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The Bloody Decades Trilogy #1
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick
Some women are born with sadness etched into their bones. That’s the case with Lucille Thompson. Forced to marry a notorious lawyer, she’s everything you would expect from a 1950s housewife. Proper, polite, and doomed to a life with no choices of her own while her husband cheats, lies, and likes to get creative with making her life a living hell.
The one thing that helps her survive is fantasizing about his demise. One day, after one of his violent outbursts, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper. Fast forward, Mrs. Thompson publishes a book, and that’s where things get even more perilous than they already were.
A criminal by the name of Dubh Burton crashes into her life like a lightning strike.
This man spends his days in Crimson Manor—an asylum for the criminally insane. Days blur together in a torturous soup of agony, until he comes across a book in the prison library. A tale about a housewife who dreams of killing her husband and does so in the most horrific way.
Dubh believes he can read between the lines. He concludes that Lucille’s words are a cry for help. She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her once his time is served. He will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things she never even dared to dream of.
He’ll hand revenge to her on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart.
When he is finally released, Lucille wakes up in a living nightmare. All the scary scenes from her book seem to come to life. And though she knows she should run far away from Dubh, all she seems to want to do is run toward him.
The one thing that helps her survive is fantasizing about his demise. One day, after one of his violent outbursts, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper. Fast forward, Mrs. Thompson publishes a book, and that’s where things get even more perilous than they already were.
A criminal by the name of Dubh Burton crashes into her life like a lightning strike.
This man spends his days in Crimson Manor—an asylum for the criminally insane. Days blur together in a torturous soup of agony, until he comes across a book in the prison library. A tale about a housewife who dreams of killing her husband and does so in the most horrific way.
Dubh believes he can read between the lines. He concludes that Lucille’s words are a cry for help. She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her once his time is served. He will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things she never even dared to dream of.
He’ll hand revenge to her on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart.
When he is finally released, Lucille wakes up in a living nightmare. All the scary scenes from her book seem to come to life. And though she knows she should run far away from Dubh, all she seems to want to do is run toward him.
369 pages, Unknown Binding
Published December 14, 2023
23 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Dolores Lane
4 books129 followersDolores Lane is a dark romance author who writes stories of revenge, murder, and filthy sex. Her books usually contain foulmouthed heroines that don’t take shit from anyone and men who will burn down the world for the woman they love. Most of her characters are giant red flags, but red happens to be her favorite color.
She lives in the Netherlands and she likes reading, listening to music, watching TV shows and movies (particularly ones about hot psychopaths) and taking long nature walks with her dog.
She lives in the Netherlands and she likes reading, listening to music, watching TV shows and movies (particularly ones about hot psychopaths) and taking long nature walks with her dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 8, 2023
First of all, thanks to the author for providing me this ARC🫶🏼
The FMC is tired of being in a loveless marriage and having to live with her abusive husband so she writes a book about her darkest desires of wanting to kill him. Dubh, the MMC is in a psychiatric hospital for murder and ends up reading the FMC’s book and falls completely in love with her. When he gets out, he doesn’t stop until he’s with Lucille and he’s adamant on making her dreams come true by getting her the revenge she deserves.
This dark romance book was something else. I’m not really into the genre too much and this was curious/original (at least for me because I’ve never read a book like this).
It was good. The smut was really well written. I won’t lie, it’s addictive and I didn’t even notice on which percentage I was until I read “THE END”.
I’m not really fond on the whole stalker thing but at least the FMC was a strong woman (even though I think she accepted Dubh reaaaaaally easy and fast).
The 3 stars are not because I didn’t like it, but because dark romance and I don’t really get along too much (the author provided me with the trigger warnings and I knew what the book was about before asking for the ARC, so this is completely me and my weird mind).
The writing was good but sometimes I felt it was repetitive (I’ve never read “bloody hell” or “lass” that much in my life omg) and I didn’t like how it was always referred as “looney bin” “cuckoo” etc. regarding the asylum and/or the patients there (I felt it kinda disrespectful idk).
The 1950’s setting was good too, but I would’ve love to see more stuff to get in the mood/vibes of it.
I also think the whole thing of her husband was really fast and easy and after that is just sex so that threw me off a little.
This books comes out the 14th of December of 2023 and it is book one of a trilogy. The next one will be set on 1975 and I LOVE the 70’s and the 80’s so much I want to really know how the author writes it!
Before reading CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book is not recommended for everyone, it contains really hard stuff and it can be upsetting to some readers. I would say this is a +21 yo book.
Smut: 4🌶️/5.
Again, thank you Ms. Dolores Lane for the ARC♥️.
The FMC is tired of being in a loveless marriage and having to live with her abusive husband so she writes a book about her darkest desires of wanting to kill him. Dubh, the MMC is in a psychiatric hospital for murder and ends up reading the FMC’s book and falls completely in love with her. When he gets out, he doesn’t stop until he’s with Lucille and he’s adamant on making her dreams come true by getting her the revenge she deserves.
This dark romance book was something else. I’m not really into the genre too much and this was curious/original (at least for me because I’ve never read a book like this).
It was good. The smut was really well written. I won’t lie, it’s addictive and I didn’t even notice on which percentage I was until I read “THE END”.
I’m not really fond on the whole stalker thing but at least the FMC was a strong woman (even though I think she accepted Dubh reaaaaaally easy and fast).
The 3 stars are not because I didn’t like it, but because dark romance and I don’t really get along too much (the author provided me with the trigger warnings and I knew what the book was about before asking for the ARC, so this is completely me and my weird mind).
The writing was good but sometimes I felt it was repetitive (I’ve never read “bloody hell” or “lass” that much in my life omg) and I didn’t like how it was always referred as “looney bin” “cuckoo” etc. regarding the asylum and/or the patients there (I felt it kinda disrespectful idk).
The 1950’s setting was good too, but I would’ve love to see more stuff to get in the mood/vibes of it.
I also think the whole thing of her husband was really fast and easy and after that is just sex so that threw me off a little.
This books comes out the 14th of December of 2023 and it is book one of a trilogy. The next one will be set on 1975 and I LOVE the 70’s and the 80’s so much I want to really know how the author writes it!
Before reading CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book is not recommended for everyone, it contains really hard stuff and it can be upsetting to some readers. I would say this is a +21 yo book.
Smut: 4🌶️/5.
Again, thank you Ms. Dolores Lane for the ARC♥️.
December 13, 2023
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Spice quality 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
I received this book as an arc and my thoughts are honest and my own! :)
I just want to say thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book as an advanced copy.
This book is fantastic! It felt like I traveled back in time and was right there with the FMC. This book is set in the 1950s and we follow the beautiful Lucille Thompson who was forced to marry and become a house wife to an absolute brute who treats her like she is nothing but a stain on his name and shoe and abuses her.
Lucille is forced to pretend that her life is perfect as to not incur the wrath of her husband that wants her to be prime and proper and the perfect housewife. What is a housewife to do but to write down every horrible fantasy that she has and become a published author!
However what happens when this book lands in the hands of a criminal named Dubh Burton and he becomes obsessed with helping her because he knows that her book is a housewife's cry for help?
Not only does he want to help her, he wants her for himself. He wants to show her how life can be filled with pleasure and all the things that she wants. And he will stop at nothing to have her in his arms, even if that means stalking her and making her love him.
I loved the "love letters" that he writes to her before he even gets to meet her and just wanted to see more and more of them!
The world building in this book is also amazing and I love that this not only focus's on Lucille and Dubh but also on some other characters in the book.
I also love the fact that the author has this so close to how the 50s that it felt like an ole timey home movie which to me is fantastic.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes dark romance! :) I can not wait to read more from this author.
(Ai images by me)
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Spice quality 🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
I received this book as an arc and my thoughts are honest and my own! :)
I just want to say thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book as an advanced copy.
This book is fantastic! It felt like I traveled back in time and was right there with the FMC. This book is set in the 1950s and we follow the beautiful Lucille Thompson who was forced to marry and become a house wife to an absolute brute who treats her like she is nothing but a stain on his name and shoe and abuses her.
Lucille is forced to pretend that her life is perfect as to not incur the wrath of her husband that wants her to be prime and proper and the perfect housewife. What is a housewife to do but to write down every horrible fantasy that she has and become a published author!
