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In Chains #1

In Chains

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A romance set in a world where slavery is government run and slaves are fitted with microchips.

Savannah, fleeing a turbulent relationship, seeks solace at her brother’s country farmhouse. It’s there that she meets Kayden; her brother’s slave who's considered less than human. These two damaged souls form an unbreakable bond, one that’s about to be tested, because Kayden is her brother’s property and he will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Please note this book contains some sexual scenes, violence and strong language.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2013

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650 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Abbott

6 books236 followers
Michelle Abbott lives in the UK and hates describing herself in 3rd person.

She's a self-published author of new adult romance, and likes to write about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl.

She's an avid reader of romance, is addicted to coffee and loves wine and chocolate, so yeah, not the most healthy eating and drinking habits :-) She spends way too much time online when she should be writing. She collects teddy bears and occasionally knits a couple of rows on a sweater she started years ago, which she may eventually finish in time to wear for her funeral :-)

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5 stars
34 (24%)
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44 (32%)
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26 (18%)
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19 (13%)
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14 (10%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Lex Allen.
Author 25 books68 followers
June 21, 2013
Ms Abbott recently won an award, along with four other indie books/authors, sponsored by Ampersand H (a book design and marketing company). My novel, “No Heaven” was also among the winners. I determined to read and review all of the winning books regardless of genre.
In Chains was the first of these reads and a real pleasure. As a romance novel, it’s one of those “not my thing” kind of books, but I was intrigued by the fact that one of main characters was a modern-day slave. Not the kind of slave that plays bondage and sado-masochism sex games, but a real, government endorsed and legal slave in today’s England.
Savannah (love the name) is a city girl running from an abusive boyfriend. Her hiding place of choice is at her brother’s house in the country. There she meets Kayden, her brother’s slave. Initially shocked at the fact that her brother owns a human being, her heart goes out to “it” and she falls in love. Her feelings are mutual, and soon the couple faces a variety of challenges and obstacles; her brother is naturally not in favor of a slave sleeping with his sister, and the government has very strict laws and regulatory devices to control interactions between slaves and “humans”.
It’s a nice love story, well written. The sex scenes are explicit without being pornographic. The ending, though foreseeable to a degree, is not quite what one would expect and leaves room for a sequel that I’m relatively sure is in the works. I’ll read it.

Profile Image for Patti Jean.
Author 36 books123 followers
February 8, 2014
This book deserves a triple rating. Hahaha It took me a minute to put into words this book and in the end I just can't believe the journey I was taken on.
Immediately I fell in love with Kayden. Oh boy did I fall hard. I love books with the underdogs. I think fell harder for Kayden than Savannah did. Okay no probably not but hey what can I say, I wasn't with him.
The unspeakable torment and abuse this man was willing to take just because he loved Savannah, *swoon*.
If you are looking for a book that is outside the box, emotional, sweet, funny and okay yes there are some hawt scenes. This is the book for you. I HIGHLY recommend this read and actually I have to several others. I have lost count how many times I have read this book now LOL Kayden I think just shot up to #1 slot of Book Boyfriend. MUST READ THIS BOOK!!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 6 books236 followers
April 6, 2013
Well, I guess as I wrote it, I have to give it 5 stars don't I :-)
Profile Image for AnnMarie .
316 reviews35 followers
June 9, 2013
When I read a summary, I always feel like I have a good idea what path the story will be leading me down. But when the story turns out to be so much more than the summary, well, fangirling doth commences!

In Chains is that kind of story.

Wow Oh Wow! What a good story! So different. Very dysopian in feel but not.

Of our world but some added harsh realities, namely slavery. The slavery aspect was immediately apparent in the first chapter. And though there is the lack of humanity towards those held in bondage, In Chains was above all a love story, a romance with a very Romeo and Juliet quality.

Savannah is our heroine. A kind of down on her luck gal who just recently moved in with her brother, Simon to escape the abuse of her live in boyfriend. And though hard times were upon her, Savannah is still a very strong minded, opinionated woman who values right from wrong. Savannah also still believes in real love. A love that changes and embraces you wholly.

Then we have Kayden, Simon's slave. Basically in the eyes of Simon and everyone else, except Savannah, the bottom of the food chain, not human, and not even worth having a name, he has a number that he is referred by.

Kayden is sweet and kind. He does what he needs to do to survive. Not knowing from anything else as he was born/bred a slave. The author goes in to that explanation in great detail and the understanding is there for the reader how and who these slaves are. Now, even though Kayden is a slave and treated harshly on a daily, he still makes a life for himself consisting of friends and hobbies. Very simple things, but simple things that make his daily life worth going on.

When Savannah and Kayden meet, there is instant chemistry. A chemistry as a reader you feel and believe. But their love is forbidden and looked down upon. Simon will not accept his sister with a slave and does everything he possibly can to the point of brutalizing Kayden. The author is so visual in her story telling, that you are immediately embarrassed and ashamed for the "humans".

There is lots of drama and hard ship in the story, but mostly there is love. A love you truly believe and want for yourself. The characterizations of Savannah and Kayden are so well written and believable, they were real to me and I thought about them long after the story was over.

The ending was a humdinger and had my adrenaline pumping! Thank goodness book 2 will be released in September. I couldn't get enough of these two and their struggles. But mostly it was the love they had for one another against all odds that I loved.

And for a little self promoting...

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Stop by Fandom Fanatic June 10th for my spotlight with Michelle Abbott for the Indie - Self Publishing Author Event going on the entire month of June.

Hosted by Say It With Books


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There will be guest posts, interviews, book reviews, and giveaways on the hosted site as well as all the participating bloggers.

