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Monstrous Survivors #1
Drown in You
Jake is doing the best he can. He’s going on 10 years working an undercover sex trafficking operation that has forced him to rub elbows with the filth of the world - and smile while doing it. He’s good at his job, though. Especially the part where he keeps his boss’s head on straight. Even when that boss decided to risk everything by falling for one of the slaves they were tasked with saving. He’s exasperated and running on fumes. And then his boss asks him to save his love’s new friend, Casey, by buying the slave for himself. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing, if Jake can help it. He certainly won’t make his boss’s mistake of falling in love with the man he’s tasked with saving. Except… Jake’s a daddy who hasn’t been able to actually be a daddy in far too long, and Casey pushes all of his buttons in the best, most dangerous ways. Add in some forced proximity, Casey trusting him above all others, a stuffed dolphin, bubble baths, and late-night cuddles, and Jake has a feeling he might not be able to help it after all. Jake has a feeling he’s doomed.
This book follows two characters first introduced in T.J. Hamel's Monstrous Deeds series. Though this book can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, they are best enjoyed after reading These Monstrous Deeds, A Dangerous Game, and One Last Time
This book follows two characters first introduced in T.J. Hamel's Monstrous Deeds series. Though this book can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, they are best enjoyed after reading These Monstrous Deeds, A Dangerous Game, and One Last Time
535 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
April 28, 2026
6 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
to say i was thrilled when i found out jake/benny and casey were getting books is an understatement. to say i was fucking ecstatic when i found out it was the same book? biggest understatement ever statemented under.
i loved these two. they were absolutely everything i hoped they would be. monstrous deeds was such a dark and heavy series, but what casey and jake went through was even worse. they deserved the love and acceptance they both found, and i am thrilled at the little found family we’ve come to have amongst all the survivors.
also as someone who is not a huge fan of daddy kink, i really enjoyed their dynamic.
maison and nolan, i am so freaking ready for your story.
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
to say i was thrilled when i found out jake/benny and casey were getting books is an understatement. to say i was fucking ecstatic when i found out it was the same book? biggest understatement ever statemented under.
i loved these two. they were absolutely everything i hoped they would be. monstrous deeds was such a dark and heavy series, but what casey and jake went through was even worse. they deserved the love and acceptance they both found, and i am thrilled at the little found family we’ve come to have amongst all the survivors.
also as someone who is not a huge fan of daddy kink, i really enjoyed their dynamic.
maison and nolan, i am so freaking ready for your story.
September 25, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
I’ve mastered the art of giving pleasure while receiving pain.
Reviewing books like this isn’t easy. There’s so much to unpack, and you really have to put away any personal discomfort with the contents to review it fairly. I will preface this with saying I have a strong stomach, and I handled it relatively well. There were still scenes that made me uncomfortable, and a lot of it was difficult to read, but as I expected, it was the angst between the MCs that came after when the healing started that affected me the most. The psychological impact on both MCs from seeing/experiencing/inflicting all of this trauma is enormous, and it can definitely impact the reader as well.
I was a bit confused about the timeline early on, but other than that, this is very well written. The author has handled the themes well without shying away from showing the gruesome details of sex trafficking. There was one point where it felt like a bit much, like maybe a scene or two near the end of the undercover operation could’ve been left out and it not impact the story, as it started to read a bit like torture porn (as my friend describes it). It’s not the feeling I’m left with after finishing the book, as it reaches a point where they’re physically safe and the book focuses on healing physically and mentally, but it was indeed a bit much at one point, which is saying something. Well, other than the graphic revenge near the end, but that was just cathartic for everyone involved at that point lol (including the reader), although it did make me wanna clutch my metaphorical balls (I have written the words ‘metaphorical balls’ in entirely too many reviews).
[…] I might be imagining it. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes I feel things on my body that aren’t there when I look. Am I going crazy? Does that happen before you die? I think I’d like to die. I think that’d be really nice.
I don’t want to forget about the romance part of the book either. The potential ‘hero worship’ situation was handled well, and I’m thankful that there really weren’t any romantic feelings involved, only the need to take care of and protect each other, until after they were away from the undercover operation. They have to work for it, and maybe the start of their connection wasn’t the healthiest, but with therapy (individually, together and in a group setting) they managed to create a safe and healthy relationship. They were by no means healed or ‘fixed’ by the end of the book though, and it was clear that the therapy would continue. And the MCs were simply so sweet together when they reached that stage.
I am a big fan of daddy kink, and one kinda funny thing is that I didn’t even know this had it until I read it in the book. One MC is a daddy dom, and he’s a caretaker through and through (which actually leads to what was the most heartbreaking moment in the book for me), but this dynamic worked so well for the MCs. The other MC even experiences some age regression, but I will say this is very mild and doesn’t read like the usual age play books at all. He needs some extra comfort and gets a bit needy, and he has a stuffie he adores.
I’ve always dreamt of spending my time just like this. Bathing a boy. Caring for him. Tucking him in. Sure, in my fantasies I was his daddy, and he wasn’t recovering from a fucking nightmarish existence.
I’m sure there’s plenty more I could say about this book (it’s a thicc one after all), but there’s really no point. It’s heartbreaking, sometimes stomach turning, somehow sweet and adorable at times, and I even managed to laugh once or twice. Tackling subjects like this must be really freaking difficult, and I am in no way shape or form an expert on anything that goes down in this book, but I do believe the author did it well.
“It’s alright,” I promise him. "When was the last time someone touched you gently, little one?" A small sob bursts from Casey's lips. "I don't remember."
The list of content warnings is incredibly long this time, but they’re all there for a good reason, and I definitely encourage you to look at them before reading. Take care of yourself first and foremost.
4.5 stars rounded up
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Undercover agent
Human trafficking
Survivorship
Mental health
Daddy dom
Found family
Trauma
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
MC forced to rape a third party (not other MC)
Non consensual spitting and urination (in mouth)
Mentions of child rape (off page, no MC involved)
On page torture/assault (not between MCs)
Dubious consent (relatively mild cases)
On page rape (not between MCs)
Mentions of child sex trafficking
Non-consensual drug use
Self harm (unintentional)
Sex trafficking
Slavery
Suicidal ideation
Gang rape
Sexual assault
PTSD
Humiliation
Depression
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Mild age regression
*I have added the content warnings the author provided as well as every single one I could think of, but there may be others I have missed.
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: In a way. Please see the first content warning.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Atleast one MC is versatile. No switching on page.
Casey fidgets with the towel, peeking at me through his lashes. "You're sure you don't want me to… pleasure you, Master? I'd-I'd be very happy to." "No. But thank you." "Will you-will others be…" he squeezes his eyes shut and tilts his head away. "Will you let other slaves pleasure you tonight, Master? Are-are they better than me?"
