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Dance With My Demons #1
Unhinged
Welcome to the Lilydale Foundation Center... home of second chances.
At least, that's what they tell us it is.
It's basically a glorified prison and asylum for the deranged with good alibis.
When the police pulled me out of my burning home, along with what was left of my Father, I was deemed broken - even if I was the reason the fire started.
So, here I am at my new home. They think they can save us with their fancy facility. But what insane person decided it was a good idea to put a bunch of young, unhinged people together? It's just asking for trouble.
Unhinged is a why-choose dark romance. It contains adult themes, sensitive topics, and is solely intended for mature audiences over 18. It is recommended that readers check the trigger warnings before diving in. Unhinged is book 1 in the Dance with my Demons series.
At least, that's what they tell us it is.
It's basically a glorified prison and asylum for the deranged with good alibis.
When the police pulled me out of my burning home, along with what was left of my Father, I was deemed broken - even if I was the reason the fire started.
So, here I am at my new home. They think they can save us with their fancy facility. But what insane person decided it was a good idea to put a bunch of young, unhinged people together? It's just asking for trouble.
Unhinged is a why-choose dark romance. It contains adult themes, sensitive topics, and is solely intended for mature audiences over 18. It is recommended that readers check the trigger warnings before diving in. Unhinged is book 1 in the Dance with my Demons series.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2024
6565 people are currently reading
37479 people want to read
About the author
Steph Macca
35 books1,990 followersBestselling Dark Romance Author
Author of Unhinged 🔪
Knock Knock, Little Killer
Author of Unhinged 🔪
Knock Knock, Little Killer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,962 reviews
July 14, 2025
STRICTLY RATING THIS 4 STARS FOR THE AUDIOBOOK!!!! If I just read this and didn’t listen it honestly probably would have been 2 stars. But my goodness THE AUDIOBOOK WAS SO GOOD!!! Spent my Sunday cleaning and listening to this and my apartment is spotless to say the least. This was exactly as the title warned UNHINGED! Dark romance, why choose, secret society, set in an insane asylum…. This was so twisted and I was so entertained. I also usually hate why choose so this is truly a testament to how fucking incredible these voice actors were!
The audiobook was narrated by Marie Hawkins, Corvin King, Joe Arden, and Anthony Palmini. And let me say this I usually am not an audiobook girl, it’s so hard for me to focus on them and I hate the majority of narrators voices so again… THIS IS TELLING!!! Like I don’t even think the storyline was anything special on its own but like how these damn narrators made me so invested in it genuinely makes ZERO sense. And all of these psychotic men… I love them all for some reason. This was also so short so I think that also helped, if it was any longer I think it would have gotten old.
So, would I recommend reading this book… no, definitely not…. Would I recommend listening to it to dark romance readers??? ABSOLUTELY
The audiobook was narrated by Marie Hawkins, Corvin King, Joe Arden, and Anthony Palmini. And let me say this I usually am not an audiobook girl, it’s so hard for me to focus on them and I hate the majority of narrators voices so again… THIS IS TELLING!!! Like I don’t even think the storyline was anything special on its own but like how these damn narrators made me so invested in it genuinely makes ZERO sense. And all of these psychotic men… I love them all for some reason. This was also so short so I think that also helped, if it was any longer I think it would have gotten old.
So, would I recommend reading this book… no, definitely not…. Would I recommend listening to it to dark romance readers??? ABSOLUTELY
August 1, 2025
"Sometimes you need to cut ties with people… And sometimes those ties are arteries."
Maybe I expected a lot more out of it given how people were raving about it on booktok. But then again, the fault is mine for having high expectations only because the audiobook sounded amazing.
But anyway, it's only about 270+ pages something book. So everything was a bit fast paced and lacked depth. Like there was no room to flesh things out and very Wattpad-ish in nature. The plot is alright, I suppose. It holds potential but it's the way the characters, especially our fmc is written that irked me.
Avery is a headache, simply put. She is what makes the reading experience average cause her personality makes no sense to me. She's shown as someone who has trauma and I get that it does have a lot of impact on how a person behaves. But in one scene she is all bold, feisty and so brave. Then come the mmcs and she's like a damsel in distress and all push over. Like girl, don't embarrass me, for the love of God stand tf up for yourself.
Theo, Grey and Damon are all interesting imo. A bit unhinged in their own ways, plenty psychotic. And of course, I have to swoon over the cold hearted one who doesn't give a damn about the fmc and is a total broody bastard who is a total prick to her. 🥲 Damon, I'm looking at you. Why am I like this? 😭
The romance is and intimacy between Grey and Avery is alright I suppose. A bit rushed but it's not a big book. I found her chemistry better with Theo though, maybe cause it was more of a slow build. Still waiting on Damon tho 👀🤭
It's a pretty average book tbh but the cliffhanger was good. And unfortunately I'm hooked in the mystery, so will be reading the next. Please remember that it's a reverse harem dark romance and there are triggers that should be checked before diving in 👀
~•~•~
Alright, that's how we're starting. This better be as unhinged as it promises to be 😅
Maybe I expected a lot more out of it given how people were raving about it on booktok. But then again, the fault is mine for having high expectations only because the audiobook sounded amazing.
But anyway, it's only about 270+ pages something book. So everything was a bit fast paced and lacked depth. Like there was no room to flesh things out and very Wattpad-ish in nature. The plot is alright, I suppose. It holds potential but it's the way the characters, especially our fmc is written that irked me.
