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Do or Die #1
Downfall
Abby
Love is for the weak. At least that’s what I’ve always been taught.
A weekend in the arms, and bed, of an imposing drug dealer almost had me changing my tune and following my heart, only for him to leave me bereft, forcing me to renew my focus on myself.
Then everything changes–every man I date ghosts out of nowhere, my apartment never looks how I left it, even mysterious gifts show up with no return address.
How could I have known the man I spent one weekend with years ago kept me in his sights, hiding in the shadows until the perfect time to take me back and this time, keep me all to himself?
Kolson
When I met her, I was just a hard up dealer with nothing to his name. I couldn’t keep her, no matter how much I wanted to. She was perfect. And I didn’t deserve her.
Dealing drugs was supposed to be a way to make quick cash and give myself the life I always wanted. The life I was never given growing up.
Making my way to the top didn’t come easy. It took years of hard work and dedication. The same dedication I only gave to one other thing: her.
I kept watch for years–protected my siren and made sure she wanted for nothing. It’s finally time to come out of the shadows and claim what’s mine.
Love is for the weak. At least that’s what I’ve always been taught.
A weekend in the arms, and bed, of an imposing drug dealer almost had me changing my tune and following my heart, only for him to leave me bereft, forcing me to renew my focus on myself.
Then everything changes–every man I date ghosts out of nowhere, my apartment never looks how I left it, even mysterious gifts show up with no return address.
How could I have known the man I spent one weekend with years ago kept me in his sights, hiding in the shadows until the perfect time to take me back and this time, keep me all to himself?
Kolson
When I met her, I was just a hard up dealer with nothing to his name. I couldn’t keep her, no matter how much I wanted to. She was perfect. And I didn’t deserve her.
Dealing drugs was supposed to be a way to make quick cash and give myself the life I always wanted. The life I was never given growing up.
Making my way to the top didn’t come easy. It took years of hard work and dedication. The same dedication I only gave to one other thing: her.
I kept watch for years–protected my siren and made sure she wanted for nothing. It’s finally time to come out of the shadows and claim what’s mine.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2023
73 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 5, 2023
The concept of this book is amazing. Two strangers drawn together by an invisible pull. One's a dealer trying to make quick money while he figures out what he really wants to be and the other went to school to be an accountant to please her father. She takes a job she hates but she has a second job as a dancer Friday and Saturday nights.
Instant attraction, but she's not getting her hopes up because no one stays. Her "Demon" realizes that he's not good enough for her yet so after that memorable weekend he disappears.
His "Siren" spends the next 3 years unable to get him out of her mind or get another man to make a reappearance after a few dates.
So that's the bare bones of the story. The spice is 3.5/5. I wish the last part of the book was as detailed and consuming as the beginning. I felt a bit rushed once everything came to light. What was thought to be an occasional gift from her "stalker" was actually a weekly thing which obviously didn't need to be described each time but just minor inconsistencies but there were things I wish would have played out on page instead of explained in a few paragraphs. I had the feeling that he was into more intense things but he was feeling her out, I expected him to be more dominant than he actually was but again it was still intense at times.
Don't get me wrong, this is a good book. It's Insta attraction, has drama, some suspense, and spice. I was just left wanting more which is a good thing at the end of the day.
Instant attraction, but she's not getting her hopes up because no one stays. Her "Demon" realizes that he's not good enough for her yet so after that memorable weekend he disappears.
His "Siren" spends the next 3 years unable to get him out of her mind or get another man to make a reappearance after a few dates.
So that's the bare bones of the story. The spice is 3.5/5. I wish the last part of the book was as detailed and consuming as the beginning. I felt a bit rushed once everything came to light. What was thought to be an occasional gift from her "stalker" was actually a weekly thing which obviously didn't need to be described each time but just minor inconsistencies but there were things I wish would have played out on page instead of explained in a few paragraphs. I had the feeling that he was into more intense things but he was feeling her out, I expected him to be more dominant than he actually was but again it was still intense at times.
Don't get me wrong, this is a good book. It's Insta attraction, has drama, some suspense, and spice. I was just left wanting more which is a good thing at the end of the day.
November 20, 2023
'Downfall' tells the story of a morally grey MMC, (Kolson) who finds 'the one' at the wrong time in his life. He certainly proves there's no lengths he wouldn't go to for his second chance with respect to his life / love....Abby.
Bear in mind there is a separation period, which is hinted at in the blurb. However, it is necessary and the 'why' is explained.
I would have liked more of Kolson's backstory. 🤔🙂
Though it is a short read, the main questions are answered within the story.
So if you love a sweet Heroine and a J/P OTT Obsessive Hero then Kolson & Abby's story is for you! I really like the 'smut-ents'. 😉
Good, short & spicy read!
Thank you to Unalive Promotions for providing me with this ARC!
◾ Billionaire
◾ Blood/knife play
◾ Degradation
◾ Dub-Con
◾ Explicit Sex Scenes
◾ Second Chance
◾ Stalking
Bear in mind there is a separation period, which is hinted at in the blurb. However, it is necessary and the 'why' is explained.
I would have liked more of Kolson's backstory. 🤔🙂
Though it is a short read, the main questions are answered within the story.
So if you love a sweet Heroine and a J/P OTT Obsessive Hero then Kolson & Abby's story is for you! I really like the 'smut-ents'. 😉
Good, short & spicy read!
Thank you to Unalive Promotions for providing me with this ARC!
◾ Billionaire
◾ Blood/knife play
◾ Degradation
◾ Dub-Con
◾ Explicit Sex Scenes
◾ Second Chance
◾ Stalking
November 9, 2023
*Spoiler free review*
What an amazing debut novel. You would never know this is Ivy's first book! From the beginning, I was sucked into Abby's world. She is so relatable, just trying to please her father, who doesn't seem to care anymore after remarriage.
From the moment Kolson appears on the page, I was instantly invested. The instant chemistry between him and Abby was so fun. The banter and conversation they had before their first spicy moment was top-notch.
Now, I've read a ton of stalker books, but this one was so different it was refreshing. The reasons why he stalks her and what he's doing, gifts he sends... IYKYK 😏 It was amazing to read something so different involving a popular trope.
I'm so invested in the characters, I can't wait to read more about Viv and Max!
Thank you so much, Ivy, for allowing me to Beta and ARC read for you. I'm smitten!
What an amazing debut novel. You would never know this is Ivy's first book! From the beginning, I was sucked into Abby's world. She is so relatable, just trying to please her father, who doesn't seem to care anymore after remarriage.
From the moment Kolson appears on the page, I was instantly invested. The instant chemistry between him and Abby was so fun. The banter and conversation they had before their first spicy moment was top-notch.
Now, I've read a ton of stalker books, but this one was so different it was refreshing. The reasons why he stalks her and what he's doing, gifts he sends... IYKYK 😏 It was amazing to read something so different involving a popular trope.