There are 19 book bloggers participating!!


*ARC was received directly from the author in exchange for a fair review

*In Chains banner by Artwork Unfinished
Profile Image for Simon Wheeler.
Author 5 books15 followers
April 8, 2014
In Chains has much more depth than an ordinary romance, which is why I liked it. Michelle Abbott manages to subtly weave in important issues, while still making it an enjoyable, easy read.

It has a touch of sci-fi, although it is merely a backdrop to the main story of forbidden love. Set in the near future, the main difference is in society, where people who are discovered to have Neanderthal DNA are deemed as not being human and are treated as slaves. Not entirely implausible, since fairly recently scientists showed that we retain aomewhere between 1 and 7% Neanderthal DNA. But this is where the forbidden love stakes are upped, since the main protagonist, Savannah, falls in love with not only a slave, but a "non-human".

I liked the fact that Savannah wasn't a glam, Hollywood-type, but rather an ordinary woman, so I think a lot of readers will relate to her issues in life. I also liked the mirroring character of her ex, who treats her almost like a slave. The irony is that the only person who really treats Savannah well, is the slave.

There is a bit of fairly graphic sex, to which one pathetic troll has written off the book solely on that basis. The sex actually is, strangely enough, an important part of the story - without love, sex has never been fulfilling for Savannah; how she can be made to feel beautiful and valued, instead of just an object and finally the manner in which it is controlled in the slaves, repressing their desires. The troll made no mention of the violence, (what, violence is ok, but sex is a no-no?) which is also a very relevant part of the story and certainly not gratuitous.

A great story about the lengths someone will go to for love.

Profile Image for Crystal.
122 reviews22 followers
May 5, 2013
My Rant: In chains is a wonderful story. It almost made me feel as if I was reading Romeo and Juliet again. Two hearts that could not be together because of the way the world was. Savannah and Kayden touched me on so many levels. This story poured all the love it adorn in to me. Savannah was a character I could admire and respect. She had a good heart. I wanted with every fiber of my bones for her to be happy. You just don't have people around that have that halo effect on you. Kayden was sweet and endearing just the type of man that every women dreams about in fairytale love stories.

This is not an easy story to read. The objectives of the story are harsh but real and that's what made me work through it. Kayden is a slave that savannah falls in love with. But according to societies standard slaves were objects and not people. Kayden was not allowed to love freely without being punished for it. It is so hard to write this review because I am completely emotional. I laughed, I cried and felt despair but what shocked me the most is that I felt the love between the characters in the midst of their trails and tribulations. They loved each other with everything they had to offer one another but life was cruel especially in this book. I was ashamed of some of the events that have taken place in this story and to think in real life people look at other human beings as less than human. The author places that reality in your face. There is nowhere to run and hide from it. All you can do is face it dead on with Savannah and Kayden.

I hate Simon and Ben. At this point I am done with both of the characters. Its not so much what they did to Kayden it was how Simon knew his sister love Kayden and he still subjected her to those twisted extremities and not once did he try to hear her out or make it right by her. Ms. Abbot, I hope somewhere in this book Ben gets what's coming to him because he was such an arse. The biggest I have scene. I hope that Simons conscious eats away at him until savannah and Kayden are set free.

Savannah: You loved Christina don't you? How would you feel, if tried to keep you apart? How would you feel if I attacked her every time you went near her?


Simon: He sighs and shakes his head.


From the beginning this story kept me entrapped in Savannahs world, the author's writing was amazing. The way she told the story was like i was witnessing it as a true to life event and through this story she completely worked me over emotionally and just when I thought she was done she tugged at the base of my heart sending shocks through my entire body. This love story is not the easiest love story to work through and that's what makes it so soul searchingly touching. I am sad that I had to leave Kayden and Savannah behind. These two characters just touched my heart and affect me so much that I am going to be thinking about them often until book #2 is released.

My Recommendation:

This beautifully written story is definitely going on my favorite list. I rated this book 5 out of 5 purple rant hearts. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves an unrelenting love story.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author, editor, publisher, or Promo Host. This is my honest opinion about this book and I did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review nor was I obligated to write a positive one.

Happy Ranting and Raving !!!

Crystals Random Thoughts (dot) com
Profile Image for Laura.
758 reviews104 followers
November 19, 2014
Thank you to the author, Michelle Abbott, for gifting me with a copy of In Chains in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of those books that I'm just not sure what to rate it. I decided to go with 4 stars because it was a good solid book with a good plot, decent world-building, and very fast, addictive pace. Just let it be known, this kind of book isn't for everyone.

I only had one complaint about this book but it's a rather large issue in my eyes which is why it's worth a whole star to me. World-building. This is, if not the most important, one of the most important factors in whether or not a book is excellent or just good. While I was reading, I didn't really understand what world I was in. Modern day world where things turned out a bit differently? In the future where this may come to pass? In a completely different world than our own? I really have no idea which left me kind of disoriented throughout the book. Perhaps it will be remedied in the next book.

Other than that minor (well kind of major) glitch, everything was spot on.

Overall, this was such a compelling book. I settled down on the couch one Saturday to read some R&R's and I couldn't put this one down! Not even to eat lunch or go get some water or something. I needed to know how it ended it was that suspenseful. To that effect, it was a very intense love story that at first bordered on insta-love but as you get further in, it's anything but.

The author did a very good job of separating the two voices of Savannah and Kayden. I've seen slightly better although this author had it harder, having to portray the truth about Kayden and whether or not the 'Neanderthal' gene truly affects him or not as the government says.