However what happens when this book lands in the hands of a criminal named Dubh Burton and he becomes obsessed with helping her because he knows that her book is a housewife's cry for help?
Not only does he want to help her, he wants her for himself. He wants to show her how life can be filled with pleasure and all the things that she wants. And he will stop at nothing to have her in his arms, even if that means stalking her and making her love him.
I loved the "love letters" that he writes to her before he even gets to meet her and just wanted to see more and more of them!
The world building in this book is also amazing and I love that this not only focus's on Lucille and Dubh but also on some other characters in the book.
I also love the fact that the author has this so close to how the 50s that it felt like an ole timey home movie which to me is fantastic.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes dark romance! :) I can not wait to read more from this author.
(Ai images by me)
December 11, 2023
ARC REVIEW :)!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING OF COURSE!!!*
-
OMG! Where do I even begin?? I received this book as an ARC read and I’ve been impressed. This is my first ever ARC review experience and it did not let me down at all! The story was amazing, sexy, dark, twisted, and entertaining. I read it most on my train rides and it really helped me get lost into the world, words, and characters. I could really relate to most of the parts of the stories while other parts had me giggling and looking around the train to see if anyone else was watching me. It was an amazing reading journey from start to finish. I took my time to read it because I wanted to soak in so much details as much as possible. Dolores really outdid herself with this story. I’m so glad it was a chaotic couple and not some “innocent” girl and corrupted guy (which is fine but both of them being messed up in their own way was more entertaining). There was so much about the story where I either gasped, giggled, blushed, and even felt single (lol). Great job Dolores! I would recommend this story to anyone that loves dark romance and murder romance.
~ I really want to shout out the awareness she did in this story of homosexuality and the case where a certain group that was Black was falsely accused and didn’t end with a happy ending. Not many authors write small moments like that. It’s really appreciated and loved on my side!~
P.S: I might be sick and twisted but I don’t care 😛.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
*PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING OF COURSE!!!*
-
OMG! Where do I even begin?? I received this book as an ARC read and I’ve been impressed. This is my first ever ARC review experience and it did not let me down at all! The story was amazing, sexy, dark, twisted, and entertaining. I read it most on my train rides and it really helped me get lost into the world, words, and characters. I could really relate to most of the parts of the stories while other parts had me giggling and looking around the train to see if anyone else was watching me. It was an amazing reading journey from start to finish. I took my time to read it because I wanted to soak in so much details as much as possible. Dolores really outdid herself with this story. I’m so glad it was a chaotic couple and not some “innocent” girl and corrupted guy (which is fine but both of them being messed up in their own way was more entertaining). There was so much about the story where I either gasped, giggled, blushed, and even felt single (lol). Great job Dolores! I would recommend this story to anyone that loves dark romance and murder romance.
~ I really want to shout out the awareness she did in this story of homosexuality and the case where a certain group that was Black was falsely accused and didn’t end with a happy ending. Not many authors write small moments like that. It’s really appreciated and loved on my side!~
P.S: I might be sick and twisted but I don’t care 😛.
January 31, 2024
OMG OMG OMFG.
This book was absolutely perfection. This author managed to write a dark romance book, set in the 50’s with an unhinged MMC a foul mouthed FMC that is an author while simultaneously addressing the racism and sexism in this time period WITHOUT romanticizing it.
Lucy is an abused house wife who wrote a book living out her true fantasy.
Dubh is an unhinged prisoner in an insane asylum who comes across said book and of course becomes OBSESSED.
And shit just hits the FAN from there on out.
This book is GRAPHIC, DERANGED, AND FILTHY. All the things the dark romance girlies love and best of all.. this is book one of a trilogy. I’m salivating for the rest of these books!
What a great love story to this sub genre that gets so much hate!!! Thank you Delores for this beautiful book. I will be ranting and raving about this to anyone who listens!!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK CONTENT:TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS BOOK!!!!
*I received an ARC in the exchange for my honest review*
This book was absolutely perfection. This author managed to write a dark romance book, set in the 50’s with an unhinged MMC a foul mouthed FMC that is an author while simultaneously addressing the racism and sexism in this time period WITHOUT romanticizing it.
Lucy is an abused house wife who wrote a book living out her true fantasy.
Dubh is an unhinged prisoner in an insane asylum who comes across said book and of course becomes OBSESSED.
And shit just hits the FAN from there on out.
This book is GRAPHIC, DERANGED, AND FILTHY. All the things the dark romance girlies love and best of all.. this is book one of a trilogy. I’m salivating for the rest of these books!
What a great love story to this sub genre that gets so much hate!!! Thank you Delores for this beautiful book. I will be ranting and raving about this to anyone who listens!!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK CONTENT:TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS BOOK!!!!
*I received an ARC in the exchange for my honest review*
December 1, 2023
"Bloody Fingers and Red Lipstick," by Dolores
Some women are born with sadness etched into their bones. That’s the case with Lucille Thompson. Forced to marry a notorious lawyer, she’s everything you would expect from a 1950s housewife. Proper, polite, and doomed to a life with no choices of her own while her husband cheats, lies, and likes to get creative with making her life a living hell. One day, after one of his violent outbursts, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper. A criminal by the name of Dubh Burton crashes into her life like a lightning strike. Days blur together in a torturous soup of agony, until he comes across a book in the prison library. A tale about a housewife who dreams of killing her husband and does so in the most horrific way. He concludes that Lucille’s words are a cry for help. She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her once his time is served. He will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things she never even dared to dream of. He’ll hand revenge to her on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart. When he is finally released, Lucille wakes up in a living nightmare. All the scary scenes from her book seem to come to life. And though she knows she should run far away from Dubh, all she seems to want to do is run toward him.
THIS was everything. It was such a breath of fresh air for an intense thrilling, smutty romance! It had everything, the aesthetic had flair, the characters were brazen and steamy, the crazy drama and dark themes were immersive and let me tell you the soundtrack alone has me hooked completely on this trilogy! The level of spice was top tier and who can blame a Cillian Murphy inspired debut as imagining it was him was another reason I devoured these pages. I rated this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨👀 and 10/10🌶️
#booktok #darkfiction #darkromance #darkromancebooks #darkthemes #1950s #1950style #bookromantic #murderers #thrillerbooks #crimejunkie #smuttok #smutbooks #darkaesthetic #5stars #5starread #booktok #bookaesthetic #bookaccount #arcreader #arc #debut #cillianmurphy
Some women are born with sadness etched into their bones. That’s the case with Lucille Thompson. Forced to marry a notorious lawyer, she’s everything you would expect from a 1950s housewife. Proper, polite, and doomed to a life with no choices of her own while her husband cheats, lies, and likes to get creative with making her life a living hell. One day, after one of his violent outbursts, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper. A criminal by the name of Dubh Burton crashes into her life like a lightning strike. Days blur together in a torturous soup of agony, until he comes across a book in the prison library. A tale about a housewife who dreams of killing her husband and does so in the most horrific way. He concludes that Lucille’s words are a cry for help. She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her once his time is served. He will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things she never even dared to dream of. He’ll hand revenge to her on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart. When he is finally released, Lucille wakes up in a living nightmare. All the scary scenes from her book seem to come to life. And though she knows she should run far away from Dubh, all she seems to want to do is run toward him.
THIS was everything. It was such a breath of fresh air for an intense thrilling, smutty romance! It had everything, the aesthetic had flair, the characters were brazen and steamy, the crazy drama and dark themes were immersive and let me tell you the soundtrack alone has me hooked completely on this trilogy! The level of spice was top tier and who can blame a Cillian Murphy inspired debut as imagining it was him was another reason I devoured these pages. I rated this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨👀 and 10/10🌶️
#booktok #darkfiction #darkromance #darkromancebooks #darkthemes #1950s #1950style #bookromantic #murderers #thrillerbooks #crimejunkie #smuttok #smutbooks #darkaesthetic #5stars #5starread #booktok #bookaesthetic #bookaccount #arcreader #arc #debut #cillianmurphy
November 30, 2023
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is a love letter to the fifties fashion and music. It is absolutely
beautifully written. A seductive dance of love and torment unfolds amidst the suffocating confines of a patriarchal society, painting a picture steeped in darkness, murder, and twisted passions.