I'm so invested in the characters, I can't wait to read more about Viv and Max!
Thank you so much, Ivy, for allowing me to Beta and ARC read for you. I'm smitten!
November 22, 2023
This book was definitely interesting. I really liked the characters, BUT I wasn't able to fully get into the emotions of the two main characters... but separately I liked them alot. I really liked the possessiveness of Kolson and Everett (although a side character,) I really liked his part in it!!
November 9, 2023
Downfall
By Ivy Bennet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hello smutty goodness!! You know it’s gonna be good when there is an actual Smut-ents (as in smut content index!!!)
If you like your morally grey men to st@lk, do some 🩸and 🔪 play with with a side of degradation and dubcon and texting then this is for you!
“Send him packing. Or I will. Mine is the only 🍆 you need tonight…… good girl” 🥵🥵
#downfall #ivybennet #bookish #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #smut #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #review #arcreader #whychoose
By Ivy Bennet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hello smutty goodness!! You know it’s gonna be good when there is an actual Smut-ents (as in smut content index!!!)
If you like your morally grey men to st@lk, do some 🩸and 🔪 play with with a side of degradation and dubcon and texting then this is for you!
“Send him packing. Or I will. Mine is the only 🍆 you need tonight…… good girl” 🥵🥵
#downfall #ivybennet #bookish #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #smut #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #review #arcreader #whychoose
November 11, 2023
1st of all I loved the Smut-ents!!
(as in a smut content index! 🤯) Where has that been my whole life ?!?
Now for the book review:
I really liked it!
I am super excited to see where Ivy takes us next, this debut novel was amazing!
This is a slightly different take on a few of my fave tropes: morally grey, filthy rich, found family, stalker romance, and kind of a 2nd chance romance.
It's an instant connection, but at the wrong time - kind of romance.
Kolson sees Abby and there is instant attraction between them!
He knows after their first smexy encounter that he needs to fix his life so he can spend the rest of it with Abby. But, does he tell her that? NOPE! He just walks away... and unfortunately she thinks it was a one & done kind of thing.
Everyone in Abby's life leaves her ( except her bestie, Viv) including Kolson.
Abby - she is working at a job she hates, just to try to get her dad's approval. Her dad sucks! He remarried after Abbys mom died, and the new wife is a gold-digging slag.
Even though Kolson left Abby to straighten up his life, he can't totally walk away. He stalks her, leaving her gifts and making any guy she dates ghost her.
The spice in this book was nice! Their connection was electric!
I'm excited to read more - I'm hoping for a series so we can see more of Viv, Max, and even Hazel !
(as in a smut content index! 🤯) Where has that been my whole life ?!?
Now for the book review:
I really liked it!
I am super excited to see where Ivy takes us next, this debut novel was amazing!
This is a slightly different take on a few of my fave tropes: morally grey, filthy rich, found family, stalker romance, and kind of a 2nd chance romance.
It's an instant connection, but at the wrong time - kind of romance.
Kolson sees Abby and there is instant attraction between them!
He knows after their first smexy encounter that he needs to fix his life so he can spend the rest of it with Abby. But, does he tell her that? NOPE! He just walks away... and unfortunately she thinks it was a one & done kind of thing.
Everyone in Abby's life leaves her ( except her bestie, Viv) including Kolson.
Abby - she is working at a job she hates, just to try to get her dad's approval. Her dad sucks! He remarried after Abbys mom died, and the new wife is a gold-digging slag.
Even though Kolson left Abby to straighten up his life, he can't totally walk away. He stalks her, leaving her gifts and making any guy she dates ghost her.
The spice in this book was nice! Their connection was electric!
I'm excited to read more - I'm hoping for a series so we can see more of Viv, Max, and even Hazel !
November 27, 2023
ARC Review
🩶🩶🩶🩶
The spice in this book hits fast and hard. Phew, get a fan ready. I'll admit it took me a minute to get into the book as I felt there wasn't much chemistry between the characters and it did feel a bit forced. However, it does end up building up more throughout the story.
Once we got more into the plot side of the story, I really enjoyed the character development, and wish there was more. I love the fact that Abby is fairly independent throughout the whole book. She took the route her dad wanted, but hates it, and has bigger dreams for herself. That part is super relatable. Kolson was a college drop out who also had bigger dreams for himself but got stuck in a bad situation. He wants Abby, but needs to get out of the bad situation before he can truly have her.
Some of my favorite themes were in this book. There is a definite obsession theme from both sides, st@lker, and possessive tendencies. I like that the nicknames the characters give each other early on, stick throughout the book. He's her demon and she is his siren.
There are a lot of time jumps for a book this small. I do think they add a bit to the story, but they also distract from it as well.
“You are my everything, Abby. My sun, my moon, my downfall. You call to me, my siren, and I’m not letting you out of my sight again. You’re mine.”
🩶🩶🩶🩶
The spice in this book hits fast and hard. Phew, get a fan ready. I'll admit it took me a minute to get into the book as I felt there wasn't much chemistry between the characters and it did feel a bit forced. However, it does end up building up more throughout the story.
Once we got more into the plot side of the story, I really enjoyed the character development, and wish there was more. I love the fact that Abby is fairly independent throughout the whole book. She took the route her dad wanted, but hates it, and has bigger dreams for herself. That part is super relatable. Kolson was a college drop out who also had bigger dreams for himself but got stuck in a bad situation. He wants Abby, but needs to get out of the bad situation before he can truly have her.
Some of my favorite themes were in this book. There is a definite obsession theme from both sides, st@lker, and possessive tendencies. I like that the nicknames the characters give each other early on, stick throughout the book. He's her demon and she is his siren.
There are a lot of time jumps for a book this small. I do think they add a bit to the story, but they also distract from it as well.
“You are my everything, Abby. My sun, my moon, my downfall. You call to me, my siren, and I’m not letting you out of my sight again. You’re mine.”
December 18, 2023
𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 + 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 🚩
Once Abby locked eyes with Kolson they were lost to each other. She’s been hurt before and is wary of how quick she fell for him, but when he decides her wants to be better for her, can Abby forgive him for walking away and everything after?
The heat starts early and yet still teases enough to have me craving more. Every possessive thought pulled me in deeper, then I was thrown into the unknown and that’s when this one had me by my metaphorical balls.
At first these two had that sweet swoon kind of vibe, but Kolson knows how to switch things up (especially to prove she’s his 🥵) Talk about reminding me it’s a dark romance Mrs Bennet, but still keeping it sweet enough to swoon 🫠
4.5 ❤️🔥
—— ❗️𝘔𝘠 𝘚𝘗𝘐𝘊𝘌𝘚 𝘉𝘌𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘊𝘖𝘜𝘓𝘋 𝘉𝘌 𝘚𝘗𝘖𝘐𝘓𝘌𝘙-𝘠 ❗️——
_____________
🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Second Chance, Billionaire, Feisty Stripper FMC, Insta-Connection, Over-Protective, Boy Obsessed
😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Dgradation, 🔪 Play, 🩸Play, Pierced 🐱, Praise, DP, Size Difference, BDE, Biting, 💨 Play, Dominance, Spnking, Bondage, 🔪 Branding, One-Time Exhibit
🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Ask nicely.”