The Final Verdict:
All in all, a well done book although the world-building leaves something to be desired. It was very addictive, suspenseful, intense, and intriguing!
4 stars


Quotes:
Again, because I'm so organized, I neglected to highlight my favorite quotes so I'll be going back and reading this book again to find the quotes. I'll update this when I find them all!
Profile Image for Rebecca McCray.
Author 3 books37 followers
May 16, 2014
Dystopian Romance - how intriguing. I'd describe it as romance with an interesting twist. The story is primarily told from Savannah's point of view. In the first chapter, she witnesses the execution of a slave (not graphic), which really sets the stage well for the story to come. She has fled an abusive boyfriend and temporarily moves in with her brother. What she doesn't know is that her brother now owns a slave... one to which she is very attracted.

From my perspective, the romance is generally what you would expect. What I find most fascinating about the story is the concept of a certain type of individual being identified as a slave (or at least the way that occurs in this story). The methods of controlling the slaves are futuristic and yet, barbaric at the same time. However, in comparison to our history or even in our daily lives, there is a certain amount of truth in the manner in which certain types of people are treated.

The writing style is little different than here in the US (the author is UK-based), but I didn't find it disruptive to the story. For me, the one thing that did feel out of place was the ease with which the slave, Kayden, called Savannah "Baby". Might just be me, but it felt out of place.

Regardless, this is an interesting and enjoyable story. Definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Cerian.
475 reviews79 followers
May 11, 2013
Originally published at The Rookie Romance Blog.

In Chains is quite hard to categorize it's sort of dystopia, and definitely romance. It's the world as we know it, with one pretty huge exception. There are slaves. The slaves aren't considered human, and certainly aren't treated well. Their harsh reality is acknowledged at the beginning of the book, when our heroine, Savannah, helplessly sees a slave callously 'put down'.

I wasn't really sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. Savannah and Kayden have a passionate and forbidden love that neither can deny.

Savannah's such a sweetheart, she's recently ended an abusive relationship and has retreated to her brother's house. She's a really kind person, with pretty low self-esteem and plenty of confidence issues.
Kayden is a great hero; he's a complete underdog but he's also very protective and loving. His strength despite everything stacked against him was so admirable.

The story is told in first person from Savannah's persepective for the majority of the book. I don't love reading books in first person, but Michelle Abbott makes it work. I knew how Kayden felt, and his perspective came across. I loved the sections that were told from Kayden's view- you really felt how much he loved Savannah, and how devoted he was to her!
I wish there had been more details on the slavery and how it all worked. There was information filtered throughout, but I was so curious about it. Slaves are people with Neanderthal DNA, and I wanted to know more about how they came to be separated from 'ordinary humans' in the past.
This next point is a personal thing- other people may not even notice, but Kayden constantly calls her baby. I don't like baby as an endearment anyway, but during the love scenes it did make me cringe a little bit.

The ending definitely made my heart stutter! Everything comes to a collision when Savannah's ex returns. Not only their love, but Kayden's life is in jeopardy and Savannah's the only one who can save him. I was very satisfied with the outcome, and it left us with a 'happy for now'- I'll just have to see what book 2 brings!

Overall, if you're a fan of forbidden romances, particularly with an underdog hero, then this is for you. It captivated my imagination, and pulled at my emotions.

*I was given a copy of the book by the author, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
201 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2014

I picked up this book on a sunday morning when I figured I could get away with a chapter before I got on with housework. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it because it's not really my kind of book, the next thing I knew I was at 90% and dashing around the house to get things done!

I absolutely love the storyline. I've been reading it like it's in the future because it gives me the idea of a not too distant future where slavery is once again accepted because we've managed to find a presumed dead race to exploit. However, it may not be set in the future, everything else is very much in the present.

The book is really very well written, the imagery is fantastic and the way the author brings across the thoughts and feelings of her characters really pulls you in to the story. I was a little reserved because I knew there was an erotic element to this book and generally I get bored reading that stuff, but that element in this story works pretty well. The story could stand up just fine without it and it's not that it's essential to the story but it's also broken up really nicely and you don't get lumbered with pages upon pages of sex.

The next book in the In Chains series is called Locked Together, it's not the next one on my list but I'm going to read it anyway because I'm dying to know what happens to Kayden and Savannah next!

That's a big enough spoiler in itself so I'll go no further with that, you need to read the book if you want to know more and I promise, anybody who likes Romance stories will love it, those of you who don't, well you might like it too! I don't generally like Romance either but this one isn't a girly romance.


Profile Image for Shaz X.
401 reviews17 followers
April 11, 2013
Sharon's Book Nook Review - http://sharonsbooknook.com/2013/04/11...

This story had me captivated from the very first page. It's a forbidden love story between a "human girl" and a "slave boy" that really pulls at the heart-strings.

In Chains is well written with good storyline and very likeable characters. Savannah is a kind-hearted girl, who has escaped from an abusive relationship and now has low self-esteem and lacks confidence. Kayden, the slave who belongs to her brother, is strong and very protective over Savannah. Their love for one another is very powerful and there is a lot of emotion packed into this couples story. From love, lust, happiness, sadness and angst. Savannah's older brother, Simon is also very likeable, even though he tries to keep them apart. He only wants the best for his sister and even though he can be quite harsh at times, I could not dislike him.

The change in point of view between Savannah and Kayden is a great idea. It gives you a much better perspective of each of them and the torrent of emotions they are experiencing.

My only criticism would be that the story is not long enough, as I wanted to read more. However this is the first book in a series, so we will get to see what happens to this likeable couple.
Profile Image for Tony.
102 reviews39 followers
April 14, 2013
Dystopia-lite.
Naive-almost-childlike Heroine (in her 20s, not portrayed as a child)
Descriptive sex scenes (within a growing romantic storyline) but not overtly graphic.
Extreme violence and heavy intimidation.
But lets not lose sight of the fact that this is a Love Story.
Realistically, as this is the first book of a series you know there'll be NO HEA. However, we do finish with a Conditional HFN.

