Stoic

by Eliyang

Stoic Dokken, his name reflects his character. Impossible to read, always serious, always silent, difficult to reason with, tough like a boulder. The man is built like a beast, towering over the crowd like a true Norse God. His deep blue eyes piercing right through people’s souls. Stoic is the man that grown men fear, the object of every women's desire, and the bastard my parents want me to marry.

What should I do when I only have one month and two options? Escape from the clutches of the devil himself and lose my family, or live the rest of my life on all fours, breeding for a gigantic misogynistic asshole, and make my father proud?

Time is running out and the words we don’t say out loud empower our mutually destructive silence.

This book is intended for mature, adult audiences only and it's not for the faint of heart. It contains explicit and detailed sexually graphic scenes, adult language, sexual assault, rape, and violence, which may be considered highly offensive by some readers. Discretion is advised. This book is strictly intended for those 18 years or older.

Genres: Dark, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Dystopia, Slow Burn, Dark Romance

348 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Eliyang is an independent and bilingual author of steamy adult romance and erotic novels. Readers have described her work as a roller coaster of emotions that makes them cling to their seats, and their hearts pound. Her stories are designed to make readers think and question themselves about life, morals, and values, among many other things, as well as make them feel all possible emotions with the characters in the story.

Eliyang writes her books in English and then translates them into Spanish for the enjoyment of the Spanish-speaking community. Her goal is to publish all of her stories in both languages.

To read Eliyang's current work you can visit her subscriptions at Inkitt, REAM, and Patreon

Reviews

[Nikki (⁠◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕⁠✿⁠) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best read
Plot + sex + so many emotions+ so much laugh
Love this book

[Brian White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me as emotionally as one of my own novels, mostly because I WAS Stoic! No, I never raped anyone, but I had loved so completely from a distance that it scared women away. I learned from those youthful mistakes, but it hurts that I could never share such powerful love with anyone like Stoic eventually got to. This book delighted in the end, but it mostly hurt. Incredibly written, and it has that dual perspective I try to share in my own writing that helps people understand why we make the decisions we do (for better or worse). Despite its remaining grammatical issues, I aspire to write this well. Bravo to the author, and I look forward to reading more.

[Cassie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

MASTERPIECE!!!!

When I started reading this book, I thought it was going to go one way, and then it took a 180-degree turn! This book not only makes you question your morals, deep thoughts, and emotions, but it evokes the best emotions I've ever felt. It's a beautiful story of two people beginning and ending their lives together. I rarely cry while reading, but this beautiful masterpiece had me wiping at my face, laughing hysterically and melting my heart all at once. I could read this book over and over. Truly one of the best books I've read in a long time. Absolutely amazing! You won't regret picking this one up. Grab a tissue and prepare yourself for an incredible journey through the life of Emmy and Stoic!!

[Tam V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say that this book was a rollercoaster that I would willingly go on again-and-again-and-again!
This book left me feeling confused, angry, happy, and I ended up crying. I still don't know if it was happy or sad tears, but the tears were there.
I love Stoic. The story got me right in the feels and I wanted to give the two M/C hugs too many times to count. Let's not forget to mean I also wanted to throw my kindle at them a few times and shout at them to just stop.
The author kept me sitting on the edge of my seat and wanting to read this in one sitting. It took me a few days, and I have done nothing at home while I was reading this.
But don't get me wrong, this book isn't for anyone. You need to keep in mind that neither of the characters knew what they were doing wrong and their parents (and siblings) were to blame for what happened. But in the end I was happy with how things turned out (in my opinion).
Stoic's character felt cold towards Emmerson in her POV, but when you get to know him, you'll be pleasantly surprised. I sure as hell was. Especially when the real reason for his silly questions was revealed.
I won't spoil this for you. Just read this for yourself and remember that this isn't a swoony romcom. It's something that you need to read with an open mind to enjoy. Remember that this is just a story and I think it's an amazing one!
To the authorEliyang, keep writing! You're amazing and I love how you portrait the characters. You're one of my favorites and I can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve for us!

[Nauti Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Stoic when it was just starting it's journey on Inkitt and let me tell you this author didn't disappoint. It was an emotional and psychological rollercoaster ride from the beginning to the end. It had me screaming at my device, crying like a baby and feeling for both leads as we were given their perspectives during different periods of their relationship. Very few authors on that platform had me jumping up whenever I receive new chapter alerts, then craving for more like a junkie waiting for her next fix. It was beautifully, well-written for an author whose native language isn't English. She responded to comments and acknowledged constructive and critical feedback which helped in the development of her story. Don't EVER listen to the trolls. This is the type of book I will read again and wouldn't mind having as a paperback copy. It's that good. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to seeing more of your work. -Nauti Bear.

