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The Haunted Past Of Birdie
I’m a small town girl that loves the salt air and living with the beach on my front door step.
It’s all I have ever known, and all I've ever wanted.
Growing up with just my mom, I never knew any other family. But now my mom has gone, and left me unprotected. A nightmare creeps into my once peaceful town. Seeking me out to drag me back, back into a nightmare...
They want to break me so I will surrender to their soulless ways. They want to control every aspect of my life. But the more I try to fight back, the more severe their brutality is stowed upon me.
My name is Birdie, and I was born into a cult.
It’s all I have ever known, and all I've ever wanted.
Growing up with just my mom, I never knew any other family. But now my mom has gone, and left me unprotected. A nightmare creeps into my once peaceful town. Seeking me out to drag me back, back into a nightmare...
They want to break me so I will surrender to their soulless ways. They want to control every aspect of my life. But the more I try to fight back, the more severe their brutality is stowed upon me.
My name is Birdie, and I was born into a cult.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2024
96 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 2, 2025
Had to pause this one to read ARCS. Do read the trigger warnings ⚠️
Our FMC is living a quiet life until she is kidnapped and returned to a commune/cult where her mother escaped years prior. Her father promised her to one of a set of twins, they are the ones who take her back. Both have darkness, the one she was promised to is evil, the other is but not quite as bad. The females in the commune are treated no better than slaves, of course, Birdie being from the modern world won’t have any of that. How does she survive? What do they do to ensure she doesn’t escape?
It was cringeworthy at times, sometimes you were grinding your teeth, especially the ♈️ bit (ladies will know). All in all it was a good read, I am still pondering on the Violet situation, she was there on one page and not the next then they were worried about her but not 🤷🏻♀️
Our FMC is living a quiet life until she is kidnapped and returned to a commune/cult where her mother escaped years prior. Her father promised her to one of a set of twins, they are the ones who take her back. Both have darkness, the one she was promised to is evil, the other is but not quite as bad. The females in the commune are treated no better than slaves, of course, Birdie being from the modern world won’t have any of that. How does she survive? What do they do to ensure she doesn’t escape?
It was cringeworthy at times, sometimes you were grinding your teeth, especially the ♈️ bit (ladies will know). All in all it was a good read, I am still pondering on the Violet situation, she was there on one page and not the next then they were worried about her but not 🤷🏻♀️
August 12, 2025
This was hard to rate. I felt the story was rushed in many spots especially the ending. The ending was a twist I didn’t expect. I didn’t hate it either just felt odd?
I did enjoy the plot and I love a cult story but i did find myself wishing for a bit more. And maybe due to the shortness of the book it wasn’t a plausible option. Either way I had a decent time and would recommend.
I did enjoy the plot and I love a cult story but i did find myself wishing for a bit more. And maybe due to the shortness of the book it wasn’t a plausible option. Either way I had a decent time and would recommend.
June 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Meh. The FMC annoyed me. I’m sorry you were in that position girl but he literally told you just to keep your mouth shut and not instigate them until he got back…so you sort of brought on some of your own suffering with no way to back up your mouth. The way her personality seemed to flip like a switch 1/4 way through the book as well. I’m also mad..bc where the hell is Violet…what do you mean we don’t find out what happened to her.
Meh. The FMC annoyed me. I’m sorry you were in that position girl but he literally told you just to keep your mouth shut and not instigate them until he got back…so you sort of brought on some of your own suffering with no way to back up your mouth. The way her personality seemed to flip like a switch 1/4 way through the book as well. I’m also mad..bc where the hell is Violet…what do you mean we don’t find out what happened to her.
August 29, 2024
What happened to Violet?
That it! I what a longer ending, too much loose ends. Anyway...... I love Birdie. She made the horrific experience bearable. She was very strong.
The plot went to so many places but was still easy to follow. One scene in particular made my mouth drop. The scene with the twins in Birdie bedroom before she is taken to the cult. Wow!! Not gonna lie. It definitely grap my attention.
