Eh. It was slow. The relationship progression and character development. Deplorable shit aside (because I'm getting used to it), this one fell short aEh. It was slow. The relationship progression and character development. Deplorable shit aside (because I'm getting used to it), this one fell short after the first 2 books which set the bar ¯\_(ツ)_/¯...more
This was everything I didn't think I'd ever feel with a dark romance ever again. It's been so long, soo long since I loved“Name it.”
Exhilarating.
This was everything I didn't think I'd ever feel with a dark romance ever again. It's been so long, soo long since I loved this kind of dark romance.
Nathan White is a fictional man I wouldn't call my book boyfriend, wouldn't simp over him and call him the "standard" because this man isn't a standard. He isn't. Truly. He is a lawless psychopathic megalomaniac and it's just so fascinating reading about him like he is a subject of a case study.
This fascination with a dark romance hero is what I find exhilarating. And it's been so long since I felt this way. The need to own this book is something I've not felt in a long time. I know I keep repeating this but fuck, I'm speechless.
Lawless God by Lola King is Haunting Adeline if it was better and had a plot. A heroine who isn't just "strong and fierce" who keeps fighting back. But a motherfucking queen who is known for her ruthlessness and someone who everyone is scared of.
Jesus christ. Nathan, this man. I have no words for his depravity. Rest assured every sexual activity between them was dub-con. But other things? Oh fuck me, there's unhinged and then there's Nathan who manipulates you but never hides the fact that he does. He will never lie. Everything he plans on doing, including the fact that Stockholm syndrome is his end goal, he'll put it all upfront.
All I can say is if you try to get mad at the heroine for giving in to him, she is already well aware of her masochist tendencies, yet at the same time you can't stay angry for long because that'd underestimating her. And underestimating Kayla King is something even Nathan White learns to never do.
Cue the laughter. Because that's something I never expected yet when I laughed out loud so many times whenever Kayla does something to Nathan it was beyond hilarious seeing it from Nathan's pov. Every time Nathan commands her to do something by saying "...like a good little wife" she manages to turn that task into a physical fight and it's so fun. Also every interaction of Nathan and Sam too!!! Not to mention the people she kills and threaten when she is possesive of Nate.
His antisocial behaviour disorder and his inability to understand people's emotions makes him study reading emotions like it's an academic course. And my god, everytime I try to hate him, he does something so unexpected WHILE remaining non-chalant about it, I just can't control my fascination.
All I know is when I get this urge to own a book, it's serious commitment. That means I want the characters to be with me and claim ownership of them and it's that feeling of strong desire and impulse that makes me put this book in my 'all-time-fav' shelf.
I fear I won't ever be able to do this book justice by putting it all in correct words. For now, I'll show you some scenes and quotes below which frankly? won't ever be enough.
I wave a hand dismissively. “The girl has a horrible concussion, and someone just tried to drown her.” “Could that someone be you, maybe?” “Well, not all proposals are done with flowers, Sam. My point is, she’s going to need some rest over the next few days before she plans anything.”
***
“This is kidnapping.” His eyes widen, and his mouth drops open as he gasps before bringing a hand to cover it. “No? Oh my god, no. Call the police.” With a dramatic shudder, his face goes blank again. “Kidnapping? Do you think that’s the worst thing I’ve ever done? Stop wasting my time, will you?”
***
“How long, Nate? How long are you going to make me pay?” “How long was I in prison?” “Practically four years,” I huff. We both know that. He didn’t need to make me repeat it. “I guess we’ll start with four years, then. Who knows, you might be the one who decides to stay after that. Stockholm syndrome is a wonderfully complicated thing.” I try to be discreet, but I don’t control my small step back. “It’s okay,” he says softly. “You won’t realize it. All you’ll feel is happy and in love, and you won’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.”
***
“I do understand,” I say flatly. “Drying tears, snot, the redness of your cheeks. Your pulse is beating so hard that the skin at your throat is moving along with it. Your hands are shaking, your shoulders hunched, your leg bouncing. You’re terrified.” I turn to Sam, proudly showing him how good I am at this. He rolls his eyes.
