What do you think?
Rate this book
In His Veins
She’s everything I want, and everything I can’t have.
I’m no good with frail things. I’m a brute and break nearly everything I touch. Usually on purpose. Which is why I’m intrigued when Ava falls into my lap.
Her brothers—my best friends—have no idea what they’re asking of me when I’m tasked with keeping tabs on their little sister. I’m supposed to keep the bad guys away. Only, they seem to have forgotten one very important detail.
I am the bad guy.
I’m supposed to stay in the shadows, be a ghost in her world, but there are some opportunities too tempting to deny myself.
But making my way into Ava’s world means she’s drawn into mine.
And here, where I dwell, there’s only pain and death.
I was sent to be her protector. So, who’ll be left to save her when the darkness comes for us both?
I’m no good with frail things. I’m a brute and break nearly everything I touch. Usually on purpose. Which is why I’m intrigued when Ava falls into my lap.
Her brothers—my best friends—have no idea what they’re asking of me when I’m tasked with keeping tabs on their little sister. I’m supposed to keep the bad guys away. Only, they seem to have forgotten one very important detail.
I am the bad guy.
I’m supposed to stay in the shadows, be a ghost in her world, but there are some opportunities too tempting to deny myself.
But making my way into Ava’s world means she’s drawn into mine.
And here, where I dwell, there’s only pain and death.
I was sent to be her protector. So, who’ll be left to save her when the darkness comes for us both?
- GenresDark RomanceDark
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2023
155 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 13, 2025
Brother’s best friend, stalker, pain/pleasure tropes. Veteran to vigilante MMC. Deep, heavy and very spicy. A really solid plot too. It was a fun read. Holy cliffhanger!
October 26, 2023
No matter where she goes, no matter who she wants, she will always belong to me. She might not know it yet, but she will.
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 4/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MF Romance
❤️ DARK
🖤 Brother's Best Friend
❤️ Stalker
🖤 Touch Her and Die
❤️ Cliffhanger
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I can't believe this is the authors debut novel, it was absolutely outstanding! The amount of twists had me blown away, just as I was getting to know the story, another twist for appear and had me questioning everything! Not to mention the cliffhanger, wow that was not expected! This is going to be a brief review because I don't want to spoil anything but I am obsessed with this book and want the next one right away!
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 4/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MF Romance
❤️ DARK
🖤 Brother's Best Friend
❤️ Stalker
🖤 Touch Her and Die
❤️ Cliffhanger
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
I can't believe this is the authors debut novel, it was absolutely outstanding! The amount of twists had me blown away, just as I was getting to know the story, another twist for appear and had me questioning everything! Not to mention the cliffhanger, wow that was not expected! This is going to be a brief review because I don't want to spoil anything but I am obsessed with this book and want the next one right away!
November 7, 2023
Man I gotta love a good stalker brothers best friend romance. This plot had me hooked from the start and I am intrigued to see where the story takes us from here. That ending was… wow. So far I’m enjoying the characters, the dynamic and I am really liking the world.
September 9, 2024
For my first ever dark romance book I ate it up love it so much!!! Callum is definitely a new book boyfriend!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 10-100!!
October 30, 2023
I was intrigued with this story when I first read the blurb and it hooked me right from the beginning. Ava has 3 older brothers who adore her and want her safe. They have their friend Callum, watch out for her since she doesn't know who he is or what he looks like. Callum is a dark, broody character who starts to become fixated on Ava, all whilst he and her brothers are working a job.
There's mystery as soon as you start reading. Ava comes across as a strong , sweet character who wants to try stand on her own 2 feet.
While some areas don't quite flow as nicely as others, I absolutely love this storyline! This isn't your usual best friend's sister trope (or brothers best friend, depending how you see it) there are 3 of them, and they all have history together. Their backgrounds are curious and I love that we get a little back story whenever it is deemed relevant in the story. All the characters have their own quirks, the one liners are good and I love how unapologetic and unhinged Callum is! He's so blasé about his stalkerish ways and it's funny how Ava embraces it wholeheartedly, despite them only knowing each other a short time, their personalities seem to complement each other.
It's a very faced paced book and I almost feel like it may be a little too fast at times, but I was still hooked the whole way through! Once the brothers and Callum realise there is a serious threat, they go on high alert, Callum cares deeply for Ava and will do anything to protect her.
