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Petal #1-2
Petal: A Dark Romantic Suspense
He took everything from me. My memories, my sanity - my freedom.
I don’t know who I am or why I'm here. All I know is that I'm his captive, his toy, his clueless slave.
Pain meets pleasure with fiery kisses as he molds me into the person he says I’m supposed to be. But who is that person? And who was I before him?
I hate him for this.
I fear him like no one else.And I'm drawn to him like a moth to the flame. Every stroke of his hand brings me closer to the truth.
But when the veil of mystery is finally lifted, it only gives rise to more questions - and more dark secrets between us.
Because he's not the only person I should be afraid of...
This is a bundled up collection of the Petal Duet.
I don’t know who I am or why I'm here. All I know is that I'm his captive, his toy, his clueless slave.
Pain meets pleasure with fiery kisses as he molds me into the person he says I’m supposed to be. But who is that person? And who was I before him?
I hate him for this.
I fear him like no one else.And I'm drawn to him like a moth to the flame. Every stroke of his hand brings me closer to the truth.
But when the veil of mystery is finally lifted, it only gives rise to more questions - and more dark secrets between us.
Because he's not the only person I should be afraid of...
This is a bundled up collection of the Petal Duet.
450 pages, Hardcover
Published September 24, 2024
201 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Linnea May
100 books1,316 followersI'm an indie author of steamy Billionaire Romances, and I love strong alpha men with loaded bank accounts and skeletons in their closets.
My heroes are as sexy and beautiful as they are broken - only to be fixed by the smart & captivating heroines who cross their paths.
Lately, I've been writing more Dark Billionaire Romances. I'm very excited about my current VIOLENT series and its current spin-off The Velvet Rooms Series!
I live in Europe with my very own hero.
And I love squirrels. ❤
Find me on AMAZON here:
https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-May/e/B...
FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLinneaMay
In the mood for a FREEBIE? Subscribe to my newsletter and get TWO:
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MY BOOKS
The Violent Series
My heroes are as sexy and beautiful as they are broken - only to be fixed by the smart & captivating heroines who cross their paths.
Lately, I've been writing more Dark Billionaire Romances. I'm very excited about my current VIOLENT series and its current spin-off The Velvet Rooms Series!
I live in Europe with my very own hero.
And I love squirrels. ❤
Find me on AMAZON here:
https://www.amazon.com/Linnea-May/e/B...
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLinneaMay
In the mood for a FREEBIE? Subscribe to my newsletter and get TWO:
http://www.linneamay.com/newsletter
MY BOOKS
The Violent Series
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 23, 2024
4.5⭐️/3🌶️
Darkness: 3🖤
I went into this one completely blind, with zero expectations, and that was so worth it! 😳 This book was a great mystery thriller romance. I was trying to piece everything together with Petal. We’re given just enough crumbs to keep us guessing—who is she, where is she, and what’s going on?!
Honestly, how I survived this book, I have no idea! Every chapter was so masterfully written, giving you just enough to keep you on edge but never too much to spoil anything. Everything finally comes together in that last 15% and it was absolutely mind-blowing!
If you love mystery with some romance, definitely give this one a try. 🖤
Darkness: 3🖤
I went into this one completely blind, with zero expectations, and that was so worth it! 😳 This book was a great mystery thriller romance. I was trying to piece everything together with Petal. We’re given just enough crumbs to keep us guessing—who is she, where is she, and what’s going on?!
Honestly, how I survived this book, I have no idea! Every chapter was so masterfully written, giving you just enough to keep you on edge but never too much to spoil anything. Everything finally comes together in that last 15% and it was absolutely mind-blowing!
If you love mystery with some romance, definitely give this one a try. 🖤
January 9, 2020
Wow. When I originally opened this book to read in my Kindle, I thought it was one hell of a decent sized book. Then, after reading half way through, I discovered it was actually two books in one ... Lost Petal, and Fallen Petal.
That being said, this book grabbed me from the first page.
It opens with Petal waking in a concrete cell, with no idea where she was, how she got there, or even who she was, let alone how long she’d been there, or whether it was night or day. Readers are taken on a journey with Petal, from the moment she wakes through to meeting her captor, J, and a black-haired girl we (the reader) know as Malia. As the story unfolds, we get to know the backstory of Petal, Malia, J (Jayson), along with a few other characters. We are taken on a ride of emotion alongside with Petal, and every physical experience she endures from the moment she wakes. And there’s enough heat between Petal and J (Jayson) that it’ll keep you turning the pages as fast as you can read them.
This isn’t just a dark romance. This is an intriguing mystery with little clues throughout. But it will keep you guessing. And you won’t believe the last twist. It caught me by surprise.
