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To Have & to Hold
My life’s a cage. I was free for however many hours I'd lain in my blanket on a bench in a park, even though I have no memories of that. No one remembers their first day of life.
Then… then I was rescued. Taken to a hospital. Given a name that was never mine. And the foster care swallowed me whole and spat me out eighteen years later.
I’ve broken free of that cage, because I’m scrappy like that. Went to college, married a good man. Or so I thought.
Seems, in my journey to the rest of my life, I’ve also collected an unseen, but ever-present hitchhiker. No, he doesn’t share my car for rides.
What does he do, you ask? He makes my skin prickle, my stomach fill with dread, and my heart race until I fear it will explode out of my chest.
The freedom I was so proud of is only an illusion.
That illusion shatters as soon as my brand-new husband slams divorce papers in my face and kicks me out of his house.
Alone and afraid, I’m spiralling, trapped in a new cage. This cage comes with fancy bedsheets, suffocating anxiety, and silver chains wrapped around my wrists.
How will I free myself now?
Do I even want to?
To Have and To Hold is a standalone dark romance novel, intended for readers 18+, with explicit scenes, mature language, and touching on sensitive topics
Then… then I was rescued. Taken to a hospital. Given a name that was never mine. And the foster care swallowed me whole and spat me out eighteen years later.
I’ve broken free of that cage, because I’m scrappy like that. Went to college, married a good man. Or so I thought.
Seems, in my journey to the rest of my life, I’ve also collected an unseen, but ever-present hitchhiker. No, he doesn’t share my car for rides.
What does he do, you ask? He makes my skin prickle, my stomach fill with dread, and my heart race until I fear it will explode out of my chest.
The freedom I was so proud of is only an illusion.
That illusion shatters as soon as my brand-new husband slams divorce papers in my face and kicks me out of his house.
Alone and afraid, I’m spiralling, trapped in a new cage. This cage comes with fancy bedsheets, suffocating anxiety, and silver chains wrapped around my wrists.
How will I free myself now?
Do I even want to?
To Have and To Hold is a standalone dark romance novel, intended for readers 18+, with explicit scenes, mature language, and touching on sensitive topics
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2024
About the author
Alina Comsa
5 books58 followersAlina Comsa is a romance independent author with a thirst for Happily Ever Afters. She has Transylvanian roots, and her little vampire soul now lives in the UK with her partner, dodging like a pro her turn to do the dishes—and that pesky little star called the Sun. She dabbles in quality assurance by day, writing and reading by night, and lives with little to no sleep.
In high school Alina was voted most likely to... become a lawyer. What a letdown, right? She aced those creative writing tests, though, worry not. Because she's an overachiever, she was also voted most likely to become a journalist. So far, high school votes have been zero out of two.
Eternally exhausted, she believes that "life was meant for reading" and coffees. Loads, and loads of coffee. She loves everything romance, but has a slight obsession with shifters.
In high school Alina was voted most likely to... become a lawyer. What a letdown, right? She aced those creative writing tests, though, worry not. Because she's an overachiever, she was also voted most likely to become a journalist. So far, high school votes have been zero out of two.
Eternally exhausted, she believes that "life was meant for reading" and coffees. Loads, and loads of coffee. She loves everything romance, but has a slight obsession with shifters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 16, 2025
if you're trying to get into dark romance, this is a great book to start with. sometimes the cat and mouse/overbearing man can get corny or redundant, but this book didn't have that as much for me. I was stuck to the book trying to finish it.
I will say the author tried to make it so you did not know who the stalker was, but it was pretty obvious.
if you want a stalker who literally makes her go insane and then takes care of her and unalives her enemies, this book is for you. The MMC is truly unhinged and you feel horrible for the FMC. also he freaking locks her in a cage naked for weeks and they took each other's virginity and didn't even know. this is the kind of book that makes you question what turns you on. enjoy!
I will say the author tried to make it so you did not know who the stalker was, but it was pretty obvious.
if you want a stalker who literally makes her go insane and then takes care of her and unalives her enemies, this book is for you. The MMC is truly unhinged and you feel horrible for the FMC. also he freaking locks her in a cage naked for weeks and they took each other's virginity and didn't even know. this is the kind of book that makes you question what turns you on. enjoy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Different to anything I’ve read recently, was really enjoyable until 90% of the way through, but the ending let it down.