Listen, this is a dark romance novel, the trigger list is its own chapter, so you know it’s going to be depraved.
Within these pages lies a forbidden liaison—a collision between a ruthless mobster and a seemingly
demure housewife. Lucille and Dubh ignite an inferno of desire and danger, their chemistry crackling like flames, while Lucy futilely attempts to douse the scorching blaze with feeble gestures.
This enigmatic narrative weaves a tapestry of deceit and retribution, revealing the demise of Lucy's
pitiful husband and another character, their fates intricately tied to the unraveling saga.
Without divulging too much, the conclusion delivers a gratifying resolution, leaving a hunger for the forthcoming volumes—a tantalizing promise of dark academia entwined with the intoxicating allure of dark romance. Dolores crafts a bewitching world that is bound to ensnare the hearts of avid
enthusiasts, breathing life into a mesmerizing trilogy that holds an enchantment all its own.
beautifully written. A seductive dance of love and torment unfolds amidst the suffocating confines of a patriarchal society, painting a picture steeped in darkness, murder, and twisted passions.
Listen, this is a dark romance novel, the trigger list is its own chapter, so you know it’s going to be depraved.
Within these pages lies a forbidden liaison—a collision between a ruthless mobster and a seemingly
demure housewife. Lucille and Dubh ignite an inferno of desire and danger, their chemistry crackling like flames, while Lucy futilely attempts to douse the scorching blaze with feeble gestures.
This enigmatic narrative weaves a tapestry of deceit and retribution, revealing the demise of Lucy's
pitiful husband and another character, their fates intricately tied to the unraveling saga.
Without divulging too much, the conclusion delivers a gratifying resolution, leaving a hunger for the forthcoming volumes—a tantalizing promise of dark academia entwined with the intoxicating allure of dark romance. Dolores crafts a bewitching world that is bound to ensnare the hearts of avid
enthusiasts, breathing life into a mesmerizing trilogy that holds an enchantment all its own.
December 1, 2023
I LOVE everything about this. I love this being set in the 50’s with perfect tributes to the fashion and music. This will be perfect for you if you love dark, stalker, mafia-ish, serial killer romance. Dolores really has a way of creating an environment that you can feel, and she never skimps with the spice. Dubh is such a hot psycho with a soft spot for Lucille. I love how fierce the fmc is, another reminder that all ladies can be fiery. The ending for this gives you so much excitement for the rest of the trilogy.
December 14, 2023
Thank you so, so much to the author fro providing me with an arc 🤍
5/5⭐
4/5🌶️
Check trigger warnings before reading!!
I didn't think I'd love this book because I'm not a dark romance girlie (or at least I hadn't read many before this one) but boy did this take me for a ride. Someone tell me how it is possible that I enjoyed this THIS MUCH. I was invested from the very first sentence, and I was obsessed until the very last page.
We follow Lucille, a woman who was forced to marry an abusive man, as she pours her darkest fantasies into her first novel and the aftermath of that action. When that gory, murder story falls into the hands of Dubh, he becomes obsessed with her.
I loved the setting and the narration and the characters (although I've never read the word "bloody" as much as I have in this book). Dolores Lane even provides a playlist that I listened to as I read because I thought It'd help me get more immersed in the story, as I am absolutely not familiar with 1950s in general. I feel the pacing was great and I never felt we were rushing too much or going too slowly, even if I feel the first part of the story goes through fairly quickly -but well, the publishing of Lucille's book is mentioned in the blurb so I don't think it's a big deal. All throughout, the story flows very nicely thanks also to Lane's writing.
I liked that we could see different aspects and sides of the characters. Lucille was proper and stylish and liked to dress pretty but was fierce and strong and a force to be reckoned with too. She's very strong-minded and resilient and has a big heart. We could see a similar dinamic with Dubh, who is not just her stalker cuckoo man being released from the asylum.
Long story short, if you enjoy dark, mafia / stalker romances this is definitely for you. I was super invested and I really enjoyed reading the story. I can't wait to read more of Lane's work!! I've rated it with four 🌶️ as it features multiples spicy scenes that are very graphic and very next-level for me. It's bloody and gory and violent so please do check trigger warnings beforehand!
5/5⭐
4/5🌶️
Check trigger warnings before reading!!
I didn't think I'd love this book because I'm not a dark romance girlie (or at least I hadn't read many before this one) but boy did this take me for a ride. Someone tell me how it is possible that I enjoyed this THIS MUCH. I was invested from the very first sentence, and I was obsessed until the very last page.
We follow Lucille, a woman who was forced to marry an abusive man, as she pours her darkest fantasies into her first novel and the aftermath of that action. When that gory, murder story falls into the hands of Dubh, he becomes obsessed with her.
I loved the setting and the narration and the characters (although I've never read the word "bloody" as much as I have in this book). Dolores Lane even provides a playlist that I listened to as I read because I thought It'd help me get more immersed in the story, as I am absolutely not familiar with 1950s in general. I feel the pacing was great and I never felt we were rushing too much or going too slowly, even if I feel the first part of the story goes through fairly quickly -but well, the publishing of Lucille's book is mentioned in the blurb so I don't think it's a big deal. All throughout, the story flows very nicely thanks also to Lane's writing.
I liked that we could see different aspects and sides of the characters. Lucille was proper and stylish and liked to dress pretty but was fierce and strong and a force to be reckoned with too. She's very strong-minded and resilient and has a big heart. We could see a similar dinamic with Dubh, who is not just her stalker cuckoo man being released from the asylum.
Long story short, if you enjoy dark, mafia / stalker romances this is definitely for you. I was super invested and I really enjoyed reading the story. I can't wait to read more of Lane's work!! I've rated it with four 🌶️ as it features multiples spicy scenes that are very graphic and very next-level for me. It's bloody and gory and violent so please do check trigger warnings beforehand!
December 11, 2023
I received this as an ARC, and I'm so thankful for it! For something set in the 50s, I loved how Dolores didn't keep Lucille's personality and language submissive and docile. The shock to everyone when she would open her mouth was great! But honestly, this book was just all around phenomenal. I loved every bit of it.
February 20, 2024
DNF 36%
it’s a good concept but holy shit, i’m so bored
it’s a good concept but holy shit, i’m so bored
December 6, 2023
Oh my….did I find a new genre to obsess over. This is my first dark romance and oh my! This was such a good book! I was totally sucked in from the beginning. This book was so suspenseful, luring, dark and spicy. I would 100% recommend this book!
December 4, 2023
LADIES...grab your water. This book is FULL of spice! 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶! Make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading. As long as the tw don't bother you, pick this book up when it is released on December 14, 2023. Everything from the fashion to the music is perfectly written based on the 50s. It is very dark and both main characters are certifiably insane, but in the best way!
February 2, 2024
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick - Dolores Lane
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow!! I don’t even know where to begin with this book from Dolores Lane!! This book is everything you want from a Dark Romance, once you get your head around it being based in the 1950s where women are meant to be seen but not heard, and are only there to service their husbands needs.
From the get go you hate the Husband and you’re right there with Lucille envisioning a way you can kill off Richard after the way he treats her. (Don’t even get me started with that High heeled pump scene)
When you have a husband like Richard I can see the appeal in having a psycho stalker that makes you feel seen and sexy all at the same time and that’s exactly what the super attractive Dubh is.
“The second I saw those mismatched eyes on that breathtaking picture in the back of your book, I knew you would corrupt every fiber of my being. I could see that you were the kind of woman I would kill for. You think I’m insane, and I will never, ever deny that. But I believe that deep inside, there is a part of you that is just as insane as I am. And I intend to bring it out of you.”
I ATE THIS BOOK UP!! I know I’m definitely in my dark romance era and this book sits highly alongside so many of my favourite dark romance reads.
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and I’m so glad that I did. From the fashion, the music and the Gangsters it is perfectly written based on the 50s.
I’m here for the MMC to be a morally grey Stalker, with a touch my women and die Protectiveness about them. Who doesn’t love the main characters being certifiably insane…. but in the very best way!
“You taste like rage and desire, and it’s fucking intoxicating.”
This book is full of Triggers so please please make sure you check the warnings before starting Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick as it gets heavy fast (within the first 18 pages).
