Three years ago, I ran from the only life I knew. I had to. I was living with a monster. I’ve built a new life, staying hidden and keeping to myself. When I least expect it, three tempting men walk into my life and turn everything upside down, pulling me from the shadows. Zane, Rio and Asher. They have fractured the fear that has become my constant companion. Each of them has made me feel things I’ve never felt before—desire, passion, lust. The problem? We are all hiding secrets. With danger knocking at my door, I have a decision to make. Do I keep running from my past, or do I trust these mysterious men to keep me safe?
*This is a 18+ dark reverse harem romance with explicit scenes. Check the trigger warnings before reading.
𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎 𝐈𝐯𝐲 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠! You really hit the ground running with your 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤! I'm blown away! Her writing style was top-notch. And she gave us the perfect suspenseful RH ending on a killer cliffhanger! Luckily though she didn't do us too dirty and gave us a very soft cliffhanger! 𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑, now I'm in love with these characters and want more! Spencer and her guys were so loveable. Ivy checked so many of my favorite tropes.
I very rarely read a reverse harem and LOVE every person! But somehow Ivy made it possible! She gave us 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 the spunky take no sh*t FMC. She might have been made to feel weak previously, but she has zero problem standing up for herself now! Especially with these 3 swoony MMCs constantly boosting her up and making her feel like a queen. I loved Spencer's inner dialogue and the way she wared with what to say and do!! And the way she referred to herself as inner Spencer. "𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚." It was HILARIOUS! I loved inner Spencer.
Then we have 𝐙𝐚𝐧𝐞, my gosh, immediately I fell in love with his character. He's a detective working cases in the same area as Spencer's Pottery shop! He pops in to get his buddy Rio 🥵😉 signed up for a few of her classes and is drawn to Spencer instantly. I loved the relationship he had with Spencer. He was so tender with her, but an absolute savage on the streets. When he asked her “𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒚?” I MELTED!! YES. DADDY ZANE!! Spencer would love to call you Daddy!
Then there was Asher, broody and cocky. We didn't meet him until farther into the book! But when he did enter the book! I was hooked! He was instantly drawn to Spencer like the other guys, only he fought it. And I loved the angsty build-up between them! He was her bodyguard. Her "𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒈𝒖𝒚"! And I loved the relationship between them so much!
I don't usually have favorites, but if I had to pick out of these 3 delicious men, it would be RIO!!! Ivy freaken nailed his character. He was sassy and HILARIOUS! He always had a remark for something and it always had me laughing out loud. But he wasn't just funny. This man was SWOONY! When he called her Mama or tossed her playful winks I squealed!👏👏💥 I loved how playful he was. All the time. Even with Asher and Zane. He brought so much humor to the broody trio! And I LOVED his character so much!
One of my favorite parts of the book was when he and Zane are camped outside Spencer's place at night to make sure she's safe while she was blissfully unaware of what they were up to(I know. Swoon. This is stalking done right) and once she was sleep they snuck in to snuggle her and make sure her nightmares didn't wake her up! And Asher catches these obsessed guys...
I was laughing so hard. I feel like this is a perfect example of how playful, yet unhinged his character was! And I devoured it!!
Ivy really did give us the best main characters! I don't know how I'm going to wait until the next book! I need more of them now! It's been days since I finished this book and I can't stop thinking about it. Ivy King you truly have a gift and I'm so grateful you took the leap and wrote this book! And that I had the opportunity to read it early!!
If you don't mind mild cliffhanger and are looking for a good RH book with some suspense and unhinged IN THE BEST WAY MMCs and a spunky FMC then this book is absolutely for you!!
Let’s preface this by showing what you’re getting into:
A traumatized badass FMC? ✔️ The grumpy MMC? ✔️🫢 The full of tattoos and calls her mama and speaks Spanish to her MMC?✔️🤤 The “daddy I’ll let you do anything you want to me” MMC? ✔️✔️✔️🥵 Why choose ? (Obvi hehe) ✔️💜 Touch her and 💀 vibes? ✔️✔️
There’s stalking from the MMCs, they just want to know their girl is protected and while that’s obviously morally grey, I loved it.
They were possessed and obsessed with their woman from the moment they laid eyes on her. My kind of fictional boyfriends..
And let me tell yall about that TENSION! Between all 4 of them it was just swoooonnnn. I like that it wasn’t smut toward, that it focused on character development more than the sexual side but yall… I can tell from the little snippets we’ve gotten that the smut will hittttt. Especially when all 4 hit the sheets together. 🥵😉
Okay but more about the story….
