What do you think?
Rate this book
Rich Demons of Darkwood #1
Make Me Lie
The world knows me as the Demon’s Daughter.
He’s a famous serial killer. And I may have been his accomplice.
But no one knows for sure except for me.
The dangerous, cruel men of the Sphinx secret society intend to uncover my secrets…and break me.
Stellan, my childhood crush who lost his sister to the Demon.
Cain, the boy with the face of an angel to who manipulation comes as easy as breathing;
Remington, the playboy soccer star full of secrets.
Pax, the dark psycho who hides behind his fists.
I hoped for a second chance at Darkwood University, only to have my dream ripped away the first time I kissed one of the handsome bastards.
They know who I am.
And they're determined to make me pay.
They should have thought twice about who they were playing with.
Because I am the demon’s daughter. And just because they have the power, the connections, the faces and bodies of gods… do they really think they’ll win?
I wanted a new life, not a war.
But if they insist, we’ll see who ends up playing.
He’s a famous serial killer. And I may have been his accomplice.
But no one knows for sure except for me.
The dangerous, cruel men of the Sphinx secret society intend to uncover my secrets…and break me.
Stellan, my childhood crush who lost his sister to the Demon.
Cain, the boy with the face of an angel to who manipulation comes as easy as breathing;
Remington, the playboy soccer star full of secrets.
Pax, the dark psycho who hides behind his fists.
I hoped for a second chance at Darkwood University, only to have my dream ripped away the first time I kissed one of the handsome bastards.
They know who I am.
And they're determined to make me pay.
They should have thought twice about who they were playing with.
Because I am the demon’s daughter. And just because they have the power, the connections, the faces and bodies of gods… do they really think they’ll win?
I wanted a new life, not a war.
But if they insist, we’ll see who ends up playing.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2021
About the author
C.R. Jane
84 books3,165 followersI'm a wife, mother, and author! Writing has always been a passion for me, and publishing my first series is a dream come true. I drink too much caffeine, never sleep, and my imagination is always churning out ideas. Eva and her men have been in my head for awhile, and I'm so glad to finally take you with me on this journey!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 511 reviews
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1647896333i/31792110._UX200_CR0,96,200,200_.jpg)
October 6, 2021
Well, here's my review for this book.
It's really nothing special at all, simply my usual straightforward assessment of what I liked/disliked, but there seems to have been a bit of a Streisand effect going on. The more times people comment to tell me they disagree with me and I'm a bitch/troll/meanie [select word of choice], the more they inadvertently publicise this review when I respond to their comments. Just something to think about...
Other disclaimer that this review was written from the ARC, so a couple of things may be different (e.g. incorrect usage of 'The Demon' rather than 'the Demon', which I noted, might have been removed, judging from the blurb) but substantial changes aren't generally made post-ARC.
___
⤅ I REALLY wanted to like this book.
I've never read any C.R. Jane, but I used to quite enjoy May Dawson, so I went for it. Unfortunately I had to DNF but I gave it two stars on the basis that I might have enjoyed it in 2019 or 2020. In late 2021, however, this book brings absolutely nothing new to the table. In fact it's so cliched it almost feels like a parody of bully RH romance - which isn't a good thing, considering it's clearly NOT meant to be a parody.
Basically, we have a heroine named Aurora who was raised by a serial killer father. She changes her looks with plastic surgery and goes to a university, where she encounters a boy she used to know (Stellan) and his friends. I didn't get much further than that but I presume they bully her for information related to the death of Stellan's sister at the hands of Aurora's father.
❌ Aurora is unbelievably dumb.
This is established in the prologue. She's about to be raped by her stepbrother, when suddenly a man appears and murders him. The man invites her to join him. Does she show even the tiniest, slightest hesitation in going with him? No!!! This is mind-boggling. She's not a baby in the prologue - early teens, I think. More than old enough to feel fear at the prospect of going with some strange murderer, who has just KILLED SOMEONE IN FRONT OF HER. Yet she goes with him, with nary a doubt. Good God. I think we're expected to believe that Aurora's life was so bad she'd rather go with a murderer than stay here, but she never actually performs that analysis of options in her head so readers can see it. Instead, she just looks thick as two planks.
❌ It doesn't stop there. We're told she has these amazing, unique violet eyes - Liz Taylor eyes. (Taylor had blue eyes, not violet, but that's a different discussion). Aurora desperately needs to not be recognised, to the extent that she gets plastic surgery. Yet what feature does she leave intact? That's right, HER EYES. Her unique special eyes, which Stellan uses to identify her within milliseconds. What was the point of plastic surgery if you're going to leave your most idiosyncratic feature intact for sentimental reasons?!?! How stupid can she be?
❌ Aurora's real name is Delilah, but she chooses Aurora as her fake name. I happen to think that's another sign of stupidity - if you want to fly under the radar, you ought to pick a less memorable name, like Lucy or Sarah. Not bloody Aurora.
❌ Next tired cliché: the super-extroverted BFF-figure who drags the heroine to parties etc. I've just read so many of these stock figures and they're all one-dimensional mouthpieces for the author to gush about how hot the heroes are/force the heroine to come to a party where she can meet the hero, etc. There's nothing organic about them, they rarely have a real personality, and they're so overused.
❌ Aurora's actions are not those of someone looking to fly under the radar of Stellan, whom she's already suspected has figured out her identity. Instead, she GOES TO PARTIES WHERE SHE KNOWS HE'LL BE, and wanders around until she inevitably stumbles across him. Bloody hell.
❌ The heroes are boring AF. They're caricatures of people. All four are so handsome heads turn wherever they walk, and when we're in their POV chapters they yammer on about all the girls they've slept with, so we know how sexy and appealing they are. Everything in this book is about telling, not showing. We're TOLD Aurora is scared without seeing it, we're told the heroes are hot without hearing it described... it feels less like a book and more like a collection of witness statements or something.
❌ The writing is just about okay technically, but not great. Little is described. For another, 'The' is constantly capitalised, as in 'I was raised by The Demon'. This is extremely bad grammar and set my teeth on edge every time I saw it. 'The' should only be capitalised in a small handful of situations, of which this isn't one.
Needless to say, I DNFed a few chapters in.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review - thank you!
It's really nothing special at all, simply my usual straightforward assessment of what I liked/disliked, but there seems to have been a bit of a Streisand effect going on. The more times people comment to tell me they disagree with me and I'm a bitch/troll/meanie [select word of choice], the more they inadvertently publicise this review when I respond to their comments. Just something to think about...