That it! I what a longer ending, too much loose ends. Anyway...... I love Birdie. She made the horrific experience bearable. She was very strong.
The plot went to so many places but was still easy to follow. One scene in particular made my mouth drop. The scene with the twins in Birdie bedroom before she is taken to the cult. Wow!! Not gonna lie. It definitely grap my attention.
June 1, 2024
Trigger warnings/Tropes
Dubcon
Brainw@shing
StA1king
Jealous and Possessive MMC
Mutilation
Abuse against women
forced medical procedures
MF - MFM (one scene)
D3@th
Cu1t setting
I will never get over this book. As the title states, Birdie (recently 21) is haunted by a past she NEVER knew existed, a past her mother (recently deceased) did her best to keep from her.
Birdie is a headstrong girl with a smart mouth. Six months before her story begins, she loses her best friend, the only family she's ever known, aside from the residents of her little coastal community.
THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING!! I have never, NEVER read a more gripping story. There is absolutely nothing more dark, toxic AF readers want in a story. Think girl meets boy, but girl ACTUALLY meets a set of twins.
I can count the number of times my heart stopped while reading PHEW. I'd tear up just to get angry, just for my heart to warm back up. The constant plot twists, the romance, and the overall love and change in Birdie are a wild ride.
Birdie perfectly represents most women today living in a male-dominated world. Author Talia Atkins 100% did her homework regarding the cult experience.
As a reminder - always read trigger warnings and remember we all have a dark side and smart mouths.
xoxo - Team Luca for life
Dubcon
Brainw@shing
StA1king
Jealous and Possessive MMC
Mutilation
Abuse against women
forced medical procedures
MF - MFM (one scene)
D3@th
Cu1t setting
I will never get over this book. As the title states, Birdie (recently 21) is haunted by a past she NEVER knew existed, a past her mother (recently deceased) did her best to keep from her.
Birdie is a headstrong girl with a smart mouth. Six months before her story begins, she loses her best friend, the only family she's ever known, aside from the residents of her little coastal community.
THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING!! I have never, NEVER read a more gripping story. There is absolutely nothing more dark, toxic AF readers want in a story. Think girl meets boy, but girl ACTUALLY meets a set of twins.
I can count the number of times my heart stopped while reading PHEW. I'd tear up just to get angry, just for my heart to warm back up. The constant plot twists, the romance, and the overall love and change in Birdie are a wild ride.
Birdie perfectly represents most women today living in a male-dominated world. Author Talia Atkins 100% did her homework regarding the cult experience.
As a reminder - always read trigger warnings and remember we all have a dark side and smart mouths.
xoxo - Team Luca for life
July 24, 2024
Check TW’s and content warnings before reading as this book contains very dark/cult themes.
I buddy read this with my book bestie Sav and we both absolutely devoured it in one sitting, neither of us could put this book down. It was just SO well written and truly addictive!
The story follows birdie who born into a cult but her mum escapes with her when she’s 4 years old. Birdie has reoccurring nightmares which become true when she ends up back within the cult. Birdie does suffer a lot of traumatic events throughout the book however is very determined and does whatever she needs to do to survive and find a way out. We also follow her relationship with Luca. I don’t really want to say much around the story and spoil anymore… just read it! It will not disappoint.
The easiest 5 ⭐️ 3.5🌶️
I buddy read this with my book bestie Sav and we both absolutely devoured it in one sitting, neither of us could put this book down. It was just SO well written and truly addictive!
The story follows birdie who born into a cult but her mum escapes with her when she’s 4 years old. Birdie has reoccurring nightmares which become true when she ends up back within the cult. Birdie does suffer a lot of traumatic events throughout the book however is very determined and does whatever she needs to do to survive and find a way out. We also follow her relationship with Luca. I don’t really want to say much around the story and spoil anymore… just read it! It will not disappoint.
The easiest 5 ⭐️ 3.5🌶️
August 24, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐
I really enjoyed this book! It's short, fast paced, there are twists & turns and the spice is spicing. This book is dark & twisted but so entertaining! Support a small NZ author & read this book !