Avery is a headache, simply put. She is what makes the reading experience average cause her personality makes no sense to me. She's shown as someone who has trauma and I get that it does have a lot of impact on how a person behaves. But in one scene she is all bold, feisty and so brave. Then come the mmcs and she's like a damsel in distress and all push over. Like girl, don't embarrass me, for the love of God stand tf up for yourself.
Theo, Grey and Damon are all interesting imo. A bit unhinged in their own ways, plenty psychotic. And of course, I have to swoon over the cold hearted one who doesn't give a damn about the fmc and is a total broody bastard who is a total prick to her. 🥲 Damon, I'm looking at you. Why am I like this? 😭
The romance is and intimacy between Grey and Avery is alright I suppose. A bit rushed but it's not a big book. I found her chemistry better with Theo though, maybe cause it was more of a slow build. Still waiting on Damon tho 👀🤭
It's a pretty average book tbh but the cliffhanger was good. And unfortunately I'm hooked in the mystery, so will be reading the next. Please remember that it's a reverse harem dark romance and there are triggers that should be checked before diving in 👀
~•~•~
Alright, that's how we're starting. This better be as unhinged as it promises to be 😅
January 14, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Okay, then.
🗝️ The Premise
After a house fire kills her abusive father, Avery is sent to Lilydale Foundation Center instead of prison. On paper, it’s an elite rehabilitation facility; in reality, it’s a locked-down institution where everyone is being watched and nobody actually cares.
Surrounded by other dangerous young adults, Avery quickly realizes Lilydale isn’t about getting better—it’s about surviving. And survival means learning who to trust, who to fear, and what parts of yourself you’re willing to give up.
🖤 Characters
➸ Avery White
Avery is difficult to define, oscillating between brave and broken, bold and fragile. Frustrating at times, but realistic given her past.
➸ Grey Hawthorne
A golden retriever psychopath. Yes. That’s him. Gentle, flirty, quietly unhinged—and absolutely feral underneath. The way he takes his time with Avery?? My heart. I was genuinely heartbroken for him by the end.
➸ Theo Ashwood
Tattooed, keeps to himself, and widely considered bad news. And yet Avery sits at his table every day… and he lets her. Grumpy, blunt, emotionally closed off—but the way he silently protects her completely melted me.
➸ Damon (“Demon Boy”)
The mind behind the secret society, he carries a distinctly calculated edge. I’m still figuring him out, but his protectiveness toward Grey was one of the few things that softened my opinion of him.
🕯️ My Thoughts
Dark, tense, and steeped in unease, this book reads like the opening act of something much larger. The mystery surrounding Lilydale, the people running it, and the secret society operating beneath it all kept me hooked.
I listened to the duet narration audiobook, narrated by Marie Hawkins, Corvin King, Joe Arden, and Anthony Palmini, and the performances definitely elevated the story. I wasn’t familiar with Corvin King before this, but… yeah. I’m done for.
The rest of the cast did an excellent job as well. And the dedication? I gasped. 🤭
Important note: this is not a reverse harem—yet.
Despite being marketed as why choose, the first book reads more like a love triangle. The FMC forms an emotional connection with one MMC before sleeping with another, without transparency or an established dynamic.
🌹 Final Take
While I wish there had been more depth, I’m invested enough to continue. It’s dark, fast-paced, and filled with characters I want to understand better.
On to book two.
Tropes / What to Expect
🥀 Dark Romance
🏥 Glorified Asylum
☠️ Morally Grey Men
⛓️ Forced Proximity
🩸 Traumatic Pasts
🗝️ Secret Society
⚰️ Morgue Scene
⏳ Cliffhanger
Dance With My Demons Series
1. Unhinged — 3.5 ⭐️
2. Echoes — 5 ⭐️ My review
3. Ravage — 3.5 ⭐️ My review
4. Exile — 4 ⭐️ My review
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
✧･ﾟ Pre-Read ･ﾟ✧
Apparently the audiobook hits different.
About to find out… wish me luck 🎧
🗝️ The Premise
After a house fire kills her abusive father, Avery is sent to Lilydale Foundation Center instead of prison. On paper, it’s an elite rehabilitation facility; in reality, it’s a locked-down institution where everyone is being watched and nobody actually cares.
Surrounded by other dangerous young adults, Avery quickly realizes Lilydale isn’t about getting better—it’s about surviving. And survival means learning who to trust, who to fear, and what parts of yourself you’re willing to give up.
🖤 Characters
➸ Avery White
Avery is difficult to define, oscillating between brave and broken, bold and fragile. Frustrating at times, but realistic given her past.
➸ Grey Hawthorne
A golden retriever psychopath. Yes. That’s him. Gentle, flirty, quietly unhinged—and absolutely feral underneath. The way he takes his time with Avery?? My heart. I was genuinely heartbroken for him by the end.
“I’m your God now, little killer. And I’m your fucking Devil too.”
➸ Theo Ashwood
Tattooed, keeps to himself, and widely considered bad news. And yet Avery sits at his table every day… and he lets her. Grumpy, blunt, emotionally closed off—but the way he silently protects her completely melted me.
If you put us side by side, she’s a fallen angel and I’m the monster lurking in the shadows.
➸ Damon (“Demon Boy”)
The mind behind the secret society, he carries a distinctly calculated edge. I’m still figuring him out, but his protectiveness toward Grey was one of the few things that softened my opinion of him.