[A_book_and_a_pen · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Masterpiece : A work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship.

There are so many things that I would love to say about this book, but if I am to summarize, that would be : Powerful. Delicate. Surprising. Inclusive. Extremely well written and fun! A masterpiece indeed...

You know, sometimes, when a book is really really good, I become jealous and protective and I don't want everyone to know about it because it's a gemstone that I am willing to keep all by myself. Selfish much, right? Well, with this book right here, STOIC, this feeling has been present since the very first chapter!

I have been reading a lot of books, not only especially in these particular days, but every day because there is no such thing in life, and never have I read anything like this! In there you will find love, emotions, drama, mystery, sensuality, family, friendship, sex, love again, fights, seduction, hard choices , sacrifices and so much more! Be ready because here comes the most beautiful and epic love story ever!

In any part of the book, will you be able to anticipate what is coming next. Every bit of it is a surprising little addition to the previous part and that will slowly but surely lead you to the best emotional knock out of your life. You will cry, you will laugh, you will be swept off your feet and most importantly, you will find hope...

The world has been thinking and talking more often about changes in our lives and in our habits in order to make life in general better and safer for all. Well, if I were to give an advice to the world in doing so, that would be to make the world exactly how it is in STOIC, this book right here.

I strongly believe there is no soul that would not be able to relate with at least one of the characters in this book.
The moment I knew it is also the moment I knew I would never be able to forget STOIC and I would never be able to be selfish about it because this book has certainly the power to heal. I will be selfish another time... Maybe even right now already , with my food? (Is STOIC better than food? Well, I am not going to lie, yes it is! Before coming for me, have you read the book??? )

What can I say, I am a huge fan of STOIC and the only one thing I did not like about it is that it made me willing to share the best story I have ever read.

I wish for every single person out there to find their STOIC or their Emmerson because then, life will be certainly not perfect but so much more worth it!

[Robbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure. Reaching To The Very Heart And Soul Of Its Readers! There are no words I could use to perfectly describe this book. From Beginning to end, you are on the edge of you seat. It reads out so perfectly that you feel you are right there with them, experiencing everything with them. You hate them, then you love them. You laugh with them and you cry for them. You feel that same regret they feel and in the end, you envy them. Beautiful! It is truly just a beautiful story. Don't make the mistake of not reading it from beginning to end. Set aside an entire weekend because you will not be able to put it down!

[Jnine Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ageless Love Story

Stoic and Emmerson's lives are certainly a rollercoaster ride to be sure. Heart warming, infuriating, tender, aggravating, at times funny are just some of the descriptive words that are a part of Stoic. It will render you speechless and then have you grabbing a box of tissues. But... Stoic is a classic story that can be read over and over, it is that good. Kudos to the author, Eliyang for such a well written and thought provoking story that will yank on all of your emotions.

[Gillian Willatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just keep reading!!

This amazing book smacks you in the morals from the beginning but just keep reading!!!

This love story feels like it will never get a happily ever after but it’s beautifully written and the layers of the story are developed and torn away like a pass the parcel. Sometimes joltingly but always needed and often making you sigh with relief, and trust me the prize at the end is beautiful.
3 or 4? Stone or wood? Strange questions but in the end showing the true romance that is Stoic and why he’s not the bad guy you perceive at the beginning so Just Keep Reading!!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Kelly told me about this book the other week. She said it was a must read. I normally don’t like romance books, but this I can’t put into words about how well written it is. This book made me sob, and that never happens. When I first started reading it, I was a little unsure because of what happened. Kelly told me to keep reading, otherwise I would have regretted it and boy would I have. I’ll always hold a place in my heart for this book. Well done to the author.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book stoic, i like stoic and emmersons story from childhood to adulthood you really give the readers what we want to read. Although stoic is stoic but for emmerson hes soft. Stoic is a loving person to hes family specialy to emmerson, well emmerson is so specail to him. To the point that he cant control him self anymore🤭.. unfotunately for me i did not finish the story im in chapter 19..so 🙏🙏🙏🙏 make me your winner, i really want to finish the book..

[Kissimmee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book on Inkitt and when I found out it was publishing, I was so excited! This book is one of my hidden gems currently and I’m so glad I read it this year.

