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Diary of Darkness Special Edition
From best-selling author Arabella Holmes comes a deliciously sinful tale of obsessive love…
They told me I was hideous with a face only a mother could love; a face that haunts your nightmares. They locked me up and kept me hidden away from society like a nasty secret. For years the world rejected me, leaving me chronically untouched and starved of affection, burning to find that special someone who would see beyond my gruesome appearance.
Then I met Jessica and my body ached for her with every fibre of my being. I wanted to do things to her—dirty, filthy things I knew she’d enjoy if only she would let me. But right now, she doesn’t want me to touch her, doesn’t want me to love her. It’s going to take some persuasion, but I know I’ll get there in the end.
My hunger for her consumes my every waking moment, and no matter what, I know she will be mine. I won’t take no for an answer. I will not rest until I possess every single inch of her body and woe betide anyone who comes between us.
Diary of Darkness is a stalker romance with elements of Lovecraftian horror, for those who like their spice on the dark side.
Note from the This story ends on a cliff-hanger and is a dark romance that contains strong horror and graphic violence including one incident of animal cruelty, bullying, stalking, explicit sex, BDSM, knife play and other triggering situations. Diary of Darkness is Book 1 of a duet. If you are of a sensitive disposition, this may not be the book for you. For readers over 18 only.
They told me I was hideous with a face only a mother could love; a face that haunts your nightmares. They locked me up and kept me hidden away from society like a nasty secret. For years the world rejected me, leaving me chronically untouched and starved of affection, burning to find that special someone who would see beyond my gruesome appearance.
Then I met Jessica and my body ached for her with every fibre of my being. I wanted to do things to her—dirty, filthy things I knew she’d enjoy if only she would let me. But right now, she doesn’t want me to touch her, doesn’t want me to love her. It’s going to take some persuasion, but I know I’ll get there in the end.
My hunger for her consumes my every waking moment, and no matter what, I know she will be mine. I won’t take no for an answer. I will not rest until I possess every single inch of her body and woe betide anyone who comes between us.
Diary of Darkness is a stalker romance with elements of Lovecraftian horror, for those who like their spice on the dark side.
Note from the This story ends on a cliff-hanger and is a dark romance that contains strong horror and graphic violence including one incident of animal cruelty, bullying, stalking, explicit sex, BDSM, knife play and other triggering situations. Diary of Darkness is Book 1 of a duet. If you are of a sensitive disposition, this may not be the book for you. For readers over 18 only.
318 pages, Hardcover
Published August 26, 2022
19 people are currently reading
1631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 24, 2025
This was different and quite unique a darkish new adult romance with a paranormal twist. Here Jessica desperate and needing money for her mother's cancer treatment embarks on a course of action that results in some unexpected consequences. Jessica meets Alex a young man who has been living in isolation for years due to his unsightly appearance. Alex has been raised with all of the materialistic advantages but in a cold unloving environment. Jessica by contrast is his opposite both in looks as well as her background. Raised by a single mother and from a council estate what she and her brother lack in riches they more than make up for in love. This is the start of an obsessive relationship one where Alex is determined to acquire the affection of his new obsession whatever the cost. This very much had a beauty and the beast-type vibe that I was intrigued by. I did find Jessica to be rather immature but to be fair she was only nineteen and Alex was twenty-one so these two are basically babies.
So I’m feeling slightly torn over my rating though as whilst I did enjoy parts of this i did feel that the relationship development didn’t seem to flow that authentically. I should stress that I had no issue with the content and blurred consent lines. I was fully aware that this is a dark romance and so obviously do hold them to a separate standard expecting a certain level of toxicity. It was the constant extreme swings of emotion from Jessica herself that I found hard to comprehend. She goes from being terrified to wanting Alex to again being scared and then she loves him but then she wants to break up with him like every five minutes loop repeat and recycle frankly it was exhausting.
I also didn’t find her as kind as I think she was meant to be portrayed here her initial reactions to Alex were more about his appearance whatever she claimed otherwise. It just resounded badly with me especially as she knew exactly what it was like to be excluded and judged by others but then she was doing the exact same thing herself. The declarations of love from her side I felt they came out of nowhere and her actions screamed otherwise. Whilst yes I did believe in Alex’s obsessive adoration that did feel authentic but Jessica well she just seemed slightly contrived and inconsistent and her kind regard dependent on Alex’s continued good behaviour.
Some of the word choices and interactions also felt odd and slightly clunky. How to explain this it was like it sometimes didn’t transcend properly like some steps were missing a component like going A to C and skipping out B entirely so hence it didn’t flow naturally: does that make sense? The sex scenes were hot that’s for sure them I have no fault with yes they were slightly unrealistic as well but that is explained away with the paranormal connection so all good i withheld my scepticism.
I did think this was imaginative and I was somewhat intrigued and I’m interested in seeing where this might eventually go my issue though is my inability to connect with Jessica if one of the main characters in a romance isn’t gelling with me it spoils and colours my experience and Jessica for me came across as flighty like at the first hurdle she’d bolt and run for the hills.
I’m giving this a middle-of-the-road rating as I did like bits of this and it had some good ideas but I’m also unsure yet if I want to continue on with this series. For context though I didn’t find this that dark more of a somewhat toxic obsessive unconventional romance. I voluntary reviewed a copy of Diary of Darkness.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
August 6, 2022
Ok I’ll be honest I’m on the fence about 4 stars. I’m kinda leaning towards 3 because some of the writing style has thrown me off. Let’s start with the story though first.
We meet Alex first, a child desperately wanting to be loved but is kept at a distance purely because he is born not meeting societies standards of “normal”. Which leads him to inviting a demon into himself.
We then meet Jessica a 19 year old working 2 jobs to help take care of her sick mom and little brother. She finds herself at an escort agency to try and get the money needed for her moms treatment and ends up at Alex’s 21st bday that his mom hired her for.
I don’t want to give away to much but there is a push and pull relationship and lots of bumps along the way. A lot of spice too 😉
Overall the story has a lot of potential. Could be a 5 star book honestly however here is what I was missing. I could have done with less of Jessica’s turmoil over her mom and brother. I get it and it really didn’t further the story along. I could have used more time with Alex and Jessica’s relationship. It seemed they went from “get away from me” to “I’ll never leave you” in 2 seconds. It wasn’t believable with all the other things happening. I think adding in more of the demon would have made things really interesting too. These things led me to give it 4 stars.
Now it does end on multiple cliffhangers so I’m very hopeful for the next book.
What makes me lean towards a 3 star review was the writing style itself. Some of the lines the characters themself said didn’t seem like something the characters would say. They didn’t have clear voices. They are both adults, both having to grow up quickly and Alex has a 1000 year old demon in him but some of the things they say sound very childish which also led to it being a bit unbelievable. It didn’t sound like things their characters would say.
Overall I would recommend giving the book a chance, I could be being to harsh because again I think the book had a lot of potential.
We meet Alex first, a child desperately wanting to be loved but is kept at a distance purely because he is born not meeting societies standards of “normal”. Which leads him to inviting a demon into himself.
We then meet Jessica a 19 year old working 2 jobs to help take care of her sick mom and little brother. She finds herself at an escort agency to try and get the money needed for her moms treatment and ends up at Alex’s 21st bday that his mom hired her for.
I don’t want to give away to much but there is a push and pull relationship and lots of bumps along the way. A lot of spice too 😉
Overall the story has a lot of potential. Could be a 5 star book honestly however here is what I was missing. I could have done with less of Jessica’s turmoil over her mom and brother. I get it and it really didn’t further the story along. I could have used more time with Alex and Jessica’s relationship. It seemed they went from “get away from me” to “I’ll never leave you” in 2 seconds. It wasn’t believable with all the other things happening. I think adding in more of the demon would have made things really interesting too. These things led me to give it 4 stars.