Other disclaimer that this review was written from the ARC, so a couple of things may be different (e.g. incorrect usage of 'The Demon' rather than 'the Demon', which I noted, might have been removed, judging from the blurb) but substantial changes aren't generally made post-ARC.
___
⤅ I REALLY wanted to like this book.
I've never read any C.R. Jane, but I used to quite enjoy May Dawson, so I went for it. Unfortunately I had to DNF but I gave it two stars on the basis that I might have enjoyed it in 2019 or 2020. In late 2021, however, this book brings absolutely nothing new to the table. In fact it's so cliched it almost feels like a parody of bully RH romance - which isn't a good thing, considering it's clearly NOT meant to be a parody.
Basically, we have a heroine named Aurora who was raised by a serial killer father. She changes her looks with plastic surgery and goes to a university, where she encounters a boy she used to know (Stellan) and his friends. I didn't get much further than that but I presume they bully her for information related to the death of Stellan's sister at the hands of Aurora's father.
❌ Aurora is unbelievably dumb.
This is established in the prologue. She's about to be raped by her stepbrother, when suddenly a man appears and murders him. The man invites her to join him. Does she show even the tiniest, slightest hesitation in going with him? No!!! This is mind-boggling. She's not a baby in the prologue - early teens, I think. More than old enough to feel fear at the prospect of going with some strange murderer, who has just KILLED SOMEONE IN FRONT OF HER. Yet she goes with him, with nary a doubt. Good God. I think we're expected to believe that Aurora's life was so bad she'd rather go with a murderer than stay here, but she never actually performs that analysis of options in her head so readers can see it. Instead, she just looks thick as two planks.
❌ It doesn't stop there. We're told she has these amazing, unique violet eyes - Liz Taylor eyes. (Taylor had blue eyes, not violet, but that's a different discussion). Aurora desperately needs to not be recognised, to the extent that she gets plastic surgery. Yet what feature does she leave intact? That's right, HER EYES. Her unique special eyes, which Stellan uses to identify her within milliseconds. What was the point of plastic surgery if you're going to leave your most idiosyncratic feature intact for sentimental reasons?!?! How stupid can she be?
❌ Aurora's real name is Delilah, but she chooses Aurora as her fake name. I happen to think that's another sign of stupidity - if you want to fly under the radar, you ought to pick a less memorable name, like Lucy or Sarah. Not bloody Aurora.
❌ Next tired cliché: the super-extroverted BFF-figure who drags the heroine to parties etc. I've just read so many of these stock figures and they're all one-dimensional mouthpieces for the author to gush about how hot the heroes are/force the heroine to come to a party where she can meet the hero, etc. There's nothing organic about them, they rarely have a real personality, and they're so overused.
❌ Aurora's actions are not those of someone looking to fly under the radar of Stellan, whom she's already suspected has figured out her identity. Instead, she GOES TO PARTIES WHERE SHE KNOWS HE'LL BE, and wanders around until she inevitably stumbles across him. Bloody hell.
❌ The heroes are boring AF. They're caricatures of people. All four are so handsome heads turn wherever they walk, and when we're in their POV chapters they yammer on about all the girls they've slept with, so we know how sexy and appealing they are. Everything in this book is about telling, not showing. We're TOLD Aurora is scared without seeing it, we're told the heroes are hot without hearing it described... it feels less like a book and more like a collection of witness statements or something.
❌ The writing is just about okay technically, but not great. Little is described. For another, 'The' is constantly capitalised, as in 'I was raised by The Demon'. This is extremely bad grammar and set my teeth on edge every time I saw it. 'The' should only be capitalised in a small handful of situations, of which this isn't one.
Needless to say, I DNFed a few chapters in.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review - thank you!
October 1, 2021
Whaaaaaaat was that ending?!?! I need book 2 ASAP!! It does have a gut-punch of a cliffhanger, but don't let that stop you from diving in because this is so different from anything I've read and it's a story I didn't know I needed in my life.
Dark contemporary RH with bully and enemies-to-lovers themes, college setting, true crime elements and suspense. The "dark" is primarily violence and torture, particularly in flashbacks/memories. The story is primarily told in single POV by the FMC in this first book, with a few POVs from the guys - from Stellan to start, which offers insight on the hate and bullying, and then adding a couple others in the second half, which I love getting the additional insights and building connection with the Hs. I hope that the next books is more Multi-POV, with more balanced time, mostly because I want to get to know and understand the guys more.
As you pick up from the blurb, the FMC is the daughter of a famous serial killer and she's trying to restart her life with a new identity, but that plan goes to sh*t and there's four alphaholes determined to own and punish her. I really liked the FMC (Aurora). She's a great mix of strong, skilled badass and vulnerable emotions and insecurities. She's got some sass, but she's not all attitude. The pacing of the flashback/memories to the present timeline story was great for adding understanding and empathy to what she's endured.
"I should have known there was no way I could get an actual second chance. What The Demon had done to me, and what he’d made me do, would haunt me all my life."
The guys - Stellan, Cain, Pax, Remington - different flavors of dangerous, damaged, dominant alphaholes. There is a lot more to them than first impressions. I both didn't trust them and wanted to trust them ... In this first book, it hit the right level for me of keeping me guessing, wanting more, and questioning what I had thought.
"Maybe that dark energy should have scared me, but instead it seemed to speak to my soul, and my soul seemed to answer in kind. I felt lighter, reckless, free ..."
All-in-all, I'm super intrigued and looking forward to learning more about each guy and connecting with them further. And also want them to do bad, bad things to me 🥵 ... errr, I mean, Aurora 😅
I don't typically discuss triggers in my reviews except for OW/OM because that kind of drama can give me a reader's anxiety that I just don't enjoy. If that stuff doesn't bother you, no need to read-on, but if it does and you don't mind light spoilers, I'll do my best here. In this book, the FMC does have a romantic past with one H (teenage first love), but none of the main characters are in relationships with expectations of sexual fidelity in the present. None of the guys have girlfriends or anyone serious, so there's not that kind of drama. But the Hs frequently have their sexual appetites sated - how we first meet them is them unashamedly acting like f*ckboys at a party - AND they use public displays of sexual acts with OW in front of the FMC, sometimes while locking eyes with the FMC, presumedly to taunt and torment her, perhaps even test her limits of putting up with their bullsh*t. So, this did make me feel queasy, even though I'm certain it bothered me more than the FMC who had a combination of jealous, annoyed, and turned on reaction. Over the book, this display does change, both the guys using OW in front of the FMC and their reactions when girls throw themselves at them, which was a welcome relief to me to not have that drag on for the whole book. The main characters are still not in established relationships at the end of book 1, so OW drama or flaunting OW could occur in the next book.
