but was so engrossed in this story that I couldn’t put it down. I was right there beside Emma in this messed up place, trapped with all of those girls and just trying to survive from one day to the next. Ethan was an incredibly good villain/hero? An expert manipulator. I never knew whether to believe anything that came out of his mouth but like Emma, I couldn’t help being attracted to his charm. Dammit. Honestly, I didn’t know how this book was going to end and was biting my nails. Just an amazing, crazy, captivating dark read.

I don’t know how I became addicted to these sadistic stories but I can’t seem to stop reading them. If you like the torture and a flawed hero, you will love this new story by Lily White. It’s never black and white in these stories….only grey.

The Director
By: Lily White
5 Stars

I should have known better. I solely based what I thought this book would be about by the title alone. Cute Actress want to be moving to California to pursue her dreams of becoming the most sought-after actress…who falls madly in love with the first Director she meets… Buhahaha!!!! This is Lily White people….

Right out of the starting gate, this story had me hooked. Started and finished in one day due to the intensity of this story. My nails are chewed down to the quicks, my hair has been twirled constantly, I’ve done nothing but junk it food wise today… All because of this book!!!
It’s one that will test your limits in the dark scene… Will have to admit to constantly chain smoking while reading this book! Because of the stress level that not only Emma goes through but what Laura went through reading this.

Poor Emma just wanted to make it home after a date turned upside down. Walking to find a place to hail a taxi, she finds herself being tossed in the back of a van.
Now at her final destination, acting is now her calling. However, these are not the movies you see on the Hallmark channel!

Ethan is the director of these movies…he has finally taken the step to more freedom in his abilities to direct. A more beautiful way to show the ‘art’. He runs a tight ship, that’s for sure.

Emma is quick to realize though that...
Ethan is like a sour onion with many layers that only made you cry harder the closer you go to his core.
Along with being like a sour onion…
Monsters shouldn’t be good looking. They’re supposed to be big, lumbering men with scarred skin and receding hairlines.

Without giving more away, put dinner in the crockpot, grab you a pot of coffee and dive in to this one!!! You will be so glad that you are at home reading this and not auditioning for a part in Ethan Cole’s next movie!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved

This book is twisted from beginning to end and will have you feeling conflicted, but the good type of conflicted. It is the same type that Emma has so it helps you feel her struggle. She endures the worst experiences you could imagine. Actually, the ones you don't want to imagine. But through the pages of this book you witness a transformation. This story made me cry, made me feel uncomfortable, sad, angry, made me feel hope. Still, as a warning you should know this book includes kidnapping, raping and murder among other things. But if you are ok reading these touchy subjects you will discover a hidden and rewarding sentiment.

You ever finish reading a book and ask yourself
“Why did I just fall in Love hard with the most evil character?”
and yet even after questioning yourself that it’s wrong on sooo many levels, you are okay with it?
That would be me!
We’ll be prepared to do so while reading this book!
Yes this book is not for the faint of heart.
It’s raw, gritty, sooo naughty and so emotionally fucked up that my cherries 🍒 were sweating in anticipation of what was going to happen next.
Was totally thrown for a HUGE loop in this story line that is so messed up yet I felt the pain for Emma and Ethan.
Emma is not who you think she is and she will change the way you think.
Yes there is a romance but it will be one you wouldn’t expect.
Simply EPIC read by Author Lily White to end the year with a serious bang!
A Top 2017 Must Read you Must One Click it!
**ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
5 Cherries Popped

Why Why Why I just want to scream. No matter how dark , sick and disturbing. I loved this book.

"Monsters shouldnt be so good looking."

Ethan Cole is The Director after leaving Hollywood to film real life , real scenes , real reactions and real death. Snuff films is all the rage High paying and the players have no idea what they are in for.

The choice are fuck or die. Neither choice is good they both end the same one just last longer.

Emma Hart stolen off the streets of Boston raped and shipped overseas to be the next actress in an dark web film. When asked to Fuck or Die. Shes the first ever to choose to die and that gave Ethan big plans for her. She is his muse. The battle between Emma and Ethan is sometimes funny and sad. No matter how sick he is you will fall for him too.

"She was everything to me and nothing at all"


"Art is subjective"

"FINAL ACT"

The End NOoooo I want more dammit

I received a copy of this book to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

The Director is a super dark and twisted book. If you have triggers you may not want to pick this one up. I have to put it up there with one of the most dark and twisted books I have ever read. Trust me I read a lot of dark, messed up things but this one takes the cake. The Director also will only be available through Lily White's website and Smashwords.