The suspense in the last portion of this book had me on the edge of my seat! This was done really well and eager to find out what happens! There are some scenes in here that are not for the faint of heart, but my depraved little mind loved every minute of it! Until the cliff-hanger!!! Omg! I'm hoping we do not have to wait long!!
For lovers of dark and disturbed, this one's for you, it has a insta love/he falls first trope with a stalker vibe. A really great start! Thank you!
There's mystery as soon as you start reading. Ava comes across as a strong , sweet character who wants to try stand on her own 2 feet.
While some areas don't quite flow as nicely as others, I absolutely love this storyline! This isn't your usual best friend's sister trope (or brothers best friend, depending how you see it) there are 3 of them, and they all have history together. Their backgrounds are curious and I love that we get a little back story whenever it is deemed relevant in the story. All the characters have their own quirks, the one liners are good and I love how unapologetic and unhinged Callum is! He's so blasé about his stalkerish ways and it's funny how Ava embraces it wholeheartedly, despite them only knowing each other a short time, their personalities seem to complement each other.
It's a very faced paced book and I almost feel like it may be a little too fast at times, but I was still hooked the whole way through! Once the brothers and Callum realise there is a serious threat, they go on high alert, Callum cares deeply for Ava and will do anything to protect her.
The suspense in the last portion of this book had me on the edge of my seat! This was done really well and eager to find out what happens! There are some scenes in here that are not for the faint of heart, but my depraved little mind loved every minute of it! Until the cliff-hanger!!! Omg! I'm hoping we do not have to wait long!!
For lovers of dark and disturbed, this one's for you, it has a insta love/he falls first trope with a stalker vibe. A really great start! Thank you!
October 25, 2023
4.25⭐️
In His Veins is book one in a new dark romance series and let me tell you this kicks off on a wild ride! From the start you are sucked into a world where people are always watching you and keeping tabs on what you are doing.
Cal is best friends with Ava's older brothers who are private investigators who know how to deal with many situations, if you know what I mean. When they ask Cal to keep an eye on Ava due to a potential threat — he soon becomes obsessed with her and her every move. Cal steps in to be there for Ava when she needs help and when her past comes back to pay her a visit. Cal is so unhinged but thats what makes him a great morally grey anti-hero!
Without stepping into spoiler territory, this book really picks up in the last 30% where we find out more about Cals past, how he knows Ava's brothers and we get to see what comes of Ava's brothers finding out about their relationship.
I will say, this book covers some heavy topics that are on page. The author goes into detail at the beginning of the book with all the trigger warnings so read them before diving in! I will also share this ends on a wild cliffy — brace yourselves haha.
The only thing that pushed my rating a lot lower was that it felt like a lot of the scenes were rushed and/or didn't have enough details. I felt like I was missing things here and there. While I do think the author brought everything back to together, I just found myself lost from time to time. I am extremely curious as to how things will pan out in book 2 so I will be anxiously waiting for its release!
In His Veins is book one in a new dark romance series and let me tell you this kicks off on a wild ride! From the start you are sucked into a world where people are always watching you and keeping tabs on what you are doing.
Cal is best friends with Ava's older brothers who are private investigators who know how to deal with many situations, if you know what I mean. When they ask Cal to keep an eye on Ava due to a potential threat — he soon becomes obsessed with her and her every move. Cal steps in to be there for Ava when she needs help and when her past comes back to pay her a visit. Cal is so unhinged but thats what makes him a great morally grey anti-hero!
Without stepping into spoiler territory, this book really picks up in the last 30% where we find out more about Cals past, how he knows Ava's brothers and we get to see what comes of Ava's brothers finding out about their relationship.
I will say, this book covers some heavy topics that are on page. The author goes into detail at the beginning of the book with all the trigger warnings so read them before diving in! I will also share this ends on a wild cliffy — brace yourselves haha.
The only thing that pushed my rating a lot lower was that it felt like a lot of the scenes were rushed and/or didn't have enough details. I felt like I was missing things here and there. While I do think the author brought everything back to together, I just found myself lost from time to time. I am extremely curious as to how things will pan out in book 2 so I will be anxiously waiting for its release!
January 29, 2024
"In His Veins" is not your typical love story. It's got everything – different POVs, brothers' best friend, a double dose of stalking, a hero who's way too possessive, a dash of revenge, and LOTS of blood play. Its a hell of a ride - but a good one! It's a spicy mix of darkness, passion, and suspense. Honestly, I was so hooked the second I opened the book. BUT fair warning, it goes deep into some heavy stuff, so be sure to check those trigger warnings.
