Clandestine Game

by Madilyn DeRose

Six months ago, Teagan screwed everything up. Sending a message to the wrong person might be innocent enough in some instances, but definitely not this one. She'd never live down that mistake.

Summer vacation was supposed to offer a respite from the whispers and stares, but her younger brother's annoying friend had other plans. Being dragged on a trip to a private island with the same friends that played a role in her fall from grace sounded like a nightmare. Then again, there might be far worse things lurking in the shadows.

Nobody would believe her if she told them about the masked man she'd seen on the island. They especially wouldn't take her seriously if they knew what happened next. It didn't matter in the end. It seemed he had his own game to orchestrate here and he'd chosen to use her for an entirely different purpose.

He intended to make sure they all learned a valuable lesson during their stay. The dead can't tell any secrets, after all.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Thriller, Horror, Erotica

242 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2023

About the author

I'm a self-published author who generally has a dozen projects going at one time. Check out one of my completed series or follow along with what's currently ongoing.

I was born in Portland, OR and I will unashamedly claim that the PNW is the best place to be. Catch me with an iced coffee in hand, even in the rain and snow.

My main genres are romance and fantasy. Some of my content is very dark, but it varies by book/series, so please check the content warnings in each book before diving in!

I hope you enjoy my books and leave me a review with your honest opinion!

Reviews

[KateJoanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me while I take 3-5 business days to recover from this absolute fucking rollercoaster ARE YOU KIDDING ME. This book. This was a ride. You NEED to read this and then vent with me, perhaps get together and kidnap the author to answer a few questions I have because WTF did I just read?
I sped to the end for answers that, in retrospect, Im not sure I actually wanted. And I swore I had this figured out 4 or 5 times only to be completely blindsided over and over and realise I was in fact completely clueless.
This book was a wild experience, and I don’t know how I feel but I’ll be needing to recover.

The dedication is just perfection and then the first sentence is Evanescence lyrics so I immediately had high hopes for this book.
Extensive trigger warnings in the preface, the author comes across as immediately lovely and caring for her readers, this is in fact a lie. She actually wants to destroy us all.

Complicated and clever, this was fast paced and jumps instantly into it as you open the page, but be warned it is definitely one of those fictional-hot but real-life-call-the-police books… Unfairly well written, gripping and twisty with great prose and characters with impressive depth.

Playful and dangerous and twisty and dark, funny yet horrifying, the best I can articulate to sum it up as an erotic thriller mystery?
The most psycho game of Cat and mouse, complete with mystery, horror and gore.

I’m not sure Teagan does the best job of reacting entirely sanely/appropriately and definitely never acts genuinely scared, upset or traumatised. But at least that makes it feel less real and easier not to freak out by how messed up this would be with her bizarrely calm reactions to everything. And frankly, I’m not sure I can entirely disagree with her…

Goddamn you Author I fell in love a little with the psycho, you had me agreeing with him and desperately rooting for him and for their happy-ever-after… Do I have Stockholm syndrome?? What did you do to me with your pretty words, hot and heavy scenes.
My jaw was on the floor for the last 20 mins or more, probably most of the book in fact.

‘Maybe I could blame some of the books I read. They'd undoubtedly given me a penchant for men draped in red flags. Although, Sy was less of a red flag and more of an entire trigger warning. Why the fuck did he have to be so sexy?’ -
‘Stupid fucking bodily functions and stupid fucking men with dark hair and broody attitudes.
Maybe I was the true red flag here.’

Yep I agree Teagan, God I need therapy after this.

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was so chaotic and confusing.

[Lilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one sitting. I could not put it down.

The fast paced environment makes you feel like you have to keep going. You feel like you can not stop reading because you have to know what's coming next.

The suspense and mystery is there and the thrill is there. Very well written in regards to those.

The kills are delicious and brutal. The reason for the murders gets laid out as they happen and you are able to start piecing together exactly why the person is exacting revenge. As you learn the reasons behind the massacre, you kind of start feeling as though they deserved it. Their true selves are revealed and it's ugly.

The relationship between the FMC and MMC is interesting. The back and forth game they play toggles your heart. You feel content with them and then dubious and horrific things happen and you hate it all over again.

I did wind up putting it all together and figuring it out before the story lays it all bare. However, I did not feel cheated by this. There were still enough turns and twists to have me second guess myself; sticking to my original thought and being correct.

This was a great book. Well written and engaging. I applaud the author for this captivating story.

I will say. CHECK THE TRIGGERS!!!!! They are forewarned and most definitely entwined into the story.

[Audra PC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart. This one is for the dark (and twisted) romance lovers.