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow!! I don’t even know where to begin with this book from Dolores Lane!! This book is everything you want from a Dark Romance, once you get your head around it being based in the 1950s where women are meant to be seen but not heard, and are only there to service their husbands needs.
From the get go you hate the Husband and you’re right there with Lucille envisioning a way you can kill off Richard after the way he treats her. (Don’t even get me started with that High heeled pump scene)
When you have a husband like Richard I can see the appeal in having a psycho stalker that makes you feel seen and sexy all at the same time and that’s exactly what the super attractive Dubh is.
“The second I saw those mismatched eyes on that breathtaking picture in the back of your book, I knew you would corrupt every fiber of my being. I could see that you were the kind of woman I would kill for. You think I’m insane, and I will never, ever deny that. But I believe that deep inside, there is a part of you that is just as insane as I am. And I intend to bring it out of you.”
I ATE THIS BOOK UP!! I know I’m definitely in my dark romance era and this book sits highly alongside so many of my favourite dark romance reads.
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and I’m so glad that I did. From the fashion, the music and the Gangsters it is perfectly written based on the 50s.
I’m here for the MMC to be a morally grey Stalker, with a touch my women and die Protectiveness about them. Who doesn’t love the main characters being certifiably insane…. but in the very best way!
“You taste like rage and desire, and it’s fucking intoxicating.”
This book is full of Triggers so please please make sure you check the warnings before starting Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick as it gets heavy fast (within the first 18 pages).
May 1, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 stars!! Okay so when I started this the first 15-20% reminded me so much of the blood duet I almost DNF’d it. Lucille seemed to be everything Jane was just in a different timeframe. And for me it felt like I was reading the same book at first. I’m not personally a fan of rereads unless I truly forget the book and it’s been years. Something about Dubh’s perspective just really made me want to keep reading and I’m SO glad I did because I think this one tops the blood duet for me! I loved their story and I loved the timeframe the story takes place. Wonderful writing, I loved that Lucille was an author as well, just everything about this checked all the boxes for me. And let’s not forget how fantastic the smut was 🔥🌶️ Dolores Lane will be an automatic read for me always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
Thank you to Dolores for allowing me the chance to read the ARC for this wonderful story and for this being my first ARC, my review is honest and from the heart.
This story takes place in the 1950's era. Lucille was born into a high money life and married off into a life of misery, an unhappy marriage where she is forced to play the part of the "perfect" housewife. Where she must make sure that she is prim and proper, if not she must face the anger of her husband. This incurs her to now fantasize all the ways she can murder her husband. To be able to escape her reality, she writes down all these wonderful fantasies of the ways she wants to murder him.
Not to give too much away, this book then lands in the hands of our morally gray character Dubh, who is, by the way, a patient at the mental institute. After reading her book and one look at her picture he has claimed possession over Lucille and devises a plan to help her dream come true. He knew that her book was a cry for help, to be heard, to be seen!
Once he is released he tracks down "his girl" and from there its history.
The relationship between Lucille and Dubh is one that I fell in love with quickly as I turned each page. Lucille fought tooth and nail to not fall for him. Dubh remained oh so possessive and never let up on her; he knew what he wanted, and that was Lucille.
He is rough around the edges, will kill for her ( literally) and brings out all her most deep and dark desires that she never knew was possible. He is also a very romantic stalker. With flowers, drive in movies and dancing to the phonograph,
Lucille is our foul mouthed and feisty FMC who survived so much and after being set free from her husband, with the help of Dubh, she will never allow herself to be silenced by a man again.
Don't get me started on the heat between these two, Dubh unlocks Lucille's sexual desires she never even knew, he sure knows how to make a lady happy!
This is the first book I have read by Dolores, and it is only the beginning! I will absolutely be grabbing a hard copy of this book to hold onto forever as well as her others. I highly recommend this read and cannot wait for the next book !
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice content:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spice Quality:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 18, 2023
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this arc, I don’t even know where to begin with this review.
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is beautifully written, twisted, dark, sexy and caused me an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. This is a dark romance and you know it’s going to be depraved due to the list of trigger warnings filling up their own page.
From the moment I started reading this book, I fell straight into the world, I felt like I was living in the 1950’s.
Lucille was forced to marry and is stuck in a loveless marriage with a monstrous husband, who does nothing but cause her pain in every possible way. Our FMC has been forced to hide how she feels and act as if her life is perfect, but something dark is stirring. Lucille decides to write a book, a book based on her life and her dark desires about ending her husband’s life.
Dubh is serving a sentence in a psychiatric hospital for the murder of 3 men. One day he finds a book that should never have been allowed in the hospital, this is where his obsession with our FMC begins. Following this he begins taunting the beautiful Lucille, until his time at the hospital is up and nothing will stop him from claiming his girl.
This book is completely addictive, the spice is HOT AS HECK!
The world building is incredible, I felt like I had been dragged into the 1950’s, it was perfection. It’s dark and depraved.
It’s haunting and horrific.
It’s full of love and hate
It’s full of murder.
It’s EVERYTHING!
And it’s full of some of the best tropes:
🩸Forced proximity
🩸Mafia
🩸Alpha male
🩸Murder
🩸Stalker
🩸Morally grey
🩸Touch her and ☠️
🩸Dual POV
Thank you so much to the author for sending me this arc, I don’t even know where to begin with this review.
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is beautifully written, twisted, dark, sexy and caused me an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. This is a dark romance and you know it’s going to be depraved due to the list of trigger warnings filling up their own page.
From the moment I started reading this book, I fell straight into the world, I felt like I was living in the 1950’s.
Lucille was forced to marry and is stuck in a loveless marriage with a monstrous husband, who does nothing but cause her pain in every possible way. Our FMC has been forced to hide how she feels and act as if her life is perfect, but something dark is stirring. Lucille decides to write a book, a book based on her life and her dark desires about ending her husband’s life.
Dubh is serving a sentence in a psychiatric hospital for the murder of 3 men. One day he finds a book that should never have been allowed in the hospital, this is where his obsession with our FMC begins. Following this he begins taunting the beautiful Lucille, until his time at the hospital is up and nothing will stop him from claiming his girl.
This book is completely addictive, the spice is HOT AS HECK!
The world building is incredible, I felt like I had been dragged into the 1950’s, it was perfection. It’s dark and depraved.
It’s haunting and horrific.
It’s full of love and hate
It’s full of murder.
It’s EVERYTHING!
And it’s full of some of the best tropes:
🩸Forced proximity
🩸Mafia
🩸Alpha male
🩸Murder
🩸Stalker
🩸Morally grey
🩸Touch her and ☠️
🩸Dual POV
December 8, 2023
Thank you Dolores Lane for this amazing ARC!
What an amazing read! Seriously! I read and devoured this book!
This book was set back in the 1950’s with an era like Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn, with a little murder on the side. What could be better right?
Summary:
Some women are born with sadness etched into their bones. That’s the case with Lucille Thompson. Forced to marry a notorious lawyer, she’s everything you would expect from a 1950s housewife. Proper, polite, and doomed to a life with no choices of her own while her husband cheats, lies, and likes to get creative with making her life a living hell.
The one thing that helps her survive is fantasizing about his demise. One day, after one of his violent outbursts, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper. Fast forward, Mrs. Thompson publishes a book, and that’s where things get even more perilous than they already were.
A criminal by the name of Dubh Burton crashes into her life like a lightning strike.
This man spends his days in Crimson Manor—an asylum for the criminally insane. Days blur together in a torturous soup of agony, until he comes across a book in the prison library. A tale about a housewife who dreams of killing her husband and does so in the most horrific way.
Dubh believes he can read between the lines. He concludes that Lucille’s words are a cry for help. She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her once his time is served. He will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things she never even dared to dream of.
He’ll hand revenge to her on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart.
When he is finally released, Lucille wakes up in a living nightmare. All the scary scenes from her book seem to come to life. And though she knows she should run far away from Dubh, all she seems to want to do is run toward him.
Ahhh I loved Dubh like loved him! When people ask describe your ideal book boyfriend, it’s freakin Dubh Burton. A man who is technically insane and will kill anyone who touches what’s his?! Uhgghh sign me up now!
