Member Reviews

Once a Myth is the first book in Pepper Winters’s new deliciously dark romance. Pepper is definitely one of my one click authors and as usual once i started reading this i was completely sucked in by Sully and Eleanor.

This book is intense and will pull at all your emotions. Get ready to take a ride on the dark side. Sullivan is my new favorite Alpha and let’s face it you will probably want to kill him before you get hot for him 😂

It’s raw and gritty and full of twists you won’t even see coming! I absolutely love Pepper’s dark side (she’s actually the one who brought me to the dark side and I haven’t left since)

Sullivan is unlike anything i was expecting but before i even read this i knew my ass was going to love this crazy alpha. While reading i was literally on the edge of my seat because i couldn’t stop reading.

There’s the constant push and pull between these two characters because all she wants is to escape and he definitely won’t let her. This story just consumes you and i now have another one of pepper’s antihero to lay claim on!

5 deliciously dark stars! Actually it really deserves more! I literally cannot wait to see how this series turns out! I’m so excited and already dying for book 2!
You guys i highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

When Ms. Peppers writes the dark romance genre, I always want to dive in and read all those beautiful words she knows how to put together like a puzzle.

Once A Myth caught my attention starting from the teasers, cover book all the way to the synopsis and I knew, without a doubt, that I had to read this series.

The characters are strong-willed characters and I loved them to death. Sullivan Sinclair may have power, money and may be attractive as hell, but he can also be a bad, bad person. All his goddesses want him but he never touches his goddesses. He abides by that rule and will not break it for anyone. But then Eleanor comes in the picture, she's exactly what he's been looking for and requested a woman with those exact qualities and features so now he's possessed because he can't stay away from her.

Eleanor is one tough little cookie, she told herself that she wouldn't let anyone or anything break her and she's standing up to what she said. But things are getting heavy and hot between Eleanor and Sully. Can they withstand their attraction or will they end up breaking and succumb to their desires for each other?

The chemistry between these characters was undeniably attractive and this slow burn book will leave you itching for more.

Was this review helpful?

Once a Myth is the first book in the Goddess Isles series and I don't think I could have read a better start than this book right here. Now granted-- after reading this first book, I do feel like this series could probably be a duet or even a trilogy rather than the five books that it will be. Mainly because the first book wasn't long at all. It was a rather quick read. Just enough to get your attention and make you wait for the next installment. 

I do not read books like this. EVER. But when I do splurge and read these types of books, I am so glad that Pepper is the one writing them. She can write a killer story-line and still have some dark things going on but they're not there for dramatic affects. They have a purpose as do her characters. Her stories always have a strong plot with wonderful writing. Not only that but I enjoyed Eleanor. Typically I do not enjoy the female leads in books like these but Eleanor was different. Strong-willed. Resilient. Witty and quick on her feet. 

I did find a mishap between the blurb and the story. (It's not five men, it's four.) I am sure once release time comes around-- that will be corrected though. I do feel like the blurb makes it seem like a dark read but I didn't think Once a Myth was as dark as it leads on at all. Not like her others that I have read anyways. But who's to say it won't get darker.... right?!

Despite the things taking place in this book, I really enjoyed Pepper's writing and her uncanny ability to create such a beautiful setting and atmosphere.  I think had any one else written this book, I wouldn't of enjoyed it as much. But Pepper really has a way to create stories, worlds, and characters like no one else. I thought Once a Myth did a great job at getting me very invested in this series. I thought this first book was a great bait and hook book to get you prepared for the books to come.

Was this review helpful?

What is the worst thing that has happened to you, and how did you survive it?

This line gave me pause when I read it, just what was I getting myself into with this book?

Holy smokes! Forget what you’ve read in the teasers because they definitely don’t give you the correct idea what type of roller coaster that you are embarking on when starting this book. Yes, you’ll see Tess, but keep in mind, she and Q are not the characters that this story is about. You are about to meet Eleanor Grace, who is “stolen” while backpacking, stoic and graceful throughout the entire ordeal even while her anxiety threatens to take over. You’ll meet Sully Sinclair, a man with God-like looks and attitude; and he owns everything in his sight, including Eleanor, who he determines shall be named Jinx.

While trying not to give anything away, I will say that I love how the characters play off of each other, how they fuel each others’ interest and antagonism towards the other. I’m definitely in for the long haul with this series. Big five stars from me!

Was this review helpful?

OH MY GOD!!!! OH MY GOD!!!! I don’t even know where to start! I’m already in love with Sully. But I’m more in love with Eleanor! I love her strength and the fact that she doesn’t back down from a fight with Sully. She is by far the best female character I’ve read and in my opinion the best Pepper has written. Can I just be Eleanor??? I can’t wait to read the next book and find out more about Sinclair. I’m more ready for Sully to lose his control!!! 👀As Sully says Eleanor wears an invisible crown I can’t wait to see her become a queen next to Sully.