🕯️ My Thoughts
But I want to fall, I want to drown in everything about her. I don’t care if it kills me. It would be the ending of all endings — a fitting demise for somebody like me.
Dark, tense, and steeped in unease, this book reads like the opening act of something much larger. The mystery surrounding Lilydale, the people running it, and the secret society operating beneath it all kept me hooked.
I listened to the duet narration audiobook, narrated by Marie Hawkins, Corvin King, Joe Arden, and Anthony Palmini, and the performances definitely elevated the story. I wasn’t familiar with Corvin King before this, but… yeah. I’m done for.
The rest of the cast did an excellent job as well. And the dedication? I gasped. 🤭
What a good fucking girl you are.
Spread these pages while you spread your legs.
Let all the unhinged, depraved darkness out.
Important note: this is not a reverse harem—yet.
Despite being marketed as why choose, the first book reads more like a love triangle. The FMC forms an emotional connection with one MMC before sleeping with another, without transparency or an established dynamic.
🌹 Final Take
While I wish there had been more depth, I’m invested enough to continue. It’s dark, fast-paced, and filled with characters I want to understand better.
"You think I'm going to kill you?" he asks, wiping an imaginary tear away.
"Aren't you?" I mutter.
"Oh, no. You've got it all wrong. You'll be seeing Heaven, but not like that."
On to book two.
Tropes / What to Expect
🥀 Dark Romance
🏥 Glorified Asylum
☠️ Morally Grey Men
⛓️ Forced Proximity
🩸 Traumatic Pasts
🗝️ Secret Society
⚰️ Morgue Scene
⏳ Cliffhanger
Dance With My Demons Series
1. Unhinged — 3.5 ⭐️
2. Echoes — 5 ⭐️ My review
3. Ravage — 3.5 ⭐️ My review
4. Exile — 4 ⭐️ My review
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
✧･ﾟ Pre-Read ･ﾟ✧
Apparently the audiobook hits different.
About to find out… wish me luck 🎧
March 28, 2024
'𝐔N𝐇I𝐍G𝐄D' Is the first full length book within the 'Dance with my demons' series, by new to me author Steph Macca. Of course I didn't buy this because of the cover 🙄 *Coughs*
* checks to see if loves cliffys is written on forehead* because of course I fall down another cliffy, adding to the count of 3 this week!!
I was intrigued as soon as I saw this doing the rounds, first the cover, then the synopsis, soon as it went live my cover hoe eyes decided to purchase it, thank god that decision paid off otherwise I'd be stuck with a freaky cover and a shitty book.
But anyways this pulled me in straight away and I pretty much read it in one sitting and then I reached the end and of course I fell down that cliffy, here's hoping the next book isn't too far away.
Lilydale Foundation Center is the very first of it's kind where they strive to rehabilitate them into a functioning member of society, this is their second chance before prison. It all looks normalish from the outside from a glance until you clap eyes on the the many men carrying guns who are geared up like a swat team. Then step inside and each area is controlled by a two way system accessed by a staff card and code bearing the only way to access the patients rooms.
Being diagnosed with a mental disorder is Avery's saving grace otherwise she'd be on a fast track to prison after the death of her father in a fire which she started.
At the very beginning of Avery's incarceration she appeared very timid basically jumping at her own shadow, but as the story unfolds we see her strength shining through and this girl has got a bit bite to her.
Then we have the boys, and a secret society of sorts 'Cirque des Morts' an exclusive group that no one outside of their circle can ever know about.
Damon: She calls him Demon boy which is kind of fitting for his character, he seems to be running the show more than the actual people running the place.
Grey: Is Damon's right hand man these two have been friends for some time, he was attracted to Avery from the get go, he appeared happy go lucky but as we delved deeper into the storyline this guy can jump pretty quickly into the darkness.
Theo: He's been incarcerated for the last three years here, everyone gave this guy a wide berth, but he also became my top favourite, the dark tattooist who sits by himself until she steps into his personal space each and every day as she sits at his table each meal time. In his own way, he protects her as much as he can in this place.
June 2, 2025
❥ My Thoughts & Rating ❥
This dark romance novel is UnhingedAF! It had a strong start and left me with a cliffhanger so big that I had to read the next book in the series right after! While this is not the most unhinged book that I’ve read, it did live up to its name. The premise of this book is what initially hooked me.
I read the digital copy of this book on my kindle, while listening to it as an audiobook. The narrators did a great job and I definitely recommend listening to this book! This is a fast paced read that contains a morally grey male main character and a traumatic female main character. It is written in multiple points of views, with the 2 main characters being most of the POV’s. The atmosphere in this book is chilling, dark and chaotic. The FMC Avery seems to be like a puzzle that I am trying to figure out in the book. As the story progresses, we learn more about the characters themselves, the institution they are in and the people running the institution is like! Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
❥ Themes in this book ❥
The themes explored in this book are manipulation and control, trauma and healing, finding self worth, trauma and healing, and the nature of good versus evil.
❥ Synopsis ❥
“Unhinged” follows a group of young adults in a facility. It centers around a girl named Avery. While this is facility is for the unhinged, what happens in this facility is unhinged as well. A lot of wild things happening in there and you are at the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next!
