This took me a while to finish because it did get a bit dry at times but I’m so glad I didn’t give up. I’m also in dire need of the last book in the sThis took me a while to finish because it did get a bit dry at times but I’m so glad I didn’t give up. I’m also in dire need of the last book in the series...more
Beyond dark with an ending that’s heartbreaking but also a perfect fit for the story. I wanted to rip my hair out (in a good way). The FMC’s mom made Beyond dark with an ending that’s heartbreaking but also a perfect fit for the story. I wanted to rip my hair out (in a good way). The FMC’s mom made me have a moral dilemma at the end. This is ripe with bullying, abuse, and non-con so proceed with caution. ...more
I loved this gothic, mysterious, dark romance with thriller elements. The story is longer than I expected but I’m glad I went into this blind. I love I loved this gothic, mysterious, dark romance with thriller elements. The story is longer than I expected but I’m glad I went into this blind. I love the past/present viewpoints and dual pov’s. ...more
This series had me in a chokehold. I love the lovers-turned-enemies trope where the MMC blames the FMC for something that wasn’t her fault (and then sThis series had me in a chokehold. I love the lovers-turned-enemies trope where the MMC blames the FMC for something that wasn’t her fault (and then stops at nothing to redeem himself). There’s familial abuse, non-con, and trafficking in the series so heed the TW’s....more
Finally pulled out of my reading slump!! This was easily one of my favorite (and darkest) reads of 2024. The list of trigger warnings is long, and I aFinally pulled out of my reading slump!! This was easily one of my favorite (and darkest) reads of 2024. The list of trigger warnings is long, and I agree with the author that this isn’t the book to read if you don’t enjoy pitch-black romance or erotic horror. The plot of this story is incredibly written and developed!
Julian (the MMC) is absolutely irredeemable, but there were moments where I couldn’t help but root for him. I love it when authors manage to blur the lines, making readers both hate and love these irredeemable characters.
Astoria (the FMC) left me speechless in a good way. She’s not the type of FMC who is annoying because of utter stupidity; she’s a woman with a traumatic past who puts up a good fight.
Together, Julian and Astoria are addictive in their twisted dynamic. I could go on and on about how much I loved these two. I wish I had an endless supply of books similar to this one, but for now, I’ll settle for re-reading this at least once a month.
Lastly, I’m so grateful for Sky, the author, who states, “I know there are others like me, who need to explore the darkest corners of their minds.” This is true; I crave these dark corners and love finding others who can relate....more
It’s been over a month since I finished this and I still can’t get over how much I loved it. This story is incredibly dark, but so unique and well wriIt’s been over a month since I finished this and I still can’t get over how much I loved it. This story is incredibly dark, but so unique and well written. It’s a must read for lovers of truly dark books. ...more
The MMC is absolutely irredeemable but I still loved this, maybe that’s the reason I did love this book. He’s not morally grey whatsoever, he is absolThe MMC is absolutely irredeemable but I still loved this, maybe that’s the reason I did love this book. He’s not morally grey whatsoever, he is absolutely morally black. If you want a story where there’s tons of groveling, this isn’t the book for you, otherwise a must read in my opinion. ...more
I feel like all the time I’ve spent reading dark novels subconsciously trained me to read this “boss level” pitch black story. This book caused me to I feel like all the time I’ve spent reading dark novels subconsciously trained me to read this “boss level” pitch black story. This book caused me to feel every emotion, and even made my heart physically ache at times. It’s beyond dark, and I don’t know if it can be really classified as a romance of any kind given the Stockholm Syndrome, but because of Lillian I feel the need to shelve it as a dark romance. Regardless, the story and writing are both amazing, and if you like your books darker than hell then I highly recommend this. I loved Lillian, and I just ugh. This book, this f’ing book. 5 stars, and probably my favorite book of 2024....more
The two separate stories in this book are indeed very dark and depraved.
The first story, Acts of Contrition by S.L. Sinclair, started out very strong The two separate stories in this book are indeed very dark and depraved.
The first story, Acts of Contrition by S.L. Sinclair, started out very strong and I loved the FMC Diana, before the MMC entered the picture. Diana was incredibly strong despite the horrific trauma she endured, and I found her inner thoughts to be very relatable as someone who also has religious trauma.
I simply love dark romances with captivity and Stockholm syndrome tropes. I loved the main characters and the plot. This book also introduced me to thI simply love dark romances with captivity and Stockholm syndrome tropes. I loved the main characters and the plot. This book also introduced me to the following quote that is incredibly relatable in my opinion:
“You don't stare the devil in the eyes and come out without some of his sin. You can't beat the devil without becoming like him.” ...more
3.75 stars. I really wanted to give this 5 stars due to the story including everything I love in dark captivity reads. However, there were two scenes 3.75 stars. I really wanted to give this 5 stars due to the story including everything I love in dark captivity reads. However, there were two scenes that just irked me. There is no HEA, and this is more of an erotic horror story than a dark romance.
I hold off on writing reviews until I can analyze the impact a book or series has had on me and the entire 24690 series is just perfect. It’s dark, thI hold off on writing reviews until I can analyze the impact a book or series has had on me and the entire 24690 series is just perfect. It’s dark, there’s trafficking, SA, abuse, torture, DV, you name it. Everleigh goes through many changes in personality throughout the series, which is fun to witness. I will use the terms used in the series. M
Overall Premise/Guide of Whitlock
Everleigh Davenport was kidnapped and brought to the secret underground society known as Whitlock, at the age of ten. Whitlock has slaves, and it has masters. Masters can do whatever they want with the slaves they purchase and the lives of slaves who end up at Whitlock are awful. Once a slave is claimed by a master, however, no other master can touch the slave without their masters approval.
In the present, Everleigh is Slave #24690 whose master was killed, leaving her to be auctioned. Having spent 14 years with an older, but somewhat “decent” master, she’s rightfully terrified because she knows how gruesome other masters are to their slaves. Bram is the Main Master of Whitlock, in charge of running the place and enforcing the rules. He’s cruel, but also has a sensitive spot for Everleigh that clouds his decision making.
West is an important character, he is Bram’s best friend. I won’t say more about him to avoid spoiling important moments.
Saying more risks spoiling a lot of the story, but this is definitely one of my favorite series. I would even be willing to make an entire PowerPoint presentation on this series even though I read it back in May. It’s a must read for those who love dark, twisted stories. ...more
This book is one I think of often despite having finished it a while ago. It’s dark, tragic, and painful to read at times due to the abuse the FMC goeThis book is one I think of often despite having finished it a while ago. It’s dark, tragic, and painful to read at times due to the abuse the FMC goes through. (Make sure to check the trigger warnings because there is human trafficking, non-con, abuse, etc.) Still, it is beautifully written. If you are just venturing into the dark romance genre I would not recommend starting with one this dark because it will probably shock you, but once you become more accustomed to the tropes, I would highly recommend it. I would certainly read this book again....more