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My Sweet Dollie, You Have to Love Me
Dollie
When we first met, we were just two kids with nothing in common. Different interests and struggles put a wedge between us before we could ever be friends.
Then a terrible childhood trauma bonded us, bringing us closer forever. We became each other's everything. A light in the dark that the other needed to make it through.
All that changed the night my beloved parents died.
He couldn't be my comforter anymore.
He couldn't be around me at all.
Because my words sentenced him to years behind bars. Ambrose I should hate her for putting me in prison. For moving on with her life while I wasted ten lonely years writing letters she never replied to...but hate isn't what I feel as I watch from the shadows of the family home after she returns for the first time since that night.
My sweet Dollie has no idea we're living in the same house, because she still can't step foot upstairs.
But I like that I'm close enough to comfort her again. Because she needs it more than ever, and she can't get it from her boyfriend.
We grow a little closer each time we talk anonymously. Each time she reaches out and tells a stranger of something awful that he's done, I'm there to soothe her pain.
She wonders how I know her so well. How I'm able to take away all the hurt she's feeling.
But she has no idea that I've been doing it her whole life.
Then a terrible childhood trauma bonded us, bringing us closer forever. We became each other's everything. A light in the dark that the other needed to make it through.
All that changed the night my beloved parents died.
He couldn't be my comforter anymore.
He couldn't be around me at all.
Because my words sentenced him to years behind bars. Ambrose I should hate her for putting me in prison. For moving on with her life while I wasted ten lonely years writing letters she never replied to...but hate isn't what I feel as I watch from the shadows of the family home after she returns for the first time since that night.
My sweet Dollie has no idea we're living in the same house, because she still can't step foot upstairs.
But I like that I'm close enough to comfort her again. Because she needs it more than ever, and she can't get it from her boyfriend.
We grow a little closer each time we talk anonymously. Each time she reaches out and tells a stranger of something awful that he's done, I'm there to soothe her pain.
She wonders how I know her so well. How I'm able to take away all the hurt she's feeling.
But she has no idea that I've been doing it her whole life.
602 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2025
221 people are currently reading
1492 people want to read
About the author
Cori Zahara
15 books849 followersJust a weirdo, who has imaginary people talking to her...who she then writes books on, starting with the end of their story. Yes, I told you...weird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
January 26, 2026
I debated whether or not to write a review because of spoilers, but I decided to keep it short and as spoiler free as possible.
if you’re going into this thinking it’s a dark romance, please turn around because IT’S NOT. this is a heavy, tragic love story with horror woven throughout. Ambrose and Dollie go through an unimaginable amount from childhood to adulthood.
I went into this completely blind, never expecting it to affect me as deeply as it did. it was an emotional rollercoaster, heavy with trauma and trauma bonding, filled with anger, pain, and strong mental health representation. some parts felt a little slow, and it took me longer to get invested. I even debated dnfing it, but i didn’t cause I wanted to read more about Ambrose since he’s the only character I tolerate.
Ambrose and Dollie are completely broken souls, bonded through trauma and pain. their awful parents marry when they’re children, making them step siblings. and something cataclysmic happens something that permanently alters the path of their lives. they were kidnapped and subjected to unspeakable horrors, mentally and physically abused and tortured daily.
the story moves back and forth between the past and the present showing their childhood, the kidnapping, and the aftermath. the past scenes were heavy and painful to read.
following Ambrose and Dollie as adults trying find their way through life after their captivity was heartbreaking. they are forever changed, suffering long term physical and mental effects. I really appreciated how the author portrayed chronic illness and mental health.
I’m glad I didn’t dnf this book. I needed to know how their story ended and whether they could ever find peace after everything they endured. I’m happy they were able to find happiness after so much trauma and pain.
if you’re going into this thinking it’s a dark romance, please turn around because IT’S NOT. this is a heavy, tragic love story with horror woven throughout. Ambrose and Dollie go through an unimaginable amount from childhood to adulthood.
I went into this completely blind, never expecting it to affect me as deeply as it did. it was an emotional rollercoaster, heavy with trauma and trauma bonding, filled with anger, pain, and strong mental health representation. some parts felt a little slow, and it took me longer to get invested. I even debated dnfing it, but i didn’t cause I wanted to read more about Ambrose since he’s the only character I tolerate.
Ambrose and Dollie are completely broken souls, bonded through trauma and pain. their awful parents marry when they’re children, making them step siblings. and something cataclysmic happens something that permanently alters the path of their lives. they were kidnapped and subjected to unspeakable horrors, mentally and physically abused and tortured daily.
the story moves back and forth between the past and the present showing their childhood, the kidnapping, and the aftermath. the past scenes were heavy and painful to read.
following Ambrose and Dollie as adults trying find their way through life after their captivity was heartbreaking. they are forever changed, suffering long term physical and mental effects. I really appreciated how the author portrayed chronic illness and mental health.
I’m glad I didn’t dnf this book. I needed to know how their story ended and whether they could ever find peace after everything they endured. I’m happy they were able to find happiness after so much trauma and pain.
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September 6, 2025I'm updating because, obviously, the book is out now.
Soo... 12 months on, it's released.
This is not the story you were expecting. This is not just a dark romance, to me, at least. This is an almost tragic love story woven throughout a horror. Dollie and Ambrose go through a lot.
It's heavy, and you might feel like you're living their pain. I'm sorry. Know that you can stop reading at any time. I did so many times.
This was a very hard book for me, given my childhood, DV history, and personal struggles. I hope no one else relates quite as hard as I do with our main characters... but I do hope you love them.
Thank you for all the reviews, but as lots of us know, I only pop here to give updates.
Soo... 12 months on, it's released.
This is not the story you were expecting. This is not just a dark romance, to me, at least. This is an almost tragic love story woven throughout a horror. Dollie and Ambrose go through a lot.
It's heavy, and you might feel like you're living their pain. I'm sorry. Know that you can stop reading at any time. I did so many times.
This was a very hard book for me, given my childhood, DV history, and personal struggles. I hope no one else relates quite as hard as I do with our main characters... but I do hope you love them.
Thank you for all the reviews, but as lots of us know, I only pop here to give updates.
October 19, 2025
. ݁⋆ ꫂ 5 stars ᭪ ݁˖ . ݁
𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓮'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓜𝔂 𝓹𝓾𝓻𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮. 🥀
This was such a beautiful and hauntingly tragic woven together read.
A big thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me a free e-arc to review. As always all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
I pretty much went into this one blind and this story hit me on such a deep level. I absolutely fell in love with and heavily related to both of these main characters. My heart truly bleeds for them. Like I feel so emotional just thinking about them. To preface, this book is heavy on trauma/trauma bonding (sue me those are some of my favorite tropes). Along with this I really appreciated the slow burn and angst throughout the book. I truly think that this will be one of those books that is really going to stick with me for a long time. I don’t know if I feel that it’s rooted in my soul but I do think it leaves behind a sort of emotional and haunting element/experience.
![](https://media1.tenor.com/m/jUrsI9Cs930AAAAC/emotional-ariana-grande.gif"/)
![](https://media1.tenor.com/m/D5FUaa3ZzfQAAAAC/emotional-the-voice.gif"/)
I did find it a little slow in certain parts but looking back I think it was just the right pace. For a novel of this length I surprisingly couldn't get enough and found myself wanting more when I reached the end 🤧.
While it did take me a very long time to get really invested in this story I am so glad that I stuck with it. In the end I gave it my rating that I did because I really cannot deny how much I connected with this story and its characters. This book is very well written and feels very emotionally raw. It is mainly plot driven and a slow burn. I loved seeing this because (to be honest) I haven’t read a well written book in a while that has these elements woven throughout the story.
Now I don’t usually enjoy the step-sibling trope but this one didn’t feel creepy at all. I feel like the pacing and just the general storytelling was very well done in this. When they got together I didn’t feel any kind of icked out. This is usually something that I’m always apprehensive and cautious about. I don’t typically enjoy the step-sibling trope but I really didn’t mind it in this one (surprisingly).
Once I properly got into the story I could not put it down. I loved the depth that these characters had. Ambrose was such a sweetheart. He was both loving and gentle while also being fiercely protective of Dollie. And as for Dollie, I loved and related to her character and inner thought process in such an intense way.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book had actual focus on the plot and not just on the main romance plot-line. While I did love the romance aspect I also loved how much that this book had to offer. This was also such perfect timing that I read this book. There’s really an aura and atmosphere to this story. It feels both eerie and cozy. I don’t really know how to explain it but this book just gave me the perfect fall vibes that I’ve been seeking. Also I couldn’t believe how the plot twists actually had me gagged and gasping for air.
POV me (gif won't load if you're on mobile app):
![](https://media1.tenor.com/m/QrUffKvPghoAAAAd/mean-girls-karen-smith.gif"/)
This was my first actual five-star read this year so that’s probably another reason why this one will be so memorable for me. I haven’t read a book in a long time that I loved every aspect of. While this book may not be for some people I absolutely adored it. While it is a long one it definitely packs a punch. I felt so many different emotions when reading this book. I think the main reason why I loved this so much is because I love the trope of two broken characters finding solace and healing in each other 🫂❤️🩹. I don’t know why but some of the most gut-wrenching books tend to give me comfort and turn into all time favorites. Along with feeling every emotion on the planet. Like this book broke me in the best of ways 🤍.
❥ Step-siblings
❥ Trauma bonding
❥ Mental health representation
❥ Chronic illness representation
❥ Gut wrenching tragic love story
❥ Emotional rollercoster
❥ Mute and obsessed mmc
❥ Codependent fmc
❥ Scarred mc’s
❥ Forbidden love
❥ Angst/pining/slow burn
❥ Dual timeline
❥ PTSD
❥ Dual pov
❥ Happily ever after
────𓍼ོ 𝔮𝔲𝔬𝔱𝔢𝔰𓍼ོ ────
My sweet Dollie. Those people weren't wrong in thinking I was a little too close to her. They just couldn't fucking know exactly what feelings we shared. She didn't even know. So how could they know what we'd been to each other. A lifeline. Maybe that's why, without her, I want to fucking die.