It wouldn't be so bad to drown in him. In fact, I think it’d be quite nice. Maybe we could even drown in each other.
Casey chooses to go to his after-breakfast crying session alone, giving me a lingering kiss just before hurrying off. He looks startingly happy for a boy about to go cry his eyes out.
I’ve mastered the art of giving pleasure while receiving pain.
Reviewing books like this isn’t easy. There’s so much to unpack, and you really have to put away any personal discomfort with the contents to review it fairly. I will preface this with saying I have a strong stomach, and I handled it relatively well. There were still scenes that made me uncomfortable, and a lot of it was difficult to read, but as I expected, it was the angst between the MCs that came after when the healing started that affected me the most. The psychological impact on both MCs from seeing/experiencing/inflicting all of this trauma is enormous, and it can definitely impact the reader as well.
I was a bit confused about the timeline early on, but other than that, this is very well written. The author has handled the themes well without shying away from showing the gruesome details of sex trafficking. There was one point where it felt like a bit much, like maybe a scene or two near the end of the undercover operation could’ve been left out and it not impact the story, as it started to read a bit like torture porn (as my friend describes it). It’s not the feeling I’m left with after finishing the book, as it reaches a point where they’re physically safe and the book focuses on healing physically and mentally, but it was indeed a bit much at one point, which is saying something. Well, other than the graphic revenge near the end, but that was just cathartic for everyone involved at that point lol (including the reader), although it did make me wanna clutch my metaphorical balls (I have written the words ‘metaphorical balls’ in entirely too many reviews).
[…] I might be imagining it. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes I feel things on my body that aren’t there when I look. Am I going crazy? Does that happen before you die? I think I’d like to die. I think that’d be really nice.
I don’t want to forget about the romance part of the book either. The potential ‘hero worship’ situation was handled well, and I’m thankful that there really weren’t any romantic feelings involved, only the need to take care of and protect each other, until after they were away from the undercover operation. They have to work for it, and maybe the start of their connection wasn’t the healthiest, but with therapy (individually, together and in a group setting) they managed to create a safe and healthy relationship. They were by no means healed or ‘fixed’ by the end of the book though, and it was clear that the therapy would continue. And the MCs were simply so sweet together when they reached that stage.
I am a big fan of daddy kink, and one kinda funny thing is that I didn’t even know this had it until I read it in the book. One MC is a daddy dom, and he’s a caretaker through and through (which actually leads to what was the most heartbreaking moment in the book for me), but this dynamic worked so well for the MCs. The other MC even experiences some age regression, but I will say this is very mild and doesn’t read like the usual age play books at all. He needs some extra comfort and gets a bit needy, and he has a stuffie he adores.
I’ve always dreamt of spending my time just like this. Bathing a boy. Caring for him. Tucking him in. Sure, in my fantasies I was his daddy, and he wasn’t recovering from a fucking nightmarish existence.
I’m sure there’s plenty more I could say about this book (it’s a thicc one after all), but there’s really no point. It’s heartbreaking, sometimes stomach turning, somehow sweet and adorable at times, and I even managed to laugh once or twice. Tackling subjects like this must be really freaking difficult, and I am in no way shape or form an expert on anything that goes down in this book, but I do believe the author did it well.
“It’s alright,” I promise him. "When was the last time someone touched you gently, little one?" A small sob bursts from Casey's lips. "I don't remember."
The list of content warnings is incredibly long this time, but they’re all there for a good reason, and I definitely encourage you to look at them before reading. Take care of yourself first and foremost.
4.5 stars rounded up
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Age gap
Undercover agent
Human trafficking
Survivorship
Mental health
Daddy dom
Found family
Trauma
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
MC forced to rape a third party (not other MC)
Non consensual spitting and urination (in mouth)
Mentions of child rape (off page, no MC involved)
On page torture/assault (not between MCs)
Dubious consent (relatively mild cases)
On page rape (not between MCs)
Mentions of child sex trafficking
Non-consensual drug use
Self harm (unintentional)
Sex trafficking
Slavery
Suicidal ideation
Gang rape
Sexual assault
PTSD
Humiliation
Depression
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Mild age regression
*I have added the content warnings the author provided as well as every single one I could think of, but there may be others I have missed.
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: In a way. Please see the first content warning.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Atleast one MC is versatile. No switching on page.
Casey fidgets with the towel, peeking at me through his lashes. "You're sure you don't want me to… pleasure you, Master? I'd-I'd be very happy to." "No. But thank you." "Will you-will others be…" he squeezes his eyes shut and tilts his head away. "Will you let other slaves pleasure you tonight, Master? Are-are they better than me?"
It wouldn't be so bad to drown in him. In fact, I think it’d be quite nice. Maybe we could even drown in each other.
Casey chooses to go to his after-breakfast crying session alone, giving me a lingering kiss just before hurrying off. He looks startingly happy for a boy about to go cry his eyes out.
September 13, 2024
This is me saying good bye to books with these type of storylines. I was just fucking exhausted, mentally and emotionally, to the point that I couldn’t enjoy the romantic bits anymore. I just want it to be done, to move on. I mean, I knew what I was getting into but turns out this is not my taste in books anymore. A harsh wake up call. I would’ve devoured this book last year or two years ago but not now anymore.
August 2, 2024
I was so happy to see that this book was written in first person!! I hated that the Monstrous Deeds trilogy was written third person because I felt so disconnected from the emotions of the story, but this definitely met my need to feel what the characters are feeling.
I enjoyed getting to see the story of Casey and Jake, but I was a little frustrated with the timeline. Considering this is a fairly long book, I expected a good part of the story to take place after the end of One Last Time so we see how things are progressing, but that wasn't really the case. We go back to when Jake bought Casey and essentially see the events of books two and three through Casey and Jake's eyes, and maybe a month or so after the end of One Last Time, if that.
It was interesting to see their take on things and to see what they were up to when Carter and Travis were figuring their lives out, BUT it did feel like a lot of this story was already known information, purely because those three books were third person and there was a lot of dialougue and content with Casey and Jake in them. For me, I felt like I already knew a lot about what Casey had been through and how Casey and Jake had been struggling when they were first getting together, I just didn't have the firsthand emotional content from either character, or see what went on in their bedroom.
I did like finally seeing Casey's mindset throughout everything that was happening, and being able to see Jake's struggles through his eyes and not a narrators. I cried a lot more than I did for Carter and Travis's books because I just felt like I knew Casey and Jake much better, but it felt like I had already read a lot of this, and that was pretty frustrating!