SO SO SO MANY TRIGGERS in this book! PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING!
Tropes:
-Touch her and ☠️
-revenge
-love at first site
-forced proximity
-dark/taboo
-BDSM
-butt play
-blood play
-knife play
What an amazing read! Seriously! I read and devoured this book!
This book was set back in the 1950’s with an era like Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn, with a little murder on the side. What could be better right?
Summary:
Some women are born with sadness etched into their bones. That’s the case with Lucille Thompson. Forced to marry a notorious lawyer, she’s everything you would expect from a 1950s housewife. Proper, polite, and doomed to a life with no choices of her own while her husband cheats, lies, and likes to get creative with making her life a living hell.
The one thing that helps her survive is fantasizing about his demise. One day, after one of his violent outbursts, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper. Fast forward, Mrs. Thompson publishes a book, and that’s where things get even more perilous than they already were.
A criminal by the name of Dubh Burton crashes into her life like a lightning strike.
This man spends his days in Crimson Manor—an asylum for the criminally insane. Days blur together in a torturous soup of agony, until he comes across a book in the prison library. A tale about a housewife who dreams of killing her husband and does so in the most horrific way.
Dubh believes he can read between the lines. He concludes that Lucille’s words are a cry for help. She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her once his time is served. He will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things she never even dared to dream of.
He’ll hand revenge to her on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart.
When he is finally released, Lucille wakes up in a living nightmare. All the scary scenes from her book seem to come to life. And though she knows she should run far away from Dubh, all she seems to want to do is run toward him.
Ahhh I loved Dubh like loved him! When people ask describe your ideal book boyfriend, it’s freakin Dubh Burton. A man who is technically insane and will kill anyone who touches what’s his?! Uhgghh sign me up now!
SO SO SO MANY TRIGGERS in this book! PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING!
Tropes:
-Touch her and ☠️
-revenge
-love at first site
-forced proximity
-dark/taboo
-BDSM
-butt play
-blood play
-knife play
December 26, 2023
I hate that I say wow so much, but wow!
This was such a good read. The spice was to die for, but the story was just *chef’s kiss*!
Lucille has been torn down by every single person in her life, most of all by her husband. She expresses her need for a better life through writing. After penning a novel to set out her frustrations, she only manages to make her husband angrier.
Little does she know she’s caught the attention of a man who will come to turn her life upside down.
First of all, DUBH BURTON. That is all.
I mean honestly, who wouldn’t want their own DUBH? I would! So what if he works for the mob, he’s got a filthy mouth and an obsession with his woman. How much better does it get?
But, let’s not for a second forget about our leading lady Lucille! Holy bad@ss! Y’all, this one will shock you. Under the calm housewife demeanor is a woman who will make you pay for any wrong you do her or those she loves.
These two are perfect together. I feel like the phrase “the chemistry” is overused (by me mostly) but seriously… through. The. Roof. Lucille does everything she can to push Dubh away initially and the banter that ensues is nothing short of gold medal worthy.
As always I try to be a spoiler free girlie, so I don’t want to get too much into it so that I don’t go and accidentally give something away. Y’all will just have to read and find out how amazing this couple is!
This was such a good read. The spice was to die for, but the story was just *chef’s kiss*!
Lucille has been torn down by every single person in her life, most of all by her husband. She expresses her need for a better life through writing. After penning a novel to set out her frustrations, she only manages to make her husband angrier.
Little does she know she’s caught the attention of a man who will come to turn her life upside down.
First of all, DUBH BURTON. That is all.
I mean honestly, who wouldn’t want their own DUBH? I would! So what if he works for the mob, he’s got a filthy mouth and an obsession with his woman. How much better does it get?
But, let’s not for a second forget about our leading lady Lucille! Holy bad@ss! Y’all, this one will shock you. Under the calm housewife demeanor is a woman who will make you pay for any wrong you do her or those she loves.
These two are perfect together. I feel like the phrase “the chemistry” is overused (by me mostly) but seriously… through. The. Roof. Lucille does everything she can to push Dubh away initially and the banter that ensues is nothing short of gold medal worthy.
As always I try to be a spoiler free girlie, so I don’t want to get too much into it so that I don’t go and accidentally give something away. Y’all will just have to read and find out how amazing this couple is!
June 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“At night is when I unleash all my vulgar thoughts on paper. At night is when my fantasies come alive. At night is when I write.”
“Normal is overrated, sweetheart. What’s fun about always knowing what comes next?”
I liked the idea of the book. The plot was unique and interesting.
I liked Lucille as an FMC. She was a strong character who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go for it. I also liked Dubh as an MMC and would have loved to learn more about his early life before Crimson Manor.
I enjoy a good stalker romance, and this one didn’t disappoint. I liked the relationship development and dynamic between Dubh and Lucille, and how chaotic they were together. I also liked how Dubh helped Lucy grow as a character and become more confident (in her sexuality and otherwise).
The revenge plot and the murder of Lucy’s husband happened quite quickly and maybe could have been prolonged a bit.
I can’t wait to read the next book about their adoptive daughter, Daisy.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
“At night is when I unleash all my vulgar thoughts on paper. At night is when my fantasies come alive. At night is when I write.”
“Normal is overrated, sweetheart. What’s fun about always knowing what comes next?”
I liked the idea of the book. The plot was unique and interesting.
I liked Lucille as an FMC. She was a strong character who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go for it. I also liked Dubh as an MMC and would have loved to learn more about his early life before Crimson Manor.
I enjoy a good stalker romance, and this one didn’t disappoint. I liked the relationship development and dynamic between Dubh and Lucille, and how chaotic they were together. I also liked how Dubh helped Lucy grow as a character and become more confident (in her sexuality and otherwise).
The revenge plot and the murder of Lucy’s husband happened quite quickly and maybe could have been prolonged a bit.
I can’t wait to read the next book about their adoptive daughter, Daisy.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading!
December 5, 2023
I’m keeping the possible spoilers out of this review and I will be uploading a full review on my Instagram on the release date 14th December 🥰
Well that took me through the emotions! This book make me happy, laugh, angry and cry! Don’t worry the tears were happy tears 🥹 Bloody fingers & red lipstick is the first book in a long time where I’ve found myself wanting more and needing more. Not being able to put it down to the point my eyes were closing I was that tired. A genuine 5 star read! ❤️
And not to mention that spice level hitting at least a 4!! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall this book was *chefs kiss* 🤌🏽 The setting, the characters, the atmosphere absolutely beautiful! and I cannot WAITTT for the second book! I am so happy that Dolores gave me the opportunity to read this ARC I loved every second of it 🥰❤️
Well that took me through the emotions! This book make me happy, laugh, angry and cry! Don’t worry the tears were happy tears 🥹 Bloody fingers & red lipstick is the first book in a long time where I’ve found myself wanting more and needing more. Not being able to put it down to the point my eyes were closing I was that tired. A genuine 5 star read! ❤️
And not to mention that spice level hitting at least a 4!! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall this book was *chefs kiss* 🤌🏽 The setting, the characters, the atmosphere absolutely beautiful! and I cannot WAITTT for the second book! I am so happy that Dolores gave me the opportunity to read this ARC I loved every second of it 🥰❤️
December 17, 2023
4.5!
This book really has all you could ever want in a book. Action, murder, spice, etc.
Please check triggers, before you read
This book is based in the 1950’s and it follows Dubh, a murderer/mafia man who has been in a mental institution for 10 years, and Lucille, an abused housewife with a lot of trauma. Lucy writes a book about the deranged things she fantasizes about doing to her abusive husband, and Dubh comes across the book. Everything gets WILD from there on. This is a must read 🤭
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This book really has all you could ever want in a book. Action, murder, spice, etc.
