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Twisted Love Duet #1
Downfall
Six years ago he left me. Just walked away. Like I meant nothing. And now he’s back, only this time he’s set on revenge and my death is exactly how he gets it.
A dark, sexy, modern Romeo and Juliet retelling.
Exiled. For six long years. But my father is dead now and I’m head of the Montague Family. I’m not going to stay hiding in the shadows any longer. No, I’m going to get my revenge starting with her; Rose Capulet. The love of my life. By the time I’m finished she, and everyone in this city will understand the monster I’ve become. The monster they made of me. I’m going to take this city. I’m going to take everything they love and leave them with nothing but the ashes.
Six years ago he ruined my life only Roman Montague is back. And that old bitter rivalry has all but escalated to open war. He thinks he can simply pick up where we left off, that I’ll just spread my legs for him. But I’m not the same girl I was. I’m not that naïve lovesick fool anymore. No, this girl has teeth now. And by god will I make him pay for what he’s done to me.
Dual Pov duet. Angst af.
This is a dark retelling so please check the triggers. This duet is not for the faint hearted. Perfect for fans of H.D Carlton, Shantel Tessier. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
A dark, sexy, modern Romeo and Juliet retelling.
Exiled. For six long years. But my father is dead now and I’m head of the Montague Family. I’m not going to stay hiding in the shadows any longer. No, I’m going to get my revenge starting with her; Rose Capulet. The love of my life. By the time I’m finished she, and everyone in this city will understand the monster I’ve become. The monster they made of me. I’m going to take this city. I’m going to take everything they love and leave them with nothing but the ashes.
Six years ago he ruined my life only Roman Montague is back. And that old bitter rivalry has all but escalated to open war. He thinks he can simply pick up where we left off, that I’ll just spread my legs for him. But I’m not the same girl I was. I’m not that naïve lovesick fool anymore. No, this girl has teeth now. And by god will I make him pay for what he’s done to me.
Dual Pov duet. Angst af.
This is a dark retelling so please check the triggers. This duet is not for the faint hearted. Perfect for fans of H.D Carlton, Shantel Tessier. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2023
934 people are currently reading
7764 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Sanders
26 books542 followersInternational bestselling author of Pitch Black Romance.
Ellie Sanders lives in rural Hampshire, in the U.K. with her partner and two troublesome dogs.
She has a BA Hons degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing and enjoys spending her time, when not endlessly writing, exploring the countryside around her home.
Hit her up on her the following accounts.....
FB Group: The Hot Steamy Writer
Instagram: @hotsteamywriter
TikTok: @hotsteamywriter
Twitter: @hotsteamywriter
Ellie Sanders lives in rural Hampshire, in the U.K. with her partner and two troublesome dogs.
She has a BA Hons degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing and enjoys spending her time, when not endlessly writing, exploring the countryside around her home.
Hit her up on her the following accounts.....
FB Group: The Hot Steamy Writer
Instagram: @hotsteamywriter
TikTok: @hotsteamywriter
Twitter: @hotsteamywriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
November 3, 2023
SPOILERS AHEAD BUT I DON’T THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT BECAUSE YOU SHOULD NEVER READ THIS BOOK
This is such a horrible book. First of all it is not just a ‘modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet’. It IS Romeo and Juliet. All the names a d major plot points are exactly the same but it continues on after the story and without the double suicide obviously. But i just found it funny that its like the author didn’t even try to come up with something new. Now for most of the book i liked the MMC, he was great they were hot. BUT ROGHT AFTER SHE SOLD HIM OUT BY SENDING HER DAD THE ADRESS. What he did was horrific. It was unforgivable and no amount of grovelling will ever make up for it. AND HE DOESN’T SEEM APOLOGETIC. Then with her daughter. HE WENT WITHOUT HER. STUPID SOFIA SPENDING TIME WITH HER AND THIRD WHEELING. I fucking hate Romeo or whatever the fuck his name is. Attempting to have her gang raped is so fucking terrible like theres no going back. I feel so bad for rose, the poor thing. I get it there was a lot of miscommunication but i don’t give a fuck i hope Romeo goes and kills himself like in the original and non-knock off version of Romeo and Juliet.
I stopped at 80% but i think thats enough to know i will never pick it back up. I heard it was similar to haunting Adeline and i can see the part where the author copied the exact scene of HA. Breaks into her room, ties her up, and eats her out. Literally scene for scene. Cant even make that shit up. I like that scene in HA though its jsut fucking disappointing when its unoriginal. And although Haunting Adeline is super fucking dark, what Zane does is not half as bad as that attempted gang rape in my eyes. Im done ranting but the main takeaway is to never read this book.
This is such a horrible book. First of all it is not just a ‘modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet’. It IS Romeo and Juliet. All the names a d major plot points are exactly the same but it continues on after the story and without the double suicide obviously. But i just found it funny that its like the author didn’t even try to come up with something new. Now for most of the book i liked the MMC, he was great they were hot. BUT ROGHT AFTER SHE SOLD HIM OUT BY SENDING HER DAD THE ADRESS. What he did was horrific. It was unforgivable and no amount of grovelling will ever make up for it. AND HE DOESN’T SEEM APOLOGETIC. Then with her daughter. HE WENT WITHOUT HER. STUPID SOFIA SPENDING TIME WITH HER AND THIRD WHEELING. I fucking hate Romeo or whatever the fuck his name is. Attempting to have her gang raped is so fucking terrible like theres no going back. I feel so bad for rose, the poor thing. I get it there was a lot of miscommunication but i don’t give a fuck i hope Romeo goes and kills himself like in the original and non-knock off version of Romeo and Juliet.