The story had me guessing all throughout! It was so good I couldn’t put it down! Literally DEVOURED the book. I shouldn’t have been surprised though, I was hooked after the dedication page.

Teagans and Sy’s story is one for the record books . The delectable game of cat and mouse, faced paced, stalker romance, with gore.

Some of the conversations between character had me giggling. Like the nerd conversation had me cracking up.


Please be sure to check the trigger warning s as this will not be for everyone. But if you like crazy, this is for you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M.C. Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book so quickly because I could not put it down! Honestly, when I did put it down to sleep, I found myself lying awake still trying to figure out what my happen next. It was so wickedly twisted and deranged and it was everything I hoped it would be upon reading the description. It is extremely descriptive, gory, dirty, and somehow sexy all at the same time. Lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing and I was truly impressed by the writing.

I will definitely be recommending this one in the future for fans of twisted romance and slashers. This was a great read for the season!!

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s no HEA and you should heed the trigger warnings ⚠️

It’s one of those reads you can’t put down but for different reasons. I thought I knew where it was going, I didn’t but it seemed I did lol The twists in this book just 🤯. The island for their student vacation sounded lovely until it wasn’t. It was well written, descriptive, frustrating in parts. There was spice, non con for the most part so be aware of that. The ending was well…just not happy 😂

First time I’ve read anything by this author and I can’t say I won’t again 😈

[CheysBookLoverReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing plot twists in the book had me speed reading! I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested in Teagan’s story. The spice level is great and the subplot is awesome! As someone who loves both smut and horror/mystery, this book is the best of both worlds. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist came along that kept me guessing. The ending of this story had my jaw on the floor!

[Jasmin Beauchamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys honestly you have to read this. I literally devoured it in one day every single free second I had was consumed by this book. The plot twist, the turns, the twists ?! It was a whole rollercoaster.

The scenes were soo perfectly fitting from the spicy to the killings there was not one detail missed. I tried to guess who Sy was and how the story would go but honestly I never imagined it to end the way it did !!

Please check your TW !

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What did I just read?!?

I LOVED the twists and turns and every time I thought I figured it out, another twist came along. I was completely shocked at parts and my jaw dropped! It definitely kept my attention!!

I kept finding myself reading “one more chapter” until I finished the book.

I’m excited to check out her other books!

[allwashedup182 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down! I just couldn’t stop. Reminded me of I know what you did last summer + saw on an island! Check the TW because there’s a lot. Fast pace and easy read, I loved it! Some tropes: stalker/obsession, blood play, masked murderer, revenge, etc!!!

[Katie Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could do without the extreme spice, the plot of the story though is fantastic! The twists were jaw dropping!

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Inkheartedgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I devoured the whole book in one sitting. Where do I even start, it was hell of a rollercoaster ride.

Jude is love, I loved how he takes what he wants and how he is protective and possesive of her.

At first, I figured out who the masked man was.Then in the middle of the story, I doubted my guess after sometime I realised I was right.

I squealed while reading this

And the ending was perfect even though I preferred a happier one.I think the author gave a perfect ending.

I don't wanna give spoilers you have to read the book to find out.

Note - check TW before reading the book

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[daddysbabygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sm^t 🥵🥵🥵
Darkness 🖤
Kinks🥴
Burn❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[alison lirio · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

My first thoughts are, “yo what the fuck” but then as I progressed through the book it came “yooo what the fuckkk”, and yes while I know these words are the same I encourage you to read this book so you know that the tone has drastically changed.

If you’re new to the ARC hustle as a reader, you’ll find out that you’ll have to give your honest opinion in exchange for getting it for free. The issue that comes along with this type of agreement is that sometimes there are no words. This is meant in the best way.

There’s something about erotic horror that’s really good, and this truly portrays why it sells so well. I think any book girlie that reads steamy stuff tends to take on trigger warnings as a challenge, “like how fucked up could it (or myself) really get?” and I’m proud to say this is a new low or level for me. Spectacular execution with the trigger warnings. I’d say it’s a hidden gem among things like the pageant duet or the Cat and Mouse duet. I want to talk about it but I can’t because that would be spoiling and it’s unfair. But here’s what I’ll tell you, I motherfucking knew it was him because there’s no way it could be someone else other than him.

My only cons to the novel were two things:
+ certain plot holes where they introduced the male pov that didn’t entirely cross-check what he said to Teagan and then what he said in his pov. It just didn’t track.
+ the beginning was fairly slow and it seemed there was a bit of struggle with the dialogue. It hadn’t come off as natural/realistic to course of how 1) college kids would converse with one another and 2) the flow of conversations in general. It truly felt forced. If you get passed that, the book becomes an easier read and you find yourself not being able to put it down because it’s just mesmerizing.