Now it does end on multiple cliffhangers so I’m very hopeful for the next book.
What makes me lean towards a 3 star review was the writing style itself. Some of the lines the characters themself said didn’t seem like something the characters would say. They didn’t have clear voices. They are both adults, both having to grow up quickly and Alex has a 1000 year old demon in him but some of the things they say sound very childish which also led to it being a bit unbelievable. It didn’t sound like things their characters would say.
Overall I would recommend giving the book a chance, I could be being to harsh because again I think the book had a lot of potential.
September 3, 2022
Diary of Darkness is the first installment in the Dark Diaries duet by Arabella Holmes. This dark gritty romance novel is gripping, twisted, and sinful. This book is not for the faint of heart so please check trigger warnings. Fans of haunting dark romance stories with supernatural elements, obsessive stalking, suspense, and spicy scenes then readers will love this tale. This book does end of a cliffhanger.
Jessica Gardner is a beautiful, intelligent, and motivated young woman. She was raised by her devoted mother, Cynthia, but never had a father figure to rely on. Jessica grew up poor and endured years of bullying by her peers. She has always been an outcast but maintains a positive attitude. She works more than one waitressing job to help pay for her ailing mother’s cancer treatments. Jessica is a likable and relatable character that readers will easily connect with. She is devoted to her mother and autistic younger brother, Freddie. She will do anything for them — including selling her virginity.
Alex Kingswood has been locked up at Claremont Hall Manor and hidden from society since birth. His face is severely disfigured and his family believe he’s satanic by nature. His father, Neville, abuses him often and even purposely runs over Alex’s beloved kitten. One day as a young boy, he finds a Ouija board and excitedly plays with it. An evil entity named Erasmus appears and bonds with his subconscious. Strange happenings occur in the manor and one by one, each employee leaves in fear of the hauntings. Alex’s father is killed and his mother, Beatrix, is too scared to leave her son. She believes he is possessed and the demon will harm her if she doesn’t take care of him.
Cynthia hires Jessica to Alex’s 21st birthday celebration at the manor with the hope an intimate connection with a female will have a positive impact. Jessica is shocked and repulsed by his appearance but keeps her composure. Alex is a gentleman and knows exactly why she is there but tells her he won’t take advantage of her. That dinner sparks his obsession with Jessica. He compensates her half of the money she was supposed to make for the company and doesn’t push for more. He follows her home as he wants to see where she lives, where she works, what she likes, etc.
Alex will go to any length to claim Jessica. He will protect her against childhood bullies, handsy men, and financial concerns. He manipulates his powers to draw Jessica in and make her love him. She feels desire for him and he is able control her with his touch. He overwhelms her senses and emotions. Jessica will be his forever, no matter what he has to do to prove it to her.
Arabella Holmes did a magnificent job with this series starter. It’s original and haunting in all the best ways. I definitely feel like this book could be a horror movie!
Tropes: Dark romance, stalker romance, supernatural, demons, possession, virgin heroine, virgin hero
Heat: 4/5
Jessica Gardner is a beautiful, intelligent, and motivated young woman. She was raised by her devoted mother, Cynthia, but never had a father figure to rely on. Jessica grew up poor and endured years of bullying by her peers. She has always been an outcast but maintains a positive attitude. She works more than one waitressing job to help pay for her ailing mother’s cancer treatments. Jessica is a likable and relatable character that readers will easily connect with. She is devoted to her mother and autistic younger brother, Freddie. She will do anything for them — including selling her virginity.
Alex Kingswood has been locked up at Claremont Hall Manor and hidden from society since birth. His face is severely disfigured and his family believe he’s satanic by nature. His father, Neville, abuses him often and even purposely runs over Alex’s beloved kitten. One day as a young boy, he finds a Ouija board and excitedly plays with it. An evil entity named Erasmus appears and bonds with his subconscious. Strange happenings occur in the manor and one by one, each employee leaves in fear of the hauntings. Alex’s father is killed and his mother, Beatrix, is too scared to leave her son. She believes he is possessed and the demon will harm her if she doesn’t take care of him.
Cynthia hires Jessica to Alex’s 21st birthday celebration at the manor with the hope an intimate connection with a female will have a positive impact. Jessica is shocked and repulsed by his appearance but keeps her composure. Alex is a gentleman and knows exactly why she is there but tells her he won’t take advantage of her. That dinner sparks his obsession with Jessica. He compensates her half of the money she was supposed to make for the company and doesn’t push for more. He follows her home as he wants to see where she lives, where she works, what she likes, etc.
Alex will go to any length to claim Jessica. He will protect her against childhood bullies, handsy men, and financial concerns. He manipulates his powers to draw Jessica in and make her love him. She feels desire for him and he is able control her with his touch. He overwhelms her senses and emotions. Jessica will be his forever, no matter what he has to do to prove it to her.
Arabella Holmes did a magnificent job with this series starter. It’s original and haunting in all the best ways. I definitely feel like this book could be a horror movie!
Tropes: Dark romance, stalker romance, supernatural, demons, possession, virgin heroine, virgin hero
Heat: 4/5
August 16, 2022
Quasimodo meets The Beast... But make it vicious
What if Quasimodo wasn't a helpless victim, but rather a predator in his own right? A victim of circumstance, but a master made from opportunity.
This book is deliciously seductive. I could FEEL my heart racing and my mind being torn in time with Jess, the FMC.
Who could love a monster? Well, apparently me. And if dark retellings, suspense, paranormal, and dominant alphas are your thing- so will you.
I devoured this book and will eagerly await book 2.
Being a US reader, I did have to look up some of the UK lingo, but it didn't slow me down one bit.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
What if Quasimodo wasn't a helpless victim, but rather a predator in his own right? A victim of circumstance, but a master made from opportunity.
This book is deliciously seductive. I could FEEL my heart racing and my mind being torn in time with Jess, the FMC.
Who could love a monster? Well, apparently me. And if dark retellings, suspense, paranormal, and dominant alphas are your thing- so will you.
I devoured this book and will eagerly await book 2.
Being a US reader, I did have to look up some of the UK lingo, but it didn't slow me down one bit.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 25, 2022
I DNF'ed this book for a couple of reasons.
I wish the content warning had included animal cruelty and animal death. I get the book was dark themed but I also feel like that is one that is really big for a lot of people.
I went in knowing it was Stalker-themed. But the vibes were all wrong the male main character comes across as very childish while having super adult thoughts and it just didn't feel great.
But it was honestly one line that just stopped me cold. When rimming is described as being like they are licking Nutella from a spoon. It just crossed a big line there for me and my desire for reading erotica.
I wish the content warning had included animal cruelty and animal death. I get the book was dark themed but I also feel like that is one that is really big for a lot of people.
I went in knowing it was Stalker-themed. But the vibes were all wrong the male main character comes across as very childish while having super adult thoughts and it just didn't feel great.
But it was honestly one line that just stopped me cold. When rimming is described as being like they are licking Nutella from a spoon. It just crossed a big line there for me and my desire for reading erotica.
August 31, 2022
Thank you Booksirens for the arc.
Diary of Darkness is a dark romance linked with the paranormal and the morally corrupt.
We get to discover Alex's story. His troubling youth, his unloving parents, his fears and the way he got to cope.