I really enjoyed this book! It's short, fast paced, there are twists & turns and the spice is spicing. This book is dark & twisted but so entertaining! Support a small NZ author & read this book !
August 23, 2024
She’s done it again! God Talia’s books are so short and sweet but absolutely not sweet if you get what I mean😂 The haunted past of birdie was so unhinged and so fast paced and so delicious and it made me question whether I need therapy because I absolutely should not have enjoyed that… I mean it’s about a cult for god sake but I devoured it in one sitting!
The way I BLEW up my group chat with pics of me with my jaw on the literal floor practically drooling, the sheer amount of disturbing scenes that she put into a 200 and a bit page book left me hooked from the get go and unable to put it down because every damn page was a rollercoaster.
If your into dark and depraved don’t sleep on this one!!!
Some tropes to really just put the cherry on top:
-Cult
-Twin brother 🥵
-Dub con
-Spiiiiicyyyyy
-MFM scene
-Breath play
-Family secrets
-Smart ass fmc
If I could have given it a 6 star I would have! I ATEEE this up! Thank you for writing this Talia you are author goals😮💨
The way I BLEW up my group chat with pics of me with my jaw on the literal floor practically drooling, the sheer amount of disturbing scenes that she put into a 200 and a bit page book left me hooked from the get go and unable to put it down because every damn page was a rollercoaster.
If your into dark and depraved don’t sleep on this one!!!
Some tropes to really just put the cherry on top:
-Cult
-Twin brother 🥵
-Dub con
-Spiiiiicyyyyy
-MFM scene
-Breath play
-Family secrets
-Smart ass fmc
If I could have given it a 6 star I would have! I ATEEE this up! Thank you for writing this Talia you are author goals😮💨
June 25, 2024
The Haunted Past Of Birdie by Talia Atkins
Wow just wow! I am completely blown away by this book. I finished it the other day and I can't stop thinking about it.
Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings before reading.
I'm not going to say too much since I don't want to spoil anything or give anything away. Birdie lives in a small town where everyone knows everyone. One night while she is working she sees someone she doesn't recognize and she is immediately drawn and interested in who this person is.
The twists and turns that this book took me on were wild and I loved every minute of it. I didn't expect the things that happened in this book to happen because this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I went through many emotions while reading this. I could not put this book down and everyone needs to run and read this
Wow just wow! I am completely blown away by this book. I finished it the other day and I can't stop thinking about it.
Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings before reading.
I'm not going to say too much since I don't want to spoil anything or give anything away. Birdie lives in a small town where everyone knows everyone. One night while she is working she sees someone she doesn't recognize and she is immediately drawn and interested in who this person is.
The twists and turns that this book took me on were wild and I loved every minute of it. I didn't expect the things that happened in this book to happen because this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I went through many emotions while reading this. I could not put this book down and everyone needs to run and read this
June 5, 2024
EXACTLY what I want in a cult romance
This was a RIDE. Starting with a hot and cold MMC to kidnapping, to a family reunion, to crazy cult things. It was dark 😳, it was nasty 😈, and it was so much fun. If you want a dark cult romance with moments that you are shocked with the level of chaos- yea this is it.
This was a RIDE. Starting with a hot and cold MMC to kidnapping, to a family reunion, to crazy cult things. It was dark 😳, it was nasty 😈, and it was so much fun. If you want a dark cult romance with moments that you are shocked with the level of chaos- yea this is it.
June 2, 2024
Strange
January 10, 2025
Wow! What a book!! This was brilliant dark and does contain cult themes so check your trigger warnings.
It was spicy but had a brilliant plot it literally had me hooked I didn’t want to put it down.
I thought this was so well written I loved it
100% recommend reading this 🖤
It was spicy but had a brilliant plot it literally had me hooked I didn’t want to put it down.
I thought this was so well written I loved it
100% recommend reading this 🖤
November 4, 2025
I wish I enjoyed this more than I did, I went in having high hopes but felt it a bit lacking for some reason. 🙃
December 9, 2025
Well…that was fucked.
