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Semper

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𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢.
𝙈𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜.

I remain captive on an island where the powerful bend reality to serve their deepest, most twisted desires, and obedience is not just expected—it's survival.

Here, in this hierarchy of shadows, I am bound to the Devil of the Isle.
And our connection runs deeper than I could have ever imagined.

As we spiral further into the abyss of darkness and depravity, I am left with an impossible choice. Surrender to his world completely, or risk everything for a freedom I may never truly grasp.

Captor and captive.
Sin and salvation.

In the end, only one of us will emerge unscathed.

PLEASE NOTE: This book contains sensitive content that may not be suitable for all readers. Please check the content warning in the book or on the author’s website before proceeding. Reader discretion is highly advised. This is the second book in a duet, Muerte must be read first.

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

38 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Natalie Bennett

111 books2,665 followers
Lover of all things pǝʇsıʍʇ & unusual.

I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.

Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB

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5 stars
61 (45%)
4 stars
39 (29%)
3 stars
29 (21%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for SinsandScares.
144 reviews31 followers
September 1, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5

Semper takes everything from Muerte and cranks it up 10x. This sequel is darker, more taboo, and finally dives into the history and rituals of Stygian Island. We get more insight into Lolita and Diabolus’ past, their relationship deepens, and the stakes feel higher and far more sinister. The final scene in particular was absolutely amazing. Twisted, disturbing, and exactly the kind of ending I wanted from this duology.

That said, the execution was rough. The grammar and spelling errors in this one were overwhelming at times, and they came in waves. Some parts were carefully edited while others were rushed. There were missing words, misplaced quotation marks, even a scene where characters acted on a “suggestion” that had never been made. It pulled me out of the story more than once. On top of that, Lolita’s inner turmoil became exhausting. Her back-and-forth was expected, but it was repeated so often (sometimes in thought, then again out loud) that the book could have been tighter if some of that had been trimmed.

Still, I can’t deny that Semper delivered the darkness. The rituals were where this book truly shined, and I only wish there had been more of them. Some taboo elements didn’t work for me personally, but that comes with the territory of dark romance. Overall, this was a twisted, messed-up ride that I’d recommend to readers who want a truly dark, taboo romance with the caveat that you’ll need to push through book one and brace yourself for some bad editing.
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,761 reviews173 followers
October 16, 2024
This book right here is why Natalie Bennett is my favorite dark romance author she knows how to write seriously dark questionable romance stories her brand of crazy is my absolute favorite! She is so brilliant with her world building her plot driven but steamy story telling and her very dark characters they are absolutely chef’s kiss ! This duet is probably one of my favorite stories I’ve read from this author but I’m warning you now this is not for the faint hearted so check your trigger warnings and if you can handle it enjoy the ride! I sure did ! Definitely a five star masterpiece!
Profile Image for Patti.
1,357 reviews19 followers
January 11, 2025
The didn't really sit well with me.

Around 30%, I did start skimming when it got too overly descriptive and repetitive. All the details about the estate, chapel, the Isle, and lake just got monotonous for me. I personally don't need all that info. I would have enjoyed the book more if half of those details were omitted.

There were times when Alex was so sweet, romantic, and affectionate in a soft manner to Lolita. But holy hell, was he manipulative and sadistic.

I feel like Alex's chapters were more to the point more so than Lolita's. And I wish her chapters were more like his. Lolita's tended to get too repetitive and too descriptive.

"Your purpose, your sole duty is to fuck me like a desperate whore and beg me to do the same. To obey without question. When I tell you to kneel before me, you drop to the ground without hesitation. When I tell you to spread your legs and open your mouth, you spread your fucking legs and open wide."  ~ Akex pg 84

"You belong to the Devil, Lolita. And I am his vessel. You will submit to me, to him, with every ounce of your being, willingly are not." ~ Alex pg 98


Thoughts: 
- Was wrong to want Selena to meet an awful fate? Cassandra too!
- Did Phoenix cut out Pandora's eyes? Is that why she wears the blindfold?
- If Adlita and Draven are cousins and Alex and Lolita are cousins. Isn't it too close for comfort for Alex and Lolita to procreate? Alex had said something regarding skipping generations or something so they didn't end up looking like something the devil shit out.
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,239 reviews263 followers
October 10, 2024
What a story.

This is the conclusion of Lolita and Alexander known to the cult as Diabolus..

“For guidance, for strength, for Impio's way. In chains and in freedom, Diabolus we obey, Bound to the darkness, in his faith we'll stay."

If you like Cults, totalitarianism, ritualistic gore, power imbalance of absolute dominance and submission, heavy on manipulation.. and just.. pure raw graphic dark dark dark “romance”.. I mean.. this was a 5⭐️ duet for me.
Sometimes I need to read something so violet and insane, something I’d never want to live in real life but can’t stop reading fictionally. lol.
This is it. This is the duet.