Casey completely stole my heart though, and I was actually upset at seeing how self-absorbed Carter was during their recovery, because I didn't really pick that up before but it was glaringly obvious from this POV. Casey's mental health struggles were devastating, and I was crying my eyes out at multiple points, especially the swimming pool - I felt so bad for him and just wanted to give him the biggest hug.
I was also happy that the loose ends from the operation were tied up, and I am 100% convinced that Keats is definitely the big boss. I want his (and Bryce's) story more than I want Maison and Nolan's at this point! I'm also assuming that Ace and Matt will have a book, and Ronan and Max maybe? Either way, I am so invested in all of these characters - I just hope that Maison and Nolan's book doesn't recap everything again from their POV because I don't think I would finish reading it if that's the case unfortunately.
I enjoyed getting to see the story of Casey and Jake, but I was a little frustrated with the timeline. Considering this is a fairly long book, I expected a good part of the story to take place after the end of One Last Time so we see how things are progressing, but that wasn't really the case. We go back to when Jake bought Casey and essentially see the events of books two and three through Casey and Jake's eyes, and maybe a month or so after the end of One Last Time, if that.
It was interesting to see their take on things and to see what they were up to when Carter and Travis were figuring their lives out, BUT it did feel like a lot of this story was already known information, purely because those three books were third person and there was a lot of dialougue and content with Casey and Jake in them. For me, I felt like I already knew a lot about what Casey had been through and how Casey and Jake had been struggling when they were first getting together, I just didn't have the firsthand emotional content from either character, or see what went on in their bedroom.
I did like finally seeing Casey's mindset throughout everything that was happening, and being able to see Jake's struggles through his eyes and not a narrators. I cried a lot more than I did for Carter and Travis's books because I just felt like I knew Casey and Jake much better, but it felt like I had already read a lot of this, and that was pretty frustrating!
Casey completely stole my heart though, and I was actually upset at seeing how self-absorbed Carter was during their recovery, because I didn't really pick that up before but it was glaringly obvious from this POV. Casey's mental health struggles were devastating, and I was crying my eyes out at multiple points, especially the swimming pool - I felt so bad for him and just wanted to give him the biggest hug.
I was also happy that the loose ends from the operation were tied up, and I am 100% convinced that Keats is definitely the big boss. I want his (and Bryce's) story more than I want Maison and Nolan's at this point! I'm also assuming that Ace and Matt will have a book, and Ronan and Max maybe? Either way, I am so invested in all of these characters - I just hope that Maison and Nolan's book doesn't recap everything again from their POV because I don't think I would finish reading it if that's the case unfortunately.
August 16, 2025
4.5**** stars
I am so fucking addicted to these characters and their stories!!
And god, as horrific as it was to witness, I loved that this story starts at the very beginning. Casey’s and Benny/Jake’s story we only got to watch little parts of from the sidelines while we were still with Carter and Nathan/Travis in These Monstrous Deeds.
With Jake even more than with Travis in the prequel series we get to see how much they had to endure themselves with becoming monsters. Their pain was hard to read as well, especially because while still undercover they could never let it show.
⇢ Please heed Trigger Warnings
*************
These Monstrous Deeds Series
Book 1 - Drown in You - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Pieces of Us - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Piece Us Together - 4.0 stars
…and more to come.
⇢ Prequel Series: These Monstrous Deed
I am so fucking addicted to these characters and their stories!!
And god, as horrific as it was to witness, I loved that this story starts at the very beginning. Casey’s and Benny/Jake’s story we only got to watch little parts of from the sidelines while we were still with Carter and Nathan/Travis in These Monstrous Deeds.
"Y-you know how in the movies and the books and stuff they say cheesy things about not needing a hero? Like I didn't save you, you saved yourself? It's supposed to be empowering or whatever. You know?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm so tired," he whispers, his voice a trembling mess of grief and fear. "I can't save myself. I don't-I don't think I want to. Can you do it? Please? Will you save me, Jake?”
With Jake even more than with Travis in the prequel series we get to see how much they had to endure themselves with becoming monsters. Their pain was hard to read as well, especially because while still undercover they could never let it show.
⇢ Please heed Trigger Warnings
*************
These Monstrous Deeds Series
Book 1 - Drown in You - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Pieces of Us - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Piece Us Together - 4.0 stars
…and more to come.
⇢ Prequel Series: These Monstrous Deed
December 2, 2024
so freaking good 😭😭😭😭
February 21, 2025
5.5 ⭐️ Ok so right off the bat.. I’m both happily satisfied, yet extremely disappointed.
I want to start off by mentioning, I loved reading about Casey and Jake’s characters in the Monstrous Deeds trilogy. I instantly feel in love with Jake’s protective and nurturing tendencies, and was quite literally bursting at the seams wanting Casey to have his healing journey and recover from his trauma. So, to say that I was BEYOND thrilled to finally finish Carter and Travis’ story and start this one, would be an understatement— especially since I could also morally justify their relationship a little bit more than Carter and Travis since Jake saved Casey at the end of the operation (there was no mind fuckery.. still love Carter/Trav though 😘).
Which leads to my disappointment with the book which is that the first 40% is almost an exact retelling of One Last Time (that last book in the Monstrous Deeds trilogy). We were retold almost the entirety of OLT, strictly from Jake and Casey’s POV, but with literally the exact same dialogue. There were even scenes in this book, between Casey and Jake, that you are pretty much able to fill in the blanks for when reading it in OLT. I literally had to skim over so many different parts because they were still so fresh in my mind. At first, I honestly didn’t mind it too much. Obviously, the author has to find a way to recap to help readers who did not read the last series… but it was hard when it went on for almost half of the entire book. I just felt like all of it could have been condensed or told in a more strategic way— we could have had personal scenes between Casey and Jake in between all the retellings or we could have picked up their story at a different point in the timeline, like possibly starting off their story right when they got to the safe house, etc.
Moving on from that, some other notable moments: I think the author did a much better job addressing Casey’s trauma much more than Carters in the last series. It absolutely broke my heart reading his flashbacks and seeing what he had gone through. I’m also the biggest fan of Daddy Kink and think it was done really well and was not cringe in any way. I will say, this book definitely did shed some light on Carter, and the way he treated Casey, that was extremely difficult for me to read. Carter came off as very selfish and in his own world, he was always oblivious to Casey’s struggles, and I hated that he wasn’t there for him more often. I was glad that the author kinda rectified it later on (during the group therapy session) when we finally see Carter open his eyes and acknowledge Casey.
I also mentioned this a couple times before, but this author does an INCREDIBLE job at developing side characters— like Keats for example. I can’t even begin to understand how Hamel was able to make me invested in his character, when I started off not caring in the slightest about him. He’s got secrets. He’s got a dark past. And he likes Bryce… how? Anyways, I don’t doubt Hamel’s ability to suck me in and keep me coming back for more of her interesting characters. Especially, because of those beautiful, heartwarming, and sometimes silly scenes between all the survivors— like when they all chased after Matt after he played the guitar and ran away.