Dark contemporary RH with bully and enemies-to-lovers themes, college setting, true crime elements and suspense. The "dark" is primarily violence and torture, particularly in flashbacks/memories. The story is primarily told in single POV by the FMC in this first book, with a few POVs from the guys - from Stellan to start, which offers insight on the hate and bullying, and then adding a couple others in the second half, which I love getting the additional insights and building connection with the Hs. I hope that the next books is more Multi-POV, with more balanced time, mostly because I want to get to know and understand the guys more.
As you pick up from the blurb, the FMC is the daughter of a famous serial killer and she's trying to restart her life with a new identity, but that plan goes to sh*t and there's four alphaholes determined to own and punish her. I really liked the FMC (Aurora). She's a great mix of strong, skilled badass and vulnerable emotions and insecurities. She's got some sass, but she's not all attitude. The pacing of the flashback/memories to the present timeline story was great for adding understanding and empathy to what she's endured.
"I should have known there was no way I could get an actual second chance. What The Demon had done to me, and what he’d made me do, would haunt me all my life."
The guys - Stellan, Cain, Pax, Remington - different flavors of dangerous, damaged, dominant alphaholes. There is a lot more to them than first impressions. I both didn't trust them and wanted to trust them ... In this first book, it hit the right level for me of keeping me guessing, wanting more, and questioning what I had thought.
"Maybe that dark energy should have scared me, but instead it seemed to speak to my soul, and my soul seemed to answer in kind. I felt lighter, reckless, free ..."
All-in-all, I'm super intrigued and looking forward to learning more about each guy and connecting with them further. And also want them to do bad, bad things to me 🥵 ... errr, I mean, Aurora 😅
I don't typically discuss triggers in my reviews except for OW/OM because that kind of drama can give me a reader's anxiety that I just don't enjoy. If that stuff doesn't bother you, no need to read-on, but if it does and you don't mind light spoilers, I'll do my best here. In this book, the FMC does have a romantic past with one H (teenage first love), but none of the main characters are in relationships with expectations of sexual fidelity in the present. None of the guys have girlfriends or anyone serious, so there's not that kind of drama. But the Hs frequently have their sexual appetites sated - how we first meet them is them unashamedly acting like f*ckboys at a party - AND they use public displays of sexual acts with OW in front of the FMC, sometimes while locking eyes with the FMC, presumedly to taunt and torment her, perhaps even test her limits of putting up with their bullsh*t. So, this did make me feel queasy, even though I'm certain it bothered me more than the FMC who had a combination of jealous, annoyed, and turned on reaction. Over the book, this display does change, both the guys using OW in front of the FMC and their reactions when girls throw themselves at them, which was a welcome relief to me to not have that drag on for the whole book. The main characters are still not in established relationships at the end of book 1, so OW drama or flaunting OW could occur in the next book.
June 19, 2023
Amazing start to the series
Really enjoyed this one. The storyline was great, the characters were all well written and it flowed really well. Couldn’t put it down.
Aurora, oh how I loved her, you can’t help but feel for her being persecuted for someone else’s wrong doing. She’s as much a victim of her father as anyone else was, yet everyone treats her so badly. I’m all for her having some revenge and getting stabby.
The guys, they all have the potential to be amazing love interests, you see a spark of kind and caring then it’s snuffed out so completely and you’re back to hating them.
I can’t wait to see what happens next, roll on book 2.
Really enjoyed this one. The storyline was great, the characters were all well written and it flowed really well. Couldn’t put it down.
Aurora, oh how I loved her, you can’t help but feel for her being persecuted for someone else’s wrong doing. She’s as much a victim of her father as anyone else was, yet everyone treats her so badly. I’m all for her having some revenge and getting stabby.
The guys, they all have the potential to be amazing love interests, you see a spark of kind and caring then it’s snuffed out so completely and you’re back to hating them.
I can’t wait to see what happens next, roll on book 2.
September 27, 2021
I’m not quite sure how to put into words what I just read. This is a good thing. Whenever I read a book, I always have words flowing in my head, sentences that are crafted to somewhat articulate the greatness that has been presented to me. Alas, nothing has come to mind. Except maybe, wtf is going on in here? CR Jane and May Dawson have created something that has my mind reeling. 4 guys, 1 girl. She’s the daughter of a serial killer. Plastic surgery and hair dye doesn’t cover up something like that. What’s that saying? Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer? Stellar, Cain, Pax and Remington have decided to keep her close. For peace of mind? For torture? For shits and giggles? As the words flow, I read and get to know Aurora. She’s strong and tough but has an air of vulnerability. She struggles day to day with her identity. She struggles with her pending desire for these 4 guys. This book hooked me from the beginning. Just when you think, you’ve got it. You find out you don’t. It’s one hell of a ride and I’m strapped in for the next installment.
September 27, 2021
Delilah or as she is now known Aurora is the daughter of The Demon, a famous serial killer who is now behind bars and growing up The Demon taught her everything he knows. He taught her to be brutal and how to survive.
Aurora is trying to make a new life for herself at Uni but someone (Stellan) from her past has recognized her. Stellan's sister went missing years ago and he wants answers from Aurora. Stellan and his three friends Cain, Remington & Pax make a pact to get those answers so they set out to earn her trust only to betray her in the end. She was fine on her own until these four forced themselves into her life
This book is twisted and dark and will leave you wanting more. I enjoyed all these characters, together they are the perfect mix of crazy and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Aurora went out with a bang with her revenge on the boys and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Aurora is trying to make a new life for herself at Uni but someone (Stellan) from her past has recognized her. Stellan's sister went missing years ago and he wants answers from Aurora. Stellan and his three friends Cain, Remington & Pax make a pact to get those answers so they set out to earn her trust only to betray her in the end. She was fine on her own until these four forced themselves into her life
This book is twisted and dark and will leave you wanting more. I enjoyed all these characters, together they are the perfect mix of crazy and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Aurora went out with a bang with her revenge on the boys and I can't wait to see what happens next.
September 29, 2021
What a ride...I can't believe you ended it there, that's so mean, this is going to be an epic series.
Add a daughter of a killer and four very rotten to core boys, mix it up and you have dirty-dark-romance, with how could they? Did she? And oh…my, that can't be true? You will have questions all the way through.