Well, we're off with a bang on this one. When I read the blurb and took in the item about the Slave, I had certain ideas in my head.
As we start the first chapter, though, our Heroine, Savannah, in fleeing from an abusive boyfriend comes upon a road traffic accident and finds someone injured in the road.
Before we, or she, knows what's happening, it turns out we have a damaged Slave lying in the road and he (it) is remotely executed in-situ, by electric shock, on the command of an uncaring owner who chooses not to pay for "repairs".
Ahhhh!!! Wow!!! That's not what I was expecting from the first few pages of this book.
Having emptied her stomach by the roadside, and continuing her journey, Savannah arrives at the relative sanctuary of her Brother's house.
Shortly afterwards, she discovers that her Brother, too, owns a Slave.
When Savannah meets the Slave, Kayden, the next day, things are a bit awkward. She's not really sure how to deal with him and, well, she finds him very attractive, no, irresistibly attractive; and that's a problem.

So, Dystopia then.
This is the first dystopian novel I've read and, without any points of reference, I apologise if I'm missing anything in my understanding. As I stated in the summary, this is IMHO dystopia-lite because: our setting seems to be very much the world we know and are comfortable, or otherwise, with. Except for one big difference: set in the current time-frame we have a reality where the ownership of slaves is common, normal and legally regulated. Not only that, but this slavery is based on racial considerations.
However, this is NOT a black/white/Asian/occidental/oriental/Semitic thing, no, this is based on the consideration that some of the people who exist in this alternative reality are descendants of Neanderthals and not pure Homo-Sapiens. In this world of pain, if you have Neanderthal DNA, you are destined to be a slave; the mention of certain physical features allows the "Humans" to identify the "Slaves", and all Slaves are fitted, in childhood, with microchip in the back of the neck, much as we would identify a puppy or a kitten. These chips, however, also have far more sinister applications.
Also, the more you think about it, you could see this not as dystopian, but as a present reality with a different 19th and 20th Century historical outcome. I digress:

The story is told in the first person and mainly through the POV of our Heroine, Savannah. In the latter part of the book, we also have a few chapters from Kayden's POV.
Savannah seems to have a very simplistic world view and, despite her claim to be a writer and to be working on a current novel, her actions and choices show an acute lack of understanding of consequences. Admittedly, brain cells often fail to function when confronted with true love, but having discovered the likely punishment her "lover" could expect, and the impossibility of the situation they face then it's obvious this relationship is heading south, and fast. Her naivety is not going to help them here.
Kayden doesn't care about consequences; what, after all has he got to lose?? Well, clearly, his life, but he's not bothered about that, either.
Savannah's ex-boyfriend making a re-appearance finally turns the apple-cart over and consequences must be faced. A final twist gives us our conditional HFN, and I guess we have to wait for the next book to see how this all pans out.
So, will I read the next book?? Yes, although the characters are strange, I'm sufficiently invested to want to know their fate.
There was a small amount of Smuttertainment in this book, and that scenes we got were mostly engaging, and reasonably Hot & Sweaty.
I think it deserves 4 Stars, especially as its a first published book for this Author. Lets hope the sequel can take us up to 5*****.
Profile Image for Miria Vanessa.
174 reviews18 followers
May 2, 2014
I absolutely fell in love with this story. Extraordinary characters and gut wrenching story, In Chains weaves a tale of an unlikely connection, sacrifice, kindness and beliefs that bring out the worst in human nature. Set in a world where past and future collide, slaves are managed by managed by microchips installed in the slave's necks. These chips monitor everything, from their location to their physiological responses. In fact, names are not acknowledged, only numbers. They are viewed as Neanderthals, not human, at least that is what the story says. At the same time, the author manages to let us know through Savannah's perspective that they are in fact, human.

Savannah's brother owns a slave , and since Savannah isn't used to having a slave around, she treats him like a normal person. I loved this trait about her. She shows so much kindness and compassion, and that was always first and foremost before her attraction to Kayden, the gorgeous slave. It brought an innocence and vulnerability to the relationship that was extremely touching and is one of the most outstanding female characters I have ever read in a romance novel. She is vulnerable, kind, sweet, strong, determined and fair.

Kayden is a slave raised to only know pain, torture, abuse and loneliness. Not to mention hunger and humiliation. Always being treated and talked to as "it", he was stunned to find Savannah being considerate and kind to him, offering him food and companionship. I'm not spoiling anything , but the first day they spent together has to be the sweetest and most devastating thing I have had the pleasure of reading. There are no right words to convey the feelings this book has put me through, especially in the brutal scenes where Kayden is punished for being with Savannah.

His owner, Savannah's brother, is brutal and cold. He makes it his mission to keep Kayden and his sister apart, supposedly because she deserves better and he never acknowledges that Kayden may not be what he thinks. His girlfriend is as superficial as he is and there really isn't much to say about her.

Their story encompasses so much more than meets the eye, especially if you pay attention to Savannah's words. The meaning behind some of her thoughts were stunning, to say the least. Kayden is sweet, genuine , doesn't put up a front, and even though he has a dark past and present , it doesn't emotionally affect his relationship with Savannah and there were certain moments I could see an alpha side to him. Overall, it is a very refreshing and different romance.