I stopped at 80% but i think thats enough to know i will never pick it back up. I heard it was similar to haunting Adeline and i can see the part where the author copied the exact scene of HA. Breaks into her room, ties her up, and eats her out. Literally scene for scene. Cant even make that shit up. I like that scene in HA though its jsut fucking disappointing when its unoriginal. And although Haunting Adeline is super fucking dark, what Zane does is not half as bad as that attempted gang rape in my eyes. Im done ranting but the main takeaway is to never read this book.
December 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 (Would be higher but ew, editing)
I haven’t stopped and felt for characters in years. If you thought Haunting Adeline was dark, skip this duo. It’s actually dark. It’s traumatic. It’s so much more than a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
I’d like to first state that there is a entire list of trigger warnings in this duo. I was recommended this series by a woman at my work (fellow angst whore and all things dark) who’s a mother and stopped reading this duo because she didn't read the warnings. So please, don’t go into these books blindly.
They are genuinely dark. And though the spice is here, it’s not like HA. Throughout this duo there is smut but it’s just as much dark as it’s enjoyable. If non con is not your thing, not much of this is either.
It brings the classic Capulet vs Montague vibes but with a much darker web that’s slowly unraveled showing their true colors. And by god, are Rose Capulet & Roman Montague both stuck in it.
All in all, I loved it despite the trash editing
I haven’t stopped and felt for characters in years. If you thought Haunting Adeline was dark, skip this duo. It’s actually dark. It’s traumatic. It’s so much more than a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
I’d like to first state that there is a entire list of trigger warnings in this duo. I was recommended this series by a woman at my work (fellow angst whore and all things dark) who’s a mother and stopped reading this duo because she didn't read the warnings. So please, don’t go into these books blindly.
They are genuinely dark. And though the spice is here, it’s not like HA. Throughout this duo there is smut but it’s just as much dark as it’s enjoyable. If non con is not your thing, not much of this is either.
It brings the classic Capulet vs Montague vibes but with a much darker web that’s slowly unraveled showing their true colors. And by god, are Rose Capulet & Roman Montague both stuck in it.
All in all, I loved it despite the trash editing
November 16, 2023
The book wasn't great, the amount of misspelled words was painful. It wasn't even big complicated words. It was "it" "is" "out." It wasn't one. I counted like 25+ of them and almost didn't finish the book because it was driving me insane.
November 17, 2023
EW EW EW EWWWWWW.
Roman needs to be brutally tortured, castrated, strangled with his own intestines, and dunked in honey, strapped to a wooden board and let into a river where he will be brutally eaten to death.
Roman needs to be brutally tortured, castrated, strangled with his own intestines, and dunked in honey, strapped to a wooden board and let into a river where he will be brutally eaten to death.
August 24, 2023
It's a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet and it's so good. So much happens but it ties together nicely and I can't wait to read back 2. It's a slow burn but the chemistry is great.
November 16, 2023
i feel sick and weird
September 2, 2023
It's a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet and it's so good. It's a slow burn but the chemistry is great. There are some really heavy plot twists that happen and they leave you wondering how you could have missed them all. The plot twists and a major character in the story are carefully hidden until necessary to be revealed, but what happens is certainly not what I expected. If you thought Romeo and Juliet was dark, this book takes it to a whole other level. The romance never dies for Rose and Roman and you really get to see their relationship develop into something deeper and more mature, all while still having the same amount of chemistry and spice that they have had since the beginning. As the reader, you really get the feeling of a forbidden romance between Rose and Roman. Anyone who has read Romeo and Juliet knows the basic plot already and knows what ultimately happens to them. However, there is more to this story when it comes to that relationship.
Roman Montague has been banished and is now back in Verona Bay because his father has died. Rose Capulet is the sunshine princess and before Roman got banished, he and Rose were secretly dating. Rose and Roman were doomed from the start, but being young and in love, they think that that love will conquer all. There families have been enemies for years and nothing will change that. The killing, the revenge and the outright hate and malice are plentiful. These two families hate each other and will do anything to get power. I loved all of the characters in this book, even the darker portrayed ones.
This book does a great job at weaving the past with the present. It shows you just how Rose and Roman fell into each other’s lives and how they got to where they are now in regards to their feelings for each other, or at least how they think they got there. This isn't necessarily a straight forward love story that ends in tragedy. In the flashbacks you certainly get that side of it like you would in the original, but in all the present moments, you really get to see just how hardened the characters have become to the world and how much has changed in their time apart. So much happens in this one, but it all ties together so nicely. Please read the TWs before starting this book. This is a fast paced book that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end and will certainly leave you wanting more. You will feel so many feels in this book, that it will 100% mess you up emotionally, so be ready. It does end in a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that too. I do highly recommend it and I can't wait to read book two!!
Roman Montague has been banished and is now back in Verona Bay because his father has died. Rose Capulet is the sunshine princess and before Roman got banished, he and Rose were secretly dating. Rose and Roman were doomed from the start, but being young and in love, they think that that love will conquer all. There families have been enemies for years and nothing will change that. The killing, the revenge and the outright hate and malice are plentiful. These two families hate each other and will do anything to get power. I loved all of the characters in this book, even the darker portrayed ones.