—> “Leave those on.”
—> “You’re mine.”
—> “Give me your wrists,”
—> “Show me.”
🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Stal/king, Dubcon, Possessive, Dealer, Protective Control
🌍 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲:
This book is the first in a series of interconnected standalones and ends with a HEA. Also sets up potential character for future books.
⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
This book contains potential triggers similar to most dark romance books, among others (Not limited to)
—> Substance ABU
—> Self-Harm (mentions)
If unsure always check them all first.
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Do or D!e #1
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: standalone
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Abby & Kolson
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Siren/Little Siren
𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦: Demon
𝐏𝐎𝐕’𝐬: dual first person 👩🏻🧑🏻
—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——
Once Abby locked eyes with Kolson they were lost to each other. She’s been hurt before and is wary of how quick she fell for him, but when he decides her wants to be better for her, can Abby forgive him for walking away and everything after?
The heat starts early and yet still teases enough to have me craving more. Every possessive thought pulled me in deeper, then I was thrown into the unknown and that’s when this one had me by my metaphorical balls.
At first these two had that sweet swoon kind of vibe, but Kolson knows how to switch things up (especially to prove she’s his 🥵) Talk about reminding me it’s a dark romance Mrs Bennet, but still keeping it sweet enough to swoon 🫠
4.5 ❤️🔥
—— ❗️𝘔𝘠 𝘚𝘗𝘐𝘊𝘌𝘚 𝘉𝘌𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘊𝘖𝘜𝘓𝘋 𝘉𝘌 𝘚𝘗𝘖𝘐𝘓𝘌𝘙-𝘠 ❗️——
_____________
🏷️ 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦:
Second Chance, Billionaire, Feisty Stripper FMC, Insta-Connection, Over-Protective, Boy Obsessed
😈 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦:
Dgradation, 🔪 Play, 🩸Play, Pierced 🐱, Praise, DP, Size Difference, BDE, Biting, 💨 Play, Dominance, Spnking, Bondage, 🔪 Branding, One-Time Exhibit
🫠 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀:
—> “Ask nicely.”
—> “Leave those on.”
—> “You’re mine.”
—> “Give me your wrists,”
—> “Show me.”
🚩 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀 (𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 😉):
Stal/king, Dubcon, Possessive, Dealer, Protective Control
🌍 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲:
This book is the first in a series of interconnected standalones and ends with a HEA. Also sets up potential character for future books.
⛔️ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲:
This book contains potential triggers similar to most dark romance books, among others (Not limited to)
—> Substance ABU
—> Self-Harm (mentions)
If unsure always check them all first.
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Do or D!e #1
𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞: standalone
𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: dark romance
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞: Abby & Kolson
𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫: Siren/Little Siren
𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦: Demon
𝐏𝐎𝐕’𝐬: dual first person 👩🏻🧑🏻
—— ❗️𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜❗️——
November 29, 2023
This was such a good book!
Abby is an accountant who is a stripper on the side. She meets Kolson, who is a coder but sells drugs to make money.
They have an instant connection, but they both feel like they aren’t where they want to be in life.
Kolson leaves to become the man she deserves, while Abby tries to pursue what she really wants to do.
This book is spicy!!!!
Abby is an accountant who is a stripper on the side. She meets Kolson, who is a coder but sells drugs to make money.
They have an instant connection, but they both feel like they aren’t where they want to be in life.
Kolson leaves to become the man she deserves, while Abby tries to pursue what she really wants to do.
This book is spicy!!!!
December 3, 2023
This book yall!! This book!! I freaking loved it so much! Kolson and Abby are absolutely incredible together. And the emotional connection between them was so amazing to read about. I loved Kolsons possessiveness. His love and passion for Abby was so infectious. The instant chemistry and every spicy moment was OMG!!! *chefs kiss* Outstanding!!!!
January 9, 2024
This was a fast-paced, spicy read that gets you trapped within paged.
While the book seems to move very fast, there is enough 'guts' of the book that it's not too fast.
The spice in this book is amazing. Demon and Siren, I can't get enough of them!!
4 out of 5 stars
While the book seems to move very fast, there is enough 'guts' of the book that it's not too fast.
The spice in this book is amazing. Demon and Siren, I can't get enough of them!!
4 out of 5 stars
December 7, 2023
Abby and Kolson have that "love at first sight" kinda romance. They both are in places they don't want to be in at the beginning of the story, but at the end we sure get our HEA for them both. Excited to read the rest of the series.
November 9, 2023
Absolutely loved Kolson and Abby! This was an awesome “light” take on the stalker trope and honestly it works really well.
The spicey scenes are also 🥵🥵
The spicey scenes are also 🥵🥵
November 27, 2023
Downfall is the first book in Bennet's Do or Die series. It is a contemporary romance featuring Abby and Kolson.
Abby recently graduated college and started working as a Junior Auditor for the top accounting firm in San Diego. She does it to please her father but she hates her job. Fortunately she has a part time job that she loves; Abby is an exotic dancer (stripper) at the Fox Hole. She loves dancing and if it had been up to her that's what she would have studied.
Recently Abby keeps seeing the same guy in an alley near the club. She's not looking for a relationship but there's something very alluring about him. So when he starts to walk alongside her on her way home, she lets him. She learns his name is Kolson and that while he is a drug dealer, he doesn't touch the stuff. She lets him follow her home and invites him into her bed.
The two have an insane connection and cannot get enough of each other. Abby, who long ago locked down her heart starts to think that maybe it could be something more. She invites him to join her for her weekly brunch at her best friend Viv's restaurant. Viv is highly attune to peoples' energies and when she meets Kolson she lets Abby know that he is her match, her soulmate.
"...Kolson is your match. The other half of your soul. You can try to fight it, but the universe will always win in the end. And believe me, he isn't going anywhere. In fact, I think you'll have an extremely hard time shaking him."
And then he leaves. She is heartbroken but also frustrated with herself for falling so hard so fast. She drowns her sorrows in ice cream and Twilight and resolves to move forward. What she doesn't know is that Kolson walked away because he feels he doesn't deserve her. He is highly motivated to change his life, change himself, and become worthy of her. She is everything to him and tells his best friend Ryan, "She's the woman I'm going to marry."
Time goes by and while Kolson remains in her thoughts, Abby tries to move forward. She dates a little, but they always seem to disappear. She starts to receive mysterious gifts and learns she has a stalker. He seems to know her every move. While he hasn't tried to hurt her, it leaves her feeling unsettled and wary. She doesn't date as she is concerned what he would do to them.
Then Kolson shows up again years later. Their connection is still there, and she wants nothing more than to fall into him, but worries that her stalker won't allow it. She doesn't know how they can be together with this unknown threat always looming.