Spencer is running from her abusive ex and I like that Ivy wrote about this with such sensitivity. We don’t know the full story yet but we’ve seen glimpses of what was done to Spencer and your heart will break. Having to watch your back at every turn is a feeling most women are familiar with but she made sure Spencer, while still having to fight her demons, was aware and constantly fighting. I loved seeing that in a FMC
As for the MMCs, we have not seen a lot of their past but what we do know is that they each lived through their own hell before finding each other and taking on the world in the only way they know how ; taking out the people who make the world dark and scary.
I’m excited to see more of their backstory and see more of the chaos they create. But also see the peace they bring to each other. And I LOVE that Zane and Rio are also romantically involved.
I’m ready to see how they react to what happened at the end of this book, honestly. Like let me just warn yall, Miss Ivy did NOT skip out on that CLIFFHANGER.
I just kind of kept changing the page on my kindle cause I was like ummmm this isn’t the end yet?? 😭😭
Get ready to feel some pain but get even more ready for the fact that you will undoubtedly be attached to these characters from the moment they’re introduced. Every single one of them, honestly.
(Ps.. Hayes is an adorable lil golden retriever🥹🥹)
The slow burn that catches clay, the bathroom & the kitchen on fire was SPICY! The Cliffhanger left me feeling drunk and in a haze. I need more...much more!
This dark romance novel thrusts the reader into an emotional journey that includes smoldering fires that I suspect are waiting to explode in the coming books.
I connected with Spencer on a level of wanting to be her friend, but I also wanted to protect her as a mama. Her internal dialogue is witty and entertaining, and I also just wanted to give her a hug. She has experienced significant trauma, both on and off page.
And while I adore Spencer, I might be obsessed with Rio. He is suave and funny, and every single time he got bossy or called her mama, my heart absolutely swooned and I was on the floor. I love the dynamics between Rio and Zane, both on a romantic and friendship level. Their interactions are entertaining to say the least.
This is also a dark romance and my understanding is that each book gets darker so if trigger warnings are a concern , please check those first.
This is the debut novel by Ivy King and it is captivating. More than once, I found myself totally engulfed in this book. I was no longer reading it, I was right there in Spencer‘s head experiencing it with her in the same room. There are a lot of tropes in this book but the author is building a trilogy here so go into knowing there will be a cliffhanger at the end of this book. The author is setting up a trilogy, so there are a lot of loose ends with this book, but I think it lays a good foundation and I found myself mad that I couldn’t go right into the second book because I wanted answers!
Where to start…this book was AMAZING! I loved the characters and setting were just amazing! The story line flows smoothly and the ending…the ending had me screaming! The cliffhanger happened at just the right moment…I cannot wait for the next book!!!
If you enjoy why choose, dark romance, and a little bit of murder this book is for you!
Spencer - Is running away from her abusive and controlling ex, even though she's running from her ex Spencer is a loveable character, this author hasn't dived into the full life of Spencer, but we see snippets Into her past. Spencer doesn't just have an attraction to one hot man but she's attracted to three, yes three deliciously touch her and di3 men!
Zane, Rio and Asher - Are three friends who have different jobs, they have an instant love obsession with Spencer. Their mian priority and focus is to keep Spencer safe from the s3rial k!ll3r who is Stalking and unaliving women who are a perfect description of Spencer. The description of these three MMC is delicious! Every girls fantasy.
This story will catch you hook line and sinker, it is a beautifully written novel, this author has taken her time and put a lot of love into each individual character she has made for us. They are loveable and their story just grips you in!
It does end on a cliff hanger, which leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat needing more. This was the first novel of this author that I have read, it will most certainly not be the last!
- Dark romance - Suspense - Touch her and 💀 - Why choose? - MMMF - Hot protective MMCs - Beautiful fiesty FMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is time well spent! An absolute page turner with loveably beautiful and sexy characters. The author is well-written and brilliant. Recommended As Dark Romance!!