❥ Who I think would enjoy this book & Content Warnings ❥
I think if you’re a fan of the movie “Girl, Interrupted” you would enjoy reading this! Content warnings include death, violence, sexual content, fire injury, drug abuse, child abuse, suicide, alcoholism, body horror, bullying, mental illness, mental institution, toxic relationships and confinement.
❥ Notes ❥
This book is FREE if you are on the Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription! I received this book on KU and paid for the audiobook on Audible.
❥ Quick Review ❥
╰┈➤ Dark Romance
╰┈➤ UnhingedAF
╰┈➤ Manipulation & Control
╰┈➤ Multiple POV’s
╰┈➤ Chilling, Dark Atmosphere
╰┈➤ 1st Book in the Series
╰┈➤ Good VS Evil
╰┈➤ Has the movie “Girl, Interrupted” vibes
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
This dark romance novel is UnhingedAF! It had a strong start and left me with a cliffhanger so big that I had to read the next book in the series right after! While this is not the most unhinged book that I’ve read, it did live up to its name. The premise of this book is what initially hooked me.
I read the digital copy of this book on my kindle, while listening to it as an audiobook. The narrators did a great job and I definitely recommend listening to this book! This is a fast paced read that contains a morally grey male main character and a traumatic female main character. It is written in multiple points of views, with the 2 main characters being most of the POV’s. The atmosphere in this book is chilling, dark and chaotic. The FMC Avery seems to be like a puzzle that I am trying to figure out in the book. As the story progresses, we learn more about the characters themselves, the institution they are in and the people running the institution is like! Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
❥ Themes in this book ❥
The themes explored in this book are manipulation and control, trauma and healing, finding self worth, trauma and healing, and the nature of good versus evil.
❥ Synopsis ❥
“Unhinged” follows a group of young adults in a facility. It centers around a girl named Avery. While this is facility is for the unhinged, what happens in this facility is unhinged as well. A lot of wild things happening in there and you are at the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next!
❥ Who I think would enjoy this book & Content Warnings ❥
I think if you’re a fan of the movie “Girl, Interrupted” you would enjoy reading this! Content warnings include death, violence, sexual content, fire injury, drug abuse, child abuse, suicide, alcoholism, body horror, bullying, mental illness, mental institution, toxic relationships and confinement.
❥ Notes ❥
This book is FREE if you are on the Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription! I received this book on KU and paid for the audiobook on Audible.
❥ Quick Review ❥
╰┈➤ Dark Romance
╰┈➤ UnhingedAF
╰┈➤ Manipulation & Control
╰┈➤ Multiple POV’s
╰┈➤ Chilling, Dark Atmosphere
╰┈➤ 1st Book in the Series
╰┈➤ Good VS Evil
╰┈➤ Has the movie “Girl, Interrupted” vibes
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
January 12, 2026
Highly recommend doing the audiobook for this one! This definitely lives up to its name and I had such a silly fun time with this! It’s nothing groundbreaking but sometimes this is exactly the kind of book I need ya know? This is a dark why choose romance where our FMC is admitted to an asylum for the criminally insane that’s also a school?? Idk. The why choose was why choosing so differently to what I’ve read before and the ending WHAT?! I need to read book two immediately!!
May 12, 2024
The ending ruined it for me. I was eating this up until the last 80%. This said it was supposed to be a reverse harem, but instead, this was basically cheating. The ending pissed me off so much that I ain't doing a full review😭🤚.
Triggers and Warnings
• Mental illness (including PTSD, PTSD, BPD, schizophrenia, anger management, OCD, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, bipolar disorder)
• Murder
• Suicide
• Death of a parent
• Death of a friend
• Drug addiction
• Violence
• Sexual assault
• Removal of limbs
• Needles
• Blood
• Penetration with objects
• Morgues/mortuary cabinets
• Unethical abuse by professionals
• Infertility issues
• Abuse and neglect
Triggers and Warnings
• Mental illness (including PTSD, PTSD, BPD, schizophrenia, anger management, OCD, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, bipolar disorder)
• Murder
• Suicide
• Death of a parent
• Death of a friend
• Drug addiction
• Violence
• Sexual assault
• Removal of limbs
• Needles
• Blood
• Penetration with objects
• Morgues/mortuary cabinets
• Unethical abuse by professionals
• Infertility issues
• Abuse and neglect
September 15, 2025
UPDATE: I’ve finished the series. I can say that Books 1-3 are amazing, Book 4 lacked in some areas for me. I’ve added series info to this original review, but mostly I left the review as it was. Individual book ratings: B1 = 5 stars, B2 = 5 stars, B3 = 5 stars, B4 = 3 stars. I recommend it.
Avery White (20) was convicted of murder, but instead of prison, her attorney was able to get her admitted to the Lilydale Foundation Center. It's supposed to be a rehabilitation center for individuals who have a chance of turning their lives around, but Avery quickly learns it's more of a prison, and rehabilitation is the last thing they have in mind. She has trouble adjusting to this new life, partially because of the past traumas she's experienced, and partially because she's desperate to find someone she can trust. She spends most of her time interacting with Theo Ashwood and Grey Hawthorne. She's also unwillingly thrust into interactions with Grey's BFF, Damon.
Drama, secrets, unhinged-ness, and societies within societies, hidden identities, circuses, some friskiness, and a big cliffy that left me GASPING for the next book.
SEX: This is a Reverse Harem book - which means the FMC will have sex with more than one MMC. Make sure you're ok with that!!! That's all I'm going to say about that. The first sexual encounter is at 53% and it's hot. First time going all in is at 80% and it's even hotter.