This book is misleadingly glorious, and it has you feeling for everyone, all on different levels, but it’s also full of lies and deception, and you start to get angry and hate certain people by the cliffhanger.
But, need I more, because I can’t wait for book two.
XOXO Lottie 💋
Add a daughter of a killer and four very rotten to core boys, mix it up and you have dirty-dark-romance, with how could they? Did she? And oh…my, that can't be true? You will have questions all the way through.
This book is misleadingly glorious, and it has you feeling for everyone, all on different levels, but it’s also full of lies and deception, and you start to get angry and hate certain people by the cliffhanger.
But, need I more, because I can’t wait for book two.
XOXO Lottie 💋
September 27, 2021
Pull the triggers.
If you have them, they're in here. C R.Jane and May Dawson have created a rich, vivid, lush nightmare. Well written, dark as a moonless night and hot as any fires in Hell.
But know good and well what nightmares await before you step inside!
If you have them, they're in here. C R.Jane and May Dawson have created a rich, vivid, lush nightmare. Well written, dark as a moonless night and hot as any fires in Hell.
But know good and well what nightmares await before you step inside!
March 13, 2024
Two books in a row... I'm perilously close to a slump.
Anywho. Made it to 25%
👎 Girl gets plastic surgery to avoid being recognized → Gets recognized two days in
👎 Girl is an introvert that needs to keep a low profile → Goes to most popular party on campus, dry humps "The King" in front of everyone
👎 Girl hopes guy who can identify her doesn't really know it's her → Gives into the kiss he gives her to identify her
Three strikes, I'm out.
Anywho. Made it to 25%
👎 Girl gets plastic surgery to avoid being recognized → Gets recognized two days in
👎 Girl is an introvert that needs to keep a low profile → Goes to most popular party on campus, dry humps "The King" in front of everyone
👎 Girl hopes guy who can identify her doesn't really know it's her → Gives into the kiss he gives her to identify her
Three strikes, I'm out.
September 27, 2021
Triggers? Check
Darkness? Check
Incredible ending leaving you wanting more? Triple check
May Dawson and CR Jane have given us the most incredible dark romance novel I have read in a LONG time. Twists and turns and you really don’t know how things are going to go with these characters and I am dying for the next book.
Darkness? Check
Incredible ending leaving you wanting more? Triple check
May Dawson and CR Jane have given us the most incredible dark romance novel I have read in a LONG time. Twists and turns and you really don’t know how things are going to go with these characters and I am dying for the next book.
July 12, 2023
Review for the whole series. This had so much potential, and a good premise, but a bad execution. I wish better authors had run with this idea.
The plot: the heroine is the daughter of a famous serial killer. Growing up, he made her do murder things with him. He’s now in prison, and she’s trying to have a fresh start at college – she even got plastic surgery so that people wouldn’t recognize her. But, at college, she runs into her old crush. He and the other heroes are the most popular guys on campus, and they’re in a secret society. He recognizes her instantly (yes, that makes her plastic surgery pointless). He thinks her dad killed his sister, and the heroine helped. So, he and his friends manipulate the situation so that she has to live with them, and they bully her.
This is all fine so far! Good set-up - enough to get me to read the whole series, even as my interest faded (since I wanted to find out what would happen). And, “heroine must live with heroes who fuck with her” is a common RH plot. It’s one I often like! The serial killer part is an interesting spin on it. But, there's SO much wrong with this series.
1) The heroine – it's hard to get invested in her, because her personality is inconsistent. We’re told she has no friends and is socially awkward. In the next moment, she’s casually mentioning, “My computer hacker friend.” The next scene, she’s having a great time at a party. So, her personality is all over the place, and keeps contradicting itself. This story also wants to have its cake and eat it too, in terms of making her seem like a compassionate girl who feels guilty about her role in her dad’s crimes…but then, she also suddenly has psycho moments where she enjoys doing violence. Her characterization is a mess.
2) Worldbuilding – it’s not only for fantasy! Even if it’s set in the real world, a story needs to have its own internal logic. This doesn’t.
There’s a scene in the first book where the heroine goes to the Dean of the college. One of the heroes is in the Dean's office, bossing around around this authority figure, who obeys this college guy. That felt over the top and ridiculous, because the story hadn’t done enough to establish how or why the heroes are so powerful that they can order around older authority figures.
I’ve read plenty of dark college RHs where stuff like this happens. But for example, in the Royals of Forsyth University series, the heroes are criminals who are part of a system that their town revolves around. So, if there was a scene where those heroes bossed around the Dean of the college, I could buy it. In another good college RH, Storm the Gates, that’s a world where the heroes are basically CEOs, and the whole city revolves around their companies. So, scenes where those heroes boss around older authority figures also makes sense in THAT story. Because the writer set up the context for it, and did good worldbuilding before any scenes like that came up!
THIS story didn’t set up parameters for this to make sense. Later in this series, there’s another scene where the Dean of the college does something to the heroine. This time, the heroes don’t interfere and boss the Dean around (even though they don’t like what the Dean did). Why did the heroes command the Dean of the college one time, but they somehow weren’t able to do anything another time? There were so many moments like this, where the story had no internal logic.
3) The writing – was weirdly flat. There were several times when something crazy would happen. Like for example, a man appeared in the heroine’s bedroom, and she stabbed and killed him. Reading that, I was like, “Is this a dream sequence?” Because the way it was written has very little build-up or tension. The characters didn’t have much emotional reactions to events like this, and they moved on quickly. There wasn’t much difference in tone between the mellow scenes, and the scenes where crazy shit happened. So, the way this was written, the dramatic moments didn’t really register. I didn’t FEEL them.
4) The plot –went in circles. One of the heroes has a missing sister, and he thought the heroine’s dad killed her, and the heroine helped. So, he kept being like, “I hate you, tell me where my sister is! Just kidding, I know you’re not responsible for her disappearance, let’s have sex! Just kidding, I hate you again, tell me what happened to my sister!”
And we just went around and around on that merry-go-round for three whole books. That isn’t “enemies to lovers.” It’s just tedious.
A lot of other plot stuff felt pointless. Like, the heroine got all this plastic surgery to disguise herself. But her disguise is blown very early into the first book. So, what was the point of that? This story wasted all the mileage it could have gotten around making us wonder when people would discover her big secret. There were MANY parts along those lines, where the story set up something dramatic, but it got revealed or addressed very soon after, and then the story moved on from it quickly, leaving me wondering, “What was the point of that?”