This book does a great job at weaving the past with the present. It shows you just how Rose and Roman fell into each other’s lives and how they got to where they are now in regards to their feelings for each other, or at least how they think they got there. This isn't necessarily a straight forward love story that ends in tragedy. In the flashbacks you certainly get that side of it like you would in the original, but in all the present moments, you really get to see just how hardened the characters have become to the world and how much has changed in their time apart. So much happens in this one, but it all ties together so nicely. Please read the TWs before starting this book. This is a fast paced book that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end and will certainly leave you wanting more. You will feel so many feels in this book, that it will 100% mess you up emotionally, so be ready. It does end in a cliffhanger, so be prepared for that too. I do highly recommend it and I can't wait to read book two!!
August 24, 2023
A retelling of Romeo and Juliet? You thought Romeo and Juliet was dark, this book takes it another step. Roman Montague has been banished and is now back in Verona Bay. His father has just died and he has came back to help his sister, Sophia, with his best friend, Ben. Rose Capulet is the sunshine princess. Before Roman got banished, he and Rose were secretly dating. They knew this was a no-no. Their families were absolute enemies and nothing would ever change that, not even the love they had for each other.
Six years go by with Roman being banished after killing Tybalt Capulet, Rose is married to Paris Blumenfeld. Roman comes back ready seek revenge. He knows what happened. Rose played him, right? Though his plan was to kill her, he could not do it after seeing her again. Seeing what she is going through now with her family with her husband will tear even your enemy apart. Rose is strong and stays the course. How long can she stay on this course that has been forced upon her?
I can't even begin to get into everything that goes on in this book. The way it ends nearly gutted me. My saving grace is knowing there will be a Book 2. If you are looking for a happy ending, this ain't the book for you. The killing, the revenge, outright hate and malice are plentiful. These two families hate each other and will do anything to get power. Even sentence your daughter to a life of pain. Who does that? Ellie definitely put me in a chokehold with this one and I will be anxiously waiting for Book 2 to drop.
Six years go by with Roman being banished after killing Tybalt Capulet, Rose is married to Paris Blumenfeld. Roman comes back ready seek revenge. He knows what happened. Rose played him, right? Though his plan was to kill her, he could not do it after seeing her again. Seeing what she is going through now with her family with her husband will tear even your enemy apart. Rose is strong and stays the course. How long can she stay on this course that has been forced upon her?
I can't even begin to get into everything that goes on in this book. The way it ends nearly gutted me. My saving grace is knowing there will be a Book 2. If you are looking for a happy ending, this ain't the book for you. The killing, the revenge, outright hate and malice are plentiful. These two families hate each other and will do anything to get power. Even sentence your daughter to a life of pain. Who does that? Ellie definitely put me in a chokehold with this one and I will be anxiously waiting for Book 2 to drop.
August 27, 2023
A dark and twisted retelling that draws the reader in
Roman, exiled bad boy, comes back into town seeking revenge all because Rose, the enemy’s daughter, betrayed him six years ago. As the story progresses he drops lots of heat, finds her far from sweet, and uncovers that the bow he is untying is far from neat. Downfall is a dark and twisted retelling that draws the reader in. This book does end on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Roman, exiled bad boy, comes back into town seeking revenge all because Rose, the enemy’s daughter, betrayed him six years ago. As the story progresses he drops lots of heat, finds her far from sweet, and uncovers that the bow he is untying is far from neat. Downfall is a dark and twisted retelling that draws the reader in. This book does end on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
August 25, 2023
This is the first in a duo of a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but with a dark, dark twist 😍
Montage and Capulet. ♥️
6 years after Roman was exiled, he appears back into Rose’s life and turns it upside down. She’s married, but that makes no difference to him. Fueled by jealousy, he vows to get her back and to get vengeance on everyone who did him wrong 6 years ago.
This is written in an amazing dual POV style and intertwines the stories of the two into a dark, romantic, story that made me want the next one immediately after I finished!! Which I did in one day.
Next in the series: Uprising
❤️❤️❤️please check triggers! ❤️❤️❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Triggers: 🖤🖤🖤
Montage and Capulet. ♥️
6 years after Roman was exiled, he appears back into Rose’s life and turns it upside down. She’s married, but that makes no difference to him. Fueled by jealousy, he vows to get her back and to get vengeance on everyone who did him wrong 6 years ago.
This is written in an amazing dual POV style and intertwines the stories of the two into a dark, romantic, story that made me want the next one immediately after I finished!! Which I did in one day.
Next in the series: Uprising
❤️❤️❤️please check triggers! ❤️❤️❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Triggers: 🖤🖤🖤
January 18, 2024
I hope they all die in the second book.
November 22, 2023
Modern day Romeo and Juliet? Yes. Is it good? Absolutely not, my god
November 27, 2023
This could’ve been great. And it started out on the right path. But good lord! The editing was horrific. Almost every page had errors. It really took away from the book.
August 25, 2023
If you are looking for a more modern day retelling of Romeo and Juliet that leaves you wondering if a happily ever after is even possible for these two, then buckle up because this is the story for you.
This book does a great job at weaving the past with the present- to show you just how Rose and Roman fell into each other and how they got to where they are now in regards to their feelings for each other- at least how they think they got there. There are some really heavy plot twists that happen that when revealed, leave you wondering how you could have missed them all. The plot twists and a major player in this story are carefully hidden until necessary and what happens is certainly not what I expected.