The connection between Abby and Kolson is intense and spicy! Kolson is definitely a delicious morally grey MMC. How can you not swoon with lines like:
"She still thinks of me as a virtual stranger, but soon she'll see that we are just two broken halves of the same whole."
"I have become obsessed with her. I will do everything in my power to become the man she deserves."
"You are my everything, Abby. My sun, my moon, my downfall. You call to me, my siren, and I'm not letting you out of my sight again. You're mine."
This is a dark romance and includes elements of stalking, blood/knife play and degradation. While those might not typical be up your alley, if they aren't triggers for you I'd encourage you to check this book out. I think it might be the first time I didn't cringe while reading degradation. Perhaps a stepping stone to darker romance novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was shocked to learn that this is Bennet's debut! I will be eagerly awaiting her next release. I hope I don't have to wait too long.
Abby recently graduated college and started working as a Junior Auditor for the top accounting firm in San Diego. She does it to please her father but she hates her job. Fortunately she has a part time job that she loves; Abby is an exotic dancer (stripper) at the Fox Hole. She loves dancing and if it had been up to her that's what she would have studied.
Recently Abby keeps seeing the same guy in an alley near the club. She's not looking for a relationship but there's something very alluring about him. So when he starts to walk alongside her on her way home, she lets him. She learns his name is Kolson and that while he is a drug dealer, he doesn't touch the stuff. She lets him follow her home and invites him into her bed.
The two have an insane connection and cannot get enough of each other. Abby, who long ago locked down her heart starts to think that maybe it could be something more. She invites him to join her for her weekly brunch at her best friend Viv's restaurant. Viv is highly attune to peoples' energies and when she meets Kolson she lets Abby know that he is her match, her soulmate.
"...Kolson is your match. The other half of your soul. You can try to fight it, but the universe will always win in the end. And believe me, he isn't going anywhere. In fact, I think you'll have an extremely hard time shaking him."
And then he leaves. She is heartbroken but also frustrated with herself for falling so hard so fast. She drowns her sorrows in ice cream and Twilight and resolves to move forward. What she doesn't know is that Kolson walked away because he feels he doesn't deserve her. He is highly motivated to change his life, change himself, and become worthy of her. She is everything to him and tells his best friend Ryan, "She's the woman I'm going to marry."
Time goes by and while Kolson remains in her thoughts, Abby tries to move forward. She dates a little, but they always seem to disappear. She starts to receive mysterious gifts and learns she has a stalker. He seems to know her every move. While he hasn't tried to hurt her, it leaves her feeling unsettled and wary. She doesn't date as she is concerned what he would do to them.
Then Kolson shows up again years later. Their connection is still there, and she wants nothing more than to fall into him, but worries that her stalker won't allow it. She doesn't know how they can be together with this unknown threat always looming.
The connection between Abby and Kolson is intense and spicy! Kolson is definitely a delicious morally grey MMC. How can you not swoon with lines like:
"She still thinks of me as a virtual stranger, but soon she'll see that we are just two broken halves of the same whole."
"I have become obsessed with her. I will do everything in my power to become the man she deserves."
"You are my everything, Abby. My sun, my moon, my downfall. You call to me, my siren, and I'm not letting you out of my sight again. You're mine."
This is a dark romance and includes elements of stalking, blood/knife play and degradation. While those might not typical be up your alley, if they aren't triggers for you I'd encourage you to check this book out. I think it might be the first time I didn't cringe while reading degradation. Perhaps a stepping stone to darker romance novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was shocked to learn that this is Bennet's debut! I will be eagerly awaiting her next release. I hope I don't have to wait too long.
November 30, 2023
I don’t care that it’s been one day. She’ll be mine until the day I die - I’ll make sure of it.
Immediate thoughts:
A quick read with a lot of spice.
Not so much depth, but I still feel like I actually know the characters.
Tropes:
Stalker, second chance, billionaire, possessive MMC, feisty FMC, praise/degradation, right person/wrong time.
“When we met, I wasn’t ready to meet you. I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were her - the woman who I would keep forever. But like I said, I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t worthy.”
ARC review:
This was a very good quick and smutty book. It was filled with some wonderful tropes, like a billionaire stalker MMC, a feisty FMC, a second chance and amazing spice that varied throughout the book.
Abby has just started working an office job she hates, but is a stripper on the weekends, which she loves. She has always tried doing what her father wanted from her (even if he is just a jerk!), but refuses to give up on all her own dreams. She is feisty and sassy, but also hard to trust, because her experience has shown that everyone she loves eventually leaves her.
Kolson is a drug dealer with a dream of owning his own tec business. He dropped out of college to get some quick cash, but is somehow still dealing drugs. That changes when he meets Abby, who becomes his motivation to actually change direction and start working toward his dream.
From the moment Kolson sees Abby he knows she is meant to be his. Abby also feels a very strong and deep connection to Kolson. The chemistry is immediate and the spice hits very quickly. Unfortunately, Kolson needs to be free of his obligations and leaves Abby after just a weekend together. This weekend end up changing both of their lives, even if Abby doesn’t know it. A stalker is keeping watch of her - sending gifts, interfering with her dating life, and protecting her.
“Demon, fuck me. I need you. Please.”
I love the writing, it was a quick and easy read and just what I needed. The main characters as well as the side characters are all wonderful, and actually very well layered and I felt like I got to know them. The spice was very spicy, and even if there is quite a lot, it didn’t feel like too much - it was varied and helped drive the story forward. I also really liked the whole ‘right person, wrong time’ aspect of this story, even if Kolson’s reason for leaving her alone for so long was a bit weak, imo. But it gave him the opportunity to be the perfect stalker - it’s always nice with a sweat, but possessive stalker! Also, there is a very nice plot versus smut ratio, and the ending was just beautiful and showed how they both brought out the best in each other and helped support each other in reaching their dreams.
“You are my everything, Abby. My sun, my moon, my downfall. You call to me, my siren, and I’m not letting you out of my sight again. You’re mine.”
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series when they are coming out. I’m especially excited to get to know Viv better, she seems very interesting.
Immediate thoughts:
A quick read with a lot of spice.
Not so much depth, but I still feel like I actually know the characters.
Tropes:
Stalker, second chance, billionaire, possessive MMC, feisty FMC, praise/degradation, right person/wrong time.
“When we met, I wasn’t ready to meet you. I knew from the first moment I saw you that you were her - the woman who I would keep forever. But like I said, I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t worthy.”
ARC review:
This was a very good quick and smutty book. It was filled with some wonderful tropes, like a billionaire stalker MMC, a feisty FMC, a second chance and amazing spice that varied throughout the book.
Abby has just started working an office job she hates, but is a stripper on the weekends, which she loves. She has always tried doing what her father wanted from her (even if he is just a jerk!), but refuses to give up on all her own dreams. She is feisty and sassy, but also hard to trust, because her experience has shown that everyone she loves eventually leaves her.