June 13, 2024
This was the opposite of what I expected…but in such a good way.
The story line is absolutely riveting and so much different than any story I’ve read.
Definitely has some big triggers so if you aren’t into stories about cults, suggestions of r@pe, be@ting, or blo0d, turn back now.
If you want a story that keeps you guessing and thinking “no that can’t happen!!” while struggling to put the book down, this is for you.
Features an insanely strong FMC, a bunch of unexpected twists, and makes you want a 2nd book to come.
The story line is absolutely riveting and so much different than any story I’ve read.
Definitely has some big triggers so if you aren’t into stories about cults, suggestions of r@pe, be@ting, or blo0d, turn back now.
If you want a story that keeps you guessing and thinking “no that can’t happen!!” while struggling to put the book down, this is for you.
Features an insanely strong FMC, a bunch of unexpected twists, and makes you want a 2nd book to come.
January 11, 2025
This was so bad… and the worst thing is that it started good and it went downhill from there and the bottom kept getting deeper. So at the time I realised it was not getting any better I was halfway finished with the book.
The story had potential. What made it insufferable was the fact that the characters did not behave like logical human beings. The FMC gets captured and she does not think of escaping even for a second.
Also she has a sudden change of character and behaves against all self preservation instincts..
We had a character that fell in love for less than 24 hours and sacrificed his life for his “love” 🧐
The storyline with the nightmares was just pushed to the side. It could have been something good.
The story had potential. What made it insufferable was the fact that the characters did not behave like logical human beings. The FMC gets captured and she does not think of escaping even for a second.
Also she has a sudden change of character and behaves against all self preservation instincts..
We had a character that fell in love for less than 24 hours and sacrificed his life for his “love” 🧐
The storyline with the nightmares was just pushed to the side. It could have been something good.
June 4, 2024
4.5 stars
This story was twisted, but I was totally sucked in. It was messed up, but also kind of fascinating. The first chapters were interesting, but as the story continued, the darker it got.
The book wasn't especially long, but the rollercoaster of events had me gripped to the pages. I felt for Birdie. What she went through was traumatizing, and I teared up a couple times. I admired her strength throughout,
but I was rooting for her to get away, to get her life back.
I enjoyed this dark, twisted story.
This story was twisted, but I was totally sucked in. It was messed up, but also kind of fascinating. The first chapters were interesting, but as the story continued, the darker it got.
The book wasn't especially long, but the rollercoaster of events had me gripped to the pages. I felt for Birdie. What she went through was traumatizing, and I teared up a couple times. I admired her strength throughout,
but I was rooting for her to get away, to get her life back.
I enjoyed this dark, twisted story.
June 3, 2024
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ (4.5)
Spice:🌶🌶🌶🌶
For my dark and twisted girlies.... boyyyyy do I have a recommendation for you!!! 😈
Straight off the bat, we have our FMC Birdie , who's learning to navigate the world of adulthood after a tragic incident that leaves her feeling alone, with nothing but routine to keep her mind focused regardless of what she's doing to maneuver through life. Her senses are heightened, and she's constantly aware that someone is watching her.
Shit happens, and when I say shit goes down... I MEAN IT GOES DOWN and throws a whole 180! Which leaves her two options... fight, or flight!
We have our main man, Luca , and he's forever two steps in front of everything. He's silent and deadly and dripping in the sort of danger that's desirable. He's the outcast. The nobody. The person 'they' call on when they need to cut loose ties. The lengths he will go to keep Birdie safe is unmatched. Hear my warning when I tell you it gets dark, and I loved it 🤭
I really freaking enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting! It was fast-paced and had me on edge chapter after chapter! I didn't see what was coming, I was shocked, I teared up, I was laughing at the banter and sassyness our FMC grew into. The character development 👏👏 I feel like I know the main characters and they have so much personality! The plot thickens as we reach the end of the book and wanna bet I ran straight to the authors DMs and purchased a signed copy because I knew I would love it! ✨️ and the spice fam!!!! The spice is def worth the wait! 🥵🥵
If you're into dark and depraved books, add this to your wishlist or shelf on your goodreads to come back later!