Words can't explain how much I miss her. How much I fucking need to have her close to me, erasing the thoughts I can't escape on my own.
Tears fall as I blink. Even if Dollie and I get out of here, we have nowhere safe to go.
His comments hurt, but they aren't true. Dollie looks at me without judgment, seeing past the scars and trauma that we share. No one else matters anymore.
For the first time, it isn't because she needs me. It's because I need her. I need the phantom feel of him off of me. I need her comfort.
I hope she can't tell how she affects me. "I'm dirty" Her words echo in my head as I shake it. I don't even think of the germs. They don't matter. Only she matters. Letting my fingers wander around her body, they spread on her back and pull her against me. My hand weaves over her curls and settles in her hair. I got you.
That's the thing with Dollie. She's gotten in trouble so many times in the past for things she can't control that she craves love, even from the wrong people. I guess, in some way, I do, too.
I sit there silently because I have to, but my thoughts are loud. We need no one but each other.
Just so you know, I’d stay forever.
"I miss them, and they haunt me." I don't tell her, but they haunt me, too. In so many dreams.
It's okay to have scars. Inside and out.
Maybe it's the company. Maybe Dollie is all I need to heal. In every way.
The kiss, like the last, is too familiar. It feels like home.
You’re a rare kind of perfect that only exists in all you are, to me. Nothing, no one, will ever compare to you, I mouth slowly, making sure she catches every word. "Stress has made me bloat, and I look—" "Beautiful. You look beautiful," I manage to
"I'll do everything I can to keep you from feeling like this again I promise. Whole together, remember?" We can still be whole together.
She sinks into my hold, fingers slowing but still moving on my sleeve. "I need you, too. I always need you."
"Life isn't fair, Dollie. We know that."
"You can't imagine how much I crave touch." "That doesn't sound like you." "Only yours. Only your touch."
“Do you think I'm disgusting for having frosting in my hair?" "I think you're adorable."
I don't need you to apologize to me, Dollie. I just need you to get through this. I just need you.
I'd never hurt you. I'd do anything for you. Always have. Always will.
I don't want to die. I want to live. To fight for the girl, I've spent my entire life learning how to love in the deepest way.
"Most people don't understand us. He's been accused since we were teenagers of assaulting me and creating a trauma bond. But that's not what happened. Trauma brought us close, but not trauma caused by him. But no one else has to understand that I don't love him like a brother, that I need him like I need air. Only I need to know that. What we feel for each other can't be wrong." "As long as you're both comfortable with your feelings, it's no one else's business."
I hold tight like he's my lifeline, my fingers trembling where they're joined with his.
We've spent our whole lives sad. It’s time to be happy.
"You did all this for me?" "You needed cheering up." A tear falls, and I can only assume this one is from happiness. "I really love you." I turn to him, taking his face in my hands. "No one else would do this."
"I'm sorry I'm so broken." And that I see stuff that isn't there. That it cost you and both of our parents your lives. It's so hard for me to talk about this right now. Most times, I can't even think of it. Keeping it from my thoughts is the only way to survive myself. His arms band tighter, big hands gentle on my back. "You're not broken, Dollie. It's just, we're only whole together." He gives me three kisses, the first longer than the two that follow.
Her fingers trace my scars. The same way she did all those years ago, with such a loving touch.
~
i’m sobbing the way this was my first five star of the year (aside from one reread)
i’m absolutely heartbroken rtc
𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓮'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓜𝔂 𝓹𝓾𝓻𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮. 🥀
This was such a beautiful and hauntingly tragic woven together read.
A big thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me a free e-arc to review. As always all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
I pretty much went into this one blind and this story hit me on such a deep level. I absolutely fell in love with and heavily related to both of these main characters. My heart truly bleeds for them. Like I feel so emotional just thinking about them. To preface, this book is heavy on trauma/trauma bonding (sue me those are some of my favorite tropes). Along with this I really appreciated the slow burn and angst throughout the book. I truly think that this will be one of those books that is really going to stick with me for a long time. I don’t know if I feel that it’s rooted in my soul but I do think it leaves behind a sort of emotional and haunting element/experience.
I did find it a little slow in certain parts but looking back I think it was just the right pace. For a novel of this length I surprisingly couldn't get enough and found myself wanting more when I reached the end 🤧.
While it did take me a very long time to get really invested in this story I am so glad that I stuck with it. In the end I gave it my rating that I did because I really cannot deny how much I connected with this story and its characters. This book is very well written and feels very emotionally raw. It is mainly plot driven and a slow burn. I loved seeing this because (to be honest) I haven’t read a well written book in a while that has these elements woven throughout the story.
Now I don’t usually enjoy the step-sibling trope but this one didn’t feel creepy at all. I feel like the pacing and just the general storytelling was very well done in this. When they got together I didn’t feel any kind of icked out. This is usually something that I’m always apprehensive and cautious about. I don’t typically enjoy the step-sibling trope but I really didn’t mind it in this one (surprisingly).
Once I properly got into the story I could not put it down. I loved the depth that these characters had. Ambrose was such a sweetheart. He was both loving and gentle while also being fiercely protective of Dollie. And as for Dollie, I loved and related to her character and inner thought process in such an intense way.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book had actual focus on the plot and not just on the main romance plot-line. While I did love the romance aspect I also loved how much that this book had to offer. This was also such perfect timing that I read this book. There’s really an aura and atmosphere to this story. It feels both eerie and cozy. I don’t really know how to explain it but this book just gave me the perfect fall vibes that I’ve been seeking. Also I couldn’t believe how the plot twists actually had me gagged and gasping for air.
POV me (gif won't load if you're on mobile app):
This was my first actual five-star read this year so that’s probably another reason why this one will be so memorable for me. I haven’t read a book in a long time that I loved every aspect of. While this book may not be for some people I absolutely adored it. While it is a long one it definitely packs a punch. I felt so many different emotions when reading this book. I think the main reason why I loved this so much is because I love the trope of two broken characters finding solace and healing in each other 🫂❤️🩹. I don’t know why but some of the most gut-wrenching books tend to give me comfort and turn into all time favorites. Along with feeling every emotion on the planet. Like this book broke me in the best of ways 🤍.
❥ Step-siblings
❥ Trauma bonding
❥ Mental health representation
❥ Chronic illness representation
❥ Gut wrenching tragic love story
❥ Emotional rollercoster
❥ Mute and obsessed mmc
❥ Codependent fmc
❥ Scarred mc’s
❥ Forbidden love
❥ Angst/pining/slow burn
❥ Dual timeline
❥ PTSD
❥ Dual pov
❥ Happily ever after
────𓍼ོ 𝔮𝔲𝔬𝔱𝔢𝔰𓍼ོ ────
My sweet Dollie. Those people weren't wrong in thinking I was a little too close to her. They just couldn't fucking know exactly what feelings we shared. She didn't even know. So how could they know what we'd been to each other. A lifeline. Maybe that's why, without her, I want to fucking die.
Words can't explain how much I miss her. How much I fucking need to have her close to me, erasing the thoughts I can't escape on my own.
Tears fall as I blink. Even if Dollie and I get out of here, we have nowhere safe to go.
His comments hurt, but they aren't true. Dollie looks at me without judgment, seeing past the scars and trauma that we share. No one else matters anymore.
For the first time, it isn't because she needs me. It's because I need her. I need the phantom feel of him off of me. I need her comfort.
I hope she can't tell how she affects me. "I'm dirty" Her words echo in my head as I shake it. I don't even think of the germs. They don't matter. Only she matters. Letting my fingers wander around her body, they spread on her back and pull her against me. My hand weaves over her curls and settles in her hair. I got you.
That's the thing with Dollie. She's gotten in trouble so many times in the past for things she can't control that she craves love, even from the wrong people. I guess, in some way, I do, too.
I sit there silently because I have to, but my thoughts are loud. We need no one but each other.
Just so you know, I’d stay forever.
"I miss them, and they haunt me." I don't tell her, but they haunt me, too. In so many dreams.
It's okay to have scars. Inside and out.
Maybe it's the company. Maybe Dollie is all I need to heal. In every way.
The kiss, like the last, is too familiar. It feels like home.
You’re a rare kind of perfect that only exists in all you are, to me. Nothing, no one, will ever compare to you, I mouth slowly, making sure she catches every word. "Stress has made me bloat, and I look—" "Beautiful. You look beautiful," I manage to
"I'll do everything I can to keep you from feeling like this again I promise. Whole together, remember?" We can still be whole together.
She sinks into my hold, fingers slowing but still moving on my sleeve. "I need you, too. I always need you."
"Life isn't fair, Dollie. We know that."
"You can't imagine how much I crave touch." "That doesn't sound like you." "Only yours. Only your touch."
“Do you think I'm disgusting for having frosting in my hair?" "I think you're adorable."
I don't need you to apologize to me, Dollie. I just need you to get through this. I just need you.
I'd never hurt you. I'd do anything for you. Always have. Always will.
I don't want to die. I want to live. To fight for the girl, I've spent my entire life learning how to love in the deepest way.
"Most people don't understand us. He's been accused since we were teenagers of assaulting me and creating a trauma bond. But that's not what happened. Trauma brought us close, but not trauma caused by him. But no one else has to understand that I don't love him like a brother, that I need him like I need air. Only I need to know that. What we feel for each other can't be wrong." "As long as you're both comfortable with your feelings, it's no one else's business."
I hold tight like he's my lifeline, my fingers trembling where they're joined with his.
We've spent our whole lives sad. It’s time to be happy.
"You did all this for me?" "You needed cheering up." A tear falls, and I can only assume this one is from happiness. "I really love you." I turn to him, taking his face in my hands. "No one else would do this."
"I'm sorry I'm so broken." And that I see stuff that isn't there. That it cost you and both of our parents your lives. It's so hard for me to talk about this right now. Most times, I can't even think of it. Keeping it from my thoughts is the only way to survive myself. His arms band tighter, big hands gentle on my back. "You're not broken, Dollie. It's just, we're only whole together." He gives me three kisses, the first longer than the two that follow.