This book would have been a 6⭐️ read had it not been a literally retelling of the Monstrous Deeds trilogy. I just love Casey and Jake so much, and am the biggest sucker for their hurt-comfort daddy-little dynamic. I definitely recommend that if you plan to read this, and you read the MD trilogy, to maybe wait a while and start it later. I definitely think I would have enjoyed it a lot more that way, after having forgotten the nitty gritty details of the MD plot and going in wanting/needing the refresher.
I can’t wait for more developments in this series and for other characters to get their own story’s. I know Nolan and Maison’s book is already out and complete, but I’m a little nervous to read it right now, especially if it ends up having a retelling from other books in the series at the start; so instead, I’ll read it later when everything is a little less fresh in my mind.
Super excited to continue the journey with these characters in the near future…
I want to start off by mentioning, I loved reading about Casey and Jake’s characters in the Monstrous Deeds trilogy. I instantly feel in love with Jake’s protective and nurturing tendencies, and was quite literally bursting at the seams wanting Casey to have his healing journey and recover from his trauma. So, to say that I was BEYOND thrilled to finally finish Carter and Travis’ story and start this one, would be an understatement— especially since I could also morally justify their relationship a little bit more than Carter and Travis since Jake saved Casey at the end of the operation (there was no mind fuckery.. still love Carter/Trav though 😘).
Which leads to my disappointment with the book which is that the first 40% is almost an exact retelling of One Last Time (that last book in the Monstrous Deeds trilogy). We were retold almost the entirety of OLT, strictly from Jake and Casey’s POV, but with literally the exact same dialogue. There were even scenes in this book, between Casey and Jake, that you are pretty much able to fill in the blanks for when reading it in OLT. I literally had to skim over so many different parts because they were still so fresh in my mind. At first, I honestly didn’t mind it too much. Obviously, the author has to find a way to recap to help readers who did not read the last series… but it was hard when it went on for almost half of the entire book. I just felt like all of it could have been condensed or told in a more strategic way— we could have had personal scenes between Casey and Jake in between all the retellings or we could have picked up their story at a different point in the timeline, like possibly starting off their story right when they got to the safe house, etc.
Moving on from that, some other notable moments: I think the author did a much better job addressing Casey’s trauma much more than Carters in the last series. It absolutely broke my heart reading his flashbacks and seeing what he had gone through. I’m also the biggest fan of Daddy Kink and think it was done really well and was not cringe in any way. I will say, this book definitely did shed some light on Carter, and the way he treated Casey, that was extremely difficult for me to read. Carter came off as very selfish and in his own world, he was always oblivious to Casey’s struggles, and I hated that he wasn’t there for him more often. I was glad that the author kinda rectified it later on (during the group therapy session) when we finally see Carter open his eyes and acknowledge Casey.
I also mentioned this a couple times before, but this author does an INCREDIBLE job at developing side characters— like Keats for example. I can’t even begin to understand how Hamel was able to make me invested in his character, when I started off not caring in the slightest about him. He’s got secrets. He’s got a dark past. And he likes Bryce… how? Anyways, I don’t doubt Hamel’s ability to suck me in and keep me coming back for more of her interesting characters. Especially, because of those beautiful, heartwarming, and sometimes silly scenes between all the survivors— like when they all chased after Matt after he played the guitar and ran away.
This book would have been a 6⭐️ read had it not been a literally retelling of the Monstrous Deeds trilogy. I just love Casey and Jake so much, and am the biggest sucker for their hurt-comfort daddy-little dynamic. I definitely recommend that if you plan to read this, and you read the MD trilogy, to maybe wait a while and start it later. I definitely think I would have enjoyed it a lot more that way, after having forgotten the nitty gritty details of the MD plot and going in wanting/needing the refresher.
I can’t wait for more developments in this series and for other characters to get their own story’s. I know Nolan and Maison’s book is already out and complete, but I’m a little nervous to read it right now, especially if it ends up having a retelling from other books in the series at the start; so instead, I’ll read it later when everything is a little less fresh in my mind.
Super excited to continue the journey with these characters in the near future…
October 6, 2025
My reviews this year have sucked but I’m working a million hours and life is hard. But I did love Casey and Jake. This destroyed me.
September 24, 2025
♾️/5
What can I say? Another book by Taylor McNiff, and once again, I’m giving it infinite stars. At this point, is anyone really surprised?
As always, McNiff’s writing is flawless. She has an incredible ability to give depth to every character, avoiding stereotypes and repetition in the process. Mostly the way she lets every character develop is a talent that sets her apart.
Since this book is a spin-off of The Monstrous Deeds series, I already knew Casey and Jake, and I’m beyond thrilled they got their own story. They absolutely deserve their own happy ending, and it was so satisfying to see them find it.
The caretaking and kink elements in this story are executed perfectly. I’ll admit, this particular kink is one I usually stay away from, but McNiff writes it in such a way that it feels completely natural. The way the characters need this dynamic from each other made it feel right, and I never once felt uncomfortable.
To wrap up this review, I lost count of how many times I cried while reading. Yes, there’s sadness, but also so many moments I cried happy tears. The love between Casey and Jake is palpable, and watching Casey come to terms with the fact that he can’t do it all on his own—learning to trust Jake and have faith in him—was so powerful. Healing is messy, painful, and often lonely, but as this book beautifully shows, it’s so worth it.
Please, read this book. It’s one that changed something in me.
Tropes:
Slow burn
Victim x rescuer
Forced proximity
Hurt x comfort
Daddy k!nk
Spice: 3/5
What can I say? Another book by Taylor McNiff, and once again, I’m giving it infinite stars. At this point, is anyone really surprised?
As always, McNiff’s writing is flawless. She has an incredible ability to give depth to every character, avoiding stereotypes and repetition in the process. Mostly the way she lets every character develop is a talent that sets her apart.
Since this book is a spin-off of The Monstrous Deeds series, I already knew Casey and Jake, and I’m beyond thrilled they got their own story. They absolutely deserve their own happy ending, and it was so satisfying to see them find it.
The caretaking and kink elements in this story are executed perfectly. I’ll admit, this particular kink is one I usually stay away from, but McNiff writes it in such a way that it feels completely natural. The way the characters need this dynamic from each other made it feel right, and I never once felt uncomfortable.
To wrap up this review, I lost count of how many times I cried while reading. Yes, there’s sadness, but also so many moments I cried happy tears. The love between Casey and Jake is palpable, and watching Casey come to terms with the fact that he can’t do it all on his own—learning to trust Jake and have faith in him—was so powerful. Healing is messy, painful, and often lonely, but as this book beautifully shows, it’s so worth it.
