Branded (Sinners #1)

So if you're like me and the summer kinda gets you in a contemporary mood but at times you need a little break, then you should check out Branded (Sinners #1) by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki!  Although this was released a year ago it just went through a cover/reBRANDING...haha get it? and OMG I LOVE LOVE LOVE this revamped cover. So sexy and intriguing!  Love that it shifts the focus from the dystopian world view of the last cover to more about Lexi and focus on our strong heroine.

Summary Courtesy of Goodreads:

Fifty years ago The Commander came into
power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society.

To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.

Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home.

Constant darkness.

Brutal and savage violence.

Excruciating pain.

Every day is a fight for survival.

But I won’t let them win. I will not die in the Hole.

I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

What an exquisite novel that really explores what I can only equate to hell. Charged and branded for a crime she did not commit - LUST, Lexi Hamilton is sent to the Hole and there endures the worst of society. She is however, guarded and protected by handsomely strong soldier, Cole and his crap for brains guard dog Zeus and from within the depths of this hell she does find strength.

The characters are so well developed and really have a life all their own.  I fell instantly in love with Cole...tough exterior but as the story progresses his walls slowly crumble and we get to see a man in love, but a tortured love none-the-less.  Lexi is everything you can want in a strong female lead.  She's not overly whiny, has a mind of her own but doesn't make everything due to her cause and endures more than I think would be possible.  I also have to give a shout out to Zeus.  LOVE him.  I know he's a dog, but wow, I want him to be my dog.  Protector, comforter, lover (not in that way)...true companion till the end.

With so many twists and turns and amazing world building this story feels so fresh and raw. Well done on so many levels. There are some seriously hot moments in this book and equally terrifying ones as well. This is definitely not a series to miss!