Ava, an artist that is juggling two jobs while navigating life in a new apartment. Sounds like a normal setup, right? Well, throw in three overly protective brothers who, thinking they're being helpful, assign their best friend to keep tabs on her from afar to make sure she's okay in the rough neighborhood but little did they know, Callum turns out to be more than just a watchful eye – he becomes obsessed with Ava, his very own little viper.
Cal. He's not your average guy. Obsession is his middle name, and he takes it up a notch AND that cliffhanger? A plot twist I never saw coming. The story grabs you and won't let go, making you hungry for more, like trying to solve a mystery in the dark.
Can't wait to see what happens next! 🌪️💔📚
Ava, an artist that is juggling two jobs while navigating life in a new apartment. Sounds like a normal setup, right? Well, throw in three overly protective brothers who, thinking they're being helpful, assign their best friend to keep tabs on her from afar to make sure she's okay in the rough neighborhood but little did they know, Callum turns out to be more than just a watchful eye – he becomes obsessed with Ava, his very own little viper.
Cal. He's not your average guy. Obsession is his middle name, and he takes it up a notch AND that cliffhanger? A plot twist I never saw coming. The story grabs you and won't let go, making you hungry for more, like trying to solve a mystery in the dark.
Can't wait to see what happens next! 🌪️💔📚
October 21, 2023
I want to know your dreams, your nightmares, and everything in between. I want you to unfold with me, Viper.”
Arc Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
A Dark Brother’s Best Friend Romance
Stalker
Touch her and 💀
Ex Military
Overly Possessive MMC
⚠️Please Check Trigger Warnings, there are Heavy Dark Themes⚠️
A quick fast paced deliciously dark and twisted plot.
Ava our FMC has 3 overly protective brothers who send their best friend to keep watch over her to make sure she is safe.
Callum didn’t expect to become obsessed with his Little Viper. The more he watches the cameras, follows her to her jobs, and the night club..he knows she is his to be claimed. She just doesn’t know it yet.
“From the way my body responds to him, I think I’d follow him to hell if he asked.”
Ava and her best friend are Best Friend goals! Paige is a Ride or Die and you can tell she would genuinely do ANYTHING for Ava, I loved their friendship in this book!
You have a stalker stalking the stalker and PAGES of suspense! I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.
The cliff hanger 🫣 ahhhh! Freaking WILD! I need book 2 asap!
Arc Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
A Dark Brother’s Best Friend Romance
Stalker
Touch her and 💀
Ex Military
Overly Possessive MMC
⚠️Please Check Trigger Warnings, there are Heavy Dark Themes⚠️
A quick fast paced deliciously dark and twisted plot.
Ava our FMC has 3 overly protective brothers who send their best friend to keep watch over her to make sure she is safe.
Callum didn’t expect to become obsessed with his Little Viper. The more he watches the cameras, follows her to her jobs, and the night club..he knows she is his to be claimed. She just doesn’t know it yet.
“From the way my body responds to him, I think I’d follow him to hell if he asked.”
Ava and her best friend are Best Friend goals! Paige is a Ride or Die and you can tell she would genuinely do ANYTHING for Ava, I loved their friendship in this book!
You have a stalker stalking the stalker and PAGES of suspense! I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.
The cliff hanger 🫣 ahhhh! Freaking WILD! I need book 2 asap!
October 31, 2023
3.5 star read, rounded up!
This book definitely had some intense moments. It started off kind of slow with an average girl living in a smaller town. Her brothers ask a close friend who lives nearby to keep watch over her since they can't always be there. That's when things start to heat up. He starts off with a slight stalker mentality and quickly becomes obsessive. What's even more interesting, is his behavior, while bothersome at first, truly doesn't bother Ava. Meanwhile, we quickly find out, there is darkness lurking as well.
I found this book to be a very quick read and slightly intense. There were parts that could definitely be triggering for some people as sexual abuse, stalking, knife play, dub/con, and a few other things come into play with this book. If you want a quick read, this is your book. If you want a book that'll really hit ya home, maybe not so much. Of course this is just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I've definitely read worse, but it's a middle of the road for me.
This book definitely had some intense moments. It started off kind of slow with an average girl living in a smaller town. Her brothers ask a close friend who lives nearby to keep watch over her since they can't always be there. That's when things start to heat up. He starts off with a slight stalker mentality and quickly becomes obsessive. What's even more interesting, is his behavior, while bothersome at first, truly doesn't bother Ava. Meanwhile, we quickly find out, there is darkness lurking as well.