Please, read this book. It’s one that changed something in me.
Tropes:
Slow burn
Victim x rescuer
Forced proximity
Hurt x comfort
Daddy k!nk
Spice: 3/5
September 23, 2023
5⭐️ Woof, that was one heck of a ride. Taylor McNiff is a mastermind. So much happens in this book. It sucks you in and doesn’t let go. So sad, gut-wrenching, sweet and beautiful.
What Casey had to endure is unimaginable and it broke my heart to experience his trauma and witness him struggle in the aftermath. I loved daddy Jake and how he cared for Casey when he was lost and broken.
Highly recommend you read These Monstrous Deeds first as this is a follow-up to that story and runs adjacent to the events in that series.
What Casey had to endure is unimaginable and it broke my heart to experience his trauma and witness him struggle in the aftermath. I loved daddy Jake and how he cared for Casey when he was lost and broken.
Highly recommend you read These Monstrous Deeds first as this is a follow-up to that story and runs adjacent to the events in that series.
September 24, 2023
To say that I was eagerly anticipating Jake’s and Casey’s story would be a gross understatement!! And this did not disappoint! It exceeded all of my expectations!! It was fraught with hopelessness, despair, the worst of humanity BUT there was so much hope, love, support, compassion and resiliency!
You really need to read These Monstrous Deeds trilogy before reading this book as they overlap and give so much needed background and insight into Jake and Casey!!
There is on page sexual assault, torture and violence. There is suicidal talk and ideation. The various subject matters are extremely emotional and traumatic. That being said, it is well worth the read!!! These characters are so multidimensional and innately human. The strength of the human spirit lies underneath every tragic incident.
This is the ultimate in the slowest of slow burns and it needed to be that way. Casey was trafficked and underwent the most vile experiences. He needed time and therapy to even begin to process the horrors that he was forced to endure. The beauty of his recovery was that he was dedicated and had a partner in Jake the entire way. Casey didn’t shy away from his emotions. He knew that his life moving forward would never be the same. He was changed and was scared the pain would be too much. He was so brave. He talked about it with his therapist and Jake. He was so courageously honest.
While Jake was not innocent, he also wasn’t to blame. He was doing a job but a job that almost became a calling in so many ways. He was a protector but one that others weren’t allow to know. He didn’t need praise or even acknowledgment. He was a caretaker and a nurturer so his job did go against his nature in many ways. His love and respect for Casey was always at the forefront of his actions. He wanted nothing more than to see Casey have a peaceful life, even if that meant it wasn’t with him.
The connection between Jake and Casey was inevitable. They gave of each other freely and openly. The trust went both ways. They finally felt safe and cared for in all the ways they needed. Their love was simply beautiful.
This is a daddy/little dynamic and is introduced after the 80% mark. It was handled with so much delicacy. If this isn’t your vibe, I still encourage you try this as their relationship and these types of roles are addressed and makes sense for them.
You really need to read These Monstrous Deeds trilogy before reading this book as they overlap and give so much needed background and insight into Jake and Casey!!
There is on page sexual assault, torture and violence. There is suicidal talk and ideation. The various subject matters are extremely emotional and traumatic. That being said, it is well worth the read!!! These characters are so multidimensional and innately human. The strength of the human spirit lies underneath every tragic incident.
This is the ultimate in the slowest of slow burns and it needed to be that way. Casey was trafficked and underwent the most vile experiences. He needed time and therapy to even begin to process the horrors that he was forced to endure. The beauty of his recovery was that he was dedicated and had a partner in Jake the entire way. Casey didn’t shy away from his emotions. He knew that his life moving forward would never be the same. He was changed and was scared the pain would be too much. He was so brave. He talked about it with his therapist and Jake. He was so courageously honest.
While Jake was not innocent, he also wasn’t to blame. He was doing a job but a job that almost became a calling in so many ways. He was a protector but one that others weren’t allow to know. He didn’t need praise or even acknowledgment. He was a caretaker and a nurturer so his job did go against his nature in many ways. His love and respect for Casey was always at the forefront of his actions. He wanted nothing more than to see Casey have a peaceful life, even if that meant it wasn’t with him.
The connection between Jake and Casey was inevitable. They gave of each other freely and openly. The trust went both ways. They finally felt safe and cared for in all the ways they needed. Their love was simply beautiful.
This is a daddy/little dynamic and is introduced after the 80% mark. It was handled with so much delicacy. If this isn’t your vibe, I still encourage you try this as their relationship and these types of roles are addressed and makes sense for them.
August 26, 2024
cw: human trafficking, graphic rape, slavery, torture, humiliation, violence, suicidal thoughts.
”He didn’t just save my body. He’s going to save my soul too.”
Please heed the content warnings! This is a dark romance and spinoff from the Monstrous Deeds world. Although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the previous series to get the full experience. Even though the book is gut-wrenching as hell, Casey and Jake go through a beautiful journey which provides an incredibly satisfying HEA.
”He didn’t just save my body. He’s going to save my soul too.”
Please heed the content warnings! This is a dark romance and spinoff from the Monstrous Deeds world. Although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the previous series to get the full experience. Even though the book is gut-wrenching as hell, Casey and Jake go through a beautiful journey which provides an incredibly satisfying HEA.
December 11, 2024
Reread was just as profoundly moving as the first time ❤️ I was sobbing for half of this book and grinning at the cuteness the other half. Jake and Casey’s HEA was hard won and such an incredibly heart wrenching journey. So far, these two are my favorites couple in the series (though I’m dyingggg for Matt/Ace’s story). Casey’s struggle with depression/anxiety/ptsd/SI was so difficult to read but seeing how real it was made his HEA that much better. Jake deserves his little one and all the happiness after a decade undercover and I hope that we see glimpses of these two in the future books.
March 20, 2024
I didn't read this when it was first released as I had no idea it existed which was A STUPID OVERSIGHT on my part because the way I am desperate for the next book I just physically cannot wait.
I didn't think anything could be as good as These Monstrous Deeds series but I enjoyed it just as much.
I forgot how depressingly dark this world is but these books so far rip you to shreds and put you back together. The epilogue. I died.
Also I really need more Keats content. Asap.
I didn't think anything could be as good as These Monstrous Deeds series but I enjoyed it just as much.
I forgot how depressingly dark this world is but these books so far rip you to shreds and put you back together. The epilogue. I died.
Also I really need more Keats content. Asap.
October 26, 2024
This story was everything.
I was excited about Jake’s book while reading about Travis and Carter. Jake seemed in such a tricky position as Travis’ second in command.