I do wish the story had been longer and had a bit more insight into what happens with them, although I guess that's what the second book is for. At times the narrative threw me off a little, and I felt like Kayden's character switched between having perfect dialogue with normal words, yet other times he didn't know what simple words meant. The premise being that slaves were trained to be slaves and no education was given.
Complimentary copy received in exchange for review.
Profile Image for Miranda Whore.
937 reviews85 followers
May 5, 2014
Where to start this review... the concept for In Chains is a modern day take on slavery... not sexual slavery or human trafficking like several of the darker erotic novels have now. But the kind where humans force people to work, beat them as punishment for any small offense, starve them, look at them like they aren't people, and any other level of horror you can imagine. Not only are they slaves, but they are BRED to be slaves. Raised in a Pound and taught how to be a slave, punished if they step out of line, starved... even though this book doesn't actually show you the compound, you get the feel for what it would be like and it's heartbreaking.

Savannah wasn't raised with slaves. When she saw a slave... she saw a person, just like her. It wasn't the norm. The norm was to scoff at the possibility of talking with a slave. Being friendly with one was unheard of... when she left her boyfriend and moved into her brother's house she never anticipated he would own a slave. She never imagined she would feel such a strong attraction to a slave or that he would return that attraction.

Kayden is a slave. He isn't even human, it's been beaten into him since he was a child... he is a number, not even with a real name. Only other slaves use the name he chose. His owner's sister isn't like the other humans. She wants to be his friend. He wants so much more. I really loved Kayden and his overwhelming desire to provide and care for Savannah, he could be extremely romantic and sweet. He has a serious temper when it comes to anyone coming between him and his girl which gets him in some serious trouble.

I have to say with this book I'm a little torn. While it is a great premise and the storyline was intriguing, the smut was fairly hot -- it just missed the mark for me. I felt like the author was holding back several times. I just wanted to shake my Kindle because there were these hellaciously good scenes that started with a bang then puttered out. I just wanted -- NEEDED the author to take me there. With that said... when I finished the book. I was in desperate need to read book two, hence being torn. Normally, when I'm left needing more I could take or leave the next book. But the author made the characters so emotionally charged and the ideas behind the book were so incredibly different that I just HAD to read more.

I've been tossing around giving it a three or a four stars since I stopped reading the book and in writing the review I have decided the author and the book deserve FOUR STARS for storyline and THREE wet panties for smut. If you want something different than the norm, something that will get into your head and your heart then pick up In Chains by Michelle Abbott and read on book whores!
Profile Image for Lisa.
902 reviews1,250 followers
January 4, 2015
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

*DNF*

1 Kisses

I’m a closet fan for dystopian romance books…I like to think of them as my guilty pleasure – so when I read the synopsis for In Chains I was extremely excited by it. While the concept is there…the execution just feel a little flat for me.

The main characters intrigued me, but I am an emotional reader and they’re just very one-dimensional. I didn’t dislike them, but I just wasn’t connected to them enough to care what happened. The topics they’re discussing…heartache, slavery, love, they’re very emotional topics and while I got all the facts, there were never any feelings to attach to them to keep me pulled in. Also…things were moving really fast…the female MC just broken up with her boyfriend and within days she is all giddy over the prospect that a cute slave boy has a crush on her…once again, with no real emotions tied to all that, it was hard for me to grasp.

Another thing was…this book seems very juvenile. Savannah is supposed to be 22 and just out of a 6 year relationship with her boyfriend, but she acts very naïve and the way it is written, I felt like I was reading about a teenager trying to write about 20 year olds. I mean, it made sense for Kayden’s character because while he is 26, he’s been raised in a different type of environment…so it was logical, but I just felt like there should be more maturity from her.

It wasn’t just the emotional aspect that was lacking for me, I wanted to know why there were slaves, give me more of a background on what the story is, which I’m guessing/hoping happened at least at some point, but IMO it should have happened sooner. Rather than going through Savannah’s boring day-to-day stuff, I would have rather heard the bare bones of how she grew up, she mentioned her parents – what happened to them, talk about her relationship with Dan and all that – anything! I really wanted to see Kayden and Savannah talking about him being a slave, I know they were getting to know each other but she clearly has questions for him. I was really loving how Kayden was drawn to Savannah, like he instantly trusted her and wanted to be around her – it was cute and endearing…plus the whole teddy bear thing, it was hard not to be compelled by that, but it just wasn’t enough.

I’m sad this one didn’t work out for me, cause like I said the concept and plotline is 100% there to make an incredibly compelling story.


Profile Image for Anny hernandez.
1,181 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2014
I was provide a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.

HOLY HELL What did I get my self into reading this book, I am so glad I got the chance to read it, I felt in love with this book from the first page to the last. I have to say though this book got me ANGRY in so many way, the same as Crying but I love every single page of it, I love the characters now I am so ready to read the second book.

When I started reading this book I had no idea that it was about slave. I have to say I felt in love with Kayden, O.M.G. everything he when through cause of loving one person, he when through beating, hunger, pain, and suffer, that broke my heart I was crying the last few chapters of the book. For him and Savannah.

The story begging with Savannah leaving her ex boyfriend, she move in with her brother Simon at his farm, Simon owns a slave, Savannah gets to meet Kayden the next morning, and she becomes friends with him, every morning she wakes up get her coffee and seats outside, with her drink and smoke she spend her day reading or writing, into she started to spend more time with Kayden, Simon introduce her to Christina his girlfriend, and his friend Ben, but she only have one person in mind and that's Kayden, when Simon finds out what's going on between them two, he does everything to keep them apart, into he success at it but it was to late they where all ready in love.

I have to say that I hate Simon, I hate the way how he talks about Kayden, calling him IT saying his not human, I couldn't stand this character at all he made me want to get him out of the book just to treat him the same way he was treating Kayden.