As the reader, you really get the feeling of a forbidden romance between Rose and Roman. Anyone who has read Romeo and Juliet knows the basic plot already and what ultimately happens to them, but for this story more is added to that relationship. It isn't necessarily a straight love story that ends in tragedy. While in the flashbacks you certainly get that side of it like you would in the original, but in the present moments, you really get to see just how hardened our characters have become to the world and just how much has changed in their time apart. There are secrets and pain that both are hiding and you get to go along for the ride of them trying to understand everything that has happened all while fighting the attraction to each other that is still there. The romance never dies for these two and you really get to see it morph from the childhood so called puppy dog stage that you get from their earlier years to something deeper and more mature- all while still having the same amount of chemistry and spice that they have had since the beginning.
This is a fast paced book that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end and will certainly leave you wanting more, especially with the cliffhanger. There are some triggers in this book that should be checked out before picking up- mainly domestic abuse and there are some noncon situations that happen- but it is a fantastic story and a great start to this duet. I can't wait for my copy of the next book to come in the mail because I am dying to know how it all ends!
This book does a great job at weaving the past with the present- to show you just how Rose and Roman fell into each other and how they got to where they are now in regards to their feelings for each other- at least how they think they got there. There are some really heavy plot twists that happen that when revealed, leave you wondering how you could have missed them all. The plot twists and a major player in this story are carefully hidden until necessary and what happens is certainly not what I expected.
As the reader, you really get the feeling of a forbidden romance between Rose and Roman. Anyone who has read Romeo and Juliet knows the basic plot already and what ultimately happens to them, but for this story more is added to that relationship. It isn't necessarily a straight love story that ends in tragedy. While in the flashbacks you certainly get that side of it like you would in the original, but in the present moments, you really get to see just how hardened our characters have become to the world and just how much has changed in their time apart. There are secrets and pain that both are hiding and you get to go along for the ride of them trying to understand everything that has happened all while fighting the attraction to each other that is still there. The romance never dies for these two and you really get to see it morph from the childhood so called puppy dog stage that you get from their earlier years to something deeper and more mature- all while still having the same amount of chemistry and spice that they have had since the beginning.
This is a fast paced book that will keep you on your toes from beginning to end and will certainly leave you wanting more, especially with the cliffhanger. There are some triggers in this book that should be checked out before picking up- mainly domestic abuse and there are some noncon situations that happen- but it is a fantastic story and a great start to this duet. I can't wait for my copy of the next book to come in the mail because I am dying to know how it all ends!
April 21, 2023
4.5 stars
A dark, intense Romeo and Juliet retelling, Downfall follows Roman Montague and Rose Capulet in the city of Verona Bay. Their families are archenemies, and they are in love, and then Roman ends up being exiled for killing Tybalt. It's 6 years later, and Roman is back. He has a plan, and he won't stop until everything and everyone goes down.
Rose Capulet is in a loveless marriage to Paris Blumenfeld, facing daily abuse at his hands. She does what she can just to get from day to day, working out for hours to escape their bland and sterile house and the harsh reality of what her life has become since Roman left.
The two families are always at odds, and the Capulets hoped that Rose's marriage would give them an advantage over the Montagues, as the Blumenfelds are even wealthier and more influential than they are on their own. But Roman throws a wrench in their schemes and they are scrambling to figure out a way to stop him.
Will Roman and Rose reconcile, when each feels betrayed by the other? Will the Capulets emerge as the top players in town, or will they fall at the feet of the Montagues?
I am so invested in this story. I couldn't put it down, and was glued to my e-reader for hours, much to the chagrin of my hubby... Downfall is tension filled, with darkness and heartbreak in spades. I wanted things to work out for Roman and Rose, and for her family to die horrible nasty deaths for the way she is used as a pawn throughout the story. Unfortunately for me, this is a duology, and I will have to wait until Uprising comes out to know how things will end. There were some editing issues that stood out to me, and some stuff that was maybe lost in translation (the author lives in the UK, so that's probably a part of it for this American), but the story was so compelling that I could almost overlook them. Dark romance readers will love this one, especially if they also like second chance, enemies to lovers, dual timeline, and dual POV. As for me, I will be waiting eagerly to get my hands on Uprising as soon as it's available.
A dark, intense Romeo and Juliet retelling, Downfall follows Roman Montague and Rose Capulet in the city of Verona Bay. Their families are archenemies, and they are in love, and then Roman ends up being exiled for killing Tybalt. It's 6 years later, and Roman is back. He has a plan, and he won't stop until everything and everyone goes down.
Rose Capulet is in a loveless marriage to Paris Blumenfeld, facing daily abuse at his hands. She does what she can just to get from day to day, working out for hours to escape their bland and sterile house and the harsh reality of what her life has become since Roman left.
The two families are always at odds, and the Capulets hoped that Rose's marriage would give them an advantage over the Montagues, as the Blumenfelds are even wealthier and more influential than they are on their own. But Roman throws a wrench in their schemes and they are scrambling to figure out a way to stop him.
Will Roman and Rose reconcile, when each feels betrayed by the other? Will the Capulets emerge as the top players in town, or will they fall at the feet of the Montagues?