AVERY: Can't say I'm a super-fan of hers, yet, but I don't want to murder her.
MMCs: I'm pretty sure this is the first time where Ms. Dess and I don't agree on the best MMC. I love Theo and she loves Grey. This is very interesting!! LOL
ASYLUM: There weren't as many crazy people as I had hoped for. I hoped for more mentally deranged people. I do NOT consider this a dark fic.
TRIGGERS: References to rape in the past, attempted rape in the present, references to suicide, physical violence, mutilation (sort of), cutting, blood play, murder, unwilling amputations, and possibly some more I'm missing. Series triggers: (beheading, electrotherapy, drugging.)
AUDIO: I wasn’t convinced I loved the way it was cast; however, by the third book I was loving it. Marie Hawkins is in for Avery and I think she does a decent job. She doesn’t sound the way I imagined in my head, but she’s not bad. Joe Arden is in for Damon. Even though I absolutely LOVE Joe Arden, I feel like he sounds more like an adult at 30+, not a young twenty-something. Corvin King is in for Grey and his voice grew on me, especially for the comedic scenes. Anthony Palmini is in for Theo and I think he worked pretty well.
OTHER CHARACTERS: I like to keep track of other characters because I tend to forget names. I also just like having a character map for trilogies, etc. Plus, characters are referred to by their first names sometimes, and their last names at other times. FYI.
Lily Emerson-Dale: Foundation created by her family after she killed herself due to mental illness.
Avery White
Grey Hawthorne
Theo Ashwood
Damon
Dr. Christopher Smith: Psychiatrist.
Arthur Whittingham: Foundation's supervisor.
Dr. Markel: Medical doc on staff.
Charmaine: Teacher. Seems like she's the only teacher.
Alexander: Board member.
Dorothea “Teddy”: Arthur's assistant/lover (I'm not sure her exact name. Sometimes they call her Dorothea and sometimes they call her Teddy.)
Dr. William Elsher: New psychiatrist
CIRQUE des MORTS
Byrone: Jillian's boyfriend.
Jillian: Hacker, Byrone's girlfriend.
Andy Jemison
Leighton Pierce
Louis: Patient.
Mark: Patient.
SIDE PIECES:
Sam Hallman: Patient. Vivian's boyfriend.
Vivian Capello: Patient.
Siobhan Kennedy: Patient. Sometimes nice.
Eliana: Patient. Usually nice.
Rian Thatcher: New patient, introduced in Book 2.
Charity Williams: Patient.
Jonathon: Guard.
Connor: Guard.
Tony: Chef.
Margaret: Avery’s social worker.
Again - I really do like this book.
Sometimes you need to cut ties with people… And sometimes those ties are arteries.
Avery White (20) was convicted of murder, but instead of prison, her attorney was able to get her admitted to the Lilydale Foundation Center. It's supposed to be a rehabilitation center for individuals who have a chance of turning their lives around, but Avery quickly learns it's more of a prison, and rehabilitation is the last thing they have in mind. She has trouble adjusting to this new life, partially because of the past traumas she's experienced, and partially because she's desperate to find someone she can trust. She spends most of her time interacting with Theo Ashwood and Grey Hawthorne. She's also unwillingly thrust into interactions with Grey's BFF, Damon.
Drama, secrets, unhinged-ness, and societies within societies, hidden identities, circuses, some friskiness, and a big cliffy that left me GASPING for the next book.
She seems to think she's some broken little soul, but she's much more than that. We're all broken. But there's something different about her. And if I'm not the only one to notice, then I'm going to have blood on my hands.
SEX: This is a Reverse Harem book - which means the FMC will have sex with more than one MMC. Make sure you're ok with that!!! That's all I'm going to say about that. The first sexual encounter is at 53% and it's hot. First time going all in is at 80% and it's even hotter.
AVERY: Can't say I'm a super-fan of hers, yet, but I don't want to murder her.
MMCs: I'm pretty sure this is the first time where Ms. Dess and I don't agree on the best MMC. I love Theo and she loves Grey. This is very interesting!! LOL
ASYLUM: There weren't as many crazy people as I had hoped for. I hoped for more mentally deranged people. I do NOT consider this a dark fic.
TRIGGERS: References to rape in the past, attempted rape in the present, references to suicide, physical violence, mutilation (sort of), cutting, blood play, murder, unwilling amputations, and possibly some more I'm missing. Series triggers: (beheading, electrotherapy, drugging.)
AUDIO: I wasn’t convinced I loved the way it was cast; however, by the third book I was loving it. Marie Hawkins is in for Avery and I think she does a decent job. She doesn’t sound the way I imagined in my head, but she’s not bad. Joe Arden is in for Damon. Even though I absolutely LOVE Joe Arden, I feel like he sounds more like an adult at 30+, not a young twenty-something. Corvin King is in for Grey and his voice grew on me, especially for the comedic scenes. Anthony Palmini is in for Theo and I think he worked pretty well.
OTHER CHARACTERS: I like to keep track of other characters because I tend to forget names. I also just like having a character map for trilogies, etc. Plus, characters are referred to by their first names sometimes, and their last names at other times. FYI.
Lily Emerson-Dale: Foundation created by her family after she killed herself due to mental illness.
Avery White
Grey Hawthorne
Theo Ashwood
Damon
Dr. Christopher Smith: Psychiatrist.