Spice:🌶🌶🌶🌶
For my dark and twisted girlies.... boyyyyy do I have a recommendation for you!!! 😈
Straight off the bat, we have our FMC Birdie , who's learning to navigate the world of adulthood after a tragic incident that leaves her feeling alone, with nothing but routine to keep her mind focused regardless of what she's doing to maneuver through life. Her senses are heightened, and she's constantly aware that someone is watching her.
Shit happens, and when I say shit goes down... I MEAN IT GOES DOWN and throws a whole 180! Which leaves her two options... fight, or flight!
We have our main man, Luca , and he's forever two steps in front of everything. He's silent and deadly and dripping in the sort of danger that's desirable. He's the outcast. The nobody. The person 'they' call on when they need to cut loose ties. The lengths he will go to keep Birdie safe is unmatched. Hear my warning when I tell you it gets dark, and I loved it 🤭
I really freaking enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting! It was fast-paced and had me on edge chapter after chapter! I didn't see what was coming, I was shocked, I teared up, I was laughing at the banter and sassyness our FMC grew into. The character development 👏👏 I feel like I know the main characters and they have so much personality! The plot thickens as we reach the end of the book and wanna bet I ran straight to the authors DMs and purchased a signed copy because I knew I would love it! ✨️ and the spice fam!!!! The spice is def worth the wait! 🥵🥵
If you're into dark and depraved books, add this to your wishlist or shelf on your goodreads to come back later!
May 19, 2025
2.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Let me start by saying I mean absolutely no disrespect to the author or her work. This is just my honest opinion on The Haunted Past of Birdie. There will be minor spoilers.
So we are first introduced to Birdie and her costal town, then we meet Axel. Axel is first described to wear leather, be muscular, your typical bad boy MMC.
However very quickly we realise there are of of him, one being his twin brother, Luca, who was actually the one pretending to be Axel
The thing that threw this down from five stars for me was two things, the length, and the consistency.
When Biride is taken back to the cult the women are described as submissive, obedient and formal. However while talking to the women they say things like ‘yeah’ instead of ‘yes’ using informal language that based off the description does not seem to fit the description. Another example is one of them saying ‘the vibe here is off’ this, to me, does not seem to fit the description.
Then the length and pacing. This book had so so much potential and I was ready to absolutely love it. However the pacing felt almost rushed, like it would’ve served to make some chapters longer and slow down the pacing. I also felt the ending was quite rushed and therefore didn’t have the same impact it could have.
Overall it is a good quick read, I finished it in an hour. But there are some things that struck out to me, I do still recommend it if you don’t mind these few things.
I am excited to read her new book though and will still be ordering!
2/5 🌶️
Let me start by saying I mean absolutely no disrespect to the author or her work. This is just my honest opinion on The Haunted Past of Birdie. There will be minor spoilers.
So we are first introduced to Birdie and her costal town, then we meet Axel. Axel is first described to wear leather, be muscular, your typical bad boy MMC.
However very quickly we realise there are of of him, one being his twin brother, Luca, who was actually the one pretending to be Axel
The thing that threw this down from five stars for me was two things, the length, and the consistency.
When Biride is taken back to the cult the women are described as submissive, obedient and formal. However while talking to the women they say things like ‘yeah’ instead of ‘yes’ using informal language that based off the description does not seem to fit the description. Another example is one of them saying ‘the vibe here is off’ this, to me, does not seem to fit the description.
Then the length and pacing. This book had so so much potential and I was ready to absolutely love it. However the pacing felt almost rushed, like it would’ve served to make some chapters longer and slow down the pacing. I also felt the ending was quite rushed and therefore didn’t have the same impact it could have.
Overall it is a good quick read, I finished it in an hour. But there are some things that struck out to me, I do still recommend it if you don’t mind these few things.