Albeit this was an amazing read, I’m unfortunately rating it with three stars because of how forced the dialogue and the precursors were to get to the meaty and enjoyable bits of the novel. I do encourage giving it a read though. It’s quick too with a little over 270 pages.

Also the ending was amazing. It’s not happy and it’s rather unjustified however it’s a noir and cruel ending that’s very realistic. Give it a read.

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to rate this book? On the one hand, it was deliciously different that I read with a measure of rapt attention until its unexpected end, which some might be considered happy but most would not.

heroine + sex video = mishap, an equation leading to plot line with an inevitable beginning, but everything that happened after…the twists, the mental turmoil, the second guessing, the interweaving stories were simply captivating. The feeling of being blindsided largely because almost the entire story was from Teagan’s, the heroine’s, point of view also contributed to unsettled feelings while reading. There was this whole vibe of disconcertedness mixed with sexual magnetism and inescapable attraction that made the book an excellent psychological thriller and elements of romantic suspense. I confused myself in wanting to love a certifiable villain/ antihero whose identity I sort of guessed early on, though I still held doubts.

First person point of view, again almost entirely Teagan’s, a host of unscrupulous characters including a few you thought you could trust proved to be morally compromised. Teagan, herself, demonstrated also to have questionable qualities. Stockholm syndrome? Perhaps. Guilt? Also probable. The truth was somewhere in the middle of gray. All characters possessed a darkness.

The story was spicy, including questionable consent and taboo. There was a fair amount of violence as well. This was dark fiction. The pace was progressive though faltering a bit from time to time with the villain’s riddling language, heroine chasing amid his jobs / game. It felt slow in the times when it should have moved quickly considering what was happening.

The ending made sense while similarly I was disappointed to have two characters arrive so far and not end in that traditional way. Overall, I enjoyed the story and would read other books by this author.

[Mimiru Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced, suspenseful dark romance with tons of 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 to go around! I absolutely could not put this down once I started it and 10/10 recommend this to anyone looking for a hell of a ride! There are so many plot twists that will keep you on your toes and wanting to devour more! Teagan's story is so interesting and well-written that I really wanted more by the time I was done. I definitely would classify this as an erotic horror rather than a dark romance.

BE SURE TO CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS as there is a lot of content in this book that may not be suitable for everyone!

Teagan (FMC) is a college student who ends up sending a message to the wrong person. She ends up taking a trip with her brother's friends that quickly turns into a fight for survival. A masked man hunts them and we are given a detailed and intricate murder mystery that has us readers guessing and wondering and curling our toes wanting to know the who, what, when, where, and whys of it all. All of the characters become scrutinized as well as their motivations, who they are what possibly could drive someone to the edge so far that this is what they'd do for revenge.

What a truly exquisite read and just in time for the spooky season!

✨What to expect:✨
🖤Dark romance
💀Stalker
🖤Masks
💀Biting
🖤Bondage
💀🩸 Play
🖤No Cliffhanger
💀Excellent for fans of slasher horror!

⚠️Triggers:⚠️
💀🩸 Play
🖤Unal!v!ng
💀🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
🖤Dub/N0nC0n
💀🔪 Play
🖤Primal Play
💀Somnophilia
🖤Degradation
💀Breath play
🖤Torture
💀Explicit and graphic details of sex, torture & ⚰️

[A. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very deranged, twisted, depraved, and scandalous book. It does have triggering content. The ending was everything! At first, I thought the ending was going in a different direction. I was thinking, I don't see how Teagan can move past everything? There is a masked killer on a secluded island, playing a game with Teagan and her "friends." This killer seems to be seeking vengeance. Teagan has to figure out during each round what connects all of these people. The last round involved Teagan's brother. I was blown away by that one 🤯! I'm curious how the killer found out every bad thing the others did, especially Cam? I had my suspicions pretty early on about who was behind the mask. I just wasn't sure how they were accomplishing it or why. Although this killer thinks they got justice, does that excuse all of their actions? I guess that depends. For me, no. The killer is no better casting judgment and taking matters into their own hands. Plus the killer did some pretty messed up and reprehensible things to Teagan. Teagan's actions were 100% on point! Who was the true villain at the end of the book? 🤔 The whole book is like a horror movie - "do you want to play a game?".