Different to anything I’ve read recently, was really enjoyable until 90% of the way through, but the ending let it down.
July 28, 2025
Boring & Slow
This book was a slew of confusion, randomness, and boredom. It was too long for such a bland plot. The “suspense” aspect was just confusing and made no sense. Also, I had no attraction to either protagonist. They were both weird, hot and cold, and boring. This would have been better off as a short novella.
This book was a slew of confusion, randomness, and boredom. It was too long for such a bland plot. The “suspense” aspect was just confusing and made no sense. Also, I had no attraction to either protagonist. They were both weird, hot and cold, and boring. This would have been better off as a short novella.
November 29, 2025
I went into this book completely blind, and it definitely took me on a rollercoaster. The story is dark, intense, and fast-paced, and August was by far the strongest part of the entire book. His obsession, protectiveness, and depth kept me hooked even when the rest of the story started to wobble.
Siah, however, was my biggest struggle. At first, she was sympathetic — scared, traumatized, and trying to survive. But once she sleeps with August, her personality shifts hard. She becomes whiny, overly dependent, dramatic, and convinced everyone is part of some elaborate plan to take her down. The truth is, she’s a nobody in this world, and her inflated paranoia made her frustrating and exhausting to read for a big chunk of the book. Her emotional regression made the middle section drag, and I found myself wishing she had more strength or awareness earlier on.
Despite that, the plot itself stayed intriguing. August’s quiet war against his father, the feeling that his dad is low-key evil, and the camera he plants in the office all kept me turning pages. The deeper I got, the more I wanted to know what August was hiding, what he suspected, and why he was determined to dethrone his father. Those layers made the story stand out.
Things definitely picked up after the 60% mark. The action, the reveals, the justice, and August’s determination to keep Siah safe all helped redeem the slower middle. The scenes with her ex-husband and August’s father finally facing consequences gave the book the dark payoff I was hoping for. And I loved that August eventually does open up and tell Siah the truth — that addes needed stability to their connection.
Overall, To Have & To Hold is a dark stalker romance with great suspense, a compelling MMC, and a plot that becomes more gripping the deeper you go. Siah’s character held it back for me, but the twists, intensity, and August’s storyline made it well worth finishing. A solid 4 stars.
Siah, however, was my biggest struggle. At first, she was sympathetic — scared, traumatized, and trying to survive. But once she sleeps with August, her personality shifts hard. She becomes whiny, overly dependent, dramatic, and convinced everyone is part of some elaborate plan to take her down. The truth is, she’s a nobody in this world, and her inflated paranoia made her frustrating and exhausting to read for a big chunk of the book. Her emotional regression made the middle section drag, and I found myself wishing she had more strength or awareness earlier on.
Despite that, the plot itself stayed intriguing. August’s quiet war against his father, the feeling that his dad is low-key evil, and the camera he plants in the office all kept me turning pages. The deeper I got, the more I wanted to know what August was hiding, what he suspected, and why he was determined to dethrone his father. Those layers made the story stand out.
Things definitely picked up after the 60% mark. The action, the reveals, the justice, and August’s determination to keep Siah safe all helped redeem the slower middle. The scenes with her ex-husband and August’s father finally facing consequences gave the book the dark payoff I was hoping for. And I loved that August eventually does open up and tell Siah the truth — that addes needed stability to their connection.
Overall, To Have & To Hold is a dark stalker romance with great suspense, a compelling MMC, and a plot that becomes more gripping the deeper you go. Siah’s character held it back for me, but the twists, intensity, and August’s storyline made it well worth finishing. A solid 4 stars.
May 7, 2026
Seemed promising until it fell flat for me
There was a lot that I liked about this book. Nice spice, stal*er, pierced MMC, and danger.
I know it’s a dark romance and many are unhinged. Obviously things happen that I would never want to actually happen in real life.
However, I felt like so much was making sense and seemed to be going right. But, after something happens, he makes things worse for himself if he actually wants Sia to love him.