Thank you to the author for this wonderful ARC opportunity. I would read more from you anytime.
e-arc review: OMGGGGG THE WAYYY I DEVOURED THIS BOOK IS INSANE!! RIO, ASHER & ZANE OHHHH MAAAA GOOODNESSSS😩 since the first page there was already things happening and the way the book ended on that cliffhanger?? I need the second one! I need to see what happens with Spencer and the boys
It’s very rare for me to be immediately hooked on a book. But when I tell you I was invested from page one, I ate this up! I absolutely loved getting to see Spencer work through her trauma on page, she had so much growth. The found family trope in this is top tier. The suspense had me sitting at the edge of my seat. And the slow burn…the slow burn is burning me alive. 🥵 I can’t decide which man I love more, and it’s why choose, so I’m not choosing a favorite. I want them all 😂 and don’t even get me started on the touch her and die trope in here, it’s perfection. Book one ends on a massive cliff hanger and I am basically foaming at the mouth for book 2.
Absolutely LOVED this book. The author effortlessly balances humor and drama and spice. I’m fully in love with all of these men but Rio is definitely my favorite. He had me going back and forth between laughing out loud and fanning the flush from my cheeks.
And the ending!? Without giving anything away, I’ll just say it’s a 4 AM “I know I should go to sleep but I need to read the next book now so I’m going to make the self destructive choice to keep reading against my better judgment” kind of ending. I can’t wait for book 2! I have so many questions I need answered!
I am shocked by the number of good reviews but more so by the number of 5 star ones. Spoilers ahead.
I was extremely bored with this book. It's incredibly repetitive and nothing really happens. I'm always okay with instalust so it's not that for me, it's lack of character development, lack of actual conversation and the amount of just ridiculous cringe stuff in their heads about each other. We barely speak to each other, but in your head it's a constant stream of lust. So okay I guess?
A traumatized badass FMC? ✔️ The grumpy MMC? ✔️ The full of tattoos, Spanish silver tongue MMC?✔️ The “dom daddy MMC? ✔️ Why choose ✔️
A Captivating, Emotionally Charged Ride*
I'm still reeling from this book! The author masterfully weaves a complex tale of love, protection, and redemption, featuring four morally ambiguous heroes who will capture your heart.
The story follows Spencer, a strong and resilient heroine fleeing an abusive ex, and her four protectors, who are equally haunted by their own dark pasts. Their possessiveness and obsession may be morally grey, but it's undeniably captivating.
What sets this book apart is its focus on character development, expertly balancing tension and emotional depth. The author tackles sensitive topics like abuse and trauma with care and nuance, making Spencer's journey feel authentic and empowering.
The romance is slow-burning, but the tension between the five main characters is palpable. I appreciate how the author explores non-traditional relationships, including a romantic connection between two of the male leads, Zane and Rio.
Be prepared for a cliffhanger ending that will leave you breathless and eager for more. The author's skillful storytelling ensures you'll become deeply invested in these characters' lives.
First of all, I felt like I needed a little time to gather my thoughts and calm down after that ending 🤯😂 but now that I’ve done that I just want to say WHAT A FREAKING BOOK!! This was one of those times when I read and time just flew by and I never wanted it to end.
It was so perfectly written and you could really feel the emotions between the main characters. I was pleasantly surprised with the fact that it wasn’t extremely spicy which a lot of Why Choose tropes can be and that made me just that much more interested in how the rest of the series is going to be.
Let’s talk plot. It was a great introduction to the series and it has you hooked from the start. It gets you anticipating what’s going to happen next all throughout the book. The author also did a great job introducing the main characters as well and wrote their dynamic perfectly. And it was really funny! Especially the way the characters talk to each other had me laughing out loud multiple times 👏🏻
It’s safe to say that I loved this book and will recommend it to my dark romance friends!
Spencer hooks you into her story right away. From the beginning you're rooting for her. As she meets the 3 MMCs she regains some of her confidence lost from past events. I loved how the 3 MMCs meet Spencer through one-on-one introductions and grow through their own connections with her.
Being the first book in a new series it was a low spice slow burn. However, it is definitely worth diving into! The ending leaves you craving the next book knowing that spice is about to be kicked up a notch and the characters will become darker. Already counting down until book 2!
If you love morally grey men who would give everything they have and more for the ones they love, this is the book for you!
I was captured from the moment I started reading Fractured Fear. This book had me staying up until the early hours of the morning to finish it, and the twists and turns constantly had me on the edge of my seat. Spencer, Zane, Rio, and Asher are all very well written and lovable characters (when they choose to be). I am OBSESSED and cannot wait for the next part of their story.