Her fingers trace my scars. The same way she did all those years ago, with such a loving touch.
~
i’m sobbing the way this was my first five star of the year (aside from one reread)
i’m absolutely heartbroken rtc
August 21, 2025
4.25 stars (ill do a proper review later) !! This was a very TRAUMATIC read… like more dark than anything i’ll ever read omg. This was a very good read but i didn’t know they were step-siblings (not my cup of tea..) This was a HUGEEEE book with 80 something chapters and every single one is more eventful than the last but god if it wasn’t so good. Ambrose and Dollie deserve only the best in life for everything they went through 🥹🥹
‧₊˚ ┊💌┊ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
the cover is lowkey giving the Joker and they’re both SOOOO fine omg 😻😻 Both the characters have such beautiful names, like Ambrose and Dollie??? YOURE JOKINGGGGG. i love them
‧₊˚ ┊💌┊ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
the cover is lowkey giving the Joker and they’re both SOOOO fine omg 😻😻 Both the characters have such beautiful names, like Ambrose and Dollie??? YOURE JOKINGGGGG. i love them
August 19, 2025
I finally finished! I wanted to take my time with this book and make sure I was in the right mindset to read it. I am SO GLAD I did.
This book was an emotional roller coaster. There was heartbreaking moments, joyful moments, and so many angry moments during this book. Mental health representation and trauma is HEAVY. However, it’s impossible not
To Fallon love with Sweet Ambrose. He is EVERYTHING.
I won’t lie, Cori tricked me more than once and had me screaming at my book. I loved the entire ride. Please note: this is a DARK book and is pitch black. There are heavy scenes so make sure you read the triggers and know what you are walking into.
#trauma
#pitch black
#mental health representation
This book was an emotional roller coaster. There was heartbreaking moments, joyful moments, and so many angry moments during this book. Mental health representation and trauma is HEAVY. However, it’s impossible not
To Fallon love with Sweet Ambrose. He is EVERYTHING.
I won’t lie, Cori tricked me more than once and had me screaming at my book. I loved the entire ride. Please note: this is a DARK book and is pitch black. There are heavy scenes so make sure you read the triggers and know what you are walking into.
#trauma
#pitch black
#mental health representation
August 21, 2025
"𝕾𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖔𝖓𝖑𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕴'𝖒 𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖊. 𝕴 𝖉𝖔𝖓'𝖙 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖆 𝖘𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗. 𝕾𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖒𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖇𝖊𝖎𝖓𝖌. 𝕿𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖔 𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖊 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖙 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖒𝖊. "
OK...I think this review might be as hard to write as the book was to read...and I do NOT mean that the book was bad...it was...a devastatingly brutal yet darkly beautiful story that really touches on the reality of the hell so many children live through and the realities of the fallout from it all. I know I say this a lot with darker books but I need you ALL to listen to me when I say this...the trigger warnings for this book are LONG...there is a lot...I will mention SOME stuff in the review, but I can't put it all down because it will get flagged and removed. Please check the authors IG page for a full list or mine, where I will post a photo with the triggers fully listed. If any of this is something you feel will trigger you, step away. This isn't one of those books where its just briefly mentioned and happens off page...these events are fully described and on page. There is nothing sugar coated and it can be EXTREMELY triggering. I read the tigger warnings myself, and I had to walk away from the book multiple times to just BREATHE...so please...be careful and remember that if it's too much, that's ok.
This book is about Dollie and Ambrose...completely broken souls who are bonded by unspeakable trauma and pain. Their parents marry when they are young, making them step-siblings. Their parents are literal human trash. They just...are awful...and something absolutely devastating happens that changes the course of Ambrose and Dollies life forever.
They are kidnapped and held captive together...subjected to unspeakable horrors that made my stomach churn and brought me back to a very dark place in my own childhood. I felt a strange connection to Ambrose...not just because of his trauma and the silence he turned to after, but because he is from Belfast like I am...so I felt very connected to him.
Ambrose and Dollie depend on each other to get through the hell they are in...there is on page CSA, CA, torture, mutilation...the list goes on...things no child should have to endure. During this time, Ambrose and Dollie grow closer...they love each other...yes...but it's not real love...not in the way you are thinking. These two are trauma bonded....they cannot exist without the other...Dollie has been trained to believe that abuse means love...she doesn't know how to function without depending on someone else. Ambrose was Dollies protector...taking more abuse to protect his "sister". Needing her to keep him grounded. He was obsessed with her...but not in the way you think when you are reading a dark romance novel...he was obsessed with her because she became his focus...his purpose...nothing without her made sense and he literally cannot breath when she isn't around.
I believe that when the author was first marketing and writing the book (over a year ago), she marketed it as a dark romance, but then clarified that it DEFINITELY is not a dark romance book. There is nothing romantic about this book. It's pain...it's 881 pages of heartbreaking, soul crushing, stomach churning pain that most people will never have to encounter in their life, but is the reality for some...and THAT'S what breaks my heart.
The story has a lot of flash backs...we go back and forth between the past while they were in captivity and the present when Ambrose is released from prison and reunited with Dollie. The flashbacks are intense and heavy and are not in any way off page when it comes to what is happening to these children...so please keep that in mind.
Dollie and Ambrose as adults try to navigate life after their captivity. They are clearly forever changed and suffering long term effects. I really appreciated how the author was sensitive to the chronic illness and mental health aspects of both characters. In a way it made me almost sad how well she was able to convey what they were feeling. It made me feel like this was something very close to her heart and thats...a painful thing to realise.
I related to Dollie having a boyfriend who was just as abusive and narcissistic as her captor. I myself went through things as a child that mirror a lot of what the characters went through. And, when I was finally "free", my first real relationship was with a man just like the one Dollie chose. And to some it may not make sense...why would you want to be with someone who treats you like that after everything you've been through. To that I say, when you are conditioned to believe that you deserve nothing but pain and suffering...when the only comfort you have had in life is the pain given to you that you never deserved, and you are completely dependent on someone else to survive because you don't know any different...you seek what you know...and predators like that just know how to find you. It's easy to get stuck in that cycle because it's comfortable. The devil you know is better than the one you don't
There were many times during this book where I wanted to stop and walk away but I couldn't. I could not walk away from Ambrose and Dollie...I need to know that they would be ok in the end. Ok in a way that made sense to their trauma...because no one will ever be truly ok after something like that.
And I am glad that I did finish it. Because these two found happiness with each other. Is it love? It's love that makes sense to them...it's love that works for them because they understand each other and understand each others pain...it's more of a deep trauma bond than love...but there is definitely love there.
There is some VERY MINIMAL spice at the end of the book once they are in the HEA part of their journey...but its super minimal and I think its 10000000000000% appropriate given the nature of the book. So if you are looking for some spicy step sibling taboo book, this isn't it.
Please don't go into this expecting romance. Understand that this is a pitch black soul shattering book that ends with two very damaged people finding some sort of semblance of "love" within each other despite all the odds against them.
Thank you so much to Cori Zahara and Love Notes PR for the unbelievable privilege of being able to ARC read this book.🩷
❤️🩹881 Pages
🩷Trauma Bonding
❤️🩹Step Siblings
🩷Heart Wrenching
❤️🩹Emotional Damage
🩷On Page CSA/CA
❤️🩹T0rture
🩷Kidnapping
❤️🩹Captivity
🩷Shmurder
❤️🩹Mental Health Rep
🩷Chronic Illness Rep
❤️🩹DV
🩷Narcissistic Abuse
❤️🩹HIV+ MMC
🩷Scarred MC’s
❤️🩹Co Dependent FMC
🩷Mute MMC
❤️🩹Forbidden Love
🩷Pining/Slow Burn
❤️🩹Dual Timeline
🩷PTSD
❤️🩹Gaslighting
🩷Drowning
❤️🩹Self Harm
🩷Dual POV
❤️🩹HEA
OK...I think this review might be as hard to write as the book was to read...and I do NOT mean that the book was bad...it was...a devastatingly brutal yet darkly beautiful story that really touches on the reality of the hell so many children live through and the realities of the fallout from it all. I know I say this a lot with darker books but I need you ALL to listen to me when I say this...the trigger warnings for this book are LONG...there is a lot...I will mention SOME stuff in the review, but I can't put it all down because it will get flagged and removed. Please check the authors IG page for a full list or mine, where I will post a photo with the triggers fully listed. If any of this is something you feel will trigger you, step away. This isn't one of those books where its just briefly mentioned and happens off page...these events are fully described and on page. There is nothing sugar coated and it can be EXTREMELY triggering. I read the tigger warnings myself, and I had to walk away from the book multiple times to just BREATHE...so please...be careful and remember that if it's too much, that's ok.
This book is about Dollie and Ambrose...completely broken souls who are bonded by unspeakable trauma and pain. Their parents marry when they are young, making them step-siblings. Their parents are literal human trash. They just...are awful...and something absolutely devastating happens that changes the course of Ambrose and Dollies life forever.
They are kidnapped and held captive together...subjected to unspeakable horrors that made my stomach churn and brought me back to a very dark place in my own childhood. I felt a strange connection to Ambrose...not just because of his trauma and the silence he turned to after, but because he is from Belfast like I am...so I felt very connected to him.
Ambrose and Dollie depend on each other to get through the hell they are in...there is on page CSA, CA, torture, mutilation...the list goes on...things no child should have to endure. During this time, Ambrose and Dollie grow closer...they love each other...yes...but it's not real love...not in the way you are thinking. These two are trauma bonded....they cannot exist without the other...Dollie has been trained to believe that abuse means love...she doesn't know how to function without depending on someone else. Ambrose was Dollies protector...taking more abuse to protect his "sister". Needing her to keep him grounded. He was obsessed with her...but not in the way you think when you are reading a dark romance novel...he was obsessed with her because she became his focus...his purpose...nothing without her made sense and he literally cannot breath when she isn't around.
I believe that when the author was first marketing and writing the book (over a year ago), she marketed it as a dark romance, but then clarified that it DEFINITELY is not a dark romance book. There is nothing romantic about this book. It's pain...it's 881 pages of heartbreaking, soul crushing, stomach churning pain that most people will never have to encounter in their life, but is the reality for some...and THAT'S what breaks my heart.
The story has a lot of flash backs...we go back and forth between the past while they were in captivity and the present when Ambrose is released from prison and reunited with Dollie. The flashbacks are intense and heavy and are not in any way off page when it comes to what is happening to these children...so please keep that in mind.
Dollie and Ambrose as adults try to navigate life after their captivity. They are clearly forever changed and suffering long term effects. I really appreciated how the author was sensitive to the chronic illness and mental health aspects of both characters. In a way it made me almost sad how well she was able to convey what they were feeling. It made me feel like this was something very close to her heart and thats...a painful thing to realise.
I related to Dollie having a boyfriend who was just as abusive and narcissistic as her captor. I myself went through things as a child that mirror a lot of what the characters went through. And, when I was finally "free", my first real relationship was with a man just like the one Dollie chose. And to some it may not make sense...why would you want to be with someone who treats you like that after everything you've been through. To that I say, when you are conditioned to believe that you deserve nothing but pain and suffering...when the only comfort you have had in life is the pain given to you that you never deserved, and you are completely dependent on someone else to survive because you don't know any different...you seek what you know...and predators like that just know how to find you. It's easy to get stuck in that cycle because it's comfortable. The devil you know is better than the one you don't
There were many times during this book where I wanted to stop and walk away but I couldn't. I could not walk away from Ambrose and Dollie...I need to know that they would be ok in the end. Ok in a way that made sense to their trauma...because no one will ever be truly ok after something like that.
And I am glad that I did finish it. Because these two found happiness with each other. Is it love? It's love that makes sense to them...it's love that works for them because they understand each other and understand each others pain...it's more of a deep trauma bond than love...but there is definitely love there.
There is some VERY MINIMAL spice at the end of the book once they are in the HEA part of their journey...but its super minimal and I think its 10000000000000% appropriate given the nature of the book. So if you are looking for some spicy step sibling taboo book, this isn't it.
Please don't go into this expecting romance. Understand that this is a pitch black soul shattering book that ends with two very damaged people finding some sort of semblance of "love" within each other despite all the odds against them.
Thank you so much to Cori Zahara and Love Notes PR for the unbelievable privilege of being able to ARC read this book.🩷
❤️🩹881 Pages
🩷Trauma Bonding
❤️🩹Step Siblings
🩷Heart Wrenching
❤️🩹Emotional Damage
🩷On Page CSA/CA
❤️🩹T0rture
🩷Kidnapping
❤️🩹Captivity
🩷Shmurder
❤️🩹Mental Health Rep
🩷Chronic Illness Rep
❤️🩹DV
🩷Narcissistic Abuse
❤️🩹HIV+ MMC
🩷Scarred MC’s
❤️🩹Co Dependent FMC
🩷Mute MMC
❤️🩹Forbidden Love
🩷Pining/Slow Burn
❤️🩹Dual Timeline
🩷PTSD
❤️🩹Gaslighting
🩷Drowning
❤️🩹Self Harm
🩷Dual POV
❤️🩹HEA
October 7, 2025
♾️ stars! Wow, what the fuck. This was probably the best dark romance I read this year. 🖤
This is perfect for fall btw. It definitely had an eerie vibe to it, clowns, ghosts, gothic mansion, and very dark themes. I think what makes this stand out most to me is the spice level is extremely low. I don’t think the characters did anything remotely sexual until maybe 75% in. I have been so fatigued by heavily spicy books (especially dark romance) and this was so refreshing to have a plot focused story. And the plot was so intense 😭. There is so much more to this story than meets the eye.
I also really like how the author handled STIs with care and respect, rather than stigma. The mental health representation was amazing. The storytelling of DV (not between mcs) was so realistic, and I say all that as a behavioral health/social worker. I couldn’t help but feel sick for what these characters have had to deal with.
Definitely check TWs though ⚠️ These characters were kidnapped as children and those chapters are hard.
I will always recommend Ambrose and Dollie🌹
This is perfect for fall btw. It definitely had an eerie vibe to it, clowns, ghosts, gothic mansion, and very dark themes. I think what makes this stand out most to me is the spice level is extremely low. I don’t think the characters did anything remotely sexual until maybe 75% in. I have been so fatigued by heavily spicy books (especially dark romance) and this was so refreshing to have a plot focused story. And the plot was so intense 😭. There is so much more to this story than meets the eye.
I also really like how the author handled STIs with care and respect, rather than stigma. The mental health representation was amazing. The storytelling of DV (not between mcs) was so realistic, and I say all that as a behavioral health/social worker. I couldn’t help but feel sick for what these characters have had to deal with.
Definitely check TWs though ⚠️ These characters were kidnapped as children and those chapters are hard.
I will always recommend Ambrose and Dollie🌹
August 24, 2025
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions: one plot twist after another that you don't expect until the very end. In my opinion, the author has created a plot with twists that are anything but trivial and very original. In the first part of the book, I noticed many horror/thriller elements which, as a reader completely unfamiliar with that genre, entertained and amazed me.
The character I liked the most was definitely Ambrose. Although I wasn't convinced at first, as I read on, his points of view were the most interesting to follow.
That said, I perceived this book as having many more elements of horror or psychological thriller than romance: simply put, the actual romance plot comes much later in the book, and first (rightly) space is given to other issues that are more important to our protagonists. It was certainly a good read, well written, entertaining and interesting, but at the end of the day it's not my genre, and I didn't fully appreciate it.
The character I liked the most was definitely Ambrose. Although I wasn't convinced at first, as I read on, his points of view were the most interesting to follow.
That said, I perceived this book as having many more elements of horror or psychological thriller than romance: simply put, the actual romance plot comes much later in the book, and first (rightly) space is given to other issues that are more important to our protagonists. It was certainly a good read, well written, entertaining and interesting, but at the end of the day it's not my genre, and I didn't fully appreciate it.
August 12, 2025
Whew that was a long one…but I expect nothing less from this author.
I’m not one for books this thick normally but for Dollie and Ambrose I’d read 1000 more. I loved their characters and the trauma bond they shared. I felt every emotion in this story and devoured it. Taboo moments and all.
This book gave me everything and I was not expecting the ending but I am so happy it ended the way it did.
Both characters were magnetic and I felt compelled to read as much as I could daily about them. The plot was intense and the love was spicy.
I’m not one for books this thick normally but for Dollie and Ambrose I’d read 1000 more. I loved their characters and the trauma bond they shared. I felt every emotion in this story and devoured it. Taboo moments and all.
This book gave me everything and I was not expecting the ending but I am so happy it ended the way it did.
Both characters were magnetic and I felt compelled to read as much as I could daily about them. The plot was intense and the love was spicy.
October 9, 2025
Brutal, tragic, harrowing, beyond pitch black (to me)
I'm very aware of my triggers, and despite me reviewing them prior, they did not prepare me for how dark this book was going to be.
It's a beautiful story - without a doubt - and it's written with tenderness and care.
Cori gave an accurate, commendable representation of ocd, which I cannot fault. This story is packed with sensitivity towards different health conditions and mental health.
This has to be the hardest read and by far the darkest book I have ever encountered, and that is due to my own childhood trauma and conditions.
It is not an enjoyable read, but it is an impactful one. Which took me a week to read.
I cannot fault the author or the story, it's executed phenomenally well and it's definately a book that will have u captivated and exhibiting every emotion imaginable but I won't deny I had to take regular breaks during reading as some scenarios hit really hard.
By no means is this a negative review, I have rated as 4 star based on the writing and story, but I do feel there was not enough stated in the warnings for the content in this book And with that I strongly urge u to take this review under advisement.
This book is heavy on C.S.A. / C.A. and its lasting effects. When I say heavy, I mean at least 50% of the book.
It did have a hold on me, and despite me being a slow reader and its sheer size of 881 pages , I couldn't dnf. And I did procure the paperback.
The story surrounds Ambrose and Dollancie a.k.a Dollie, their childhood abduction and captivity, the abuse they faced, and finding their way physically and emotionally back to one another. The connection this couple have is heartwrenching and beautiful, but I wouldn't classify it as love - they are dependent on each other - bonded by their trauma. They're both utterly tortured with self-loathing and trauma but ultimately can not survive without the other. Their relationship is truly inspiring, emphasising that what they went through didn’t change their feelings for one another despite the choices they each made.
I don't know if it was intended, but the mental health of the characters didn't seem to be acknowledged by the side characters- they both exhibit behaviours that would in real life be very concerning but the parents and friends surrounding Ambrose and Dollie just didn't acknowledge anything!
Whilst the timeline jumps are a welcome repreave, be mindful that the chapters set in the past are soul destroying and devastating.
I do feel it's prudent that I emphasise - this is a good book, it's written well, and the plot is original, but I do need to also emphasise that this is the darkest book I've ever read. And also my first Cori Zahara book - so I wasn't at all prepared for the content she writes.. and I accept full responsibility with no negativity directed to the author, her book, or its content.
Reader discretion is strongly advised.
This is my experience and my personal views - I ask that you respect that this is from a reader who was abused and recognise that this is not intended to offend the author or her work in any way.
I do recommend this book and have reviewed it accordingly.
I feel the last 30% of the book was a more enjoyable experience and really could have done without 54% of the story being focused on csa and ca.
Dollie and Ambrose, to me, are bonded by trauma in the strongest capacity.
Dollie is conditioned to be reliant on someone caring for her. She relied on Ambrose keeping her safe during their captivity, which subsequently she carried this need through her life and became dependent on a narcissistic partner who mentally abuses her and does physically assault her - on page, several times.
Ambrose's sole purpose is to protect Dollie. She's the only reason he's alive. She gives him purpose.
I wouldn't categorise this book as a dark romance .. despite the romance in the last 15% of the book - for me, this story wasn't about romance.
I think the best categorisation for this book is more in lue with;
The Lovely bones - Alice seabold
A child called it - Dave seltzer
If you've read these types of books, this should be okay.
I understand those who love Cori's writing and absolutely love this book .. and respect them for not wishing to give spoilers or ruin the book
But
For a new reader and a first read of this author - the trigger warnings are not enough, the double negative in "not, not graphic, as the character blacks out" did not prepare me for what was on the page.
I've read many, many books with csa and ca and never been triggered.
The clown - chuckles .. is on page - a lot. He is a clown, and vividly described as such.
There is mention of breast lumps and fears of cancer. The mmc is hiv+
Chuckles held Dollie's hand directly into a fire (again descriptive on page), and Ambrose puts his hands into the fire to pull hers out, which is vividly described and detailed.
mmc facepaint, villain (not mmc) is a clown. heavily implied CSA and on page c.a - physically and mentally including physical disfigurement, mental health references, suicidal ideation, self harm, self mutilation, suicide attempt, ocd, narcissistic relationship (not between fmc and mmc), domestic violence (not between fmc and mmc) hiv, mentions of breast lump and cancer screening, on page references of haunting/ghosts/spirits recurring.
These are triggering topics that I feel should have been highlighted.
It's definately a book I won't forget and has had a psychological effect.
Yes, I could have stopped reading. However, I needed closure - I needed to know that after everything they had endured, they had a happy ending.
Which again - no one had stated if it had a hea - which it does. The spice is very minimal and only comes at the end, which I feel was an appropriate decision.
Normally, I would say check your content warnings, but I think u can grasp that they dont reflect the entirety of the book.
With that, I urge u to take care of yourself and your mental health.
I'm very aware of my triggers, and despite me reviewing them prior, they did not prepare me for how dark this book was going to be.
It's a beautiful story - without a doubt - and it's written with tenderness and care.
Cori gave an accurate, commendable representation of ocd, which I cannot fault. This story is packed with sensitivity towards different health conditions and mental health.
This has to be the hardest read and by far the darkest book I have ever encountered, and that is due to my own childhood trauma and conditions.
It is not an enjoyable read, but it is an impactful one. Which took me a week to read.
I cannot fault the author or the story, it's executed phenomenally well and it's definately a book that will have u captivated and exhibiting every emotion imaginable but I won't deny I had to take regular breaks during reading as some scenarios hit really hard.
By no means is this a negative review, I have rated as 4 star based on the writing and story, but I do feel there was not enough stated in the warnings for the content in this book And with that I strongly urge u to take this review under advisement.
This book is heavy on C.S.A. / C.A. and its lasting effects. When I say heavy, I mean at least 50% of the book.
It did have a hold on me, and despite me being a slow reader and its sheer size of 881 pages , I couldn't dnf. And I did procure the paperback.
The story surrounds Ambrose and Dollancie a.k.a Dollie, their childhood abduction and captivity, the abuse they faced, and finding their way physically and emotionally back to one another. The connection this couple have is heartwrenching and beautiful, but I wouldn't classify it as love - they are dependent on each other - bonded by their trauma. They're both utterly tortured with self-loathing and trauma but ultimately can not survive without the other. Their relationship is truly inspiring, emphasising that what they went through didn’t change their feelings for one another despite the choices they each made.
I don't know if it was intended, but the mental health of the characters didn't seem to be acknowledged by the side characters- they both exhibit behaviours that would in real life be very concerning but the parents and friends surrounding Ambrose and Dollie just didn't acknowledge anything!
Whilst the timeline jumps are a welcome repreave, be mindful that the chapters set in the past are soul destroying and devastating.
I do feel it's prudent that I emphasise - this is a good book, it's written well, and the plot is original, but I do need to also emphasise that this is the darkest book I've ever read. And also my first Cori Zahara book - so I wasn't at all prepared for the content she writes.. and I accept full responsibility with no negativity directed to the author, her book, or its content.
Reader discretion is strongly advised.
This is my experience and my personal views - I ask that you respect that this is from a reader who was abused and recognise that this is not intended to offend the author or her work in any way.
I do recommend this book and have reviewed it accordingly.
I feel the last 30% of the book was a more enjoyable experience and really could have done without 54% of the story being focused on csa and ca.
Dollie and Ambrose, to me, are bonded by trauma in the strongest capacity.
Dollie is conditioned to be reliant on someone caring for her. She relied on Ambrose keeping her safe during their captivity, which subsequently she carried this need through her life and became dependent on a narcissistic partner who mentally abuses her and does physically assault her - on page, several times.
Ambrose's sole purpose is to protect Dollie. She's the only reason he's alive. She gives him purpose.
I wouldn't categorise this book as a dark romance .. despite the romance in the last 15% of the book - for me, this story wasn't about romance.
I think the best categorisation for this book is more in lue with;
The Lovely bones - Alice seabold
A child called it - Dave seltzer
If you've read these types of books, this should be okay.
I understand those who love Cori's writing and absolutely love this book .. and respect them for not wishing to give spoilers or ruin the book
But
For a new reader and a first read of this author - the trigger warnings are not enough, the double negative in "not, not graphic, as the character blacks out" did not prepare me for what was on the page.
I've read many, many books with csa and ca and never been triggered.
The clown - chuckles .. is on page - a lot. He is a clown, and vividly described as such.
There is mention of breast lumps and fears of cancer. The mmc is hiv+
Chuckles held Dollie's hand directly into a fire (again descriptive on page), and Ambrose puts his hands into the fire to pull hers out, which is vividly described and detailed.
mmc facepaint, villain (not mmc) is a clown. heavily implied CSA and on page c.a - physically and mentally including physical disfigurement, mental health references, suicidal ideation, self harm, self mutilation, suicide attempt, ocd, narcissistic relationship (not between fmc and mmc), domestic violence (not between fmc and mmc) hiv, mentions of breast lump and cancer screening, on page references of haunting/ghosts/spirits recurring.
These are triggering topics that I feel should have been highlighted.
It's definately a book I won't forget and has had a psychological effect.
Yes, I could have stopped reading. However, I needed closure - I needed to know that after everything they had endured, they had a happy ending.
Which again - no one had stated if it had a hea - which it does. The spice is very minimal and only comes at the end, which I feel was an appropriate decision.
Normally, I would say check your content warnings, but I think u can grasp that they dont reflect the entirety of the book.
With that, I urge u to take care of yourself and your mental health.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
5⭐️
Cori once again wrote an amazing dark story! This was a thicker one but man did I eat it up. I loved this book so much. Cori has drawn me in with her writing style and I can’t stop! This story was epic. Your emotions are all over the place and the darkness level is on point for her writing style! Absolutely love it! Highly recommend!
Cori once again wrote an amazing dark story! This was a thicker one but man did I eat it up. I loved this book so much. Cori has drawn me in with her writing style and I can’t stop! This story was epic. Your emotions are all over the place and the darkness level is on point for her writing style! Absolutely love it! Highly recommend!
October 17, 2025
Oh, Cori, Cori. You make me understand .. the fucked up stuff, the messed up feeling, the forbidden wants, the broken minds, the cracked souls, the shattered hearts. You have a talent for writing devastatingly beautiful dark stories that leave a mark.
It’s not some cutesy romance story, it’s pain, trauma bonds and obsessive attachment, but I loved every second of it!
Ambrose is the purest, kindest soul. I just want to wrap him up in a blanket and hug him.
“I love the sound of your heartbeat.”
“You’re a rare kind of perfect that only exists in all you are, to me. Nothing, no one, will ever compare to you.”
“She stains my heart, my soul, my mind. It’s only fair I put her on my skin, too.”
“We’re still whole together.” 🩷
P.S. I can’t wait to meet Remi and Cat!
It’s not some cutesy romance story, it’s pain, trauma bonds and obsessive attachment, but I loved every second of it!
Ambrose is the purest, kindest soul. I just want to wrap him up in a blanket and hug him.
“I love the sound of your heartbeat.”
“You’re a rare kind of perfect that only exists in all you are, to me. Nothing, no one, will ever compare to you.”
“She stains my heart, my soul, my mind. It’s only fair I put her on my skin, too.”
“We’re still whole together.” 🩷
P.S. I can’t wait to meet Remi and Cat!
August 14, 2025
I am utterly destroyed by this book and I love Little Stranger and it starts out a little bit like it, but let me tell you it takes a much darker turn. So please read the trigger warning, I beg you. This book is a very heavy trauma bonding book, as in bonding through shared trauma, in the most devastating way possible. Dollie and Ambrose bonded over a traumatic event that made them connected together for life, emotionally and physically (through scars that match up, no I’m not crying, you are). They were everything to each other before Ambrose was put in jail for the murder of their parents. And he’s back now, and they’re both in the haunted house they grew up in, except now she has a boyfriend and he wants to sell their house… The plot twists in this book are pretty insane, and it just keeps getting darker and darker. Their bond is literally the most precious thing in the world. If you don’t believe in love, this book will change your mind. I love books where he’s so obsessed and literally needs her like air. But surprisingly, Ambrose isn’t what I expected, and his story turned out to be much more deep, compelling and heartbreaking than I originally expected. I’ve read lots of books about step brothers being psychos who obsess over their step sisters, but this book didn’t follow that pattern and broke me in unimaginable ways. In my opinion, it did drag a little bit, I felt like Shane being an asshole to Dollie and abusing her physically and emotionally was an overused plot device. It just kept happening and partly driving the plot so I think some of it could have been cut. Lastly, we had such a great opportunity for amazing, tear jerking love letters. I really wanted to read one of them!!! Also there’s a great chronic illness and mental health rep! This book was my destruction and my salvation, I love this and give it a 5/5
August 7, 2025
“ᴇᴠᴇɴ ɪꜰ ʜᴇ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋꜱ ᴜꜱ, ᴡᴇ'ʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ.”
Dark. Tragic. Emotional. Beautiful.
Another phenomenal, heart wrenching read that I’ll be thinking of for a long time from Cori. The writing and the time jumps were *chefs kiss!* The storyline was heavy, but so good that I couldn’t stop reading, even when the tears were blurring my vision. This one really put me through it, but it was so worth it to fall in love with Ambrose and Dollie. The chemistry and the love between these two were unmatched. My baby Ambrose, that amazing man, and sweet Dollie, they were both so strong and deserve the absolute world! Holding these amazing characters and their tragically beautiful story so close to my heart.
“ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀ ᴏᴜʀ ᴍɪɴᴜᴛᴇ.”
“ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜱᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ, ɪ'ᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ꜰᴏʀᴇᴠᴇʀ.”
🩸 ꜱᴛᴇᴘʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ
🩸 ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ ʙᴏɴᴅᴇᴅ
🩸 ꜱᴄᴀʀʀᴇᴅ & ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴍᴄ
🩸 ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ɪʟʟɴᴇꜱꜱ
🩸 ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🩸 ᴘɪɴɪɴɢ ꜰᴍᴄ
🩸 “ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴍɪɴᴇ”
ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪꜱ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ꜱᴏ ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀꜱ.
Dark. Tragic. Emotional. Beautiful.
Another phenomenal, heart wrenching read that I’ll be thinking of for a long time from Cori. The writing and the time jumps were *chefs kiss!* The storyline was heavy, but so good that I couldn’t stop reading, even when the tears were blurring my vision. This one really put me through it, but it was so worth it to fall in love with Ambrose and Dollie. The chemistry and the love between these two were unmatched. My baby Ambrose, that amazing man, and sweet Dollie, they were both so strong and deserve the absolute world! Holding these amazing characters and their tragically beautiful story so close to my heart.
“ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀ ᴏᴜʀ ᴍɪɴᴜᴛᴇ.”
“ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜱᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ, ɪ'ᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ꜰᴏʀᴇᴠᴇʀ.”
🩸 ꜱᴛᴇᴘʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ
🩸 ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ ʙᴏɴᴅᴇᴅ
🩸 ꜱᴄᴀʀʀᴇᴅ & ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴍᴄ
🩸 ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ɪʟʟɴᴇꜱꜱ
🩸 ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🩸 ᴘɪɴɪɴɢ ꜰᴍᴄ
🩸 “ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴍɪɴᴇ”
ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪꜱ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ꜱᴏ ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀꜱ.
January 18, 2026
"It's okay to have scars. Inside and out."
Cori never fails to amaze me. This is my fourth book by her, and she blows me away every time. She has now become one of my favorite authors.
My Sweet Dollie, You Have to Love Me was beautiful, tragic, a bit scary to be honest with you (no complaints I loved that aspect) and so captivating. Cori's writing flows so effortlessly and it is so easy to get wrapped up in the world she creates. When I start a book by her, I know it is all that will consume my brain until I finish it. I went into this one pretty blind aside from knowing a few tropes and I highly recommend doing the same. While the trauma these characters face isn't as detailed as her other books, it is still very much there and you will find yourself rooting for these two and wishing life and people hadn't failed them so miserably. This is very much a story about trauma bonding and survival during and in the aftermath of captivity.
Cori writes the best characters. And when I say that I mean they are so deeply layered and she makes it easy to connect with their pain and struggles. Ambrose, the MMC, and Dollie, the FMC, I found myself relating to in regards to certain things they deal with and as painful as it was to witness, I felt so seen and understood exactly what they were feeling. I respect and love that Cori always has characters that struggle with mental or physical illnesses (or both) I think it is super important because it is life for a lot of people. I felt their struggles on another level. My heart bled for them. I wanted to wrap Ambrose up in a bubble and shield him from the entire world. He is one of the most selfless MMCs I have ever met when he has all the reasons not to be. And Dollie is so strong. While I can see how she could annoy people with her decisions or lack of, I have been where she is at and I get it. It is easy on the outside looking in to tell someone what they should do, but when you feel trapped and are scared, it is not that simple. I am so glad she had Ambrose. I am also so thankful for Annabelle and Nyx.
This is a long book and there are many ups and downs. There are slow moments and then there are very intense moments. But all of it was necessary to truly understand these characters. It is dual timeline which before I read Cori's books I didn't even enjoy that much but she has converted me because when I read hers, I love them. It feels so necessary. The way she alternates between present and past is done in a way that makes the most sense. There is no shortage of plot twists in typical Cori fashion. She always has me on the edge of my seat, and I really enjoy how everything comes together in the end.
I have so much love for Dollie and Ambrose. Their story is one of a kind and while it is full of pain and trauma, they were able to create a beautiful bond and love for one another. I love how they healed each other and reminded the other that it's okay to have scars and to not be "perfect". It is a major slow burn but so worth the wait.
I highly recommend this book if you want to feel something and experience real layered characters that have a haunting past together where all they had was each other to survive. As always, please check the trigger warnings and know this is a dark romance that touches on very heavy topics.
Cori never fails to amaze me. This is my fourth book by her, and she blows me away every time. She has now become one of my favorite authors.
My Sweet Dollie, You Have to Love Me was beautiful, tragic, a bit scary to be honest with you (no complaints I loved that aspect) and so captivating. Cori's writing flows so effortlessly and it is so easy to get wrapped up in the world she creates. When I start a book by her, I know it is all that will consume my brain until I finish it. I went into this one pretty blind aside from knowing a few tropes and I highly recommend doing the same. While the trauma these characters face isn't as detailed as her other books, it is still very much there and you will find yourself rooting for these two and wishing life and people hadn't failed them so miserably. This is very much a story about trauma bonding and survival during and in the aftermath of captivity.
Cori writes the best characters. And when I say that I mean they are so deeply layered and she makes it easy to connect with their pain and struggles. Ambrose, the MMC, and Dollie, the FMC, I found myself relating to in regards to certain things they deal with and as painful as it was to witness, I felt so seen and understood exactly what they were feeling. I respect and love that Cori always has characters that struggle with mental or physical illnesses (or both) I think it is super important because it is life for a lot of people. I felt their struggles on another level. My heart bled for them. I wanted to wrap Ambrose up in a bubble and shield him from the entire world. He is one of the most selfless MMCs I have ever met when he has all the reasons not to be. And Dollie is so strong. While I can see how she could annoy people with her decisions or lack of, I have been where she is at and I get it. It is easy on the outside looking in to tell someone what they should do, but when you feel trapped and are scared, it is not that simple. I am so glad she had Ambrose. I am also so thankful for Annabelle and Nyx.
This is a long book and there are many ups and downs. There are slow moments and then there are very intense moments. But all of it was necessary to truly understand these characters. It is dual timeline which before I read Cori's books I didn't even enjoy that much but she has converted me because when I read hers, I love them. It feels so necessary. The way she alternates between present and past is done in a way that makes the most sense. There is no shortage of plot twists in typical Cori fashion. She always has me on the edge of my seat, and I really enjoy how everything comes together in the end.
I have so much love for Dollie and Ambrose. Their story is one of a kind and while it is full of pain and trauma, they were able to create a beautiful bond and love for one another. I love how they healed each other and reminded the other that it's okay to have scars and to not be "perfect". It is a major slow burn but so worth the wait.
I highly recommend this book if you want to feel something and experience real layered characters that have a haunting past together where all they had was each other to survive. As always, please check the trigger warnings and know this is a dark romance that touches on very heavy topics.
August 21, 2025
881 pages of trauma and the effects it has on the mind of the characters had me questioning my own mind. This book had me questioning everything! Is this real? Is that real? Am I real?! 😂
With that being said, I'm going to go outside and touch grass and hug a tree, because Cori Zahara had my mind bent over and taking every word of this book like I was in need of a thorough mind-blowing.
I can't explain this any further, because I'm still mentally processing this book. It was very well-written. I'll just leave it at that.
With that being said, I'm going to go outside and touch grass and hug a tree, because Cori Zahara had my mind bent over and taking every word of this book like I was in need of a thorough mind-blowing.
I can't explain this any further, because I'm still mentally processing this book. It was very well-written. I'll just leave it at that.
August 6, 2025
This book was an epic read, and hands down one of my favourites reads of the year. Cori, you’ve done it again. I had high hopes for this, Cori always knows how to draw me in, and boy did she.
I was enamoured with the characters from page 1, my eyes were tearing up at page 3. No joke. Ambrose & Dollie pulled so damn hard on my heart strings that I wasn’t sure how I would ever recover from this book, and to be honest, I’m not sure I want to anyway.
The story telling, the emotions that’s went into this book and the way she captured pure heartache, and such raw themes had me adoring her writing even more. This book was raw, and the way she wrote these characters, and their tragic circumstances I’ll never forget. It’s such a heavy read, but such an important one. Ambrose & Dollie deserve their story to be heard.
There is so much plot to unpack, so much to uncover… the plot twists are some of THE BEST IVE EVER READ, and she kept them coming, and coming. She had me open mouthed constantly…. The slow burn and the tension was TOP TIER. Damn… it was knuckle biting… I was a hot mess. The tears I shed were also no joke… they came and came and came…. A truly heartbreaking, raw, intense read, one that sticks with you. I didn’t want the story to end, I could read about them forever! 🥺
Ambrose & Dollie are the epitome of pure love, that life altering type that nothing and no one can ever sever. It’s beautiful, it’s epic & their love shone through each and every page. Ambrose is the biggest sweetheart, I love him SO MUCH and he deserves EVERYTHING. So beautifully broken but that never stopped him. The horrific things he endured to try and keep Dollie safe will haunt me….
Dollie, is sweetest purest soul. So much heart, so much love to give. Yet so vulnerable, so unloving of herself, and yet somehow Ambrose makes her feel invisible. Their connection & chemistry radiates from the pages.
My favourite read of July and another favourite read of the year. I’m so obsessed with this book, it’s not even funny.
In true Cori style, this book is DARK, please treat the triggers with respect.
I was enamoured with the characters from page 1, my eyes were tearing up at page 3. No joke. Ambrose & Dollie pulled so damn hard on my heart strings that I wasn’t sure how I would ever recover from this book, and to be honest, I’m not sure I want to anyway.
The story telling, the emotions that’s went into this book and the way she captured pure heartache, and such raw themes had me adoring her writing even more. This book was raw, and the way she wrote these characters, and their tragic circumstances I’ll never forget. It’s such a heavy read, but such an important one. Ambrose & Dollie deserve their story to be heard.
There is so much plot to unpack, so much to uncover… the plot twists are some of THE BEST IVE EVER READ, and she kept them coming, and coming. She had me open mouthed constantly…. The slow burn and the tension was TOP TIER. Damn… it was knuckle biting… I was a hot mess. The tears I shed were also no joke… they came and came and came…. A truly heartbreaking, raw, intense read, one that sticks with you. I didn’t want the story to end, I could read about them forever! 🥺
Ambrose & Dollie are the epitome of pure love, that life altering type that nothing and no one can ever sever. It’s beautiful, it’s epic & their love shone through each and every page. Ambrose is the biggest sweetheart, I love him SO MUCH and he deserves EVERYTHING. So beautifully broken but that never stopped him. The horrific things he endured to try and keep Dollie safe will haunt me….
Dollie, is sweetest purest soul. So much heart, so much love to give. Yet so vulnerable, so unloving of herself, and yet somehow Ambrose makes her feel invisible. Their connection & chemistry radiates from the pages.
My favourite read of July and another favourite read of the year. I’m so obsessed with this book, it’s not even funny.
In true Cori style, this book is DARK, please treat the triggers with respect.
November 20, 2025
It’s been a week since I finished this book and I have yet to complete anything else I’ve attempted to read since😭
If you’re anything like me..just be prepared for a massive book slump afterwards, bc this is a tough one to follow!
If you’re anything like me..just be prepared for a massive book slump afterwards, bc this is a tough one to follow!
August 9, 2025
What a wonderful read. From page one I already felt it coming, like I wasn’t ready but also couldn’t stop. Ambrose and Dollie just crawled into my heart and stayed there. Their story wasn’t just sad or dark, it was everything. It felt like someone took heartbreak, hope, trauma, and pure love, shook it all together and poured it into pages of pain and healing. Honestly, the way their love came through all the horror and awful people made it even more powerful. Their connection wasn’t easy or simple. The stuff they survived was crazy, like emotionally draining, but somehow I couldn’t stop reading. Ambrose was just pure pain and beauty. So soft inside, but broken in pieces, and still somehow strong for Dollie. And Dollie was such a sweet, soft girl, but so full of self hate it hurt to read. I loved them both. Those plot twiest tho. I kept thinking it couldn't get more intense, and then boom, it did. But also, the writing made it so beautiful. After finishing, I was just sitting there. It’s the kind of book you keep thinking about after, and that says everything. Thank you so much to the author and Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
August 7, 2025
ARC read
HOLY SHIT!
Cori has done it again! Dollie and Ambrose have stolen my now broken heart!
Dollancie needs a break. Especially from Shane and his little cøck. She is so strong and honestly I think I just need to hold her to make sure that she’s okay.
Ambrose like every mmc that Cori writes has won me over with his heartbreak. My heart hurts so bad for him and the trauma he holds for him and Dollie.
I am now more scared of clowns than I was before
Thank you so much Cori and I’m so excited for what’s to come 🖤🖤
HOLY SHIT!
Cori has done it again! Dollie and Ambrose have stolen my now broken heart!
Dollancie needs a break. Especially from Shane and his little cøck. She is so strong and honestly I think I just need to hold her to make sure that she’s okay.
Ambrose like every mmc that Cori writes has won me over with his heartbreak. My heart hurts so bad for him and the trauma he holds for him and Dollie.
I am now more scared of clowns than I was before
Thank you so much Cori and I’m so excited for what’s to come 🖤🖤
August 17, 2025
(Please read your trigger warnings for this book!! There is a whole list)
Dollie - Met Ambrose when they were children, they had different interests and nothing in common. After one terrible event, Dollie and Ambrose formed a trauma bond, one that brought them close.
A second terrible event caused a wedge between them when their parents passed away.
Ambrose - Became close to Dollie after the first terrible event happened to them both, They both became close and were each others comfort.
A second terrible event put a wedge between them when they lost their parents, that one night changed Ambrose for the second time, one where he went to prison..
This is a beautifully written dark and thrilling romance, one where two step siblings bonded, one where feelings reached the limit, once a line is crossed there is no going back.
We see trauma that happened to Dollie and Ambrose and how the after affects changed them.
We see Dollie grow up being dependent on her fiancé, one who is terrible to her and wanted her to hate the one person she could never hate, her step brother.
We see how Ambrose's childhood trauma affected him, why people hated him, why he keeps himself to himself.
This is a beautiful, dark, thrilling, and heartbreaking novel. Can Dollie and Ambrose find their way back to each other.
Will truths come out that have been haunting their waking dreams?
This is the first novel of this authors I have read, and I can hands down say it will not be the last novel of hers I'll read.
This book had me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns. It broke my heart to only plaster it back together.
It's dark, it's thrilling and heartbreakingly amazing!!
It is the first novel that has given me goosebumps while reading it.
This book caught me hook line and sinker and I absolutely ate this one up! I was sad it ended and I wanted / needed more! The step sibling trope is delicous and heartbreaking at the same time.
I would highly recommend this author and her novel!
This is one of my most favourite reads of 2025!!
Dollie - Met Ambrose when they were children, they had different interests and nothing in common. After one terrible event, Dollie and Ambrose formed a trauma bond, one that brought them close.
A second terrible event caused a wedge between them when their parents passed away.
Ambrose - Became close to Dollie after the first terrible event happened to them both, They both became close and were each others comfort.
A second terrible event put a wedge between them when they lost their parents, that one night changed Ambrose for the second time, one where he went to prison..
This is a beautifully written dark and thrilling romance, one where two step siblings bonded, one where feelings reached the limit, once a line is crossed there is no going back.
We see trauma that happened to Dollie and Ambrose and how the after affects changed them.
We see Dollie grow up being dependent on her fiancé, one who is terrible to her and wanted her to hate the one person she could never hate, her step brother.
We see how Ambrose's childhood trauma affected him, why people hated him, why he keeps himself to himself.
This is a beautiful, dark, thrilling, and heartbreaking novel. Can Dollie and Ambrose find their way back to each other.
Will truths come out that have been haunting their waking dreams?
This is the first novel of this authors I have read, and I can hands down say it will not be the last novel of hers I'll read.
This book had me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns. It broke my heart to only plaster it back together.
It's dark, it's thrilling and heartbreakingly amazing!!
It is the first novel that has given me goosebumps while reading it.
This book caught me hook line and sinker and I absolutely ate this one up! I was sad it ended and I wanted / needed more! The step sibling trope is delicous and heartbreaking at the same time.
I would highly recommend this author and her novel!
This is one of my most favourite reads of 2025!!
August 9, 2025
"She's the only reason I'm still alive. I don't love her like a sister. She's my reason for being. There is no life without her for me."
It took me a few days to gather my thoughts before I could even attempt to write this review. My Sweet Dollie, You Have to Love Me isn’t just a book you read, it’s one you live through, bleed for, and carry with you long after the last page.
Cori has written one of the most beautifully devastating stories I’ve read this year. Ambrose and Dollie’s love is raw, consuming, and carved out of years of shared trauma, pain, and desperate need. It’s not a pretty kind of love, it’s a story worth suffering for. Their connection is the lifeline that keeps them both breathing, and watching them cling to each other through horrors that would have broken anyone else, was both gut-wrenching and achingly beautiful.
Ambrose is a walking wound wrapped in quiet strength, every scar a testament to how far he’ll go to protect his Dollie. And Dollie, soft and hurting, so unsure of her own worth, finds her safety in him. The way Cori captured their bond made my chest ache it’s obsessive, it’s tender, and it’s all-consuming in a way that feels inevitable.
This isn’t an easy read. It’s dark, heavy, and emotionally exhausting in the best way possible. The writing is breathtaking, lyrical without losing its bite, and the plot twists left me reeling. Every moment of pain felt earned, every glimmer of hope felt like a small miracle.
I’ll be thinking about Ambrose and Dollie for a long time, holding their story close like something fragile and rare.
* I received this arc all thoughts and opinions are my won*
It took me a few days to gather my thoughts before I could even attempt to write this review. My Sweet Dollie, You Have to Love Me isn’t just a book you read, it’s one you live through, bleed for, and carry with you long after the last page.
Cori has written one of the most beautifully devastating stories I’ve read this year. Ambrose and Dollie’s love is raw, consuming, and carved out of years of shared trauma, pain, and desperate need. It’s not a pretty kind of love, it’s a story worth suffering for. Their connection is the lifeline that keeps them both breathing, and watching them cling to each other through horrors that would have broken anyone else, was both gut-wrenching and achingly beautiful.
Ambrose is a walking wound wrapped in quiet strength, every scar a testament to how far he’ll go to protect his Dollie. And Dollie, soft and hurting, so unsure of her own worth, finds her safety in him. The way Cori captured their bond made my chest ache it’s obsessive, it’s tender, and it’s all-consuming in a way that feels inevitable.
This isn’t an easy read. It’s dark, heavy, and emotionally exhausting in the best way possible. The writing is breathtaking, lyrical without losing its bite, and the plot twists left me reeling. Every moment of pain felt earned, every glimmer of hope felt like a small miracle.
I’ll be thinking about Ambrose and Dollie for a long time, holding their story close like something fragile and rare.
* I received this arc all thoughts and opinions are my won*
September 4, 2025
Holy Hecate, what a ride this story was! The trauma in this book was dark and intense, which makes my little black heart soar.
What Dollancie and Ambrose went through together in their childhood, and survived (barely), sets up a deep seeded trauma bond that goes from their childhood into adulthood. Where the lines of step siblings get blurry (ohhh lala gimme that taboo!)
I shed a few tears throughout, this story isn't for the faint hearted. And if you have an aversion to clowns, then this isn't for you.
But if you're like me, and love to have your heart ripped out, stomped upon before being put back together, and your mind absolutely boggled and flipped upside down, then read THIS TODAY!!!
What Dollancie and Ambrose went through together in their childhood, and survived (barely), sets up a deep seeded trauma bond that goes from their childhood into adulthood. Where the lines of step siblings get blurry (ohhh lala gimme that taboo!)
I shed a few tears throughout, this story isn't for the faint hearted. And if you have an aversion to clowns, then this isn't for you.
But if you're like me, and love to have your heart ripped out, stomped upon before being put back together, and your mind absolutely boggled and flipped upside down, then read THIS TODAY!!!
August 14, 2025
it took me a while to read this one because it was so trauma heavy. I need to take my time and take breaks. my heart hurt for Ambrose and Dollancie. the childhood they had, the way that affected them in their lives. Shane is pure evil. I can't even put into words what I think of their parents. they are now whole together.
this story may be filled with some very hard subjects, but it was so beautifully written, and im glad I took my time reading it.
this story may be filled with some very hard subjects, but it was so beautifully written, and im glad I took my time reading it.
Want to read
December 5, 2024Does anyone know if the expected release date will change or not before July? Since it's the expected date? Or is there a 50/50 chance it might change 🤔?
Love your books more than you know Cori 🖤.
Love your books more than you know Cori 🖤.
August 9, 2025
“ℐ 𝓌ℴ𝓃’𝓉 𝓁ℯ𝓉 𝒽𝒾𝓂 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝓎ℴ𝓊. 𝒴ℴ𝓊’𝓇ℯ 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁ℯ 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇. ℐ’𝓁𝓁 𝓅𝓇ℴ𝓉ℯ𝒸𝓉 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈， ℐ 𝓅𝓇ℴ𝓂𝒾𝓈ℯ.”
My 𝒮𝓌ℯℯ𝓉 𝒟ℴ𝓁𝓁𝒾ℯ, You Have To Love Me is a tragically beautiful dark romance that will have you feeling all the emotions. This book sucked me from the very first pages and hit me so deep. Dollie and Ambrose were both such tortured souls, and the bond they share with each other was everything. Their story was heartbreakingly painful but so beautiful and precious at the same time. Cori always delivers books that’ll emotionally damage you in the best way possible.
🩷 Step siblings
☘️ Trauma bond
🩷 Past/present timeline
☘️ Mental health rep
🩷 Chronic illness rep
☘️ Scarred & silent MMC
🩷 Captivity
☘️ Forbidden romance
“𝒮𝒽ℯ’𝓈 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℴ𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℴ𝓃 ℐ’𝓂 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓋ℯ． ℐ 𝒹ℴ𝓃’𝓉 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ 𝒽ℯ𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝓀ℯ 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇. 𝒮𝒽ℯ’𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℴ𝓃 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝒷ℯ𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒯𝒽ℯ𝓇ℯ 𝒾𝓈 𝓃ℴ 𝓁𝒾𝒻ℯ 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓊𝓉 𝒽ℯ𝓇 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓂ℯ．”
“𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝒹ℴ𝓃’𝓉 𝑔ℯ𝓉 𝓉ℴ 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝒽ℯ𝓇. 𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝓈𝒽ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃’𝓉 ℯ𝓋ℯ𝓃 𝑔ℯ𝓉 𝓉ℴ 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉ℴ𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒽ℯ𝓇．”
“ℐ’𝓂 𝓈ℴ𝓇𝓇𝓎 ℐ’𝓂 𝓈ℴ 𝒷𝓇ℴ𝓀ℯ𝓃．”
My 𝒮𝓌ℯℯ𝓉 𝒟ℴ𝓁𝓁𝒾ℯ, You Have To Love Me is a tragically beautiful dark romance that will have you feeling all the emotions. This book sucked me from the very first pages and hit me so deep. Dollie and Ambrose were both such tortured souls, and the bond they share with each other was everything. Their story was heartbreakingly painful but so beautiful and precious at the same time. Cori always delivers books that’ll emotionally damage you in the best way possible.
🩷 Step siblings
☘️ Trauma bond
🩷 Past/present timeline
☘️ Mental health rep
🩷 Chronic illness rep
☘️ Scarred & silent MMC
🩷 Captivity
☘️ Forbidden romance
“𝒮𝒽ℯ’𝓈 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℴ𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℴ𝓃 ℐ’𝓂 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓋ℯ． ℐ 𝒹ℴ𝓃’𝓉 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ 𝒽ℯ𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝓀ℯ 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉ℯ𝓇. 𝒮𝒽ℯ’𝓈 𝓂𝓎 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓈ℴ𝓃 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝒷ℯ𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒯𝒽ℯ𝓇ℯ 𝒾𝓈 𝓃ℴ 𝓁𝒾𝒻ℯ 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓊𝓉 𝒽ℯ𝓇 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓂ℯ．”
“𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝒹ℴ𝓃’𝓉 𝑔ℯ𝓉 𝓉ℴ 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝒽ℯ𝓇. 𝒴ℴ𝓊 𝓈𝒽ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃’𝓉 ℯ𝓋ℯ𝓃 𝑔ℯ𝓉 𝓉ℴ 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉ℴ𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒽ℯ𝓇．”
“ℐ’𝓂 𝓈ℴ𝓇𝓇𝓎 ℐ’𝓂 𝓈ℴ 𝒷𝓇ℴ𝓀ℯ𝓃．”
August 5, 2025
Big thanks to LovenotesPR and Cori Zahara for the ARC of My Sweet Dollie: You Have to Love Me! This book releases on August 7th, and it’s book perfection.
I was completely obsessed with Ambrose & Dollie 🥹❤️. Their love is raw, messy, and absolutely beautiful. I never wanted it to end. They’re perfect in all their imperfections, and their story gripped me from start to finish.
The villain? Fcking Shane. That little cnt made my blood boil. And the “parents” in this book? Just wow. Truly Parents of the Year material (sarcasm very much intended).
This book will hit you hard emotionally, so please check the trigger warnings before diving in. And if you’re scared of clowns 🤡don’t worry, this book won’t convert you 😅
Dark, twisted, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. Add it to your TBR now!
I was completely obsessed with Ambrose & Dollie 🥹❤️. Their love is raw, messy, and absolutely beautiful. I never wanted it to end. They’re perfect in all their imperfections, and their story gripped me from start to finish.
The villain? Fcking Shane. That little cnt made my blood boil. And the “parents” in this book? Just wow. Truly Parents of the Year material (sarcasm very much intended).
This book will hit you hard emotionally, so please check the trigger warnings before diving in. And if you’re scared of clowns 🤡don’t worry, this book won’t convert you 😅
Dark, twisted, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. Add it to your TBR now!
September 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book is definitely written to stir up strong emotions, and readers who enjoy dark, psychologically intense stories will probably get more out of it than I did.
For me, the pacing was very slow. By about 30% in I wanted to stop, and even after taking a break and coming back, it still dragged. It also felt repetitive, like the same ideas were being repeated too often.
Even though I kept hearing how dark this story was supposed to be, I honestly didn’t find it all that dark. Yes, there are dark aspects—but maybe I’m just a little numb to “dark reads” at this point. The storyline itself isn’t bad, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
This book is definitely written to stir up strong emotions, and readers who enjoy dark, psychologically intense stories will probably get more out of it than I did.
For me, the pacing was very slow. By about 30% in I wanted to stop, and even after taking a break and coming back, it still dragged. It also felt repetitive, like the same ideas were being repeated too often.
Even though I kept hearing how dark this story was supposed to be, I honestly didn’t find it all that dark. Yes, there are dark aspects—but maybe I’m just a little numb to “dark reads” at this point. The storyline itself isn’t bad, it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
September 25, 2025
Wow ummm what do I say about this one?
Traumatic and dark AF. I have no triggers but please look them up before you read this one. It made me sad, mad, gave me anxiety. Ambrose and Dollie went through so much 😩 I loved the ending but it was hard to get there. The writing was phenomenal my first from this author. I hated how weak Dollie was when it came to Shane it drove me mad I kept screaming at her “GIRL WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” The low self worth was real and I get it because of everything she had been through. I honestly don’t know if I’ll forget this one, their pain lives in me now.
💔Death of a parent
💔Self harm
💔Captivity
💔SA - no details
💔Child abuse
💔Domestic abuse- not main couple
💔Murder
Traumatic and dark AF. I have no triggers but please look them up before you read this one. It made me sad, mad, gave me anxiety. Ambrose and Dollie went through so much 😩 I loved the ending but it was hard to get there. The writing was phenomenal my first from this author. I hated how weak Dollie was when it came to Shane it drove me mad I kept screaming at her “GIRL WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” The low self worth was real and I get it because of everything she had been through. I honestly don’t know if I’ll forget this one, their pain lives in me now.
💔Death of a parent
💔Self harm
💔Captivity
💔SA - no details
💔Child abuse
💔Domestic abuse- not main couple
💔Murder
August 12, 2025
♾️ 5 trauma stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Nu stiu cum am ajuns la aceasta carte..ba stiu, m-a intrigat coperta🤐 însă pot spune cu mana pe inima ca e cartea anului 2025, pt mine!
M-a tulburat, m-a emoționat pana la lacrimi, mi-a frant inima si a refacut-o din bucățile rămase, am simțit fiecare emoție a personajelor principale Dollie si Ambrose, ca pe un film ce se desfășura cu încetinitorul, in mintea si in sufletul meu.
2 persoane cu psihicul frant, cu inimile distruse..își regasesc drumul unul către celalalt, contrar părerilor lumii ce oricum nu i-a înțeles ori acceptat vreodată!
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
....
Nu stiu cum am ajuns la aceasta carte..ba stiu, m-a intrigat coperta🤐 însă pot spune cu mana pe inima ca e cartea anului 2025, pt mine!
M-a tulburat, m-a emoționat pana la lacrimi, mi-a frant inima si a refacut-o din bucățile rămase, am simțit fiecare emoție a personajelor principale Dollie si Ambrose, ca pe un film ce se desfășura cu încetinitorul, in mintea si in sufletul meu.
2 persoane cu psihicul frant, cu inimile distruse..își regasesc drumul unul către celalalt, contrar părerilor lumii ce oricum nu i-a înțeles ori acceptat vreodată!
"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖."
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