My favorite trope has always been lifelong relationships and this book nestled perfectly into my wheelhouse. Stoic and Emmerson meet as children and get to know each other from then on.

Stoic, oh Stoic. He’s precious in his own way and you learn to love him. I won’t forget this story, I absolutely loved it!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really skeptical at first if I would like this book but honestly it is one of the best I have ever read! I love the authors style of writing and the way you get to know each side of the story, how you love and hate the characters at the same time.Couldn’t recommend this enough!!

[Shara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Suprise

This was a cute little story I happened to stumble upon. Very heartwarming story that kept me intrigued. The writer is truly talented.

[Dtijsmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. Very well written and plays on so many of your emotions.

[Anna Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for writing this book it filled me with happiness, grief, relief, and so many other different emotions all at once. I love everything about this book and how you even taught us a lesson while making us cry 😭 such an amazing book

[Faizareads]

I have read this book on inkit 2 year ago I guess. This made me cry.
In this book H rapes the heroine.
Will reread it soon because this was 5 star before.

[Huldah Bejah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say this enough. I really, really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are so well written, the plot is unique, the descriptions are just *chef's kiss* - I was with Stoic and company every step of the way, crying, laughing, loving, and hurting with them. The relationships are so realistically complex, you can't help but fall in love. I absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone.

[Tiffany Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stoic and Emmersons love story is told by the page. Its like living the story but by visualizing the words. Stoic is very .... hovery 😂 he is always near Emmerson and he is very guarded. But he has love that runs as deep as his blood for her. Its definitely worth reading their story. I highly recommend this book.

[Christina Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

An absolutely beautiful story. Life long love. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It was hot and steamy in all the right places. A very interesting world created by the author, that compliments their love story perfectly. Stoic is a book boyfriend for sure. A great read. I highly suggest spending some time with Stoic.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Odd romance story in a different time. This one reminded me of Pepper Winters book a Boy and His Ribbon. Stoic loves and cares for Emmerson/Emmy since she was born. To her, he is so odd, quiet, and lives up to him name. The steam comes much later, but the layout of the book was excellent. The beginning chapter sucked me in and kept me thinking throughout.
Highly recommend with 4.5 stars

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of the best books I've ever read. such an original story and such depth to the characters. i laughed, i cried and it warmwd my heart

[Gigi Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting. For a week, I was haunted by the epilogue. When I was emotionally ready, I read it again, picking up new things along the way. I’ve reread some scenes more than 10 times each because of the beauty and emotions evoked. I cannot recommend this book enough. One of the few books I read on an app that I NEEDED a physical copy for myself. My husband and daughter also read it and enjoyed! Some triggering moments but beautifully resolved.

[hmm · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

The book is set in the future where the world has essentially reverted to a more primitive state and they live in villages. The setting doesn't add anything to the story other than as a device that allows Stoic not to be held liable against the rape. There are also mentions of Stoic's obsession with Nordic myths because of his ancestry, but similarly does nothing and feels out of place with Emmerson's constant mention of Hel instead of just hell.

I do like that there are a lot of scenes from when they were kids but I find them lacking in establishing their supposed close-knit relationship. Stoic tells us he adores her but I still don't know why other than the fact it's "love at first sight".

Stoic volunteered to join the army's first line of defense because he thought that would somehow allow Emmy to be safe from the enemy. Make it make sense?? He's not the only person in the world who can bring down the "enemy" and it's not like he'll make the war end. He doesn't even realize that his recruitment is stupid in the end, just that he wants to spend time with Emmy so he doesn't re-enlist. This is also why I think the "futuristic" setting doesn't add anything, this whole army plot could've been done in a contemporary setting.

Emmy's older brother, Kenzo decided to join too in support. They were close to each other, too close in fact, Kenzo decided to tell Stoic tips and tricks on how to pleasure his own little sister. That's just too weird bro. The book also brushed aside Kenzo too much to the point of it being unrealistic. He was painted as a one-dimensional manwhore only for him to have "character development" and gain responsibility when he knocked up his first girlfriend.

Stoic and Emmy started to be a bit more physically intimate, when Kenzo told him that if Emmy doesn't say anything and doesn't tell Stoic to stop, that means she wants to have sex. So when Stoic finally got home after a life-threatening injury, he couldn't wait any longer and decided to have sex with her. Emmy didn't stop him so he assumed she wanted it, but she didn't.