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

College student Teagan's life takes a dark turn after a message sent to the wrong person haunts her. She’s coerced into taking a trip to a private island with her brother's friends, a trip which becomes a nightmare when she encounters a masked man, as shadows and secrets unravel. The mysterious masked man lurking on the island unleashes a twisted game of revenge, terror and vividly described murders. As the killings unfold, you're left guessing and reevaluating the characters' true selves, and as the motives behind the murders gradually come to light, you question who deserves revenge. The complex relationships, especially that of Teagan and the masked man, add intriguing layers, tension, and depth, leaving you both satisfied and horrified. A gripping blend of dark romance, horror, and suspense, providing a gripping reading experience filled with unexpected twists and turns that challenge your assumptions. This one is not an easy read, so you should check the trigger warnings if you have sensitivities. The ending is not a happy one, though it is a fitting one, delivering a dark and realistic conclusion.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t know how to review this. I picked this book up assuming it was more a dark romance and I got extremely surprised and realized I’d much more consider it a dark erotic horror or suspense, not romance at all.

But, even though I was surprised, and I usually wouldn’t read this type of story, it was a page turner. You need to know who the masked man is, you feel like you know but then you’re just unsure and left with no idea until you can’t put it down.

I’m just in shock writing this review to be honest. It’s dark. Make no mistake, it’s very dark. And it’s very erotic. But if you can stomach the darkness, you’d probably like this book.

As for the writing itself, the author does an amazing job. You feel like each character are their own person, the flow is constant; honestly, all around well written.

The plot is beautifully developed. Every single scene is major. It’s just. Extremely well done.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Troubleinfl (Dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the darkest "romances" I've read. Please be sure to check trigger warnings! If you have any hesitation, be warned that the book will probably be worse than you expect.

It's good. Darn good. The writing is exceptional and the horror of what takes place is manipulated into a multi-threaded story that had me guessing until the end. (I got 50% of it right.) This is not for the squeamish reader, by any means. The characters are reminiscent of the classic horror movies like "Scream" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." There are always those you cheer for just as those you don't mind seeing them fed into a woodchipper. Note: there are no woodchippers in this book, so don't get your hopes up.

This is a scary, sick story that will make your day in this month of Samhain/Halloween! The ending will leave some readers upset and others satisfied. That's all I'm gonna say about that!

A great read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hailey Ard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was a good twist. At first I really thought the masked man was Jude because he kept disappearing, then he was killed and I took it seriously. For a while I thought he was dead, then I kept going back to the masked man being Jude. Especially after the head and finding out Mark still had his head in the cave. I started thinking Jude was alive again, but not 100% since I didn’t want to realize he was dead twice lol. By the scene where he was smoking Menthols I was 99% sure it was Jude. I was pretty shocked at the “Shakespearean” ending though.

Somehow I saw all the Cam stuff coming. Not to the extent of the February 18th situation, but when it had to do with the video I was like “ohhh no, he has a thing for Teagan.” I don’t think she would have truly believed it had Sy (Jude) not untied Cam and let her realize.

I also thought it was interesting that Sy said he killed Jude because he was creepily obsessed with Teagan. Was that still true or was he really talking about Cam’s sins? I’m almost thinking both.

[Eimear · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Clandestine Game” is a dark romance novel that treads the line between darkness and desire , creating an intriguing and captivating story.

The main characters are mostly likeable but Teagan’s reactions to certain situations really make you question her mental stability! I enjoyed the balance between good and evil in relation to each characters actions and the questionable morals of everyone throughout the book!

However, the book does have its share of flaws. The plot occasionally stumbles into plot holes, and there are moments of unrealistic situations that may take you out of the story for a minute. The ending was a little predictable, but it was well executed.

The pacing is a bit uneven, with a slow start that may test your patience. Fortunately, the pacing improves as the story unfolds, drawing you deeper into the story.

In the end, "Clandestine Game" is a solid dark romance that fans of the genre will find enjoyable. Beware of some triggers though - make sure to go in with your eyes open!

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you to Madilyn DeRose for an advanced reader copy of the book.

[Kailynn Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, the dedication is 10/10. I know if a dedication is that good, then I’m always excited to read the rest of the book.

“Hula hoop salt circle” why didn’t I think of that 😂

I think I’m second hand traumatized from this book. That being said, I enjoyed being kept on my depraved little toes every step of the way.


I was not at all prepared for the knife scene, I was not prepared for half of what I read.

HOLY FREAKING PLOT TWIST. That’s all I can say, I won’t give it away, but I in no way shape or form expected that (stick to reading and you’ll find out). The plot twist and reveal gave me whiplash for sure.
….
Make that an infinite plot twist.