Although I have 7 titles by Linnea May on my Kindle, this is the first book of hers that I have read. I don’t know why I waited so long! I will certainly be reading the other 6 of them. Even though there were a few issues such as missing words here and there, and on two occasions, plot repeat, which should have been caught by an editor, or an arc reader (for example – Petal gets out of the tub, then halfway through the next paragraph Petal washes herself then gets out of the bath), I still highly recommend this book.
That being said, this book grabbed me from the first page.
It opens with Petal waking in a concrete cell, with no idea where she was, how she got there, or even who she was, let alone how long she’d been there, or whether it was night or day. Readers are taken on a journey with Petal, from the moment she wakes through to meeting her captor, J, and a black-haired girl we (the reader) know as Malia. As the story unfolds, we get to know the backstory of Petal, Malia, J (Jayson), along with a few other characters. We are taken on a ride of emotion alongside with Petal, and every physical experience she endures from the moment she wakes. And there’s enough heat between Petal and J (Jayson) that it’ll keep you turning the pages as fast as you can read them.
This isn’t just a dark romance. This is an intriguing mystery with little clues throughout. But it will keep you guessing. And you won’t believe the last twist. It caught me by surprise.
Although I have 7 titles by Linnea May on my Kindle, this is the first book of hers that I have read. I don’t know why I waited so long! I will certainly be reading the other 6 of them. Even though there were a few issues such as missing words here and there, and on two occasions, plot repeat, which should have been caught by an editor, or an arc reader (for example – Petal gets out of the tub, then halfway through the next paragraph Petal washes herself then gets out of the bath), I still highly recommend this book.
September 24, 2024
ARC REVIEW
🩷 mystery romance
🌸amnesia
🩷 forced proximity
🌸 dark billionaire antihero
🩷 touch her and 💀
okay this book was something else.
petal wakes up in a basement with no recollection of who she is. her captor, J, is our mysterious MMC who seems to know everything about this girl.
why?
well let me tell you there was mystery, romance, and dark news that would out you in the edge of your seat. this book will have you thinking, screaming, and sweating.
🩷 mystery romance
🌸amnesia
🩷 forced proximity
🌸 dark billionaire antihero
🩷 touch her and 💀
okay this book was something else.
petal wakes up in a basement with no recollection of who she is. her captor, J, is our mysterious MMC who seems to know everything about this girl.
why?
well let me tell you there was mystery, romance, and dark news that would out you in the edge of your seat. this book will have you thinking, screaming, and sweating.
September 12, 2024
This is a dark romance that has mysteries in it. When I first opened this book I thought this was pretty long but it was two books in one. This was so good and I’m glad I got to read this! This is a new author to me and I’m definitely picking up more of her work.
September 16, 2024
Petal wakes up in a basement not knowing who she is, how she ended up there, and why she’s trapped in a basement. Her captor, J, and the woman who brings her food, Malia, seem to know exactly who, how, and why she is there. This book answers these questions and more in an engaging, intriguing, and mystifying way.
To say I was on the edge of my seat the entire book would be quite the understatement! This is one of my favorite reads of the year and I’ll be thinking about it for a long while.
It is dark, twisty, mysterious, emotional, and hopeful. I cannot recommend this book enough!!
I was provided a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To say I was on the edge of my seat the entire book would be quite the understatement! This is one of my favorite reads of the year and I’ll be thinking about it for a long while.
It is dark, twisty, mysterious, emotional, and hopeful. I cannot recommend this book enough!!
I was provided a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2024
I DNF this after it took 3 chapters, switching between their pov just for them to get from the cell to her new bedroom upstairs. 3 fucking chapters bc the inner monologue is so damn repetitive and boring. Couldn’t bother to care about this book knowing that it was about to be the longest book that had zero plot until the very end. (Which I’ve read in all the 5 star reviews that the last 10% is where everything unfolds.) I’m not reading a book this long for only 10% pay off . I truly couldn’t care about a story that much.
September 26, 2024
This dark romance is filled with intriguing mysteries. When I first started reading, I thought it was quite lengthy, but I soon realized it contained two books in one. It was an excellent read, and I'm really glad I picked it up! This is my first experience with this author, and I’m definitely planning to explore more of her work.
January 3, 2020
Linnea does not disappoint with another great book that guarantees will be the beginning of an awesome series. So much intrigue and mystery. I totally ignored my family because I was so engrossed in this book.
September 17, 2024
This book is a suspenseful thriller mystery all wrapped up in a romance.