I found this book to be a very quick read and slightly intense. There were parts that could definitely be triggering for some people as sexual abuse, stalking, knife play, dub/con, and a few other things come into play with this book. If you want a quick read, this is your book. If you want a book that'll really hit ya home, maybe not so much. Of course this is just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I've definitely read worse, but it's a middle of the road for me.
October 28, 2023
I really liked this! I have to be honest and say that I did not have super high expectations for it going in, simply because I've read many similar books that were just ok. This one happily surprised me and was so good!
Ava's older brothers just want to keep her safe, so unbeknownst to her, they have their good friend Callum keep an eye on her. Cal's job to protect her though, quickly turns to obsession and more. It's definitely a "touch her and I'll un*live you" vibe. I loved how he later becomes almost sweet with her, in a crazy, possessive sort of way 🥰
I liked Ava's friendship with her bestie Paige and how she encouraged her and brought her confidence out. I was also intrigued with the interactions between Paige and Ava's brother Chase 🤔
This ends in a cliffhanger and I will be waiting to read the next book!
Check trigger warnings.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
Ava's older brothers just want to keep her safe, so unbeknownst to her, they have their good friend Callum keep an eye on her. Cal's job to protect her though, quickly turns to obsession and more. It's definitely a "touch her and I'll un*live you" vibe. I loved how he later becomes almost sweet with her, in a crazy, possessive sort of way 🥰
I liked Ava's friendship with her bestie Paige and how she encouraged her and brought her confidence out. I was also intrigued with the interactions between Paige and Ava's brother Chase 🤔
This ends in a cliffhanger and I will be waiting to read the next book!
Check trigger warnings.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
October 30, 2023
I felt the book started a little slow. It seemed to take a while to introduce the characters and get to the action. Once the action started though, I couldn’t stop reading. We meet Ava, her friend Paige, Ava’s three brothers and Callum who is a friend and colleague of her brothers. Youngish Ava is out on her own living in an apartment in a not so good area. The brothers and Callum are in the private detective business. The brothers ask Callum to keep an eye on her to keep her safe. Callum agrees. So far, the book is fairly quiet and I’m not sure where it’s going but now, it gets really good. Callum overdoes the ‘keeping an eye on her’ by becoming obsessed with her and stalking her. Even better, there is someone else watching Callum while he is watching her. Read the triggers if you are sensitive because there are a lot. I have no triggers and really enjoyed the book. I received an ARC copy from the author and this I my honest review.
October 30, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and this is Ava and Callum’s journey.
Ava just wants her independence and to live by herself, but she moved into a not so safe neighbourhood, and her three overprotective brothers task their best friend Callum / Cal, to watch out for her. Cal becomes obsessed with Ava, but he does not know that he has his own stalker, who is prepared to use Ava against him. Will Cal be able to keep Ava safe and protected?
This story has me on tenterhooks throughout, and I cannot wait to read the second part!
This is a well written story which is action packed, with emotions, family, friendships, danger, suspense, intrigue, romance, obsession, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, haunting, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Ava just wants her independence and to live by herself, but she moved into a not so safe neighbourhood, and her three overprotective brothers task their best friend Callum / Cal, to watch out for her. Cal becomes obsessed with Ava, but he does not know that he has his own stalker, who is prepared to use Ava against him. Will Cal be able to keep Ava safe and protected?
This story has me on tenterhooks throughout, and I cannot wait to read the second part!
This is a well written story which is action packed, with emotions, family, friendships, danger, suspense, intrigue, romance, obsession, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, haunting, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 30, 2023
In His Veins was sent to me as an ARC read!
Rating:
✨✨✨✨/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review:
Wow. First off I freaking love the brother’s best friend trope so this was such a good book to read! Not to mention it was a dark romance 😌
I’m shocked that this is the authors debut novel!! It’s honestly an amazing book. I don’t know how to talk about this book without spoilers but all I can say is Oh My God! The twists had me gasping 😭 I cannot express the chokehold this book has on me! I need the second book right now!
Stalker. Morally Grey Character. Touch her and die. What’s not to love! Cal is honestly so insane and unhinged but I love him so much!
If you love anything I’ve just talked about than you need to read this! I can’t wait for book 2!!
I just want to say a huge thank you for letting me read this as an ARC reader 🫶
I can’t wait to see what Jolene comes up with next!