The next day, her dad announced Emmy and Stoic's engagement. Stoic also told the whole family what happened so Emmy decided to go away for a little while.

Then the book decided to give us for the most part, the same chapters up to that point, but in Stoic's POV. A lot of the chapters are word for word, structure for structure were copied over but changed just enough for it to be his POV. There were some scenes added that provided more context to the story but a lot of them were just copied over and completely unnecessary. I think alternating-his-her POV chapters would've worked better.

As a result of a big chunk of the book wasted on repetition, the third act where they finally make up was super rushed. Stoic was very apologetic because he was portrayed as someone who always wants to do good by her. Emmy was supposed to be traumatized but she quickly forgave him without hearing Stoic's actual reasons. She went back to her "bratty" self again soon enough without long-lasting post-effects. Even Stoic's PTSD got more screen time than her trauma. Which I can't even feel sorry for because he volunteered lmao? And it's not like he volunteered out of necessity because they needed food or something.

She was of course, pregnant from the first encounter. The way Stoic's mom, a nurse, was saying that the pregnancy was "highly likely" but also being apologetic as if she was 100% sure that Emmy's pregnant is a whole other gripe for me.

They worked things out in the end and we got an epilogue when they're old and Stoic eventually passed.

Overall, I liked the existence of the childhood scenes but found them emotionally lacking. Their whole adult relationship was also lacking for me. The chapters were too repetitive. The writing was riddled with cliches and quote-of-the-day-like. I think the book tried too hard to be angsty, it didn't work.

[just_gothicc · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a no for me😭 Bro fell in love with a newborn at five years old and basically groomed her. I actually don’t know if it’s technically grooming since he was also a child but it sure as hell felt like it.

The age gap icked me out, especially since it started so so young. 5 and 0, 10 and 5, 14 and 8, 18 and 12, 21 and 16. 🧍🏾‍♀️Those are their ages throughout the years.

Idk it was just so uncomfortable to read about him telling her how to act as a woman, on who to be friends with, on how to act as a future wife—all while knowing he would marry her. Just so icky.

Also I hate that Kenzo’s stupid ass advice is what ultimately caused her rape. Like whut. I was actually starting to like that Stoic cared about her and took his time to build a house for her, make her thoughtful gifts and then he threw it all away by raping her. And then we talk about PTSD like I’m gonna feel bad for him. Well, I don’t. He brutally raped her 🧍🏾‍♀️ to the point where she was doubled over in pain. Back to Kenzo. He really stuck besides the man who raped his sister dude. And the adults in her life😭 just easily forgiving him. That would never be me.

What really got me was that she forgave him so easily. Like she started feeling bad for him when he started crying😭. Like—

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 2 out of 5]

So it wasn't a DNF, but it was a close call a few times. Frequent uses of terms like "rod" and "meat" to describe body parts ripped me out of this story multiple times per chapter. The smex scenes were over the top, almost obnoxious in their descriptions. Both characters grated on my nerves from the first page. There's a huge and graphically traumatic event that happens on page, but it is also referred to and flashbacked multiple times by both characters.

This story is told first from the fmc's point of view, then again from the mmc's perspective, before converging and moving forward. I struggled with that so much. It was the same story twice, same recounting of the traumatic event, same characters, same everything, times two. The best part of this story was the great family both characters had. I loved their dynamic and their melding of the two families into one big group.

[Belinda Gonvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ESTOICO fue esa historia que empiezas a leer temiendo lo que vas a encontrar, porque me la habían recomendado continuamente, siempre con ese pero, de la controversia. Impresiona nada más comenzar y te va atrapando capítulo a capítulo, enamorándote del personaje, empatizando e incluso odiando sus irracionales decisiones. Pero no deja indiferente en absoluto y ese final, rompe corazones, porque no quieres terminar de leer. Gran historia.

[Ruth Padin · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally bawling my eyes out. Such a beautiful story of their entire lives and Stoics devotion towards his girl. Their lack of communication annoyed me to the max at times but it was so good. That last chapter killed me and had me sobbing but in the best way possible. loved it

[Laura Asghdjdkdlfk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente historia, te atrapa desde el principio y te hace llorar mares con su final tan perfecto.
No se van a arrepentir de leerla.

[Enmaavs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente! Así defino esta historia, mantiene atrapada en todo momento, te llena de un conjunto de emociones que intrigan queriendo saber que más viene y aparte un narrativa que cautiva.👏