***
“You want to mark me, Nate?” I hiss in his face. “I’ll mark you back.” He blinks up at me, and a smile spreads on his lips. “That hurt, little sunflower.” He can’t move his left arm, the pain in his shoulder probably too intense. But his right hand snatches my wrist, holding the knife closer against his skin, pressing, dragging red liquid to the surface. He bucks his hips, pushing into my core. The motherfucker is hard. “You’re fucking sick.” “It turns me on to know you can fight back. It’s like you’re begging me to go harder on you next time.” I shove my knees into his ribs. “There is no next time. Let me out of this fucking house.” “But baby, look at us. We’re so compatible.”
***
I’ll recognize her tone of voice and the features on her face. It’ll make it simple to read her. She names it, and I can study it. She names it, and I can remember what it looks like on her. I can’t emphasize and feel bad or ever share her joy. I can only attempt to learn. Sometimes, I can link it to something I’ve been through, but that is a lot of work because I hardly ever feel much. But if I learn what everything looks like on her face, in her body, in her breathing. If I learn all her emotions by heart, there will be nothing she can hide from me. Utter control. What a fun game to play.
***
“My dear wife,” I murmur against her mouth. “Will you cook me an omelet for breakfast? I’ve been craving one.” She doesn’t answer, but she takes a step back and walks to the counter. Pointing at different cupboards, she asks, “Pans?” I nod when she points at the right one, then go back to my phone. I could get used to this. My wife making me an omelet before I head to my first meeting of the day. “Nate?” “Mhm?” My thoughts still focused on how to help with night terrors, I turn toward her voice. I barely catch her shadow when the pan hits me right in the side of the face. The sharp pain drags a grunt out of me as I fall to the floor. I notice her towering over me, pan in hand. She looks down at my lying form, a beautiful, sick smile spreading on her lips. “How’s your omelet, darling?”
***
You and I, Kayla, we could rule the world. I will worship every fucking thing you touch. I will burn down your enemies, I will bury anyone who ever made you feel like you weren’t enough, like all you could do was stay in your shitty town and rule your shitty gang. You were made for the greatest things that ever existed. You were made to build your own path, and I want you to be with me when that happens. I want to see you sit on your throne and watch everyone else bow to the goddess you are.”
***
Kayla is becoming a passion. Something I want to see everywhere. I want her to be the subject of every conversation I have with everyone. I want to go to rallies in her name. I want to find someone who understands me so we can discuss her for hours like fangirls do about their favorite band. Oh, it’s bad. It’s bad, but it’s not love. Because love feels like…like… “What does love feel like?” I blurt out.
OKAY ENOUGH I think I need to stop. There are 100 more scenes and dialogues I've annotated and it's not possible to put it all in. JESUS. How will I ever enjoy any other dark romance after this???...more
I don't know shit about Harry Potter universe. Never been able to read any famous fics because of this lack of knowledge. Not until a friend of mine rI don't know shit about Harry Potter universe. Never been able to read any famous fics because of this lack of knowledge. Not until a friend of mine recommended this to me, saying it doesn't require being well versed with this world.
And I was fully expecting it to be something I'd drop in the middle, or wouldn't be able to understand. I wasn't planning on being hooked to this, liking it, then loving it, then giggling over it, then being heartbroken over it, then crying over it. Overall, I wasn't expecting myself to devour this and claim it as one of the best hurt-comfort books I've ever read.
From Draco's diary entries to his cursing, from Hermoine's need to fight for him to her sheer strength of surving everything, from Theo to Pansy.
THIS WAS THE BEST ROMCOM/FANTASY I'VE EVER READ. If there's a "most unique and refreshing book" contest THIS IS THE WINNER FOR ME.
I HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS WAS THE BEST ROMCOM/FANTASY I'VE EVER READ. If there's a "most unique and refreshing book" contest THIS IS THE WINNER FOR ME.
I HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS. ZERO. I just pity the readers who are yet to meet Minnie and Marlowe.
Oh god HOW WAS THIS NEVER DONE BEFORE? HOW IS THIS SO PERFECT?