Rating:
✨✨✨✨/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review:
Wow. First off I freaking love the brother’s best friend trope so this was such a good book to read! Not to mention it was a dark romance 😌
I’m shocked that this is the authors debut novel!! It’s honestly an amazing book. I don’t know how to talk about this book without spoilers but all I can say is Oh My God! The twists had me gasping 😭 I cannot express the chokehold this book has on me! I need the second book right now!
Stalker. Morally Grey Character. Touch her and die. What’s not to love! Cal is honestly so insane and unhinged but I love him so much!
If you love anything I’ve just talked about than you need to read this! I can’t wait for book 2!!
I just want to say a huge thank you for letting me read this as an ARC reader 🫶
I can’t wait to see what Jolene comes up with next!
November 16, 2023
No matter where she goes, no matter who she wants, she will always belong to me. She might now know it yet, but she will.
ooohhhh my, I love reading books with this kind of character.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Spice
This is a great book filled with many tropes.
Brother's Best Friend
Stalking
Touch her and Die
Ends on a Cliffhanger
The cover of the book 100% caught my attention and is stunning! This is Jolene Raine's debut novel, and she did a phenomenal job. In His Veins is filled with crazy twists, characters that are enjoyable to read about, spicey scenes that are done beautifully, and a cliffhanger that will leave you obsessed with wanting the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ooohhhh my, I love reading books with this kind of character.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Spice
This is a great book filled with many tropes.
Brother's Best Friend
Stalking
Touch her and Die
Ends on a Cliffhanger
The cover of the book 100% caught my attention and is stunning! This is Jolene Raine's debut novel, and she did a phenomenal job. In His Veins is filled with crazy twists, characters that are enjoyable to read about, spicey scenes that are done beautifully, and a cliffhanger that will leave you obsessed with wanting the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2023
Loved it. I mean who wouldn't love a stalker romance with lots of spice and unpredictable twists.
Cal is unhinged and crazy but also loving, possessive and protective.
At first I felt like Ava was a sweet innocent girl, but she is just as unhinged as him, fierce, strong and beautiful.
The cliffhanger, though! I didn't expect that at all. How can I sleep without knowing what will happen next? 🥺
Can't wait to read book 2
I was shipping Chase and paige from starting of the book I want their own book too. I love them ❤️
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV - dual
Ending - ends on cliffhanger
Cal is unhinged and crazy but also loving, possessive and protective.
At first I felt like Ava was a sweet innocent girl, but she is just as unhinged as him, fierce, strong and beautiful.
The cliffhanger, though! I didn't expect that at all. How can I sleep without knowing what will happen next? 🥺
Can't wait to read book 2
I was shipping Chase and paige from starting of the book I want their own book too. I love them ❤️
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV - dual
Ending - ends on cliffhanger
January 22, 2024
Omg
!!!!SMALL SPOILER, DO NOT READ REVIEW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THE SMALL SPOILER!!!!
I could cry at how this book ended! The whole time, I thought I had things figured out. That scene where Ava spits in Callum's face, I was like hell no, call another woman over to smack her one good time! Then the scene after, I was like okay, nevermind lol, because it all got wild! Then I was angry at Ava for not telling Callum about the interactions! She did not practice full transparency here. I'm so excited for the second part! I've got so many questions I need answers to! I'm loving the way this story played out and is continuing to play out! A must read!
!!!!SMALL SPOILER, DO NOT READ REVIEW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THE SMALL SPOILER!!!!
I could cry at how this book ended! The whole time, I thought I had things figured out. That scene where Ava spits in Callum's face, I was like hell no, call another woman over to smack her one good time! Then the scene after, I was like okay, nevermind lol, because it all got wild! Then I was angry at Ava for not telling Callum about the interactions! She did not practice full transparency here. I'm so excited for the second part! I've got so many questions I need answers to! I'm loving the way this story played out and is continuing to play out! A must read!
October 24, 2023
❤️ Callum & Ava
•Brother’s best friend
•Ex Military
•Stalker
•Touch her and 💀
•Morally grey MMC
Ava is determined to maintain her recent independence no matter the cost. Leaving her overprotective no other choice but to call in back up. Although Callum isn’t overly excited about the idea of keeping an eye on his best friends little sister, he can’t exactly say no. It doesn’t take long until he’s completely obsessed with the Little Viper.