I am so invested in this story. I couldn't put it down, and was glued to my e-reader for hours, much to the chagrin of my hubby... Downfall is tension filled, with darkness and heartbreak in spades. I wanted things to work out for Roman and Rose, and for her family to die horrible nasty deaths for the way she is used as a pawn throughout the story. Unfortunately for me, this is a duology, and I will have to wait until Uprising comes out to know how things will end. There were some editing issues that stood out to me, and some stuff that was maybe lost in translation (the author lives in the UK, so that's probably a part of it for this American), but the story was so compelling that I could almost overlook them. Dark romance readers will love this one, especially if they also like second chance, enemies to lovers, dual timeline, and dual POV. As for me, I will be waiting eagerly to get my hands on Uprising as soon as it's available.
May 6, 2025
I was truly captivated by this audio experience from beginning to end! If you have a penchant for retellings of Romeo & Juliet, I wholeheartedly recommend listening to this one. It presents a gripping, dark twist on the beloved classic, enhanced by the remarkable chemistry between the characters. The plot twists are artfully done, making each revelation a delightful surprise. The intense romance between Rose and Roman beautifully unfolds, highlighting their deepening connection amid the trials they face. While the narrative honors the original, it dives deeply into the intricacies of relationships, intertwining moments from the past and present to reveal profound character growth. This story is packed with so much richness and cohesively fits together! A note to be mindful of trigger warnings. The brisk pace keeps you thoroughly engaged, leading you on an emotional journey that ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger. Get ready to be profoundly moved!
I am thrilled to share my admiration for the incredible performances delivered by the cast! Amanda Willow shone brightly as Rose, showcasing her exceptional versatility as a voice actor. Her ability to express profound emotions truly brought the character to life, enchanting everyone in the audience. Bryant Walker's portrayal of Roman was equally remarkable; he infused the role with such charisma and depth that it was impossible to envision anyone else in that capacity. Additionally, Jameson Adams left a powerful impression as Darius; his nuanced delivery and commanding presence added captivating layers to the character, making every moment on screen delightful. Overall, the entire cast exhibited an astonishing range of talent, which undoubtedly elevated this remarkable production!
I am thrilled to share my admiration for the incredible performances delivered by the cast! Amanda Willow shone brightly as Rose, showcasing her exceptional versatility as a voice actor. Her ability to express profound emotions truly brought the character to life, enchanting everyone in the audience. Bryant Walker's portrayal of Roman was equally remarkable; he infused the role with such charisma and depth that it was impossible to envision anyone else in that capacity. Additionally, Jameson Adams left a powerful impression as Darius; his nuanced delivery and commanding presence added captivating layers to the character, making every moment on screen delightful. Overall, the entire cast exhibited an astonishing range of talent, which undoubtedly elevated this remarkable production!
July 19, 2025
ELLIE BABY, what are you doing to my heart!!!😮💨
I know it’s me. It’s my fault. I can’t help myself when it comes to your books.
I see your name and I’m like “ooo oooo, I want it. I wanna feel all the feels.”
I foolishly trust you time after time. And you always break my heart so beautifully. It’s like I’m addicted to your special brand of “fuck my mind and beat my ass. Also fuck my ass and beat my mind” that I can’t stay away.
I always hate you at certain moments. AND YOU KNOW IT. You thrive on it, I know you do. You slip in a scene that shatters us, rips us apart, it’s like your MO.
Cause you know that the ones that keep reading despite those moments are always one way or another put back together again by the end (even if there is not a traditional hea - im looking at you delirium hard version)
Also a few things that I get from Ellie’s writing that I find lacking in other similar genre and trope type books are
- actual consequences to actions. Usually not even justified but still. People, regardless if they are villian or the hero’s of the story go through absolute horrors.
-Ellie doesn’t wrap her FMC up in bubble wrap and give a faux sense of danger to push her plot. Her FMC are not protected from harm, from danger, even death.
-piggy backing from the last one, the oh shit moments are actually that. You are actually afraid when something goes down. When a character is cornered, threatened or otherwise.
Anyways I’m off to the next one. Cause we both know I’m a glutton for your torture. TAKE IT EASY ON ME 🫣
I know it’s me. It’s my fault. I can’t help myself when it comes to your books.
I see your name and I’m like “ooo oooo, I want it. I wanna feel all the feels.”
I foolishly trust you time after time. And you always break my heart so beautifully. It’s like I’m addicted to your special brand of “fuck my mind and beat my ass. Also fuck my ass and beat my mind” that I can’t stay away.
I always hate you at certain moments. AND YOU KNOW IT. You thrive on it, I know you do. You slip in a scene that shatters us, rips us apart, it’s like your MO.
Cause you know that the ones that keep reading despite those moments are always one way or another put back together again by the end (even if there is not a traditional hea - im looking at you delirium hard version)
Also a few things that I get from Ellie’s writing that I find lacking in other similar genre and trope type books are
- actual consequences to actions. Usually not even justified but still. People, regardless if they are villian or the hero’s of the story go through absolute horrors.
-Ellie doesn’t wrap her FMC up in bubble wrap and give a faux sense of danger to push her plot. Her FMC are not protected from harm, from danger, even death.
-piggy backing from the last one, the oh shit moments are actually that. You are actually afraid when something goes down. When a character is cornered, threatened or otherwise.