I am excited to read her new book though and will still be ordering!
October 31, 2025
Okay…. This one was creepy, raw, and real at times.
The Haunted Past of Birdie by Talia Atkins is one of those books that wraps its fingers around your throat and doesn’t let go... equal parts haunting and heartbreaking.
Birdie’s story unfolds in a sleepy seaside town where the waves crash softly against the shore… but underneath that calm surface lurks something sinister. When her mother dies, Birdie discovers the horrifying truth she’s been shielded from her whole life: she was born into a cult that’s now come to reclaim her.
What I loved most was Birdie’s voice; she’s vulnerable, fierce, and achingly human. You feel her fear, her confusion, and her desperate need to reclaim her freedom. It’s not an easy read if you are not used to dark reads, but it’s powerful in its honesty.
The only reason that I cannot rate this higher is because some bits including the ending felt rushed. But I did enjoy the story overall.
It’s small town horror meets psychological suspense with a dash of survivor grit. If you like your thrillers dark, emotional, and just a little unhinged, Birdie’s story might haunt you too.
The Haunted Past of Birdie by Talia Atkins is one of those books that wraps its fingers around your throat and doesn’t let go... equal parts haunting and heartbreaking.
Birdie’s story unfolds in a sleepy seaside town where the waves crash softly against the shore… but underneath that calm surface lurks something sinister. When her mother dies, Birdie discovers the horrifying truth she’s been shielded from her whole life: she was born into a cult that’s now come to reclaim her.
What I loved most was Birdie’s voice; she’s vulnerable, fierce, and achingly human. You feel her fear, her confusion, and her desperate need to reclaim her freedom. It’s not an easy read if you are not used to dark reads, but it’s powerful in its honesty.
The only reason that I cannot rate this higher is because some bits including the ending felt rushed. But I did enjoy the story overall.
It’s small town horror meets psychological suspense with a dash of survivor grit. If you like your thrillers dark, emotional, and just a little unhinged, Birdie’s story might haunt you too.
October 21, 2024
I don't think this book was proofread before publishing. There were tons of misused words and grammatical errors. Which worsened as the story progressed.
I was actually liking where the story was going up until the brothers ended up in Birdie's bedroom.
A few things that annoyed the crap out of me:
- I have never heard a clit referred to as a "small beaded g-spot", a clit is a clit.
- What was with the repeated use of "fluorescent white"? Why not just white?
- It was weird how Birdie's personality changed after being kidnapped. She put on this whole tough girl act with the swearing and, in general, a crass way of talking and behaving, that I just didn't get it. And honestly, I couldn't stand her character from that point on. She also had a complete lack of self-preservation.
- The whole thing with Carter was so out of place and random. It really didn't make any sense. As well as the cool aid, drinking orgy juice that was, I guess, their wedding too.
- The way they spoke was very uncult like. Which added to the ridiculousness of the setting.
I was actually liking where the story was going up until the brothers ended up in Birdie's bedroom.
A few things that annoyed the crap out of me:
- I have never heard a clit referred to as a "small beaded g-spot", a clit is a clit.
- What was with the repeated use of "fluorescent white"? Why not just white?
- It was weird how Birdie's personality changed after being kidnapped. She put on this whole tough girl act with the swearing and, in general, a crass way of talking and behaving, that I just didn't get it. And honestly, I couldn't stand her character from that point on. She also had a complete lack of self-preservation.
- The whole thing with Carter was so out of place and random. It really didn't make any sense. As well as the cool aid, drinking orgy juice that was, I guess, their wedding too.
- The way they spoke was very uncult like. Which added to the ridiculousness of the setting.
July 24, 2024
Check TW’s and content warnings before reading as this book contains very dark/cult themes.
I buddy read this with my book bestie Sav and we both absolutely devoured it in one sitting, neither of us could put this book down. It was just SO well written and truly addictive!
