"Devastating but Beautiful" ~ Pain by Amanda Mackey

This year, give the gift of books!

Life is sweet in The Sanctuary—until Lillian Harris is thrown the curveball of her life.

Lillian is perfectly happy cocooned within the lofty perimeter fence of The Sanctuary. Her Sanctuary—a vast oasis for rescued lions, tigers, and elephants. The animals are her world. So when Lillian’s dad tells her a nineteen-year-old criminal who’s fresh out of prison is coming to The Sanctuary as part of a rehabilitation program, Lillian is more than a little apprehensive. She interacts with animals more than humans—and definitely not criminals.

Justice Armstrong is more arrogant than a Silverback, but something darker lurks behind his eyes…

It isn’t until Justice swaggers toward her from the parole officer’s car—pierced, confident, and more than a little hot—Lillian knows she has her work cut out for her. His stare has the power to rob her of all thoughts. His words, although crude and nefarious, bring a part of her to life she never knew existed. How is this criminal suddenly turning her world upside down?

He has the power to drag her to the dark side....

Pain is his drug of choice, a vice he can’t survive without. Then he meets Lillian Harris. Little miss hellcat. Fiery, strong, and all woman. She challenges him at every damn turn, and watching her tame those fierce big cats makes his need for her that much stronger. He wants to do things to her…wicked things. She makes him crave pain in a whole new way.

When a teen with a dark past bumps heads with a feisty rescue worker, will it be love over lust—or a matter of life and death?

DEVASTATING BUT BEAUTIFUL

I have not read such a raw and emotional story in awhile and I’m so glad it was this one. I cried, actually cried for the boy that Justice was in this book. Beautiful ending too.

Loved this book!

5 Star Review by Caryn

Loved this beautiful story

This story had me gripped from the beginning to end. I could not put it down. It's been one of my favourite recent reads. The characters are wonderful, especially Justice. My heart was just rooting for him the whole way throughout. Beautiful story.

5 Star Review JByrne

A tortured soul's road to recovery

Pain, by Amanda Mackey, describes a tortured soul's road to recovery. The setting is the Sanctuary, an animal preserve operated by Lil and her father. A paroled convict named Justice, who's led a life of unthinkable horrors, comes to the Sanctuary to start live over, and learns valuable lessons about life - and himself. Each protagonist's story is told in first person, giving the reader an intimate view of the character. Full of surprises and highly recommended.

5 Star Review by John A. Miller