Anyways I’m off to the next one. Cause we both know I’m a glutton for your torture. TAKE IT EASY ON ME 🫣
September 11, 2023
Blurb:
•Six years ago he left me. Just walked away. Like I meant nothing. And now he's back, only this time he's set on revenge and my death is exactly how he gets it. A dark, sexy, modern Romeo and Juliet retelling. Exiled. For six long years. But my father is dead now and I'm head of the Montague Family. I'm not going to stay hiding in the shadows any longer. No, I'm going to get my revenge starting with her; Rose Capulet. The love of my life. By the time l'm finished she, and everyone in this city will understand the monster I've become. The monster they made of me. I'm going to take this city. I'm going to take everything they love and leave them with nothing but the ashes. Six years ago he ruined my life only Roman Montague is back. And that old bitter rivalry has all but escalated to open war. He thinks he can simply pick up where we left off, that I'll just spread my legs for him. But I'm not the same girl I was. I'm not that naive lovesick fool anymore. No, this girl has teeth now. And by god will I make him pay for what he's done to me.
Mini review:
•This book is written in dual pov and dual timeline and is an extremely dark read! Please check trigger warnings before reading! It is a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
•I really enjoyed being able to see the story through Roman and Rose’s point of views and getting to see the flashbacks that Rose was having. This book is extremely fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time! I’m looking forward to reading book two!
•"I love you Rose." I say before I can stop myself. "I never stopped loving you."
•Six years ago he left me. Just walked away. Like I meant nothing. And now he's back, only this time he's set on revenge and my death is exactly how he gets it. A dark, sexy, modern Romeo and Juliet retelling. Exiled. For six long years. But my father is dead now and I'm head of the Montague Family. I'm not going to stay hiding in the shadows any longer. No, I'm going to get my revenge starting with her; Rose Capulet. The love of my life. By the time l'm finished she, and everyone in this city will understand the monster I've become. The monster they made of me. I'm going to take this city. I'm going to take everything they love and leave them with nothing but the ashes. Six years ago he ruined my life only Roman Montague is back. And that old bitter rivalry has all but escalated to open war. He thinks he can simply pick up where we left off, that I'll just spread my legs for him. But I'm not the same girl I was. I'm not that naive lovesick fool anymore. No, this girl has teeth now. And by god will I make him pay for what he's done to me.
Mini review:
•This book is written in dual pov and dual timeline and is an extremely dark read! Please check trigger warnings before reading! It is a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
•I really enjoyed being able to see the story through Roman and Rose’s point of views and getting to see the flashbacks that Rose was having. This book is extremely fast paced and kept me engaged the whole time! I’m looking forward to reading book two!
•"I love you Rose." I say before I can stop myself. "I never stopped loving you."
May 17, 2025
ALC Review
Ellie Sanders takes the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet and turns it into a modern dark romance retelling filled with yearning, angst and tension. The Capulets and the Montague's are two crime families who simply cannot get a long, but that doesn't stop Roman Montague and Rose Capulet from falling in love, but can love survive a war? Rose and Roman find out early on that it cannot, or so they thought.
Roman returns to Verona after years of exile with one thing on his mind, revenge. Okay, maybe two things on his mind, revenge and Rose. But Rose has moved on, she married another man named Paris and lives the picture perfect life. But not everything in Verona Bay is what it seems.
This classic tale is twisted into a dark romance with a morally grey Roman who wants to hurt his past love like she hurt him. He wants to take out the Capulets who exiled him, and he will take whoever stands in his way down.
I went into this story only with the knowledge that it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling. This story is a difficult one with lots of triggers, but it showcases how strong these characters are. Rose is such a formidable character who goes through so much that could break any person but she never gives up on herself. Roman is that morally grey character that we all love. He's broody, wants revenge and isn't afraid of cutting down anyone who gets in his way. This story is full of nail biting moments and keeps you hanging on, but the cliffhanger at the end will have you wanting to dive into the second book immediately. I'm excited to see how this story concludes in the second book.
The performances by Amanda Willow, Jameson Adams and Bryant Walker really brought this dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet to life. Amanda playing Rose was perfect. You can hear the internal struggles and emotion in Rose's character. The raw emotion that Amanda uses in her voice acting really made Rose a relatable character.
Both Jameson and Bryant played the men of Verona Bay brilliantly. These men are possessive, overbearing and some you'll hate, and some you'll hate to love.
Rose wants a simpler life. She smiles and puts on a show, but she's doing what she knows best, surviving.
What happens when they come face to face again? Find out now in this steamy story of revenge, betrayal, and love.
Ellie Sanders takes the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet and turns it into a modern dark romance retelling filled with yearning, angst and tension. The Capulets and the Montague's are two crime families who simply cannot get a long, but that doesn't stop Roman Montague and Rose Capulet from falling in love, but can love survive a war? Rose and Roman find out early on that it cannot, or so they thought.
Roman returns to Verona after years of exile with one thing on his mind, revenge. Okay, maybe two things on his mind, revenge and Rose. But Rose has moved on, she married another man named Paris and lives the picture perfect life. But not everything in Verona Bay is what it seems.
This classic tale is twisted into a dark romance with a morally grey Roman who wants to hurt his past love like she hurt him. He wants to take out the Capulets who exiled him, and he will take whoever stands in his way down.
I went into this story only with the knowledge that it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling. This story is a difficult one with lots of triggers, but it showcases how strong these characters are. Rose is such a formidable character who goes through so much that could break any person but she never gives up on herself. Roman is that morally grey character that we all love. He's broody, wants revenge and isn't afraid of cutting down anyone who gets in his way. This story is full of nail biting moments and keeps you hanging on, but the cliffhanger at the end will have you wanting to dive into the second book immediately. I'm excited to see how this story concludes in the second book.