I LOVE YOU VERONICA LANCET. I mean, romcoms? I don't read them. Fantasy? Very rarely. MAKE THE HERO A SERIAL KILLER NEURODIVERGENT AND THE HEROINE A SUPERNATURAL BEING WHO IS HOMELESS WITH GORE AND MURDER AND YOU EXPECT ME NOT TO READ THIS??
Any book which makes me laugh this much is an immediate 5 star read. MOST FUN I'VE HAD THIS YEAR.
Dare I say that Marlowe beats Aaron Warner in terms of his delusion in every best and worst possible ways??? Oh dear lord, Marlowe is not just one in a million, there is nobody like him. ...more
I hate the weakness in me that wants to crumble like paper and apologize for the burden I am. But I’ve also learned that Cash wants a weak woman just I hate the weakness in me that wants to crumble like paper and apologize for the burden I am. But I’ve also learned that Cash wants a weak woman just about as much as I want to be one. So I fight the urge to ask him to forgive me and tend to his bruised ego. Too many women have been taught to shrink themselves for the sake of the male ego. I refuse to fall in line.
A woman who can't apologise when she hurts someone's feelings and can't admit she is wrong because of this mindset? This is not feminism as much as she wants to mold it that way. Sure if it's booktok feminism though.
Cash Fox using my husband's line : “Lift your hips for me, a chuisle.” Idk whether to be happy or offended about this. ...
Okay if this was a story of unrequited love where only one person makes extreme efforts, trusts and builds a relationship while the one doesn't even trust him till the actual very end, this book did a phenomenal job writing the heroine to play part.
Because respect, trust, understanding and acceptance which should be the key parts of love, were only seen in the heroine when she was abusing it. But ofc she "loves" him or so she claims when she is about to kill him (a-gain).
Not to mention that last scene where he "has" to kill her was so cringe instead of it being impactful. Because it was the fakest interaction they've ever had. Throughout the whole book, they didn't talk to each other like this and suddenly they are? What's this Wattpad behaviour?
This was an extremely bad story where I didn't believe in their relationship, didn't see their love, only insta-unrequited- throughout-the-book-love from the hero and heavy dose of insta lust. Take out the romance and you got yourself a book to keep in your spank bank....more
“I’ve done bad things, Valentine.” I brush my lips over her pinkened cheek. “But I’ll always be good to you.”
FaDing ding ding. We have a WINNER!!!
“I’ve done bad things, Valentine.” I brush my lips over her pinkened cheek. “But I’ll always be good to you.”
Fav of the month!!!! Cannot believe this book was a whole freaking package. Not just another dark romance. The fact that it was CUTE??? like adorable???? Sweet??? Not only that, it was HILARIOUS??? like with laugh-out-loud funny banter??? Emotional???? The freaking tears I shed because of the h????
They are just so fucking sweet??? Ahhhh!!!
Coincidentally, Christmas day was a pivotal aspect of this book related to the h trauma and I read it on the 25th as well. So Merry Christmas to me ig.
I'm pretty sure if I read this series from the beginning, meaning, read the first two stories of the other couples, I would love them too.
But anyways, I CANNOT GET OVER THIS COUPLE. And oh yesssss!!!!! The freaking TATTOOS??...more
“Tell me, Red.” He moved hard and fast. “Do I measure up to your dream Jude, yet?” A breathless laugh suffocated on his lips, my fingers sinkin
“Tell me, Red.” He moved hard and fast. “Do I measure up to your dream Jude, yet?” A breathless laugh suffocated on his lips, my fingers sinking into his hair. “You’re my favorite type of nightmare.” He paused and pouted. Smiling, I gently bit the tip of his nose, then his lower lip. “And I don’t ever want to wake up.”
Hate bully romances, will forever do. Knew what i was getting into and i knew the torment of the h would be comparatively mild here yet it still made me hurt. That's the reason i'm deducting one star since i found the groveling to be less than it should've been. Other than that, this hit on every part possible in every way it was supposed to, hence, satiating my craving to read an unrequited-obsessed love trope.
“Forgive me for seeing you as a threat to my fucked-up life. Forgive me for knowing that with just one kiss, there was a chance I might never get my old self back if I let you in.”
*****
“But I give in. I fucking surrender, Fern. I’ll drown in the dark forever if it means I get you.”