I’m willing to go along with a lot of over the top wild shit in dark RH series. But even when stories are like that, they still need to have the basic elements of good storytelling! This series feels like it was written cynically. Like, the authors were looking to capitalize on what’s trendy on BookTok or whatever – dark RH! Serial killers! College bully! – so they rushed it out. Because people who read this type of stuff don’t care if it makes sense, right? I have no idea if that’s true. Maybe they DID genuinely try to make this good. Whatever the case may be, this had potential, but it flopped.
The plot: the heroine is the daughter of a famous serial killer. Growing up, he made her do murder things with him. He’s now in prison, and she’s trying to have a fresh start at college – she even got plastic surgery so that people wouldn’t recognize her. But, at college, she runs into her old crush. He and the other heroes are the most popular guys on campus, and they’re in a secret society. He recognizes her instantly (yes, that makes her plastic surgery pointless). He thinks her dad killed his sister, and the heroine helped. So, he and his friends manipulate the situation so that she has to live with them, and they bully her.
This is all fine so far! Good set-up - enough to get me to read the whole series, even as my interest faded (since I wanted to find out what would happen). And, “heroine must live with heroes who fuck with her” is a common RH plot. It’s one I often like! The serial killer part is an interesting spin on it. But, there's SO much wrong with this series.
1) The heroine – it's hard to get invested in her, because her personality is inconsistent. We’re told she has no friends and is socially awkward. In the next moment, she’s casually mentioning, “My computer hacker friend.” The next scene, she’s having a great time at a party. So, her personality is all over the place, and keeps contradicting itself. This story also wants to have its cake and eat it too, in terms of making her seem like a compassionate girl who feels guilty about her role in her dad’s crimes…but then, she also suddenly has psycho moments where she enjoys doing violence. Her characterization is a mess.
2) Worldbuilding – it’s not only for fantasy! Even if it’s set in the real world, a story needs to have its own internal logic. This doesn’t.
There’s a scene in the first book where the heroine goes to the Dean of the college. One of the heroes is in the Dean's office, bossing around around this authority figure, who obeys this college guy. That felt over the top and ridiculous, because the story hadn’t done enough to establish how or why the heroes are so powerful that they can order around older authority figures.
I’ve read plenty of dark college RHs where stuff like this happens. But for example, in the Royals of Forsyth University series, the heroes are criminals who are part of a system that their town revolves around. So, if there was a scene where those heroes bossed around the Dean of the college, I could buy it. In another good college RH, Storm the Gates, that’s a world where the heroes are basically CEOs, and the whole city revolves around their companies. So, scenes where those heroes boss around older authority figures also makes sense in THAT story. Because the writer set up the context for it, and did good worldbuilding before any scenes like that came up!
THIS story didn’t set up parameters for this to make sense. Later in this series, there’s another scene where the Dean of the college does something to the heroine. This time, the heroes don’t interfere and boss the Dean around (even though they don’t like what the Dean did). Why did the heroes command the Dean of the college one time, but they somehow weren’t able to do anything another time? There were so many moments like this, where the story had no internal logic.
3) The writing – was weirdly flat. There were several times when something crazy would happen. Like for example, a man appeared in the heroine’s bedroom, and she stabbed and killed him. Reading that, I was like, “Is this a dream sequence?” Because the way it was written has very little build-up or tension. The characters didn’t have much emotional reactions to events like this, and they moved on quickly. There wasn’t much difference in tone between the mellow scenes, and the scenes where crazy shit happened. So, the way this was written, the dramatic moments didn’t really register. I didn’t FEEL them.
4) The plot –went in circles. One of the heroes has a missing sister, and he thought the heroine’s dad killed her, and the heroine helped. So, he kept being like, “I hate you, tell me where my sister is! Just kidding, I know you’re not responsible for her disappearance, let’s have sex! Just kidding, I hate you again, tell me what happened to my sister!”
And we just went around and around on that merry-go-round for three whole books. That isn’t “enemies to lovers.” It’s just tedious.
A lot of other plot stuff felt pointless. Like, the heroine got all this plastic surgery to disguise herself. But her disguise is blown very early into the first book. So, what was the point of that? This story wasted all the mileage it could have gotten around making us wonder when people would discover her big secret. There were MANY parts along those lines, where the story set up something dramatic, but it got revealed or addressed very soon after, and then the story moved on from it quickly, leaving me wondering, “What was the point of that?”
I’m willing to go along with a lot of over the top wild shit in dark RH series. But even when stories are like that, they still need to have the basic elements of good storytelling! This series feels like it was written cynically. Like, the authors were looking to capitalize on what’s trendy on BookTok or whatever – dark RH! Serial killers! College bully! – so they rushed it out. Because people who read this type of stuff don’t care if it makes sense, right? I have no idea if that’s true. Maybe they DID genuinely try to make this good. Whatever the case may be, this had potential, but it flopped.
August 20, 2022
This is a Stellar read! This author duo write seamlessly and brilliantly together. The character development, storyline, and writing are simply phenomenal! I was absolutely entranced by the story from the very start. And , oh my word, that ending, I only have one word to describe it….. Brutal!
Aurora, Cain, Remington, Paxton, and Stellan are all intense, well-developed characters with deep-seated trauma in their pasts. There is Insane chemistry and sexual tension that is palpable between Aurora and the guys. I loved these immensely damaged characters and cannot wait to see where the story takes them.
I 100%, absolutely, positively, highly recommend this book and I will be very excitedly awaiting the next book in this series!
Aurora, Cain, Remington, Paxton, and Stellan are all intense, well-developed characters with deep-seated trauma in their pasts. There is Insane chemistry and sexual tension that is palpable between Aurora and the guys. I loved these immensely damaged characters and cannot wait to see where the story takes them.
I 100%, absolutely, positively, highly recommend this book and I will be very excitedly awaiting the next book in this series!
September 27, 2021
Make Me Lie is a delicious dark and gritty read!
This story is about the daughter of a serial killer who just wants a second chance at university and four dark, cruel men who want to uncover her secrets and maybe make her pay for her sins.
Make Me Lie is a enemies to lovers book that will pull you in and keep you turning the pages to the very end. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This story is about the daughter of a serial killer who just wants a second chance at university and four dark, cruel men who want to uncover her secrets and maybe make her pay for her sins.