The performances by Amanda Willow, Jameson Adams and Bryant Walker really brought this dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet to life. Amanda playing Rose was perfect. You can hear the internal struggles and emotion in Rose's character. The raw emotion that Amanda uses in her voice acting really made Rose a relatable character.
Both Jameson and Bryant played the men of Verona Bay brilliantly. These men are possessive, overbearing and some you'll hate, and some you'll hate to love.
Rose wants a simpler life. She smiles and puts on a show, but she's doing what she knows best, surviving.
What happens when they come face to face again? Find out now in this steamy story of revenge, betrayal, and love.
April 24, 2023
Downfall by Ellie Sanders is a dark retelling of Romeo & Juliet. I’ve never read a R & J retelling before and wasn’t sure what to expect but one thing for sure is it was action packed. From one page to the next I was constantly kept on the edge of my seat. With all that action comes an emotional rollercoaster of epic proportions.
I did have a hard time connecting with the characters but I think it’s due to reading in sporadic bursts. I didn’t sit down and dive in, I read a couple of pages here and there at first and i really believe it hindered that character growth for me.
With that being said I did really enjoy the book but I personally feel I will enjoy the second instalment a lot more as I will sit down and read instead of breezing through pages here and there.
The storyline is thrilling and exciting, which if you remember reading R & J in school, I’m sure you didn’t feel that same excitement. It’s terrible of me to say but I will forever compare R & J to Claire and Leo’s depiction rather than Shakespeare and that excitement is what I felt while reading this book.
I am definitely looking forward to Part II and hope that there is an actual happy ending and that the author deviates from a true R & J finale!
Thank you to the author and Romance me with Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did have a hard time connecting with the characters but I think it’s due to reading in sporadic bursts. I didn’t sit down and dive in, I read a couple of pages here and there at first and i really believe it hindered that character growth for me.
With that being said I did really enjoy the book but I personally feel I will enjoy the second instalment a lot more as I will sit down and read instead of breezing through pages here and there.
The storyline is thrilling and exciting, which if you remember reading R & J in school, I’m sure you didn’t feel that same excitement. It’s terrible of me to say but I will forever compare R & J to Claire and Leo’s depiction rather than Shakespeare and that excitement is what I felt while reading this book.
I am definitely looking forward to Part II and hope that there is an actual happy ending and that the author deviates from a true R & J finale!
Thank you to the author and Romance me with Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
September 16, 2024This Book Rating: 2 ⭐⭐(for what I like)
Duet Rating: TBD
*update - I CAN post without rating!!*
*Woot Woot! ＼ (^O^) ／*
We Have
✅ M/F Romance
✅ Retelling
✅ dark(ish) Themes
✅ Crime/Mafia (ish)
✅ Love at First Sight
✅ Forbidden Love
Another BookTok recommendation. Sigh.... Another book that is not for me. I really hate giving books low ratings. I wish I could choose to not rate a book and just review it. Everyone's tastes are different and this is not a bad book. The retelling is done well! I was digging a lot of the book until I got to about the 60% mark. If there is something that really really turns me off it's the Miscommunication trope. I can't deal. Add a whiny, insecure FMC, and omg it's a recipe for animosity on my part. LOL. It's just something that gets under my skin and I find myself not even enjoying the book because I can't get past those characteristics.
This story definitely deviates from the initial one and I love how grimey it is. I mean it's not super dark but yeah - there would 100% be some triggers for some people. The smut isn't awful. We start off on page 3 or 4 with some smut. I think that's what kept me interested. lol. I'm going to pick up book 2 and give this duet a shot because I'm hopeful the characters will get it together and I'll get a little twist somewhere in there. lol
Duet Rating: TBD
*update - I CAN post without rating!!*
*Woot Woot! ＼ (^O^) ／*
We Have
✅ M/F Romance
✅ Retelling
✅ dark(ish) Themes
✅ Crime/Mafia (ish)
✅ Love at First Sight
✅ Forbidden Love
Another BookTok recommendation. Sigh.... Another book that is not for me. I really hate giving books low ratings. I wish I could choose to not rate a book and just review it. Everyone's tastes are different and this is not a bad book. The retelling is done well! I was digging a lot of the book until I got to about the 60% mark. If there is something that really really turns me off it's the Miscommunication trope. I can't deal. Add a whiny, insecure FMC, and omg it's a recipe for animosity on my part. LOL. It's just something that gets under my skin and I find myself not even enjoying the book because I can't get past those characteristics.
This story definitely deviates from the initial one and I love how grimey it is. I mean it's not super dark but yeah - there would 100% be some triggers for some people. The smut isn't awful. We start off on page 3 or 4 with some smut. I think that's what kept me interested. lol. I'm going to pick up book 2 and give this duet a shot because I'm hopeful the characters will get it together and I'll get a little twist somewhere in there. lol
August 26, 2023
Romeo and Juliet will always be my favourite love story, it’s classic…
So when I find a retelling of my favourite love story, I am definitely going to read it..
Downfall is a darker, spicer retelling of Romeo and Juliet and it’s just as beautiful, emotional and powerful..
the story starts with two star crossed lovers, Roman and Rose.. not meant to be together because of a family feud but fall in love regardless..
but it is not to last, as lies and twist tear them apart..
Rose moves on but not in the happy life we would want her to have.. she is thrown into a dark and horrible world where she is used by the people who are meant to love her..
