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Fated Fixation #1
Limerence
A dead body.
A dark secret.
And a sociopath who can't decide whether he'd rather kill me or kiss me.
Welcome to Lionswood Prep, the world's most elite boarding school. Here, old money reigns supreme, and if you can't flaunt your weight in designer labels, you'd better get used to sitting alone. As a poor scholarship student, I know these rules better than anyone. I've perfected the art of pretending I don't envy my classmates' limitless wealth just as well as I've mastered blending into the background.
Until the school's only other scholarship student takes a tumble from the fifth floor.
Mickey Mabel's death is ruled a suicide, but I have my doubts. The only thing I am certain of is that Lionswood's golden boy, Adrian Ellis, is somehow involved. It's a wild suspicion, considering Adrian is not just Lionswood's richest student...but also one of the nicest. He's the kind of guy who buys out the bake sale and caters lunch for a grieving student body... surely, he can't be a murderer, can he?
Most of my classmates worship the ground he walks on, but I've seen enough darkness to sense that there's more than a little of it lurking beneath that pretty smile of his.
I shouldn't get involved, but for the first time in nearly four years, I'm done sticking to the shadows. Except, exposing Adrian doesn't quite go to plan, and now, he has his sights set on me. He's determined to turn senior year into a game of cat-and-mouse, one where I'm not sure if his end goal is to kill me or possess me.
And the longer we play, the less certain I am that I want to escape his snare.
After all, I've got a few dark secrets of my own.
Limerence is an 18+ dark romance featuring an obsessed love interest that is unapologetically morally black. The relationship between our hero and heroine is not a healthy one and features themes of dubious consent, emotional manipulation, and other explicit content that may be upsetting to some readers. Please check the full list of trigger warnings inside.
A dark secret.
And a sociopath who can't decide whether he'd rather kill me or kiss me.
Welcome to Lionswood Prep, the world's most elite boarding school. Here, old money reigns supreme, and if you can't flaunt your weight in designer labels, you'd better get used to sitting alone. As a poor scholarship student, I know these rules better than anyone. I've perfected the art of pretending I don't envy my classmates' limitless wealth just as well as I've mastered blending into the background.
Until the school's only other scholarship student takes a tumble from the fifth floor.
Mickey Mabel's death is ruled a suicide, but I have my doubts. The only thing I am certain of is that Lionswood's golden boy, Adrian Ellis, is somehow involved. It's a wild suspicion, considering Adrian is not just Lionswood's richest student...but also one of the nicest. He's the kind of guy who buys out the bake sale and caters lunch for a grieving student body... surely, he can't be a murderer, can he?
Most of my classmates worship the ground he walks on, but I've seen enough darkness to sense that there's more than a little of it lurking beneath that pretty smile of his.
I shouldn't get involved, but for the first time in nearly four years, I'm done sticking to the shadows. Except, exposing Adrian doesn't quite go to plan, and now, he has his sights set on me. He's determined to turn senior year into a game of cat-and-mouse, one where I'm not sure if his end goal is to kill me or possess me.
And the longer we play, the less certain I am that I want to escape his snare.
After all, I've got a few dark secrets of my own.
Limerence is an 18+ dark romance featuring an obsessed love interest that is unapologetically morally black. The relationship between our hero and heroine is not a healthy one and features themes of dubious consent, emotional manipulation, and other explicit content that may be upsetting to some readers. Please check the full list of trigger warnings inside.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
1697 people are currently reading
20096 people want to read
About the author
H.C. Dolores
7 books1,033 followersWhen HC Dolores is not writing (or reading) dark romance, you can find her hanging out with her one-eyed cat or her corgi.
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Facebook: HC Dolores Books
TikTok: @hcdolores
Instagram: @hcdolores
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,106 reviews
November 17, 2024
“I have no intention of killing you,” he says with an eye-roll.
I love it when a man is actually being dead serious while he says the funniest shit ever. But I also think there's no better foreplay than a guy who seriously contemplates finishing a girl off before he ever starts craving to kiss her sooooo
Standards are very high in this room. 🤰
No, honestly, I do understand the allure. It's really hard to resist a relationship where you never know what a guy might do next. Like, maybe, he'llinvite coerce you into going out on a date to an art gallery with him so you never get the chance to go to the dance with another guy. Or he'll wake up feeling like choking the life out of you for having his dark family secrets uncovered, hehe. 🗿 The suspense is real, and I'm down for it.
Anyway, now onto my scattered thoughts. Hate to admit but it's been a long while since a romance book, let alone a dark romance book, captivated me that much so I need to get a couple of things out before I retrieve back into my non-reviewing mode.
Considering that I've been daydreaming about this scenario of a high-functioning sociopath who pretends to be a normal guy and fools everyone into believing he's your regularrich kid with a trust fund good Samaritan until a highly observant girl comes along and suddenly becomes his little problem...
It should be endearing, watching a rare moment of vulnerability unfold from Lionswood’s golden boy of all people, but I’m looking at his large hands, laid flat on the edge of the podium.
There’s no tension in them.
He’s not white-knuckling the podium like I do when I’m nervous. They’re simply resting there, completely relaxed.
Probably a useless observation, but this whole display, it just feels so…
Hollow.
Fake.
Like he’s rehearsed the exact moment his mouth will tremble or he’ll swipe away the tear gathering in the corner of his eye.
this story definitely hit the mark for me. Thank you for your service, Ms. Dolores. Finally someone sat down and wrote what I've been playing out in my head for so long and wrote it well. Thoughtfully. With cute little observations, details and just enough subtlety.
“Because I see you now,” he breathes so quietly I know I’m the only one who hears. “So say yes or I’ll make a scene so bad this entire room will be begging for your expulsion before the day’s over.”
First things first: this book is really good in the sense that it's believable and, weirdly enough, it even has some common sense, humour and a tinge of darkness to it to hold one's rapt attention. From the way Ms. Dolores painted Adrian's sociopathic character to the way his relationship with Poppy started and progressed, all of it was written in a believable and engaging way, prompting you to want to learn more about them and see how it plays out between them. I love coming across a dark romance book where in my head I don't go like 'oh what in the name of god is this bullshit' every other page.
Adrian stands out among his dark romance colleagues who more often than not go out of their way to prove what good little murderers and exemplary wannabe sociopaths they are. Thank god he didn't mope around or gave Oscar-worthy speeches about the darkness living inside of him to anyone pathetic enough to listen. Adrian was too busy being abillionaire playboy philanthropist bored murderous sociopath trynna figure out whether he wants a witness of his crime to die or live to make his life a little more... exciting. 🥹 Poppy's desperate attempts to hold this guy's interest so he doesn't eventually murder her had me dying too. What an icon, you go girl!! 🥹
I also loved how at first Adrian's interest in Poppy was purely clinical, nothing sexual or lustful about it. He observed her reactions and behaviour like a scientist would observe a lab rat in the name of future scientific discoveries.
Him actually taking an interest in her as a person was what kept me reading this otherwise quite ordinary dark romance book. Which brings me to the point as to why I stopped enjoying dark romance books as the genre altogether. The thing is that I find it really hard to believe that a highly intelligent sociopath would start obsessing over some bland girl who he sees for the first time in his life. This is unrealistic at best and primitively predictable as a rule. Certainly not the dynamics I'm looking for.
Clinical curiosity that grows into interest and eventually transforms into dark fixation, on the contrary, hits soooo good and fits this type of heroes. It makes sense for a permanently bored sociopath to crave for some fun rather than 'love'.
The female character Poppy is also quite a curious character with a nice sense of humour and enough secrets and ambitions to fuel my curiosity about her backstory.
She definitely matched Adrian's energy, though his energy is unmatched. 🥰
Ohhh. And one last thing.
“I assumed my growing interest was because I’d never had a friend before,” he confesses. “It wasn’t until this morning that I realized I’d misread our situation entirely.”
My forehead creases. “What do you mean?”
“It was that pathetic display at your locker.” His face suddenly darkens, every ounce of softness disappearing. “You pulled out that pitiful little rose, and you had all this stunned excitement on your face. For him. For someone else.”
My breath catches. “Adrian –”
His jaw ticks. “It was fucking revolting.”
This book wouldn't have got such a high rating from me if it wouldn't feature Adrian falling into his 'murderous sociopath is getting jealous' state. All this deadly cold-blooded rage that makes him consider disfiguring a random guy that hits on his little prey. 🥹
“This morning, when you looked at him, it took every ounce of my self-control to avoid walking over to Freddy Rook and bashing his skull in till he was no longer worth looking at."
I'm a whore for possessive anti-heroes who can get anyone's life ruined on a whim, what about dat?
These lines might appear basic to a seasoned dark romance reader but... with Adrian you fuck around and find out. He's the real deal. He's the It boy😌
P.S. on the downside:
— I found a single sex scene at the end of the book to be criminally bland and forgettable for something that happened at 90% mark, even though outside of the bedroom Poppy and Adrian had killer chemistry. Come on, you had one job — making this single scene just a little more special, you know? I think the author should work on that aspect in her future books — intimacy and sensuality. Can never hurt to have them in a romance book. :D I wasn't too upset about the sexual aspect, though, because the story had enough going for it for me to turn a blind eye to some good old lame erotica. :D
That being said, it's not often that I come across a romance book where everything doesn't revolve around sex, sex and once again sex, making it seem almost pornographic in the worst sense of the word. Hats off to Ms. Dolores for these small mercies.
— The transition from a mere interest to a full-blown obsession seemed a bit too abrupt, even with the friendship buildup (that I thoroughly enjoyed).
— I also feel like by the end of the book Adrian has softened a bit too much for his own good. I hope he'll restore a bit of the edginess that his character has lost towards the end in the upcoming second book.
I love it when a man is actually being dead serious while he says the funniest shit ever. But I also think there's no better foreplay than a guy who seriously contemplates finishing a girl off before he ever starts craving to kiss her sooooo
Standards are very high in this room. 🤰
No, honestly, I do understand the allure. It's really hard to resist a relationship where you never know what a guy might do next. Like, maybe, he'll
Anyway, now onto my scattered thoughts. Hate to admit but it's been a long while since a romance book, let alone a dark romance book, captivated me that much so I need to get a couple of things out before I retrieve back into my non-reviewing mode.
Considering that I've been daydreaming about this scenario of a high-functioning sociopath who pretends to be a normal guy and fools everyone into believing he's your regular
It should be endearing, watching a rare moment of vulnerability unfold from Lionswood’s golden boy of all people, but I’m looking at his large hands, laid flat on the edge of the podium.
There’s no tension in them.
He’s not white-knuckling the podium like I do when I’m nervous. They’re simply resting there, completely relaxed.
Probably a useless observation, but this whole display, it just feels so…
Hollow.
Fake.
Like he’s rehearsed the exact moment his mouth will tremble or he’ll swipe away the tear gathering in the corner of his eye.
this story definitely hit the mark for me. Thank you for your service, Ms. Dolores. Finally someone sat down and wrote what I've been playing out in my head for so long and wrote it well. Thoughtfully. With cute little observations, details and just enough subtlety.
“Because I see you now,” he breathes so quietly I know I’m the only one who hears. “So say yes or I’ll make a scene so bad this entire room will be begging for your expulsion before the day’s over.”
First things first: this book is really good in the sense that it's believable and, weirdly enough, it even has some common sense, humour and a tinge of darkness to it to hold one's rapt attention. From the way Ms. Dolores painted Adrian's sociopathic character to the way his relationship with Poppy started and progressed, all of it was written in a believable and engaging way, prompting you to want to learn more about them and see how it plays out between them. I love coming across a dark romance book where in my head I don't go like 'oh what in the name of god is this bullshit' every other page.
Adrian stands out among his dark romance colleagues who more often than not go out of their way to prove what good little murderers and exemplary wannabe sociopaths they are. Thank god he didn't mope around or gave Oscar-worthy speeches about the darkness living inside of him to anyone pathetic enough to listen. Adrian was too busy being a
I also loved how at first Adrian's interest in Poppy was purely clinical, nothing sexual or lustful about it. He observed her reactions and behaviour like a scientist would observe a lab rat in the name of future scientific discoveries.
Him actually taking an interest in her as a person was what kept me reading this otherwise quite ordinary dark romance book. Which brings me to the point as to why I stopped enjoying dark romance books as the genre altogether. The thing is that I find it really hard to believe that a highly intelligent sociopath would start obsessing over some bland girl who he sees for the first time in his life. This is unrealistic at best and primitively predictable as a rule. Certainly not the dynamics I'm looking for.
Clinical curiosity that grows into interest and eventually transforms into dark fixation, on the contrary, hits soooo good and fits this type of heroes. It makes sense for a permanently bored sociopath to crave for some fun rather than 'love'.
The female character Poppy is also quite a curious character with a nice sense of humour and enough secrets and ambitions to fuel my curiosity about her backstory.
She definitely matched Adrian's energy, though his energy is unmatched. 🥰
Ohhh. And one last thing.
“I assumed my growing interest was because I’d never had a friend before,” he confesses. “It wasn’t until this morning that I realized I’d misread our situation entirely.”
My forehead creases. “What do you mean?”
“It was that pathetic display at your locker.” His face suddenly darkens, every ounce of softness disappearing. “You pulled out that pitiful little rose, and you had all this stunned excitement on your face. For him. For someone else.”
My breath catches. “Adrian –”
His jaw ticks. “It was fucking revolting.”
This book wouldn't have got such a high rating from me if it wouldn't feature Adrian falling into his 'murderous sociopath is getting jealous' state. All this deadly cold-blooded rage that makes him consider disfiguring a random guy that hits on his little prey. 🥹
“This morning, when you looked at him, it took every ounce of my self-control to avoid walking over to Freddy Rook and bashing his skull in till he was no longer worth looking at."
I'm a whore for possessive anti-heroes who can get anyone's life ruined on a whim, what about dat?
These lines might appear basic to a seasoned dark romance reader but... with Adrian you fuck around and find out. He's the real deal. He's the It boy😌
P.S. on the downside:
— I found a single sex scene at the end of the book to be criminally bland and forgettable for something that happened at 90% mark, even though outside of the bedroom Poppy and Adrian had killer chemistry. Come on, you had one job — making this single scene just a little more special, you know? I think the author should work on that aspect in her future books — intimacy and sensuality. Can never hurt to have them in a romance book. :D I wasn't too upset about the sexual aspect, though, because the story had enough going for it for me to turn a blind eye to some good old lame erotica. :D
That being said, it's not often that I come across a romance book where everything doesn't revolve around sex, sex and once again sex, making it seem almost pornographic in the worst sense of the word. Hats off to Ms. Dolores for these small mercies.
— The transition from a mere interest to a full-blown obsession seemed a bit too abrupt, even with the friendship buildup (that I thoroughly enjoyed).
— I also feel like by the end of the book Adrian has softened a bit too much for his own good. I hope he'll restore a bit of the edginess that his character has lost towards the end in the upcoming second book.
July 14, 2025
✯ 𝟐.𝟕𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Limerence by HC Dolores follows the story of Adrian Ellis, who goes by the alias "Golden Boy of Lionswood," and Poppy Davis, who has been accepted into Lionswood—the most prestigious boarding school in the world. But what happens when Poppy uncovers the dark, insane, deranged, and emotionless monster that lies beneath his mask? Especially when she suspects Adrian of being involved in her friend's murder?
Here's what to expect:–
➳ Dark romance
➳ Boarding school
➳ Murder mystery
➳ Pitch black mmc
➳ Morally grey fmc
➳ Cliffhanger
The banter between the main characters was fantastic, and I found this book to be quite captivating at first. But the second half dragged on and on. Speaking of the main characters, they lacked any redeeming traits. Both characters committed horrific things to achieve their goals, and while the fmc was guilt-driven throughout, the mmc was not. Not even close.
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 –” 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘻𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. “𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦, 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶…” 𝘏𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴. “𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘢𝘮.”
On a second note, what didn't sit well with me was the way their romance started. If you can call it romance since it was more like obsession (the mmc himself stated above, “it's not love, it's limerence”). It didn't make sense because, really, why would you make the effort to befriend a murderer and invite him to lunch? Particularly when the fmc was terrified to death? Or at least that's what she claimed in ten chapters straight.
In addition to that, she was head and heels over him even after he attempted to kill her because she found out about his dark past. I agree they weren't lovers back then but where's the logic? How could you fall in love with a man right after he attempted to kill you? I wasn't a big admirer of the ‘romance’ element in here, because it was far too ridiculous to believe.
And as much as I adored the first half of the book, I can't deny, the second half dragged so much and took me out of the story.
Nonetheless, this was still a fun read. It's just that I've read better dark romances and was anticipating something more darker and unique from this one.
Limerence by HC Dolores follows the story of Adrian Ellis, who goes by the alias "Golden Boy of Lionswood," and Poppy Davis, who has been accepted into Lionswood—the most prestigious boarding school in the world. But what happens when Poppy uncovers the dark, insane, deranged, and emotionless monster that lies beneath his mask? Especially when she suspects Adrian of being involved in her friend's murder?
Here's what to expect:–
➳ Dark romance
➳ Boarding school
➳ Murder mystery
➳ Pitch black mmc
➳ Morally grey fmc
➳ Cliffhanger
The banter between the main characters was fantastic, and I found this book to be quite captivating at first. But the second half dragged on and on. Speaking of the main characters, they lacked any redeeming traits. Both characters committed horrific things to achieve their goals, and while the fmc was guilt-driven throughout, the mmc was not. Not even close.
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 –” 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘻𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. “𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦, 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶…” 𝘏𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴. “𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘢𝘮.”
On a second note, what didn't sit well with me was the way their romance started. If you can call it romance since it was more like obsession (the mmc himself stated above, “it's not love, it's limerence”). It didn't make sense because, really, why would you make the effort to befriend a murderer and invite him to lunch? Particularly when the fmc was terrified to death? Or at least that's what she claimed in ten chapters straight.
In addition to that, she was head and heels over him even after he attempted to kill her because she found out about his dark past. I agree they weren't lovers back then but where's the logic? How could you fall in love with a man right after he attempted to kill you? I wasn't a big admirer of the ‘romance’ element in here, because it was far too ridiculous to believe.
And as much as I adored the first half of the book, I can't deny, the second half dragged so much and took me out of the story.
Nonetheless, this was still a fun read. It's just that I've read better dark romances and was anticipating something more darker and unique from this one.
November 10, 2025
The level of abuse I just voluntarily put my eyeballs through is honestly embarrassing on my part.
Was gonna give it 2 stars then the ending happen and well….. will not catch me reading book two in my head they both lived unhappily ever after.
Was gonna give it 2 stars then the ending happen and well….. will not catch me reading book two in my head they both lived unhappily ever after.
July 27, 2025
Just as good upon reread! 🙌 also, I simultaneously get why and hate the 10-year separation now...🙈
There is a shit ton of high school set romances out there and almost all of them are bad or mediocre, but this...THIS BOOK ATE 🔥🔥🔥 NO, IT SIMPLY DEVOURED 👑👑👑 AND FEASTED😭😭 AND LEFT NO CRUMBS... *okay, I'll stop embarrassing myself*🙈😅🤷🏼♀️
It ends in a cliffhanger and I need the continuation like yesterday, but oh well...I'm patiently waiting for book 2🙏🏼🙌😭 *which will come July 2025* 🔥🔥🔥🔥
For some reason, I always have much to say about books I disliked and almost nothing about books I adored. Like what even is there to say? Go read it? It's marvelous? You won't regret it? Sounds stupid when I put it like that...
It's a dark romance, but you don't actually feel it at first. It's not thrown in your face with all the talk about "monsters, darkness, devils, black souls, etc., etc" The hero doesn't consider himself a villain and doesn't hit his chest with shrieks about his power/darkness/greatness👑🥵 The heroine is nota brainless idiot. Actually, she's very interesting in a way not many authors write. She starts as this closed-off and relatable girlie, but then you discover her secrets (it's nothing too out there btw👌) and her flaws come out to play😈
I highly enjoyed the setting of this story and the way all the side characters were memorable and played a role in the story, not distracting from the plot, but building up to it.
I found the descriptions of their partying to be a bit...tame? Considering we're talking about the rich kids and the 1%ers of the 1%ers here 🤷🏼♀️👉👈 But aside from this, everything else was immaculate!
The relationship development was done in such an interesting way. The hero is pushy, manipulative, a bulldozer, and completely bonkers, but somehow it all seemed perfectly logical coming from him😅🙌 I can't stress this enough, but not having POVs from the hero was a blessing🔥 he remained a mystery and an unpredictable variable throughout the story.
So imagine my surprise and glee when in the end, the heroine was the one surprising him👑👑🙈❤
Can't wait for Part 2!
There is a shit ton of high school set romances out there and almost all of them are bad or mediocre, but this...THIS BOOK ATE 🔥🔥🔥 NO, IT SIMPLY DEVOURED 👑👑👑 AND FEASTED😭😭 AND LEFT NO CRUMBS... *okay, I'll stop embarrassing myself*🙈😅🤷🏼♀️
It ends in a cliffhanger and I need the continuation like yesterday, but oh well...I'm patiently waiting for book 2🙏🏼🙌😭 *which will come July 2025* 🔥🔥🔥🔥
For some reason, I always have much to say about books I disliked and almost nothing about books I adored. Like what even is there to say? Go read it? It's marvelous? You won't regret it? Sounds stupid when I put it like that...
It's a dark romance, but you don't actually feel it at first. It's not thrown in your face with all the talk about "monsters, darkness, devils, black souls, etc., etc" The hero doesn't consider himself a villain and doesn't hit his chest with shrieks about his power/darkness/greatness👑🥵 The heroine is nota brainless idiot. Actually, she's very interesting in a way not many authors write. She starts as this closed-off and relatable girlie, but then you discover her secrets (it's nothing too out there btw👌) and her flaws come out to play😈
I highly enjoyed the setting of this story and the way all the side characters were memorable and played a role in the story, not distracting from the plot, but building up to it.
I found the descriptions of their partying to be a bit...tame? Considering we're talking about the rich kids and the 1%ers of the 1%ers here 🤷🏼♀️👉👈 But aside from this, everything else was immaculate!
The relationship development was done in such an interesting way. The hero is pushy, manipulative, a bulldozer, and completely bonkers, but somehow it all seemed perfectly logical coming from him😅🙌 I can't stress this enough, but not having POVs from the hero was a blessing🔥 he remained a mystery and an unpredictable variable throughout the story.
So imagine my surprise and glee when in the end, the heroine was the one surprising him👑👑🙈❤
Can't wait for Part 2!
January 29, 2025
4 stars
‘“You may get off needless violence. I don’t.” His dark eyes bore into mine. “Maybe not the violence on its own…but I think you like seeing how far I’ll go.” He brushes a stray hair out of my face. “How dirty I’m willing to get. For you.”’
Are you squealing from that quote? Cause I most certainly am!!!! No because this was so fun???? Gimme a psycho MMC with a sense of humor and I’m going to be SAT every single damn time.
Poppy is a scholarship student at the most elite school in the country, surrounded by the 1% of the 1%, and when her fellow scholarship student jumps from his dorm room window, she knows there’s more to the story. She’s convinced he didn’t do it. Enter, Adrian. The most elite of the elite, the schools “golden boy”, only she doesn’t think that’s all he is. She sees past the mask, and when that happens, he sets his sights on her.
Adrian!!!!!! Guys when I tell you this man had me GIGGLING. He’s so obsessive and territorial and I adored every second of it. This is book one in a duet and I’m so excited to see where book two takes us. I have a feeling it’s going to be even better than the first. I need it, now!!!!!
‘“You may get off needless violence. I don’t.” His dark eyes bore into mine. “Maybe not the violence on its own…but I think you like seeing how far I’ll go.” He brushes a stray hair out of my face. “How dirty I’m willing to get. For you.”’
Are you squealing from that quote? Cause I most certainly am!!!! No because this was so fun???? Gimme a psycho MMC with a sense of humor and I’m going to be SAT every single damn time.
Poppy is a scholarship student at the most elite school in the country, surrounded by the 1% of the 1%, and when her fellow scholarship student jumps from his dorm room window, she knows there’s more to the story. She’s convinced he didn’t do it. Enter, Adrian. The most elite of the elite, the schools “golden boy”, only she doesn’t think that’s all he is. She sees past the mask, and when that happens, he sets his sights on her.
Adrian!!!!!! Guys when I tell you this man had me GIGGLING. He’s so obsessive and territorial and I adored every second of it. This is book one in a duet and I’m so excited to see where book two takes us. I have a feeling it’s going to be even better than the first. I need it, now!!!!!
June 25, 2025
.1.5 star.
Why it remind me of those bad boy Harry Styles fanfics on Wattpad where he becomes the world's CEO at 17?? I read that when I was 14 😭😭 and honestly, my 14 yo ass would have been obsessed with this shi#.😭😭
I thought it would be dark academia, with mystery, boarding school and all. That's on me though. I never read the blurb or the tags, just jumped right in and hoped for the best.
The main characters were painfully cliché and made me cringe constantly. And that whole mystery? Yeah, it was not mysterying. The conflict at the end weirdly reminded me of Fifty Shades of Grey (no offense).
But I just couldn’t fathom the fact that Adrian is only 18. 🙄 And Poppy? Just a plain boring girl.
There was zero character development. I felt no chemistry between them. Honestly I just cringed all the way through.
Please read another dazzling review before deciding!
Why it remind me of those bad boy Harry Styles fanfics on Wattpad where he becomes the world's CEO at 17?? I read that when I was 14 😭😭 and honestly, my 14 yo ass would have been obsessed with this shi#.😭😭
I thought it would be dark academia, with mystery, boarding school and all. That's on me though. I never read the blurb or the tags, just jumped right in and hoped for the best.
The main characters were painfully cliché and made me cringe constantly. And that whole mystery? Yeah, it was not mysterying. The conflict at the end weirdly reminded me of Fifty Shades of Grey (no offense).
But I just couldn’t fathom the fact that Adrian is only 18. 🙄 And Poppy? Just a plain boring girl.
There was zero character development. I felt no chemistry between them. Honestly I just cringed all the way through.
Please read another dazzling review before deciding!
September 29, 2025
This book was sooo addictive omg!! I devoured it in one sitting. Literally couldn’t put it down!
“You’re a monster,”
“You knew that already, But I’m a monster infatuated.”
“You’re a monster,”
“You knew that already, But I’m a monster infatuated.”
July 11, 2025
I’m obsessed with this book!🖤
The story takes place in an elite boarding school. Adrian is a morally black MMC from a wealthy family, while Poppy is a scholarship student barely making ends meet. He’s a sociopath who has no problem killing someone and has never felt romantic feelings for anyone… until Poppy.
The relationship between the characters is complex and toxic. Adrian is obsessed with Poppy—he wants to completely control and manipulate her, yet at the same time, he would do anything for her.
The slow burn here is incredible🔥 Despite being a dark romance, there’s only one steamy scene. The characters are full of flaws, but I absolutely loved them! There’s also humor, and it was fascinating to watch Adrian realize his feelings and be unexpectedly sweet in some moments.
I’m completely satisfied with the ending, even though it’s a cliffhanger. I think the heroine made the right choice. Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the next book!
If you enjoyed Untouchable by Sam Mariano, you’ll definitely love this one too!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ dark academy
✓ morally black mc/ morally grey fmc
✓ enemies to lovers
✓ slow burn
✓ rich boy/ poor girl
The story takes place in an elite boarding school. Adrian is a morally black MMC from a wealthy family, while Poppy is a scholarship student barely making ends meet. He’s a sociopath who has no problem killing someone and has never felt romantic feelings for anyone… until Poppy.
The relationship between the characters is complex and toxic. Adrian is obsessed with Poppy—he wants to completely control and manipulate her, yet at the same time, he would do anything for her.
The slow burn here is incredible🔥 Despite being a dark romance, there’s only one steamy scene. The characters are full of flaws, but I absolutely loved them! There’s also humor, and it was fascinating to watch Adrian realize his feelings and be unexpectedly sweet in some moments.
I’m completely satisfied with the ending, even though it’s a cliffhanger. I think the heroine made the right choice. Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the next book!
If you enjoyed Untouchable by Sam Mariano, you’ll definitely love this one too!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ dark academy
✓ morally black mc/ morally grey fmc
✓ enemies to lovers
✓ slow burn
✓ rich boy/ poor girl
July 25, 2025
LIMERENCE is everything I want out of a dark romance-- dark academia, quasi-gothic vibes; morally black MMC; morally grey FMC; deep character development; foreshadowing; callbacks; and beautifully insightful prose and thoughtful social commentary, couched in a toxic cat-and-mouse love story that will have you alternately swooning and clutching your Kindle in dread.
There's something about this story that reminds me of the old Asian dramas I used to watch in high school and college. Adrian, with his old money privilege and gilded sociopathy, reminds me a lot of those evil rich guys that were in so many high school dramas like Boys Over Flowers. But usually the FMCS they were paired with were noble and good, and Poppy, the artist scholarship student, is far from good.
At its core, this is a story about two evil (one eviler than the other) people finding love, and treading each other's faultlines, which I think is difficult to do in dark romance without sacrificing character. Adrian and Poppy both yield, but neither is willing to go all in, and this shapes their relationship in a powerfully intense way.
I'm dying a little because of that cliffhanger. But I'm also feeling very big brain and smart for accidentally starting and finishing this book two days before the sequel is slated to come out. After vacuuming up all the little hints the author scattered around like little crumbs, I have some suspicions about what's going to happen in the sequel, but I fully expect to be delightedly-- and horrifiedly-- surprised, too.
5 stars
There's something about this story that reminds me of the old Asian dramas I used to watch in high school and college. Adrian, with his old money privilege and gilded sociopathy, reminds me a lot of those evil rich guys that were in so many high school dramas like Boys Over Flowers. But usually the FMCS they were paired with were noble and good, and Poppy, the artist scholarship student, is far from good.
At its core, this is a story about two evil (one eviler than the other) people finding love, and treading each other's faultlines, which I think is difficult to do in dark romance without sacrificing character. Adrian and Poppy both yield, but neither is willing to go all in, and this shapes their relationship in a powerfully intense way.
I'm dying a little because of that cliffhanger. But I'm also feeling very big brain and smart for accidentally starting and finishing this book two days before the sequel is slated to come out. After vacuuming up all the little hints the author scattered around like little crumbs, I have some suspicions about what's going to happen in the sequel, but I fully expect to be delightedly-- and horrifiedly-- surprised, too.
5 stars
January 6, 2025
My rating is solely for Adrian. I have this love-hate thing going on with him. It’s such a rollercoaster! 😭😂 He’s definitely a manipulative psychopath, but I just love how over-the-top jealous, possessive, and obsessive he is about Poppy.
He really doesn't think about the consequences of his actions as long as he gets what he wants, and fortunately (or maybe not), that happens to be her. He's so clingy and territorial over her, and he definitely makes sure everyone knows it. 🤭
It's entertaining to watch him get more and more interested in her and try to figure out how to deal with it. And at the end of the day, he finally made sure that she would be his (forever in his mind). 🤭
As for Poppy, I was somewhat interested when I read that it features a morally gray FMC. Perhaps she is, but all I saw while reading was a selfish girl who disregards others' lives and is ready to do anything to get what she wants. Maybe she's just as terrible as Adrian, but for some reason, her actions really rubbed me the wrong way. She took advantage of someone innocent, and she didn't think twice about causing harm when her lies were exposed.
I’m not sure why I can deal with Adrian's questionable morals, but Poppy's just gets to me. But if I'm being honest, I think it's because she doesn't really deserve her place in that school, and deep down she knew it too. Sure, she might be a talented artist, but academically, she's not that strong. Tbh, I still can't figure out how she made it through four years of high school. 🤦♀️
I guess the one thing I liked about her is that she definitely has some backbone. She stood her ground and didn't let Adrian control everything. Sure, there are some moments when she can't help but feel drawn to him, but for the most part, she really makes an effort to stay grounded and not get carried away by her attraction.
Also, the ending? I totally get why she wants his love. She didn't have the best life growing up, and it seems like she doesn't really get that kind of love from her own mom. I can't really fault her for wanting the one thing she probably never felt her whole life. Some people might think actions speak louder, but let’s not forget that words can work magic as well. Even though Adrian has really shown through his actions how much he cares for her, it just wasn't enough; Poppy still needs to hear the words.
Luckily for her (or not), he's not letting her go (probably ever), so I suppose she should get herself geared up. Because maaan, when he finds her, I really think she's going to wish she hadn't left him. 🫣 I need the second book right now!!! 😈
Book info:
- Highschool romance
- Morally gray MCs
- Unaliving
- Psychopath, OTT J/P H
- Blackmail
- No cheating
- Dual V
- Slowburn (spice at 90%)
- OM/OW (not really, some side chars were interested in them, but the MCs aren't)
- Cliffhanger (she left him and decided to go to a different school)
He really doesn't think about the consequences of his actions as long as he gets what he wants, and fortunately (or maybe not), that happens to be her. He's so clingy and territorial over her, and he definitely makes sure everyone knows it. 🤭
It's entertaining to watch him get more and more interested in her and try to figure out how to deal with it. And at the end of the day, he finally made sure that she would be his (forever in his mind). 🤭
As for Poppy, I was somewhat interested when I read that it features a morally gray FMC. Perhaps she is, but all I saw while reading was a selfish girl who disregards others' lives and is ready to do anything to get what she wants. Maybe she's just as terrible as Adrian, but for some reason, her actions really rubbed me the wrong way. She took advantage of someone innocent, and she didn't think twice about causing harm when her lies were exposed.
I’m not sure why I can deal with Adrian's questionable morals, but Poppy's just gets to me. But if I'm being honest, I think it's because she doesn't really deserve her place in that school, and deep down she knew it too. Sure, she might be a talented artist, but academically, she's not that strong. Tbh, I still can't figure out how she made it through four years of high school. 🤦♀️
I guess the one thing I liked about her is that she definitely has some backbone. She stood her ground and didn't let Adrian control everything. Sure, there are some moments when she can't help but feel drawn to him, but for the most part, she really makes an effort to stay grounded and not get carried away by her attraction.
Also, the ending? I totally get why she wants his love. She didn't have the best life growing up, and it seems like she doesn't really get that kind of love from her own mom. I can't really fault her for wanting the one thing she probably never felt her whole life. Some people might think actions speak louder, but let’s not forget that words can work magic as well. Even though Adrian has really shown through his actions how much he cares for her, it just wasn't enough; Poppy still needs to hear the words.
Luckily for her (or not), he's not letting her go (probably ever), so I suppose she should get herself geared up. Because maaan, when he finds her, I really think she's going to wish she hadn't left him. 🫣 I need the second book right now!!! 😈
Book info:
- Highschool romance
- Morally gray MCs
- Unaliving
- Psychopath, OTT J/P H
- Blackmail
- No cheating
- Dual V
- Slowburn (spice at 90%)
- OM/OW (not really, some side chars were interested in them, but the MCs aren't)
- Cliffhanger (she left him and decided to go to a different school)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
Soooooo…
I’ve been a little hesitant to write my review because I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint some of my friends on here that loved it so much. I want to say that I’m sooo happy that they did enjoy it as much as they did! I love seeing happy readers and I know we’re all chasing that same high that only a thoroughly satisfying read can bring, so I would never begrudge anyone of achieving that feeling. I don’t know if it’s a mood thing or an age thing (as I’m fairly certain I’m significantly older than these lovely fellow readers) but it just didn’t hit me quite the same way as it did them.
So let’s start with what I liked...
~ I loved that there was an air of mystery hidden beneath the plot. Did I think too much into this mystery early on and give the author entirely too much credit as to how creative their mind could get in developing it?
That mystery wasn’t nearly as deep as I thought it was going to be, but enjoyable all the same.
~ I’m part of the OTT, jealous, and possessive hero fan club so I could thoroughly appreciate those qualities in the H, Adrian.
~ The heroine, Poppy, was a virgin and call me old school or weird or whatever the hell you want to, IDC— but— I’m still a fan of the virginal h and always will be.
~ Really loved how the dysfunctional dynamics of Poppy’s and her mother’s relationship was portrayed in action. Some of the exchanges between the two of them really hit hard and I could totally understand and even relate a little bit to how it shaped Poppy into who she is.
Now— what I didn’t like…
~ Dear God in Heaven, was there any editing or proofreading done to this book at all?! I’m not even just nitpicking either. This was BAD. Words were missing, the wrong words were used and most of the time a word that sounded close to the correct word was used so was the author using voice-to-text to write??? Extra words were inserted here and there randomly within a sentence and sometimes it seemed as though the author had taken the sentence in a different direction than they originally intended, but forgot to remove the part they changed their mind about. And I’m sorry, but when this happens so repeatedly, it yanks you constantly out of the story because your brain is then trying to connect the logical dots of the English language, rather than digesting the text to connect the dots of the plot.
This is literally a line out of the book...
~ Also, I found it very difficult to connect emotionally and empathize with the two MC’s. There just weren’t any redeeming qualities to either of them. Both were incredibly self-absorbed and whereas Poppy might have struggled with doing wrong by others, she still ultimately did if it was the necessary means to get herself ahead in the end. And of course Adrian never even hesitated. And down to the very end (which only solidified my feelings even more) I was not in the least bit convinced that Poppy and Adrian even cared about each other. And let’s face it, how can you root for a couple’s love story when you aren’t convinced of their love?
~ The last thing I will harp on is how much I felt like all the holes in the Swiss cheese weren’t lining up to support elements of the author’s storyline. Mind you, this is the part of the review where my ranting can get a little spoilery so if you’re not interested in that, you might want to skip down to my final thoughts.
You've been warned!
So, it’s fairly obvious that Poppy isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Her grades suck even at “her best”. The stunt she pulled to cheat her way into Lionswood would have required a much more intelligent person to pull it off. Not to mention, we saw how well she could “sneak” around to snoop into things… she wasn’t exactly tactful either. Which only resulted in the story feeling too contrived when it tried to achieve its “ahah” moments. Also, intelligent people, even vengeful intelligent people, do NOT react the way Ian did once he put all the puzzle pieces together. Again, just a lot of things that didn’t necessarily make sense to the storyline had to be used in order to make all the pieces of it fall into place. And the author even chose to hinge the ending on one of these forced scenarios… because there’s no reality in any universe where Poppy would have achieved Pratt on her own.
Final Thoughts…
Ultimately, I just think that I probably wasn’t the target audience for this one. But, clearly, there are tons of people that do really enjoy it, so give it a shot and see if it works for you too.
I’ve been a little hesitant to write my review because I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint some of my friends on here that loved it so much. I want to say that I’m sooo happy that they did enjoy it as much as they did! I love seeing happy readers and I know we’re all chasing that same high that only a thoroughly satisfying read can bring, so I would never begrudge anyone of achieving that feeling. I don’t know if it’s a mood thing or an age thing (as I’m fairly certain I’m significantly older than these lovely fellow readers) but it just didn’t hit me quite the same way as it did them.
So let’s start with what I liked...
~ I loved that there was an air of mystery hidden beneath the plot. Did I think too much into this mystery early on and give the author entirely too much credit as to how creative their mind could get in developing it?
That mystery wasn’t nearly as deep as I thought it was going to be, but enjoyable all the same.
~ I’m part of the OTT, jealous, and possessive hero fan club so I could thoroughly appreciate those qualities in the H, Adrian.
~ The heroine, Poppy, was a virgin and call me old school or weird or whatever the hell you want to, IDC— but— I’m still a fan of the virginal h and always will be.
~ Really loved how the dysfunctional dynamics of Poppy’s and her mother’s relationship was portrayed in action. Some of the exchanges between the two of them really hit hard and I could totally understand and even relate a little bit to how it shaped Poppy into who she is.
Now— what I didn’t like…
~ Dear God in Heaven, was there any editing or proofreading done to this book at all?! I’m not even just nitpicking either. This was BAD. Words were missing, the wrong words were used and most of the time a word that sounded close to the correct word was used so was the author using voice-to-text to write??? Extra words were inserted here and there randomly within a sentence and sometimes it seemed as though the author had taken the sentence in a different direction than they originally intended, but forgot to remove the part they changed their mind about. And I’m sorry, but when this happens so repeatedly, it yanks you constantly out of the story because your brain is then trying to connect the logical dots of the English language, rather than digesting the text to connect the dots of the plot.
This is literally a line out of the book...
"It feels weird to be speak so confidently about it when, a month or two again, I was sure we didn’t."
~ Also, I found it very difficult to connect emotionally and empathize with the two MC’s. There just weren’t any redeeming qualities to either of them. Both were incredibly self-absorbed and whereas Poppy might have struggled with doing wrong by others, she still ultimately did if it was the necessary means to get herself ahead in the end. And of course Adrian never even hesitated. And down to the very end (which only solidified my feelings even more) I was not in the least bit convinced that Poppy and Adrian even cared about each other. And let’s face it, how can you root for a couple’s love story when you aren’t convinced of their love?
~ The last thing I will harp on is how much I felt like all the holes in the Swiss cheese weren’t lining up to support elements of the author’s storyline. Mind you, this is the part of the review where my ranting can get a little spoilery so if you’re not interested in that, you might want to skip down to my final thoughts.
You've been warned!
So, it’s fairly obvious that Poppy isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Her grades suck even at “her best”. The stunt she pulled to cheat her way into Lionswood would have required a much more intelligent person to pull it off. Not to mention, we saw how well she could “sneak” around to snoop into things… she wasn’t exactly tactful either. Which only resulted in the story feeling too contrived when it tried to achieve its “ahah” moments. Also, intelligent people, even vengeful intelligent people, do NOT react the way Ian did once he put all the puzzle pieces together. Again, just a lot of things that didn’t necessarily make sense to the storyline had to be used in order to make all the pieces of it fall into place. And the author even chose to hinge the ending on one of these forced scenarios… because there’s no reality in any universe where Poppy would have achieved Pratt on her own.
Final Thoughts…
Ultimately, I just think that I probably wasn’t the target audience for this one. But, clearly, there are tons of people that do really enjoy it, so give it a shot and see if it works for you too.
Want to read
June 19, 2025so this is THE perfect dark romance book?
- no sexual thoughts?!
- no enemies to lusters?!
- no sexual relationship only?!
- a proper psychopath?!
- no sexual thoughts?!
- no enemies to lusters?!
- no sexual relationship only?!
- a proper psychopath?!
January 2, 2025
4/5 “You’re a monster,” I whisper. He just blinks at me - unfazed.
“You knew that already,” he says quietly and strokes the mark he left on my neck. “But I’m a monster infatuated.”
TROPES:
-enemies to friends to lovers
-dark
-academy/high school for the rich
-sloooow burn
-mystery
-dual virgins
-demisexual hero
I loved this book! Adrian is to DIE. FOR. 🤭🔥
Poppy is a scholarship at her high school for the rich. There’s a long story as to how she really got in. She’s managed to hide herself for years with no friends, but one night after another scholarship student commits suicide, she finds herself at the mercy of a monster. Adrian.
Their relationship is complicated (and hot as hell) and I loved every second of it. Especially their first sex scene!! 🤭🔥 I can’t wait for the second book to release in this duet!
SAFETY:
dual virgins
lighthearted OM/OW drama but nothing serious
no cheating/sharing
kinks: praise, bdsm, rough sex, hand necklaces
triggers: discussion of suicide, graphic death/violence, accidental drowning, unhealthy/toxic relationship dynamics, imbalance of power, abuse of power, emotional manipulation, blackmail, dubcon, discussion of BDSM
HEA?: no, it’s a cliffhanger! 😪
“You knew that already,” he says quietly and strokes the mark he left on my neck. “But I’m a monster infatuated.”
TROPES:
-enemies to friends to lovers
-dark
-academy/high school for the rich
-sloooow burn
-mystery
-dual virgins
-demisexual hero
I loved this book! Adrian is to DIE. FOR. 🤭🔥
Poppy is a scholarship at her high school for the rich. There’s a long story as to how she really got in. She’s managed to hide herself for years with no friends, but one night after another scholarship student commits suicide, she finds herself at the mercy of a monster. Adrian.
Their relationship is complicated (and hot as hell) and I loved every second of it. Especially their first sex scene!! 🤭🔥 I can’t wait for the second book to release in this duet!
SAFETY:
dual virgins
lighthearted OM/OW drama but nothing serious
no cheating/sharing
kinks: praise, bdsm, rough sex, hand necklaces
triggers: discussion of suicide, graphic death/violence, accidental drowning, unhealthy/toxic relationship dynamics, imbalance of power, abuse of power, emotional manipulation, blackmail, dubcon, discussion of BDSM
HEA?: no, it’s a cliffhanger! 😪
July 29, 2025
7/28/25 **taking my limerence 5 stars back** due to the failure of redamancy. always very important how the ending results go.
5 limerence stars bitches 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Listen carefully bc what I have for this book, it ain’t love. It’s LIMERENCE like my boo thang Adrian said to his gurl.
What I have for you…” He pauses. Searching for the right word. “It’s not love, it's limerence.” His grip on my waist tightens. “It’s not patient. It’s not always kind. It’s not selfless. It’s as dark and twisted as I am.”
This is my favorite & is seriously one of the best read in 2024 I have had. So happy even the cliffy I’m thrilled with, hehehe.
5 limerence stars bitches 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Listen carefully bc what I have for this book, it ain’t love. It’s LIMERENCE like my boo thang Adrian said to his gurl.
What I have for you…” He pauses. Searching for the right word. “It’s not love, it's limerence.” His grip on my waist tightens. “It’s not patient. It’s not always kind. It’s not selfless. It’s as dark and twisted as I am.”
This is my favorite & is seriously one of the best read in 2024 I have had. So happy even the cliffy I’m thrilled with, hehehe.
Read
August 12, 2025DNF
Thoughts
Okay so this was extremely interesting, but I couldn't find it in me to continue it. For now, I shall save it for later.
𐔌🖤⋮ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ˎˊ˗
My irl friend (yes I have friends in real life- surprise) insisted I read this. It’s been a while since I read a dark romance so of course im dragging my bestie Alex to read this with me. (If you never hear from him again its because he read the book ahead and I murdered him in his sleep)
Thoughts
Okay so this was extremely interesting, but I couldn't find it in me to continue it. For now, I shall save it for later.
𐔌🖤⋮ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ˎˊ˗
My irl friend (yes I have friends in real life- surprise) insisted I read this. It’s been a while since I read a dark romance so of course im dragging my bestie Alex to read this with me. (If you never hear from him again its because he read the book ahead and I murdered him in his sleep)
January 21, 2025
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 – 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒛𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆, 𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖… 𝑯𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔. 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒂𝒎.
Who am I? Because to win me over with a book with hardly any spice is so unheard of, but I don't care because I loved it!!
This book was so good it kept my attention from start to finish.
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆.
Without giving too much away, let's just say that these two are meant for each other. They both harbor deep, dark secrets and blackmail each other with them, eventually falling hard for each other.
𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕. 𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔. 𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.
In terms of slow burn, this is the slowest burn I've read, but I didn't even care.
𝑰 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.
The ending was so f—king good! These two have excellent f—king banter, and they know how to get under each other's skin, especially my girl Poppy. She is queen when it comes to pushing Adrian's buttons, but you don't want to push him too hard because he's unhinged, and you never know what you'll get when you push him too far.
𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒅𝒐... 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
Adrian was my favorite. He's smart, rich, handsome, powerful, and an unhinged psycho. He has never felt or desired human connection, but all that changes when Poppy comes into his life. Poppy has awakened feelings in him that he's never felt before. He is attracted to her because she knows his darkest secrets and hasn't run for the hills; that alone has him utterly obsessed with her. He finally finds the one who completes him and accepts him for who he is, flaws and all. She is his forever, and he's never letting her go.. well that cliffhanger proves otherwise, and I can't wait to read the next book.
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒇, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝑰 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒆. 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒅𝒐.
I want more of them, and I need the next book. Fingers crossed for more spice. 😈
I'm shocked. This is the author's first book, and she killed it. She did a phenomenal job!
Who am I? Because to win me over with a book with hardly any spice is so unheard of, but I don't care because I loved it!!
This book was so good it kept my attention from start to finish.
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆.
Without giving too much away, let's just say that these two are meant for each other. They both harbor deep, dark secrets and blackmail each other with them, eventually falling hard for each other.
𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕. 𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔. 𝑾𝒆'𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕.
In terms of slow burn, this is the slowest burn I've read, but I didn't even care.
𝑰 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.
The ending was so f—king good! These two have excellent f—king banter, and they know how to get under each other's skin, especially my girl Poppy. She is queen when it comes to pushing Adrian's buttons, but you don't want to push him too hard because he's unhinged, and you never know what you'll get when you push him too far.
𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒅𝒐... 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
Adrian was my favorite. He's smart, rich, handsome, powerful, and an unhinged psycho. He has never felt or desired human connection, but all that changes when Poppy comes into his life. Poppy has awakened feelings in him that he's never felt before. He is attracted to her because she knows his darkest secrets and hasn't run for the hills; that alone has him utterly obsessed with her. He finally finds the one who completes him and accepts him for who he is, flaws and all. She is his forever, and he's never letting her go.. well that cliffhanger proves otherwise, and I can't wait to read the next book.
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏, 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒊𝒇, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝑰 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒆. 𝑰'𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒅𝒐.
I want more of them, and I need the next book. Fingers crossed for more spice. 😈
I'm shocked. This is the author's first book, and she killed it. She did a phenomenal job!
October 12, 2024
This book was such a pleasant surprise! It's not often these days that I really enjoy a romance set in High School. And I was warned that this one has almost no spice, so I was a bit skeptical going in. However, Limerance turned out to be one of my favorites this year. I loved the MMC and the relationship dynamic. I enjoyed that the MFC, while having her own morally questionable moments, was still likable and relatable. Adrian kind of reminded me of a Sam Mariano hero - he was in control, he was manipulative, he bulldozed to get his way, while making Poppy's life better in the process. The characters were fleshed out and given legitimate reasons for their behavior and their infatuation with each other. My only complaint is that the book end on a cliffhanger and there's a 6 month wait for book 2.
July 26, 2025
“But what I feel for you, sweetheart –” His pitch eyes zero in on me, the light of the flames reflected in them. “It’s more. It’s not some vague, fleeting emotion. You’ve consumed me. You’ve crawled into my brain and infected every inch of it. You’ve turned me into a man obsessed. What I have for you…” He pauses. Searching for the right word. “It’s not love, it's limerence.” His grip on my waist tightens. “It’s not patient. It’s not always kind. It’s not selfless. It’s as dark and twisted as I am.”
🥰🥰🥰🥰
5 stars and ladies and gents that’s how you write a book. I can’t wait for book 2 ❤️.
This book is definitely for the Rina Kent and Sam Mariano fans, however, with better writing👌
Reread: Wow, still amazing and I can’t wait for Redemancy which should be up soon 🥰. Still 5+++ stars.
🥰🥰🥰🥰
5 stars and ladies and gents that’s how you write a book. I can’t wait for book 2 ❤️.
This book is definitely for the Rina Kent and Sam Mariano fans, however, with better writing👌
Reread: Wow, still amazing and I can’t wait for Redemancy which should be up soon 🥰. Still 5+++ stars.
January 12, 2025
Oh man, I enjoyed this book but didn’t know it ended in somewhat of a cliffhanger and the second book is not out. Ugh. This is a dark-ish bully romance and I ate it up. I do wish the MC’s were a bit older but that’s a personal preference and their age does give the plot more merit, so I get it.
February 1, 2025
honestly wish he killed her that first time so the book could’ve been over sooner
October 7, 2024
Almost a 5 star read for me! I usually don't go for high school books, but I liked this one!
h is a poor scholarship student from mobile alabama who is attending a boarding school for wealthy, top 1% students. She sees a glimpse of H walking away after another scholarship student is killed and it makes him see her.
There is a complete lack of smut until about....90%!?!? And they're both Vs 👀
The jealous scenes were *chefs kiss*. I feel like I don't get to see many of those recently and I ate that shit UP! When she gets a rose to be asked to the dance and then H has a gajiliian flowers given to her during class? He's super super obsessed/possessive and me likey 😈😈😁
But yo.....can we talk about the ending? I know shes in high school and shes young but you understand a lot about him but you get mad when he doesn't say I love you? He gave you the limerence vow!!!! He will literally LITERALLY kill for you and you think he doesn't love you so you don't go to Harvard art school with him and run to Pratt art school to get away from him 🤦🤦😂
But hes gonna follow youuuuuuuuuuu!
And then it ends! And I was like, what the sigma?!
Can't wait for book 2! There better be a book 2!!!! 😬😳😳
h is a poor scholarship student from mobile alabama who is attending a boarding school for wealthy, top 1% students. She sees a glimpse of H walking away after another scholarship student is killed and it makes him see her.
There is a complete lack of smut until about....90%!?!? And they're both Vs 👀
The jealous scenes were *chefs kiss*. I feel like I don't get to see many of those recently and I ate that shit UP! When she gets a rose to be asked to the dance and then H has a gajiliian flowers given to her during class? He's super super obsessed/possessive and me likey 😈😈😁
But yo.....can we talk about the ending? I know shes in high school and shes young but you understand a lot about him but you get mad when he doesn't say I love you? He gave you the limerence vow!!!! He will literally LITERALLY kill for you and you think he doesn't love you so you don't go to Harvard art school with him and run to Pratt art school to get away from him 🤦🤦😂
But hes gonna follow youuuuuuuuuuu!
And then it ends! And I was like, what the sigma?!
Can't wait for book 2! There better be a book 2!!!! 😬😳😳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 19, 2024
5 stars!!! !
One word: PERFECTION.
This is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year! I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first because of all the glowing reviews. I thought, “No way is it that good,” but I am glad to say I was wrong. It lived up to every bit of hype and more for me.
The basic plot isn’t anything new, it’s a storyline I’ve seen in many books. But there’s something about the way this was written that made it stand out. It captivated me right from the beginning. I am not kidding when I say I couldn’t put the book down.
The story is definitely more of a slow burn but I didn’t feel it even once. In fact, I loved that the slower pace allowed the relationship to develop naturally. Not once did I feel bored. The growth in their feelings was gradual. The progression in their relationship felt genuine and I loved it, they had reason for their interest in each other. The best part was definitely their chemistry!!!! It was oozing through the pages and gave me butterflies. The fact they hadn’t even kissed yet and I was just swooning to the core!! It was refreshing that they weren’t ripping each other’s clothes at first glance.
The characters were the best part. I loved how they weren’t just black and white. Both were morally gray, one more than the other. The first person POV was a brilliant choice, giving the right amount of glimpses into Adrian’s true nature. His charisma was captivating, it even had me mesmerized but when his mask finally slipped, it was absolutely chilling!!! It was definitely well written. Someone said that his dialogues were quote worthy and I can’t agree more. Each line was so smooth and memorable. All of them made my heart race lol. Can’t blame poppy for falling for him cuz who wouldn’t? My favorite part was the way his interest deepened over time, it was believable. I went from fearing he’d kill poppy for the sake of it to swooning at his devotion for her.
Poppy was also the perfect match for Adrian. I’ve read many novels but this one of those that I truly felt the characters were made for each other, like two halves of the same piece. She balanced his darkness perfectly, and I appreciate that she wasn’t portrayed as flawless. She was realistic, her selfishness was refreshing. I am tired of the typical FLs who recklessly throw themselves into danger. Poppy had depth, and that made her journey with Adrian all the more compelling.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Around 50%, I was terrified I’d be disappointed because I was loving it so much and every book I enjoyed this much has disappointed me in the end, but it’s safe to say that it was amazing through out, even ending didn’t let me down. It was definitely abrupt and shocking but It was thrilling enough to make me eager for the next book. I can’t wait to read it!!
One word: PERFECTION.
This is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year! I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first because of all the glowing reviews. I thought, “No way is it that good,” but I am glad to say I was wrong. It lived up to every bit of hype and more for me.
The basic plot isn’t anything new, it’s a storyline I’ve seen in many books. But there’s something about the way this was written that made it stand out. It captivated me right from the beginning. I am not kidding when I say I couldn’t put the book down.
The story is definitely more of a slow burn but I didn’t feel it even once. In fact, I loved that the slower pace allowed the relationship to develop naturally. Not once did I feel bored. The growth in their feelings was gradual. The progression in their relationship felt genuine and I loved it, they had reason for their interest in each other. The best part was definitely their chemistry!!!! It was oozing through the pages and gave me butterflies. The fact they hadn’t even kissed yet and I was just swooning to the core!! It was refreshing that they weren’t ripping each other’s clothes at first glance.