Make Me Lie is a enemies to lovers book that will pull you in and keep you turning the pages to the very end. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
September 27, 2021
Oh WOW…where do I even begin. From the very beginning you can just feel the steam come of these pages as you devour each and every moment of this masterpiece! I love me some Sexy, alpha, crazy, and just plain psychotic man candy…but I also found a little piece of my heartbeat going to little miss crazy pants herself. Oh man, this book has it all and so much more. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you need to read this story. If you’re looking for steam rolled pages with a mixture of all the good kind of crazy with a mixture of love thy body, hate thy man…then this book is definitely for you. Aurora is one FMC that offers more to this story than any other I have read about in a long time. From the very beginning it is easy to see that there is more than meets the eye with this one. I honestly can't wait to see what grows from this jaw dropping ending... I need more and quickly!
I will definitely be in a book hangover after that ending…I need more of each and every one of these remarkable characters who have a way of shocking you once again, even when you think you know them. True perfection. One click this baby and I promise you will not be disappointed.
I will definitely be in a book hangover after that ending…I need more of each and every one of these remarkable characters who have a way of shocking you once again, even when you think you know them. True perfection. One click this baby and I promise you will not be disappointed.
September 28, 2021
Make me Lie made me cry!!
Soooooo many emotions in this book - I read it in a day and honest went through the whole spectrum!
I felt so much for Aurora and what she’s been through! She just deserves to be loved and understand…
Cain, Remy, Stellan and Pax are YUM 🤤 and they really bring her out of her shell and bring her confidence - there are sweet moments and also some HOT HOT HOT ones 🔥
I genuinely thought she might have it with the Kings and get her HEA but nooooooo that all crashed and burned …. Raging honestly 😠 I seriously hope Aurora comes back in the next one and does more than the crash and burn of how it ended!!
Honestly I’m a wreck it was sooo good- I need the next one now though please after that torture ladies!!
Soooooo many emotions in this book - I read it in a day and honest went through the whole spectrum!
I felt so much for Aurora and what she’s been through! She just deserves to be loved and understand…
Cain, Remy, Stellan and Pax are YUM 🤤 and they really bring her out of her shell and bring her confidence - there are sweet moments and also some HOT HOT HOT ones 🔥
I genuinely thought she might have it with the Kings and get her HEA but nooooooo that all crashed and burned …. Raging honestly 😠 I seriously hope Aurora comes back in the next one and does more than the crash and burn of how it ended!!
Honestly I’m a wreck it was sooo good- I need the next one now though please after that torture ladies!!
September 27, 2021
I got on this crazy train ride from the very first book and let me tell you I do not want to get off!! Gabriella/Delilah/Aurora, this girl has been through so much from a very young age and when she thinks she's finally free to start anew, well lets just say she will probably never be free. Make Me Lie is dark, twisted, crazy and with oh so steamy moments that will make you want to jump in a cold shower. This RH story is uniquely different and I couldn't sleep until I finished it in one sitting. And baby with that ending!! I am ready to read what will rise from the ashes! Do not sleep on this book
y'all. Trust me you will not be disappointed!!
y'all. Trust me you will not be disappointed!!
October 8, 2021
I desperately need book two as soon as possible! This book gave me such a hangover after it was finished that it was difficult for me to start a new book. May Dawson and CR Jane have done an amazing job of creating a world that draws you in and makes you want more when it is done. Pax is quickly becoming my favorite of the guys, but the others are just as amazing. The ending is amazing but definitely a cliffhanger that makes you NEED the next book!
September 30, 2021
Love this book
When I saw that two of my favorite authors were having a book baby I did a happy dance. I picked up this book started reading it, and then I couldn't put the damn thing down.
There is just something about all of these characters that makes you want to know more about them. Aurora makes you want to wrap her in a blanket and tell her everything will be ok, and the guys? Well, I'll just let decide for yourself... because they definitely tell you that they are not nice guys. Just take a chance
When I saw that two of my favorite authors were having a book baby I did a happy dance. I picked up this book started reading it, and then I couldn't put the damn thing down.
There is just something about all of these characters that makes you want to know more about them. Aurora makes you want to wrap her in a blanket and tell her everything will be ok, and the guys? Well, I'll just let decide for yourself... because they definitely tell you that they are not nice guys. Just take a chance
September 29, 2021
This book was an awesome read that flows along at a really great pace, which is perfect for the story as it is neither too fast nor too slow, but just perfect, it has interesting characters that you want to know more about and you cannot help but fall in love with and a story that grabs you keeping you interested and reading till the last page. This book needs to be read, there is no doubt about it.
Read
June 21, 2023GAAHHHHHH NOPE DNF 50% I should stop reading college-secret-society-we-alphaholes-pretend-to-hate-the-tough-looking-but-in-reality-weak-girl-we-all-like-to-fuck-oh-and-there’s-some-ominous-danger-threatening-our-girl-TROPE
September 29, 2021
I can't wait for more of this series!!
Aurora is our FMC and she was raised by her father, who was a serial killer named The Demon. With him being in jail, Aurora wants a new start to her life. When she goes to college, she completely changes her appearance to not be recognized. This is where she meets Stellan ( who she used to know), Cain, Pax, and Remington. Stellans sister went missing and he thinks her father had something to do with it. The guys make a pact with each other to earn Auroras trust, find out what they want to know then destroy her.
I absolutely loved this book!! Its dark, dirty, and that cliffhanger was brutal to my heart, but it has me so excited for book 2!!! Read this book ASAP!!!!
Aurora is our FMC and she was raised by her father, who was a serial killer named The Demon. With him being in jail, Aurora wants a new start to her life. When she goes to college, she completely changes her appearance to not be recognized. This is where she meets Stellan ( who she used to know), Cain, Pax, and Remington. Stellans sister went missing and he thinks her father had something to do with it. The guys make a pact with each other to earn Auroras trust, find out what they want to know then destroy her.
I absolutely loved this book!! Its dark, dirty, and that cliffhanger was brutal to my heart, but it has me so excited for book 2!!! Read this book ASAP!!!!
September 30, 2021
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS!!!
This story sucked me in from the very beginning!!
This book checks all my boxes!!
✅ Reverse harem
✅ 4 Hotaf guys
✅ Strong FMC with a tortured past (I mean her dad is a serial killer!!)
✅ Dark
✅ Bully
✅ E2L
✅ 🌶
Do I need to say more!?!?! Absolute must read IMO and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!
This story sucked me in from the very beginning!!
This book checks all my boxes!!
✅ Reverse harem
✅ 4 Hotaf guys
✅ Strong FMC with a tortured past (I mean her dad is a serial killer!!)
✅ Dark
✅ Bully
✅ E2L
✅ 🌶
Do I need to say more!?!?! Absolute must read IMO and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!!