I’m sitting back trying to write the review on this, and I’m at a complete loss of words. This whole book was a glorious red flag (and trigger warning) and I don’t regret it one bit. I don’t know whether to reread it or consider therapy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Traumatized: 1,000/5 😂

[Flor Espinoza Sanchez ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️ I want it to be abundantly clear that this book is dark, it is mentally fucked up and to PLEASE get the trigger warning list at the very beginning of the story, the one thing to be VERY aware of is this story does have non-con and Teagan describes this person as a rapist at the beginning ⚠️

DO NOT fall in love with any of the characters because you're love will quickly burn, all these people are sick and twisted. I love reading twisted and morally wrong books but even this book was hard to stomach. The pain that they felt up until it went to disaster was hurtful but that's what made this book such a good book. To be reading this book and not be able to stomach the contents of it shows a lot to how amazing the writing style and detail are in this story. There was never going to be someone getting their happy ending in this story but it has an amazing ending for this story.


I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, I received this from the author in exchange for my honest review. Clandestine Game starts off quickly with some spice and a fast paced storyline; I was immediately hooked. I like the strong build of suspense and spicy romance involved. I was able to guess the murderer very quickly, but was unsure of how it actually unfolded. The twists and murders are fantastic and the brutality was insane. Please check trigger warnings carefully if you proceed. I liked the writer’s voice and female main character’s gallows humor. The revenge element was fantastic and I honestly wished there was more to this book. I felt the character development was on point for the female main character, but not for anyone else in the story. I finished this in one sitting, as I was so into the story. I loved the way my imagination kept going and how the author keeps you guessing. Highly recommend!

[Nichole Sells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even begin to explain how this book made me feel! It's downright dark and creepy. I couldn't put it down. I was reading this in the late night, which intensified the twisty creepy factor.

The book follows Teagan, who made a huge mistake of sending out a message to the wrong person. That was 6 months prior, but it still has ramifications.

Her younger brother, and his friends that annoy her to no end surround her. That's because she's forced to go on vacation with them to a private island.

Sounds like at least she could relax, right? Only she encounters a man who wears a mask. He's menacing and he wants to kill them all.

But what does she do? Who does she tell? Will they even believe her?

You have got to read it! OMG!

[Kiwi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clandestine Game

What.

This is the same author as My Turn, which I adore. So I figured, what the hell? Why not? Short read at under 300 pages, too.

Well, it's a very "And Then There Were None" situation. Bunch of college kids, summer break, secluded island. Masked Killer on the loose... People start dying.

Our Masked Stalker kills people. How? Here's a few: stabs a knife in one girl's vagina (this is the genital mutilation trigger), sets another dude on fire, hangs and beats another college kid like a pinata.

What about to our FMC? Everyone's favorite: Forced BJ. Ass rape (she does not enjoy it). Dub con, using the murdered victims' blood as lube. Somno.

Dual POV, but mostly from FMC's side.

Trigger warnings match the book, my friends (listed on the author's website). Make sure you read them. This is a NON-HEA.

[Cassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost feel at a loss for words after this book. Did I like it or hate it? I'm not sure.
First off, it's DARK. So if you worry about triggers or anything, I'd check the content warnings before diving in.
Originally, when I started I thought I could use some more buildup into the story. By the end you can see why it wasn't there. Some of it was predictable, most wasn't. It's one of those books you want to know what happens but wonder if you should.
In the end, I had all kinds of conflicted feelings. This book will be causing a hangover for sure. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alliyah Beisell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highlights: Murder, mystery, dark and twisted, horror movie, games, fight to the death, cat and mouse, masked man
Favorite Character: Teagan
Honorable Mentions: Jude
Character that grew on me: (un-grew) ha.. jude
Favorite Scene: When the masked killer was revealed. I knew it and the author gaslighted me the whole book!!!
Overall thoughts: Really great book, it is a very heavy read so make sure to check trigger warnings - I could not put it down! Even the hard to read moments had me on the edge of my seat.
Star Rating: 5 out of 5
Why: The book had me from the start. I could not stop I needed to know what was happening and why and who the heck the masked man was!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down and finished it in one sitting. Some advice though, definitely check the trigger warnings before reading and do not take them lightly!

This book constantly kept me guessing throughout. One minute I was adamant I knew the killer and had it all figured out, but then everything I thought I knew was blown out of the water! The mystery and suspense was so well written and the the ending was just unexpected.

I would 100% recommend this to the dark romance fans.

I can’t wait to read Madilyn’s other books - this one has pulled me out of a reading slump, that’s for sure!