Dark Taboo Romance Falls Short

 

Hello Friends, 

I have seriously slacked on my blog posts since I started to write my own book, which is going horribly. 

I have also slowed down on how many ARCs I review at a time. When you're on a deadline and rushing to read all of these books at once, it takes the fun out of reading. So this week I am focusing on books that I read in my free time... I am not writing about Onyx Storm this week, because I am still not mentally prepared for it. 

This week, I dove into "Ghost Dick" by Kinsley Kincaid. What drew me to this book? For starters, anything labeled as Dark and Taboo has my immediate attention. If there are trigger warnings, it's an automatic addition to my TBR list. As an avid book collector, I'm always on Mercari hunting for new additions to add to my collection. Every time I come across RIPs edition of "Ghost Dick," it's priced at over $400, which only fueled my desire to read it even more. 

Due to its taboo nature, it wasn't available for download on Amazon, so I went ahead and purchased the paperback edition. The cover is cute, the plot seemed interesting, and the reviews promised it to be a quick read. 

Unfortunately, this turned out to be a terrible read FOR ME. The characters were awful, especially Merrick, who is the MMC. I had to force myself to finish this book.

The story follows Fallom, a girl who is thrust into turmoil after the death of her father. She is forced to move to her father's hometown. Port Canyon, Fallon must live with her estranged grandmother—a very mean and unpleasant woman. Adding to the chaos is the ghost of Fallon's uncle "Merrick," her father's brother, who harbors a resentment towards Fallon. 

The town is cursed, its residents trapped for eternity, compelled to inherit the role of their ancestors. For Fallon, this means becoming a grave keeper, a family duty passed down for generations. The issue for Fallon is that her grandmother has no plans of giving this responsibility up. 

While the premise holds immense potential, the narrative often finds itself overshadowed by the relationship between Fallon and Merrick. Unfortunately, Merrick's character is the weakest link for this book. His childish and immature behavior makes it difficult to sympathize with him or even like him. I can understand his anger about the curse and his dislike for his mom, but his demeanor was so off-putting that I nearly didn't finish the book. Not to mention the overused phrase "stupid little girl."

By the end, Merrick's character remains frustratingly juvenile, even if he appears happier. His relationship with Fallon felt forced. I don't even understand how she could have even fallen for him and had children with him.

Moreover, the other family members and even Fallon's father seemed oddly accepting of this bizarre, frowned-upon incestuous relationship. Obviously, there's more than just a curse going on in this town. 

While the book had the potential to be a captivating tale of family, curses, and supernatural intrigue, it falls short due to the poorly developed character of Merrick.

Before diving into this book, make sure you read any trigger warnings it may have. This book is available in paperback on Amazon. Remember, this is just my opinion on this book. Just because I didn't enjoy the book doesn't mean you won't like it. 

This week I am reading Ruby Wolff's GOAL BOY. 

A Terrible Title for a Book

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Walker Long's "Planet of the Rapes” may raise eyebrows with its title, but don't let that fool you. This book delves deep into themes of female empowerment, inequality, and the consequences of unchecked power.

The story follows Liv, a determined and resilient woman who’s fed up with misogynistic men and the unequal recognition of her efforts. After losing her position to a man, Liv volunteers for a super-secret mission as an astronaut. Joining her are physicist Sanjay and the typical jerk, Duke. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they're sucked into a wormhole, landing on Earth 400 years into the future, where women are treated as slaves and property.

Duke thrives in this new world and, seeing Liv as a threat, has her sold. Liv ends up with a timid and weak young man, whom she inspires to challenge the oppressive norms of the time. Together, they uncover a way to return to their time. Liv learns that Earth's dystopian future was shaped by a misogynistic president, leading to the loss of women’s rights.

"Planet of the Rapes " is a powerful commentary on the importance of gender equality and the dangers of letting regressive ideologies take root. Liv's journey is a testament to resilience and the impact one individual can have on the fight for justice.

Walker Long’s work is a call to action, urging readers to recognize the importance of empowering women and preventing history from repeating itself. Despite its misleading title, the book’s profound message makes it a must-read.

** I do NOT support the use of AI, and I do not support the title or the cover for this book*** I do believe the Author intended for the book to get the negative attention that it has received.

Descending into Darkness: A Captivating Exploration of Love and Obsession in ‘Dark Therapy’ and ‘Til Def’

Hello, Book Lovers!

I hope you all had a Happy New Year! This week, we’re diving into two gripping novels: Nora Blackwoods’s Dark Therapy and Jodie King’s Til Def. Both of these captivating reads center around a compelling and controversial trope: The Doctor/Patient relationship. 

In these books a female protagonists find themselves intrigued by and falling for their dangerously alluring patients, each filled with red flags and thrilling twists. Stay tuned as we explore the dark allure and complex emotions that these novels expertly unravel. Happy reading!

Dark Therapy by Nora Blackwood

Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Prepared to be enthralled by Nora Blackwood’s latest novel, “Dark Therapy,” a gripping dark romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set against the backdrop of a thriving psychology practice, this story follows Amelia Harper, a talented therapist who believes she can heal anyone- until Damien Blackwell, a notorious hit man with a chilling past, walks through her door seeking help for his obsessive nature. 

As Amelia and Damien’s therapy sessions unfold, the lines between reality and nightmare blur, triggering haunting flashbacks of Amelia’s own traumatic past. Vivid dreams and disturbing therapy sessions leave Amelia unsettled yet inexplicably drawn to Damien. The deeper she delves into his dark world, the more she realizes that love can be as dangerous as obsession, and the line between healer and victim is perilously thin.

Dark Therapy masterfully explores the complexities of love, trauma, and the perilous dance between sanity and madness. With its action- packed plot, great world- building, and wonderfully twisted characters, this psychological thriller is a page-turner that will leave you breathless. Whether you’re a fan of dark romance or psychological thrillers, this book is a must-read that will haunt you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Intense Moments To Look Forward To:

In “Dark Therapy,” there is a chilling and suspenseful scene where Amelia, the protagonist, finds herself in a surreal nightmare during one of her therapy sessions. As she delves deeper into Damien’s dark psyche, she starts experiencing vivid, haunting visions that blur the lines between reality and illusion. One particulary crazy moment occurs when Amelia is suddenly transported to a twisted version of her own past, where she confronts her deepest fears and unresolved trauma in a terrifyingly realistic hallucination. This scene is a pivotal moment in the book, as it forces Amelia to questions her own sanity and the true nature of her connection with Damien. The intensity and psychological depth of this scene make it one of the most memorable and heart-pounding parts of the novel.

Thoughts

The intricate and suspenseful storyline kept me hooked from the very beginning, with twists and turns that make it impossible to put this book down. The book begins with a gripping scene where Amelia, the protagonist, receives an anonymous letter with a single, chilling message: “You can’t save him.” This sets the tone for the intense psychological thriller that unfolds.

The characters are deeply developed and multifaceted, particularly the protagonists< Amelia and Damien, whose dark and troubled pasts add depth and troubled pasts add depth to their interactions and emotions. Amerindian Harper is portrayed as a deeply empathetic therapist struggling with her own past traumas, while Damien Blackwell is a hit man with a cold exterior but a haunted vulnerable side. Their complex personalities make their interactions unpredictable and riveting.

The novel delves into the complexities of the human psyche, exploring themes of trauma, obsession, and redemption in a way that resonates with readers and provokes thought. Throughout the book, Amelia delves into Damiens psyche, uncovering layers of his past that reveal the reasons behind his obsessive behavior. These explorations provide profound insights into the human mind and the impact of trauma.

Feedback

Some chapters may feel slower compared to the rest of the book, particularly the early therapy sessions that delve into Damiens past without much action or plot progression. Interspersing these slower sections with more dynamic scenes or subplots could maintain a consistent level of suspense and engagement. 

Certain descriptions, such as Damien’s cold demeanor or Amelias internal struggles, might feel repetitive, impacting the overall narrative flow. Varying the language and finding new ways to convey these character traits can keep the writing fresh and engaging. 

The ending felt a little rushed, leaving me with unanswered questions. Providing a more thorough resolution or epilogue could give readers a sense of closure and satisfaction. 

Whether you’re looking for sizzling chemistry or intense emotional depth, this book has a balance that appeals to fans of dark romance with a penchant for spice!

Til Def by Jodie King

Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche with Jodie King’s “Til Def.” This thrilling dark romance follows Ty, a psychopathic patient at Sacred Heights Asylum, and Raven, a new therapist assigned to help him in his final days before release.

Fifteen years of confinement have only sharpened Ty’s sinister desires, and he sees Raven as the perfect target for his twisted obsession. As raven steps into Ty’s world, she quickly realizes that her mission to heal him is far more dangerous than she anticipated. The line between therapist and patient blurs as Ty’s dark fantasies and Raven’s innocence collide, creating a volatile mix of terror and desire. 

King masterfully crafts a story that is as seductive as it is horrifying, with vivid descriptions and intense scenes that will readers breathless. The psychological depth and raw emotion in “Til Def” make it compelling read for those who crave a dark romance that pushes the boundaries of love and madness. 

With its gripping plot, complex characters, and spine-chilling atmosphere, “Til Def” is a must-read for fans of dark romance and psychological thrillers. Dive into this twisted tale and experience the thrill of a romance that dances on the edge of sanity.

Intense Moments To Look Forward To: 

Without giving away too many spoilers, one of the most intense and craziest moments in “Til Def” occurs when Ty’s calculated manipulation takes a horrifying turn. In a chilling scene, Ty orchestrated a psychological game that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare for Raven. As she navigates this twisted mind game, she finds herself trapped in a perilous situation where her own sanity is at stake. This moment showcases Ty’s dark genius and Raven’s struggle to maintain control, making it one of the most memorable and heart-pounding parts of the book. 

Thoughts

The books delves deep into the minds of Ty and Raven, exploring their psychological complexities. Ty’s manipulation of Raven during therapy sessions keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what he will do next.

Ty is not just a typical antagonist; his charismatic yet dangerous personality makes him a compelling character. Raven’s growth from a naive therapist to someone who confronts her deepest fears add depth to her character arc. 

The novel is filled with unexpected twists and turns. One particularly shocking moment is when Raven discovers Ty’s hidden motives which completely alters the direction of the story.

Feedback 

The middle sections of the book felt slower compared to the intense beginning and end, leading to some loss of momentum. Introducing more dynamic events or subplots in the middle can help maintain a consistent pace and keep readers engaged throughout.

Some secondary characters, such as other patients or staff at the asylum, might not be as well-developed, making them feel more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. Providing more background and depth to these characters can enrich the story and create a more immersive experience.

Jodie King’s writing style is evocative and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the characters’ emotions and dark twisted reality they inhabit. Phrases like, “Ty’s eyes, like black holes, sucked in every ounce of light, leaving Raven shivering in the cold darkness,” showcase her ability to create an immersive reading experience. 

If you’re looking for a dark romance that pushes boundaries and keeps you on the edge of your seat, “Til Def” delivers with unforgettable intensity.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jodie King is a talented British author who has made a name for herself in the world of dark romance. With a passion for storytelling discovered a few years ago, Jodie has been dedicated to crafting captivating and intense narratives that explore themes of darkness, trauma, and romance. Her ability to create gripping, emotionally charged stories makes her a standout author in the dark romance genre. Her unique of darkness and romance continues to captivate readers and leave them eagerly anticipating her next release. 

Some of her notable works include “Hollow Hellion,” “Into Darkness We Fall,”She is also the author of the “The Beast Duet” and “The Hollow’s Trilogy,” which have garnered a dedicated following. 

Nora Blackwood is a renowned author in the dark romance genre, celebrated for her captivating and intense storytelling. With a keen interest exploring the intricacies of love, trauma, and obsession, Nora weaves compelling narratives that keep readers enthralled from start to finish. Her works often delve deep into the psychological aspects of her characters, creating rich and multilayered stories that resonate on an emotional level. Nora skillfully balances dark themes with moments of vulnerability and tenderness, making her novels both thrilling and heart-wrenching. 

Among her notable books are “Dark Therapy” and “Captive Obsession: Obsession of the Mafia Boss,” both of which have garnered praise for their emotional depth and evocative writing.