And at this critical point, her inner dialogue becomes so confusing. There is indecision, and then there’s this. I truly had no idea what she really thinks, what she’s going to do, or how she suddenly decides to stay at this point without any real explanation or explicit declaration of love/obsession from him. Or it just fell flat for me, I guess?
SPOILERS!!!!!!
!
!
!
And gripes!
Also, I am a logical person who likes to think of the practicality of things. If you’re chained to a bed in a pitch black room and can’t move around the room, shouldn’t the author talk about the truly demeaning part of where she relieves herself? Monthly’s? What about washing her body? That is largely skipped over, but all of what happened in that room would be very traumatizing.
Also, explain to me how the person who can’t move freely has ALL the power please! 🤨 And how you forgive something like that without cluing the reader into the mental gymnastics she had to do to come to that decision or even a hint that she was going to forgive him??
Or maybe that’s the point because I feel like if I were shut in a dark room for 2-3 weeks and went through the above, I wouldn’t make any sense either. 🤪 But she never really comes across as truly crazy, just confused. And I don’t think it was anything to do with Stockholm. Not an expert though.
There was a lot that I liked about this book. Nice spice, stal*er, pierced MMC, and danger.
I know it’s a dark romance and many are unhinged. Obviously things happen that I would never want to actually happen in real life.
However, I felt like so much was making sense and seemed to be going right. But, after something happens, he makes things worse for himself if he actually wants Sia to love him.
And at this critical point, her inner dialogue becomes so confusing. There is indecision, and then there’s this. I truly had no idea what she really thinks, what she’s going to do, or how she suddenly decides to stay at this point without any real explanation or explicit declaration of love/obsession from him. Or it just fell flat for me, I guess?
SPOILERS!!!!!!
!
!
!
And gripes!
Also, I am a logical person who likes to think of the practicality of things. If you’re chained to a bed in a pitch black room and can’t move around the room, shouldn’t the author talk about the truly demeaning part of where she relieves herself? Monthly’s? What about washing her body? That is largely skipped over, but all of what happened in that room would be very traumatizing.
Also, explain to me how the person who can’t move freely has ALL the power please! 🤨 And how you forgive something like that without cluing the reader into the mental gymnastics she had to do to come to that decision or even a hint that she was going to forgive him??
Or maybe that’s the point because I feel like if I were shut in a dark room for 2-3 weeks and went through the above, I wouldn’t make any sense either. 🤪 But she never really comes across as truly crazy, just confused. And I don’t think it was anything to do with Stockholm. Not an expert though.
January 8, 2025
🩶 WOW!!! what a book!!! 🩶
“To have and to hold” is a standalone morally Gray dark romance & I LOVED it!!
⬇️ SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Through the book I was guessing and guessing again about who ‘HE’ was … Certain I had it right this time only to change my mind in the next chapter!!
I loved the main female character. She may not have felt like it but to me she’s one of the strongest people that I now know. ! (okay okay - I know I know - it’s fiction … but the characters come to life for me and now I feel like I know her and that she’s real!! lol!!)
‘Siah’ has gone through so much in her life (abandonment, paranoia, worthlessness, unlovable, alone, stalked, played with mentally, physically and emotionally!) but she doesn’t let it beat her. She has laws sure … but she keeps on fighting!! - her energy and her strength astounded me!!
As much as I wanted to hate the main male character, I just couldn’t do it!! okay … Some of his ideas and the way he went about them was exciting and also a little strange!! ‘August’ is unhinged!! - but ……… oh wow!!! so so so sexy!!! I wouldn’t mind him waking me up with his head between my legs while I was bound and tied up on the bed!! Uuummm!!! (Hello - my new book boyfriend!!)
This book is fast paced with simmering tension and anticipation that builds with every chapter! The characters are all fantastic!! - The friendships between the characters are great!!
🩶 This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last!! 🩶 xxx
“To have and to hold” is a standalone morally Gray dark romance & I LOVED it!!
⬇️ SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Through the book I was guessing and guessing again about who ‘HE’ was … Certain I had it right this time only to change my mind in the next chapter!!
I loved the main female character. She may not have felt like it but to me she’s one of the strongest people that I now know. ! (okay okay - I know I know - it’s fiction … but the characters come to life for me and now I feel like I know her and that she’s real!! lol!!)