Arthur Whittingham: Foundation's supervisor.
Dr. Markel: Medical doc on staff.
Charmaine: Teacher. Seems like she's the only teacher.
Alexander: Board member.
Dorothea “Teddy”: Arthur's assistant/lover (I'm not sure her exact name. Sometimes they call her Dorothea and sometimes they call her Teddy.)
Dr. William Elsher: New psychiatrist
CIRQUE des MORTS
Byrone: Jillian's boyfriend.
Jillian: Hacker, Byrone's girlfriend.
Andy Jemison
Leighton Pierce
Louis: Patient.
Mark: Patient.
SIDE PIECES:
Sam Hallman: Patient. Vivian's boyfriend.
Vivian Capello: Patient.
Siobhan Kennedy: Patient. Sometimes nice.
Eliana: Patient. Usually nice.
Rian Thatcher: New patient, introduced in Book 2.
Charity Williams: Patient.
Jonathon: Guard.
Connor: Guard.
Tony: Chef.
Margaret: Avery’s social worker.
Again - I really do like this book.
August 13, 2025
Okayyyyyyyyy ……… don’t hate me but I found this book ok, eh………….
And it’s solely 3⭐️ because of CORVIN KING, since I listen to this book I am telling that this man’s voice does things to me……. If I’ve read it instead I would’ve rated 2⭐️
Before you all get the pitch forks let me just say that I am maybe way too seasoned in veryyyyyy dark romances and I end it up thinking this was very light. Unhinged where?
So let me point what I dislike and then finish with what I liked it so it ends in a positive note.
Dislikes:
- Too short
- Too many characters without diving into them so it’s shallow
- Why Choose (HOW DID I GET HERE?) that’s what I get for not reading about the book😂😂😂 this is on me.
- The story floats but didn’t grip me till actually the last chapter because I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger since I thought they’d be interconnected standalone.
- Didn’t feel attached to any characters not even the FMC, I liked Grey marginally better than the others but again I think it’s because Corvin King’s voice was doing something to me with that raspy melodic tone 🫠🥵
Likes:
- Where the story takes place - Mental Institution
- The mystery - I want to know what’s going on
- The full cast narration - the audio is spectacular
- The cliffhanger
I was considering not finishing the series BUT the cliffhanger got me and I need to know what’s the hell is going on, so yep I will listen to the whole series. If I don’t like it I can at least have a marvelous time listening to Corvin King.
This might be a good introduction to dark romances for people that want to start, it’s light and I have the impression it will get spicy in book 2. So I think it’s good for beginners.
And it’s solely 3⭐️ because of CORVIN KING, since I listen to this book I am telling that this man’s voice does things to me……. If I’ve read it instead I would’ve rated 2⭐️
Before you all get the pitch forks let me just say that I am maybe way too seasoned in veryyyyyy dark romances and I end it up thinking this was very light. Unhinged where?
So let me point what I dislike and then finish with what I liked it so it ends in a positive note.
Dislikes:
- Too short
- Too many characters without diving into them so it’s shallow
- Why Choose (HOW DID I GET HERE?) that’s what I get for not reading about the book😂😂😂 this is on me.
- The story floats but didn’t grip me till actually the last chapter because I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger since I thought they’d be interconnected standalone.
- Didn’t feel attached to any characters not even the FMC, I liked Grey marginally better than the others but again I think it’s because Corvin King’s voice was doing something to me with that raspy melodic tone 🫠🥵
Likes:
- Where the story takes place - Mental Institution
- The mystery - I want to know what’s going on
- The full cast narration - the audio is spectacular
- The cliffhanger
I was considering not finishing the series BUT the cliffhanger got me and I need to know what’s the hell is going on, so yep I will listen to the whole series. If I don’t like it I can at least have a marvelous time listening to Corvin King.
This might be a good introduction to dark romances for people that want to start, it’s light and I have the impression it will get spicy in book 2. So I think it’s good for beginners.
June 29, 2025
This felt dumb and juvenile. “V-card,” “balls deep,” and “yeet” are not the height of smut. Nothing really happened, and it wasn’t remotely unhinged. One star for the glory hole (seriously underused in books) and another for the solid narration of the audiobook. Thankfully, it was short because so was my patience.
July 17, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Marie Hawkins, Joe Arden, Corvin King, and Anthony Palmini. This is a duet narration!
Book: 1.5-2 stars
Well…. Hmm… should have DNF’ed. These characters were bland and for a RH it wasn’t very much a RH.. felt like it should have been Avery and Grey since they had the most interaction.
I don’t even know what else to say, it’s not worth reading or listening to.
5 stars for Marie Hawkins, Joe Arden, Corvin King, and Anthony Palmini. This is a duet narration!
Book: 1.5-2 stars
Well…. Hmm… should have DNF’ed. These characters were bland and for a RH it wasn’t very much a RH.. felt like it should have been Avery and Grey since they had the most interaction.
I don’t even know what else to say, it’s not worth reading or listening to.
August 18, 2024
For the people that said this book was so good, let me pay for your glasses because you clearly are reading something else.
The only unhinged thing, is my lack of brain cells after reading this.
The only unhinged thing, is my lack of brain cells after reading this.
September 24, 2025
that was a horrible cliffhanger! 😫😫
June 2, 2025
What a waste of good narrators
September 5, 2025
Holy cliffhanger whyyyyyy
Corvin King and Joe Arden saying dirty things in my ear?? Give it to me all day everyday please, I’m begging 🧎🏻♀️➡️having that dedication read to me about did me innnnn.