*****
“There’s no such thing as true dark, Jude.” I kissed each side of his mouth, then whispered against it, “For no matter how little of itself it gives, the moon will always shine.” A throaty groan entered my mouth, and then his tongue did. “Forgive me,” he rasped. “Forgive me for falling in love with you the wrong way.” His hips moved, careful and determined to destroy me.
I did not realise there was a sequel of Church. (was I stupid in 2022?) I had to reread the second half of book Book 1 (Church) review HERE
I did not realise there was a sequel of Church. (was I stupid in 2022?) I had to reread the second half of book 1 to follow up on this book.
Church and Emma did not disappoint! They remain that unhinged psycho couples with their unhealthy obsession and sociopathic lifestyle that I love and cherish.
Nothing beats these two <3
It's kinda hard to go back to regular mundane couple romances after getting accustomed to these sociopaths in love....more
This is a reformed necrophiliac romance based on The Nightmare Before Christmas film (which I didn't knew the existence of until I saw the author's noThis is a reformed necrophiliac romance based on The Nightmare Before Christmas film (which I didn't knew the existence of until I saw the author's note suggesting to watch it for a better experience and now I couldn't agree more) with graphic depictions of rape, mutilation of body parts, torture, necrophilia obviously and it's wrapped up in this little fantastical bubble separated from the mundane world, so every "bad" guy remains a bad guy and live in harmony among everyone.
The only way you can read this book, if you are planning to, is if you dissociate yourself from your reality, forget your morals, beliefs, values and judgments and go into this with no knowledge of what is wrong, what is right, what is good or what is inhumane. Because this book doesn't require an open mind. It requires a new mind. A fresh non-mundane mind.
Only Charity B. can do this. Really. Now if only she would pay for my therapy bills....more
It would've been four stars if it wasn't for THAT OPEN FUCKING ENDING. Not even an HFN. It was a "may-or-may-not-have-an-hea-in-the-future".
This was liIt would've been four stars if it wasn't for THAT OPEN FUCKING ENDING. Not even an HFN. It was a "may-or-may-not-have-an-hea-in-the-future".
This was like Stolen but it's a romance. Which I would not call this, now. I'm let down by that ending, i thought it was a regular somewhat different captor-captive trope but the kidnapper decided to get hit by morality at the end which ruined it for me. That's not how kidnappers works, Kaden. Was a wonderful portrayal of Stockholm syndrome, albeit the ending which ruined it through realistic things. I'm seriously never looking for this type of realism when i pick a dark romance book. Reality can fuck right off, because when it does show its face in this world, we get these types of HEA-ambiguous books.
Ugh, Clara (h) was so much better as a secondary character in the first book, which focused on her sister's story. I actually enjoyed the begiDNF @51%
Ugh, Clara (h) was so much better as a secondary character in the first book, which focused on her sister's story. I actually enjoyed the beginning because I'm a sucker for the whole childhood lovers torn apart and reunited theme. Dante and Amara will forever be my babies. If you've read this series or checked out the blurb of this book, you'll understand the history between the main characters. The prequel, "Tough Love," drew me in with the promise of their reunion.
But wow, things have taken a sharp turn with the whole captor-captive forced marriage scenario (which i love). However, the heroine's behavior is already starting to grate on my nerves. Based on my previous experiences with this trope and some negative reviews I've come across, I can only imagine it's going to get worse. She will likely act like an indecisive and immature teenager. Let's be real, though, why shouldn't she? She wasn't tortured for helping her loved one escape, nor was she forced to grow up as an adult living in the dangerous world of monsters. She didn't spend her entire life surrounded by killers in the mob. So why would she have any problems? So, naturally, she had to create her own. "I'd love to kiss him, but I shouldn't enjoy it!" "I can see myself having sex with him eventually, but no, I don't want that. Or maybe I do?" Clearly, she doesn't. It's not like she saved herself for him, even when she believed he was dead. It's not like she dreamed of his survival and reuniting with him.
I enjoy dub-con in dark romances as much as the next person, but there is usually an understandable reasoning behind the reluctance as well as the victimized scenario from the heroine given the context but here? It's boring, annoying, unnecessary and forced....more