The characters were the best part. I loved how they weren’t just black and white. Both were morally gray, one more than the other. The first person POV was a brilliant choice, giving the right amount of glimpses into Adrian’s true nature. His charisma was captivating, it even had me mesmerized but when his mask finally slipped, it was absolutely chilling!!! It was definitely well written. Someone said that his dialogues were quote worthy and I can’t agree more. Each line was so smooth and memorable. All of them made my heart race lol. Can’t blame poppy for falling for him cuz who wouldn’t? My favorite part was the way his interest deepened over time, it was believable. I went from fearing he’d kill poppy for the sake of it to swooning at his devotion for her.
Poppy was also the perfect match for Adrian. I’ve read many novels but this one of those that I truly felt the characters were made for each other, like two halves of the same piece. She balanced his darkness perfectly, and I appreciate that she wasn’t portrayed as flawless. She was realistic, her selfishness was refreshing. I am tired of the typical FLs who recklessly throw themselves into danger. Poppy had depth, and that made her journey with Adrian all the more compelling.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. Around 50%, I was terrified I’d be disappointed because I was loving it so much and every book I enjoyed this much has disappointed me in the end, but it’s safe to say that it was amazing through out, even ending didn’t let me down. It was definitely abrupt and shocking but It was thrilling enough to make me eager for the next book. I can’t wait to read it!!
April 17, 2025
“Go ahead,” he says. “Run as far as you’d like. Run to New York, to California, to Europe, to Africa, to the ends of the earth if you’d like.” His voice pitches so low I have to crane to hear him. “Because when I find you, and it is when, not if, sweetheart, I intend to collect my prize. I’m not sure you’ll like what happens when I do.” 😭😭😭
Another sleepless night but it was definitely worth it 😂🤭 I can't wait for the second book for more unhinged Adrian 🤣♥️🌸
Another sleepless night but it was definitely worth it 😂🤭 I can't wait for the second book for more unhinged Adrian 🤣♥️🌸
July 27, 2025
I honestly think the authors note at the beginning of the book got me a little too hyped up for this one.
Because when I see a warning for a "morally black love interest" I'm thinking this dude is about to do some CRAZY shit.
Worst he did was kill someone
like... ok? that's it?
Because when I see a warning for a "morally black love interest" I'm thinking this dude is about to do some CRAZY shit.
Worst he did was kill someone
like... ok? that's it?
October 20, 2024
4.5 stars ★
✎what to expect
✧ private boarding high school
✧ morally black mc/ morally grey fmc
✧ only one pov (fmcs)
✧ rich boy x poor girl
✧ slow burn
✧ enemies to lovers
✧ v!rgin mcs
✧ 1.5 🌶️
BESTIESSS who love crazy unhinged fictional men please let me put you onto this book!!
THE TENSION
THE JEALOUSY
THE POSSESSIVENESS
WAS DELICIOUSSSSSSS
FEMINISM???? GONE i don't know her
me ignoring every single one of adrian's red flags when he buys her shit load of roses, designer dresses and shoes. he also says things like this:
LIKE SORRY?????? HOW I'M I NOT SUSPPOSED TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM
i couldn't give this 5 stars because the ending was a little rushed and there was typos other than that i loved it
✎TW
[mention of suicide, graphic death/violence, accidental drowning, unhealthy/toxic relationship dynamics, blackmail, dub-con]
You’ve consumed me. You’ve crawled into my brain and infected every inch of it. You’ve turned me into a man obsessed. What I have for you…” He pauses. Searching for the right word. “It’s not love, it's limerence.” His grip on my waist tightens. “It’s not patient. It’s not always kind. It’s not selfless. It’s as dark and twisted as I am.”
✎what to expect
✧ private boarding high school
✧ morally black mc/ morally grey fmc
✧ only one pov (fmcs)
✧ rich boy x poor girl
✧ slow burn
✧ enemies to lovers
✧ v!rgin mcs
✧ 1.5 🌶️
BESTIESSS who love crazy unhinged fictional men please let me put you onto this book!!
THE TENSION
THE JEALOUSY
THE POSSESSIVENESS
WAS DELICIOUSSSSSSS
“A pretty little doll that I get to show off…and only I get to touch.”
What belongs to me –” He hooks a finger under my chin. “ – belongs to me.
“Why not? You’re mine. I can mark you as I please.” Darkness flashes across his face. “After all, some people clearly need a visual reminder.”
FEMINISM???? GONE i don't know her
me ignoring every single one of adrian's red flags when he buys her shit load of roses, designer dresses and shoes. he also says things like this:
“We’ll get a cute little apartment off campus. We’ll meet up after classes and study in the library together. On the weekends, we’ll go into the city, have breakfast, and afterward, I’ll take you shopping for whatever your heart desires.”
“I’m going to give you the world,” he continues. “Anything you want. Money, status, jewelry, cars – I’m going to lay the entire world at your feet.”
LIKE SORRY?????? HOW I'M I NOT SUSPPOSED TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM
i couldn't give this 5 stars because the ending was a little rushed and there was typos other than that i loved it
✎TW
[mention of suicide, graphic death/violence, accidental drowning, unhealthy/toxic relationship dynamics, blackmail, dub-con]
July 27, 2025
Дуже і дуже непогана історія
Типічний сюжет - бідна дівчина потрапляє у школу для найбагатших по стипендії. Він - найзаможніший та найбажаніший.
Але ось нюанс - він не бед бой з купою друзів, він - золотий хлопчик, який про всіх турбується і якого всі вважають найкращим. А всередині, він, як по психологічній методичці написаний, психопат - соціопат (не можу не відмітити якісну роботу авторки чисто з професійного боку, він навіть хоче стати лікарем, все як треба !😁).
Мені сподобалось, що нарешті написана героїня, яка не свята біднячка, яка всіх цурається. Вона хоче грошей, вона не відмовляється від дорогих подарунків та шантажу. Вона єдина хто одразу розуміє, що перед нею соціопат, який не милий котик, а для якого вона щось незвичне і тому замість того, щоб вбити її він починає з нею дружити.
І ні, він в результаті не повзає перед нею на колінах, не каже, що любить вічною любов'ю, його вчинки не виправдовуються тяжким дитинством, тут навіть слова про це нема (Ріна Кент я щас на тебе дивлюся). Він все ще такий, як є, зі своїми кошмарами, а героїня йому підстать маніпулює.
Не знаю чи буду одразу читати другу частину, але дуже сподіваюся, що всі ці характери персонажів дивом не пропадуть і це все ще буде добре.
Єдине, мені не вистачило динаміки в перших 13 розділах, щоб це було повністю у моєму смаку.
Типічний сюжет - бідна дівчина потрапляє у школу для найбагатших по стипендії. Він - найзаможніший та найбажаніший.
Але ось нюанс - він не бед бой з купою друзів, він - золотий хлопчик, який про всіх турбується і якого всі вважають найкращим. А всередині, він, як по психологічній методичці написаний, психопат - соціопат (не можу не відмітити якісну роботу авторки чисто з професійного боку, він навіть хоче стати лікарем, все як треба !😁).
Мені сподобалось, що нарешті написана героїня, яка не свята біднячка, яка всіх цурається. Вона хоче грошей, вона не відмовляється від дорогих подарунків та шантажу. Вона єдина хто одразу розуміє, що перед нею соціопат, який не милий котик, а для якого вона щось незвичне і тому замість того, щоб вбити її він починає з нею дружити.
І ні, він в результаті не повзає перед нею на колінах, не каже, що любить вічною любов'ю, його вчинки не виправдовуються тяжким дитинством, тут навіть слова про це нема (Ріна Кент я щас на тебе дивлюся). Він все ще такий, як є, зі своїми кошмарами, а героїня йому підстать маніпулює.
Не знаю чи буду одразу читати другу частину, але дуже сподіваюся, що всі ці характери персонажів дивом не пропадуть і це все ще буде добре.
Єдине, мені не вистачило динаміки в перших 13 розділах, щоб це було повністю у моєму смаку.
March 5, 2025
This would have been more interesting if he killed her.
Read
March 15, 2025Sadly I DNF !
And I really tried. I DNF on the 79% mark …
And I really tried. I DNF on the 79% mark …
January 3, 2025
DNF.
Found it really hard to get into the story. Stopped reading once the FMC knows MC is a killer and wants to stay clear of him yet when she bumps into him in the library while school is on break she offered to buy him lunch? Why?
Found it really hard to get into the story. Stopped reading once the FMC knows MC is a killer and wants to stay clear of him yet when she bumps into him in the library while school is on break she offered to buy him lunch? Why?
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