Collateral

by H. M. Hall

Is it worth it? When you've spent so many years hiding in the shadows, it's disarming when the personification of sunlight is forced upon you. Years spent purposely eclipsed by the darkness without ever wanting to step out from beneath the safety of its cloak; driven by the same goal I've had since I was fifteen years old. Until my twelve years of solidarity came to a screeching halt when a partner was forced upon me. It was everything I didn't want. Exactly what I'd avoided all these years. I already had enough to concern myself with, without needing to babysit some rookie mercenary I'd had the displeasure of being tied to. I didn't need the temptation of the light, nor did I want it. But after all these years, is it worth stepping out from the grey, just for a little peek, or would my one lapse of seclusion be the cause of my downfall? Collateral contains dark content that may be triggering to some readers, such as human trafficking, graphic violence, discussion of sexual assault (no on-page scenes) knife play and explicit sexual situations. There is also the discussion of suicide, miscarriage and hysterectomy.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers

564 pages, Paperback

Published November 20, 2023

About the author

Reader & writer of all things dark, spicy & morally grey.

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?"

18 years ago she gave my life to The Corporation.
18 years ago she swore she would get revenge for anyone she could.
She works alone and always has.
But then Taner Tekeli gets assigned to be her partner.
She has always worked alone but what happens when she doesn't have a choice anymore?

"I swear I'm going to wipe that smirk right off his pretty little face by the end of this trip."

Taner Tekeli was intrigued by Demi from the moment he saw her.
He knew he had to know more about her. He craved it.
The only thing is Demi doesn’t want anything to do with Taner.
But that won't stop him from getting under her skin.

"Well, she's a challenge. An insanely drop-dead gorgeous challenge."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"The most dangerous people are those with nothing to lose."

Demi doesn't want anything to do with Taner. Taner wants everything to do with Demi. What happens when things start to come out and feelings start to change?

"People aren't born as unrelenting and hostile as she is. Something turned her into the person she is today, and I want to know her story. The more she pushes me away, the more I want to try."

This book was giving Criminal Minds and Mindfuck series aesthetic and isn't that just the best???
I mean we have a badass femme fatale and a golden retriever ex-military agent? Literally a dream come true!!

"Now I've had a glimpse of the Demi she suppresses, I want to see it more."

First, we have Demi who is the most badass badass in the history of badassery and I will stand by that statement. I mean Lana Myers coded anyone??? The revenge plot, the "work alone", the never letting anyone get too close??? But Taner will turn all of that upside down won't he?

"She's so unbelievably stunning. I've never seen anyone so gorgeous in all my life."

Taner is the golden retriever we all need and want in our life. He will do everything and anything to learn all he can about Demi and he will not let her go. I was OBSESSED with him and their banter!! I mean that man and his mouth in whatever scene he was in I was devouring every single line people!!

"Want me to start calling you Mommy too?"

"Don’t dream about me too much, Scorpion."

"You can insult me all you like, as long as it's in Greek."

The playlist as always is vigilante coded and we stan that!!

(Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Ng...)

