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Evil has almost caught up to me. I can feel its breath on my neck, warning me my life might soon be over at the hands of my psychotic stalker.

Aidan, Roman, Brick and Slade vow to protect me, to do everything in their power to ensure I survive this evil. They know my darkness now, that I fear nothing, including them. But maybe that will be my downfall.

It won't be simple to extinguish the evil that chases me, as my psychotic stalker gets closer. There's still a chance he'll get to live out his darkest fantasies at my expense. And the island doesn't run itself.

While the Brixtons' hold on the island is increasing as they systematically destroy their rivals, there's still much to do before we own this place. Traitors multiply in the darkness, and while we'd prefer not to form any alliances and go it alone, we need to keep pace.

It's time to get down and dirty. To do whatever it takes to gain control. And I'm not afraid of fighting.

This book concludes the Brixton trilogy within the Blood and Sand series.

**Sea of Pain is a Dark Reverse Harem (Why Choose) Romance. 18+. this book includes graphic violence and sex scenes, and references of abuse/assault that some readers may experience as triggering.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2023

21 people are currently reading
266 people want to read

About the author

Heidi Stark

25 books383 followers
Heidi Stark writes contemporary dark romance with a twist of danger, desire, and the occasional sports scandal.

Known for her badass heroines and irresistibly morally grey men, Heidi has captivated readers with 20+ titles, including the gripping Blood and Sand series, the fiery Volcano of Pain, and her highly anticipated new release, Beautiful Terror.

Originally hailing from the lush landscapes of New Zealand, Heidi now calls the U.S. home, where she shares her creative chaos with her feline sidekick, Fang.

When she’s not crafting heart-pounding stories, Heidi is a whirlwind of energy—hitting up barre classes, devouring true crime podcasts, dabbling in roller derby, people-watching, or indulging in her guilty pleasure: reality TV binges. Always on the hunt for inspiration, she’s probably plotting her next book—or her next travel adventure.

Dark, daring, and deliciously addictive—Heidi’s world is one you’ll never want to leave.

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5 stars
52 (40%)
4 stars
27 (21%)
3 stars
35 (27%)
2 stars
12 (9%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Anastasia シ.
770 reviews263 followers
May 4, 2023
2.5 stars, full Review on my blog!

I don't know where to begin with this one... so many questions were left unanswered.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Sea of Pain by Heidi Stark was definitely painful to read. This was not how I imagined the conclusion to Angel's story; I thought the climax of the story would have been closer to the middle or perhaps near the end of the book especially with how short this book is.

The author begins the book by disregarding the original story with Angel's stalker, instead focusing on Brixton's business dealings storyline from the previous book, which leads to a situation where they need to deal with "Zero and his men" who have intercepted one of Brixton's hauls. Completely unrelated to our main storyline.  A few chapters later and Aidan gets a mysterious text message (obviously from Angel's stalker) telling him to meet somewhere so he can give Aidan info on Angel.  Honestly, having her stalker's POV would have been EPIC, his steps to finding her, etc. That would have been a cool addition to the story.

Things quickly go south as Aidan is knocked unconscious, while Angel's stalker sends the other three men on a wild goose chase across the island while he kidnaps Angel; by this point, she's been kidnapped at least 6 times. When she regains consciousness, she finds herself restrained while her tormentor, Brett Wolf (a name that's fully repeated a million times which is overkill). Despite this tense situation, the story becomes increasingly engaging, and at this point, I'm enjoying it like it's SO good; I kept thinking this is where I had hoped the story would go. Anyways during their conversation, Brett threatens to say her real name, but she responds by saying that her old name no longer holds any meaning. I’m sad her real name never slipped. Still thinking about that tbh.

“There’s nobody else worth this level of focus, this dedication,” he says softly. “You are my masterpiece. The work I am most proud of.” His voice is surgical and precise, like everything he does. “Everyone before you was just practice.”


How can I be his ultimate masterpiece if he really desires someone more challenging to manipulate? That makes no sense. He’s gaslighting me, trying to diminish me with cheap shots. He hates me because he hates how obsessed with me he is. He hates that I make him lose control just by existing. That gives me power, and he doesn’t know that I know it. But I do.


As a villain Brett's character was great, in his delusional, sinister way, although clearly not fully fleshed out and ended up being rather bland. Angel repeatedly questions his obsession with her, but unfortunately, this was never fully addressed, which was disappointing.  Despite the intensity of the situation, the extent of her time with him was very short, as Angel manages to wiggle her way out of her restraints... immediately followed by the MOST anti-climatic rescue by her 4 men, just appearing out of nowhere. How did they find her? How did they figure out that Aidan and Angel were kidnapped? How did they know the location Brett had them in? etc. These questions were never answered. I would have liked their POV of the steps they took trying to find them or literally anything that would make this story better. 