I love the way Kayden and Savannah are with each other, I love it how Kayden would take any punishment they give him, and that wouldn't stop him from seen her, I love it when Savannah came to her senses and knew that she was gone stop letting everyone tell her what to do. I love it how she is with him, how she feed him and do everything to spend time with Kayden and his friend, and love it more at the end when she made her choice.

In this story you get to see what this two character goes through, just to be together, and how you get to feel the love that they have for each other, I really love and enjoy reading this book, Author Michelle Abbott THANK YOU for introducing me to this Awesome, Amazing characters and this Wonderful, Great book love it. Now I am gone start on the second book. :)
Profile Image for Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~.
1,525 reviews49 followers
May 8, 2014
IN CHAINS is a dystopian romance and with that different from what I usually read. It was so refreshing to read and captivated me from the very beginning.
Savannah just broke up with her abusive boyfriend and left the big city that is London behind to live with her brother in the country. Sounds like it could happen in the real world anytime, doesn’t it? But in the world Savannah lives in there is a huge difference: Slavery. The slaves are people with Neanderthal DNA and not considered “human” and thus treated very harshly. How bad their treatment really is was shown in the first pages of the book and shocked the hell out of me, to say the least.
As slavery is more common in the countryside, Savannah is not used to having slaves around nor does she like the idea of it in general. Now she has to learn that her own brother has been owning a slave for a few years already. Despite her brother’s warning to stay away from “it”, Savannah befriends the slave called Kayden and soon the pull toward him is so strong that she wants more.
Kayden was born as a slave and is used to the cruelty humans treat him with. He realizes very soon that Savannah is different – she is a kind soul and treats him with respect. He falls for her quickly and against all odds, they start a relationship.
Unfortunately their happiness does not last long soon they have to face various obstacles, starting with Savannah’s brother who cannot tolerate a slave having sex with his sister and also the laws are very strict when it comes to interactions between “humans” and slaves.
Is their love strong enough to survive it all – even the threats that are thrown their way by the government? You’ll have to read to find out, but let me tell you, the end was in no way what I had expected and made my eyes water! I was happy to be able to start LOCKED TOGETHER right away!

I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves forbidden romances. Kayden is unlike most of the heroes you will read about: he is a complete underdog, yet loving and caring about Savannah, always keeping his tail up and making the best of his miserable situation. I really admired him for his strength!
After leaving her abusive relationship behind, Savannah lacks of confidence, but kept her pure heart in the right place.
Together they have a passionate and powerful yet forbidden love that is one-of-a-kind.

Pick it up!!
Profile Image for Laura.
262 reviews963 followers
May 3, 2014
This review and others can be found on http://www.bookishtreasures.blogspot.com

2.5 stars

The premise of this book is really interesting and I loved the idea of a forbidden love story set in a near futuristic / alternate world where slavery of particular groups of people is legal. The idea behind this book had so much potential but unfortunately I found it to be a let down.

The first few pages started fantastically, I love books that throw you straight into the action and In Chains starts with Savannah fleeing from an abusive ex-boyfriend. We also get shown the harsh reality as to how slaves are treated as well as how kind and caring Savannah is.

Unfortunately things go downhill pretty soon after that and the issue isn't so much the plot as the writing style. Savannah knows absolutely nothing about slaves at all and no reason is ever given to as why. Everyone else seemed to know everything which made her lack of knowledge all the more bizarre. It seemed to me that the author couldn't work out how to explain to the reader all the backstory of why some people are slaves etc. so made Savannah completely oblivious simply so everyone would have to explain things to her (and therefore also the reader.)

The romance just felt off. Everything was rushed and Savannah and Kayden's feelings for one another seemed to explode out of nowhere. I couldn't bring myself to believe in their love for one another which made it even harder to accept the stupid things they do in the name of love (after only mere days of knowing one another).

I'm not particularly a fan of insta-love type situations but I can happily deal with them when it feels believable but that wasn't the case here. We were told that they loved one another, but it didn't really feel like that.

This book isn't terrible and some people might like it but it just wasn't for me. The romance was too rushed, the characters behaviours were (for me) unbelievable and things were just far too explained. Great potential, but the story just didn't live up to what it could have been.
Profile Image for Lori.
274 reviews
Read
January 27, 2015
Different , good