We then meet Jessica. She's struggling through jobs to gain money for her mother's medical care. But the money needed is way too much compared to what she earns through her honest work.
I quite enjoyed this story. It is dark and I mean DARK. It deals with dark themes and emotions. And the spice? Yes please give me more. The creepiness, the paranormal aspect, the devotion...
I really enjoyed the side characters, particularly on Jessica's side. They were realistic and likeable. As for Alex's, they were great but I would've liked a tiny bit more overall. Maybe more interactions with Jessica or just overall with Alex.
What I would have seen differently was the emotions from Jessica toward Alex. When reading it seems as though they just appeared suddenly. We don't get to experience the creation of these emotions.
I'd love to read more of this universe!
Diary of Darkness is a dark romance linked with the paranormal and the morally corrupt.
We get to discover Alex's story. His troubling youth, his unloving parents, his fears and the way he got to cope.
We then meet Jessica. She's struggling through jobs to gain money for her mother's medical care. But the money needed is way too much compared to what she earns through her honest work.
I quite enjoyed this story. It is dark and I mean DARK. It deals with dark themes and emotions. And the spice? Yes please give me more. The creepiness, the paranormal aspect, the devotion...
I really enjoyed the side characters, particularly on Jessica's side. They were realistic and likeable. As for Alex's, they were great but I would've liked a tiny bit more overall. Maybe more interactions with Jessica or just overall with Alex.
What I would have seen differently was the emotions from Jessica toward Alex. When reading it seems as though they just appeared suddenly. We don't get to experience the creation of these emotions.
I'd love to read more of this universe!
August 11, 2022
Alex was kept hidden away, his appearance was said to be gods punishment for his families sins, his only friend was that of Eramus who arrived after Alex let him through the Ouiji Board, that is until her. Jessica is a woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders juggling 2 jobs to help with her ill mum and little brother, she finds her self hired as an escort for Alex's 21st birthday. Alex is instantly drawn to Jessica but she is terrified of him and the aura he brings. Alex is determined to have her and he will go to any length to prove it. Will Jessica cave to her true feelings? Will Alex's darker side prove to be to much?
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for book 2! The story had depth, detailed scenes, desires, dark themes, obsession, steamy scenes, violence, manipulation, paranormal and more! a beauty and the beast themed story, that hooks your imagination from the start.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for book 2! The story had depth, detailed scenes, desires, dark themes, obsession, steamy scenes, violence, manipulation, paranormal and more! a beauty and the beast themed story, that hooks your imagination from the start.
August 30, 2022
Diary of Darkness, book 1, by Arabella Holmes
I found this book to be very interesting. This is the first in a duet and I can’t wait to read the second book. The story starts off with the birth of Alex. The father (Neville) says the baby is to ugly to be his. Everyone around Alex always reminded him that he was ugly. His mother (Beatrix) cried because of the way he looked. There are so many twists and turns in this story, first I felt so sorry for Alex but after a while, he started to change. After his father fell down the stairs and died when Alex was only ten things got worse. I could not put this book down and it was like the pages turned themselves. I highly recommend this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this book to be very interesting. This is the first in a duet and I can’t wait to read the second book. The story starts off with the birth of Alex. The father (Neville) says the baby is to ugly to be his. Everyone around Alex always reminded him that he was ugly. His mother (Beatrix) cried because of the way he looked. There are so many twists and turns in this story, first I felt so sorry for Alex but after a while, he started to change. After his father fell down the stairs and died when Alex was only ten things got worse. I could not put this book down and it was like the pages turned themselves. I highly recommend this story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2022
*ARC REVIEW*
I'm giving this a tentative 4 stars. For me, the book was good but not great. There was not enough buildup between the characters and yet there was TOO much. The book focused a lot on the turmoil of the mom and brother for that to not go practically anywhere. Hopefully this gets explored in book 2, but regardless I had a good time with this! Can't wait for book 2.
I'm giving this a tentative 4 stars. For me, the book was good but not great. There was not enough buildup between the characters and yet there was TOO much. The book focused a lot on the turmoil of the mom and brother for that to not go practically anywhere. Hopefully this gets explored in book 2, but regardless I had a good time with this! Can't wait for book 2.
August 23, 2022
Check TW and CW. This book with stalking was right up my alley, lol. It was a gripping read I had to see how things were playing out. But that ending wow. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2022
Let me start off by saying this read has some darker parts to it. Please read the trigger warnings before going into this.
There is a little bit of a beauty and the beast feel to this novel with some insta-lova. The MC lives in isolation because of his appearance but is instantly hooked on the FMC and even a little obsessive.
This book had so many great things tied into it and the story isn't over! Drama, romance, tension, and so much more! It hooked me from the first line and kept me turning the pages long into the night.
Do enjoy this read with so many good aspects and twists! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a little bit of a beauty and the beast feel to this novel with some insta-lova. The MC lives in isolation because of his appearance but is instantly hooked on the FMC and even a little obsessive.
This book had so many great things tied into it and the story isn't over! Drama, romance, tension, and so much more! It hooked me from the first line and kept me turning the pages long into the night.
Do enjoy this read with so many good aspects and twists! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2022
I should stop guiding myself just because a book is based on Beauty and the Beast and because it has a beautiful cover…
January 27, 2024
Plot: ✅️✅️✅️/5
Characters: 👍👍.5/5
Spice: 🥵🥵/5
Diving into Arabella Holmes' "Diary of Darkness" took me on a trip down 90s memory lane, with a mix of emotions stirred by this tale of obsessive love and dark mysteries.
Now, the book throws in some tropes I usually dig, but the execution didn't quite hit the mark for me. Alex's demonic possession had the potential to be a juicy twist, but it kind of fizzled out without much detail.
Jess's emotional rollercoaster from horror to love happened a little too fast to be believed.
As for the spice factor, it's there, but the heat feels a bit awkward. Some of the wording came off a little immature.
On the flip side, big shoutout to the author for throwing it back to the 90s. That setting was my jam, and it added a rad touch to the whole vibe.
The book wraps up with a cliffhanger. Leaves you hanging, pondering what will come next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Characters: 👍👍.5/5
Spice: 🥵🥵/5
Diving into Arabella Holmes' "Diary of Darkness" took me on a trip down 90s memory lane, with a mix of emotions stirred by this tale of obsessive love and dark mysteries.
Now, the book throws in some tropes I usually dig, but the execution didn't quite hit the mark for me. Alex's demonic possession had the potential to be a juicy twist, but it kind of fizzled out without much detail.
Jess's emotional rollercoaster from horror to love happened a little too fast to be believed.
As for the spice factor, it's there, but the heat feels a bit awkward. Some of the wording came off a little immature.
On the flip side, big shoutout to the author for throwing it back to the 90s. That setting was my jam, and it added a rad touch to the whole vibe.
The book wraps up with a cliffhanger. Leaves you hanging, pondering what will come next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2022
4.8 out of 5 stars!
"Of course, I always knew I was ugly." - First line of the book!
Alex has known ever since he was born that he had a deformed face. One that would cause many to steer clear of him or make rude comments about. His home soon became a prison he couldn't venture out of, not that he wanted to. Lacking any human touch of any kind Alex grew darker.
Until Jessica brought some hope into his life. Only his face is stopping her from getting near him. He knows she's repulsed and she is far out of his league. But could she look past his face? He knows that she would appreciate everything he could do for her. Or will he be cursed to remain alone and untouched until the day he dies? And why is the mansion so empty of people?