They immediately smack Brett over the head and take him back to their compound. By this point, I'm thinking, "Ok they're going to hold him hostage, torture him for days, or weeks, or months even" but no, something epic like that does not happen.  Initially, the torture scenes seemed cool, but it quickly turned into a childish game show type of torture thing that lasted about 20ish pages,  and if it were a "game show" it would have probably lasted 30 minutes.  It was over before it even started, as Angel deals the finishing blow, "As I pirouette in Brett Wolf’s direction, it makes contact with his neck and slices through like butter, just like Brick promised it would. Brett Wolf’s skull bounces to the ground and rolls off to the side." Which I thought was epic, but again... it would have been even more satisfying if that was done after he was held hostage for months/years even.

It seems that the primary plot and villain were neglected in both this book and the previous one. I really do believe combining books 3 and 4 could have resulted in a more cohesive and smooth storyline, avoiding the choppiness and rushed feeling as well as the numerous editing errors that I came across (check my notes and highlights).  

The smut felt forced, and at the weirdest times, for example right after killing Brett! 

To clarify, only 45% of the book was devoted to the main plot and villain, while the remainder was filled with irrelevant and unimportant details, but I'll give a quick little summary of it. We get a continuation of the Brixton business storyline, Devon and Angel meet and they both agree that their men should "team up" to take out the threat (while that was a nice little addition, it was whatever tbh), etc. As I continued reading, I grew tired of the juvenile dialogue and rushed storytelling, leading me to start skimming pages at around 75%. Oh and guess what! Angel gets kidnapped yet again... 10th time in 3 books? A completely ridiculous amount of kidnappings. 

Overall, Sea of Pain by Heidi Stark was frustrating. Despite its potential, the book left numerous unanswered questions, and only a small portion of the story was devoted to the main plot and villain. The rest of the book felt like a collection of irrelevant and unimportant details. If you decide to give this series a try let me know how that goes, but be prepared for possible disappointment.
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Sea of Snakes | Review
Sea of Sinners | Review
Sea of Rage | Review
Sea of Pain | Review

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Profile Image for Catbytheseareads ♡.
817 reviews80 followers
September 29, 2023
I loved book 1 & 2 and I'm forever grateful to the author, publisher and book sirens allowing me to read them.
I unfortunately did not get to read book 3.

Now book 4 was great. I enjoyed Angels story as well as her 4 men. The bad boys who would kill for each other and to protect her. They're like brothers blood or not. They run clubs and restaurants in addition to their life of crime running guns, drugs or harming and scaring off those who get in their mafia bosses way.

You'll feel bad for Angel for what happened to her and what her stalker did to her life, mind, body and soul. It's a dark romance with the wildest ride, filled with erotica.
Profile Image for Blue.
25 reviews23 followers
May 3, 2023
COVER = 5/5
PACE = 3/5 - 46% was fast the rest felt slow
PLOT = 2/5 -basic, game show thing was long (wish this torture was done differently), majority of this book felt childish, and some parts were confusing
CHARACTERS = 3.5/5- villain was interesting
WORLD BUILDING = 2/5 - mid
ROMANCE = 2/5 - wasn't as great as the other books imo, some scenes felt forced

OVERALL = 2.5/5 stars

The conclusion for her stalker was just OK. A lot of things left unanswered... so disappointed tbh
Profile Image for Ashley.
236 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2023
3.5 stars. This book was a bit shorter than the others in the series and some of the major issues were taken care of a bit earlier in the book than I expected. I thought it wouldn't climax until closer to the middle or the end. There is still a enemy to take care of but I feel like the more major plot/villain was taken out of the equation. I am glad to see Angel and her guys smarten up and for a friendship/alliance with Devon and her guys. There was some misspellings and editing issues. There would be a scene but the next scene made it out like the previous didnt happen, or was just confusing because you didn't really understand the context. Some of the dialog would say someone was talking but it seemed like it was really coming from someone else, or names would be mentioned but they would be switched around. I am interested to see how everything ends, and what a future with Angel and her guys looks like. Will they start a family? Will their group grow closer to the snakes as friends and allies? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Andrea.
225 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2023
I'm not even sure where to begin on this but one.. I'm so disappointed in this book, it doesn't flow right and it jumps from parts of the other books back to this one only the flow just doesn't work.. the only part of this book I loved was the Game Show..I'm being nice giving it a 3 star.. just like all of the other books a lot of information is missing or maybe she is waiting on book what 5 to finish it .idk I feel like this author could have combined all of these books into one or two and not jumped around all over the place .
Profile Image for Chennel.
5 reviews
May 19, 2023
dnf 68%