Lolita is held captive on an island by a man who’s OBSESSED with her. Every breath she takes, he knows about it already.
Branding her? ✔️
Breeding obsession? ✔️
Somnophilia ✔️
Exhibitionism ✔️
Power imbalance between males and females ✔️
Dark erotica ✔️
And SO MUCH MORE. It’s a duet I really would warn everyone to check those triggers because while I don’t have many, it did have the few I needed a warning for..

I was scared for the people of this island and you should be too. For if you do not obey, the consequences are … extreme…

Proceed with caution 😈
Profile Image for Dru.
606 reviews40 followers
June 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥

I expected more... and ended up with less.

I was disappointed that Lolita didn’t evolve much from the previous book. While certain moments clearly shocked her, she remained too entangled with Alexander to ever seriously consider leaving.

I picked up this book hoping for a deeper exploration of the cult and societal dynamics. While there were some intriguing elements, they weren’t compelling enough to keep me fully engaged.

Overall, it was a fun enough read, but I'm not sure it was ultimately worth it. Honestly, I found myself wishing the story had focused more on Keres—she had far more conviction and actively challenged the structure of the society, unlike Lolita and Alexander, who felt stagnant by comparison.

‼️‼️‼️Triggers‼️‼️‼️
I don't have any triggers, and if you are like me, I would suggest going into this blind. But be aware there are major triggers in this book.

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ 🖤 Morally Black MMC 🖤
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Secret Society/Cult
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ Brëëding Kink
✅ Branding/Ownership
✅ Captor/Captive
✅ Stalker
✅ 🔪 Play
✅ 🩸Bløød Play
✅ Cannibalism
✅ Tabøø 🩸🩸🩸 (bløød related)
MINE
✅ HEA


Profile Image for Flo₂₂.
1,609 reviews131 followers
October 25, 2024
Dang.. add more triggers, won't you, Natalie? 😂
Yeah, a lot of this plot was gross, but i still wanted to read it all 😅.
Now.... i would've loved to have more clearance about the wife's. It still bothers me a lot...a lot... , the only saving grace is his obsession and 💯 devotion he has for Lola.
I need to know also about Anya and of course their epilogue,future etc
He also mentioned in the last book something about her mother?
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,239 reviews263 followers
October 10, 2024
What a story.

This is the conclusion of Lolita and Alexander known to the cult as Diabolus..

“For guidance, for strength, for Impio's way. In chains and in freedom, Diabolus we obey, Bound to the darkness, in his faith we'll stay."

If you like Cults, totalitarianism, ritualistic gore, power imbalance of absolute dominance and submission, heavy on manipulation.. and just.. pure raw graphic dark dark dark “romance”.. I mean.. this was a 5⭐️ duet for me.
Sometimes I need to read something so violet and insane, something I’d never want to live in real life but can’t stop reading fictionally. lol.
This is it. This is the duet.

Lolita is held captive on an island by a man who’s OBSESSED with her. Every breath she takes, he knows about it already.
Branding her? ✔️
Breeding obsession? ✔️
Somnophilia ✔️
Exhibitionism ✔️
Power imbalance between males and females ✔️
Dark erotica ✔️
And SO MUCH MORE. It’s a duet I really would warn everyone to check those triggers because while I don’t have many, it did have the few I needed a warning for..

I was scared for the people of this island and you should be too. For if you do not obey, the consequences are … extreme…

Proceed with caution 😈
Profile Image for Valerie *valovebooks* Parker.
268 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2024
This book was a full movie! So much to digest! Lol

Before you read this book, read the prequel. It speaks on Lolita and how she ends up on the Isle. It dives into Lolita falling into this darkness because it is swallowing her nice and slow and then all of a sudden she is thrown in it, or maybe she was always just tossed in to drown in it. Alexander is a big big horrible apple wipe. Lordy this man. Ego the size of the universe. I loved reading this book but man Natalie has finally written a character I can say I dislike. Alex is the main male interest. He is so cocky. He is the ultimate Alpha I guess. He really irked me. I don't want to give out any spoilers and reveal too much but I'm already spoiling a teeny bit with the vibes. But you need to read this. It's crazy wild and literally full of demented humans. It's a book full of triggers and if you're not into dark romance don't read it. Lolita is a strong woman and she finds out alot of Truths! I loved all the twists and turns and I am really eager to read stories on other characters that I hope get books. Like Bishop, Jamison, Anya, and Phoenix!!! And Osiris ofcourse. Huge plot!!
2 reviews
October 5, 2024
written well but too dark for my taste

I caught fault how the book was written but there were things within it I found too dark and taboo. I had to bypass multiple pages as I just wasn’t comfortable with it. However, the author can definitely write a book well. It just isn’t to my taste.
433 reviews
July 3, 2025
2.75

Didn’t like the female character. She was too weak. Should have fought back more, certainly should have been more savvy to all the stuff they were dosing her with.

One question- who sent the note?? Doesn’t make sense it was Nicolette. She wouldn’t have been in the house. That part didn’t make sense.
Profile Image for Patrice.
209 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2025
Fitting conclusion to a DARK and TWISTED TALE

Wow!! This book was more unhinged then the first one! Natalie crafted a story so interesting I found it hard to put down. Again read the trigger warnings because this one is wild! It gets 5 out of 5 chilli peppers 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
1 review
June 26, 2025
My first venture into the dark romance. Very well written book(s) even though it needs a bit more editing. But the author is very gifted and the world of Lolita and Alexander makes your imagination go wild. I did not find it too dark (however i will be very sceptic when i eat out food with meat in the future), but there are a few triggers that should be noted.
Alexander was very intense, dusturbed, evil, confident and manipulative. I liked him very much though!
Lolita was the most annoying person ever! I know i will be in the minority but I found her extremely stupid and spineless. She never tried to push him away but kept saying she felt filthy and disgusted by herself. She let him rape her all the time but it was alright because he was gorgeous and made her come every single time (how did she enjoy being violated from behind I would never know). If he was ugly and from the lowest ranks of the cult would she have let him do all these things? What i was shocked was she did not move her little finger for her best and only friend, actually Alex was the one who offered the deal whereas she should have fought for her. Another shock was when she though her mother was stupid because she fought for their freedom, so ungrateful and disrespectful. Actually I would have liked if the book ended the same as her mom's story. Or at least if she could try and fight for change in women's lives in that isle now that she was the one next to the leader. But no, she preferred to be a kept woman, she simply enjoyed the lazy life and her had spun by the power that came with the man next to her. At the end, what she did to his ex wife cemented her as a horrible person.
I would still recommend reading the books even though the second is a bit too long.
Profile Image for Shannon.
162 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2025
So, obviously I enjoyed this book, and it was really good but I questioned myself more than a couple times because when I was swooning over a romantic scene/gesture from Alexander or reading a spicy scene, I remembered they’re flipping cousins! Not even distantly related, they’re first cousins. I honestly wasn’t sure how to feel about that, and why I liked reading their love story but I did!
The author also makes a note at the beginning of each book to remind readers that this is primarily a horror story, it is a romantic horror with emphasis on horror and there are some fucked up things that happen. So this is a love story but a very twisted and dark love story and for that reason and others, that’s why this book is so good and rated highly, for me! It won’t be for everyone obviously but I loved it!

The warnings of dark and twisted things with trigger warnings are not to be taken lightly because there’s some heavy things in this story. But I’m a sucker for dark and depraved reads and this, as with all Natalie Bennett stories, hit the spot.

If you like handmaids tale I think you’ll like this as it kind of gives the same vibes but they are definitely different.

Stockholm Syndrome, inter family relations, devil worshipping (or Impio faith in this story), blood play, breath play, pain kinks, branding and a VERY possessive and morally black MMC.. if these things interest you this book is for you!

I knew the MMC was going to be on some manipulation and BS but I was not expecting him to do Anya, and in the same respect Lolita, like that!

Even though Alexander is fair from your perfect man, his obsession and depravity towards Lolita the FMC is just so good.
I was scared, I was swooning, I was laughing, I was intrigued and disgusted and I loved this read 100%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elise Jordan.
609 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2025
Holy Hades what did I just experience ?!

This book is so dark, so twisted and so hot it will always be one I read again. It’s the completion of Stygian Isles and it’s Draven’s son that is forefront . Lolita is his obsession but also born to be his. She however isn’t down for this until slowly the truth is revealed to her. It’s not a romance but a dark and very cultish tale with a bit of eerie undertones that gives this more than a cult experience but a spiritual link to the Isle itself. Is he actually the Devil incarnate? Well this group is as close as it gets if he’s not! This is gory, gruesome and terrifying but I couldn’t have hoped for anything less considering Natalie is the Queen of evil dark tales. Once you arrive here watch out because breaking their rules on this Isle will surely be your demise. It’s deliciously unforgiving and if you’re looking for a hero or heroine you won’t find it here! I loved every delicious experience I had while reading this duet!
Profile Image for Denise Briscoe.
162 reviews
September 23, 2025
A long one..

I enjoyed the world that this duet takes place in. The author did a very good job of setting every scene and making you feel like you’re there. That being said I feel like 85% of the book kind of dragged and then the ending was very rushed. I wish more was put into the final rite and ceremony that we had waited so long for and was discussed so much throughout the rest of the book. Overall a decent read.
543 reviews
September 26, 2024
This is the final book in this deliciously dark and disturbing series and it left me wanting so much more.