Also a morgue????
Okay you convinced me gimme the next
Corvin King and Joe Arden saying dirty things in my ear?? Give it to me all day everyday please, I’m begging 🧎🏻♀️➡️having that dedication read to me about did me innnnn.
Also a morgue????
Okay you convinced me gimme the next
June 1, 2025
I'm glad I was listening to the audio while reading because I'm afraid the narrators carried this read for me. They were top-tier ⭐️
However, I found the story itself to be kind of boring. I still don't know much about the characters or where the story is really going.
I will be reading the second book to see if I can connect with the characters more.
However, I found the story itself to be kind of boring. I still don't know much about the characters or where the story is really going.
I will be reading the second book to see if I can connect with the characters more.
June 7, 2025
How is this book so short and so long at the same time? Man it was so awful hahaha this was supposed to be a prison but looked more like a summer camp. I mean if you’re going to call a book Unhinged, you should go all the way! This characters were so bland, they tried but it wasn’t enough. Also, she’s a fucking cheater so… bitch I’m going to hate you until I forget about you. Maybe later in the series the love triangle rearrange itself but right now she’s cheating and gaslighting her partners. This series is not for me, obviously not going to continue. The cliffhanger at the end was good though, I’ll give it that!
The audiobook was absolute perfection, honestly what a waste of good voices. Because of them I could finish it.
The audiobook was absolute perfection, honestly what a waste of good voices. Because of them I could finish it.
Read
August 4, 2025⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
This book is haunting me! I see it everywhere and have no idea why, so now I have to find out.
This book is haunting me! I see it everywhere and have no idea why, so now I have to find out.
July 13, 2025
Amazing! THIS is the way audiobooks should be done !!! I loved it.
I absolutely love Grey (Corvin King I was not familiar with your game🤰🏻) and Theo (hearing Anthony Palmini's voice made me want to listen to acotar again. I'm in love with his voice. I've been a Theo girl since he showed up, but I love them both. I couldn't care less about Damon—he just annoyed me.
What I really like about this why choose is that the guys aren't all friends. I can't wait to see how things play out.
If you don't want to know who she has sex with first, stop reading!
I hate what Avery did to Grey, but I love that her first time was with Theo. The sex was hot—not exactly unhinged, but hot nonetheless.
I absolutely love Grey (Corvin King I was not familiar with your game🤰🏻) and Theo (hearing Anthony Palmini's voice made me want to listen to acotar again. I'm in love with his voice. I've been a Theo girl since he showed up, but I love them both. I couldn't care less about Damon—he just annoyed me.
What I really like about this why choose is that the guys aren't all friends. I can't wait to see how things play out.
If you don't want to know who she has sex with first, stop reading!
I hate what Avery did to Grey, but I love that her first time was with Theo. The sex was hot—not exactly unhinged, but hot nonetheless.
May 31, 2025
Somebody pass me a priest!
HA!! The heck was that?
I had a credit spare so listened to the audiobook… Complete religious experience it was, too!
Corvin King as Grey— biblical!
Yeah, I said what I said!
BIBLICAL!!!
HA!! The heck was that?
I had a credit spare so listened to the audiobook… Complete religious experience it was, too!
Corvin King as Grey— biblical!
Yeah, I said what I said!
BIBLICAL!!!
October 16, 2025
#️⃣4️⃣8️⃣5️⃣ Read & Reviewed in 2025 💔🩸
Date : 🚀 Friday, September 19, 2025 🚫🔻❌
Word Count📃: 67k Words 🧨🔪🎈
⋆⭒𓆟⋆｡˚𖦹𓆜✩⋆ >-;;;;€ᐷ °‧ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 ·｡
( ˶°ㅁ°) !! My 59th read in "READING AS MANY BOOKS AS I CANNN 😢 cuz smth....happened.....irl.........😥" September ⚡
2️⃣🌟, this is the second book I've read that is entitled "unhinged" and ye its indeed unhinged (and also very repetitive and bad)
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴. Thank you @Courtney 4 the buddy read.
•Dark romance book that takes place with the insane people being the people that are romanticized.
•Once agen almost everyone acts the same
•A lot of pretty 'unhinged things happen here but all of it becomes extremely repetitive and boring as you just know that almost every single thing that they do are just for shock value.
•There was almost a plot that happens by the end of the book but i think it's a little bit too late for that..
Date : 🚀 Friday, September 19, 2025 🚫🔻❌
Word Count📃: 67k Words 🧨🔪🎈
⋆⭒𓆟⋆｡˚𖦹𓆜✩⋆ >-;;;;€ᐷ °‧ 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 ·｡
( ˶°ㅁ°) !! My 59th read in "READING AS MANY BOOKS AS I CANNN 😢 cuz smth....happened.....irl.........😥" September ⚡
2️⃣🌟, this is the second book I've read that is entitled "unhinged" and ye its indeed unhinged (and also very repetitive and bad)
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴. Thank you @Courtney 4 the buddy read.
•Dark romance book that takes place with the insane people being the people that are romanticized.
•Once agen almost everyone acts the same
•A lot of pretty 'unhinged things happen here but all of it becomes extremely repetitive and boring as you just know that almost every single thing that they do are just for shock value.
•There was almost a plot that happens by the end of the book but i think it's a little bit too late for that..