🎶 "Us And Pigs" - SOFIA ISELLA
🎶 "Til It Happens To You" - Lady Gaga
🎶 "Hate Me" - Nico Collins
🎶 "god sent me as karma" - emlyn
🎶 "Medusa" - Kaia Jette
🎶 "Dazed & Confused" - Ruel
🎶 "Popular Monster" - Falling In Reverse
🎶 "Blood" - In This Moment
🎶 "Paint The Town Red" - Doja Cat
🎶 "Killer" - Valerie Broussard
🎶 "Vigilante Shit" - Taylor Swift
🎶 "Slayer" - Bryce Savage
🎶 "EXTRA EXTRA" - Chandler Leighton
🎶 "nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎶 "she calls me daddy" - KiNG MALA
🎶 "sloppy" - KiNG MALA, UPSAHL
🎶 "Last Laugh" - FLETCHER
🎶 "Fighter" - Christina Aguilera
🎶 "Looking At Me" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Stronger" - Britney Spears
🎶 "Joke's On You" - Charlotte Lawrence
🎶 "Venom" - Little Simz
🎶 "Club Can't Handle Me" - Flo Rida, David Guetta
🎶 "CLEO"- Halle Abadi
🎶 "Angry Too" - Lola Blanc
🎶 "Vices & Virtues" - Reinaeiry
🎶 "Zodiac" - Axelle Aerts
🎶 "Paris" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎶 "Dangerous Woman" - Ariana Grande
🎶 "Vegas" - Doja Cat
🎶 "You Put A Spell On Me" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Dangerous Hands" - Austin Giorgio
🎶 "Drinking With Cupid" - VOILA
🎶 "Slow Down" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "I Want It All" - Cameron Grey
🎶 "Panic Room" - Au/Ra
🎶 "On Accident" - Nico Collins
🎶 "Just My Type" - The Vamps
🎶 "Vicious" - Bohnes
🎶 "Dirtier Thoughts" - Nation Haven
🎶 "Lipstick" - Charlie Puth
🎶 "Easy To Love" - Bryce Savage
🎶 "cult leader" - KiNG MALA
🎶 "Did It Hurt?" - Ellise
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "love me - sped up" - Ex Habit
🎶 "Nightmares" - Ellise
🎶 "Pretty Ugly" - TiMMS
🎶 "Escapism - sped up" - RAYE, 070 Shake
🎶 "Storm" -Ruelle
🎶 "Don't Ever Stop Running" - Maggie Jean Martin
🎶 "Shower" - Becky G
🎶 "pretty poison" - Nessa Barrett
🎶 "Taste" - Ari Abdul
🎶 "I Want You To Want Me" - Chase Holfelder
🎶 "DEVILISH" - Chase Atlantic
🎶 "VILLAIN" - Neoni
🎶 "Bring Me To Life" - Evanescence
🎶 "Stay With Me" - Sam Smith
🎶 "All I Need" - Within Temptation
🎶 "The Devil Wears Lace" - Steven Rodriguez
🎶 "Hide And Seek" - Klergy, Mindy Jones
🎶 "parents" - YUNGBLUD
🎶 "half of my heart" - Josh Makazo
🎶 "Lionheart" - Demi Lovato
🎶 "Warrior" - Demi Lovato
🎶 "Aimed To Kill" - Jade LeMac
🎶 "I See Red" - Everybody Loves An Outlaw
🎶 "Pretty In The Dark" - Jemma Johnson
🎶 "Desire" - Violet Orlandi

And Taner. OMFG the mouth on this man!!! 🌶🥵

"How bad do you want it?"

"Keep that leg up, Demi. I want you spread open wide for me."

🔪 Tropes 🔪

🩸 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩸 Hate To Love
🩸 Forced Proximity
🩸 Revenge
🩸 Secret Past
🩸 Vigilante
🩸 He falls first and falls harder
🩸 Bad@ss FMC

[Teresa González · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I never said I was done," I grumble into her neck, "While there's still air in my lungs, I'll never be done with you."

where do I start?! this was so unexpectedly good.
Demi and Tanner both work for 'The Corporation', an org that fights human trafficking and, are forced (yes, forced) to work together. And, hear me out, this is a reverse grumpy x sunshine situation. She's the grump and he's the golden retriever 😮‍💨.

✅ Things I liked:
- Written in dual pov, which we love.
- The spice was reaaaaally good 🤭

"No more time apart. I can't go another day without this."

- No third breakup act, soooo refreshing! I am tired of romance authors relying on this move.

❌ Things I didn't like:
- Even though I loved Demi and Tanner together, I didn't connect/relate much with either of them individually.
- The plot twist was predictable, which is not necessarily a bad thing but it would've been nice to have a 'shock' for an ending.

This is H.M. Hall's debut novel! Which for a debut novel I am so impressed.
If you never pay attention to my reviews 🥹, let this be the exception and add this to your TBR nowwww!

Don't forget to check trigger warnings! this book covers a lot of dark topics.

* ARC provided by Love Notes PR in exchange for an honest review *

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this is the authors debut novel, this is a fantastic book! It has an interesting storyline, strong pacing and characters I enjoyed.

Our FMC Demi works for 'The Corporation', a group of mercenaries who help to save children from sex trafficking. She is used to working on her own until her handler places her with another mercenary to help bring down a team. Our golden-retriever MMC Tener is smitten with Demi, who literally treats him like dirt on her shoe.

I enjoyed Demi for the most part but did I find her behaviour to be a little immature at times. However, her past is truly heartbreaking and you start to see why she pushes others away. Tener was just the sweetest and I adored his humour. This book does contain some darker themes which I felt were used appropriately, and not for shock value.

I did see the plot twist/betrayal coming as it was a little obvious, but that didn't ruin the book for me. However, Collateral lost one star due to the plot fizzling out for the smut for a big chunk of the book. The spicy scenes were very well written but I would have loved for them to have been interwoven with the plot.

A strong debut novel and I'd definitely read more from this author!