September 27, 2021
Serial killer/dark/bully/all the triggers. Ok. I’m in. Our FMC is a little broken but a survivor. And she will no longer be the victim. Better watch out!
December 9, 2023
It’s been a while since I’ve been so equally disappointed and pissed at a book. Doesn’t help I had my hopes set really high for this one given it features the daughter of a serial killer-I may be a wee bit obsessed. But it’s all a front because the bad ass women she projects may have some fighting moves but that’s it. She’s a ginormous doormat and I hated how much shit she took from the guys and how deep their bullying went. There are so many triggers and dangers going on it’s no joke especially given a forum is created on the heroines whereabouts so she can be taken, raped and killed. All this such as outing her background to the school is courtesy of the guys. And this chick just takes it and next minute she’s humping their leg. And the guys are even more disappointing. Talk about hypocrisy at its finest. And the vile disgusting way they used sex with tons of other women, to make her uncomfortable was way beyond necessary. Honestly they appeared weak and so wholly immature it’s no joke. They need a hug from mommy stat. I nearly had to throw in the towel on this one, but damn if I’m not a glutton for punishment speed reading until the end in hopes it would get better. Sure she finally impresses me in the last few pages but it’s almost too late after one more betrayal from the guys and this time I don’t know, this last one hits harder. I’ll prolly give the next one a go but first sign of her caving, hormonal ways or whining when she does what she knows is wrong and I’m out of there. Personally after this final act of the guys I’m really finding it hard to believe I can ever see them as redeemable. The fact they hold so much against her when she too was a victim is only made worse by the hypocrisy of them killing with no remorse when there’s no threat against them as there were against her. Hopefully she can impress me a little before I give up! And alas I’m back to say I only made it to 5% in book two and I’m done for good! Never been so bummed before 😡😡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
After starting the Sick Boys series I was looking for more dark and twisty secret-society-in-college reads. Are we calling this romantic dark academia? Is this a different trope?
Anyways, this takes no time at all dropping you right into the main plot of being the daughter of a serial killer and four hot guys taking an interest in you. About half way through the manic plot slows down and the boys start having individualized motivations and back stories. Hello personalities! The POV switches between most of them with the female protagonist holding it the most interspersed with flashbacks to her childhood with daddy the deadly.
I liked this book enough already be a quarter of the way through the second in the series. I pick characters of loose moral over a little bit of loose writing.
I recommend to people who adapt well to messy romantic characters and enjoy intrigue over concise composition.
Anyways, this takes no time at all dropping you right into the main plot of being the daughter of a serial killer and four hot guys taking an interest in you. About half way through the manic plot slows down and the boys start having individualized motivations and back stories. Hello personalities! The POV switches between most of them with the female protagonist holding it the most interspersed with flashbacks to her childhood with daddy the deadly.
I liked this book enough already be a quarter of the way through the second in the series. I pick characters of loose moral over a little bit of loose writing.
I recommend to people who adapt well to messy romantic characters and enjoy intrigue over concise composition.
September 29, 2021
I didn't want this book to end and cannot wait for book two! Make Me Lie captured my attention instantly with the blurb, but the words I read were everything I didn't know I needed and now can't get enough of. This book is unlike any in its category that I have ever read. Aurora is determinded to give herself a second chance after everything she has worked so hard to change. Being The Demon’s daughter is not a good thing after all the damage he's caused. But what happens when that past she's trying to move on from is suddenly right in front of her face? Cain, Stellan, Paxton and Remington. They think they know who she is, but when pushed too far, Aurora will prove just how wrong they really are and what she's learned from her father.
October 3, 2021
Fast paced dark collage bully RH with a unique twist.
This plot kept me engaged with a heroine that has a dark background that will forever effect her life.
The four guys are all interesting and I would love more of their POV in the next book.
That cliffhanger was killer!
Can’t wait for the next.
New adult. Dark. Multi POV. Cliffhanger.
This plot kept me engaged with a heroine that has a dark background that will forever effect her life.
The four guys are all interesting and I would love more of their POV in the next book.
That cliffhanger was killer!
Can’t wait for the next.
New adult. Dark. Multi POV. Cliffhanger.
September 29, 2021
That ending!! I need the next book ASAP!
The roller coaster this book sent me on was crazy. I'm not sure which way is even up anymore! So much love and hate for every single person! I seriously cannot wait to see where that ending will take us in the next one.
*read for review
The roller coaster this book sent me on was crazy. I'm not sure which way is even up anymore! So much love and hate for every single person! I seriously cannot wait to see where that ending will take us in the next one.
*read for review
October 1, 2023
3.5 Stars
I read this during my dark romance mood in September and didn't review it because I was knocking these books back like they were sugar.
This is my first ever dark romance, where death, torture, dark topics and pasts are very prevalent. The men are toxic, overly possessive, and not entirely likable because of it. Do I mind? Not really. I kind of expected that going into this, but is it still weird? Yes.
And yet I still liked it. It was fun to read something different and taboo.
Dark romance readers, I see you and I get you, for the most part.
I read this during my dark romance mood in September and didn't review it because I was knocking these books back like they were sugar.
This is my first ever dark romance, where death, torture, dark topics and pasts are very prevalent. The men are toxic, overly possessive, and not entirely likable because of it. Do I mind? Not really. I kind of expected that going into this, but is it still weird? Yes.
And yet I still liked it. It was fun to read something different and taboo.
Dark romance readers, I see you and I get you, for the most part.
October 2, 2021
The Demon is an infamous serial killer. A true monster. A sadistic father. He snatched her out of her bed, killed her foster family, and set about raising her to be his legacy. College was supposed to be her second chance at life; her first chance at normal. It wasn't. Her identity discovered, she's now been claimed by the kings of the Sphinx secret society. She traded one cruel master for four. They think they can control her. They will learn.
Aurora. Delilah. Gabriela. No matter what name she goes by, this poor girl has been punished for her mere existence by twisted men. Men who should have protected and loved her but instead violated, abused, and betrayed her. I adore this girl. She makes me hurt as no character has in a while. I had a physical ache reading Aurora's story. I felt such sympathy for her. What an unfair life she has had forced on her at every turn. She's an intricate blend of innocence and ruination overlaid with loneliness. I wanted to be her friend. Show her some kindness and protection from the emotional attacks. I wanted desperately for someone, anyone to reach out to her in the book.
