Knotted (Trails of Sin, #1)

by Pam Godwin

[stacey_is_sassy]

The high points can also be the darkest...

***3.5 stars***

I’ve been reading Knotted over the last couple of days. As a favour to you, I’m going to share a tip…DON’T START READING THIS ONE JUST BEFORE BEDTIME!!! Sorry for shouting, but I can tell you, this book messed with me a little. I tried to go to bed at my normal time after reading a few pages, then tossed and turned overthinking what I had just read. Two hours later (and a wee bit frustrated) I gave up and started reading again.

The thing I find a little weird is that the high points of a dark read can sometimes be the worst moments of the story. A well written dark read will pull you in to observe the pain, humiliation and suffering of the characters. I sometimes wonder why I like dark reads so much. In reality, I don't think I'd be the sort of person who would stay in the dark. I'd be looking for a light, whether I'm holding it myself, or seeing if I can share a little of someone else's.

My brain is consumed with processing all the feelings it provokes. I’m also trying to analyse what my own reactions would be if faced with a similar situation. Would I be strong, weak or compartmentalise the feelings? Could I stand on my own two feet and face my demons? Should I seek help and guidance from family, friends or a professional?

In Knotted, I found myself struggling to work out what was worse…being violated and abused – or – having your supposed loved ones break your heart? Could I forgive a loved one who had a good reason for breaking my heart? Should I forgive them for not sharing their reasons why they chose to keep me in the dark?

For the majority of the story, I was sucked in and loved the push and pull on my emotions. The characters grew over the years and we get to see some of the significant life choices they are forced to make. One of the things I loved the most was that the author chose not to leave us completely in the dark. By giving us alternate POV’s, we don’t have to wait until the bitter end to see why some of the horrible things happened, the reactions, and the choices made. It all just came together well and I loved the pacing.

I did struggle towards the end of the story. I felt like I needed to see inside Jake’s head a little more. Some of his choices didn’t sit right with me and I found that I struggled to forgive him and questioned how Conor could or would. Unfortunately, I think her forgiveness was tied to her lust for Jake and him not really giving her much of a choice about it.

Knotted was a pretty steamy read. While some of the scenes were quite confronting, we do also get some scenes where we see the connection between Jake and Conor. They definitely have a lot of lust for each other.

If you’re a fan of cowboy romances, who doesn’t mind it a little dark and a lot steamy, I definitely recommend Knotted.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.