"Stop the world I want to get off." - Jessica
I can completely relate to this line! Jessica was a great FMC and I enjoyed reading about her. Her journey throughout the book was interesting and I am very much ready for the next part. Having a rough past and a taxing home life weighs on her. Jess has had to make some life changes to accommodate things.
Sometimes we make decisions based on our surroundings and circumstances that might not be the best. Even with good intentions. Jess has had to make some hard calls and it will break your heart in some areas. Not to mention having had to come to terms with things never happening for her.
Alex, I really loved his character. Just the sheer psychological aspects and how things defined who he became were insane. If you really get into the mental state of things you can fully grasp and understand where he is coming from. Some things may seem over the top and weird, but his need for filling voids is very clear. His character will speak to your heart and break it.
There was also a scene where Alex gifts another character something and I absolutely loved it! Not to mention this scene that will make your toes curl. . . Honestly, can't stop thinking about it and how well written it was!
So. . .this book. . .is a very dark read. I had the vibe of a Psychological Thriller all throughout the book! The cliffhanger cut off perfectly! I want the next part to this book because I have to know how this all ends. This book had some Lovecraftian, Horror, Paranormal aspects and Dark Romance. There's stalking and obsession in this book along with some violence and gore.
Please, read the trigger warnings because within the first chapter many of the triggers are brought forth.
There is a scene with an attempt of SA, but it is stopped. Sorry if this is a spoiler, but the ending to the scene was epic and had my dark side cheering. Let's just say the ones who tried got instant karma. . . Bullying is another thing that appears in this book along with language. Again, this is a dark read.
I just loved this story so much! I will say, at the beginning I felt like there was some flashbacks that could have been spaced out more with the second main lead who was introduced. Some of the paragraphs are a little lengthy but once I got past the flashbacks and into the meat of the plot I was hooked! I will be getting this book's physical form whenever I can!
I got vibes of "Rigoletto" and "Beauty and the Beast" throughout the entire book. This book had so many great things tied into it and the story isn't over! The drama, romance, tension, and just so much more! I feel like this is a book I could gush about for hours!
Do enjoy this read with so many good aspects and twists! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
"Of course, I always knew I was ugly." - First line of the book!
Alex has known ever since he was born that he had a deformed face. One that would cause many to steer clear of him or make rude comments about. His home soon became a prison he couldn't venture out of, not that he wanted to. Lacking any human touch of any kind Alex grew darker.
Until Jessica brought some hope into his life. Only his face is stopping her from getting near him. He knows she's repulsed and she is far out of his league. But could she look past his face? He knows that she would appreciate everything he could do for her. Or will he be cursed to remain alone and untouched until the day he dies? And why is the mansion so empty of people?
"Stop the world I want to get off." - Jessica
I can completely relate to this line! Jessica was a great FMC and I enjoyed reading about her. Her journey throughout the book was interesting and I am very much ready for the next part. Having a rough past and a taxing home life weighs on her. Jess has had to make some life changes to accommodate things.
Sometimes we make decisions based on our surroundings and circumstances that might not be the best. Even with good intentions. Jess has had to make some hard calls and it will break your heart in some areas. Not to mention having had to come to terms with things never happening for her.
Alex, I really loved his character. Just the sheer psychological aspects and how things defined who he became were insane. If you really get into the mental state of things you can fully grasp and understand where he is coming from. Some things may seem over the top and weird, but his need for filling voids is very clear. His character will speak to your heart and break it.
There was also a scene where Alex gifts another character something and I absolutely loved it! Not to mention this scene that will make your toes curl. . . Honestly, can't stop thinking about it and how well written it was!
So. . .this book. . .is a very dark read. I had the vibe of a Psychological Thriller all throughout the book! The cliffhanger cut off perfectly! I want the next part to this book because I have to know how this all ends. This book had some Lovecraftian, Horror, Paranormal aspects and Dark Romance. There's stalking and obsession in this book along with some violence and gore.
Please, read the trigger warnings because within the first chapter many of the triggers are brought forth.
There is a scene with an attempt of SA, but it is stopped. Sorry if this is a spoiler, but the ending to the scene was epic and had my dark side cheering. Let's just say the ones who tried got instant karma. . . Bullying is another thing that appears in this book along with language. Again, this is a dark read.
I just loved this story so much! I will say, at the beginning I felt like there was some flashbacks that could have been spaced out more with the second main lead who was introduced. Some of the paragraphs are a little lengthy but once I got past the flashbacks and into the meat of the plot I was hooked! I will be getting this book's physical form whenever I can!
I got vibes of "Rigoletto" and "Beauty and the Beast" throughout the entire book. This book had so many great things tied into it and the story isn't over! The drama, romance, tension, and just so much more! I feel like this is a book I could gush about for hours!
Do enjoy this read with so many good aspects and twists! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
January 1, 2024
2.5 stars
Beauty and the Beast retelling. I'm not a fan of this one. The writing wasn't nice and the flow was super disjointed. The dialogs were bad, the characters weren't good. This was supposed to be pre-2000 England but they don't talk like English people do (at least I don't think so), safe for the one or two phrases the author kept using. Idk, it really felt different from other books I've read with English characters, this one seems Americanized or something.
Writing just wasn't good overall.
Alex was born ugly and was possessed by a demon from the time he played with an Ouija board. The demon inside him killed his father when he was protecting his mother from being beaten. The background of the demon wasn't developed at all, why would a powerful demon knowingly half-possess a human instead of just completely? In the end, it said that Alex won and the demon had the backseat.
Jessica's mom had cancer and her little brother had autism and ADHD. She needed money for her mom's treatment in Germany so she decided to sell off her virginity. Alex's mom booked her and brought her to their estate. Alex initially refused and offered half the money just for dinner together, but he eventually offered to give the rest of the money if she'd sleep with him. Jessica wasn't up to it already since he declined first so she went home.
Jessica went on with her life, got stood up by a date, while Alex began to stalk her daily. She soon begged to meet him again and asked him to loan her money. Alex agreed but still wanted the sex so she lost their virginity. There was a lot of back and forth between the two mainly from her side as she got to know all his little weirdnesses, but they just came off annoying to me. There's no tension and the push-pull took so many pages that it was just so so odd when Jessica told him that he loved him. It started off with him demanding her to just say it but she really genuinely loved him, like where did that come from? Nowhere.
It was only 90% in the book that Alex revealed his powers to her. He'd been gaslighting his own mother that he didn't have powers and that his mom was just imagining things because he made a promise to the demon that he'd never tell. But here he was just casually letting Jessica know without resistance. And also, if the demon didn't have control over Alex, why the hell would he just tell his mother, he didn't have to keep his promise anymore.
The book ended unfinished (Jessica's pregnant), I'm guessing there's a sequel to this but Goodreads isn't indicating that at the moment so idk.
Overall, not a fan.
Beauty and the Beast retelling. I'm not a fan of this one. The writing wasn't nice and the flow was super disjointed. The dialogs were bad, the characters weren't good. This was supposed to be pre-2000 England but they don't talk like English people do (at least I don't think so), safe for the one or two phrases the author kept using. Idk, it really felt different from other books I've read with English characters, this one seems Americanized or something.
Writing just wasn't good overall.
Lord Jesus, her breasts are enormous, made all the more prominent by the snow-white Wonderbra cupping each of those glorious olive-coloured peaks.This sentence just doesn't make sense logistically. You can't just smush everything into one sentence like this, you can't both see the bra on her and her nipples at the same time bro. Unless there's a disclaimer that the bra was seethrough or something.
Alex was born ugly and was possessed by a demon from the time he played with an Ouija board. The demon inside him killed his father when he was protecting his mother from being beaten. The background of the demon wasn't developed at all, why would a powerful demon knowingly half-possess a human instead of just completely? In the end, it said that Alex won and the demon had the backseat.