I could not put this book down. The suspense was addictive. It’s dark, sexy, 🌶 spicy! Holy Cliffhanger! I can’t wait for MORE..
•Brother’s best friend
•Ex Military
•Stalker
•Touch her and 💀
•Morally grey MMC
Ava is determined to maintain her recent independence no matter the cost. Leaving her overprotective no other choice but to call in back up. Although Callum isn’t overly excited about the idea of keeping an eye on his best friends little sister, he can’t exactly say no. It doesn’t take long until he’s completely obsessed with the Little Viper.
I could not put this book down. The suspense was addictive. It’s dark, sexy, 🌶 spicy! Holy Cliffhanger! I can’t wait for MORE..
October 29, 2023
.....
I don't have words to express what I felt after finishing the book. It's so good that I cried after finishing it. Jolene Raine...why? I need the second book. It's not a want but a need. I was hooked on from the moment I started it and that's saying a lot because instead of reading this I should've studied for my paper but I couldn't keep it down. And now I cannot stop thinking about what happens next. I legit threw my kindle(I'm just glad it didn't break....otherwise I would've never heard the end of it) at the last page, because I was not expecting that.
Also the fact that this is a dark romance, a stalker dark romance, a brother's best friend romance...made it so easy to fall in love with it. Add in a supportive bsf to the FMC, touch her and you die vibes and possessive MMC... OMG.
This book is a definite must read for dark romance readers and when I say definite must read...I mean go and read it when it releases on 27th the first thing.
xoxo
I don't have words to express what I felt after finishing the book. It's so good that I cried after finishing it. Jolene Raine...why? I need the second book. It's not a want but a need. I was hooked on from the moment I started it and that's saying a lot because instead of reading this I should've studied for my paper but I couldn't keep it down. And now I cannot stop thinking about what happens next. I legit threw my kindle(I'm just glad it didn't break....otherwise I would've never heard the end of it) at the last page, because I was not expecting that.
Also the fact that this is a dark romance, a stalker dark romance, a brother's best friend romance...made it so easy to fall in love with it. Add in a supportive bsf to the FMC, touch her and you die vibes and possessive MMC... OMG.
This book is a definite must read for dark romance readers and when I say definite must read...I mean go and read it when it releases on 27th the first thing.
xoxo
November 1, 2023
Let me start off by stating…read the TWs before reading this book. I absolutely loved this book, it was everything a dark romance should be.
Ava gains her independence from her brothers and moves into the unsavory part of town. They ask their best friend Cal to keep an eye on her. Cal becomes obsessed and becomes her stalker. But danger lurks on his side also because while he is following Ava, it seems Cal has his own stalker.
Be prepared for so many twists, this story will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ava gains her independence from her brothers and moves into the unsavory part of town. They ask their best friend Cal to keep an eye on her. Cal becomes obsessed and becomes her stalker. But danger lurks on his side also because while he is following Ava, it seems Cal has his own stalker.
Be prepared for so many twists, this story will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2023
Ava. A beautiful and innocent artist.
Callum. Dark, dangerous, her brothers best friend.
Cal is a walking red flag… But hey, don’t red flags mean amusement parks? That seems right.
From stalker to lover, Jolene Raine writes the story of Ava and Cal. Filled with action, passion and twists you wouldn’t see coming this book is incredibly written.
Note, this book does leave off on a cliffhanger, but I am SO excited to read the second book and find out what happens with Cal and Ava!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Callum. Dark, dangerous, her brothers best friend.
Cal is a walking red flag… But hey, don’t red flags mean amusement parks? That seems right.
From stalker to lover, Jolene Raine writes the story of Ava and Cal. Filled with action, passion and twists you wouldn’t see coming this book is incredibly written.
Note, this book does leave off on a cliffhanger, but I am SO excited to read the second book and find out what happens with Cal and Ava!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
November 23, 2025
He's her brother's best friend and asked to watch over her. Becomes her stalker and is obsessed. She has a dark past, so does he but they have even darker kinks. He kills for her, first to protect her and the second to teach her a lesson that she belongs to him. Whether she knows it yet or not. Her best friend is serious ride or die goals. The spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! Huge plot twist at the end and I am currently left crying to get my hands on book two! 🥲
Triggers: Knife Play, Self Harm, Period Play, Exhibition, and a few others.