This book starts out from petals point of view in the prologue she's just waking up she's groggy she's not knowing anything she doesn't know herself and then you go into the days coming after her waking up and I loved how with his point of view you got flashbacks of things I do wish though we would have gotten towards the end a point of view of her before everything happened sadly we didn't but it was good I was shocked when you finally start to see everything unravel and it does take a very long time for it to get to that point there's so much build up intention and a fight between both their wills honestly it is so invigorating for both characters and how they see each other as their own person. I also feel there was a lot of regret on both sides once both of them realize who they are more so I feel like him as the main character I feel like he has a lot of regret but I also feel like this whole thing had to happen this way I feel that her dad had too much control I feel that other side characters and more twist and turns that happen in the book are too great not have had to happen because it gave the book the suspense and the thriller aspect of it and also there's the whole mystery part of this book like you don't know the full spectrum of everything and how they first met until you get to the end and that's when you start to see more. I will say that you will have a lot of questions while reading this book and you will cry your eyes out on a good majority of this book but all of your questions will be answered at the end and I feel that this story is very profound and it's very raw and vulnerable within each character that is presented in the book especially the two main characters but even the side characters have their own profoundness such as both her best friends I feel like what happened to petal changed everyone's course of life like not just hers when her father took the steps that he did. I want to talk about spice really quick because I know that within Romance there is a good amount but I feel that it is a very slow burn but yet there's also a buildup so foreplay is really done nicely I would say that spice is about a three in this book it's not too much even know this is a dominant and submissive role it's done very tastefully and it's not over the top like some books do I felt it was very tame within the realm of the book and how both characters are. Overall I would say that this is a really good there are several points in the book where you are shocked sometimes appalled and sometimes your empathetic to both characters and even the side characters. I would definitely recommend this just know that going into this book you're going to have to be patient with this book because it's not a fast pace it's more of a you have to put pieces of the puzzle together and let it form naturally because it's not just going to all be laid out right in front of you.
This book starts out from petals point of view in the prologue she's just waking up she's groggy she's not knowing anything she doesn't know herself and then you go into the days coming after her waking up and I loved how with his point of view you got flashbacks of things I do wish though we would have gotten towards the end a point of view of her before everything happened sadly we didn't but it was good I was shocked when you finally start to see everything unravel and it does take a very long time for it to get to that point there's so much build up intention and a fight between both their wills honestly it is so invigorating for both characters and how they see each other as their own person. I also feel there was a lot of regret on both sides once both of them realize who they are more so I feel like him as the main character I feel like he has a lot of regret but I also feel like this whole thing had to happen this way I feel that her dad had too much control I feel that other side characters and more twist and turns that happen in the book are too great not have had to happen because it gave the book the suspense and the thriller aspect of it and also there's the whole mystery part of this book like you don't know the full spectrum of everything and how they first met until you get to the end and that's when you start to see more. I will say that you will have a lot of questions while reading this book and you will cry your eyes out on a good majority of this book but all of your questions will be answered at the end and I feel that this story is very profound and it's very raw and vulnerable within each character that is presented in the book especially the two main characters but even the side characters have their own profoundness such as both her best friends I feel like what happened to petal changed everyone's course of life like not just hers when her father took the steps that he did. I want to talk about spice really quick because I know that within Romance there is a good amount but I feel that it is a very slow burn but yet there's also a buildup so foreplay is really done nicely I would say that spice is about a three in this book it's not too much even know this is a dominant and submissive role it's done very tastefully and it's not over the top like some books do I felt it was very tame within the realm of the book and how both characters are. Overall I would say that this is a really good there are several points in the book where you are shocked sometimes appalled and sometimes your empathetic to both characters and even the side characters. I would definitely recommend this just know that going into this book you're going to have to be patient with this book because it's not a fast pace it's more of a you have to put pieces of the puzzle together and let it form naturally because it's not just going to all be laid out right in front of you.
September 23, 2024
5⭐️! Oh Petal!.....
This edition of Petal is an omnibus containing the complete duet, Lost Petal and Fallen Petal, respectively, with extended content.
This was one of the first captive romances that I read back in 2018 and I can't express in words how this duet made me feel, simply because it was nothing like I had ever read before.
The author ingeniously develops a very vicarious narrative making the reader go into the story through Petal's eyes and some exchanges between J and Malia. Very intriguing and well tied nearing halfway, our experience, as Petal's, lays in questions, doubts, fears and curiosity. Everything is a lot of nothing and Petal's internal turmoils, external reactions and the need to know who she is and where she comes from, trying to grant herself an identity and piece together a past, memories and experiences that never come to mind, make for a very suspenseful, captivating and provocative tale! It's dark, twisted and unappologetic raw..... (beware of TWs).
This is not your typical writing! The story is always one step ahead of the reader and Petal herself, because the one that commands the show is J. Why? When? How?
Rest assured there is a very important reason, Petal just doesn't know it yet.....nor do we. I loved the fact that Petal, in all her somewhat lost demeanor brought by the necessary predicament, was smart and attentive forging some tricks herself, and those moments between the two proved enough. She got under his skin and that admiration, passion and need to own, to care and protect only grew exponentially!
The end is as unexpected as the whole story, its bits and sneaks, the plan and all it entailed!
It's beautiful and complete! And very much worth it!
September 24, 2024
She's mine to play with, mine to train, mine to break, and mine to rebuild. I can take from her whatever I want. And so I will.
-----
This book is a standalone. It's an updated version and combination of Book 1 & 2 of the Petal duet.
This book will not be for everyone. Check your triggers.
Content warning: kidnapping, captivity, slave training, mentioned attraction towards a minor, amnesia, swearing and explicit s3x.
S3xual content: bdsm elements
Spice: It has some spice and k!nk.
-----
Reading Petal felt like going down a rabbit hole. The more I read, the more my curiosity grew. The suspense, the darkness and the mystery of this story grabbed a hold of me as I found myself reading till the end.
Petal woke up in a cell with no memory of anything. She is called Petal by the man who holds her captive, Jayson. This is not your typical captor/captive dark romance. There is plot and mystery to this story that will keep you intrigued.
Jayson and Petal have a slow burn romance where Petal slowly allows herself to trust and yearn for Jayson. I found their romance to be dark, complex, angsty and at times tender. It haunted me.
I'm not sure I can describe Petal. Reading this was a wild ride. This book pushed my limits as a dark romance reader. I did like reading it, but maybe it was a bit dark for me.
This was an ARC read and review. I'm grateful to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
-----
This book is a standalone. It's an updated version and combination of Book 1 & 2 of the Petal duet.
This book will not be for everyone. Check your triggers.
Content warning: kidnapping, captivity, slave training, mentioned attraction towards a minor, amnesia, swearing and explicit s3x.
S3xual content: bdsm elements
Spice: It has some spice and k!nk.
-----
Reading Petal felt like going down a rabbit hole. The more I read, the more my curiosity grew. The suspense, the darkness and the mystery of this story grabbed a hold of me as I found myself reading till the end.
Petal woke up in a cell with no memory of anything. She is called Petal by the man who holds her captive, Jayson. This is not your typical captor/captive dark romance. There is plot and mystery to this story that will keep you intrigued.
Jayson and Petal have a slow burn romance where Petal slowly allows herself to trust and yearn for Jayson. I found their romance to be dark, complex, angsty and at times tender. It haunted me.
I'm not sure I can describe Petal. Reading this was a wild ride. This book pushed my limits as a dark romance reader. I did like reading it, but maybe it was a bit dark for me.
This was an ARC read and review. I'm grateful to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
September 26, 2024
Petal is a dark, twisted story that will have you guessing the whole way through. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
I was sucked in immediately. Petal finds herself trapped in a basement with no memories of who she is and why she is there. The two people who she comes to know seem to know her, but she has no clue as to who they are. One of them is her best friend Malia, and the other is her captor J. But is he really her captor? She gets random flashbacks here and there and doesn't feel threatened by him. Actually, she's comforted by his presence and in time, comes to crave him. Malia shows her a video she made of herself before her memory was wiped, telling her to trust J, he is safe, he will keep her safe and protect her. Meanwhile, there is a serial killer on the loose and the evidence in the last victim points detectives in J's direction. Is he the serial killer? Is that why he has Petal? Is that even her name?
I did not see the twists coming in this. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!!! The prologues at the end was everything!!! It gave me all the closure I needed. I loved the dynamic between J and Petal. They compliment each other well. The characters in this book are all great. They all played an important role to the story line. I can't wait to read another one of Linnea May's book. Petal was amazing!
I was sucked in immediately. Petal finds herself trapped in a basement with no memories of who she is and why she is there. The two people who she comes to know seem to know her, but she has no clue as to who they are. One of them is her best friend Malia, and the other is her captor J. But is he really her captor? She gets random flashbacks here and there and doesn't feel threatened by him. Actually, she's comforted by his presence and in time, comes to crave him. Malia shows her a video she made of herself before her memory was wiped, telling her to trust J, he is safe, he will keep her safe and protect her. Meanwhile, there is a serial killer on the loose and the evidence in the last victim points detectives in J's direction. Is he the serial killer? Is that why he has Petal? Is that even her name?
I did not see the twists coming in this. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!!! The prologues at the end was everything!!! It gave me all the closure I needed. I loved the dynamic between J and Petal. They compliment each other well. The characters in this book are all great. They all played an important role to the story line. I can't wait to read another one of Linnea May's book. Petal was amazing!
September 19, 2024
This story is literally “borderline”.
It pushes every boundary of dark romance.
Let me explain why it’s a 4.5⭐️ for me, and why you’ll either love it or decide to DNF.
From start to finish, you’re kept on your toes, gathering small pieces of information bit by bit. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger.
The story is written backwards and you will only fully understand what has been going on until the last 10%
You feel Petal’s pain, you empathize with her. You experience her amnesia alongside her—what happened to her? Why did she lose her memory?
And who is J? Why is he so twisted, with such really disturbing behavior and actions?
It’s darker than dark. The spice is also intense, as it mainly involves dubious consent with humiliation and degradation.
Be fully aware of this before deciding to read.
Tropes:
- Amnesia
- Emotionally broken FMC
- Forced proximity
- Kidnapping
- Stalking
- Thriller, suspense (serial killer)
- age gap taboo (7 years and he began to be obsessed with her while she was a teen but doesn’t act on any thing).
TW
- Dubious consent, BDSM
- Stockholm syndrome
- manipulation / gaslighting
I had the privilege to receive this book as an arc. This is my honest review :)
It pushes every boundary of dark romance.
Let me explain why it’s a 4.5⭐️ for me, and why you’ll either love it or decide to DNF.
From start to finish, you’re kept on your toes, gathering small pieces of information bit by bit. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger.
The story is written backwards and you will only fully understand what has been going on until the last 10%
You feel Petal’s pain, you empathize with her. You experience her amnesia alongside her—what happened to her? Why did she lose her memory?
And who is J? Why is he so twisted, with such really disturbing behavior and actions?
It’s darker than dark. The spice is also intense, as it mainly involves dubious consent with humiliation and degradation.
Be fully aware of this before deciding to read.
Tropes:
- Amnesia
- Emotionally broken FMC
- Forced proximity
- Kidnapping
- Stalking
- Thriller, suspense (serial killer)
- age gap taboo (7 years and he began to be obsessed with her while she was a teen but doesn’t act on any thing).
TW
- Dubious consent, BDSM
- Stockholm syndrome
- manipulation / gaslighting
I had the privilege to receive this book as an arc. This is my honest review :)
January 8, 2020
If you enjoy dark romance this read is the perfect way to grab this two book duet with no wait time to slow you down. I loved these reads and highly recommend them. This is my sincere, freely posted review. Books included are:
Lost Petal: (5 Stars)
Wow, this one is going to leave you twisted in knots as your head spins. Raw, dark, gripping, mysterious and suspenseful, and sexy, this book is packed with intensity and drama. Be aware that this is book 1 of this series and it does end on a cliffhanger! The well crafted story will hold your attention as the story begin to unfold. The characters are complex and compelling and they quickly pull you into their lives. By the end you will be totally hooked and on the edge of your seat.
Fallen Petal (5 Stars)
Dark and delicious! Jayson and Petal's story continues with plenty of drama, powerful emotions and intensity. There are so many twists and turns in this series and the will keep you fully engaged and entertained. Suspenseful, steamy and intriguing, you do not want to pass this duet by.
Lost Petal: (5 Stars)
Wow, this one is going to leave you twisted in knots as your head spins. Raw, dark, gripping, mysterious and suspenseful, and sexy, this book is packed with intensity and drama. Be aware that this is book 1 of this series and it does end on a cliffhanger! The well crafted story will hold your attention as the story begin to unfold. The characters are complex and compelling and they quickly pull you into their lives. By the end you will be totally hooked and on the edge of your seat.
Fallen Petal (5 Stars)
Dark and delicious! Jayson and Petal's story continues with plenty of drama, powerful emotions and intensity. There are so many twists and turns in this series and the will keep you fully engaged and entertained. Suspenseful, steamy and intriguing, you do not want to pass this duet by.
March 19, 2020
MAN did I want to really fucking like this book. I read the synopsis and freaking DOVE in, head first into the first few chapters. I could hardly put the book down and couldn't figure out where the story was going.
I am going to describe it the best way that makes sense to me. The first few pages were like a freaking 400 meter print. I was BURNING through the pages because I had to know what happened, who the characters were, and what the actual FUCK was going on.
But after those first few chapters, it turned into a very sloowwww drag and didn't quite do enough to set up the ending. There were so many different story lines to follow, that when I got to the Epilogue, I was almost confused at how fast the book ended.
I don't want to give too much away because any overview of the story would give the whole book away, but here are some of my final musings.
1. I think it was too long
2. It needed to better connect the dots with the story and the exterior forces that were driving the story
I am going to describe it the best way that makes sense to me. The first few pages were like a freaking 400 meter print. I was BURNING through the pages because I had to know what happened, who the characters were, and what the actual FUCK was going on.
But after those first few chapters, it turned into a very sloowwww drag and didn't quite do enough to set up the ending. There were so many different story lines to follow, that when I got to the Epilogue, I was almost confused at how fast the book ended.
I don't want to give too much away because any overview of the story would give the whole book away, but here are some of my final musings.
1. I think it was too long
2. It needed to better connect the dots with the story and the exterior forces that were driving the story
September 23, 2024
Petal by Linnea May is a dark psychological thriller packed with intrigue and mystery. The plot unfolds slowly, requiring patience as readers piece together the complex puzzle of the protagonist’s forgotten past and the enigmatic captor who controls her. The slow pace adds to the suspense, making every reveal feel earned. Linnea May does an excellent job balancing the psychological tension with moments of intimacy, though the spice is more of a slow burn and doesn’t overshadow the story.
This book isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s important to check the trigger warnings before diving in. The gradual build-up of tension and secrets creates a gripping atmosphere, but it’s not a fast-paced read. You’ll need to let the story unfold naturally, as nothing is handed to you upfront. If you enjoy dark, suspenseful plots that keep you guessing, Petal is an intriguing and captivating read.
—————————————————————
* I received an advanced copy of Petal and am sharing my honest review voluntarily. A big thank you to the author for providing it!
Book Releases: 9.24.2024
This book isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s important to check the trigger warnings before diving in. The gradual build-up of tension and secrets creates a gripping atmosphere, but it’s not a fast-paced read. You’ll need to let the story unfold naturally, as nothing is handed to you upfront. If you enjoy dark, suspenseful plots that keep you guessing, Petal is an intriguing and captivating read.
—————————————————————
* I received an advanced copy of Petal and am sharing my honest review voluntarily. A big thank you to the author for providing it!
Book Releases: 9.24.2024
September 24, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
This was my first read of Linnea and what a wild ride I was on!
First I went into this book blind and did not realize it was 2 parts! Part 1 Petal and part 2 Fallen Petal.
Here we follow Petal 22/23 as she wakes up in a basement with absolutely no memory. Not just of how she got there but of who she is. She’s a blank slate.
Insert our ‘captor’ J and the ‘dark hair girl’ Malia they seem to know exactly who she is and why she is there. They don’t seem to give her the answers she seeks.
“I am a monster. A monster she called for.”
But guys the twist that happened! I knew something was coming but the last 20% or so was a ride.
“A stone shines brighter when you grind it to bits,” I say in a low voice. “And you, my dear Petal, have the potential to shine brighter than all the others combined.”
Tropes
Amnesia
Broken FMC
DOM/Sub
LadyNapping/Captive
Forced Proximity
Emotional scars
Power Imbalance
Billionaire
Slow burn
Antihero
Secrets
This was my first read of Linnea and what a wild ride I was on!
First I went into this book blind and did not realize it was 2 parts! Part 1 Petal and part 2 Fallen Petal.
Here we follow Petal 22/23 as she wakes up in a basement with absolutely no memory. Not just of how she got there but of who she is. She’s a blank slate.
Insert our ‘captor’ J and the ‘dark hair girl’ Malia they seem to know exactly who she is and why she is there. They don’t seem to give her the answers she seeks.
“I am a monster. A monster she called for.”
But guys the twist that happened! I knew something was coming but the last 20% or so was a ride.
“A stone shines brighter when you grind it to bits,” I say in a low voice. “And you, my dear Petal, have the potential to shine brighter than all the others combined.”
Tropes
Amnesia
Broken FMC
DOM/Sub
LadyNapping/Captive
Forced Proximity
Emotional scars
Power Imbalance
Billionaire
Slow burn
Antihero
Secrets
September 26, 2024
. Gawd, what a fantastic book! The mystery and suspense are just off the wall. Just when you think the outcome is obvious, it isn't anymore. The characters are equally confusing. Why is Petal there, who instigated her imprisonment, and why is she being treated so badly? And J, what's up with him, good guy or bad? I loved this book even though it frustrated the hell out of me. Some suspension of reality is necessary but if I wanted total realism, I'd read a newspaper! Petal's past is slowly revealed along with a few surprises. I loved the characters. Jayson is handsome, strong, and masterful. Petal is very confused by her predicament, but clever enough to learn to deal with it and find out as much as possible about her captor. Great story, great characters, and great romance if a little rough. BDSM scenes are graphic and may turn off some readers. I really enjoyed it though and recommend it.
September 26, 2024
This was a dark romance that took me on a ride. It is suspenseful and had so many twists. I was going on this journey with Petal and oh my, was it mind blowing. I could not figure out what was going on. Linnea did such a fabulous job keeping me hooked on this read. It is long since it is two books in one, but it is worth it just to read them both at once. I went into this blind and am so glad I did. I don’t want to give too much away, but the dynamics between J and Petal are perfect. They really are meant for each other. I was always wanting to know more about what was going on with Petal, but I knew I had to be patient. What happened in this book is dark and may not be for some people. It definitely is not roses, rainbows and happy feelings. It is dark, twisted at times, gritty and will keep you guessing and on your toes. This is one book I recommend reading if you love dark, suspenseful, thriller romances. Dive right on in
September 30, 2024
From the first page this book sucks you in and your trying to figure out what’s happening and what’s going on. Petal awakens to find herself looked in a room with no windows just a bench, a toilet and a light. She has no idea who she is or how she got there. But, Petal is no shy retiring prisoner. She’s tough and smart and always thinking. Now J her captor is he a good guy or a bad guy? He claims he wants to help her regain herself but is he lying? Malia is a friend who is assisting J in bringing Petal food and although she is very suspicious of J and wants desperately to help Petal she goes along with J plans. This book has lots of triggers so please check them before reading this book. It’s dark, a little disturbing but the author does a wonderful job of giving us crumbs to help us to solve this mystery. There are so many twists and turns. If you enjoy a good psychological mystery then this is the book for you.
December 9, 2024
Wow! Amazing story with powerful and strong willed characters . A psychological thriller that kept me coming back to its reading no matter how busy my day was. I had to know what was happening with Petal’s state of mind. Having lived through a very painful experience at age thirteenth, the tragic death of her mother, her father decides to help her forget the tragic event she witnessed by having the memories erased from her mind by a psychologist with special aptitudes. He on the other hand falls in love with her but it’s a forbidden love at the time because she’s a minor. This story is captivating, alluring and addictive ! Mysteries keep unfolding, a dangerous psychopath is on the lose and Petal’s life is again in need of Jayson’s special aptitudes. A very recommended read…this writer is amazingly talented in expressing the heart felt emotions.
August 28, 2021
Love that these are in one volume now! Since Lost Petal ended with an abrupt cliffhanger, I reached for Fallen Petal immediately. While reading Lost Petal, I was horrified by the clear kidnapping, drugging, and sexual abuse of Petal, but learning what she discovers in Fallen Petal changes everything. Nothing is at it seems, and learning the truth only in bits and pieces along the way added to the suspense. While this was my first read labeled as "dark romance", I can tell it is unique with the captor's profession and history with Petal. This is why I am giving it five stars! I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Addendum: I still think about this book years after reading it! I will need to do a reread.
Addendum: I still think about this book years after reading it! I will need to do a reread.
September 14, 2024
I first read this book several years ago and it is just as fascinating and intriguing now. The reader is very like Petal in that they have no knowledge of what is happening. Instinctively, the reader trusts Jayson had Petal's best interests at heart perhaps because of Malia or because Petal herself instinctively trusts him even if she doesn’t want to. The story unfolds for the reader much as Petal's understanding of her life unfolds. Just as the reader becomes impatient for answers, Ms. May gives an insight just as Jayson does to Petal, it is fascinating and compelling and I thoroughly enjoyed it and the extended epilogue answers so many questions and provides that most important human emotion, hope!
September 24, 2024
Wow, I was stunned. First of all, pay attention to any trigger warnings. This is a very dark romance with a lot of hard-core BDSM interactions between the main characters, and suspense that might just leave you reeling. Petal (Liliane) is held captive by a man many call a monster. He calls her Petal, but she wonders if that is her name. She has no memories, he has taken her freedom, and she sometimes questions her own sanity. The things he does to her body frightens her, he frightens her, but she is drawn to him and can't get enough of what he makes her feel. But they both have secrets, and Jayson will be the first to admit that if, probably when, those secrets are revealed it could destroy him and tear them apart. I have read many of this author's books and always find her characters fascinating. These characters drew me in and kept me engaged in their story from the first page to the last. If you enjoy a very dark romance with lots of intense BDSM themes you will love this book as much as I did, so I am recommending this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 21, 2024
Who am I? You're my Petal.
This is the combined story of Lost Petal and Fallen Petal. It's a dark romantic suspense so definitely check CW/TW.
Petal wakes up, captive in a dark room and doesn't remember anything about herself. All she wears is a white nightgown that leaves nothing to the imagination. She is tormented, punished and introduced to acts that make her feel like she doesn't recognise herself. Her tormentor says she belongs to him and will force her to submit in all things. To Petal, he is a monster. She is her obsession.
This book had me intrigued, turning pages to get to the end of the book so I could find out what happens. It was psychological awakening, finding self, obsession and love.
This is the combined story of Lost Petal and Fallen Petal. It's a dark romantic suspense so definitely check CW/TW.
Petal wakes up, captive in a dark room and doesn't remember anything about herself. All she wears is a white nightgown that leaves nothing to the imagination. She is tormented, punished and introduced to acts that make her feel like she doesn't recognise herself. Her tormentor says she belongs to him and will force her to submit in all things. To Petal, he is a monster. She is her obsession.
This book had me intrigued, turning pages to get to the end of the book so I could find out what happens. It was psychological awakening, finding self, obsession and love.
September 25, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Gosh, I don't even know how to review this book and not give something away. This is a dark romance. You will want to check your trigger warnings before diving in to this book. Petal is a girl who wakes up in a basement with no memories of who she is or how she ended up where she finds herself at in that moment. However, her captor J and then Malia who brings her food seems to know exactly who she is and why she is there. And that is about all I can tell you. You have to find out what is going on for yourself. This book had me on the edge almost the entire time I was reading it. This a a dark, twisted, hanging by a thread kind of read you are going to love every single second of.