Tropes:
- Dual POV
- Grumpy/sunshine (FMC is the grump)
- Spicy
- Forced proximity
- Work place romance
- Protective/golden retriever MMC.
- Dark themes (including sex trafficking, CSA)

I received an advanced copy for free through Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great surprise book for me! I recently signed up for ARCS though Love PR and this one sounded interesting. I was still surprised when I was approved for the ARC and even more so to learn that this is HM Hall’s debut novel. I will be on the lookout for future books by her and am hoping that one of them will be Thea and Joey’s book 🤞🏻

Some trigger warnings- sexual abuse, rape, PTSD, references of suicide
I would highly recommend reading all of them before reading this book.

I haven’t read a reverse grumpy x sunshine book yet but MAN did I like it! Demi has worked for The Corp since she was 18. After the abuse that her and her sister suffered, she has made it her mission to rid the world of the bad guys and the be the light for the kidnapped and abused children. She hasn’t had a partner since the beginning and is one of the top mercenaries The Corp has so imagine her surprise when she is partnered with a “newbie” Taner. Taner who happens to be ridiculously hot (even though she won’t admit that to herself) is annoying. He is going to get in her way. He is not taking the hint that she doesn’t want to be her friend. He leaves her food at her door. He has this smirk about him that Demi finds infuriating in the worst way 😉 Should she let him in and break down the barriers she has setup for herself for good reason? Is it worth the risk?

Taner doesn’t know what to do with the storm of a woman who has been assigned as his partner. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen but also the iciest. She has walls on walls on walls around her. So of course he makes it his mission to get her to open up and calls it a win when she giggles around him for the first time. He wants to understand her more. He wants her to be his. When he learns what has happened to her and her sister, he gets it and respects it. Ball is in her court.

Taner is the absolute cutest and MOST patient person with Demi. He plans a vacation for him and her. This is the first vacation she has EVER had. He of course wants things to progress but again ball is in her court. And man when they progress, they COMBUST 🔥 The spice scenes in this book are HOT!! Now they are engaging in what Demi thinks is a relationship. She feels stable for once. She is happy and envisioning a future until her absolute worst fears happen.

I liked that there was not a third act in this book. Demi was a closet sweetheart once Taner got her there. Taner was SOO perfect. He respected her space the whole way through. He was patient and what she needed to see she hadn’t really been living. I highly recommend reading this dark romance!

Thank you to Love PR for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Once again I am hoping that there is a Joey & Thea book coming 🤩🤩 Looking forward to more from HM Hall!

[vana ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant debut novel from H. M. Hall!

One of the reasons I loved this book is because grumpy x sunshine is my favorite trope, but I especially loved it more here because we got a grumpy FMC and sunshine MMC.

I loved Tener and Demi's dynamic so much. This was a dynamic duo, work related romance. I also enjoyed the whole plot, it does include dark themes such as trafficking.

Tener was a cutie patootie and I loved how protective he was while being a golden retriever bf.

My only request would be a bit of a more balance and smooth transition into the smut of this book. While it was spicy and had a good plot, I wish the two were just a bit better intermingled.

I would LOVE to read more from this author, again this was a fantastic debut!!

Thank you to Love Notes PR for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review :)

[SIRIUSLY BOOKED · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demi's story was so heartbreaking. When she was 15 Demi and her twin sister were abducted along with several other girls and tortured for months before the Corp rescued them. So when she turned 18 she joins the Corporation to help rescue children from being trafficked and she's on a mission to save them from going through the same thing she went through while unaliving the evil people who are in charge. For 14 years now Demi had been working alone but now the Corp wants to partner her up.
Taner Tekeli was an ex Marine who hard been working for The Corp for the past 4 years after he was discharged from the military. When he's partnered with Demi he's excited to work with her. Demi on the other hand does not share the same excitement. She's always gaurded and keeps people at an arms length while he is the opposite of her. He's all sunshine and giving out very protective golden retriever vibes.
While I didn't particularly like how Demi treated Taner in the beginning her interactions with him was understandable with her heartbreaking past. And the more icy Demi was, the more intrigued Taner was by her. Both Demi and Taner were overall likeable MCs.
This is the authors debut and I must say that it was a really good book that certainly exceeded my expectations. This has a darker theme so it's not for everyone. I suggest for anyone who would like to read it check out the warnings before you get into it.

[Katewantstoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my latest addition to the shrine of dark romances.

Collateral was such an amazing dark romance book - the tension, the themes, the spice, ugh, everything was done amazingly.
This book had two tropes I love - a REVERSE GRUMPY/SUNSHINE (yes!!! let the women be grumpy for once), and a badass mercenery FMC.
Demi is officialy one of my favorite FMCs in dark romances, maybe second only to Lana from the Mindf*ck series (that is the best place for her to be tho). She has a very dark past, little patience for bullshit, an appetite for her new work partner, strong morals, a bit of anger issues, amazing fighting (uhm and torturing, and killing) skills. Demi is also Greek (yay for European fmc that are not just British/German or Russian) and bisexual!
Tanner, our second MC, is a cowboy-turned-a Marine-turned mercenary and is our golden retriever character. He also has a dark past (we have traumatised MCs y'all), amazing humor, loves playing with fire (said fire also called Demi), and is a protectice cinnamon roll. Well, he does exceed at torturing and maiming as well.
I don't want to get into the relationship details or the plot as it all gets very spoilery but what I can say is that you gotta read this book. Both Demi and Tanner work for a corporation that helps prevent and rescue victims of human trafficing, so this book does get incredibly dark at moments. The prologue starts dark as well, so do check the content warnings before you read the book, as it could be triggering. Otherwise, this was an amazing book of angst, trauma, spice (a lot of it!), some humor, hero-ing and saving people, plot twists, drama!! and even miniscule familial problems.
This book is amazing and it I recommend it dearly.

Thanks to LoveNotesPR and H.M. Hall for the ARC!

[keoni💌✨🌙🌷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes: he falls first, reverse grumpy x sunshine, hate to love, vigilante, bad ass FMC & plot twist.

this book was so good! considering this is H. M halls debut it’s safe to say i am obsessed and will be buying her next book!! demi and tanner work for ‘The Corporation’ which is an organisation that rescues and rehabilitates girls who have found themselves in dangerous situations. at first demi can’t think of anything worse then being partnered with somebody as she’s used to working alone but that slowly starts to change as tanner breaks down her walls little by little by showing his care for her.

((before you read this please read the trigger warnings as a few graphic scenes are talked about and detailed))

tanner is so sweet and cute, it’s literally reverse grumpy x sunshine and i’m here for it. i just loved that he knew when demi needed some space and to work through things on her own but also knew when she needed more support and he could break down those barriers a little more.

also demis sister thea is so sweet and pure, im so glad she has thea in her life to show her that things don’t always have to be doom and gloom and it’s possible to try move on from their past.

overall i really enjoyed this book, it was really nicely paced and i didn’t find myself getting bored or wanting to skip through anything. there was a lot of spicy scenes to make things more interesting and the plot was interesting!

[Siti Najihah Hussin · Rating 5 out of 5]

How should I describe this book? I have mixed feelings about this book. I hope what I’ll tell you next makes a whole lot of sense.

First, this book contains a trigger warning. I highly recommend you guys to check for it before reading this book.

Second, what is the world is this? I love it when the author makes the female character the main spotlight with lots of physical & emotional injuries. The grumpy and emotionless character. But! She breaks down when a man comes into her life and tries to break the code.

Third. I love the storyline. Human trafficking is freaking real. It disgusts me to another level. But chapter 34 onwards is no joke. I keep gasping as I read it to the end. The plot twist is something that I think, keeps my mind-blowing. How could you?

Overall, I believe this is nothing close to a dark-romance trope. More like a hate-to-love trope. A bit of romance but it blends well with the storyline. Will there be another book for Thea & Joey? We’ll see. Certainly a 4.8/5 from me!

[Lizy Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collateral by H.M. Hall.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

TROPES:
•Grumpy X Sunshine
•Forced Proximity
•Golden Retriever MMC
•Grumpy Fierce FMC

This book as an AMAZING DEBUT.

Interesting storyline, great characters development and a fantastic PLOT TWIST. My jaw was on the floor, I never in a million years imagined the events that unfolded.

Demi’s story was heartbreaking, it was hard for me to read because it felt real and raw. I cried a lot reading what she endured. It breaks my heart knowing that this happens to a lot of girls everyday around the world.

¡¡OMG!! I just loved Tanner. He was adorable and his humor was infectious and joyful. ¿Best word to describe him? LOYAL.

The spicy scenes were very well written and very very good one.🔥

I would love nothing more than to read the next chapter of their lives.

I will definitely read more books from the author, this book was a masterpiece.
Good job and congratulations.

[Pandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is incredible for a debut!!

The story explores some very dark topics so definitely pay attention to the triggers, that being said, it's done very well.

The main female character Demi is incredibly strong having gone through horrific trauma and turning that into a strength to protect others in equally horrible situations. The main male character Taner has also gone through his own share of horrors but despite this is an incredibly protective golden retriever type of happy person.

Together they make for an interesting duo and Taner manages to work his way through Demi's tough exterior to find the woman desperately in need of someone just like him.

I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next from H.M and am thankful to LovePR for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine Francisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

⬥︎ I'm impressed with this book! It's amazing for a debut novel and I'm here to read everything that H M Hall writes

⬥︎ This is one of those books that I wish I hadn't read so that I could read it again for the first time.

⬥︎ It's a book that has a cute and romantic side, but also a side that leaves you heartbroken. In this story we meet Demi, who dedicates her life to preventing more young people from becoming victims of human trafficking. And throughout the story we realise why she doesn't bond with anyone, until a partner is imposed on her to work with, Taner.

⬥︎ I can't tell you how much I loved Taner! And the patience he had for Demi was commendable, because although I liked and understood her character, I felt she was a bit mean to him. But I loved seeing how little by little he broke down Demi's barrier, and even though she tried to stay away, she couldn't. And as the saying goes, 'little by little, the bird builds its nest'.

⬥︎ I loved seeing Demi's evolution as a character, from wanting to kill Taner for breathing, to allowing herself to think that maybe life is more than the work she does and that she has the right to experience other adventures, or even give herself a break.

⬥︎ Both Demi and Taner have difficult pasts that have marked them in different ways, but at the same time are very similar, and it was these moments of vulnerability that allowed us to learn more about their story. And those were also my favourite moments ♡

⬥︎ This is an action-packed book that I couldn't stop reading, it's a well-constructed story with well thought-out details. The more descriptive moments, I felt, added something to the story and weren't just there to shock.

⬥︎ I would like to thank the author, H M Hall, and Love Notes PR for providing this arc. I loved it!

[Carlota · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✰
Parte de mim ficou com receio quando vi os trigger warnings deste livro (porque honestamente há TW aqui que eu nunca iria ler por livre e espontânea vontade), mas como tinha recebido o ARC decidi dar uma oportunidade ao livro e honestamente não me arrependo. Fiquei espantada pela escrita da autora, porque pegando nos tópicos que ela pega e sendo um debut, podia ser algo arriscado. No entanto, a escrita foi bem melhor do que eu imaginei, visto que estava à espera de não gostar de todo por não ser meu tipo de livro. Quanto ao plot, quem gostou de MindFuck series provavelmente irá gostar deste livro porque as vibes são muito semelhantes.
Em relação às personagens, gostei mais do Taner do que da Demi mas mesmo assim gostava de ter visto mais da personalidade Golden Retrivier dele (como me prometeram). Ainda assim achei-o muito fofo e adorei o facto dele chamar a Demi de 'scorpion'. Achei diferente e por isso acho que vai para o top de melhores nicknames que já li nos livros

[kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

y’all OH MY GOSH😩 (check tw for the book)

this book held my attention the whole way through, which is not easy for me at all! I absolutely love it, and cannot stress enough that you must read!

tropes:
Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Protective Golden Retriever MMC
Grumpy/Fierce FMC

4🌶️ (lots of spice, girl, LOTS)

the romance, on top of all the trauma they’ve experienced, the way it’s sort of a slowburn.. and they cherish little acts of kindness, stfu, it’s so good. THE PLOT HOLY.. it was so good, i was in TEARS by the end.. absolutely love it!

[Leanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost I want to thank H.M. Hall and Love Note PR for allowing me to get an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This was such a thrilling and exciting book to read, since this is a debut for this author, she’s definitely got an amazing future ahead! This book has the spice, it had the love, it had the suspense. It was intriguing and I wasn’t sure where or what was going to happen next and I loved that! Overall I’d give this book at 4.5/5 stars!
I highly recommend reading this!!

Grab your copy on November 15th!!

[Evelyn (Taylor's Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underrated and NEEDS to be talked about! I remember receiving this ARC sliding it into the author's DM and telling her how excited I was to read it. I told her that I was in the mood for a dark romance so I'm so excited to read this book. I didn't expect to love it as much as I do. I can't find a bad thing about it!! First of all, the main character is a bada**. Even though she is going through her trauma from a tragic past, she pulled through. Her character development is my absolute favorite! But you know what sealed the deal for me??? TANER! Can we talk about how amazing he is with not only... bedroom needs... BUT communication?? He is perfect for her. He is everything that she needs in her life and more. Thank you Love Notes Pr for the Arc, and thank you SO MUCH H.M. Hall FOR ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF THIS YEAR! I adore you love <3

Tropes:
🥀Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
💀Forced Proximity
🥀Steamy & Spicy
💀Work Place Romance
🥀Fiesty FMC
💀Protective MMC

CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS (themes of sex trafficking, CSA)

Steamy Radar: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[jaycie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️s! The pacing of the book was so well done. I picked up the book with the intent of reading the first chapter or 2 in order to understand the ~vibe~ and then I accidentally read the first 75 pages. The writing is so easy and I was hooked on our two main characters so quickly. I haven’t read a book with these darker topics before, but I appreciated how the author incorporated them. Also.. the spice? it was.. spicing👀

[Isla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut novel and can i just say i am beyond impressed.

i loved how you could slowly see demi and taners connection develop. 100% recommend this book.

does contain TWs so please please please be aware of that before reading

Thank you LovenotesPR and HM Hall for this opportunity 🫶🏼

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into this book but after the first few chapters I was hooked!

The enemies to lovers x mercenary plot really did it for me and I absolutely LOVED Taner. He’s such a little cutie golden retriever and he’s just top tier. I found Demi’s character initially hard to connect with HOWEVER she went through some really good character development and by the end I was rooting for my girl to have a happily ever after.

Fans of the predator by runyx should definite check this out.

TW: there are some VERY themes that this book deals with so please check the triggers!!

[Laura (readingbookswithlaura) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow,
I've read this book over a few days because it was kinda heavy in the beginning.. Those trigger warnings were perfectly in place.. Because I really felt it in the first few chapters.. Child trafficking is one of those things you don't read about in a 'normal' romantic book.. But hell, did I cry at some chapters.. Because shit was a little bit heavy for me.. But I'm glad I've read it all!
It was a perfect read for someone who's been dabbling into darker romances..
The spice was also 🥵 and the overall story was perfect..

[Debora Paravano · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

Demi is the definition of Darkness and her only purposs is to save women and little girls from human trafficking.

Her entire world and beliefs are going to be overturned by the arrived of Taner Tekeli who will be her partner.

I signed for this ARC because the tropes were calling me. I couldn’t make a better choice.

The only reason I gave 4,5 stars and not 5 because sometimes I felt like the spicy covered the plot but not significantly for me to dislike the book.

I love how Demi faced and overcame her trauma and softened around Tener and how Tener never gave up on her.

And this being the first book of the author is definitely a very good start❤️‍🩹

[NatasBaars · Rating 4 out of 5]

The romance in this is 🤌 just perfect.
I went into reading this book very open minded and not knowing what it was about.
This book is very well written and made me cry a little bit at the end.
Now that i finished it i can’t wait for another book by this author!

[Beckah Hiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not for the faint of heart. That being said it was so good! I was hooked from the start. It’s dark and emotional and makes you think about how this kind of thing happens every day. Maybe not with all the same twists and turns this story has but it does happen. As always check your triggers and enjoy!!

[Khalish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so obsessed with Demi and Taner. The way Taner worships her and never gives up on her. The book was a page turner, quite fast paced, but also focused on their relationship but also the mission. Really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75-5 stars book spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
How do I explain this book first.
UGGH THE ENDING I WISH IT WAS LONGER bonus epilogue please. It was a lil slow in the start but it picked up over time. Demi and Taner work “the corporation” an organization that fights human trafficking and are forced to work together (yk 😏forced proximity). If you hate third breakup don’t worry there isn’t any at all which yay for that. The plot twist hello I thought it was that one character and it was but I did not see the second plot twist jaw was on the floor. UGHH THEY WERE EVERYTHING. I love how Taner waited until Demi was ready to share about her past. How patient Taner was his understanding he was. After everything Demi went through Taner was her happy ever after A ONE SHE FUCKING DESERVES AFTER EVERYTHING SHE WENT THROUGH. Demi is a brave strong badass Female character who deserves better.
Demi I love her and her badass personality. Demi might be a lil too strong of character for some people personally I think it was her form of coping after things she went through. Demi behavior can be a little immature at times. Taner was Sweetest and I loved his humor personality. THE SPICE IN THIS BOOK WAS SPICY 🥵 IF YK WHAT I MEAN 🌶️🌶️

It the fact that it the author debut novel. She did an amazing job writing this novel. Can’t wait for her future work to be released.

Quotes from the book

“Well, she’s a challenge. An insanely drop-dead gorgeous challenge.”
“God, do I want to taste her again. She’s infused into my veins like a drug, and I’m starving for another hit”. - Taner
Taner I love him 😩

“I also keep catching Taner checking me out with what I’m sure he thinks is an unnoticeable side eye, but I’m not stupid or blind. If he carries this on all night, he’ll have my fingers stuck in his eye sockets.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll admit that he’s attractive, but that doesn’t mean that I’m attracted to him. Far from it.” - demi
Lmao you got to love her

“I trace the pad of my finger so lightly over her bruises, barely touching her. I notice her body shudder but she still doesn’t move away. “I’m glad I got to kill the bastard that did this to you,”
after a mission Taner told her

“It didn’t take away any of his grandeur, if anything it made me more attracted to him. Like, if he’s experienced pain similar to me, then maybe he can accept my flaws too.”- Demi

“Thank you for letting me in,” I whisper back, noticing the tears that begin to well in her eyes. She blinks them away. Too many tears have been shed for one day. She nibbles on her bottom lip, dropping her gaze back to my chest. “I’m sorry for how I treated you. You didn’t deserve any of it.” I blow a light laugh out through my nose and smile at her, curling my finger under her chin and forcing her to look back at me. “Don’t be. It only made me want you more.” - Demi and Taner

Tropes
*Grumpy x Sunshine
*forced proximity
*protective golden retriever MMC
*black cat FMC
*Hate to love
*Secret past
*He fall first but harder
*Dark theme ( please check trigger warning ‼️)

I would love if we got a back story on Thea and Joey love story I NEED TO KNOW a second book would be great 😊👍

Thank you love notes PR for the arc here I leave my honest review on the book.

[Caitlin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Thank you both @H.M Hall and @lovenotespr for my arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Tropes
~ Grumpy/ Sunshine
~ Protective Golden Retriever MMC
~ Forced Proximity
~ Grumpy Fierce FMC
~ Dark Themes
~ Spicy
~ Dual POV

Summary 🤍
Demi had a rough childhood, which caused led her to work for “The corporation” those who help save those being human trafficked. Demi has alway worked alone, so when she finds out she unexpectedly gets a partner. “Taner”.

Not everything between them starts off great. After pointless arguments, and working together. Everything shifts. Truths are revealed, attraction is shared. Awful events lead to upsetting outcomes & feelings that were never expressed.

Thoughts💭
This was such a great book. I enjoyed it it so much.

I love that it was reverse grumpy/ sunshine, where she is the grumpy and he is sunshine. Not read anything like this.

Demi - Wow her story is heartbreaking, there was so much emotion shown. And it makes you connect with her. Her character development was AMAZING. Definitely needed the right person. She is such a badass. I love it.

Taner - I loved him. He is so adorable and cheeky. I loved that he brought out Demi. I’m glad he did everything he could to try and get through to her. And of course who doesn’t like a dirty mouth 🔥🔥

The chemistry between them, I love it. Their banter is so good. Especially at the beginning. When he says “Want me to start calling you Mommy too?" So funny. I want to see more of them 😱

Favourite Quotes🗣️
~ “Want me to start calling you Mommy too?"

~ “Swear I'm going to wipe that smirk right off his pretty little face by the end of this trip.” 😂

~ “You can insult me all you like, as long as it's in Greek."

~ “Don't dream about me too much, Scorpion."😏

~ "While there's still air in my lungs, I'll never be done with you." 😍

~ “If I ever say no to showering with you, I want you to use my own gun and shoot me in the fucking head.” 🔥

~ “you’re mine, remember?” 😏😍

* Okay I know I had to many favourites & most of them were said by Taner. Don’t judge. Just that man, 🫦😊

RELEASE DATE - 20th November

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for this free digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
It had been a few months since I read a good dark romance so I was craving one and let me tell you Collateral did not disappoint!
What is it about?
Collateral is a dark romance that follows a mercenary named Demi. At 15, she was abducted with her twin sister so when she turned 18 she didn't think twice about joining the same company that saved her and hunt down the human traffickers. She has been doing this for years on her own, but now she gets paired up with another mercenary, Taner, who is 4 years her junior. Demi is not happy with this, she does not want to babysit some rookie. They have to work together to take down a human trafficking ring while sparks start to fly between them. But Demi's dark past is going to catch up to her and she'll have to face some old enemies.
Characters
At first, I really did not like Demi. She was rude for no apparent reason to Taner. Even when it is a normal grumpy-sunshine, I do not like it when the guy is rude to the girl. After a while, I started to really enjoy her character though! You could really tell she was the way she was because of her unresolved trauma. Taner was an absolute sweetheart! I loved him and I loved him even more when he did not give up on Demi. He really tried to connect with her and was so patient while she tried to communicate her issues.
Smut
There were not a lot of spicy scenes but the ones that were in there I did not really enjoy all that much. They felt repetitive and just a bit awkward. I didn't mind it though, because as I said there were not that many and they were not important in this book.
Plot
Omg! I really liked this plot! I enjoyed that both main characters had some kind of connection to the conflict. I loved to see Demi and Taner go on missions together and rescue many girls from human traffickers.
Overall
If you are looking for your next dark romance read, consider picking up Collateral! It is definitely worth your time, but do check out the content warnings and keep your mental health safe. I will be looking out for more books by this debut author in the future!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW💜

TROPES:
} Fierce FMC
} Dark romance
} Grumpy/Sunshine
} He falls first
} Spicy romance
} Forced Proximity
} Golden retriever MMC

CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!

Review:
This had an interesting plot that didn’t feel weird. The beginning kind of dragged for me but once I hit midpoint, I was racing through this book. The characters are amazing as so is the world they’re in.

For context, Demi and Taner are mercenaries working under The Corporation to rescue kidnapped children and end the kidnappers lives because those kind of scum don’t deserve to live. Demi usually works solo but is paired with Taner this time and as things go, the forced proximity leads them to open up about each other.

I always love books with fierce FMC’s and Demi ticked all my boxes. She was so amazing, fearless and hot. I loved that she spoke her mind and she honestly got me balling sometimes. Now, my lover boy got me so happy. Taner was everything she needed and I LOVE that he brought her out of her shell. He literally breathed life into her and make her see the colors again instead of the black and white world she’d been stuck in.

Then after learning all the things Demi had been true, I legit cried. She’s so strong and by the ending of this book, I was full on sobbing. I may have a little beef with the author for giving me a mini heart attack but it’s all good now since I got my happily ever after.

Collateral is a debut novel that had me obsessed. I don’t personally know this author but I can’t wait to read more of her works. This one already surpassed all my expectations!

Honestly, this dark romance was everything and I hope I’ve convinced you to read this because it was 🔥🔥🔥 Recommended for dark romance lovers🖤

Check trigger warnings!

[Shannai · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 - 𝑯. 𝑴. 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒍 🦂🖤 - (𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘)

4/5 stars ⭐️

“𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦,” 𝘐 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬, “𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

Demi has dedicated her life to bringing down nefarious  human traffickers to justice. She's good at her job, having been in the industry for over a decade. When she's suddenly partnered with Taner, an ex Marines, who joined The Corp four years ago, she can't seem to make sense of it. 

Tensions run high between the pair, who are forced to not only work together, but learn to be around another person in such close proximity, having worked as lone mercenaries for as long as they can remember.  They need to learn to trust one another, as they face against a rise of girls that are being trafficked across the country and bring the head of the organisation to justice.

With an impenetrable wall around her, Demi remains determined not to let Taner in and Taner can't help but want to know more about his partner, than just her name. 

I really liked the reverse grumpy x sunshine between Demin and Taner they literally could not be more opposite from one another. Taner remained determined to break down the walls that Demi had up, while also having his own trauma that he worked through, but was so adamant to help Demi through hers.

Thank you to Love Notes PR and H.M. Hall for the arc!

Tropes

- forced proximity
- reverse grumpy x sunshine
- he falls first
- workplace romance

𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘵 (𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯-𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴) 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦, 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘺.

𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿! 🖤

[Corinne Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author. This book is highly intense, and right from the beginning it grabs you, and does not let go the entire way through the book. This book deals with a lot a graphic violence, sex trafficking and the abuse and trafficking of young girls. But as horrific as those scenes are, it gets you invested in the cause that the Organization is working to stop 100%. Demi has worked for the Organization since her rescue as child from such a trafficking operation, rescuing other young girls who have been abducted. She always has worked alone and has wanted it that way. Until the organization pairs her with Taner. Although she fights against it, she eventually starts to fall for Taners charms and they finally fall for each other. But there is a sinister evil hunting them, setting traps, and turning friends into foes. Who can they trust? Who will survive? Can the trauma they endured as children ever find a healing place? This book was so good! Because of the intensity of the material of the storyline I was just flipping through these pages trying to get this story in as quick as I could. I had to know how everything turned out in the end - good or bad. I loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️