I want really use what this book would actually be about besides slavery so I decided on give it a try.
It turns out that's it's a pretty decent read. More of her wrenching live story
Savannah moves in with her brother outside of London to the count area after her boyfriend of 6yrs. Beat her up pretty badly.when she gets there she meets a man working on the farm. She learns his name is Kayden.after speaking to her brother she learns he's Simon's slave. She's never heard of such a ridiculous thing. He's human and Simon calls him "It". Likes he's not human at all.after spending time with him Savvanh falls for him but has to keep it from her brother. They get caught and Simon beats him badly. persimmons friend wants nothing more then to just get into Savannahs pants. She can't stand him but going on a date with him she thinks it will show Simon shes in love with Kayden. It doesn't. She gets him in more trouble and beaten badly again.she ends it to protect him. Salmonella her he's taking advantage of her because you can look at her and see she has no self esteem
She believes this at first. When everything gets out of control a terrible scene plays out and everything goes very badly
I'm not going to tell you anymore cause then you won't need to read the book but it gets very interesting .
There are some very explicit sex scenes in this book and some foul talk of sex . So if you don't like that or it bothers you in any way I wouldn't read this book.
In my opinion. It's worth reading . Not the best book I've ever read but not the worst obviously. I give it a five star for imagination and we'll written. I came across no errors and even though I found Savannah weak Nd I think kind of needy in the end she proves to be stronger then I though or she was portrayed.
Well worth the day it took me to read this. Not a very long book 202pages . So if our looking for a romance, very strong romance some action this is a good book for you. The story line is good also.
191 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2014
It is so hard for me to put into words the thoughts and feelings I had while reading this book. I have to start by saying I couldn’t put it down. At times, it was difficult to read about the inhumane treatment and lives that the slaves were born in to. The underlying story of love and discovery between Kayden and Savannah is heartfelt and amazing.
I instantly fell in love with Kayden and his ability to love, care for and protect Savannah in spite of the consequences for his behaviors. Kayden is like a child being shown what the world could be like when you are able to love and be loved for the first time. It was amazing to see his discovery through his interactions with Savannah.
Savannah is a very unique and wonderful individual that comes to stay with her brother. She finds out that he owns a slave and is disturbed to find out the way they are treated. She appears to be very naïve in the understanding of the world of master and slave and it is very evident that she does not have the same feelings that her brother does when it comes to the treatment of slaves.
This story is a demonstration of what it means when a person see’s no difference among people, that no matter what anyone says they are all equal and deserve to be treated as humans. I fell in love with Kayden and Savannah. The amazing connection that they develop despite the odds is a wonderful story to read and discover that true love can find a way when you believe.
Despite the harsh reality that Kayden has been dealt, he demonstrates a level of kindness and love that is monumental. The stand that Savannah takes in spite of what her brother and society dictates is one to be admired. She is a true heroine that should be admired for her willingness to take a stand. This story leaves you wanting more; I had to know what can possibly happen next. Has Savannah made the right decision, what will come of her relationship with Kayden? Can love conquer all….
Profile Image for SammieSue .
507 reviews15 followers
November 30, 2014
3.5 Hearts

'I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review'


Savannah's boyfriend of six years got physically abusive with her so she left him and went to live with her brother.


Her brother works long hours so he cannot tend to the farm that he owns so he has a slave. Kayden. Savannah is


immediately intrigued by the slave and refuses to treat him the way that everyone else does. Her feelings for him


soon become desire and she quickly falls in love with him. The laws are against Savannah and Kayden.


Kayden was instantly attracted to Savannah. She is so nice and doesn't treat him like a slave. When she returns his


affections he is over the moon. Even if they get caught he is willing to take any punishments that her brother can dish


out as long as he gets to be with her.


What will happen when they get caught together? And how will they both react when Savannah's ex comes back into


the picture?


My opinion: I enjoyed the book. I love how Savannah and Kayden are both willing to do whatever it takes to protect


each other. I gave this book 3.5 hearts not because it involves slaves, although I did find that disturbing. I found it


extremely disturbing that it was modern day slaves and they couldn't even treat them somewhat as human. They refer


to them as it and with numbers and beat and kill them without a thought. I found the idea of modern day slaves more


disturbing then I thought I would. I found the book to be very well written and I connected with Savannah and Kayden's


characters right away. I couldn't bring myself to give it 4 stars but it is still a very good book with a great love story. I


definitely recommend reading. You get the benefit of a great love story along with a story that makes you think what if


that were to actually happen.


'Read and reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
Profile Image for Lori.
274 reviews
January 28, 2015
I want really use what this book would actually be about besides slavery so I decided on give it a try.
It turns out that's it's a pretty decent read. More of her wrenching live story
Savannah moves in with her brother outside of London to the count area after her boyfriend of 6yrs. Beat her up pretty badly.when she gets there she meets a man working on the farm. She learns his name is Kayden.after speaking to her brother she learns he's Simon's slave. She's never heard of such a ridiculous thing. He's human and Simon calls him "It". Likes he's not human at all.after spending time with him Savvanh falls for him but has to keep it from her brother. They get caught and Simon beats him badly. persimmons friend wants nothing more then to just get into Savannahs pants. She can't stand him but going on a date with him she thinks it will show Simon shes in love with Kayden. It doesn't. She gets him in more trouble and beaten badly again.she ends it to protect him. Salmonella her he's taking advantage of her because you can look at her and see she has no self esteem
She believes this at first. When everything gets out of control a terrible scene plays out and everything goes very badly
I'm not going to tell you anymore cause then you won't need to read the book but it gets very interesting .
There are some very explicit sex scenes in this book and some foul talk of sex . So if you don't like that or it bothers you in any way I wouldn't read this book.
In my opinion. It's worth reading . Not the best book I've ever read but not the worst obviously. I give it a five star for imagination and we'll written. I came across no errors and even though I found Savannah weak Nd I think kind of needy in the end she proves to be stronger then I though or she was portrayed.
Well worth the day it took me to read this. Not a very long book 202pages . So if our looking for a romance, very strong romance some action this is a good book for you. The story line is good also.
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
April 28, 2014
From the moment I read the first paragraph, I was intrigued to say the least. I hadn't read the synopsis when I started the book so I didn't know what to expect. Written primarily from Savannah's POV we're shown a world where slavery is modern day is the norm. Leaving the bustling town of London and a bad relationship behind, Savannah goes to live with her brother. With slavery being more common in the English countrywide, Savannah learns more about slavery and how their treated. She's not accustomed to or a fan or the idea of having slaves and is shocked to learn that her brother is a slave owner. Savannah befriends her brother's slave, Kayden, and feels an instant attraction to him.

Kayden, born a slave, is drawn to Savannah's wholesomeness and kind heart. She's not like the other "humans" he's dealt with and he falls for her almost instantly. Drawn to each other, they spend as much time together as they can while Savannah's brother is away from home. Unfortunately, when her brother, Sam, finds out Savannah learns that her brother will do anything to keep them apart and that he will not tolerate a relationship between the two of them.