‘Siah’ has gone through so much in her life (abandonment, paranoia, worthlessness, unlovable, alone, stalked, played with mentally, physically and emotionally!) but she doesn’t let it beat her. She has laws sure … but she keeps on fighting!! - her energy and her strength astounded me!!
As much as I wanted to hate the main male character, I just couldn’t do it!! okay … Some of his ideas and the way he went about them was exciting and also a little strange!! ‘August’ is unhinged!! - but ……… oh wow!!! so so so sexy!!! I wouldn’t mind him waking me up with his head between my legs while I was bound and tied up on the bed!! Uuummm!!! (Hello - my new book boyfriend!!)
This book is fast paced with simmering tension and anticipation that builds with every chapter! The characters are all fantastic!! - The friendships between the characters are great!!
🩶 This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last!! 🩶 xxx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2026
𝓒𝓪𝓷 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓐𝓾𝓰𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝔂𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯.ᐣ 🫦
𝑫𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒔𝒉, 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒄𝒌-𝒖𝒑, 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑, 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.
5⭐ 4🌶️
This isn't a book I would normally grab to read. It was one of the books my book club selected for the month of July. I'm happy to say I really did enjoy reading it!
Poor Siah was dealt an awful hand. A dangerous mix of prescriptions leaves her unable to tell what's real, and her constant anxiety had ME feeling anxious right along with her. Between marrying the wrong man, being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, and nabbed herself a stalker, this woman was put through the wringer.
August is a very intelligent, antisocial, possessive antihero annddd he's a pierced man 🥵 I want him for myself!!!
“𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒐 𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕,” - 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕
Overall, I think this story was told in the right way, with answers coming in perfect timing, and the manner of which the mental aspects are explained were all perfect. It painted the picture really brutally, but informative for this that are unfamiliar with schizophrenia and stalking victims. The smexy scenes were so freaking good, the side characters kept me laughing and also looking forward to more stories to be shared, and hopefully really soon! 😁
𝑭*©𝒌 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔. - 𝑺𝒊𝒂𝒉
𝑫𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒔𝒉, 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒄𝒌-𝒖𝒑, 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑, 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.
5⭐ 4🌶️
This isn't a book I would normally grab to read. It was one of the books my book club selected for the month of July. I'm happy to say I really did enjoy reading it!
Poor Siah was dealt an awful hand. A dangerous mix of prescriptions leaves her unable to tell what's real, and her constant anxiety had ME feeling anxious right along with her. Between marrying the wrong man, being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, and nabbed herself a stalker, this woman was put through the wringer.
August is a very intelligent, antisocial, possessive antihero annddd he's a pierced man 🥵 I want him for myself!!!
“𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆, 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒐 𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕,” - 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕
Overall, I think this story was told in the right way, with answers coming in perfect timing, and the manner of which the mental aspects are explained were all perfect. It painted the picture really brutally, but informative for this that are unfamiliar with schizophrenia and stalking victims. The smexy scenes were so freaking good, the side characters kept me laughing and also looking forward to more stories to be shared, and hopefully really soon! 😁
𝑭*©𝒌 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔. - 𝑺𝒊𝒂𝒉
February 10, 2025
This book is so different in the best way
It reads a bit like a thriller while at the same time it’s such a good love story.
I have read dark romance before, and I read a lot but I don’t think I have ever read anything quite like this. This books keeps you guessing for so long but at the same time the love story progresses. I was so tempted to skip ahead just to satisfy my curiosity and see if my suspicions were correct but I stopped myself because I was enjoying the experience of the book too much to spoil the mystery.
I also loved the spice and the way it’s spread all through the book without it taking over the whole story.
The author manages to keep you completely engaged in the story and she masterfully bread crumbs little clues throughout the book but still manages to keep you guessing. I mean even the graphics at the beginning of each chapter give off clues.
I usually go into a bit of details on the characters with my reviews but I don’t want to offer any spoilers because one needs to experience the raw sense of suspense and mystery in this book.