This book and series is also not for the faint of heart; however, if you like a really dark, edge of your seat, with hot twisted chemistry, then look no further; I know you won’t be disappointed.

I can’t wait to see what this author’s brilliant devious mind will come up with next.
Profile Image for Mary S..
932 reviews10 followers
September 27, 2024
Alexander and Lolita story was one intense read. even though it had so many secrets and confusing moments throughout the story. It was really good to finally have some answers.And I think the story would have been much better if it had equal pov’s throughout the story especially for how long it was. But all in all love reading the Stygian Isles characters.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,830 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2024
What an ending to the saga, definitely wasn't expecting a lot of these secrets. Which is kinda surprising with who this author is, should always expect the unexpected. Lolita and Alexander's story was intense and dark. And possibly not for anyone with triggers, but I absolutely loved it. Think I'm gonna go back to the beginning and read the first book again, that's how much I loved this story.
Profile Image for Johanna Ross.
181 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2025
Upon further reflection I'm going to boost my rating.
This duet is alot and even pushed my boundaries of dark romance.
But I have to admit I'm still thinking about it.
There were some faults, and some parts were pretty gorey and wild but I still ate it up out of curiosity and intrigue nonetheless.
Alexander is wildly problematic but I found myself still entranced by him and his world regardless alongside Lolita.
If you can't handle pitch black romance this ain't for you babe.
892 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2025
WOW freaking WOW!

I absolutely loved this series!

MMC doesn't rape FMC and does so while she sleeping cause he wants her to wake up to it!

It goes like this through the book - almost a TPE. FMC starts to go along with it and we know we're that leads. Tons of mental manipulation.

Pay attention to the triggers!

Psycho, Rape, Stalking
Profile Image for Danielle Robbins.
2,936 reviews12 followers
September 25, 2024
Semper is book two in the duet and was just as twisted and dark as the previous. Diabolus is still, if not more obsessed with Lolita which I loved! The chemistry and sexual tension between these two was explosive. I need more of them!!
Profile Image for Misty Schott.
4,225 reviews34 followers
February 1, 2025
This was a very interesting dark read!

This is book two from the Stygian Isles series and brings closure to Alexander and Lolita's story. Lolita may try to fight it but Alexander, his people, and the Isle plan to keep her bound to them for eternity.
Profile Image for Elena.
80 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2025
5✨
4.5🌶️

Is it possible to surpass it's predecessor?! Because this book did. Holy shiiiiiiz how much I loved this book. Everything was nicely reveal in its own time, especially the reason why Lolita even came to be in the Isle. The revelation was ✨p h e n o m e n a l✨. I gasp the gusp of all gasps when it was revealed how much familiar love there was.

Alexander, my man, the way you have up the level on all my book boyfriends. I'm giving you the top spot in my dark romance book boyfriend list because gawd damn everything you've done just to keep Lolita in your life 😈🥵

Can I say that I wish we had more of these two? 🙏🏻😩
Profile Image for Kavitha.
241 reviews16 followers
October 7, 2024
This is my first book in this genre. Cult, brainwashing/ manipulation, super dark themed story. Whole some were rather dark for me, I was still drawn to finish this book.
Profile Image for Tamara.
1,719 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2025
Stygiqnnid

Secret by the bond of book
I uber the fury by vgrtgthrs ray yy this ozva th m amazing soty
Profile Image for Shan.
186 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2025
This is dark, seriously dark. Read the tags and believe all of them. If any of the tags is off putting do not read. It was sooo good. It kept me on my toes.
Profile Image for Jess Boschock.
615 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2024
This book was amazing. I was deeply hooked on this world the characters. This story is extremely dark and captivating. The story unfolded beautifully. I love Natalie’s mind. Alexander and Lolita relationship comes full front and truths are learned and Lolita accepts who she was always truly meant to be. I didn’t want this story to end and I seriously can’t wait for more of this world. Another amazing duet by Natalie.
517 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2024
the book was good, but I expected more. the author says the books it's black, but apart from cannibalism, I didn't find any elements that would make me see it as black and I was disappointed. I still didn't find out what was the matter with Alex's wives and Lolita stopped looking for an escape altogether. I didn't understand anything with Anya either... so in the end, out of a five-star story it ended up being 3 in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Juju.
404 reviews95 followers
Read
October 8, 2025
Story was ok

Instead of incl the epilogue in the book, the Author has it as exclusive content on REAM, so it will require you to at least sign up for $5 USD mthly (more for International readers) for - basic subscription. 😬 umm... No thanks. 😬


Incl in Author Note:
◾Want a bonus scene (like how Alexander got his scar?)
and an epilogue of Alex and Lolita? Head over to REAM.
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