Everyone wants to be an actress, right? he lights, the camera, the action? The fame, the money, the beauty and esteem? It is all part of the package....Unless of course your part of HIS films. Ethan Cole was on of the best directors in the business until the day he disappeared. He was charismatic, gorgeous, intriguing and so brilliant that no other person could compare. People believed he had simply quit. In truth, he had gone underground. I, Emma, found him after being stolen from the streets. I was thrown into his new world, his fantasies, his decadent chaos, and I found myself fighting just to stay alive.He seduced me while tormenting me. Made me a star while keeping me hidden from the public's eye. He asked me on simple question before shoving me in front of the glittering lights and dark lens of his camera. One question, requiring only one response. F**k or Die?

I am just going to say this one more time in case you missed it the first time. This is a dark Lily White book. It is filled with blood and gore, rape and murder described in detail. Like I said before it is the darkest book I have ever read. We begin by meeting Emma, your average every day citizen of Boston who goes on a terrible date and finds herself in the next instance in the back of a van being violated and thrown on a ship. I knew right there that I was in for a lot of details and some really bad stuff along the way. When Emma arrives on land again she is in the presence of a man who orders her and the other girls to strip, their examined and a door is picked for them. After they go though those respective doors you will just have to read to find out what happens. Her first interaction with Ethan Cole in in that situation in the room where she had to strip. But soon he sees something in Emma that will of course make him a lot of money and his films more interesting. You see, Ethan left Hollywood because he is such a great director but he wanted real emotions in his films not the fake kind actors and actress do in the movies, but real raw emotion. Emma for her part is a strong woman who has a mouth on her and she doesn't care that Ethan can get rid of her at the drop of the hat. That she could and eventually would die in that God forsaken place, yet somehow she and Ethan both see things in each other they like. But, a relationship would be impossible and who falls in love with the man who holds their very live in his hands. These are things you will have to read to find out what happens. Trust me it is a ride you will probably never ever forget. I could not for the life of me put this book down and had to know what happens. Now today I am questioning my sanity big time.

I received an ARC from Netgalley!

This one is brilliantly dark and so different! I really enjoyed it, I've never read anything quite like it before and thoroughly loved not having a clue what was going to happen. Right from the start i was pulled in with such a shocking beginning! The twists and turns and shocks just keep on coming!

Ethan's character left me guessing most of the way through the book. I wasn't sure if I liked him or hated him and I definitely didn't trust him. Emma’s character takes a surprising turn after being forced into the situation she's in. I'm trying to be as spoiler free as possible because I feel this book is best read blind!

Lily White has done a great job reeling me in and making me question everything. I would recommend The Director to any dark read lovers. Be warned this pushes many boundaries. Five stars

Soo if you love Dark, twisted, fucked up, immoral reads then this book is for you.
If contains triggers if Rape and abuse bother you do not proceed.
Emma gets abducted, abused and Raped. She is then shipped overseas in a shipping container to meet the Director.
The Director aka Ethan Cole is the handsome devil in disguise.
This book is fucked up but you can't put it down.

Reading these dark stories always has me being thankful that these authors decided to put there active minds into writing instead of becoming cold, detached mastermind criminals/killers.
I’ve finished the Director two days ago, but had to give myself time to process what I’ve read.

I knew this was going to be a gritty story and it was, really. Heed the trigger warnings. It even looks like this book will not be available on Amazon, is it because it is Uncensored. Raw. Compelling., yeah, probably!
But despite all of this, I was hooked from page one and was not able to put it down.
And now I wonder: is something wrong with me???? Hope not!

If you love reading gruesome, horrid and shocking stories you want to add this one to your TBR-list!

***5 ‘Hello, Mind Fuck’ Stars***

I’ve wanted to read a Lily White book for awhile, but my TBR list made that a tad bit difficult, so I waited and then The Director popped up and when it was noted that it was a dark romance (??) and wouldn’t be on Amazon, my fingers started filling out the form because that meant that shit was about to get real and I do love me some dark. But even with my lack of a long list of hard limits, The Director had me coming real close to those limits many times, and even needing to take a break or two. This isn’t just a dark romance, this is DARK, it felt like I was in the midst of psychological horror movie and all the WTF ~ are you fucking serious moments that go along with it and yet I was absolutely fascinated at the same time.