Triggers: Knife Play, Self Harm, Period Play, Exhibition, and a few others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
This is the first time I've read anything by this author and holy there is no way it'll be the last. I love me a good dark read , and this definitely met that and then some. Ava and Callum started out very unconventional i guess you could say. The stalker and the prey with a twist thrown in there. I couldn't read this book fast enough, and the ending i wanted to scream. I can't wait for book 2, but I'm sure the wait will be worth it.
October 26, 2023
Wow, this novel was so good! Once I started reading this novel reached out and grabbed hold of me and I could hardly put it down. I did not want it to end. I loved Cal, a little unhinged but so good. I loved Ava and Cal's story. Their chemistry was so good! I love when a novel keeps me guessing what is going to happen next. This novel checked all of my boxes, I loved it! I can hardly wait to see what is coming next.
October 27, 2023
Wow. This was an amazing read. Full of twists, turns, darkness, obsession and possessiveness…and triggers! This book sucks you in, keeps you guessing and leaves you begging for more. Raine has a magnificent writing style and the world building and characters were perfect. I loved every minute of this read and can’t wait for the next book, especially after that cliffhanger, which btw was a perfect ending! Highly recommended reading.
October 28, 2023
IN HIS VEINS by Jolene Raine is the First book in the Skin Deep Series. This starts the story of Callum 'Cal' and Ava. Ava has been having some issues lately and her three over protective brother have sent Cal to keep an eye on her. But Cal knows she is his and starts going into dark over the top protectiveness with her. This does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment in this series. I can't wait!!
October 29, 2023
ARC review
I wasn't completely sold on the story in the beginning. The fmc and mmc were interesting enough, but there was a lot of build-up that made me feel like the story was dragging. BUT then the story got really interesting, and I blew through the rest of the book. I love Ana and Paige's friendship and how they have such opposite personalities, but it works so well.
That ending was evil. That type of cliffhanger should be illegal.
I wasn't completely sold on the story in the beginning. The fmc and mmc were interesting enough, but there was a lot of build-up that made me feel like the story was dragging. BUT then the story got really interesting, and I blew through the rest of the book. I love Ana and Paige's friendship and how they have such opposite personalities, but it works so well.
That ending was evil. That type of cliffhanger should be illegal.
October 30, 2023
This is definitely in my top 5 for 2023! If you like Zade, you will not think of him again because Callum is top now!
•Brother’s best friend
•Ex Military
•Stalker
•Touch her and 💀
•Morally grey MMC
I could not put this book down. The suspense was addictive. It’s dark, sexy, spicy! Holy Cliffhanger! I can’t wait for MORE.. I wish the second book would hurry and come out though, not Sept of NEXT YEAR!
•Brother’s best friend
•Ex Military
•Stalker
•Touch her and 💀
•Morally grey MMC
I could not put this book down. The suspense was addictive. It’s dark, sexy, spicy! Holy Cliffhanger! I can’t wait for MORE.. I wish the second book would hurry and come out though, not Sept of NEXT YEAR!
November 22, 2023
It was ok.
Lacked depth and creativity. Tried too hard to hit triggers, without developing the ambiance or atmosphere. Main characters weren’t well developed, Their relationship was basic in description, lacked character. Story seemed rushed, or not well researched. It was just ok. Plenty of trigger warnings just flying around, without rhyme or reason, think more for shock factor, than plot development
Lacked depth and creativity. Tried too hard to hit triggers, without developing the ambiance or atmosphere. Main characters weren’t well developed, Their relationship was basic in description, lacked character. Story seemed rushed, or not well researched. It was just ok. Plenty of trigger warnings just flying around, without rhyme or reason, think more for shock factor, than plot development
November 29, 2023
Super dark stalker romance
This book is super dark and twisted and also super hot. Check the content warnings before you read! If the warnings are more of a checklist for you, then have fun. Be warned, the sequel isn't scheduled to drop until September 2024, and this book ends on a mighty big cliffhanger. I'm going to read book 2, but I'm annoyed I'll have to wait so long to do so. 😅
This book is super dark and twisted and also super hot. Check the content warnings before you read! If the warnings are more of a checklist for you, then have fun. Be warned, the sequel isn't scheduled to drop until September 2024, and this book ends on a mighty big cliffhanger. I'm going to read book 2, but I'm annoyed I'll have to wait so long to do so. 😅
October 22, 2023
Callum is asked by his 3 best friends to watch over their sister Ava, only he never plained to become obsessed with her, stalking her every move and craving her more. where will it leave them? well written steamy dark themed and ends on a cliffy leaving you wanting more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews