His Darkest Deceit: A Headmaster / Student Fate vs. Free Will Academy Dark Romance

Insatiable Instinct #1

by Addison Cain

Unveil the secrets of a forbidden love in this scintillating tale of desire, danger, and dominance.

General Cyderial, a mastermind of control, has meticulously shielded young Lorieyn from a truth she cannot fathom – that she is his coveted jewel, his treasure, his mate.

And no other male may have her. Not so long as he can keep her existence secret. Not so long as he can keep her locked away within academy walls until she is old enough to claim.

Knowing nothing but a difficult rearing, Lorieyn longs for a freedom the cold-blooded general can never allow. To let her out of her cage is to invite attention from rivals, insatiable males unrestricted from claiming a female before she comes of age.

Men who take with violence and greed.

Yet, Lorieyn discovers the general’s true intentions—his longing, a vicious craving that transcends the confines of duty, his dangerous obsession—in an attempt to escape his control.

Passion clashes with duty, and dominance meets resistance. General Cyderial, no longer content with clandestine cravings, steps into the open to claim what has always been his.

Dive into a world where love is a dangerous game, and surrender is the ultimate victory. His Darkest Deceit, book one in the Insatiable Instinct duet, will leave you breathlessly in love.

Genres: Omegaverse, Dark, Fantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dystopia, Dark Romance

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2024

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author and Amazon Top 25 bestselling author, Addison Cain is best known for her dark romances, smoldering paranormal suspense, and twisted alien worlds. Her antiheroes are not always redeemable, her lead females stand fierce, and nothing is ever as it seems.

Deep and sometimes heart wrenching, her books are not for the faint of heart. But they are just right for those who enjoy unapologetic bad boys, aggressive alphas, and a hint of violence in a kiss.

Visit her website: addisoncain.com

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Don’t miss these exciting titles by Addison Cain!

The Golden Line

The Alpha’s Claim Series:
Born to be Bound
Born To Be Broken
Reborn
Stolen
Corrupted (coming soon)

Wren’s Song Series:
Branded
Silenced

The Irdesi Empire Series:
Sigil
Sovereign
Que (coming soon)

Cradle of Darkness
Catacombs
Cathedral
The Relic

A Trick of the Light Duet:
A Taste of Shine
A Shot in the Dark

Historical Romance:
Dark Side of the Sun

Horror:
The White Queen
Immaculate

Reviews

[Nici ࿐ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't want to talk about it without a psychiatrist involved.

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Hate me all you will. Yet recognize that I have heard your song since you were twelve. It was difficult to maintain composure when you were right there, beautiful and perfect and vulnerable. For ten long years, I resisted every animal instinct to claim you, even though there was absolutely no one who could prevent me. But you were so young—not yet old enough to handle me physically without serious damage. Nor were you mature enough to understand what was taking place between us. You needed time. I suffered the wait, and would have tested my willpower another year or two if you had not forced my hand by seeking your ruin”—his voice grew dark—“with a stranger in the streets.”

“The man had heard my song for ten years and kept it secret. A man who had wanted me on a very visceral level since I was a child.”

“I’d been kept in a bubble until he’d deemed me old enough to rape. The suffering of all the other students… the executions. All of it was because he wanted me to himself.”


This book gave me the ick.
For a man who was barely able to hold himself back on raping and claiming a 12 year old child… I wanted to vomit reading this. I spend $7 on a book that felt very pedophilic.

I’ve loved this authors writing before. It been a long time reading any of her books. I don’t remember her other storylines having this sort of “age gap”. But this one just made me uncomfortable.

I love dark.
I love taboo.
I’m not a Karen.
This just wasn’t it for me.

[↬ Ⓛ · Rating 1 out of 5]

addison smh, what happened to your writing? what has become of this? i’m starting to question if you even wrote my Claire x Shepherd trilogy. like fr did you have a ghost writer for stolen series bc insatiable series sucks ass.

[Laney]

I'm going wait for the whole series to drop (optimistic much). She is the only author I know who cancels herself consistently over the last few years. There are three Addison cliffhanger series that I'm waiting for the next book. I have not interest in adding a fourth to my list.

Knotted
Irdesi Empire
Alpha's Claim Series

Fool be thrice, shame on you--fool be quadrice, shame on me! LoL

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude.
DUDE.

Addison Cain has done it again. I don’t know what witchcraft she uses to create these stories, but I am full-on drinking her Kool-Aid and begging for seconds. His Darkest Deceit is a dark dystopian age-gap omegaverse romance with SciFi elements and maybe a splash of dark academia (think like a military training academy). Oh, and make the main characters hybrids between humans and reptiles—they are mostly human looking with some differences including having patches of scales on their bodies, talons instead of nails, and a few other differences with their anatomy 👀.

The world that Cain built in this story is different from any of her others, and the plot currently has me by the throat (yes, this ends on a cliffy)! The characters are completely on brand for a Cain novel—the heroine is a sassy, intelligent badass who’s stubborn to a fault, and the anti-hero is a full-on villain who you don’t really want to like, but you can’t help but love. Oh, and of course, he’s utterly OBSESSED with our heroine.

Pleading, I said, “You hear the song from a woman. I hear a song in the fog. What lengths wouldn’t you go to for your mate?”

“I will go to any length for my mate.” He looked at me as if he understood perfectly. Understood and despaired. “Even if my actions earn her hatred.”

God, I love Addison Cain’s books. They certainly aren’t for everyone, though, and will appeal to a very specific type of reader. Every time I read one of her stories, I’m reminded why she’s one of my favorite authors. They are a slam dunk for me every single time. 🏀 One other plus—Cain’s heroines have friends who are also intelligent with their own goals and dreams, and none of their lives revolve around men.

P.S. If non-con is a dealbreaker for you in romance novels, I’d highly recommend sitting this one out. There’s no sugarcoating this one. I understand why it happened, and it isn’t something I mind in books, but a spade is a spade and it will bother some readers. Also, if men having power over women is going to piss you off, this story will enrage you as there’s a very clear power imbalance that is a main focal point of the plot.

[blueberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,25 ⭐

I feel that Addison Cain has lost her touch.

The first part of the book and the universe is relatively interesting, at least enough to keep me interested, but once the couple is "together", the chemistry between them is totally non-existent.

I don't know what to make of the hero either, at first glance we have a fairly typical hero from this author: extremely dominant / alpha / controlling, but then he becomes almost too nice / too smitten?

I have no desire to read the next book and knowing this author, I'm not sure if she won't start another series instead.

Safety/ Spoilers

- No sharing or cheating.
- No OM/OW drama (very minor OM drama to make the hero jealous)
Both H and h are virgin.

TW
- Dubcon / forced seduction
- Mention of rape

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building was great and the characters are intriguing. Cyderial is maddening with his single-minded determination to dominate and control. I’m excited to read the sequel.

[Jami Kehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've missed Cain's disturbing and soul sucking writing! His Darkest Deceit was worth the wait! I'm so glad these mentally toxic characters have started whispering in her ear again. This story was so addicting. I need more ASAP.. I know, I know...SOON.

[Melanie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

***A 2025 TOP PICK***

Book 1 == > 5 STARS!
Book 2 ==> 4.5 STARS!

"You have waged war on me since the day we met."

What a great way to start off the year! 😍 Nobody writes female rage better than Addison Cain. The mental and physical tug of war between Cyderial and Lorieyn was superb . . . and DARK. Read with caution!

"I'm not sorry for wanting more than life in a cage."

[Melodious Midnight Melancholy「مروة」 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 ⭐️s.
Great writing and interesting world-building !
What a disappointment, had the author focused more on the plotline rather than heaping in tons of cheap cringy uncomfortable smut and poor character development, alas it would not have so sorely lacked in execution...

[Angela Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

can’t wait for book 2

I have read every book written by this author and always hate when the book that I am reading ends because I am so impatient for the next one. I highly recommend this book and author.

[Sahara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this and I did enjoy some of it. Mainly the writing and story telling aspect was quiet good. However, I didn't vibe with the characters- there was nothing unique or memorable about them. The weird anatomy kind of grossed me out and the chemistry just wasn't there. I don't think I will be rereading this.

[Aou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot but not sure if I’ll read the next book. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[ᎪᎡᎽᎷ ᏞႮᏙՏ ᎠᎪᎡᏦ ᎡϴᎷᎪΝᏟᎬ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn you, Addison! Damn you! Just when I try and avoid her books because iykyk! Ms Cain will PULL YOU IN, SUCK YOU DRY, AND SPIT YOU OUT! SHE will write a series with no qualms about completing it! And even though I knew this before getting the book- I COULDN'T HELP IT! Because I know Ms Cain is gonna set this omegaverse party AWF RIGHT!! THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING. Oh how i hated and loved General Cyderial. The way he stole a young Lorieyn! Disgusting! And yet, I went gaga over how he was so attentive, and patient with her. I just couldn't decide if I liked him. Grrrr & see that's where Addison shines as a writer. Her characters come to life before your eyes. Ahhhhhh... And Ms Cain writes omegaverse smut like NO OTHER. No one gives you more Jizz than SHE. Well maybe Finley😁 IYkyk. I realize this book reminds you of Shepard and Claire. But if you can suspend all belief- its a 5 star. Still worth the read. Ughhh Anyways, I am waiting patiently for book 2. Bravo

[Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. In many other omega-verse matings, it's usually scent that matches them. In this one it's a song. I like that it was a little bit different.
We can see how his desire to protect her transforms her life and those of the other students into a place of survival and strict rules.
I connected with her need to make her own choices and the pull of the fog. Watching The General is one of those ottjp characters but he hides it well.
They're mating is Dub non-con. And I like that that Dynamic was different also and their Anatomy different. The intimate times between them are steamy. As much as it's not really anatomically possible I do like the whole bulging stomach filled to overflowing. I like that while he might be able to influence her body sexually she doesn't fall into immediate love or even lust with him.

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This was so good 😊🖤. I haven’t read any Addison Cain in ages and I forgot how much I loved her writing.

I had to google image prehensile 🫣

[MsMoxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

General Cyderial brings twisted dominance to a whole new level! Lorieyn has never stood a chance. The twisted “grooming” of Lorieyn is so perverse and out of control hawt! Cyderial is everything you want to run from and yet his calculated manipulation is just out of this world sexy. The lengths he takes to protect Lorieyn from the other Alphas is admirable to say the least and yet is protection has always come with a price, her body, her mind and everything Cyderial can claim from her.
Twisted and perverse, I loved every moment of this read!

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

idk how to feel bout this one

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 1 out of 5]

The women here start out with no vagina and have to be ripped open and have their organs rearranged to get laid

As much as I enjoy creative anatomy, wtf

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan Kuzmich Makarov (Russian, 1822-1897), Girl with bowed head, Detail, n.d., Penza Regional Art Gallery

I was a little apprehensive to read this book. I've heard it's only part 1 and quite honestly, I'm not keen on waiting 10 years for book two, especially if the book is going to drag on and leave us on a horrible cliffhanger. But I've been on a book slump because of all the mediocre books I've read this year. So I read it! It's short enough to not be a huge commitment. And now I wish it were longer! This is by far the best book I've read this year. It certainly does not drag out. Every piece of writing in this book is interesting. There is a cliffhanger but it is no real cliffhanger...and it comes only after leaving you rather satisfied. You do not have to annoyingly wait for book two in order to see the smut. The plot is executed well.

[zoe · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 Star. I’m sorry but what the actual f*ck was that??? I am so disappointed because this book had SUCH potential. Our FMC is unwavering in her aspirations and goals. There is sisterhood rather than petty drama. The world is unique albeit not super fleshed out. And then come to find out OUR MMC HAS BEEN IN LOVE WITH THE FMC SINCE SHE WAS TWELVE AND HE WAS ONE HUNDRED AND SOMETHING!! And as if that’s not bad enough HE RAPES HER MULTIPLE TIMES. There is no redeeming him EVER. He is awful and disgusting. I thought this would be a taboo military romance but it is so much worse. I wanted our FMC to leave him despite the pain. I wanted her to realize that the pain she would endure is NOTHING compared to him raping her and “restraining” himself around her when she was TWELVE! What did I just read?!

[Amanda Freeman · Rating 1 out of 5]

It started interesting, good character and world building. Female character fighting against the norm and a world where females were kept ignorant and under males control and influence. Suddenly you are expected to think of the male antagonist as a misunderstood “hero” that was doing unspeakable things to protect the female lead because she was his “mate”. There is grooming, rape, attempt to normalise rape, sexual assault disguised as “smut”. Honestly disappointing and disturbing in so many levels.

[Malikha · Rating 1 out of 5]

OOOo-
I was not expecting the breeding stuff😵

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

What in the handmaidens tale meets alien lizards did I actually just read? Additionally, why do I need to see what book two has to say on the issue…

[Turbo Himbo · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is breeding and there are unrelated children mentioned in this book. I’m not sure I can condense the pregnancy content in one sentence like I usually do. Because of the alien anatomy the FMC is technically pregnant as soon as the MCs have sex for the first time, but it is up to her if any of the fertilized eggs she carries come to term. Even being so completely unusual to normal pregnancy this aspect triggered me and I want anyone with similar concerns to understand the content.

This book is what I would call ABO adjacent in the biological drives of the MCs. It’s 260 pages in ebook format and I read it in a little under four hours, broken up. Chapter 13, around page 111 and 45% in to the book is where the MMC and FMC first mate, without the FMC’s consent and honestly if she hadn’t been a slave to her biological drive she would have fought him to the death. The FMC has no understanding of her anatomy or her nature and hates the MMC, while the MMC has spent at least ten years learning their anatomy and how to care for his mate because he sensed their bond when she was 12 (they live for hundreds of years if that makes this any easier to swallow 🤷). Their species mate for life and their biology leads them to mate with someone that can…handle them?