Gosh, I don't even know how to review this book and not give something away. This is a dark romance. You will want to check your trigger warnings before diving in to this book. Petal is a girl who wakes up in a basement with no memories of who she is or how she ended up where she finds herself at in that moment. However, her captor J and then Malia who brings her food seems to know exactly who she is and why she is there. And that is about all I can tell you. You have to find out what is going on for yourself. This book had me on the edge almost the entire time I was reading it. This a a dark, twisted, hanging by a thread kind of read you are going to love every single second of.
September 30, 2024
🔥Slow Burn
🔥Broken FMC
🔥Amnesia
🔥Dom/sub
🔥Dark Billionaire Anti-Hero
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Touch Her & Die
🔥Romantic Suspense
Holy moly! Linnea May is a new author to me, but I am hooked! I freaked loved Petal! Don’t be deterred by the size, this contains books one and two.
Not sure why I wasn’t expecting this to be as dark as it was…of course since I’m a dark romance reader I loved that aspect. Petal waking up in a cell and having no memories of who she is or how she got there? Sign me up! There is also huge element of suspense too, so I was just pulled in right away. Some of the twists and turns this book takes were crazy! I enjoyed every minute of this read!
Thank you to Linnea May and The Author Agency for the ARC of this book.
🔥Broken FMC
🔥Amnesia
🔥Dom/sub
🔥Dark Billionaire Anti-Hero
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Touch Her & Die
🔥Romantic Suspense
Holy moly! Linnea May is a new author to me, but I am hooked! I freaked loved Petal! Don’t be deterred by the size, this contains books one and two.
Not sure why I wasn’t expecting this to be as dark as it was…of course since I’m a dark romance reader I loved that aspect. Petal waking up in a cell and having no memories of who she is or how she got there? Sign me up! There is also huge element of suspense too, so I was just pulled in right away. Some of the twists and turns this book takes were crazy! I enjoyed every minute of this read!
Thank you to Linnea May and The Author Agency for the ARC of this book.
January 23, 2020
Spoil Alert Stop dont read cause I give the plot away. Seriously
So J helps Petal eease her memories bwcause ahe wanta to be free from her strict father and the only way she can do this is by erasing all obee hee memories. Drastic I say. J and Petal bith love each other but cant be together beacuse the serial killer who is Christopher her childhood friend and detective domt like J for erasing him when he was trying to take memory from Petal about him her mom died
Yes I just gave huge spolier away. I ended up scolling cause I got annoyed that all this was Petal aka Liliane. It was okay book.
So J helps Petal eease her memories bwcause ahe wanta to be free from her strict father and the only way she can do this is by erasing all obee hee memories. Drastic I say. J and Petal bith love each other but cant be together beacuse the serial killer who is Christopher her childhood friend and detective domt like J for erasing him when he was trying to take memory from Petal about him her mom died
Yes I just gave huge spolier away. I ended up scolling cause I got annoyed that all this was Petal aka Liliane. It was okay book.
December 30, 2019
Phenomenal intense captivating dark,erotic journey! 5+ 🔥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holy hell what an intense, emotional, captivating dark,erotic journey with twists, turns, mysteries and suspense. Petal and J 's connection/chemistry is fluid it's as if you can feel everything they are feeling. The storyline and characters are beautifully crafted so you can picture where they are,feel their fears,desires,and connection. Your heart will race as you turn each page dying to know what will happen next. I highly recommend this phenomenal book and any other books by Linnea May.
Holy hell what an intense, emotional, captivating dark,erotic journey with twists, turns, mysteries and suspense. Petal and J 's connection/chemistry is fluid it's as if you can feel everything they are feeling. The storyline and characters are beautifully crafted so you can picture where they are,feel their fears,desires,and connection. Your heart will race as you turn each page dying to know what will happen next. I highly recommend this phenomenal book and any other books by Linnea May.
September 12, 2024
Thank you for the ARC.
This book was the perfect romantic suspense novel. This book was the first book I have read by Linnea, and I enjoyed it immensely. The plot was interesting and unlike any book I have read before. Petal and Jayson were the perfect main characters, and I enjoyed reading how their relationship developed from their first encounter to the truth being revealed about why Petal was in the situation she was in. The book was brilliantly written and had me hooked and eager to read to its conclusion.
This book was the perfect romantic suspense novel. This book was the first book I have read by Linnea, and I enjoyed it immensely. The plot was interesting and unlike any book I have read before. Petal and Jayson were the perfect main characters, and I enjoyed reading how their relationship developed from their first encounter to the truth being revealed about why Petal was in the situation she was in. The book was brilliantly written and had me hooked and eager to read to its conclusion.
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