Roman is exiled but his return shakes the fair town of Verona and it people..
and Rose the most…
This story for me was a rollercoaster of a ride with my heat almost breaking at a lot of points in this book,
I love how it has kept all of the little nods to Romeo and Juliet without making it feel like it was a copy.. it’s own twist on that classic was beautiful..
there is spice in this story, so good and I could have read more and more of that!
It does end on a cliffhanger, but with the way it ended I didn’t mind, just made me look forward to reading book 2 even more..
So when I find a retelling of my favourite love story, I am definitely going to read it..
Downfall is a darker, spicer retelling of Romeo and Juliet and it’s just as beautiful, emotional and powerful..
the story starts with two star crossed lovers, Roman and Rose.. not meant to be together because of a family feud but fall in love regardless..
but it is not to last, as lies and twist tear them apart..
Rose moves on but not in the happy life we would want her to have.. she is thrown into a dark and horrible world where she is used by the people who are meant to love her..
Roman is exiled but his return shakes the fair town of Verona and it people..
and Rose the most…
This story for me was a rollercoaster of a ride with my heat almost breaking at a lot of points in this book,
I love how it has kept all of the little nods to Romeo and Juliet without making it feel like it was a copy.. it’s own twist on that classic was beautiful..
there is spice in this story, so good and I could have read more and more of that!
It does end on a cliffhanger, but with the way it ended I didn’t mind, just made me look forward to reading book 2 even more..
August 22, 2023
Holy fuck!
Okay so first off, this is already a better love story than the original Romeo and Juliet; I said what I said, don’t come for me unless you’re ready for a debate!
Rose and Roman were doomed from the start but being young and in love they think that love will conquer all. Unfortunately forces outside of their control prove that love does not conquer all.
This is a duet so be prepared for a cliffhanger!
The revelations keep coming in this book and they’re bigger and bigger each time! You will feel so many feels in this book and it will 100% fuck you up emotionally! This book will fuck your emotions like you’re the heroine in a romance novel so be prepared!😆
This book is equal parts spicy and sexy as it is dark, it is definitely a dark romance so tread lightly.
I can’t wait to read the second half of the duet!
Okay so first off, this is already a better love story than the original Romeo and Juliet; I said what I said, don’t come for me unless you’re ready for a debate!
Rose and Roman were doomed from the start but being young and in love they think that love will conquer all. Unfortunately forces outside of their control prove that love does not conquer all.
This is a duet so be prepared for a cliffhanger!
The revelations keep coming in this book and they’re bigger and bigger each time! You will feel so many feels in this book and it will 100% fuck you up emotionally! This book will fuck your emotions like you’re the heroine in a romance novel so be prepared!😆
This book is equal parts spicy and sexy as it is dark, it is definitely a dark romance so tread lightly.
I can’t wait to read the second half of the duet!
September 6, 2023
This is book one of the duet and wow what an incredible adventure it carried me on. We get a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet with Rose and Roman journey. Six years Romeo was banish and blamed Rose for tell on him. Now he’s back after his father death and out for revenge. After Rose though she found her perfect life with Romeo, her life changes and everything comes fall down. Now she married to a man who treats her as bad as her parents does. With him thinking he knows everything that happen and determined to make her pay. But things aren’t also what they appear and now he want her back as his no matter what. Their journey will carry on an twist and sometimes painful ride through their past and present. There will be secrets under cover and lies exposed. But as always be prepare for an incredible ending.
August 24, 2023
A Romeo and Juliet retelling
This is so good! It's maybe the best retelling of Romeo and Juliet that I've ever read. Rose has had a horrible life and things just get worse and worse for her. Roman was betrayed and is now learning the truth if everything that happened.
You have to read it to get the whole story though. There are so many emotions in this book. Very well written and I cannot wait to read the next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is so good! It's maybe the best retelling of Romeo and Juliet that I've ever read. Rose has had a horrible life and things just get worse and worse for her. Roman was betrayed and is now learning the truth if everything that happened.
You have to read it to get the whole story though. There are so many emotions in this book. Very well written and I cannot wait to read the next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 25, 2023
Wow. This book took a real dark turn. So much happened in this book. First off the way the book started with Rose and Roman. I didn’t know it would play out the way it did. I loved every second of this book!! I don’t want to ruin this for everyone. This is a must read if you like dark romance. I wasn’t a fan of retelling’s until this book. It had me hooked from the beginning.
September 16, 2023
This is book one in a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet and it was very good. Everything about this story had me on the edge of my seat with it’s captivating characters and story. Fast paced, with a lot happening and a cliffhanger that has me reeling until I get the second book in this duet. Ms Sanders has done very well with the writing and with the character development. Cannot wait to get my hands on the next book especially to see how Ms Sanders concludes this story.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 19, 2025
I was fully prepared for a cringe-fest because, let’s be real, a modern Romeo and Juliet retelling could’ve been a disaster. But this one slapped. Just enough spice to keep me entertained.
The story had me hooked even with it being a little cheesy. It was a little predictable, but honestly, what isn’t these days?
If you’re into forbidden love, some drama, and just enough steam, read this one.
The story had me hooked even with it being a little cheesy. It was a little predictable, but honestly, what isn’t these days?
If you’re into forbidden love, some drama, and just enough steam, read this one.
March 20, 2024
This book seriously needs an editor. It is appalling how books like this with so many grammatical errors gets published. Putting a comma before a name is a basic rule, and yet it does not happen once in this book. The writing is also just elementary and rushed. Dnf’d about 30 pages in.
April 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
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