Savannah was a wonderful heroine with a pure heart and Kayden was a gentle man trapped in a cruel world. Their love is quite simple which makes it so special. The back story was quite interesting. Modern day slavery was not a concept I had come across yet and I enjoyed how Michelle Abbott presented it to the audience. I found myself feeling for the main characters and the as they loved and suffered for that love. In Chains was a delightful romance.

This Naughty Mom gives In Chains by Michelle Abbott 4 stars and a 'kuddos' for a wonderful story.
Profile Image for C Joy.
1,792 reviews66 followers
November 7, 2013
I got this for free on Amazon in exchange for an honest review and frankly I didn't know what to expect.

I skimmed thru the other ratings and found mixed reactions so I just started reading and it got me hooked. The advantage of going into this blindly is there were no expectations.

I was intrigued by the concept of slavery in the contemporary setting. I thought this was set in the era where slavery was rampant but my questions were soon answered after a few sentences in the beginning of the chapter. The technology was too advanced when it came to slaves and they're not considered humans. They even have a user's manual and an embedded chip with tracking device.

The story is quite simple and I loved it. I was caught up in their "forbidden love" and I appreciated the conflict presented by the author. It kept me going, wondering how they'll eventually end up together and the novel was aptly titled. I guess it doesn't only apply to Kayden in the literal sense, but also to Savannah in the figurative sense.

In a nutshell, this was an engaging read with a little suspense thrown in (they had clandestine trysts) with passionate lovemaking and the time frame didn't matter at all. It's clear as day both of them need and love each other. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Books&Dreams.
575 reviews
May 3, 2014
 photo bookwormsreviewicon.jpg


Ok so apparently I did not know what I was getting myself into when I first started to read this book. I don't read the synopsis on a book or look at teasers or at reviews. I'm glad I didn't.
Savannah needs to move in with her brother when she leaves her abusive relationship with her boyfriend of 6 years. She meets her brothers slave Kayden. These two broken souls begin to form a bond that will prove to be unbreakable. This story broke my heart. I cried. I wanted to throw my damn kindle across the room. Who writes this? Oh Yeah, Michelle does. The journey between Kayden and Savannah will have you smiling, crying, angry and just plain oh my God did that just happen? It will leave you wanting more. Yes book two is available now. The things that Savannah will do for Kayden are limitless. LOVED this book !! Thank you Michelle cannot wait to read book two! <3
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,452 reviews43 followers
May 17, 2014
The heart wants what the heart wants. In this book that is the most important thing you have to remember. That and that the society in this story are hateful people. Among the backward thinking there are people and those people find out what love really means.
Savannah has left her abusive boyfriend of 7 years and is now living with her brother on a farm. Kayden is the slave that keeps the place going. Yeah you heard me I said SLAVE!!!! But he is beautiful so beautiful Savannah is drawn to him. Kind hearted and loving they quickly fall in love.
This society frowns on inte-rslavery relationships and Savannah quickly understands that her love for him might just be thing that kills him.
I can't say enough about how this book sucked me into this world. I started reading it at about 10:00pm and now I didn't want to go to sleep (cuz of work) but it is now 11:44 the next day and I have finished and I am on to the next one. Michelle Abbott has created a romance like non other. beautifully written and mesmerizing I can't wait to see what happens to Savannah and Kayden next.
Profile Image for Alp Mortal.
Author 154 books95 followers
February 24, 2016
Having read JEM by the same author, and having put that story in my recommended reads system, In Chains was going to have to work pretty hard to match up to my expectations. It did; in interesting ways.

I think the aspect of the story that really kicks is the fine blending of the gentle/romantic with the brutal - within a few pages, I was balling my eyes out, then smiling, and then feeling sick ... and then getting hot under the collar. Took me three nights to get through the emotional roller-coaster ride. Rarely does a story have me shouting out loud - I did when Dan got his comeuppance. And when Simon was hurling stuff around the kitchen, I found myself pulling my head back from the page trying to avoid being hit - that tells me that I was definitely invested.

This story will grab you, mangle you and pop you out at the other end with something of your faith in human nature restored - and a deep, deep desire for a sequel ...

Alp
x
Profile Image for Marika.
4,804 reviews98 followers
August 29, 2014
This story was interesting, something different from what I usually read.
I loved the plot and the fact that for once there was a different scenario.
Savannah left London, running from her abusive ex-boyfriend. She ends up at her brother's estate and she finds out that he owns a slave, Kayden. Kayden isn't even treated as human, just a number. The government rules the slavery and the owners can do whatever they want to them.
Savannah and Kayden become friends and they fall in love..problem is they are not allowed to have alife together. Her brother doesn't want Savannah near him and there are other people and other factors to consider.
It was a great read and I'll be reading the sequel, Locked together, because I'm really curious as to where this is going..I loved the ending of In chains, original and it took my by surprise because I was expecting the opposite to happen.
3 reviews
April 10, 2013
I really enjoyed reading Michelle's first novel.She describes so well the passionate love affair between Savannah and Kayden, her brothers slave. When Savannah first goes to stay with her Simon her brother she is coming out of a bad relationship and feeling unloved, lacking self esteem. When she meets Kayden he makes her happy again, makes her feel wanted. And of course she shows him there are kind people, that all humans aren't nasty, and in her arms he experiences true love for the first time.
I found the book gripping, i wanted to find out what would happen next, would Simon let them be together, or was it all doomed from the start.
I am looking froward to the next installment from Michelle's series and i am sure it will be just as fantastic as this offering.
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