Please check triggers, before you read
This book is based in the 1950’s and it follows Dubh, a murderer/mafia man who has been in a mental institution for 10 years, and Lucille, an abused housewife with a lot of trauma. Lucy writes a book about the deranged things she fantasizes about doing to her abusive husband, and Dubh comes across the book. Everything gets WILD from there on. This is a must read 🤭
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
January 9, 2025
4.5-4.75/5
Wow. This was a wild ride, and I loved it!! Would like to start by strongly encouraging everyone interested to read the trigger warnings because it can be rough. Absolutely take care of yourselves if these are not things you are comfortable with. I think the author did a good job of giving readers an understanding of the depth of the main character's abuse, but it could definitely be difficult for some to read. This book made me feel every emotion, which I believe is the sign of a really good story. I was completely wrapped up in the plot of the two main characters and everything they were going through. There were a few times I thought "why am I okay with this?" But, I seriously just wanted the best for them. Once you read, you'll understand! The love story was incredible and really captivating. I could have just read several stories of them doing everyday tasks and would have been happy. I think my only negative was towards the end of the book when some really climactic moments happened. It felt like everything with this conflict worked out almost too perfectly and was over quickly. I would have been fine reading even a few more chapters regarding this situation to let the suspense and drama build even more. Overall, though, I was happy with the conclusion of the story and am intrigued by the coming story line. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review and ARC!
Wow. This was a wild ride, and I loved it!! Would like to start by strongly encouraging everyone interested to read the trigger warnings because it can be rough. Absolutely take care of yourselves if these are not things you are comfortable with. I think the author did a good job of giving readers an understanding of the depth of the main character's abuse, but it could definitely be difficult for some to read. This book made me feel every emotion, which I believe is the sign of a really good story. I was completely wrapped up in the plot of the two main characters and everything they were going through. There were a few times I thought "why am I okay with this?" But, I seriously just wanted the best for them. Once you read, you'll understand! The love story was incredible and really captivating. I could have just read several stories of them doing everyday tasks and would have been happy. I think my only negative was towards the end of the book when some really climactic moments happened. It felt like everything with this conflict worked out almost too perfectly and was over quickly. I would have been fine reading even a few more chapters regarding this situation to let the suspense and drama build even more. Overall, though, I was happy with the conclusion of the story and am intrigued by the coming story line. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review and ARC!
June 8, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is a well-written, well thought-out dark romance that gives perspective of Lucille, the perfect housewife, and Dubh, a mafia hit-man.
Lucille is a fiery woman in the confines of her reality, until one day she’s not. When she receives a letter from Crimson Manor- a state hospital for the criminally insane, things are never the same.
Dubh is a mobster who only has a soft spot for “Lucy”- call it love at first sight. He helps Lucille live out her wildest fantasy and fulfill ones she never even knew she had.
Lucille is torn between the madness of her situation and Dubh’s sweet side for only her.
Will Dubh win Lucille over or will his infatuation be only that?
This book has all the spice🌶️- seriously ALLLLL the spice- and the perfect mixture of danger, chemistry, and flavor.
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is a well-written, well thought-out dark romance that gives perspective of Lucille, the perfect housewife, and Dubh, a mafia hit-man.
Lucille is a fiery woman in the confines of her reality, until one day she’s not. When she receives a letter from Crimson Manor- a state hospital for the criminally insane, things are never the same.
Dubh is a mobster who only has a soft spot for “Lucy”- call it love at first sight. He helps Lucille live out her wildest fantasy and fulfill ones she never even knew she had.
Lucille is torn between the madness of her situation and Dubh’s sweet side for only her.
Will Dubh win Lucille over or will his infatuation be only that?
This book has all the spice🌶️- seriously ALLLLL the spice- and the perfect mixture of danger, chemistry, and flavor.
December 2, 2023
I liked this soo much more than I expected to. Not to say I wasn’t expecting to like it, but what I thought would be a book I enjoyed ended up being one I LOVED. This was such a satisfying story (in many ways if you know what I mean *wink wink*) It was very Mad Men meets American Horror Story with a healthy side of romantic 50’s song lyrics and swooning. If you wanted to read/like Haunting Adeline, but it was too dark, this is the book for you! It was dark without crossing the lines the HA duet does and honestly this is a dark romance that puts it to shame. Blasphemous to my dark romance girlies I know, but I said what I said. With that said, always check the trigger warnings.
March 14, 2024
Force proximity
Murder
Mafia
HEA
Alpha male
Abused female
Take place in the 50s
Criminal released
“I am not a gentleman. In fact, I am the furthest thing from a gentleman. I’m a degenerate― a criminal. And I’ll show you exactly what criminals do to pretty little things like you.”
Dolores Lane is a new author for me and she nailed all the sweet, spicy and all things obsessive!
Set in the 50s. House wife wanted more out of life then just being a boring house wife. Lucy enjoyed writing about love and murder and not realize that a men who’s obsessed with her and her book. This is a dark romance, forced proximity, murder.
Read the triggers!
Murder
Mafia
HEA
Alpha male
Abused female
Take place in the 50s
Criminal released
“I am not a gentleman. In fact, I am the furthest thing from a gentleman. I’m a degenerate― a criminal. And I’ll show you exactly what criminals do to pretty little things like you.”
Dolores Lane is a new author for me and she nailed all the sweet, spicy and all things obsessive!
Set in the 50s. House wife wanted more out of life then just being a boring house wife. Lucy enjoyed writing about love and murder and not realize that a men who’s obsessed with her and her book. This is a dark romance, forced proximity, murder.
Read the triggers!
December 6, 2023
This was an ARC read. Spoilers within, I tried to hide most but read at your own risk.
2 stars.
I went back and forth about how to rate the book. I am not rating the book for the story content, I do enjoy a dark romance.
tropes/triggers/themes
- domestic abuse/rape
- 1950s period
- mafia involvement
- murder/gore/torture
- stalker to lover
- dark romance
- lots of foul language
- knife/gun/blood/degradation/dub con/non con type play
- author notes it is not proper 1950s setting
- happy ending
With the important note in the front of the book, Lucille should not speak the way she does and it is acknowledged - so I am not coming for how Lucille acts as this is not a typical 1950 setting, it is a fictional book. I believe the author loves the aesthetic of the 50s era; I will not lower my rating for that reason.
What I liked:
I enjoyed the characters she wanted to have in the book. We have a stalker character who is locked up and finds Lucille's book and becomes obsessed with her. Lucille is a housewife wanting escape. This is a great set up for the book.
What I didn't like:
My thoughts:
It's a great premise for a book, I like when authors have unique ideas and I want to read them all. Creativity with an idea is so important when writing a book. I felt like this book fell short of my expectations. I had to stop in multiple points of the book to look back to see what had happened and to figure out where the book was going. It felt a little like the book was written around the spice instead of implementing spice into the book. You can have lots of sex in a book with a plot, but it felt like the plot fell short in order to push us back into a sexual situation with our main characters.
We had a few reveals throughout the book, which should lead us to the main story arc, but it all fell a little flat. I was certain the was the main plot point to the book and we were going to go around on an adventure until that happened so we could see character development between Lucy and Dubh, but it did not happen. The book left me wanting more.
Book two will be about so my hope for that one is that the author gives us some big plot points that we can enjoy because I love her ideas and I will hopefully get to read that one when she publishes it.
I hate to rain on anyone's parade on this book. I love dark romance, and the sex scenes were decent and they had great banter together. As with the Carlton books, I rate those in the 3 range because of the happy endings being tied up so well. Books like this deserve more of a messy ending due to the nature of the book and I still hold out hope that we can get some more messy and wild endings as the book is wild and messy.
2 stars.
I went back and forth about how to rate the book. I am not rating the book for the story content, I do enjoy a dark romance.
tropes/triggers/themes
- domestic abuse/rape
- 1950s period
- mafia involvement
- murder/gore/torture
- stalker to lover
- dark romance
- lots of foul language
- knife/gun/blood/degradation/dub con/non con type play
- author notes it is not proper 1950s setting
- happy ending
With the important note in the front of the book, Lucille should not speak the way she does and it is acknowledged - so I am not coming for how Lucille acts as this is not a typical 1950 setting, it is a fictional book. I believe the author loves the aesthetic of the 50s era; I will not lower my rating for that reason.
What I liked:
I enjoyed the characters she wanted to have in the book. We have a stalker character who is locked up and finds Lucille's book and becomes obsessed with her. Lucille is a housewife wanting escape. This is a great set up for the book.
What I didn't like:
My thoughts:
It's a great premise for a book, I like when authors have unique ideas and I want to read them all. Creativity with an idea is so important when writing a book. I felt like this book fell short of my expectations. I had to stop in multiple points of the book to look back to see what had happened and to figure out where the book was going. It felt a little like the book was written around the spice instead of implementing spice into the book. You can have lots of sex in a book with a plot, but it felt like the plot fell short in order to push us back into a sexual situation with our main characters.