The story follows birdie who born into a cult but her mum escapes with her when she’s 4 years old. Birdie has reoccurring nightmares which become true when she ends up back within the cult. Birdie does suffer a lot of traumatic events throughout the book however is very determined and does whatever she needs to do to survive and find a way out. We also follow her relationship with Luca. I don’t really want to say much around the story and spoil anymore… just read it! It will not disappoint.
The easiest 5 ⭐️ 3.5🌶️
I buddy read this with my book bestie Sav and we both absolutely devoured it in one sitting, neither of us could put this book down. It was just SO well written and truly addictive!
The story follows birdie who born into a cult but her mum escapes with her when she’s 4 years old. Birdie has reoccurring nightmares which become true when she ends up back within the cult. Birdie does suffer a lot of traumatic events throughout the book however is very determined and does whatever she needs to do to survive and find a way out. We also follow her relationship with Luca. I don’t really want to say much around the story and spoil anymore… just read it! It will not disappoint.
The easiest 5 ⭐️ 3.5🌶️
August 1, 2024
I devoured this!
The Haunted Past of Birdie is a standalone book with a HEA. I went into this book thinking it was a part of a series & would probably end on a cliffhanger. I was so surprised to see that it was a standalone! Even though this book was on the shorter side, every thing wrapped up sooo nicely. This is difficult to do, especially in a standalone story with only 224 pages. I read the entire book in one sitting. I loved it so much! I’m always a sucker for a cult. Birdie was one of my favorite FMCs & I was happy with the way her story ended. This book was so well written & I’m surprised to see that it’s not more popular! I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
The Haunted Past of Birdie is a standalone book with a HEA. I went into this book thinking it was a part of a series & would probably end on a cliffhanger. I was so surprised to see that it was a standalone! Even though this book was on the shorter side, every thing wrapped up sooo nicely. This is difficult to do, especially in a standalone story with only 224 pages. I read the entire book in one sitting. I loved it so much! I’m always a sucker for a cult. Birdie was one of my favorite FMCs & I was happy with the way her story ended. This book was so well written & I’m surprised to see that it’s not more popular! I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
August 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5
“You say I’m not evil. But I dream of you at my mercy, taking all of me while I unleash the morbid parts in me.”
Ok I was quite enjoying this read, the cult setting was interesting and while the fmc was annoying me at times I still felt for her because holy crap. But then something completely out of pocket happened in the last few chapters and it made me feel like the development between the two characters feel a bit cheapened and I was still left with a few questions at the end. HOWEVER overall this was a hectic read, definitely one to check the triggers, and I was in suspense for majority of this book wondering how the hell it was all going to unfold.
🐦⬛ cult setting
🩸dub-con
🐦⬛ “my wife”
🩸 family secrets
🐦⬛ trauma
🩸 jealous and possessive mmc
“You say I’m not evil. But I dream of you at my mercy, taking all of me while I unleash the morbid parts in me.”
Ok I was quite enjoying this read, the cult setting was interesting and while the fmc was annoying me at times I still felt for her because holy crap. But then something completely out of pocket happened in the last few chapters and it made me feel like the development between the two characters feel a bit cheapened and I was still left with a few questions at the end. HOWEVER overall this was a hectic read, definitely one to check the triggers, and I was in suspense for majority of this book wondering how the hell it was all going to unfold.
🐦⬛ cult setting
🩸dub-con
🐦⬛ “my wife”
🩸 family secrets
🐦⬛ trauma
🩸 jealous and possessive mmc
May 21, 2024
This is another fantastic book from Talia that will have you sucked in from the first few pages and won't let you put it down until the very last word.
Birdie goes through a lot in this book, so definitely check the triggers before going in because she definitely doesn't get it easy. The book focuses on Birdie and her experiences within a cult, which definitely have some very interesting views but throughout it all we see Birdie continue to be strong and determined to find a way out. I loved her character and Luca too - even when he's seen as a 'bad guy', he really comes through in this book and I have no doubts that people will love him, like I did!
If you're looking for a dark twisted read, then definitely check this out!