Kolson is a drug dealer with a dream of owning his own tec business. He dropped out of college to get some quick cash, but is somehow still dealing drugs. That changes when he meets Abby, who becomes his motivation to actually change direction and start working toward his dream.
From the moment Kolson sees Abby he knows she is meant to be his. Abby also feels a very strong and deep connection to Kolson. The chemistry is immediate and the spice hits very quickly. Unfortunately, Kolson needs to be free of his obligations and leaves Abby after just a weekend together. This weekend end up changing both of their lives, even if Abby doesn’t know it. A stalker is keeping watch of her - sending gifts, interfering with her dating life, and protecting her.
“Demon, fuck me. I need you. Please.”
I love the writing, it was a quick and easy read and just what I needed. The main characters as well as the side characters are all wonderful, and actually very well layered and I felt like I got to know them. The spice was very spicy, and even if there is quite a lot, it didn’t feel like too much - it was varied and helped drive the story forward. I also really liked the whole ‘right person, wrong time’ aspect of this story, even if Kolson’s reason for leaving her alone for so long was a bit weak, imo. But it gave him the opportunity to be the perfect stalker - it’s always nice with a sweat, but possessive stalker! Also, there is a very nice plot versus smut ratio, and the ending was just beautiful and showed how they both brought out the best in each other and helped support each other in reaching their dreams.
“You are my everything, Abby. My sun, my moon, my downfall. You call to me, my siren, and I’m not letting you out of my sight again. You’re mine.”
I will definitely be reading the rest of the series when they are coming out. I’m especially excited to get to know Viv better, she seems very interesting.
November 27, 2023
This book really had me questioning whether or not Kolson was really a bad stalker because if he is then sign me up, I’ll take him!
What to Expect:
🖤Billionaire
😈Pierced FMC
🩸Knife/Bl00d Play
🔪Stalker/Stalking
🔥Second Chance
My ARC Review (4/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️)
Abby believes as soon as her mother passed away that she had no one besides her best friend to care or love her. Everyone leaves her and even though that’s true she can’t seem to let down her controlling, piece of sh*t father. Being an accountant isn’t something she wants but at the behest of her father she works through the weeks and dances on the weekend at the Fox Hole. She loves what she does and one day on her way to work she sees a mysterious man who happens to be a drug dealer but he’s too hot and the chemistry is palpable that she decided to give him a chance and a weekend in his arms might put a strain on that belief in love. Kolson feels that Abby is the one but it’s not the right time to spend forever with her so he decides to hang back and watch from a distance. Now, Abby is left to focus on a new way of life but the dates she’s being going on have all ghosted her when they seem to have a good time. That is when a mysterious stalker delivers gifts to her at random times throughout the years. Always watching and never harming her so she decides to let it go. However, one night she finally sees that lost love and he expresses his desire in wanting her back. Abby gives in but she finds out a secret he has been hiding all these years that has been manipulating her all this time. Will she be able to let it go and forget it at a chance at real love? Or will she decide to move on with her life and focus on her own endeavors? This one was a little different and I did love how they had a weekend so good that they knew that their feelings were forever. And like if I were Abby I would not get over him either like hello he’s hot, always buying her gifts, just the right amount of spicy and k!nky, and all in all the sweetest when it comes to her.
Thank you to Ivy Bennett for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this release! This was hot and had me thinking I was crazy for liking a stalker lol 🤭
What to Expect:
🖤Billionaire
😈Pierced FMC
🩸Knife/Bl00d Play
🔪Stalker/Stalking
🔥Second Chance
My ARC Review (4/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️)
Abby believes as soon as her mother passed away that she had no one besides her best friend to care or love her. Everyone leaves her and even though that’s true she can’t seem to let down her controlling, piece of sh*t father. Being an accountant isn’t something she wants but at the behest of her father she works through the weeks and dances on the weekend at the Fox Hole. She loves what she does and one day on her way to work she sees a mysterious man who happens to be a drug dealer but he’s too hot and the chemistry is palpable that she decided to give him a chance and a weekend in his arms might put a strain on that belief in love. Kolson feels that Abby is the one but it’s not the right time to spend forever with her so he decides to hang back and watch from a distance. Now, Abby is left to focus on a new way of life but the dates she’s being going on have all ghosted her when they seem to have a good time. That is when a mysterious stalker delivers gifts to her at random times throughout the years. Always watching and never harming her so she decides to let it go. However, one night she finally sees that lost love and he expresses his desire in wanting her back. Abby gives in but she finds out a secret he has been hiding all these years that has been manipulating her all this time. Will she be able to let it go and forget it at a chance at real love? Or will she decide to move on with her life and focus on her own endeavors? This one was a little different and I did love how they had a weekend so good that they knew that their feelings were forever. And like if I were Abby I would not get over him either like hello he’s hot, always buying her gifts, just the right amount of spicy and k!nky, and all in all the sweetest when it comes to her.
Thank you to Ivy Bennett for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this release! This was hot and had me thinking I was crazy for liking a stalker lol 🤭
November 20, 2023
Abby and Kolson have your typical meet cute - girl walks boy on the street, they make eye contact and instantly feel that spark buzzing to life between them. They end up spending the whole weekend together, falling harder for each other by the minute. But come Sunday evening Kolson is saying goodbyes and walking out the door, and Abby is ordering ice cream to console herself for the rejection. She doesn’t see him again until years later when they reconnect and he has a chance to explain why he left…or if he ever really did.
The ending felt like someone brake checked me in the middle of reading. Some plot lines resolved way too quickly and too easily for my liking and I wish we would have spent a little bit more time developing those and seeing where they led. I also am not a big fan of what I call the, “But Daddy I love him!” plot resolution in which the heroine decides that literally anything the morally gray love interest does is just fine with zero resistance or thought because she loves him. There are times when we see Abby not succumbing to this, but just barely. And then after she has decided she’s all in with him there are zero questions coming from her ever again about anything shady, which contributes to the ending feeling rushed.
That being said, I really did like this book. It sucked me in and I was here for the ride the whole way through. And that might be why I felt like the end came too soon - I wasn’t done with these characters and wanted to hear more from them. Abby and Kolson are so sweet together and have incredible chemistry. If you’re looking for a spicy little read that will keep you flipping pages the whole way through, then pick up Downfall.
The ending felt like someone brake checked me in the middle of reading. Some plot lines resolved way too quickly and too easily for my liking and I wish we would have spent a little bit more time developing those and seeing where they led. I also am not a big fan of what I call the, “But Daddy I love him!” plot resolution in which the heroine decides that literally anything the morally gray love interest does is just fine with zero resistance or thought because she loves him. There are times when we see Abby not succumbing to this, but just barely. And then after she has decided she’s all in with him there are zero questions coming from her ever again about anything shady, which contributes to the ending feeling rushed.