The fascination didn’t necessarily have to do with the explicit and extreme scenes throughout the book, though, to be honest they were fascinating based on the fact that the author’s brain came up with them and put them into words in such a way that they conveyed the horror and depravity of the acts. But the element that held me captive, that found a way to get it’s hooks into me were Emma and Ethan, and, Yes, even Ethan wormed his way into my psyche and more.

Watching as Emma and Ethan collide and evolve was...captivating, especially as they each find something in themselve they never knew existed in the hell they were in. Through them we see the difference between nature and nurture, what lines one will cross, and just how far someone can be pushed before breaking and what they become in its aftermath. Emma was everything. What she went through, what she survived, the strength she showed when everything was against her and how she held on to herself was a sight to behold. And then there is Ethan. He is and experience. I went from one extreme to another when it came to this man, but the bottom line is that he is an experience, one that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but an experience.

As this is my first Lily White experience I can honestly say it won’t be my last. I definitely took a leap, and it was an extreme one, but I was hooked. The writing was engaging and solid and the way everything unfolded was well thought out and executed. I typically say something along the lines of “if you like dark romance then this is...yada, yada, yada” but this time I do think that you, as the reader, must take a long, hard look at what you can honestly stomach. It’s brutal, extreme, and is a total mind fuck of epic proportions. Emotions do come into play, this is not a soulless book, and they are absolutely heartbreaking, horrifying and even confusing. But all of that combined make it fascinating as well. So, take the warning to heart, Ms. White ain’t playing here folks, before deciding to take the leap and get ready for the ride.

The Director by Lily White has set in motion another wild, traumatic, dangerous, taboo story with the underlining hope of love for Emma and Ethan. This book is not for the faint of heart, nor for people that have triggers...for this book has allot of violence and where you are not sure if the hero is not one but the bad guy. If you are a fan of Dark Romances with no flowers or goodness then this is your book for sure.

"She was everything to me and nothing at all.”

If you’re looking for hearts and flowers, this isn’t the book for you. Hell, if you’re looking for broken hearts and dead flowers, this isn’t the book for you. If you’re looking for depravity, suffering, and bedevilment, well, you’ve hit the jackpot. This book will make you cringe, gasp, and, in all honesty, probably question the sanity of Lily White. It will also make feel. It will make you feel hatred, sorrow, and at times, you’ll feel hopeful. Don’t be fooled. 

“Meticulous. Businesslike. Lacking warmth, emotion, remorse or regret. His desire to produce this film – his need to create his art – was the only driving factor for Ethan Cole.”

Emma is a normal woman in her early 20’s. There’s nothing spectacular about her. Until him. Ethan Cole. A once renowned director, famous for his acclaimed films. Now, he’s a hidden man, directing movies of true horror. Women abducted. Forced to live in inhumane conditions. Forced to endure abuse for the sake of his art. Sold on the dark web for the depraved.
Emma catches his attention immediately. She isn’t the typical meek woman, doing as she’s told, doing whatever is necessary to survive. No, she’s a woman that has inspired him to direct honest and sui generis films that will capture the audiences attention long after watching the film. She is his muse. 

Lily, I don’t know where you come up with these ideas, but I thoroughly enjoy seeing the boundaries you push in your novels. Thank you so much for providing me with an ARC!

WHAT THA HELL??

If you are a Lily White stalker...like I am...you know that when you finish one of her books, your mouth is going to be left hanging open and you will be asking yourself, what tha Hell did I just read?? Yess The Director is definitely one of those books that will leave you with an effed up mind..lol

Hmmm, I went into this book blind, maybe I should go read the synopsis of the book real quick before I write my review, I certainly don't want to give anything away. I always believe going in blind is the best experience...I just love it. I am definitely still reeling from just finishing reading this one...it was a crazy, creepy, cringy, hold your breath, peek at the pages through your fingers kind of read..haha

Ohh I'm back after reading the synopsis...here is your warning ladies...see I had no idea what I was getting into..lol I just knew that I love reading Lily's books and I just had to have it and ohhh Hell it really fucked with me!!!