Birdie goes through a lot in this book, so definitely check the triggers before going in because she definitely doesn't get it easy. The book focuses on Birdie and her experiences within a cult, which definitely have some very interesting views but throughout it all we see Birdie continue to be strong and determined to find a way out. I loved her character and Luca too - even when he's seen as a 'bad guy', he really comes through in this book and I have no doubts that people will love him, like I did!
If you're looking for a dark twisted read, then definitely check this out!
June 1, 2024
𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝒪𝒻 𝐵𝒾𝓇𝒹𝒾𝑒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕀’𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕝. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕞 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕞𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕪, 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕀 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕓𝕚𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕖.”
This was my first read by Talia Atkins. This book is very unhinged and spicy. I liked how Birdie stood up for herself and tried to do what she needed to survive. I loved Lucas and how possessive he was of Birdie from the beginning. Towards the end I was sad, I won’t say exactly why to not give spoilers but I was very much was liking a certain character 🥲
⚠️Please read all TW before reading⚠️
Tropes
🩸MF (one MFM scene)
☠️Cult Setting
🩸Dubcon
☠️Brainwashing
🩸Forced medical procedures
☠️Jealous & Possessive MMC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕀’𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕝. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕀 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕞 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕞𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕪, 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕀 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕓𝕚𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕖.”
This was my first read by Talia Atkins. This book is very unhinged and spicy. I liked how Birdie stood up for herself and tried to do what she needed to survive. I loved Lucas and how possessive he was of Birdie from the beginning. Towards the end I was sad, I won’t say exactly why to not give spoilers but I was very much was liking a certain character 🥲
⚠️Please read all TW before reading⚠️
Tropes
🩸MF (one MFM scene)
☠️Cult Setting
🩸Dubcon
☠️Brainwashing
🩸Forced medical procedures
☠️Jealous & Possessive MMC
March 8, 2025
A culty ‘romance’- weird i know. So we meet Birdie, who has recently lost her mother. She has no one else in her family, until she gets taken and brought into a cult. Spoiler- she was born into this cult and her mother took her away from it as a baby. I’m not a fan of ‘forced’ anything, and they pretty much took her so that she will be forced to bred(very common in cults) I’m also not a fan of any sort of brainwashing, but come on girl what do you expect? Besides that, it was a very unique storyline! The ending the chefs kissss omg what a rollercoaster!This was one of my freebie books from Amazon, and I’m not mad i picked it up
June 1, 2024
Birdie is a strong, hardheaded FMC with a past she doesn’t remember that haunts her sleep as an adult. She doesn’t understand why she’s having such horrific nightmares until she’s kidnapped by twins, Axel and Luca, and brought back home to the cult she was born in to. Here, she discovers what her life was supposed to be like and becomes hellbent on trying to escape.
This was my first dark thriller romance and boy, did it have me on the edge of my seat the whole time! The twists and turns were insane and the spice was *chef’s kiss*. This was a terrific read and I would highly recommend it!
This was my first dark thriller romance and boy, did it have me on the edge of my seat the whole time! The twists and turns were insane and the spice was *chef’s kiss*. This was a terrific read and I would highly recommend it!
July 24, 2025
I loved the concept of this book. I love the cult vibes and even like intricacies of the whole crows and birds and ourr families having bird symbolism. However Inwas truthfully struggling to connect with our FMC at times I just had to set the book down because having everything from her PoV just was too much at times. I feel like I would have loved this more if there was dual PoV with Luca and maybe a 3rd PoV of Axel to spice things up. Over all this was a great concept and I’ll definitely check out more from this author
May 19, 2024
I received advance copy for review
This is my first book to read by this author and I liked the book. We meet Birdie who is strong even when she thinks she is not. I like her fire and fight no matter what consequences she will have. And then there is a bad boy who is actually one of the good guys. Even though he has some darkness in him he still fights for what is good. So I would recommend this book.
This is my first book to read by this author and I liked the book. We meet Birdie who is strong even when she thinks she is not. I like her fire and fight no matter what consequences she will have. And then there is a bad boy who is actually one of the good guys. Even though he has some darkness in him he still fights for what is good. So I would recommend this book.
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