Jessica's mom had cancer and her little brother had autism and ADHD. She needed money for her mom's treatment in Germany so she decided to sell off her virginity. Alex's mom booked her and brought her to their estate. Alex initially refused and offered half the money just for dinner together, but he eventually offered to give the rest of the money if she'd sleep with him. Jessica wasn't up to it already since he declined first so she went home.
Jessica went on with her life, got stood up by a date, while Alex began to stalk her daily. She soon begged to meet him again and asked him to loan her money. Alex agreed but still wanted the sex so she lost their virginity. There was a lot of back and forth between the two mainly from her side as she got to know all his little weirdnesses, but they just came off annoying to me. There's no tension and the push-pull took so many pages that it was just so so odd when Jessica told him that he loved him. It started off with him demanding her to just say it but she really genuinely loved him, like where did that come from? Nowhere.
It was only 90% in the book that Alex revealed his powers to her. He'd been gaslighting his own mother that he didn't have powers and that his mom was just imagining things because he made a promise to the demon that he'd never tell. But here he was just casually letting Jessica know without resistance. And also, if the demon didn't have control over Alex, why the hell would he just tell his mother, he didn't have to keep his promise anymore.
The book ended unfinished (Jessica's pregnant), I'm guessing there's a sequel to this but Goodreads isn't indicating that at the moment so idk.
Overall, not a fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
The spice was pretty good, but everything else felt meh and I'm sad about that because it could have been SO MUCH BETTER! Also, I did NOT care for Jessica.
PLOT:
Jessica is a desperate girl trying to auction off her virginity to obtain enough funds to pay for her mother's cancer treatment. She agrees to meet a strange man who will pay her the full amount but there's just one problem, he's hideously deformed and possessed.
THOUGHTS:
This book could have been amazing and I'm so sad that it wasn't. The bones are there, the characters could have been great but the storytelling and plot was just NOT there.
Let me explain -
We meet Jessica the heroine and she's a hardworking girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's trying to help her her mother who's suffering from cancer. She's just realized she's gorgeous (seriously??) and she consults an agency asking them to auction off her virginity.
I wanted to love Jessica, I really did but I just couldn't connect to her. First off the characters (Alex and Jessica) the names are just SO generic and boring. We get to see so much of Alex's thoughts and intent but like nothing from her? Like tbh I don't even know if she actually LIKES Alex at all by the end. She's hardworking, doesn't complain and is gorgeous .... That's all we get. She doesn't seem to have aspirations or goals or interests and her feelings change CONSTANTLY, it got to be exhausting after a while. It was all very bland and boring IMO (like she goes on one actual date, she's bullied by some cow who's like obsessed with her for some reason and she works at a burger place that's it, that's all we get from her.)
Then there's the plot.. or lack of it. Literally if Alex would have just kept her and not let her go home it could of been a beauty and the beast type thing and they could connect. Instead we get Alex being a stalker, Jennifer doing super boring menial things and then they have sex and she goes home. Like it's the same thing over and over again and we never see them actually bond or get to know each other. I really think the book would have been improved by being a single volume. As a duet it makes it feel completely unfinished and unsatisfying.
- the smut was pretty good, we love a good hung ml and I really wanted to see a lot more tentacle play but nope, just a few pretty good scenes to keep us going while while we meander through the plot and only ONE tentacle scene :(
Lastly.... I WANT ROMANCE??? or at least character development. I barely see how these characters fit together and I didn't get Jessica bouncing between love and hate constantly. We barely see them talk or bond and most of the book is Alex stalking her and her being boring. Alex was interesting and morally grey but she was just annoying and kind of dramatic.
PLOT:
Jessica is a desperate girl trying to auction off her virginity to obtain enough funds to pay for her mother's cancer treatment. She agrees to meet a strange man who will pay her the full amount but there's just one problem, he's hideously deformed and possessed.
THOUGHTS:
This book could have been amazing and I'm so sad that it wasn't. The bones are there, the characters could have been great but the storytelling and plot was just NOT there.
Let me explain -
We meet Jessica the heroine and she's a hardworking girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's trying to help her her mother who's suffering from cancer. She's just realized she's gorgeous (seriously??) and she consults an agency asking them to auction off her virginity.
I wanted to love Jessica, I really did but I just couldn't connect to her. First off the characters (Alex and Jessica) the names are just SO generic and boring. We get to see so much of Alex's thoughts and intent but like nothing from her? Like tbh I don't even know if she actually LIKES Alex at all by the end. She's hardworking, doesn't complain and is gorgeous .... That's all we get. She doesn't seem to have aspirations or goals or interests and her feelings change CONSTANTLY, it got to be exhausting after a while. It was all very bland and boring IMO (like she goes on one actual date, she's bullied by some cow who's like obsessed with her for some reason and she works at a burger place that's it, that's all we get from her.)
Then there's the plot.. or lack of it. Literally if Alex would have just kept her and not let her go home it could of been a beauty and the beast type thing and they could connect. Instead we get Alex being a stalker, Jennifer doing super boring menial things and then they have sex and she goes home. Like it's the same thing over and over again and we never see them actually bond or get to know each other. I really think the book would have been improved by being a single volume. As a duet it makes it feel completely unfinished and unsatisfying.
- the smut was pretty good, we love a good hung ml and I really wanted to see a lot more tentacle play but nope, just a few pretty good scenes to keep us going while while we meander through the plot and only ONE tentacle scene :(
Lastly.... I WANT ROMANCE??? or at least character development. I barely see how these characters fit together and I didn't get Jessica bouncing between love and hate constantly. We barely see them talk or bond and most of the book is Alex stalking her and her being boring. Alex was interesting and morally grey but she was just annoying and kind of dramatic.
May 28, 2023
VERY MIXED FEELINGS.
NOT QUITE SURE WHAT TO FEEL FOR THIS...IT WAS...and I don't wish or mean to sound harsh but, it was like a C-List horror movie porno. Don't get me wrong the sex scenes were fucking hot, but I think the romantic pacing between the MCs was choppy at best. I couldn't get over how the heroine didn't even want to be near the hero, and when she fell onto his cock, it was gameover. Where's the romance? Alex was a bit too clingy, and not in a sexy way...but rather a snotty brat kind of way. And Jessica was constantly pushing him away, until he 'manipulated' with sex and she's all over him. She failed to convince me that she truly loved Alex for who he was.
There were bits and pieces of the story that I liked, and mostly didn't.
While I adored that DOD had an obsessive male lead, the way he just fell for the heroine's beauty and made up his mind to have her felt...unrealistic and almost comical, not to mention superficial when he already hated everyone who judged him based on his beastly/demonic looks. The entire story truly read like a badly scripted movie, except for the sex scenes - one reason I stayed. Not sorry for it.
This had potential. The idea was blooming but, I don't know if it's because the genre was leaning towards New YA...I couldn't quite enjoy this. The plot was so-so and I'm uncertain where this duet would even lead to. There's a definite cliffhanger, and honestly I'm just dying to know what Alex's reaction would be - no doubt - he would be ecstatic and proud of himself, and eventually become even more obsessive.
OVERALL what doesn't work for me is the odd demonic possession that played a questionable role in the story. I mean, what was the point? This turned from kinky to horror sci-fi. Personally I would have enjoyed it better if everything wasn't so insta-love or insta-lust. Wasn't the whole purpose of romancing the girl meant to have her fall in love with Alex's character and not his magical thick cock? I don't buy into the romance at all. All I got was a heavy load of lust and well, if you're looking for horny shit, then this is the right pit stop, otherwise I wouldn't call this your average romance. At least, not my type of romance.
To read or not to read? Well, in conclusion, it was HOT. The rest is up to you, my fellow reader.
NOT QUITE SURE WHAT TO FEEL FOR THIS...IT WAS...and I don't wish or mean to sound harsh but, it was like a C-List horror movie porno. Don't get me wrong the sex scenes were fucking hot, but I think the romantic pacing between the MCs was choppy at best. I couldn't get over how the heroine didn't even want to be near the hero, and when she fell onto his cock, it was gameover. Where's the romance? Alex was a bit too clingy, and not in a sexy way...but rather a snotty brat kind of way. And Jessica was constantly pushing him away, until he 'manipulated' with sex and she's all over him. She failed to convince me that she truly loved Alex for who he was.
There were bits and pieces of the story that I liked, and mostly didn't.
While I adored that DOD had an obsessive male lead, the way he just fell for the heroine's beauty and made up his mind to have her felt...unrealistic and almost comical, not to mention superficial when he already hated everyone who judged him based on his beastly/demonic looks. The entire story truly read like a badly scripted movie, except for the sex scenes - one reason I stayed. Not sorry for it.
This had potential. The idea was blooming but, I don't know if it's because the genre was leaning towards New YA...I couldn't quite enjoy this. The plot was so-so and I'm uncertain where this duet would even lead to. There's a definite cliffhanger, and honestly I'm just dying to know what Alex's reaction would be - no doubt - he would be ecstatic and proud of himself, and eventually become even more obsessive.
OVERALL what doesn't work for me is the odd demonic possession that played a questionable role in the story. I mean, what was the point? This turned from kinky to horror sci-fi. Personally I would have enjoyed it better if everything wasn't so insta-love or insta-lust. Wasn't the whole purpose of romancing the girl meant to have her fall in love with Alex's character and not his magical thick cock? I don't buy into the romance at all. All I got was a heavy load of lust and well, if you're looking for horny shit, then this is the right pit stop, otherwise I wouldn't call this your average romance. At least, not my type of romance.
To read or not to read? Well, in conclusion, it was HOT. The rest is up to you, my fellow reader.
December 25, 2023
Story: 📖📖
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay, so hear me out…this is absolutely absurd. So bad that it’s actually entertaining. Now I’m not exactly sure if it was the writers intent to make this is ridiculous as possible. But, I’m kind of not really mad at it. You are going to laugh. A lot. People might look at you crazy but it’s worth it.
I did a buddyread and it was such a fun experience reading this together. If you’re looking for something lighthearted, silly, sometimes grotesque this will definitely do the job.
Here are the details:
You’ve got Alex, a disfigured young man who has been locked away for the majority of his life. His only companions: his mother and his porn collection. Now, if you’ve ever wondered how men possibly might behave under these conditions get ready. For his birthday his mother orders him an escort. How we got …there just don’t ask.
Cue Jennifer/Jessica honestly it doesn’t matter. She has the worst life ever. She works at a dinner called Sloppy Joes, she’s in debt, her mother has cancer, her little brother is autistic, she gets bullied, she has no friends, and the only person who remotely likes her is her coworker and she can’t stand Jennifer/Jessica either. OH! And she just got fired from her other part-time job.
In order to save her mother’s life she needs 50,000£. Sloppy Joes isn’t going to make that happen so she decides after much consideration( all of about 10 minutes) to take a job at an escort agency, sell her virginity, because that’s all the rage, and voila! Problem solved. Or so she thought. Her first client…Alex. He’s young, he’s got money, but he looks like a toe.
What to do? What to do?
This is a blend of Beauty & the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, and Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde. This is their baby. The soundtrack “I Put a Spell on You”. But not like Nina Simone more like Oral Hex (Spell on You) by Bludnymph. But smut.
This is going into my “For Shits and Giggles Collection.” Not good. But not necessarily bad. It’s a good cheeky ole time.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Okay, so hear me out…this is absolutely absurd. So bad that it’s actually entertaining. Now I’m not exactly sure if it was the writers intent to make this is ridiculous as possible. But, I’m kind of not really mad at it. You are going to laugh. A lot. People might look at you crazy but it’s worth it.
I did a buddyread and it was such a fun experience reading this together. If you’re looking for something lighthearted, silly, sometimes grotesque this will definitely do the job.
Here are the details:
You’ve got Alex, a disfigured young man who has been locked away for the majority of his life. His only companions: his mother and his porn collection. Now, if you’ve ever wondered how men possibly might behave under these conditions get ready. For his birthday his mother orders him an escort. How we got …there just don’t ask.
Cue Jennifer/Jessica honestly it doesn’t matter. She has the worst life ever. She works at a dinner called Sloppy Joes, she’s in debt, her mother has cancer, her little brother is autistic, she gets bullied, she has no friends, and the only person who remotely likes her is her coworker and she can’t stand Jennifer/Jessica either. OH! And she just got fired from her other part-time job.
In order to save her mother’s life she needs 50,000£. Sloppy Joes isn’t going to make that happen so she decides after much consideration( all of about 10 minutes) to take a job at an escort agency, sell her virginity, because that’s all the rage, and voila! Problem solved. Or so she thought. Her first client…Alex. He’s young, he’s got money, but he looks like a toe.
What to do? What to do?
This is a blend of Beauty & the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, and Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde. This is their baby. The soundtrack “I Put a Spell on You”. But not like Nina Simone more like Oral Hex (Spell on You) by Bludnymph. But smut.
This is going into my “For Shits and Giggles Collection.” Not good. But not necessarily bad. It’s a good cheeky ole time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2023
I admit I didn't think much about the cover other than it looked dark and pretty however after reading this book it makes so much more sense. This book takes place in and around London in the 1980's and mostly in the 1990's. It does contain some wording that as an American I wasn't familiar with but overall didn't detract from the story. Alex is rich but his appearance is monstrous and offensive. Alex has bought Jessica and not for her companionship. Jessica desperately needs the money so she agrees. Obviously, there's more to the storyline than that but I think you should read the book to get the rest.
It does seem such a paradox to be both terrified and attracted to Alex. This quote from Jessica states how conflicted she is about Alex. "This is sweet, beautiful insanity. I shouldn’t be doing this, it feels so wrong and yet so right, but I just can’t help myself." This book is just digging in to the paranormal aspect toward the end. I'm also doubting Jessica's true intentions, to a degree. I think Jessica is a nice, sweet, naive, young girl but she does need the money and is constantly ready to end things with Alex. I also wonder which side of Alex she's really getting. It's clear there is some type of manipulation going on with Alex but who is doing the manipulating? Wow, the book ends on a big cliffhanger! I can't wait to read what happens in the next book. There are so many things left to resolve and figure out! The book is very Beauty and the Beast with a paranormal twist.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.
It does seem such a paradox to be both terrified and attracted to Alex. This quote from Jessica states how conflicted she is about Alex. "This is sweet, beautiful insanity. I shouldn’t be doing this, it feels so wrong and yet so right, but I just can’t help myself." This book is just digging in to the paranormal aspect toward the end. I'm also doubting Jessica's true intentions, to a degree. I think Jessica is a nice, sweet, naive, young girl but she does need the money and is constantly ready to end things with Alex. I also wonder which side of Alex she's really getting. It's clear there is some type of manipulation going on with Alex but who is doing the manipulating? Wow, the book ends on a big cliffhanger! I can't wait to read what happens in the next book. There are so many things left to resolve and figure out! The book is very Beauty and the Beast with a paranormal twist.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.
Read
February 10, 2023i like this book this second time i read it, but jessica annoys me, in fact she was supposed to be someone i like, but i don't like she is very hypocritical, for being a h sufferer, who was bullied and knows what it's like to be judged by the looks of it, she spends the whole book being the bad example, it's that thing there is no greater victim, there is someone who always has a worse problem than yours, for having the life she led I felt that she didn't learn, and that makes me the book in general lose, I'm not talking here about love at first sight, but I'm talking about that the character hasn't grown in his way of thinking and attitudes towards alex, I thought it would be cool to watch his attitude grow and admit that he's been a hypocrite with alex when she went through it herself, seeing her fall in love with him, and seeing beyond his lack of beauty.
It's not about a character that came ready-made and fully developed, like perfect, but it's about having the opportunity for readers to follow this growth.
Oh alex... If every ugly man was like him there would be no problem with that, on the contrary, he was sweet, strong, loyal and vengeful, terrifying, but charming, sarcastic, intelligent, there was no shortage of things to say about this man, it was annoying to see his devotion to Jessica, and candle not superior, it made you want to bury it in the book and slap her. Well I hope the author corrects these characters and make them move forward and not in circles.
It's not about a character that came ready-made and fully developed, like perfect, but it's about having the opportunity for readers to follow this growth.
Oh alex... If every ugly man was like him there would be no problem with that, on the contrary, he was sweet, strong, loyal and vengeful, terrifying, but charming, sarcastic, intelligent, there was no shortage of things to say about this man, it was annoying to see his devotion to Jessica, and candle not superior, it made you want to bury it in the book and slap her. Well I hope the author corrects these characters and make them move forward and not in circles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2022
Firstly, many thanks to Arabella for proving me an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Secondly, it was an interesting book. i can't understand what to think about it.
Some parts about obsessive and possessive love were so alluring and darkly nice, but some parts of emotional and physical interactions were so not for me.
I realize that dark romance is a very specific genre, but can't stand the idea of forced consent (or at least i saw events this way). This is what makes this book for me so tricky to rate and discuss. But lets start from the beginning.
Our FMC is a nice girl, who works two jobs to save money for her mother treatment and look after her little brother. After she was hired from nice place, she desperately needs money, and alot of it sooner the better.
MMC is a man, who was limited with everything warm and lovely from the early childhood, due to his ugliness.
And paths of out MCs are crossed (he has money, she need it), and we start our dark, obsessive, unhealthy, problematic relationship.
Story in general was good, ideas and plot twists were good, but this ugly love, sorry not my cup of tea.
But i still planning to read next book.
Secondly, it was an interesting book. i can't understand what to think about it.
Some parts about obsessive and possessive love were so alluring and darkly nice, but some parts of emotional and physical interactions were so not for me.
I realize that dark romance is a very specific genre, but can't stand the idea of forced consent (or at least i saw events this way). This is what makes this book for me so tricky to rate and discuss. But lets start from the beginning.
Our FMC is a nice girl, who works two jobs to save money for her mother treatment and look after her little brother. After she was hired from nice place, she desperately needs money, and alot of it sooner the better.
MMC is a man, who was limited with everything warm and lovely from the early childhood, due to his ugliness.
And paths of out MCs are crossed (he has money, she need it), and we start our dark, obsessive, unhealthy, problematic relationship.
Story in general was good, ideas and plot twists were good, but this ugly love, sorry not my cup of tea.
But i still planning to read next book.
December 16, 2023
I read the book in two days. Overall, I had a good impression from reading it. I was a little confused by the rapid development of events between the main characters. Truly from love to hate is one step. The chemistry between the main characters is heartwarming. I soaked up more sympathy for the main character, even though he is presented as a negative hero, he was in fact more thoughtful than the female protagonist.
I would have liked that the author more scrupulously approached to work on the development of relationships between the characters, because I was left with the impression that I ran a 10 kilometer marathon at top speed. Also the main character is constantly on some emotional swings that is wildly irritating, her opinion changes at the speed of light, this is also very annoying.
I did not immediately realize that the plot of this book is a new reading of the old and everyone's favorite fairy tale about Beauty and the Beast. The new story is dark, mysterious and a little frightening, but still we are all waiting for a happy ending. The book ends on a cliffhanger and it certainly is a bit annoying. I would love to read part two to find out how this dark love story ends.
I would have liked that the author more scrupulously approached to work on the development of relationships between the characters, because I was left with the impression that I ran a 10 kilometer marathon at top speed. Also the main character is constantly on some emotional swings that is wildly irritating, her opinion changes at the speed of light, this is also very annoying.
I did not immediately realize that the plot of this book is a new reading of the old and everyone's favorite fairy tale about Beauty and the Beast. The new story is dark, mysterious and a little frightening, but still we are all waiting for a happy ending. The book ends on a cliffhanger and it certainly is a bit annoying. I would love to read part two to find out how this dark love story ends.
January 15, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a dark romance with a lot of trigger warnings. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Diary of Darkness reminds me a lot of Beauty and the Beast meets The Exorcist. You have pure, kind hearted, virgin Jessica who takes care of her Autistic little brother, is bullied by girls in the area, and is trying to save up for her mother’s cancer treatment. Then there is dark, ugly Alex who made friends with a demon as a lonely child in an abusive household and is far from angelic. The two come together in a sort of sexual arrangement and there is a lot of graphic spice from that point forward. I can say, because of this book I will never think of “Nutella” the same again.
I think the only thing that gives this book 4 stars is the dark topics it covers, the violence and mega stalking/obsessive vibes, the blurred lines of consent, and the fact that Jessica goes from a virgin to wanting anything and everything so quickly. I loved the demon concept and am curious to how it will play out, especially with their relationship, and considering this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I also look forward to learning more about the basement.
This is a dark romance with a lot of trigger warnings. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Diary of Darkness reminds me a lot of Beauty and the Beast meets The Exorcist. You have pure, kind hearted, virgin Jessica who takes care of her Autistic little brother, is bullied by girls in the area, and is trying to save up for her mother’s cancer treatment. Then there is dark, ugly Alex who made friends with a demon as a lonely child in an abusive household and is far from angelic. The two come together in a sort of sexual arrangement and there is a lot of graphic spice from that point forward. I can say, because of this book I will never think of “Nutella” the same again.
I think the only thing that gives this book 4 stars is the dark topics it covers, the violence and mega stalking/obsessive vibes, the blurred lines of consent, and the fact that Jessica goes from a virgin to wanting anything and everything so quickly. I loved the demon concept and am curious to how it will play out, especially with their relationship, and considering this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I also look forward to learning more about the basement.
September 9, 2022
This was a middle of the road read for me. Enjoyable for sure and I read it in a day but upon reflecting the romance felt forced and oddly developed. Obviously the insta-love is influenced through “paranormal enhancement” but it was just a bit clunky. I did enjoy Jessica’s family dynamic which was loving and tends to be uncommon in books nowadays. While not perfect it was loving and made me smile. I loved the literal filth of this book, so so good. I was hoping that the paranormal aspect would have taken a more center role and at times it was hard to find Alex attractive in his exclamations of love, some of it was lovesick puppy and less knight in shining armor. But adored his dominant role so much more.
Also recommending a content warning for pregnancy ( whether it happens or not we don’t know) as this will greatly influence if I read the next book and in my opinion shouldn’t have been part of the cliffhanger.