We had a few reveals throughout the book, which should lead us to the main story arc, but it all fell a little flat. I was certain the was the main plot point to the book and we were going to go around on an adventure until that happened so we could see character development between Lucy and Dubh, but it did not happen. The book left me wanting more.
Book two will be about so my hope for that one is that the author gives us some big plot points that we can enjoy because I love her ideas and I will hopefully get to read that one when she publishes it.
I hate to rain on anyone's parade on this book. I love dark romance, and the sex scenes were decent and they had great banter together. As with the Carlton books, I rate those in the 3 range because of the happy endings being tied up so well. Books like this deserve more of a messy ending due to the nature of the book and I still hold out hope that we can get some more messy and wild endings as the book is wild and messy.
December 20, 2023
My secret admirer plans to kill my husband. And I am A-OK with it.
Immediate thoughts:
Very good: well written, awesome premise and plot and wonderful characters.
Damn, Dubh is CRAZY, but still very romantic and super protective - he totally got Lucille.
Such an interesting plot and idea with a book within a book, sorta.
Tropes:
Dark romance, revenge fantasy, strong/feisty FMC, crazy love, set in the 1950s, stalker, possessive/obsessive MMC, touch her and die, he falls first, psychopathic killer, revenge.
Check trigger warnings!
“I don’t want to die. Please don’t kill me.”
“Haven’t you been listening? I don’t want to kill you. I don’t want you to die. I want to do the opposite. I want to make you live.”
ARC review:
An interesting and different dark romance - it was somehow sweeter and more romantic than most, but still with an unhinged and obsessed MMC and all the violence and triggers that is expected. I loved the setting of the 1950s North Carolina, even if I don’t know a lot about that time period, but it felt real and realistic (expect maybe the psycho-part…).
“That’s what you are, aren’t you? A little demon in disguise. My beautiful little brute.”
Dubh Burton is in a psychological institution for murder, when he finds a book a housewife has written about murdering her husband. From that and the picture of her he becomes obsessed and decides to help her make the story come true as soon as he is released.
Lucille ‘Lucy’ Thompson is a housewife who is expected to do and be as her husband wants. Her husband is a real jerk, so she dreams of murdering him and eventually manages to release a book about it. When she is getting a stalker from a mental institution she is scared, and it doesn’t get easier when her stalker is released and wants to murder her husband.
“You are a force of nature, Lucille. I knew it from the first time I read your words. You’re a tortured soul, just like I am. We’re survivors.”
I loved the chemistry between them - it was instantly obvious there was a connection from their first in-person meeting. I can totally understand how Lucy might have trouble resisting Dubh, even if he is a walking red flag. He just oozes alpha-male, sexiness, and determination. Dubh is also really good at helping Lucy find her pleasure with sex, and the spiciness in this book is so very HOT!
“I am going to fuck this soaked little cunt with my fingers now. And I won’t stop until I’ve abused the poor thing so bad, your cum will run down your thighs. And then I’m going to lick it up until you’ve satiated my thirst. And I. Am. Thirsty.”
It was really cool seeing the progression of their relationship, and how Lucy didn’t cower and bend to Dubh at his every whim, but found her footing, and started her journey towards revenge and freedom. Dubh is also really sweet and romantic, and he also grew as a character, except in his obsession with Lucy that never wavered. The plot was interesting and had me hooked from the first page, and the writing is engaging and good.
Immediate thoughts:
Very good: well written, awesome premise and plot and wonderful characters.
Damn, Dubh is CRAZY, but still very romantic and super protective - he totally got Lucille.
Such an interesting plot and idea with a book within a book, sorta.
Tropes:
Dark romance, revenge fantasy, strong/feisty FMC, crazy love, set in the 1950s, stalker, possessive/obsessive MMC, touch her and die, he falls first, psychopathic killer, revenge.
Check trigger warnings!
“I don’t want to die. Please don’t kill me.”
“Haven’t you been listening? I don’t want to kill you. I don’t want you to die. I want to do the opposite. I want to make you live.”
ARC review:
An interesting and different dark romance - it was somehow sweeter and more romantic than most, but still with an unhinged and obsessed MMC and all the violence and triggers that is expected. I loved the setting of the 1950s North Carolina, even if I don’t know a lot about that time period, but it felt real and realistic (expect maybe the psycho-part…).
“That’s what you are, aren’t you? A little demon in disguise. My beautiful little brute.”
Dubh Burton is in a psychological institution for murder, when he finds a book a housewife has written about murdering her husband. From that and the picture of her he becomes obsessed and decides to help her make the story come true as soon as he is released.
Lucille ‘Lucy’ Thompson is a housewife who is expected to do and be as her husband wants. Her husband is a real jerk, so she dreams of murdering him and eventually manages to release a book about it. When she is getting a stalker from a mental institution she is scared, and it doesn’t get easier when her stalker is released and wants to murder her husband.
“You are a force of nature, Lucille. I knew it from the first time I read your words. You’re a tortured soul, just like I am. We’re survivors.”
I loved the chemistry between them - it was instantly obvious there was a connection from their first in-person meeting. I can totally understand how Lucy might have trouble resisting Dubh, even if he is a walking red flag. He just oozes alpha-male, sexiness, and determination. Dubh is also really good at helping Lucy find her pleasure with sex, and the spiciness in this book is so very HOT!
“I am going to fuck this soaked little cunt with my fingers now. And I won’t stop until I’ve abused the poor thing so bad, your cum will run down your thighs. And then I’m going to lick it up until you’ve satiated my thirst. And I. Am. Thirsty.”
It was really cool seeing the progression of their relationship, and how Lucy didn’t cower and bend to Dubh at his every whim, but found her footing, and started her journey towards revenge and freedom. Dubh is also really sweet and romantic, and he also grew as a character, except in his obsession with Lucy that never wavered. The plot was interesting and had me hooked from the first page, and the writing is engaging and good.
December 18, 2023
Thank you to Dolores Lane for an ARC of this book. Here are my honest thoughts and opinions of the book:
Tropes/themes:
Enemies to lovers
1950s era
Stalker
Insane Asylum
I’ll burn the world for you
Weapon play
Abusive husband
Unhinged MMC
Mafia
Degradation
Possessive MMC
WOW. That was a wild ride 🤪
First of all, I loved the author’s note at the beginning of the book. It ends with “Now, let Dubh and Lucille take you on a ride of depravity, romance, and filthy s€x. Please enjoy this weird-ass book.” 😂 I knew after that I was going to like the author and this book-and this is still true!
The vibes I got from this book were immaculate. At the start of the book there is a QR code to the spotify playlist that goes with the book! I would play the songs that started off a chapter and play the different ones mentioned in the chapters too. B/c it was 1950s crooners music, it gave the book such a cozy vibe, even with the subject matter. Lol.
I think this was the darkest romance I’ve read so far and I loved it!! I never like Reading about non con or SA, but this book does good job of navigating those situations, in my opinion.
Now can we talk a out Dubh?!?!? 🥵🥵When I picture him I see and hear Tommy Shelby 100000%. 😈 He is definitely unhinged, but like also a gentleman. 🫶🏼 I really did love reading about his and Lucille’s love story and all the chaos within it. It was definitely wild ride for sure and I can’t wait to see where this series goes!!
The next book will be set in the 1970/80s and will be giving dark academia vibes. Cannot wait!
Some of my fav quotes:
“I should have listened to my gut when it told me I should run. Because now it’s too late. He’s going to eat me alive. And I want him to. God, I want him to.”
“You’re a walking love letter and you don’t even know it… the most magnificent lass I ever did see.”
“I’d never kill you, because I don’t want to live in a world where you don’t exist.”