That being said, I really did like this book. It sucked me in and I was here for the ride the whole way through. And that might be why I felt like the end came too soon - I wasn’t done with these characters and wanted to hear more from them. Abby and Kolson are so sweet together and have incredible chemistry. If you’re looking for a spicy little read that will keep you flipping pages the whole way through, then pick up Downfall.
November 27, 2023
Honest ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🔪 Stalker/Stalking
🔪 Second Chance
🔪 Billionaire
🔪 Right Person, Wrong Time
🔪 Possessive MMC
‼️Trigger Warnings‼️
⛔️ Substance Abuse
⛔️ Dub-Con
⛔️ Blood/Knife Play
⛔️ Degradation
⛔️ Self-Harm
⛔️ Stalking
When a book boasts more trigger warnings than tropes 🥵, sign me up! The first thing that caught my attention was the Smut-ents page the author included (SMUT scenes list), and I loved that. 😛
Abby and Kolson's story is a thrilling “dance” between love and obsession that will leave you breathless. Abby, a woman who once declared love as a weakness, finds her world unraveling in unexpected ways. A weekend with mysterious drug dealer Kolson ignites a flame that refuses to be extinguished. Little did she know, Kolson had been watching her every move, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to reclaim her.
Kolson, initially a hard-up drug dealer who felt he had nothing to offer Abby, leaves to transform his life and becomes a Tech Tycoon driven by his all-consuming desire for her.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the “pet names” they gave each other. Siren and Demon were so fitting for them.
Abby’s friendship with Viv was a highlight. Abby lost so many people; I’m happy she built a family with Viv and Max. Abby’s father and step-monster can go play in traffic for real. 🙄
I wish the book were a little longer and delved more into Kolson’s backstory.
“Downfall" is a sultry page-turner that will leave you questioning the boundaries of love and obsession. Bennett's storytelling prowess shines in this thrilling tale of secrets, redemption, and the intoxicating allure of a love that refuses to be forgotten. Get ready for a wild ride through the shadows and into the heart of desire. 🔥📚
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🔪 Stalker/Stalking
🔪 Second Chance
🔪 Billionaire
🔪 Right Person, Wrong Time
🔪 Possessive MMC
‼️Trigger Warnings‼️
⛔️ Substance Abuse
⛔️ Dub-Con
⛔️ Blood/Knife Play
⛔️ Degradation
⛔️ Self-Harm
⛔️ Stalking
When a book boasts more trigger warnings than tropes 🥵, sign me up! The first thing that caught my attention was the Smut-ents page the author included (SMUT scenes list), and I loved that. 😛
Abby and Kolson's story is a thrilling “dance” between love and obsession that will leave you breathless. Abby, a woman who once declared love as a weakness, finds her world unraveling in unexpected ways. A weekend with mysterious drug dealer Kolson ignites a flame that refuses to be extinguished. Little did she know, Kolson had been watching her every move, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to reclaim her.
Kolson, initially a hard-up drug dealer who felt he had nothing to offer Abby, leaves to transform his life and becomes a Tech Tycoon driven by his all-consuming desire for her.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the “pet names” they gave each other. Siren and Demon were so fitting for them.
Abby’s friendship with Viv was a highlight. Abby lost so many people; I’m happy she built a family with Viv and Max. Abby’s father and step-monster can go play in traffic for real. 🙄
I wish the book were a little longer and delved more into Kolson’s backstory.
“Downfall" is a sultry page-turner that will leave you questioning the boundaries of love and obsession. Bennett's storytelling prowess shines in this thrilling tale of secrets, redemption, and the intoxicating allure of a love that refuses to be forgotten. Get ready for a wild ride through the shadows and into the heart of desire. 🔥📚
December 7, 2023
Down Fall Review:
Author: Ivy Bennet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5🌶️
Main Characters:
Abby: loves dancing and part-time stripper, receives gifts, has a stalker, trust issues, feisty, sassy,
Kolson:drug dealer(in the beginning) morally grey MMC,stalker, Billionaire(3yrs later),
Tropes:
🌶️dark romance
🌶️second chance
🌶️possessive MMC
🌶️degradation
🌶️Dubcon
🌶️stalker
🌶️spicy
🌶️🩸blood/🔪knife play
🌶️billionaire
Blurb:
Meet Abby and Kolson who have crazy chemistry but are dealing with things when they meet. When we meet Abby and Kolson they’re both satisfied but don’t enjoy there lives. They both make a good living but are not doing what they want career wise. Abby is working at a job to please her father and Kolson is working at a job but has bigger dreams. Before Kolson says anything to Abby he says “maybe I would find my ambition again if I would find a woman to try for who needed me”. And little did he know Abby would be who changes it all. They have crazy kind of chemistry and Kolson makes the decision to leave Abby and become a better person for her that she needs. As time goes on Abby tries to move on but one by one those times she moves on they don’t work out. Well she also has a stalker who takes care of her without being seen, but giving her things and providing protection. Fast forward all together 3yrs and time has passed and Kolson has made a name for himself and is now a billionaire and has come back for his soulmate. Now will this sassy Abby let Kolson back in? And even more will the stalker situation stop once he becomes in her life? And can they accept the jobs that they have? And can Abby trust that Kolson will stay around this time around? Please check the trigger warnings before reading this short spicy easy read. But get comfy and read Kolson and Abby’s journey.
Author: Ivy Bennet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5🌶️
Main Characters:
Abby: loves dancing and part-time stripper, receives gifts, has a stalker, trust issues, feisty, sassy,
Kolson:drug dealer(in the beginning) morally grey MMC,stalker, Billionaire(3yrs later),
Tropes:
🌶️dark romance
🌶️second chance
🌶️possessive MMC
🌶️degradation
🌶️Dubcon
🌶️stalker
🌶️spicy
🌶️🩸blood/🔪knife play
🌶️billionaire
Blurb:
Meet Abby and Kolson who have crazy chemistry but are dealing with things when they meet. When we meet Abby and Kolson they’re both satisfied but don’t enjoy there lives. They both make a good living but are not doing what they want career wise. Abby is working at a job to please her father and Kolson is working at a job but has bigger dreams. Before Kolson says anything to Abby he says “maybe I would find my ambition again if I would find a woman to try for who needed me”. And little did he know Abby would be who changes it all. They have crazy kind of chemistry and Kolson makes the decision to leave Abby and become a better person for her that she needs. As time goes on Abby tries to move on but one by one those times she moves on they don’t work out. Well she also has a stalker who takes care of her without being seen, but giving her things and providing protection. Fast forward all together 3yrs and time has passed and Kolson has made a name for himself and is now a billionaire and has come back for his soulmate. Now will this sassy Abby let Kolson back in? And even more will the stalker situation stop once he becomes in her life? And can they accept the jobs that they have? And can Abby trust that Kolson will stay around this time around? Please check the trigger warnings before reading this short spicy easy read. But get comfy and read Kolson and Abby’s journey.
