Fable of Happiness: Book Two by Pepper Winters

Fable of Happiness: Book Two by Pepper Winters continues this haunting story of redemption and forgiveness between Gemma and Kassen. It immediately picks up where the first book left off and we are now left with the consequences of Gemma and Kassen's actions. This is an incredibly dark tale that includes various trigger warnings such as child abuse—both physical and sexual, torture, rape, and mental illness. Once again, the author has excelled in creating this feeling of hopelessness and pity for all the characters as she begins to unravel the truth behind Kassen and this lonely mansion in the middle of nowhere. While I don't think this series is personally for me, mainly because you have to be in the right mindset to read it, I do have to admit that the writing and story telling is top notch and excellent as always.

"I was the reason he fell off that cliff. I was the reason I turned my back on my freedom."

Pepper Winters has done a fantastic job of setting up the mood of the book and tension between the two main characters. I felt so conflicted over Kassen because he was essentially a victim and product of his environment and upbringing. He was captured and conditioned over time until everything boiled over and he finally implemented his plan to kill those who harmed him and his family. I found his character very fascinating because he had a difficult time holding on to his sanity as well as being unable to forgive himself for his actions. Gemma is the foiled character to Kassen because despite everything, she decided to stay behind and nurture Kassen back to health. She is his complete opposite and while I'm not sure what their future holds, I hope that Kassen will fall irrevocably in love with her because she has clearly fallen for him.

"I will take your heart. I will unearth all the love that you've supressed so, so deep inside you, and I will make you curse the very day you decided to trap me."

In the end, this series will absolutely put you through the wringer because Gemma and Kassen's love is messy, heartbreaking, dark, and emotional. Despite my hesitation, I was captivated by these two characters and their relationship with each other. I so desperately want Kassen to be the man who would be worthy of Gemma's love. At this moment, that seems to be a question in of itself. Kas' mind has been fractured to the point where he has lost some parts of his memories. The book does end with a cliffhanger and the build up towards that character's appearance was shocking. I didn't expect them to show up and I'm worried about Kassen's state of mind. If you are looking for a mysterious, disturbing, and dark romance between two characters who were never supposed to meet, then I recommend giving this series a read. It is an unconventional romance and wholly unique because Kas and Gemma are simultaneously both the captive and captor.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