would have liked more torture of brett, didnt like how it was told in the game show thingy. 50% of the book was main plot the rest was boring dnf
Profile Image for Lenora.
24 reviews
September 21, 2024
Loved this book. All of the books in this series are 🔥
Profile Image for Christina Michelle.
36 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2023
Sea of Pain was almost too painful for me to finish. Not that is was the worst book I’ve read. It was listed as a dark romance and maybe for some it could be viewed that way but it was more like if Disney wrote a “dark” version of something….meaning not dark at all! Some of the chapters seemed pretty convoluted to me making it difficult to follow and they felt rushed. There are a few spicy scenes but they felt forced. It definitely didn’t leave me wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,770 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2023
Sea of Pain by Heidi Stark
OMG! You can not put this book down!
It brings all of her anguish that Angel went through, all her suffering, looking behind her shoulders, the loss of her family and friends, made her a stronger person to fight for her life with the help of her men. This story is multifaceted, not just about her life, it’s also about the men and their relationship with her and the business and how it will also affect her just for being with them. Friendships and finding love and growing.
This story gives you the the satisfaction of revenge, the saying of “Eye for an Eye” goes here. The chemistry is freaking on fire and it’s hot! I love the understanding that they feel with each other.
Have your tissues on hand, cold water by your side and maybe a change of underwear!
Beware it’s has some gruesome parts but it also fulfilled my heart content on his punishment. I had goosebumps!
You must read all four books. Great series to read and worth your time. It’s so recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for M Will.
964 reviews15 followers
April 27, 2023
Book 4 of this series brought everything to a head between the Brixtons and the Snakes. The boys face not only the power struggles on the island, but also Angel's stalker in this book. And they handle it only how the Brixton men do - with creatively maniacal violence. And I loved it. I do love the reappearance of the Snake crew as they were featured in book 1. The author has set up us readers for one amazing final installment (if not more) with this book.

There are a few character inconsistencies (name errors) and a scene that lines up in a confusing manner so I deducted a star. I am hoping that the final print version will catch these inconsistencies and then I'll re-rate the book. But otherwise, the characters are on point, the plot thickens and I cannot wait to read the next one.

I am providing an honest review in exchange for a free copy of this book.
5,938 reviews30 followers
May 6, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wow, I absolutely loved reading this book, actually the series so far has been brilliant, the story was captivating and the characters were really sensational. This story was about the five of them building a friendship, the four men Roman, Slade, Brick and Aidan, and the one woman stealing the heart's from the men Angel. Angel has been seeing a therapist because of the incident with her stalker, she finally told her four men so now they are on high alert and know matter what they will protect her with everything they have. Angel has a big heart her needs are for all four men and they are just as hot for her.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,102 reviews9 followers
May 7, 2023
Angel’s stalker is smarter than they thought. Aidan, Slade, Brick, and Roman almost lose their minds when he manages to put Angel at risk. Their relationship has grown while some doubts linger. Working together they face danger which sparks protectiveness, a desire to explore multiple partner sex scenes, and forging new alliances.

Heidi’s unique storyline, decadent sex, and dangerous situations makes this series more than a RH. It’s complex, the characters are gorgeously hot and definitely ruthless, and loving Angel as their Queen or Valkyrie completes the dynamic. I love how they interact with one another!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jade.
6 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
2.5 stars | DNF 78%

I have mixed feelings on this one.

A bit shorter just like sea of rage. Book 3 and 4 probably could have been combined into one book and condensed a bit, if I'm honest. The major plot things were dealt with of a bit earlier in the book than I expected and the rest of the book was filler and unnecessary. It was hard to read; slow and boring at times.

I didn't like the game show torture bit, it felt juvenile, thought the author would have gone a different route with the Brett arc, it was over in like 5 seconds, was not satisfying and left me feeling really disappointed.

The friendship/alliance with Devon and her guys was a nice bit.