———————————
***DEF read those ⚠️trigger warnings ⚠️ people!! Included in them are non con, dub con, SA, gore, torture, murder, abuse/DV, knife/weapon play, along with manyyyy other kinks. It’s definitely for 18+ and contains topics that may be sensitive to some readers.***
Tropes/themes:
Enemies to lovers
1950s era
Stalker
Insane Asylum
I’ll burn the world for you
Weapon play
Abusive husband
Unhinged MMC
Mafia
Degradation
Possessive MMC
WOW. That was a wild ride 🤪
First of all, I loved the author’s note at the beginning of the book. It ends with “Now, let Dubh and Lucille take you on a ride of depravity, romance, and filthy s€x. Please enjoy this weird-ass book.” 😂 I knew after that I was going to like the author and this book-and this is still true!
The vibes I got from this book were immaculate. At the start of the book there is a QR code to the spotify playlist that goes with the book! I would play the songs that started off a chapter and play the different ones mentioned in the chapters too. B/c it was 1950s crooners music, it gave the book such a cozy vibe, even with the subject matter. Lol.
I think this was the darkest romance I’ve read so far and I loved it!! I never like Reading about non con or SA, but this book does good job of navigating those situations, in my opinion.
Now can we talk a out Dubh?!?!? 🥵🥵When I picture him I see and hear Tommy Shelby 100000%. 😈 He is definitely unhinged, but like also a gentleman. 🫶🏼 I really did love reading about his and Lucille’s love story and all the chaos within it. It was definitely wild ride for sure and I can’t wait to see where this series goes!!
The next book will be set in the 1970/80s and will be giving dark academia vibes. Cannot wait!
Some of my fav quotes:
“I should have listened to my gut when it told me I should run. Because now it’s too late. He’s going to eat me alive. And I want him to. God, I want him to.”
“You’re a walking love letter and you don’t even know it… the most magnificent lass I ever did see.”
“I’d never kill you, because I don’t want to live in a world where you don’t exist.”
———————————
***DEF read those ⚠️trigger warnings ⚠️ people!! Included in them are non con, dub con, SA, gore, torture, murder, abuse/DV, knife/weapon play, along with manyyyy other kinks. It’s definitely for 18+ and contains topics that may be sensitive to some readers.***
December 26, 2023
“My husband is fast asleep in our bedroom upstairs. He must be exhausted after a long day at the office, getting blowjobs from his secretary. He thinks I have an inkling of what goes on when he is not around.”
-page 11
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is a story about Lucille Thompson, who is stuck in a loveless and abusive marriage. Richard, her poor excuse of a husband, makes her life a living, hell. The one thing that helps her survive is fantasizing about his demise. One day, after one of his violent outburst, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper.
“While he’s deep asleep in dreamland, I have other things on my mind. Blood. Revenge. Murder. At night is when I unleash all of my vulgar thoughts on paper. At night is when my fantasies come alive. At night is when I write.”
-page 12
Fast forward, Mrs. Thompson publishes a book, that’s where a criminal by the name of Dubh Burton, crashes into her life, like a breath of fresh air. Mr. Burton spends his days in Crimson Manor, an asylum for the criminally insane, where he one day, gets his hands on Miss Lucille’s book. Dubh believes he can read between the lines, he concludes that Lucille‘s words are cry for help.
“All she really needs is someone who sees the darkness in her. If you read between the lines, you can tell it’s a Cry for help.”
-page 29
She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her. Once his time is served he will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things that she never even dared to dream of. He’ll hand her revenge on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart.
“She is worth everything. I know you think I’m insane. Hell, I definitely am but she is worth it. I feel it in my bones.”
-page 78
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is such a rollercoaster of a book, this was such an amazing read and i cannot wait for book 2. The characters were amazing, the details were incredible. I actually thought i was wearing my very own 1950’s swing dress and was watching the story play-out from the sidelines.
“You think I’m insane, and I will never, ever deny that. But I believe that deep down inside, there’s a part of you that is just as insane as I am. And I intend to bring it out of you.”
-page 147
-page 11
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is a story about Lucille Thompson, who is stuck in a loveless and abusive marriage. Richard, her poor excuse of a husband, makes her life a living, hell. The one thing that helps her survive is fantasizing about his demise. One day, after one of his violent outburst, she decides to write down those murderous thoughts on paper.
“While he’s deep asleep in dreamland, I have other things on my mind. Blood. Revenge. Murder. At night is when I unleash all of my vulgar thoughts on paper. At night is when my fantasies come alive. At night is when I write.”
-page 12
Fast forward, Mrs. Thompson publishes a book, that’s where a criminal by the name of Dubh Burton, crashes into her life, like a breath of fresh air. Mr. Burton spends his days in Crimson Manor, an asylum for the criminally insane, where he one day, gets his hands on Miss Lucille’s book. Dubh believes he can read between the lines, he concludes that Lucille‘s words are cry for help.
“All she really needs is someone who sees the darkness in her. If you read between the lines, you can tell it’s a Cry for help.”
-page 29
She becomes an obsession, and he decides that he will liberate her. Once his time is served he will feed her deepest and darkest desires, show her things that she never even dared to dream of. He’ll hand her revenge on a silver platter in the hopes of winning her heart.
“She is worth everything. I know you think I’m insane. Hell, I definitely am but she is worth it. I feel it in my bones.”
-page 78
Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick is such a rollercoaster of a book, this was such an amazing read and i cannot wait for book 2. The characters were amazing, the details were incredible. I actually thought i was wearing my very own 1950’s swing dress and was watching the story play-out from the sidelines.
“You think I’m insane, and I will never, ever deny that. But I believe that deep down inside, there’s a part of you that is just as insane as I am. And I intend to bring it out of you.”
-page 147
July 8, 2024
The Stalker Story You Didn't Know You Needed
This book is a dual first person POV set in the 50s. It contains gore, ra**, 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶, crime, and so much more. If you don't like it schpicy and unhinged this is not for you. Close the book and keep moving. The rest of you little dark souls, come closer.
Meet the FMC: Lucille Thompson is a rich, abused housewife. She knows nothing but pain and trauma. She's never seen genuine affection, much less experienced it. She's curvy with red hair and mismatched eyes. She's also got a foul mouth, just the way we like them.
Meet the MMC: Dubh Burton is a trigger man in the mafia. He gets caught up in a crime of passion (I won't ruin that one for you because it's juicy) and sentence to 10 years in an institution for the mentally insane. He's tall, handsome with dark hair and ice blue eyes. He's also got a wonderful accent, a poet's tongue, and a violent nature. I'm not drooling, you're drooling. Shut up.
Lucy finds an outlet in writing and details her fantasies about killing her husband. Dubh reads her book while he's still locked up. That's when the ✨️magic✨️ happens. You'll appreciate that reference later.
Listen, I could not put this down! I have never been so enthralled! The slow descent into madness was just so good! The pace is perfect and the romance is spot on. The language is easy to digest but just descriptive enough to draw you in. I could feel the heat coming off these pages! Any dark romance girl would relate to the reactions and choices made by Lucy. This book is an absolute must for your TBR! Now come back when you're done and answer this question: would you like to be chased through the woods now? That's a good girl.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is a dual first person POV set in the 50s. It contains gore, ra**, 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶, crime, and so much more. If you don't like it schpicy and unhinged this is not for you. Close the book and keep moving. The rest of you little dark souls, come closer.
Meet the FMC: Lucille Thompson is a rich, abused housewife. She knows nothing but pain and trauma. She's never seen genuine affection, much less experienced it. She's curvy with red hair and mismatched eyes. She's also got a foul mouth, just the way we like them.
Meet the MMC: Dubh Burton is a trigger man in the mafia. He gets caught up in a crime of passion (I won't ruin that one for you because it's juicy) and sentence to 10 years in an institution for the mentally insane. He's tall, handsome with dark hair and ice blue eyes. He's also got a wonderful accent, a poet's tongue, and a violent nature. I'm not drooling, you're drooling. Shut up.
Lucy finds an outlet in writing and details her fantasies about killing her husband. Dubh reads her book while he's still locked up. That's when the ✨️magic✨️ happens. You'll appreciate that reference later.
Listen, I could not put this down! I have never been so enthralled! The slow descent into madness was just so good! The pace is perfect and the romance is spot on. The language is easy to digest but just descriptive enough to draw you in. I could feel the heat coming off these pages! Any dark romance girl would relate to the reactions and choices made by Lucy. This book is an absolute must for your TBR! Now come back when you're done and answer this question: would you like to be chased through the woods now? That's a good girl.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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