Number Thirteen

By: Bella Jewel

Narrated by: Auri Alden, Tom Heft

Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

We're 13 girls, captive to a man we rarely see. Obedience will become all we know - it is the only emotion we're permitted to feel. When we're bad, we're punished. When we're good, we're rewarded. Our scars run deep, yet we survive because we have to - because he teaches us to.

All of us are special, we feel it with everything we are. He has us for a reason, but it's a reason we don't know. We haven't seen his face, but we know that something deeply broken lies beneath the darkness. With every touch, with every punishment, we know it.

Then came the day he saved my life, and I saw him for the first time. He released something inside of me. He showed me who he truly is.

Now I want him. I'll go against everything I know to be with him. A monster. My monster.

Loving him is a sin, but a sinner I am. I won't stop until I see every part of him. Even the parts he keeps locked deep down inside. I am Number Thirteen, and this is my story.

©2020 Bella Jewel (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

The rebirth of 13 women... it warmed my heart.

This story had dark elements to it, and parts of it were hard to listen to because of the trauma and abuse that can be caused by humans... I thought this was going to be the typical kidnapping romance where the kidnapper and the captive end up falling in love as they both show parts of themselves that are broken and jagged to help each other heal. That happened here in a way, but the male protagonist, William, was not what I was expecting. We hear Williams rebirth story in the beginning of the book, how he became who he is and made the choices that he did. We, of course, will expect that he becomes a monster on the inside, becoming a man that can no longer stay in touch with his feelings and feel comfortable expressing them. But that assumption is so wrong, and that's basically the way it goes throughout the book; the author leads you to make one conclusion or assumption, and then proves you wrong over and over again. I loved that, it made the book fresh and unpredictable, and it made me fall for William just like 13. How could you dislike the guy, really? He went to so much time and effort, and even though it was probably in part to heal himself as well, it was mostly to help others. And I loved that the author let this man retain his kind, loving, gentle side, not making him cruel and hardened to the world for the most part. He has his moments, but it was usually when he was confused and didn't understand what he was feeling. It was just an all-around unique and beautiful book with some absolutely heart-breaking stories of women being treated horribly that were then given a chance at a new life by a man that wanted to be that person they needed the most. I expected that 13 would be the only one left standing in the end, but the author didn't do that, and I loved that too. She made it so all of the girls grow closer as they become individuals that are no longer ruled by oppressive fear and angst. And then William slowly took his place within the role they needed as individusls; for some, he was more like a father, maybe like a cousin or best friend or even a brother for others. But he was only a lover for 13. Now let me tell you, I'm by no means a sappy person most of the time in terms of what I like to read. I usually don't like stories where the men are gentle, kind, and sweet, but William was able to be those things and still be dark and have that edge because of his disfigurement. The complexity of these characters, the writing, the performances of the narrators, and the pacing of the story were all perfection. I give this one 5 stars with no doubt in my mind, and I'm glad I found it. I hope more people take a chance on this book because I'm surprised that it doesn't have more reviews with the quality of it.

Love it!!!!

This has been a very unique romance! was interested after reading the blurb and decided to give it a try. Little bit out of my norm but was well worth it!!!! This was my 3rd from this author and they keep getting better with each one!!! Definitely a fan

Number Thirteen

NOLA504NERDS BLOG
This book was like a version of Beauty & the Beast. I really enjoyed it. Bella’s writing style makes you care for each character. The reason I’m giving it 3.5 instead of 4 to 5 stars is mostly for William’s actions. I understand that he wanted to “save” these women. But a lot things that he did were cruel. After what he had rescued these girls from, he should not have done these things to them. While the book is edgy, and gritty, I would not necessarily describe it as a dark romance. I would describe it more of a second chance book. It’s a story about survival, getting a second chance at life, and finding love. Narrators Tom Heft and Auri Alden were fantastic. The pace was perfect, as was their portrayal of the characters. Though I did find the main characters themselves to be lacking in some way. I cared for them but didn’t feel connected to them. I think it’s because of William’s actions and the girls still trusting him. The ending was sweet but very unrealistic. It was a different read for sure and was intriguing. But I ended it with mixed feelings. I would definitely read Bella Jewel again though as she get great reviews on her other novels.
 
3.5 Stars!
 
NOLA504NERDS BLOG

Wow how unbelievably different OUTSTANDING!!!

I didn't see anything this far that has such a extraordinary different story and style. I was immensely impressed .