What I can say is that the main characters are deeply damaged by their life experiences and the evil of others. This book we witness their healing journey. It is hard, dark and rather soul wrenching but at the same time at the end of it they are freed from their shackles, they become stronger and gain love, trust and true connection. And on top of that the whole story is absolute 🔥🔥🔥.
It’s a spectacular read.
It reads a bit like a thriller while at the same time it’s such a good love story.
I have read dark romance before, and I read a lot but I don’t think I have ever read anything quite like this. This books keeps you guessing for so long but at the same time the love story progresses. I was so tempted to skip ahead just to satisfy my curiosity and see if my suspicions were correct but I stopped myself because I was enjoying the experience of the book too much to spoil the mystery.
I also loved the spice and the way it’s spread all through the book without it taking over the whole story.
The author manages to keep you completely engaged in the story and she masterfully bread crumbs little clues throughout the book but still manages to keep you guessing. I mean even the graphics at the beginning of each chapter give off clues.
I usually go into a bit of details on the characters with my reviews but I don’t want to offer any spoilers because one needs to experience the raw sense of suspense and mystery in this book.
What I can say is that the main characters are deeply damaged by their life experiences and the evil of others. This book we witness their healing journey. It is hard, dark and rather soul wrenching but at the same time at the end of it they are freed from their shackles, they become stronger and gain love, trust and true connection. And on top of that the whole story is absolute 🔥🔥🔥.
It’s a spectacular read.
July 17, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book.
Life got in the way, so it took me a little while to get through the first half, but once I finally had a free night, I finished the second half in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.
August and Siah’s relationship was messy, complicated, and had me questioning everything. More than once I found myself wondering where their story was going, but somehow it all just worked. Their journey wasn’t easy, but I loved where they ended up.
The stalker storyline was one of my favourite parts. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who it was, constantly changing my mind as new clues appeared. The reveal genuinely surprised me, and I loved that it kept me guessing until the end.
And let’s not ignore the spice… the spice was definitely spicing. It was intense, fit the story, and felt like it belonged rather than being thrown in for the sake of it.
This is definitely a dark romance, and the trigger warnings should absolutely be read before diving in.
Overall, this was an addictive read full of suspense, obsession, mystery, and plenty of steam. If you enjoy dark romances that keep you guessing while making you question every character’s motives, I’d definitely recommend this one.
Life got in the way, so it took me a little while to get through the first half, but once I finally had a free night, I finished the second half in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.
August and Siah’s relationship was messy, complicated, and had me questioning everything. More than once I found myself wondering where their story was going, but somehow it all just worked. Their journey wasn’t easy, but I loved where they ended up.
The stalker storyline was one of my favourite parts. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who it was, constantly changing my mind as new clues appeared. The reveal genuinely surprised me, and I loved that it kept me guessing until the end.
And let’s not ignore the spice… the spice was definitely spicing. It was intense, fit the story, and felt like it belonged rather than being thrown in for the sake of it.
This is definitely a dark romance, and the trigger warnings should absolutely be read before diving in.
Overall, this was an addictive read full of suspense, obsession, mystery, and plenty of steam. If you enjoy dark romances that keep you guessing while making you question every character’s motives, I’d definitely recommend this one.
August 2, 2026
What made this book stand out was the realism of the events. Like most books there are scenes or events that are dramatized for the shock factor but this one was real in a way that made you question if the author was writing about your life. The manipulation and narcissistic representation was front and center and i’m glad that it was written this way because often times in the moments, you don’t realize it’s happening. I do wish the story picked up a little earlier on because it does start off slow but once you hit about 30-40% it starts to pick up and the pacing picks up. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue with with this book being under 300 pages, we need that pacing at about 20%. Aside from that when reading the book I felt that the focus was on her survival story and her resilience so I was little put off with the stalker/spice that seemed to overshadow the second half of the book. Once I looked back and saw that it was labeled as a dark romance it made sense and it clicked but just based off of the writing in the beginning I wouldn’t have known that it was a dark romance. Overall I felt it was a good read and brought attention to a very relatable circumstance.
October 22, 2024
THaTH is a big shift from the warm and comfortable world of Lost Hope, but I was happy to dive into the unknown depths of Alina Comsa's new dark romance standalone. I was excited to see how one of my favorite authors would handle this shift in genre, and boy did she not disappoint!