Similar to The Duskwalker Brides series, as soon as a male mates a female the female’s anatomy is completely rearranged and her heats cannot be soothed by any other male. Dissimilar to Duskwalker Brides, the first mating that causes all this rearranging also involves every single egg a female carries to be inseminated and ready to be carried as offspring at the FMC’s will. The FMC in this book vehemently refuses to bring children in to their dangerous world and the rest of society thinks she is a ridiculous little girl who will mature to realize she will be a great mother.

Triggered.

My brief research leads me to believe she will most likely carry at least one egg to term, and if that’s true it completely undermines her status as a woman with the right to choose but good grief if that isn’t an underlying plot point to this book I don’t know what is.

Anyway! All of this changing and inseminating makes her absolutely unpalatable to other males of their species and leaves her with that ABO system of heat>knot>soothe>repeat.

This book does not shy away from the word rape and the FMC’s reaction to being raped is what I would consider realistic for her situation and knowledge base. She is mad and she has the training and strength to be deadly with her anger. Another aspect of her and the MMC’s species is that the male is able to drug the female with his pheromones, his saliva, his cum and as he’s the only one who can soothe her heat a mated male has the appearance of complete and total power over the mated female despite her strength and ability to kill him.

It is only hinted in this book that the FMC will stop angrily refusing to use her own biological weapons: the ability to ask anything of him and have him unable to resist providing it due to his own biological drive to provide for her. Currently this FMC is, understandably and justifiably, confused, scared, angry and distrustful of the MMC. I will not be continuing in this series due to the breeding and pregnancy aspects so I don’t know if we’ll ever get to see her wield her power over him, but I hope it happens.

I’m not sure I would have spent $7 on this book if I’d known any of this.

What did appeal to me in this book was the single-minded way the MMC manipulated and deceived everyone to ensure his mate was safe and provided her with everything he understood she would need, with the potential that he would also provide her with everything she wanted in the future.

Kinks that I liked were size difference, cum play, non-con, off page somnophilia, virgin MMC (and FMC), knotting, growling/purring/other primal and uncontrollable noise making, male preening, female fortitude, light nesting, complete power imbalance and the potential for female dominance if she figures out how to make this unavoidable situation work in her favor.

I’d also like to encourage anyone who is interested in buying any of this author’s work to Google her and weigh her decisions/actions for themself.

[Jas · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing in this book was pretty great—super detailed and really painted a vivid picture in my mind. But let's talk about the MMC. At first, he seemed okay, but then he raped the FMC. I get it's a dark romance, but he has literally witnessed the FMC grow up since she was a child over the course of 10 years, that made me question why he couldn't control himself better in that scene. Also, to make it worse there was barely any remorse for the rape and he actually went as far as to say that it wasn't that because she enjoyed it, even though she asked him to stop throughout the whole scene. After that, he went full-on obsessive and creepy, and tried to act apologetic for hurting her without actually saying or doing anything differently to show that. Also, he didn't just rape her once but multiple times, even when she was sleeping. Also, I don't like how the MMC and the original female hybrid tried to get the FMC to fogive his actions by saying the FMC was naive and didn't know much about society and how being with him was the best option for the whole hybrid race. While the part about her not knowing about society is true, its also thier fault that none of the females in that world knew anything about society or their own bodies bc they didn't educate them properly. That part made me so mad.

On the flip side, I loved the FMC. She had goals and was ready to do whatever it took to reach them. What I especially liked was that she wasn't a doormat and didn't let the MMC walk all over her—she straight up despised him the whole way through. That added a cool dynamic to the story, making it worth the read despite the weird vibes from the MMC.

[Queen Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was different than what I was used to. Though it almost gave me a flashback to Born to be Bound. This MMC is definitely not Shepard but he's interesting and a very much Alpha male type figure. The world is interesting and the omega feel is there even if different. I want to know more about the world since we mainly see things through the FMC who doesn't know much. I definitely want more of Maeve so I'm sticking around for the next book to see what happens!!

[Dddddddd000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s safe to say she more than delivered with this one! absolutely loved it and could not put it down, I cannot wait for the next one and all the others that her brilliant brain will come up with. Definitely my favourite so far!! 🫶🏼 ✨

[Shhh]

How exciting! Another series that will leave us hanging FOREVER!
How about finishing this one for a change?!

[Johanna Bixby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I though I had read it all in the Omegaverse world…..
I was wrong !