***This book is dark romance with all the trigger warnings imaginable. This is the first of Lily White’s Dark Exclusives and will only be available on her website and Smashwords. Uncensored. Raw. Compelling. This book should only be read by those who truly love the DARK.***

I gave The Director 5 iScream OMG Cones!!! Just go one click off her website or Smashwords cuz you just have to find out how much The Director is one demented, sick mother effer!!!

This isn’t one of those books that you read for pure enjoyment. Nope! This is one of those stories where you simply observe the gore, chaos, narcissism, depravity, and lack of humanity unfold right before your very eyes!

This story will shock and anger you, but you won’t be able to stop reading, either.

The book is super dark , so much so that Lily has decided to only publish through smashwords & website and not through Amazon. Well that's as explicit a warning as they come. Don't want no uptight , self appointed guardian of the modalities read it, then go around shaming it.
The content is no holds barred, no prisoners taken , even by LilyMeter! I had to stop at several places to just take a deep breath, Then continue on, cause book keeps you guessing what's next, where's the hope in this dismal, hopelessness ? A slap to the face warning about the monsters lurking around us in broad daylight. We warn our kids about it , we watch over our shoulders , we don't venture after dark in questionable neighbourhoods, lest we get taken. And that's exactly what happens to Emma. 
She gets abducted in a seedy part of Boston and thrown into a dark van. Immediately her ordeal starts. Bound, tied, gagged.......and Raped ! . Then stuffed in a container, shipped overseas. Landing in the hovels of the Earth , she's in a maze of horror chambers , treated like fodder & prey , to be devoured by predators. 

The world was a cruel place full of monsters, and if you weren't constantly on guard, eventually one would sneak up from behind to drag you into the shadows.

I'd read about the subject as it happened in South Africa once, saw some movies about it, but reading a book ,is my first. It happens for real, in Our World, In modern day, Right under our noses. 
Emma meets the Director. He's a maker of horror films, lost to the real world, hiding in these dungeons, trying to create his kind of art , that pushes boundaries and is very realistic in the emotions. There's a market for it in rich depraved society and shadowed hallways of dark web. Everything is illegal and immoral, but does that stop it - NO ! 

I'd offered new stories, new visions, new ways of looking at the world around us,How would you like to direct whatever you want? The actual occurrence of true horror and helplessness that can't be found in the films you so tirelessly vomit out?

Emma is projected as a victim but soon shows her steely spine. Not to be easily subdued , her sass trumps her brain sometimes. She's forever curious, questioning and a survivalist. Keen observer and her meek persona hides a true warrior within. Ironically THIS warrior is very early noticed by Ethan Cole, The Director, who thoroughly goes about exploiting that vein in her and capturing it on film. 

Ethan Cole - The Director is suave, polished and a Devil with piercing Light eyes that observe EVERYTHING ! Nothing escapes his attention ! Every minute detail on the set and off it is carefully logged and recorded for future usage. 

Monsters shouldn't be good looking. They're supposed to be big, lumbering men with scarred skin and receding hairlines. Their teeth should be absent , or they should have eyes that are dead instead of sparkling. They should have big rounded guts and meaty hands that bruise and maim when they touch you. But they shouldn't look like Ethan.
Meticulous. Businesslike. Lacking warmth, emotion, remorse or regret. His desire to produce this film - his need to create his art - was the only driving factor for Ethan Cole.
I would learn quickly after meeting this well dressed man, that no matter how bad your circumstance, it could always deteriorate, that Hell itself could rise up and swallow you when you'd convinced yourself you'd experienced it all.

He's a handsome Devil with pure ice running in his veins and a stone mask for a face that gives nothing, shares nothing.
Their relationship is of The Director & Actress . very hands off, professional and work related only. So when do emotions seep in through the cracks ? 
How do they deal with it?
How will their relationship survive when they are on a treadmill of death?

"I've just given myself to you. That's what I've done. It's up to you now to decide what to do with it."
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Emma, but you just sold your soul to the devil."