Was this review helpful?

Pepper has done it again! We are once again brought into her dark world of trafficking. This time we are on a journey with Eleanor. She is kidnapped and brought to a man named Sullivan. From there, we are taken on a wild, well thought out ride. We are left off on a great cliffhanger. The journey will continue and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Was this review helpful?

I received an early copy of this book from Netgalley.

I’m still processing this book! Oh my goodness! This is the first book in the Goddess Isles Series, this is just a taste and we haven’t even scratched the surface of the island. I cannot wait for more to come!

Once A Myth is dark and wowzer is it hot. I seriously need a cold shower after that. Sullivan I can see us all falling at his feet, although he still remains some what of a mystery, I can’t wait to find out more about him. Eleanor has spunk. She stands up for herself but she’s clever about it. When most women would be sobbing in a corner, she’s taking everything in and coming up with a plan. The book is told from duel POV which is perfect for this kind of story.

I can’t wait to meet more goddesses, I have a feeling none of the others will be anything like Jealousy. I have a strong feeling I won’t like many of the others but we shall see.

Yes the story ends on a cliffhanger but if you wait for them all to be released you are seriously missing out. There’s not much time to wait between books and I personally love the anticipation!

Was this review helpful?

This story is phenomenal!! If you are a reader who enjoys darker romance stories then I undoubtedly need to say to you that 'YOU MUST READ THIS'! You need to go in blind and be prepared to be mind blown!

Once a Myth is the first book in the Goddess Isles series and I couldn’t have wished for a better start. From the very first page I was addicted to the story and I have not been able to put my kindle down at all. I couldn’t have been more connected to the characters, in particular Eleanor, without actually taking their place.

I just know we are all going to be head over heels in love with Sullivan, there is something about that man that draws you in. He’s an enigma and he walked along a fine line tittering between whether I absolutely adored or disliked him in this book. Sully has definitely met his match with Eleanor who is incredibly strong and determined. There is this fabulous push and pull battle that goes on between the pair of them and I am unsure whose side I am actually on. The chemistry between them is combustible and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

This is an incredible story that Pepper Winters has written perfectly. It is dual POV which enables us to understand both Sully and Eleanor’s thoughts and feelings. I could not have anticipated some of the scenes that happen which is always satisfying. The heat in this book is off the charts. You will be desperate to finish the book to see how the story plays out but you’ll never want it to end. I don’t shy away from cliff-hanger endings but this one I feel may be torturous, but on the other hand I am certain the anticipation to find out what happens next will be immense and until Twice a Wish releases, it is inevitable that all the possibilities will remain constant in my thoughts - which I will love!

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to find out that Pepper Winters was going back to her dark roots (no pun intended ), since I absolutely adored Indebted and Monsters in the Dark. And I have to say that Ms. Winters didn't disappoint. Once A Myth is exactly the kind of story that made me fall in love with Pepper's writing! Enthralling and lush, deliciously twisted, this book won't just let you dip your toes into the darkness, it'll make you swim in the depths of depravity and ask for more. This is book one of the five part series and it transports us, alongside Eleanor, to the twisted island paradise created by Sullivan Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair might be the most deliciously diabolical, mysterious, and scorching hot anti-hero I've ever had the pleasure to encounter. His is equal parts fire and ice, unequivocal control and barely restrained passion. Eleanor is the perfect foil for his inevitable unraveling. She is just the kind of heroine I can root her. Both vulnerable and strong, put in an untenable situation and forced to contend with demons, both external and internal, Eleanor is truly a goddess. Ms. Winters masterfully created such a unique and unforgettable world, rich with descriptive detail and rife with wonderfully crafted characters. The book is sensual to the max, with sexual tension on a constant boil, threatening to overflow. The emotion bleeds from these pages and I felt every sorrowful confused bit of it right alongside Eleanor. The book ends on quite a cliffy, but the next one is not far off. A must read for all my fellow lovers of the d

Was this review helpful?

Wow, a dark story that will have you finish the story in one sitting!
Pepper writes another dark tale that had me staying up till 2:30am, because I couldn’t stop reading it. Eleanor is a strong, resilient woman trying to survive being trafficked to Sully. Sully for want of a better word is torn between his rule of no playing with his goddesses and his need for Jinx. The turmoil between the two is real as Pepper weaves her story towards Jinx’s preparations for Euphoria. Before I turned the last page, I knew I would be left in a cliffhanger and “Twice a Wish” needs to be out ASAP! I liked that Pepper brings in characters from her other novels!

Was this review helpful?

If your going to read one review read this...

Just go read the book you will NOT be disappointed!!! Just go. What are you waiting for?!!!! Go, Go, GO!

Was this review helpful?

Pepper Winters turns everything on its head with this first look into the Goddess Isles series.

What you think you know about this author and her writing is about to be obliterated. Your mind will be blown!

This first book is so beyond expectation. It’s masterful!

A dark and gritty read that put me right into the main character’s shoes. Rooting for her to fight and break free. Then praising her efforts and breaking down at her failures. It is riveting and so close to being real it’s eerie.

"Patience was a virtue. Patience was a gift. Patience will grant my freedom." - Eleanor

Eleanor is kidnapped and sold on the slave market. She is eventually brought to what under other circumstances would be heaven on earth. A utopia. With the current reality she is living, however, it is anything but. Her tenacity, fire and resilience amidst her situation in tantamount to her strength of character, She keeps on fighting and defying expectation. But is this a fight she can win?

"Enter my shores, and I wasn't just the owner of this establishment... I was god." - Sully

Sully is a rigid control freak. He has dominion over himself and everyone around him. You can feel his resolve and need for control. I loved to hate him and hated to love him. There is so much I don’t know about his character that I need to know. He’s an enigmatic character and I cannot wait for his layers to peel down one by one to see what is left once his restraint has been abandoned.

I’ve never been so electrified by two characters. Sully’s command is tested by Eleanor time and time again. Every once in a while, I could see and feel that his character was about to snap. And, those moments were the most incendiary. I couldn’t help but wonder when he would lose this control.

I was also intrigued by Tess’s character even though she only has a minor role in this book. I’m wondering, and hoping, if she will play a role in future books.

I literally have goose bumps and am on a high from this book. I am more than eager for the next book. I’ve been sullied by Sully and I don’t care if I ever become clean again.

I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#mustread #SulliedbySully #GoddessIsles

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely Brilliant! I need a moment to bask in this masterpiece I just read. A brilliantly dark, depraved and sensual romance that will have you begging for book two!! Lovers of The Monsters in The Dark Series Get Ready!!! You are in for a treat! If you haven’t read that story, well what are you waiting for? Eleanor Grace is taken captive at 21 yrs old and sent against her will to where fantasies come true...for the right price. Sullivan Sinclair is her new owner. A ruthless, hardened, mystery of an alpha antihero. He sells the fantasy at Goddess Isles, his private island, but at what cost? Are you ready for this dark and dangerous pièce de résistance? If you love your dark romances the darker the better, then you will LOVE this one! I also loved how there is a cameo from a certain someone. The writing as always is superb and the characters are rich in depth. This ends on a major cliffhanger so be prepared! FYI: this book is not for the faint of heart as it has some intense scenes. Told in dual POV

Was this review helpful?

ARC received from Next Step PR

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be: unique.

Pepper Winters weaves an extraordinary, captivating, and unique story that instantly pulled me in. The book focuses on creating people’s fantasies and making myths come true, and while that may be true within the pages, she also made it so in the book itself. This book is a myth and a dream come true. Only Pepper could take such a story and make it seem magical and all okay. While reading, I felt as if I wasn’t in real life; that I existed here but was living in Pepper’s world. Much of this has to do with the wonderful writing! From the very first page, this book envelops readers in lush descriptions of people, feelings, and especially scenery to the point that I literally felt like I could hear, see, and feel what was being described.

In fear of spoilers, I can’t say much about the plot, other than what is given in the synopsis. As described, Eleanor is taken by the same people who had taken Tess Snow from the Monsters in the Dark trilogy. She’s there at the same time with Tess, but soon they end up on different paths. Tess, we know is sold to Q, while Eleanor is taken away to a mystical island and delivered to Sullivan Sinclair, a powerful man, who has dedicated this island to being a mythical pleasure island. I won’t say more regarding the island in fear of spoilers. All in all though, compared to where the other women end up, this one isn’t a bad go. Think tropical island vacation for living. There is one aspect, hinted at in the synopsis, that I was personally concerned about as I didn’t think I would enjoy it. It does/will occur, but alas, only Pepper could make me feel comfortable and okay with it all. I was nervous going into this series, but will have no qualms here on forth, because, as suspected, this book cooled those.

Sullivan is such an enigma so far. Again, I won’t say much, but I can’t wait to see how his interactions with Eleanor carry on in future books. He’s darkness, but I foresee a lot that will happen there. He’s gonna be a great character for this series. From page one, I was overwhelmed and pleased with Eleanor’s responses and fire. She doesn’t give what they want; no screaming, pleading, or crying. She’s strong from the very beginning, up to the end of this book. A lot of the book was her trying to fight for her life with Sullivan; not in a begging, bargaining way, but in a way that lets him know who is really boss. Hence their interactions being so amazing, and not being able to wait to see what is next in store for these two.

Of course, this ends on a cliffhanger. A darn good one too! I suspect they will all be like that. It’ll be a hard month, waiting for Sullivan to take me back to his island.

Was this review helpful?