It's a deliciously dark read. I know they are incredibly popular, but I am over bully romances. Or I thought I was. My problem with them is the girl is generally singled out for inane reasons. She's a scholarship student, comes from the wrong neighborhood or income level. She threatens the status quo and the big bad boys are somehow threatened and immature enough that they must lash out instead of confronting their own issues. And the bullying is so over the top, they should all be in jail, yet the girl still finds her panties damp every time they even look her way. Abuse and low self-esteem do not make an unforgettable love story to me. This book is different. Unfortunately for Aurora, it made sense she would be singled out once her new identity was blown. She would be ostracized, targeted, and tormented. People would fear her, be disgusted by her. At best she would be a curiosity. At worst, attacked. Take into account Stellan's belief her father is responsible for his sister's disappearance, and the guy's involvement makes sense. It's personal. Their level of bullying is believable. Most of it was accomplished by simply exposing her. Their escalations of cruel acts interspersed with acts of budding friendships were especially effective. Intended or not, they found Aurora's biggest weakness. She wants connections, friendships, love but she has no experience dealing with normal people other than the brief period she knew Stellan and his sister. She was trained to avoid people, to find weaknesses, and to hurt. She has no idea how to handle teenage emotions or engage in regular life. She would have struggled even if her disguise had held. With the guys deliberately messing with her emotions, she never had a chance. Yes, she would develop feelings for the guys if they showed her acceptance and interest. She's desperate to belong. They should have stayed with the mental games but they went big. Their grand finale was theatrical and orchestrated to bring Aurora to her knees. Yes, it had shock value and hit her hard but I think it was an overreach on their part. Playing with her kept her off-kilter, however, this grand event motivated her. These boys have gone too long without a challenge. They are cocksure, smug in their place in the world. But they have forgotten, their domain is limited. They believe they know evil. Aurora was raised by a true demon while these boys are still playing pretend. I think now they have unleashed Aurora. She has been living afraid; living by the Demon's rules. Now she's going to live by his lessons. I hope they will all learn very quickly how badly they underestimated Aurora. I think too they should be very grateful that ultimately, she is a much better person than any of them. Because of that, they should all live long enough to realize they made a huge mistake and that they not only want this girl, they need her. If her father stays in prison, maybe they will even live long enough to deserve her.
Aurora. Delilah. Gabriela. No matter what name she goes by, this poor girl has been punished for her mere existence by twisted men. Men who should have protected and loved her but instead violated, abused, and betrayed her. I adore this girl. She makes me hurt as no character has in a while. I had a physical ache reading Aurora's story. I felt such sympathy for her. What an unfair life she has had forced on her at every turn. She's an intricate blend of innocence and ruination overlaid with loneliness. I wanted to be her friend. Show her some kindness and protection from the emotional attacks. I wanted desperately for someone, anyone to reach out to her in the book.
It's a deliciously dark read. I know they are incredibly popular, but I am over bully romances. Or I thought I was. My problem with them is the girl is generally singled out for inane reasons. She's a scholarship student, comes from the wrong neighborhood or income level. She threatens the status quo and the big bad boys are somehow threatened and immature enough that they must lash out instead of confronting their own issues. And the bullying is so over the top, they should all be in jail, yet the girl still finds her panties damp every time they even look her way. Abuse and low self-esteem do not make an unforgettable love story to me. This book is different. Unfortunately for Aurora, it made sense she would be singled out once her new identity was blown. She would be ostracized, targeted, and tormented. People would fear her, be disgusted by her. At best she would be a curiosity. At worst, attacked. Take into account Stellan's belief her father is responsible for his sister's disappearance, and the guy's involvement makes sense. It's personal. Their level of bullying is believable. Most of it was accomplished by simply exposing her. Their escalations of cruel acts interspersed with acts of budding friendships were especially effective. Intended or not, they found Aurora's biggest weakness. She wants connections, friendships, love but she has no experience dealing with normal people other than the brief period she knew Stellan and his sister. She was trained to avoid people, to find weaknesses, and to hurt. She has no idea how to handle teenage emotions or engage in regular life. She would have struggled even if her disguise had held. With the guys deliberately messing with her emotions, she never had a chance. Yes, she would develop feelings for the guys if they showed her acceptance and interest. She's desperate to belong. They should have stayed with the mental games but they went big. Their grand finale was theatrical and orchestrated to bring Aurora to her knees. Yes, it had shock value and hit her hard but I think it was an overreach on their part. Playing with her kept her off-kilter, however, this grand event motivated her. These boys have gone too long without a challenge. They are cocksure, smug in their place in the world. But they have forgotten, their domain is limited. They believe they know evil. Aurora was raised by a true demon while these boys are still playing pretend. I think now they have unleashed Aurora. She has been living afraid; living by the Demon's rules. Now she's going to live by his lessons. I hope they will all learn very quickly how badly they underestimated Aurora. I think too they should be very grateful that ultimately, she is a much better person than any of them. Because of that, they should all live long enough to realize they made a huge mistake and that they not only want this girl, they need her. If her father stays in prison, maybe they will even live long enough to deserve her.
October 16, 2021
An intriguing, captivating entry from growing up and living under the violence of serial killer Demon Daddy, now jailed, Aurora seeks anonymity and a new beginning in college. Unfortunately, at least one guy won't let her live her past down, having indirectly suffered at the hands of her psychotic, serial killer father. Stellan, Cain, Pax, and Remington decide to make Aurora pay for her father's crimes, but they can't deny their attraction to her.
The chemistry between them was tingly and each guy, as a character, unique with their special brand of alpha. I liked Aurora's silent strength. There was a hot teaser in the beginning, and I would have enjoyed a higher intensity and frequency of spice. I loved the jealousy and other woman drama.
A book of mystery and suspense that grabbed my interest, but somewhere toward the middle, its pace slowed and changed into a slow burn, which generally isn't my taste. Also, there was a dichotomy between the darkness the guys threaten and what was carried out. In truth, I didn't feel the threat or that the book was dark. Interesting, yes, and so for me, this story was best experienced as a college, bully romantic suspense. I am interested in how their story will play out.
The chemistry between them was tingly and each guy, as a character, unique with their special brand of alpha. I liked Aurora's silent strength. There was a hot teaser in the beginning, and I would have enjoyed a higher intensity and frequency of spice. I loved the jealousy and other woman drama.
A book of mystery and suspense that grabbed my interest, but somewhere toward the middle, its pace slowed and changed into a slow burn, which generally isn't my taste. Also, there was a dichotomy between the darkness the guys threaten and what was carried out. In truth, I didn't feel the threat or that the book was dark. Interesting, yes, and so for me, this story was best experienced as a college, bully romantic suspense. I am interested in how their story will play out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 511 reviews