One thing that I observed , during this process. When you read in pages, chapters, the story has nothing but heinous INTENT on the directors part. He's merely there to make the product and deliver it, absolving himself of all responsibility of blood on his hands !! But something somewhere must be sticking to his soul , so filthy and caustic, that to wash it off , he deviates from his established norm of letting the girls be eaten alive. He let's Emma employ a weapon . 
Now why would he do that ?
There's a possibility that he's attaching subconsciously to Emma
OR....
His own ego pushes him to prove over and over again , that he can top himself !!! 
Seriously I'm having an epiphany here 💡 I had to finish the book and step back to see the story in its entirety, to understand the concept.
Why doesn't he let her escape, because, in my opinion, his ego as the BEST DIRECTOR , refuses to stop before he completes his perfection of a movie made with his Offcuts !! So technically he's the Hero AND the villain, BOTH ! 
I dunno if Lily intended that way, but I had to go and read the last chapter THREE TIMES to get into her headspace ! She is his MUSE, and in a role reversal, The Director not only gets inspired by her , he almost ends himself in order to live up to the pure standards of his MUSE ! 
Emma is triumphant purely on the Ferocity Of The Spirit , even when trapped in Clutches of death , that she involuntarily forces The Director to finish his project, putting both their lives in danger 
Know what I'm saying !!! 
Mindfuckery of the highest order , only could be grown in the overly fertile mind of Lily. How she's remained sane for so long is a million dollar question.
But then sanity is subjective !I'd say tread carefully in these illusive corridors of The Set. NOTHING is what it seems, NOTHING is real and The Director controls EVERYTHING. 
He's the Ultimate Puppet Master ! The alpha dog always wags the Tail when the Studio Head Masters whistle and summon, unless of course Emma open her mouth, then the Tail Wags The Dog !!!
5 psychological stars

Gah! What did I read?! I'm still trying to catch my breath. I swear every time I read a Lily White book I'm left in flux with huge amounts of emotion sitting in the pit of my stomach. This novel is truly brilliant. It is dark and depraved and so gritty and violent. But is also emotional and beautiful as you can't help but root for the heroine. I truly loved this novel and honestly can't wrap my head around how I could equally love and hate the villain. This is one of the best novels I have ever read and I could not get enough.

When I first heard that Lily was writing a Dark exclusives series where she could let her inner dark goddess out free reign, I was intrigued and nervous AF as you never know what to expect from her. And honestly? She knocked it out of the park. I sat consumed and terrified but so enthralled I could not stop reading. Picture this: reading late at night with all the lights on, my kindle in my lap and my face half covered by my hands, I was honestly rocked by this book.

Without giving anway any spoilers, all I will say is that The Director is honestly one of the BEST dark novels I have ever read. We meet our heroine, Emma Hart, who is forced to make a difficult decision: "Fuck or Die" and is then subject to the vile consequences of her decision at the hands of the Director, Ethan Cole.

This novel was so disturbing and depraved but so amazing. Through her experiences, Emma found a piece of herself that she never expected to find. She also discovered that there is a more grey area in life as both light and darkness exist within us all. This really is a story of change and an evolution of self and begs the question: Who really is the hero or villain in a story as we all are forced to wear different hats in order to survive? But in true Lily White fashion we never expected it to be so twisted. I absolutely loved this and look forward to more stories like this in the future! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula

Oh man, I think I need to go watch puppy and baby videos on YouTube for the next week to cleanse my poor mind of this book. This may be the most twisted and darkest book I have read to date. Don't let my puppy video watching fool you though I LOVED this book. Saying that seems wrong, but it doesn't make it any less true. From beginning to end this one had me enthralled. I will leave this review pretty vague as I think the book is best experienced with little prior knowledge. That said, this isn't for the faint of heart <--- I am serious. The book isn't even going to be sold on Amazon (that should tell you something about its content). If you are unsure about reading it and want to know more than feel free to drop me a line and I will happily answer any questions, you may have. Now that my public service announcement is over onto the deets...

I found this one to be fantastically well written and paced. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. It was dark. It was twisted. It was vile. It was bloody. It was shocking. It was taboo. The characters were intriguing and well developed. Ethan will make you hate him but there is just something about him that will worm its way under your skin and you'll be left trying to reason out why after everything he has done you sort of kind of want him to get a HEA. Does he get what he deserves? Well telling you that would just be cheating. ;D Emma was a great heroine. Strong. Sassy. With steel running through her veins. Have to say the woman didn't have a lot of self preservation but it made her an excellent character to get behind. Last, the ending, and this is where it lost half a star for me. I will not go into details as to the why, but I was hoping for something different from what I got. That said, it was still a fitting ending. So I wasn't overly disappointed. Wrapping this up, I enjoyed this one immensely. Therefore yours truly is giving it two HUGE thumbs up.