The dialogue.. was cringe and painful to read at times, I couldn't.
28 reviews
May 7, 2023
Closure is found for Angel as her psychopath is dealt with in the most macabre way and things are clearly established as to what her men want from her which is everything.
The author continues to bring intense passionate relationships with revenge, torment and a tortured brutality these characters are know for. The interplay between the brothers and Angel plays seamlessly throughout the book ending on a chaotic crescendo within their now solid relationship.
The saga ends with an alliance being formed with their rival nemesis gang to take out the top dog of the island, I have no idea what the author has installed next but l remain invested all the way.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
524 reviews15 followers
April 29, 2023

The ending has come full circle as Angel gets her revenge and her men. Losing everything and running for her life, Angel can finally have her happily ever after. Some times the enemy can be your biggest ally and they comes to terms with snakes. This felt like a shorter read and kind of rushed. A few spelling and grammar errors this go round but glad to see Angels story come to a close. I wonder what is next?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yara flores.
729 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
Lo siento pero DNF al 75% porque madre mía
Tanto esperando para que sea una locura

Sinceramente es que son malos malos, no tienen sentido y la autora cree que tiene personajes divertidos como Brick y realmente no tiene nada de personalidad y es un sinsentido

Además Slade??? De repente ahora es bueno con ella y todo se ha olvidado?

No me ha gustado nada el desarrollo de los personajes porque no tiene sentido. Son tres libros para algo que perfectamente en COMO MUCHo dos se pudo es escribir
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
94 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2023
I loved this book! I love the Brixton guys SO much but I just love the whole dynamic of their relationship and how they all work together! I really love how the groups tie together in this! I CANNOT wait for more! I’m hooked and need to see this thrrough now! Cannot wait to see how this plays out! If you’re looking for a spicy dark RH add this to your TBR immediately! I don’t think I could be any more obsessed 🖤
Profile Image for Bianca ღ.
91 reviews27 followers
May 16, 2023
This was so hard to read.
30% dedicated to the main plot.
I didn't really care for the game show torture chapter, while it was a cool idea, would have like Brett's kidnapping to have gone differently. Maybe like holding him hostage and torturing him over time type of thing.
There were a lot of unanswered question, how did the Brixton's find Angel when Brett sent them across the island? It just doesn't make sense.

5 reviews
April 5, 2025
Great plot but the writing was mediocre

I like the storyline and the characters, but the amount of grammatical errors and switching around names is really rough. Then there’s one scene that completely discounts a scene that happened earlier, like it didn’t happen. The writing is very repetitive. Too much time spent on the same thing over and over but then some things very important are glossed over. It’s just hard to read. I’m not finishing the series.
Profile Image for Cassandra Snow.
10 reviews
May 29, 2023
DNF 70%... it was ok i guess. basically the beginning is the only relevant part of the story. i started getting frustrated around 60% but tried my BEST to continue! it's unbelievable how many things didn't add up or how many things were not explained or really expanded on.. also who tf edited this? lol
Profile Image for Meesh Reads.
174 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2024
Friendly reminder to check trigger warnings :)

Let me just say …. I love a good revenge plot. & seeing how the Brixton Boys put together the ultimate revenge for their girl Angel was amazing.

Dark humor at its finest.

The twist of the Snakes & the Brixton’s working together??? Not something I saw coming.

I’m excited to see if this new partnership can take down Tane Brown for good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
735 reviews11 followers
May 23, 2023
This is another epic story in an amazing series. There was so much action, drama and steam. From page one it’s constant. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I could read about these characters even more. Absolutely perfect.
261 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2023
Now this romance book has everything you could ever want in a story! I am obsessed and loved every second of it. Definitely a must read if you love romance! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alyssa Monroe.
15 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2023
Honestly I cant believe this is the end to Angels story.
It wasn't really satisfying and I have mixed feelings with this one, it wasnt bad but it wasnt good either.
Tons of unanswered question... The whole main story felt like it was rushed in the beginning of the book..
Profile Image for Frankie Bell.
533 reviews17 followers
July 12, 2024
warning these series is addictive!!

Yay for healing and yay for deals with the snake boys! So glad to see them again but shhh Angel and her boys are better but I didn’t say that hahahah. I’m hooked and want more!!!
Profile Image for Natalia.
3 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2023
many things left unanswered, but it was ok.
the game show was dumb, Brett Wolf should have been tortured over time not in 10 minutes LMAO
Profile Image for Cadence Marshall.
Author 15 books4 followers
July 24, 2024
loved it

Storyline and character development was amazing and I’m glad at how it ended and I’m excited to read more books
Profile Image for Mary Mitchell.
1,023 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2024
Deep Dark

This book in the series is truly dark and disturbing and it was also full of great surprises. The gore and danger was off the charts and fantastic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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