THaTH is the perfect amount of dark for those of us who enjoy a little danger with our HEA. Siah is a strong but broken FMC, whose fear is palpable through the page. She's torn between the sexy but aloof August, and a mysterious and terrifying stalker, who's presence in her life is like a shadow she can't escape.
When things began to escalate, I was afraid to put the book down, I just HAD to know what happened next. This novel is a wonderfully fast paced read, with simmering tension and anticipation that builds with every chapter. Make sure to clear your schedule before diving into this new book, because you won't want to put it down.
Thank you Alina Comsa for venturing into the dark romance genre, I am so excited to see what you have in store for us next!!
THaTH is the perfect amount of dark for those of us who enjoy a little danger with our HEA. Siah is a strong but broken FMC, whose fear is palpable through the page. She's torn between the sexy but aloof August, and a mysterious and terrifying stalker, who's presence in her life is like a shadow she can't escape.
When things began to escalate, I was afraid to put the book down, I just HAD to know what happened next. This novel is a wonderfully fast paced read, with simmering tension and anticipation that builds with every chapter. Make sure to clear your schedule before diving into this new book, because you won't want to put it down.
Thank you Alina Comsa for venturing into the dark romance genre, I am so excited to see what you have in store for us next!!
September 18, 2025
IDK from the frying pan into the fire 🔥???
Siah, has a stalker, one who watches her sleep at night but her husband doesn’t believe her. Is it really a mental disorder? Are her nightmares real? For years before her marriage she felt ‘him’. Her husband leaves her, files for divorce and Siah, has to find somewhere to go. Her bff comes to the rescue in the form of her step brother’s house as he works away a lot. Siah, moves into the house which is like Fort Knox. Will her ‘stalker’ find her? Will she ever find peace? Obviously, I’ve given you a bare minimum, the story builds, secrets revealed, lies not denied.
𝘕𝘰𝘸... 𝘐'𝘮 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭'𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘳, 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.
One of those books you just have to read until the end, some parts were repetitive from one POV to the other, for me parts were predictable but Alina did throw in a couple of WTF’s. It was an enticing 272 page read with spice, v!olence, DV, obsession all towards a happy conclusion.
Siah, has a stalker, one who watches her sleep at night but her husband doesn’t believe her. Is it really a mental disorder? Are her nightmares real? For years before her marriage she felt ‘him’. Her husband leaves her, files for divorce and Siah, has to find somewhere to go. Her bff comes to the rescue in the form of her step brother’s house as he works away a lot. Siah, moves into the house which is like Fort Knox. Will her ‘stalker’ find her? Will she ever find peace? Obviously, I’ve given you a bare minimum, the story builds, secrets revealed, lies not denied.
𝘕𝘰𝘸... 𝘐'𝘮 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭'𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘳, 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.
One of those books you just have to read until the end, some parts were repetitive from one POV to the other, for me parts were predictable but Alina did throw in a couple of WTF’s. It was an enticing 272 page read with spice, v!olence, DV, obsession all towards a happy conclusion.
May 4, 2026
close… but not quite there yet
📚 **Book Club Review Time!**
This month’s pick: To Have and to Hold by Alina Comsa
First off, this was a quick read l! I knocked it out in about 3 hours.
Im giving some grace here because indie authors deserve their flowers for putting their work out into the world 🌼 and to be fair, this book has a strong foundation. The storyline has so much potential
BUT…
Some parts of the main story just didn’t quite connect, and there’s a pretty big plot hole near the end that had me like: *“Wait… are we just… not addressing this??”* It almost feels like that piece got left behind in the final wrap-up.
Also, not to brag (okay maybe a little), but I had “him” figured out by like page 30 😅 And I’m convinced if that missing piece had been filled in, I could’ve confidently solved the whole mystery, including “her.”
**Final thoughts:**
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
A solid concept with lots of promise it just needed a little bit more polish and a tighter ending to really stick the landing.
📚 **Book Club Review Time!**
This month’s pick: To Have and to Hold by Alina Comsa
First off, this was a quick read l! I knocked it out in about 3 hours.