Jake turned out to be everything I wanted and so much more. He was the most caring man and the best person for Casey.
Reading about Casey’s struggles was hard. He survived but he wasn’t living. Both of these men had so many demons to fight but they overcame them and managed to win!
Jake has become one of my favourite characters ever! Despite what he had to do he remained unapologetically himself. A sweet man who wanted to love his boy!
I loved that the timeline is the same as the other books and we get to see what they went through and how they coped!
For the amount of pain and trauma the book deals with it was also unexpectedly sweet. Definitely read the TWs before reading!
I was excited about Jake’s book while reading about Travis and Carter. Jake seemed in such a tricky position as Travis’ second in command.
Jake turned out to be everything I wanted and so much more. He was the most caring man and the best person for Casey.
Reading about Casey’s struggles was hard. He survived but he wasn’t living. Both of these men had so many demons to fight but they overcame them and managed to win!
Jake has become one of my favourite characters ever! Despite what he had to do he remained unapologetically himself. A sweet man who wanted to love his boy!
I loved that the timeline is the same as the other books and we get to see what they went through and how they coped!
For the amount of pain and trauma the book deals with it was also unexpectedly sweet. Definitely read the TWs before reading!
April 19, 2025
I am so deeply unwell 😭
September 23, 2023
Wow. I don’t even know where to start with trying to eloquently explain my feelings and thoughts about Drown In You.
It wouldn't be so bad to drown in him. In fact, I think it’d be quite nice. Maybe we could even drown in each other.
The scope of the Monstrous Deeds series in itself is an incredible feat of storytelling and I’m so glad we’re getting an expansion of that world with the stories of all of the survivors. Drown in You was a solid start to this new Survivors series.
We first met Jake and Casey in the early days of the Monstrous Deeds series - Jake being Travis’ friend and right hand man undercover in the operation to take down a massive sex trafficking organization and Casey who was a source of comfort and support for Carter after they were first kidnapped. The last we really see of them in the original series is Casey being bought by Jake after a horrific incident and then the subsequent aftermath of the organizations take down.
Drown in You picks up immediately after Travis’ birthday party in One Last Time, where Casey and Carter see each other for the first time since their initial kidnapping. I’m not going to lie, the first few chapters of this book had me honest to god thinking I was going to throw up. Casey’s “punishment” for breaking the rules was some of the most brutal torture I’ve ever read in a book. There are zero punches pulled and you are right there with Casey during every single vile thing that he’s forced to endure. It’s ROUGH.
Once he’s taken by Jake to the same compound that Travis and Carter are at, it does get better. Sorta. Casey’s psychological wounds are deep and watching him struggle to break out of the slave mindset is equally as horrifying as the physical trauma he endured.
Casey and Jake’s story isn’t as fraught with guilt and trauma as Travis and Carters was. Jake never physically or mentally harms Casey and all he wants to do is care for this man he’s falling for. It’s incredibly sweet, to be honest. It’s a very needed light in what is an incredibly dark story.
“I don't think it matters. I can’t stay away from you."
“Why can’t I fucking stay away from you, Casey?"
What really got to me the most was Casey’s struggle with suicidal ideation. I don’t think I’ve ever read another book that portrayed it in such a way that hit home for me. Casey’s internal struggle with not only if he wanted to die, but also his fear of what it would mean to live was so heartbreaking.
If I die, things will never get better.
I think the fear of living with your trauma is something that isn’t explored as much as it should be when talking about survivors of any sort of traumatic experience. At one point Jake says to Casey that he would have to create a new normal and for a lot of survivors that is daunting and exhausting.
I’ve been impressed with Hamel’s ability to write about these topics with such an incredible sensitivity while also not trying to gloss over or lessen the awful things that these characters experience, and the way that this story was told was no different.
Also, in the end Casey takes back his power in the most badass as fuck brutal way possible and I was living for every single second of it.
He no longer gets to be the monster. I’m the monster. And he doesn’t get to die until he realizes it.
Now everything I’ve said so far is why I think Drown in You deserves a 5/5 star rating. This next bit I’m not putting into consideration because it’s a purely personal preference (or lack of) and I don’t think that’s fair to the author but I do think it’s fair to readers to know.
Daddy. Kink. Is. Not. For. Me. lol
However! I would say that out of all of the DD/lb books I’ve read (which isn’t many tbh) this was the only one that actually helped me understand the dynamic and didn’t give me the “I can’t read this” vibes.
Jake and Casey have a whole conversation about what a daddy kink means to them and discuss their wants/needs and boundaries. I LOVED that part. I wish more authors included conversations like that between their mcs when exploring kink. It honestly made a dynamic which I would normally hard pass on seem more natural and easier for me to read.
It wouldn't be so bad to drown in him. In fact, I think it’d be quite nice. Maybe we could even drown in each other.
The scope of the Monstrous Deeds series in itself is an incredible feat of storytelling and I’m so glad we’re getting an expansion of that world with the stories of all of the survivors. Drown in You was a solid start to this new Survivors series.
We first met Jake and Casey in the early days of the Monstrous Deeds series - Jake being Travis’ friend and right hand man undercover in the operation to take down a massive sex trafficking organization and Casey who was a source of comfort and support for Carter after they were first kidnapped. The last we really see of them in the original series is Casey being bought by Jake after a horrific incident and then the subsequent aftermath of the organizations take down.
Drown in You picks up immediately after Travis’ birthday party in One Last Time, where Casey and Carter see each other for the first time since their initial kidnapping. I’m not going to lie, the first few chapters of this book had me honest to god thinking I was going to throw up. Casey’s “punishment” for breaking the rules was some of the most brutal torture I’ve ever read in a book. There are zero punches pulled and you are right there with Casey during every single vile thing that he’s forced to endure. It’s ROUGH.
Once he’s taken by Jake to the same compound that Travis and Carter are at, it does get better. Sorta. Casey’s psychological wounds are deep and watching him struggle to break out of the slave mindset is equally as horrifying as the physical trauma he endured.
Casey and Jake’s story isn’t as fraught with guilt and trauma as Travis and Carters was. Jake never physically or mentally harms Casey and all he wants to do is care for this man he’s falling for. It’s incredibly sweet, to be honest. It’s a very needed light in what is an incredibly dark story.
“I don't think it matters. I can’t stay away from you."
“Why can’t I fucking stay away from you, Casey?"
What really got to me the most was Casey’s struggle with suicidal ideation. I don’t think I’ve ever read another book that portrayed it in such a way that hit home for me. Casey’s internal struggle with not only if he wanted to die, but also his fear of what it would mean to live was so heartbreaking.
If I die, things will never get better.