Also recommending a content warning for pregnancy ( whether it happens or not we don’t know) as this will greatly influence if I read the next book and in my opinion shouldn’t have been part of the cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
I loved and hated Diary of Darkness in equal measure! I spent most of the book convinced we were meant to hate Alex, then I maybe started to feel sorry for him and was rooting for them to have a lasting relationship, but how the book ended has left me confused and feeling as though I stopped reading half way through a book.
The writing style is slightly formal and old fashioned in some ways, but I feel that complements the time period of late 1990's. It was interesting to read a book that I'm not sure counts as an historical setting but isn't current either. I actually enjoyed that aspect of it.
I felt Jess needed a bit more of a backbone, and I now want to know what happens next. Does their relationship actually go somewhere, what happens with both mothers and Freddie? Is Erasmus or Alex actually in control?
Overall, mixed emotions but I was glued to the pages so clearly enjoyed it! And fingers crossed there's a sequel.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The writing style is slightly formal and old fashioned in some ways, but I feel that complements the time period of late 1990's. It was interesting to read a book that I'm not sure counts as an historical setting but isn't current either. I actually enjoyed that aspect of it.
I felt Jess needed a bit more of a backbone, and I now want to know what happens next. Does their relationship actually go somewhere, what happens with both mothers and Freddie? Is Erasmus or Alex actually in control?
Overall, mixed emotions but I was glued to the pages so clearly enjoyed it! And fingers crossed there's a sequel.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
August 28, 2022
Alex has spent his entire life at home because his face is one of nightmares. When he meets Jessica he begins to obsess over her. Jessica needs money for her mom's cancer treatment. She will do whatever it takes even auctioning off her virginity. After her first time with Alex she is hooked on him even though she knows there is something wrong.
I wanted to love this book but I couldn't get into it. Everytime I did something would happen and I'd have to force myself to keep going. Jessica didn't want to be with Alex but he was obsessed with her so she kept coming back. It was hard to take her actions seriously. I felt like the way the talked to eachother was kind of awkward also. Hopefully their relationship changes in book two.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC copy
I wanted to love this book but I couldn't get into it. Everytime I did something would happen and I'd have to force myself to keep going. Jessica didn't want to be with Alex but he was obsessed with her so she kept coming back. It was hard to take her actions seriously. I felt like the way the talked to eachother was kind of awkward also. Hopefully their relationship changes in book two.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC copy
December 26, 2023
⭐⭐✨. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Zapoznaj się z TW. Jest mocne.
Książka jest jako dark i się z tym zgadzam. kończy się cliff-hangerem. Opowiada o dziewczynie w latach 90 która szybko potrzebuje pieniędzy na leczenie mamy chorej na raka.
Gdy orientuje się że długo zejdzie jej zbieranie pieniędzy przy pracy jako kelnerka, znajduje nowy pomysł z gazety.
Sprzedanie swojego dziewictwa.
Tylko nie wiem że gdy znajdzie kandydata, który jest niebezpieczny i opętany, on zacznie mieć na jej punkcie obsesję.
W niektórych momentach książki on jako człowiek uroczo się o nią stara, natomiast później już akcja zaczyna podupadać i ciemny charakter książki który był na początku, zaczyna się mocno psuć i być nudny.
Wątek SMUTu na początku jest okej, natomiast później jest mocno kiepski.
W Darku lubię zabawy 🔪, natomiast tutaj to totalnie nie moje klimaty i to była jedna z gorszych scen SMUTu.
Zapoznaj się z TW. Jest mocne.
Książka jest jako dark i się z tym zgadzam. kończy się cliff-hangerem. Opowiada o dziewczynie w latach 90 która szybko potrzebuje pieniędzy na leczenie mamy chorej na raka.
Gdy orientuje się że długo zejdzie jej zbieranie pieniędzy przy pracy jako kelnerka, znajduje nowy pomysł z gazety.
Sprzedanie swojego dziewictwa.
Tylko nie wiem że gdy znajdzie kandydata, który jest niebezpieczny i opętany, on zacznie mieć na jej punkcie obsesję.
W niektórych momentach książki on jako człowiek uroczo się o nią stara, natomiast później już akcja zaczyna podupadać i ciemny charakter książki który był na początku, zaczyna się mocno psuć i być nudny.
Wątek SMUTu na początku jest okej, natomiast później jest mocno kiepski.
W Darku lubię zabawy 🔪, natomiast tutaj to totalnie nie moje klimaty i to była jedna z gorszych scen SMUTu.
January 7, 2024
Read : January 7, 2024
Rating : 3,5 Stars
So Def not really a love story because damn that "man" is a stalker psycho but it's giving everything that Haunting Adeline didn't.
Atleast here there's no doubt about the fact that yeah man, he's pretty much evil but what can you do when he gives it to her so good lmao.
No, all joking aside, it was actually not bad, it set the ambiance perfectly, the stomach dropping almost dread of Omg is he going to kill her, kill someone else, do who knows what.
I think that as thriller it's good, I think if you read it as idk erotica horror /dark erotica it's good but if you're looking for a romance than nah.
I would read a second book although the cliffy ending... Not the greatest set-up and, in my opinion not at all nessecary for pushing another book.
Rating : 3,5 Stars
So Def not really a love story because damn that "man" is a stalker psycho but it's giving everything that Haunting Adeline didn't.
Atleast here there's no doubt about the fact that yeah man, he's pretty much evil but what can you do when he gives it to her so good lmao.
No, all joking aside, it was actually not bad, it set the ambiance perfectly, the stomach dropping almost dread of Omg is he going to kill her, kill someone else, do who knows what.
I think that as thriller it's good, I think if you read it as idk erotica horror /dark erotica it's good but if you're looking for a romance than nah.
I would read a second book although the cliffy ending... Not the greatest set-up and, in my opinion not at all nessecary for pushing another book.
August 20, 2022
Terrifying, mysterious and spicy!!!
Was I alarmed during most of this book? Yes. Was it also hot as hell? Yes. Did the ML give me phantom vibes and I was here for it … OH YES. Am I frustrated by the cliffhanger? Yes.
Diary of darkness isn't for the faint of heart but if you like spooky, dark, romances this is it and you NEED to read it now. I admit I'm a bit of a chicken so some parts of this story were hard for me to read but that is entirely on me. Warnings for rape, trauma and animal harm these got me the hardest.
You will adore the FL and her family and be invested in her life and choices throughout the story. The world building and visuals are well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Was I alarmed during most of this book? Yes. Was it also hot as hell? Yes. Did the ML give me phantom vibes and I was here for it … OH YES. Am I frustrated by the cliffhanger? Yes.
Diary of darkness isn't for the faint of heart but if you like spooky, dark, romances this is it and you NEED to read it now. I admit I'm a bit of a chicken so some parts of this story were hard for me to read but that is entirely on me. Warnings for rape, trauma and animal harm these got me the hardest.
You will adore the FL and her family and be invested in her life and choices throughout the story. The world building and visuals are well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2022
Diary of Darkness is a fantasy stalker romance story about a woman who falls for a man possessed by a demon and it's a hot one. From an early age, Alex was hidden away by his parents because of the way he looked. After he becomes possessed by the demon, he really changes. He is aggressive and dangerous. The whole premise is a bit nuts but it works. His mom hires him an escort and that is where Jess comes into the story. Once he sees her he has to have her. It would have been nice to explore Alex and Jess’s relationship more. It definitely is a bit unrealistic in going from fear to obsession on Jess's part. This is a dom/sub relationship so if you were expecting a fairytale, you will be in for a shock. I look forward to learning a lot more about the demon in the next book.
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