December 26, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
2 🌶
"Many people see me as the villain. And to that I say… then I'll be the fucking villain."
I was little surprised, based on all the hype over these books I was expecting this to be amazing. It wasn't. It was ok-ish.
For me, this is the kind of book that is OK to read once but not one that I would want to read again, or buy a physical copy of (read it on KU).
Its tagged as being a reverse harem, but that is definitely not the case in this book. Its more like she cheats on the guy she is unofficially with. Maybe it turns into a RH in the next book, but this was not a RH book.
I did enjoy that the guys were possessive and protective, like most dark romance books. I like Grey and Theo, just wasn't in love with the book overall.
2 🌶
"Many people see me as the villain. And to that I say… then I'll be the fucking villain."
I was little surprised, based on all the hype over these books I was expecting this to be amazing. It wasn't. It was ok-ish.
For me, this is the kind of book that is OK to read once but not one that I would want to read again, or buy a physical copy of (read it on KU).
Its tagged as being a reverse harem, but that is definitely not the case in this book. Its more like she cheats on the guy she is unofficially with. Maybe it turns into a RH in the next book, but this was not a RH book.
I did enjoy that the guys were possessive and protective, like most dark romance books. I like Grey and Theo, just wasn't in love with the book overall.
October 27, 2025
2.5 rounded up. This was not why choose and way overhyped.
October 28, 2025
Unhinged? I wish it were unread. Booktook did me wrong on this one smh
May 21, 2025
So I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook for this book and wow, just wow. It was truly amazing with the best narrators who did a brilliant job. The way Grey said Baby girl 🫠🫠 I was finished. It was a sick read with a good storyline and some great tension but it did break my heart because wdym with those last few chapters 😭😭
August 7, 2025
2.5⭐️
Many people see me as the villain. And to that I say… then I'll be the fucking villain.
I think it’s safe to say that the only fucking villain here is me, because that book was so utterly disappointing it felt like divine punishment disguised as fiction. God, dude if you’re up there… I’m sorry? was this your idea of a joke? Honestly, if karmic justice comes in the form of 227 pages of wasted potential, then yeah - I must’ve been a real dick in a past life.
The premise around Lilydale being this glorified juvenile detention center masquerading as an elite rehabilitation program was intriguing - especially considering all 100 patients are absolutely batshit crazy… or shall I say… unhinged (Yeah, I just did that)
But MY GOD Avery was such an insufferable little bitch. If her character had even a hint of a backbone, I might’ve enjoyed the story more. Instead, she spent most of the book as a whiny, pick-me mess, it’s no fucking wonder Damon hated her for the entire plot - and as for why Grey was obsessed with her? He’s fucking cuckoo cuckoo ca-choo, just a full time resident of Delulu island. I still love you though Grey..
everyone knows exactly who I am now. Except, I don't know who I am. I just had sex with Theo in a fucking morgue.
YES! Theo, I see you 🥵. What is my obsession with tall, scary, broody fictional men? I don’t know - and honestly, I’ve made peace with my mental unwellness. Will I continue this story? Absolutely. On principle. Because I need more Theo in my life, and frankly, it’s a public health matter at this point
Tally chart:
Grey - "Little Killer”: 25
Many people see me as the villain. And to that I say… then I'll be the fucking villain.
I think it’s safe to say that the only fucking villain here is me, because that book was so utterly disappointing it felt like divine punishment disguised as fiction. God, dude if you’re up there… I’m sorry? was this your idea of a joke? Honestly, if karmic justice comes in the form of 227 pages of wasted potential, then yeah - I must’ve been a real dick in a past life.
The premise around Lilydale being this glorified juvenile detention center masquerading as an elite rehabilitation program was intriguing - especially considering all 100 patients are absolutely batshit crazy… or shall I say… unhinged (Yeah, I just did that)
But MY GOD Avery was such an insufferable little bitch. If her character had even a hint of a backbone, I might’ve enjoyed the story more. Instead, she spent most of the book as a whiny, pick-me mess, it’s no fucking wonder Damon hated her for the entire plot - and as for why Grey was obsessed with her? He’s fucking cuckoo cuckoo ca-choo, just a full time resident of Delulu island. I still love you though Grey..
everyone knows exactly who I am now. Except, I don't know who I am. I just had sex with Theo in a fucking morgue.
YES! Theo, I see you 🥵. What is my obsession with tall, scary, broody fictional men? I don’t know - and honestly, I’ve made peace with my mental unwellness. Will I continue this story? Absolutely. On principle. Because I need more Theo in my life, and frankly, it’s a public health matter at this point
Tally chart:
Grey - "Little Killer”: 25
June 26, 2025
This was a disappointing read, also Avery you're a hoe.
Read
August 5, 2025well that was dumb
August 12, 2025
WHATTTTT this book was sooo GOOD!!!!
The cliffhanger is fryinggg me 😭
I knew Theo was my type but I feel bad for my poor baby Grey.
also what exactly is Damons role??
is he a love interest?
I'll find out soon enough
The cliffhanger is fryinggg me 😭
I knew Theo was my type but I feel bad for my poor baby Grey.
also what exactly is Damons role??
is he a love interest?
I'll find out soon enough
October 16, 2025
Raw obsession, aching vulnerability and a chemistry that feels dangerously alive.
It drags you into the darkness and won’t let go. 🖤
It drags you into the darkness and won’t let go. 🖤
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