I think the fear of living with your trauma is something that isn’t explored as much as it should be when talking about survivors of any sort of traumatic experience. At one point Jake says to Casey that he would have to create a new normal and for a lot of survivors that is daunting and exhausting.
I’ve been impressed with Hamel’s ability to write about these topics with such an incredible sensitivity while also not trying to gloss over or lessen the awful things that these characters experience, and the way that this story was told was no different.
Also, in the end Casey takes back his power in the most badass as fuck brutal way possible and I was living for every single second of it.
He no longer gets to be the monster. I’m the monster. And he doesn’t get to die until he realizes it.
Now everything I’ve said so far is why I think Drown in You deserves a 5/5 star rating. This next bit I’m not putting into consideration because it’s a purely personal preference (or lack of) and I don’t think that’s fair to the author but I do think it’s fair to readers to know.
Daddy. Kink. Is. Not. For. Me. lol
However! I would say that out of all of the DD/lb books I’ve read (which isn’t many tbh) this was the only one that actually helped me understand the dynamic and didn’t give me the “I can’t read this” vibes.
Jake and Casey have a whole conversation about what a daddy kink means to them and discuss their wants/needs and boundaries. I LOVED that part. I wish more authors included conversations like that between their mcs when exploring kink. It honestly made a dynamic which I would normally hard pass on seem more natural and easier for me to read.
September 26, 2023
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars with this one. Most of this story was told in the final book in the trilogy, but from the perspectives of Carter and Travis instead of Casey and Jake. The result is a somewhat underwhelming retelling since the perspectives are not that far removed from the original. However, I will definitely read the next one which will likely be more of the same but from Maison and Nolan.
May 17, 2025
Reading this book felt like getting kicked in the stomach over and over again, but still being thankful for it
March 9, 2025
:: “𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙄𝙣 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩, 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙩’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙚. 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧.”
Casey is so focused on taking care of Carter that we don’t see how broken he is truly is. Jake sees it though. Jake notices all the things Casey tries to keep hidden, all the pain he tries to hide & the fears he refuses to voice. My heart broke ten times over as we see Casey struggling in silence, unable to decide if all this pain is worth it. Jake is the caretaker this boy needs & becomes his safe space. I was so keen to get to know Jake outside of his “Benny” persona & he was everything I expected; kind, gentle, firm, stable…everything Casey needs. I love these two & the slow burn was perfect. I really enjoyed that this story takes place simultaneously with the Monstrous series & getting to see Jake & Casey’s side of the story.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙄𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚.”
🤍 MM
🩶 Dual POV
🩵Captive/Rescuer
🤍 Slow Burn
🩶 Daddy/Little
🩵Check TW
Casey is so focused on taking care of Carter that we don’t see how broken he is truly is. Jake sees it though. Jake notices all the things Casey tries to keep hidden, all the pain he tries to hide & the fears he refuses to voice. My heart broke ten times over as we see Casey struggling in silence, unable to decide if all this pain is worth it. Jake is the caretaker this boy needs & becomes his safe space. I was so keen to get to know Jake outside of his “Benny” persona & he was everything I expected; kind, gentle, firm, stable…everything Casey needs. I love these two & the slow burn was perfect. I really enjoyed that this story takes place simultaneously with the Monstrous series & getting to see Jake & Casey’s side of the story.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙄𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚. 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚.”
🤍 MM
🩶 Dual POV
🩵Captive/Rescuer
🤍 Slow Burn
🩶 Daddy/Little
🩵Check TW
April 16, 2025
4⭐️
First book in the spinoff series for These Monstrous Deeds. I do definitely think you should read the original trilogy before reading this.
This is Casey and Jake’s story. It picks up at the point in TMD when Casey and Carter see each other once again after being separated. As the first books are, this book is extremely difficult to read and dark. But the journey of healing and catharsis by the end makes it so worth it. Take those TWs so seriously.
Jake is so thoughtful, and the way he cares for Casey is so insanely devoted and detail-oriented. Though I don’t love the daddy kink stuff, their relationship definitely feels like a warm blanket. The hurt/comfort themes are through the roof.
This book wasn’t what I was expecting. I was expecting it to pick up where the previous series left off, and be more about Casey and Jake navigating a romance together. Instead, the plot of this book closely followed book 2-3 of TMD. Because a lot of the plot points and scenes were the same (just from different POVs), I found that I wasn’t captivated by the plot as I was in the other books. I already knew everything that was happening, and in better detail. However, this book gives you a deeper look into the lives of not only Jake and Casey, but some of the other characters as well. I think Maison and Nolan’s book will be more different, as neither of them were as closely involved with the main plot of TMD like Jake and Casey were.
First book in the spinoff series for These Monstrous Deeds. I do definitely think you should read the original trilogy before reading this.
This is Casey and Jake’s story. It picks up at the point in TMD when Casey and Carter see each other once again after being separated. As the first books are, this book is extremely difficult to read and dark. But the journey of healing and catharsis by the end makes it so worth it. Take those TWs so seriously.
Jake is so thoughtful, and the way he cares for Casey is so insanely devoted and detail-oriented. Though I don’t love the daddy kink stuff, their relationship definitely feels like a warm blanket. The hurt/comfort themes are through the roof.
This book wasn’t what I was expecting. I was expecting it to pick up where the previous series left off, and be more about Casey and Jake navigating a romance together. Instead, the plot of this book closely followed book 2-3 of TMD. Because a lot of the plot points and scenes were the same (just from different POVs), I found that I wasn’t captivated by the plot as I was in the other books. I already knew everything that was happening, and in better detail. However, this book gives you a deeper look into the lives of not only Jake and Casey, but some of the other characters as well. I think Maison and Nolan’s book will be more different, as neither of them were as closely involved with the main plot of TMD like Jake and Casey were.
October 10, 2024
Where do I even begin on how much I LOVED this book!?!? If I didn’t have to work like some kind of chump I would have binged this in one sitting. THE HURT/COMFORT WAS HURTCOMFORTING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL! Top tier content. The daddy/boy dynamic was everything my soul needed. EVERYTHING!!!!! Perfect. I am now reading the trilogy in this series (reactions to come don’t you worry 🤣). My soul is READY for all the other books coming in this series. WE GOT MMM COMING!? SAY LESSSSSSS!!! And omg KEATS!? Need that immediately. This series is my life now.
🐬 Hurt/Comfort
🐬 Daddy Kink
🐬 Age Gap
🐬 Rescuer
🐬 Trauma
🐬 Hurt/Comfort
🐬 Daddy Kink
🐬 Age Gap
🐬 Rescuer
🐬 Trauma
June 7, 2024
Excuse me while I SOB!
THIS BOOK!! FIVE F*CKING STARS!