December 6, 2023
This is the debut novel by Ivy Bennet and I have to be honest here this book does not come across as someone who is debuting their first work, her writing and character development feels like a seasoned pro who has been writing novels for years.
I absolutely loved this story, which covers a trope that we all know to well and that is stalker, but what Ivy Bennet has done is her own twist on this, which not only gives a different perspective but also has in my opinion you so much more invested.
Our main characters in this book are very relatable and have been well though through that this story as whole spans three years but we never feel as a reader that we have missed anything. The focus of our story is around Abby and it follows her life from graduating through to were she is today. Your heart breaks for Abbey with how she is living a life at the start that she doesn’t want all to please her father and also the strength she also has. She goes and does it alone and lives her life the way she wants. We have Kolson are morally grey mmc, and is everything that Abby needs and wants but doesn’t feel he is good enough, so he takes a step back. Kolson though is never really far away and always has an eye on Abby and he is the OTT alpha that you just love.
Honestly this book needs to be read to truly appreciate it.
I absolutely loved this story, which covers a trope that we all know to well and that is stalker, but what Ivy Bennet has done is her own twist on this, which not only gives a different perspective but also has in my opinion you so much more invested.
Our main characters in this book are very relatable and have been well though through that this story as whole spans three years but we never feel as a reader that we have missed anything. The focus of our story is around Abby and it follows her life from graduating through to were she is today. Your heart breaks for Abbey with how she is living a life at the start that she doesn’t want all to please her father and also the strength she also has. She goes and does it alone and lives her life the way she wants. We have Kolson are morally grey mmc, and is everything that Abby needs and wants but doesn’t feel he is good enough, so he takes a step back. Kolson though is never really far away and always has an eye on Abby and he is the OTT alpha that you just love.
Honestly this book needs to be read to truly appreciate it.
November 9, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️,5
First of all, "Downfall" is definitely a great debut novel. I loved and enjoyed Kolson and Abbie's story. I liked Ivy's writing. I was hooked up with this book, its a good read.
Loved Kolson and Abbie from the first page on and from the moment they met they had connection with each other. The banter and communication before the first spicy scnene, just awesome. Their chemistry is on top, the whole book. And the 🌶️ ufffff that's was *chef's kiss* 😉
Definitely recommend "Downfall". It's good, really good. 🙈 Can't wait to read more books from Ivy.
Favorite quotes:
⭐"𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒕, 𝒊 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘. 𝑰𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕."⭐
⭐"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑨𝒃𝒃𝒚. 𝑴𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒏, 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏, 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆."⭐
*I received an ARC copy of "Downfall" and i liked + enjoyed this story. Thank you Ivy for this opportunity. 🤗
🌶️🌶️🌶️,5
First of all, "Downfall" is definitely a great debut novel. I loved and enjoyed Kolson and Abbie's story. I liked Ivy's writing. I was hooked up with this book, its a good read.
Loved Kolson and Abbie from the first page on and from the moment they met they had connection with each other. The banter and communication before the first spicy scnene, just awesome. Their chemistry is on top, the whole book. And the 🌶️ ufffff that's was *chef's kiss* 😉
Definitely recommend "Downfall". It's good, really good. 🙈 Can't wait to read more books from Ivy.
Favorite quotes:
⭐"𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒕, 𝒊 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘. 𝑰𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕."⭐
⭐"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑨𝒃𝒃𝒚. 𝑴𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒏, 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏, 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆, 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆."⭐
*I received an ARC copy of "Downfall" and i liked + enjoyed this story. Thank you Ivy for this opportunity. 🤗
November 16, 2023
**honest review as an ARC reader**
This is a very quick read, about 3 hours for me.
The first thing you see is Smut-ents! - and I love that.
- and the smut was 🥵! I was genuinely surprised at how good & natural the dirty talk felt. The dirty lines were so on point with Kolson's character, same with Abby being all snarky and confident.
There was a bit of kink there, but it's entry-level. I enjoyed them as extras and I think they complement and are consistent with the story development.
As a short read focusing on the spice (no complaints there), there seems to be a lot that can be explored regarding the character's backstory. When the book ended, I still had a bit of why & how unanswered, but the main plot points were sorted out.
The writing is a simple one to get lost in. There is no repetition, no actual ick moments and nothing feels awkward.
Plot: 3.5, Spice : 3
This is a very quick read, about 3 hours for me.
The first thing you see is Smut-ents! - and I love that.
- and the smut was 🥵! I was genuinely surprised at how good & natural the dirty talk felt. The dirty lines were so on point with Kolson's character, same with Abby being all snarky and confident.
There was a bit of kink there, but it's entry-level. I enjoyed them as extras and I think they complement and are consistent with the story development.
As a short read focusing on the spice (no complaints there), there seems to be a lot that can be explored regarding the character's backstory. When the book ended, I still had a bit of why & how unanswered, but the main plot points were sorted out.
The writing is a simple one to get lost in. There is no repetition, no actual ick moments and nothing feels awkward.
Plot: 3.5, Spice : 3
November 20, 2023
What do you do when all your dates randomly disappear at the same time you start receiving “gifts”? You enjoy them all the while being thankful that at least you are not getting hurt. This was a read I really enjoyed and finished in a day. I couldn’t put it down. The flow was set at a good pace, and I enjoyed the banter and fun between the main characters. Abby and Kolson were definite fire and I loved their personalities on their own and as a couple. The story and plot were not very complex and for some may seem a bit shallow or lacking, but I find that not every book has to be terribly deep or twisted. I found myself wanting to know what was in store next. Author Ivy Bennet did not skimp on the spice and every scene was HOT! This is a 100% Adult read. If you are looking for a hot, easy, quick, and fun read I highly recommend you dive into Downfall, it won't disappoint.
November 30, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
❤️🔥Possessive MMC
❤️🔥Stalker/Stalking
❤️🔥Right person/Wrong time
❤️🔥Dubcon
❤️🔥Bondage
❤️🔥Knife/Blood Play
❤️🔥Stripper
❤️🔥Self-harm
❤️🔥18+ S*xually Explicit Scenes
❤️🔥Pierced 🐱
Everything about this book was perfect. As a debut novel Ivy Bennet knew what she was doing when she made someone like Kolson. He has got no business being this hot and a stalker 👀 for a min i thought something was wrong with me. They knew they wanted each other but right person wrong time. So happy they found themselves eventually.
This book trapped you until the very end. It was hard to put down so it got read in a day. It absolutely captivating. From the way they spoke to each other to the way they knew what they wanted to asking for what they both needed. Definitely swooned and it left me wanting more of Abby and Kolson. Can’t wait to read more of her books ♥️♥️♥️
❤️🔥Possessive MMC
❤️🔥Stalker/Stalking
❤️🔥Right person/Wrong time
❤️🔥Dubcon
❤️🔥Bondage
❤️🔥Knife/Blood Play
❤️🔥Stripper
❤️🔥Self-harm
❤️🔥18+ S*xually Explicit Scenes
❤️🔥Pierced 🐱
Everything about this book was perfect. As a debut novel Ivy Bennet knew what she was doing when she made someone like Kolson. He has got no business being this hot and a stalker 👀 for a min i thought something was wrong with me. They knew they wanted each other but right person wrong time. So happy they found themselves eventually.