🖤Dark Romance 🖤Why Choose 🖤Morally Grey MMCs 🖤Age Gap 🖤Touch Her and Die
This book was so good! It grips you from chapter one. Has believable characters and such a fast paced edge of your story. All 3 men are oh so delicious, I couldn't choose one! Fantastic cliffhanger that will leave you craving for more. Not very spicy but definitely steamy. An incredible debut novel!
I absolutely loved this book. From the moment I started reading it kept me entranced. If you love dark romance, reverse harem this is the book for you. I cannot wait for book 2. The characters are amazing, the story line is great. If you love the touch her and die vibes this is seriously the book for you. Papi Rio has you drawn in the minute he starts speaking in Spanish.
If you’re into journal romance, why choose books this is definitely one for you! I absolutely adored this! Couldn’t put it down aside from sleeping. I can’t choose between Zade, Asher or Rio! They’re all just morally dark grey men.
Amazing writing by Ivy King!! I love the different stories of the characters and how they all come together. Story develops good and has twists that I didn’t originally see coming. Story ends on a great cliffhanger and I am excited for when book 2 comes out.
“You are officially mine, mama.” This book was great. It’s quick paced and moves through the story nicely. It has super loving MMCs. And a super paranoid FMC lol. I adore them all. It’s a really good story line, and the character development is great. I hope we get more from these characters I would loveee to read them again!
Ivy!! What a debut 👏🏼👏🏼 This book had me so invested from the prologue and then it just kept giving with every chapter. I am in love with all these characters and all their different personalities. I can’t wait to learn more about each of them in the next book which better be soon because that cliffhanger 🤌🏼 I need more. WOW!!
This is the first book for a debut author, and what an amazing read! Make sure you check your triggers as this touches on some DV issues. The FMC Spenser is a bad ass who has escaped from an abusive relationship and started her life over. In walks, our 3 MMC's taking over her life in ways she never thought any man would. The way these men become so incredibly obsessed with her is swoon worthy. Zane, Rio, and Asher don't expect to fall for Spenser, but once they meet her, they can't get enough. There's just a hint of spice but lots of sexual tension in book one, and we are left on a cliffhanger begging for book two!
This book had me from the very beginning. I absolutely loved it. Spice was about a 2 to me. But it was amazing spice. I need the next one though. You left me on a huge cliffhanger
Loved this book! Storyline was well written, strong, captivating, good flow and had me hooked from the first chapter. I also enjoyed the characters a lot. I could picture the atmosphere when I was reading. The story came to life for me. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Such a good book I couldn’t put it down!! All the things you want in a dark romance! This book had me on the edge of my seat and dying for more! Ivy King knows how to write and make you swoon and fall in love with these men!
This is the first book of 3 for Ivy as a new author and what an amazing read! Make sure you check your triggers to keep your head in check! I couldn’t read this book quick enough and now I’m here waiting because the cliff hanger….. I NEED more of these men and our funny girl! .. morally grey men as Papi Rio, Daddy Zane, and Viking Asher…. spicy, dark, “touch her and die” and reverse harem… I laughed, kicked my feet, wanted to be Spencer, and felt so much for each of the MCs…. Seriously, I cannot wait for more, I wish it had more spice but the sexual tension WILL bring more. I can't wait see see what these men have instore to save their girl. SO MANY CLAPS IVY <3
I received an ARC of “Fractured Fear” for an honest review.
⭐️ 5 🌶️ 2 🖤 3
Everything about this book hooked me in! I finished this book in ONE DAY! Why choose romance with 3 “he falls first” badass MMC’s that are possessive, obsessive & overprotective? A black cat FMC that is rebuilding after a traumatic past and getting stronger? Found family vibes? A loaded backstory and engaging plot that has you wanting more? Yes to all the above!
The depth of characters, their growth and development throughout the story, the loaded backstories and running plot, the chemistry, everything! The emotional roller coaster, following Spencer, pick herself up again and allow herself to feel…
The instant connections between Zane, Rio, Asher & Spencer is off the charts and I loved both the golden retriever energy from Rio & Zane, as well as the grumpy “fighting the chemistry” vibes from Asher.
Daddy Zane, Rio & Asher are too much! I love the banter and the back and forth brotherly relationship between the guys! I can’t wait to read more about their group dynamics! Sassy Spencer is my favourite, I like how she is building herself up and getting stronger, starting to believe in herself more.
I need book 2! I loved everything about this story! I cannot wait for more!