All the boys and each and every single man in the operative have my heart. THE SURVIVORS HAVE MY LIFE! I was crying during a good chunk of this book and I have no regrets!
Huge trigger warning for r*pe and suicidal thoughts, y'all you've been warned. But it's such a sweet ending and I loved Casey and Jake🫶🏼 can't wait for the rest of the boys stories!
THIS BOOK!! FIVE F*CKING STARS!
All the boys and each and every single man in the operative have my heart. THE SURVIVORS HAVE MY LIFE! I was crying during a good chunk of this book and I have no regrets!
Huge trigger warning for r*pe and suicidal thoughts, y'all you've been warned. But it's such a sweet ending and I loved Casey and Jake🫶🏼 can't wait for the rest of the boys stories!
July 11, 2025
5 ✨
How do I even review this book?? It was so painful and horrifying but also beautiful and sweet and warm. This story was such a journey. I’m not usually one for slow burns, but it felt necessary in this case in order to handle the human trafficking story and Casey’s recovery delicately enough. I do think the push and pull went on a little tooooooo long, but the story was so beautiful in the end that I’ll forgive it. Also, I know this is going to sound horrible, but I’m glad that Casey got to as dark a place as he did in the middle of the book (no spoilers iykyk). It felt like we were leading there throughout the book, and it would’ve felt disingenuous if he didn’t reach that rock bottom in order to come out of it stronger. And Jake being there for him through it all was really beautiful. So, 5 stars! Woo!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Nothing hits like a daddy kink book that is genuinely good.
PS - Be warned: I thought we were done with the horrifying descriptions of Casey’s torture by the time he was out of the trafficking, but he has a flashback in one of the last chapters that almost made me throw up. So, you know, don’t let your guard down too much.
How do I even review this book?? It was so painful and horrifying but also beautiful and sweet and warm. This story was such a journey. I’m not usually one for slow burns, but it felt necessary in this case in order to handle the human trafficking story and Casey’s recovery delicately enough. I do think the push and pull went on a little tooooooo long, but the story was so beautiful in the end that I’ll forgive it. Also, I know this is going to sound horrible, but I’m glad that Casey got to as dark a place as he did in the middle of the book (no spoilers iykyk). It felt like we were leading there throughout the book, and it would’ve felt disingenuous if he didn’t reach that rock bottom in order to come out of it stronger. And Jake being there for him through it all was really beautiful. So, 5 stars! Woo!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Nothing hits like a daddy kink book that is genuinely good.
PS - Be warned: I thought we were done with the horrifying descriptions of Casey’s torture by the time he was out of the trafficking, but he has a flashback in one of the last chapters that almost made me throw up. So, you know, don’t let your guard down too much.
November 5, 2024
love these two!
Wow. What an amazing story. Taylor doesn’t hold any punches. Her characters go through some awful stuff that’s hard to read at times, but their recovery and strength is amazing to read.
What I love the most about Taylor’s writing is how true (I think) she is to real world emotions. I said this while reading Monstrous Deeds as well. There’s no quick and done ‘I’m out I’m over it’. It’s raw and gritty and rough and sad and you’re right there with the survivor while they are having a flashback or passively thinking they’d be better not waking up (so read those TWs first ppl!).
Know what you’re getting into with Casey and Jake, please. Drown in You starts off right at the fateful party that Casey and Carter reunite and sets everything in motion. And it’s not pretty. But how can you appreciate Casey’s growth without knowing everything that he endured?
Please, PLEASE read the TWs prior to proceeding!
Wow. What an amazing story. Taylor doesn’t hold any punches. Her characters go through some awful stuff that’s hard to read at times, but their recovery and strength is amazing to read.
What I love the most about Taylor’s writing is how true (I think) she is to real world emotions. I said this while reading Monstrous Deeds as well. There’s no quick and done ‘I’m out I’m over it’. It’s raw and gritty and rough and sad and you’re right there with the survivor while they are having a flashback or passively thinking they’d be better not waking up (so read those TWs first ppl!).
Know what you’re getting into with Casey and Jake, please. Drown in You starts off right at the fateful party that Casey and Carter reunite and sets everything in motion. And it’s not pretty. But how can you appreciate Casey’s growth without knowing everything that he endured?
Please, PLEASE read the TWs prior to proceeding!
July 15, 2024
Drown in You is a book set in the same world as Monstrous Deeds.
This is your vibe if you like:
Daddy/Boy
Hurt/Comfort
Slow Burn
Now while this book is set in the same world as Monstrous Deeds I didn't read the trilogy and it did not impact my reading or my enjoyment of the book. Will it add more depth and understanding, I'm sure it would. Do you have to? I don't think so.
When an author favourite tells you this is one of their favourites and you must read it...You read the book! I absolutely loved Casey and Jake. This world and their story is trauma based, it's very in your face trauma at times. But their journey is so damn worth it! Their growth and found family bonds are some of my favourite parts. I'm very much looking forward to Maison's story. Plus I think there might be a few others in this world I'd be interested in reading more about. I hope to see their stories pop up too1
This is your vibe if you like:
Daddy/Boy
Hurt/Comfort
Slow Burn
Now while this book is set in the same world as Monstrous Deeds I didn't read the trilogy and it did not impact my reading or my enjoyment of the book. Will it add more depth and understanding, I'm sure it would. Do you have to? I don't think so.
When an author favourite tells you this is one of their favourites and you must read it...You read the book! I absolutely loved Casey and Jake. This world and their story is trauma based, it's very in your face trauma at times. But their journey is so damn worth it! Their growth and found family bonds are some of my favourite parts. I'm very much looking forward to Maison's story. Plus I think there might be a few others in this world I'd be interested in reading more about. I hope to see their stories pop up too1
September 24, 2023
UNFORGETTABLE!
If I thought Carter’s story was criminal, this had me lost for words with its cruelty.
There is one thing I would’ve changed though but apart from that? I’m really FUCKING happy these characters are coming up for air.
If I thought Carter’s story was criminal, this had me lost for words with its cruelty.
There is one thing I would’ve changed though but apart from that? I’m really FUCKING happy these characters are coming up for air.
August 23, 2024
Wow. This book. 😰
🖤 I didn’t know this was a spin off of another series where you meet other characters when I started but I kept on reading and I swear my blood pressure stayed high. Hello darkness because this book was just wow.
🖤 I didn’t know this was a spin off of another series where you meet other characters when I started but I kept on reading and I swear my blood pressure stayed high. Hello darkness because this book was just wow.
January 17, 2026
These two were adorable and of course the story includes a lot of healing and sadness and trauma. But their story was beautiful. Only complaints is it did seem a little repetitive as it included several scenes/conversations from these monstrous deeds but through a different perspective.
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