This book trapped you until the very end. It was hard to put down so it got read in a day. It absolutely captivating. From the way they spoke to each other to the way they knew what they wanted to asking for what they both needed. Definitely swooned and it left me wanting more of Abby and Kolson. Can’t wait to read more of her books ♥️♥️♥️
November 19, 2023
SLIGHTLY different take on the following tropes
• Morally Grey MMC
• Right Person, Wrong Time
• Stalker
• Second Chance
• Billionaire
• Found Family
A chance encounter turned obsession.
Kolson watched Abby walk to work for weeks every Friday and Saturday night before acting on his need to talk to her. They have a hot and steamy weekend and then he leaves? You're thinking, nahh surely not? SMH. He doesn't leave... He just let's her think he has. 😏
Kolson is dedicated, posessive and purposeful.
Abby is sweet, determined and a romantic at heart.
They are two pieces of the same soul.
This was a really good debut novel, a super quick read with heaps of spice - refer to the smut-ents at the start for all the spicy chapters 👏🏽👏🏽
• Morally Grey MMC
• Right Person, Wrong Time
• Stalker
• Second Chance
• Billionaire
• Found Family
A chance encounter turned obsession.
Kolson watched Abby walk to work for weeks every Friday and Saturday night before acting on his need to talk to her. They have a hot and steamy weekend and then he leaves? You're thinking, nahh surely not? SMH. He doesn't leave... He just let's her think he has. 😏
Kolson is dedicated, posessive and purposeful.
Abby is sweet, determined and a romantic at heart.
They are two pieces of the same soul.
This was a really good debut novel, a super quick read with heaps of spice - refer to the smut-ents at the start for all the spicy chapters 👏🏽👏🏽
November 16, 2023
MA'AM. I was NOT expecting a novella to hit like that!!
I'm not a contemporary romance girly, and usually have no interest in billionaire romances. This was just so good though!
Abby is our MMC, an accountant by day and dancer on weekends. She's strong and empowered, loves herself and is happy with the choices she makes. I loved how she handled the situation with her family bc fuck them.
Yuck.
Kolson is an absolutely delicious MMC. A drug-dealer turned business tycoon who will stop at nothing for his Abby. He hits the right notes of Zade and Aero, with perfect hints of the world for Abby, and still let her thrive. He's still possessive and dark, and I love it when I
got to relive a scene from That Sik Luv 🥵
A fast read with female friendship, high spice and an HEA, Downfall will be released 29 November!
❤️🔥stalker
❤️🔥possessive MMC
❤️🔥saucy FMC
❤️🔥 "Mine"
❤️🔥blood play
❤️🔥HEA
I'm not a contemporary romance girly, and usually have no interest in billionaire romances. This was just so good though!
Abby is our MMC, an accountant by day and dancer on weekends. She's strong and empowered, loves herself and is happy with the choices she makes. I loved how she handled the situation with her family bc fuck them.
Yuck.
Kolson is an absolutely delicious MMC. A drug-dealer turned business tycoon who will stop at nothing for his Abby. He hits the right notes of Zade and Aero, with perfect hints of the world for Abby, and still let her thrive. He's still possessive and dark, and I love it when I
got to relive a scene from That Sik Luv 🥵
A fast read with female friendship, high spice and an HEA, Downfall will be released 29 November!
❤️🔥stalker
❤️🔥possessive MMC
❤️🔥saucy FMC
❤️🔥 "Mine"
❤️🔥blood play
❤️🔥HEA
November 23, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Downfall in exchange for my thoughts, so here we go!
This was a quick, spicy little novella. Bennet crammed a lot of heat and just enough story into 200 pages. I loved the FMC Abby, especially as she found herself getting excited by her stalker. She must read dark romance like the rest of us. I would have loved to have more of Kolson's end of the story, but again this was a novella there is only so much room for story or spice. Bennet chose spice. 🌶🌶🌶 Regardless, Kolson is delightfully possessive, generous in the bedroom, and the kind of stalker I definitely could get on board with having.
This was a solid debut for a first time author and I'll be interested to see where Bennet takes us next!
4⭐️ Great quick and sexy read with a hint of stalker.
This was a quick, spicy little novella. Bennet crammed a lot of heat and just enough story into 200 pages. I loved the FMC Abby, especially as she found herself getting excited by her stalker. She must read dark romance like the rest of us. I would have loved to have more of Kolson's end of the story, but again this was a novella there is only so much room for story or spice. Bennet chose spice. 🌶🌶🌶 Regardless, Kolson is delightfully possessive, generous in the bedroom, and the kind of stalker I definitely could get on board with having.
This was a solid debut for a first time author and I'll be interested to see where Bennet takes us next!
4⭐️ Great quick and sexy read with a hint of stalker.
December 5, 2023
Although I overall enjoyed this book, I did not like the five-year period it takes Kolson to better himself to be worthy of Abby. I wanted him to struggle with her at his side, through thick and thin. Instead, he $talks her from a distance until he gets to the point he thinks he's worthy of her love. The dynamic between Abby and Kolson, when they were together, was explosive. Trysts in strip club alleys, banter galore, even a seal of approval from the witchy best friend, had me becoming a cheerleader when these two reunited. I didn't like the distance and time, but I understand it. Their connection is magnetic and, although a little unorthodox, we stan it.
November 29, 2023
***I received this as an arc for an honest review. These opinions are my own***
I was so lucky to be able to read this as an ARC for this debut novel!!
I absolutely loved how the tropes were written entirely different than what I’m use to reading and it kept me intrigued the entire time!
I ADORED the MMC Kolson and his little gifts, just wait until you find out, it’s worth it. Abby, the FMC, was easily lovable and relatable with the way she thinks about life and the way she handles things.
All in all, Ivy completely dominated with this debut novel!
I was so lucky to be able to read this as an ARC for this debut novel!!
I absolutely loved how the tropes were written entirely different than what I’m use to reading and it kept me intrigued the entire time!
I ADORED the MMC Kolson and his little gifts, just wait until you find out, it’s worth it. Abby, the FMC, was easily lovable and relatable with the way she thinks about life and the way she handles things.
All in all, Ivy completely dominated with this debut novel!
November 29, 2023
As an early reader of Ivy Bennett’s debut novel DOWNFALL, I found it to be an enjoyable read. While the book successfully delivers engaging smutty scenes, I observed instances where certain events occurred without sufficient contextual background, which could have enriched the overall narrative. Despite this observation, I awarded the book four stars, acknowledging its quality. I recognize Ivy’s potential as an author and eagerly anticipate further installments in this series and her upcoming literary works.
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