Im giving some grace here because indie authors deserve their flowers for putting their work out into the world 🌼 and to be fair, this book has a strong foundation. The storyline has so much potential
BUT…
Some parts of the main story just didn’t quite connect, and there’s a pretty big plot hole near the end that had me like: *“Wait… are we just… not addressing this??”* It almost feels like that piece got left behind in the final wrap-up.
Also, not to brag (okay maybe a little), but I had “him” figured out by like page 30 😅 And I’m convinced if that missing piece had been filled in, I could’ve confidently solved the whole mystery, including “her.”
**Final thoughts:**
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
A solid concept with lots of promise it just needed a little bit more polish and a tighter ending to really stick the landing.
July 12, 2026
Deliciously Dark and Obsessive Romance!
Alina Comsa absolutely understood the assignment with this one. To Have and to Hold is a deliciously dark, obsessive romance packed with possessive tension, sizzling chemistry, and enough emotional angst to keep me glued to every page. The hero is the kind of morally gray man you know you should run from... but somehow you end up rooting for him anyway.
The push-and-pull between the characters is electric. Every look, every touch, and every confrontation is dripping with anticipation, making the spicy moments hit even harder. The obsession, jealousy, and "touch her and regret it" energy were everything I want in a dark romance.
Beyond the heat, the story keeps you invested with twists, emotional depth, and characters who feel messy, flawed, and real. If you're a fan of possessive antiheroes, high emotional stakes, forbidden desire, and romance wrapped in danger, this book deserves a spot on your TBR. It was addictive from the first chapter to the last, and I already need whatever Alina Comsa writes next.
Alina Comsa absolutely understood the assignment with this one. To Have and to Hold is a deliciously dark, obsessive romance packed with possessive tension, sizzling chemistry, and enough emotional angst to keep me glued to every page. The hero is the kind of morally gray man you know you should run from... but somehow you end up rooting for him anyway.
The push-and-pull between the characters is electric. Every look, every touch, and every confrontation is dripping with anticipation, making the spicy moments hit even harder. The obsession, jealousy, and "touch her and regret it" energy were everything I want in a dark romance.
Beyond the heat, the story keeps you invested with twists, emotional depth, and characters who feel messy, flawed, and real. If you're a fan of possessive antiheroes, high emotional stakes, forbidden desire, and romance wrapped in danger, this book deserves a spot on your TBR. It was addictive from the first chapter to the last, and I already need whatever Alina Comsa writes next.
July 26, 2026
An unapologetically dark, obsessive stalker romance with morally gray characters and plenty of tension. This is the kind of book that fully embraces the possessive, all-consuming obsession that fans of dark romance crave, so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. The chemistry between the main characters is intense from the start, and the cat-and-mouse dynamic kept me turning the pages. The MMC is controlling, deceptive, obsessive, and completely unhinged in the best way for this type of story, while the FMC holds her own as the relationship evolves. The suspense and emotional push-and-pull made it hard to put down. While I really enjoyed the dark atmosphere and addictive pacing, a few moments felt rushed, and I found myself wanting more exploration of their motivations. Overall, To Have and To Hold is a gripping, spicy dark romance that knows exactly what it wants to be. If you enjoy stalker romances with obsessive antiheroes, high tension, and plenty of morally questionable choices, this one is worth picking up 🖤
January 13, 2025
This book is clever, complex and compelling. As a reader, you are seduced into making assumptions about the characters and plot as it unfolds, and then suddenly, you need to question yourself again. While the subject matter is sometimes disturbing and the love scenes graphic, the author has crafted her novel masterfully and produced an energetic page-turner. There is plenty of suspense and all the elements of a thriller, while we know that this is a truly dark romance. The characters, despite their hang-ups, are believable and intriguing. The discourse is pacy and revealing. The author explores the idea of self-doubt, fantasy, the meaning of truth, love, and obsession, and what that can mean to different people. The end of the novel, which is surprising and audacious, will not disappoint. This is the first of this author’s books I have read, but I will certainly be reading more of her work in the future.
June 29, 2025
DNF @ 70% Gosh, I just did not like this book. I tried to read it, but I was so confused for the majority of what I read. The writing quality was bad, I found several acronyms and phrases that just confused me. AND! Why were people compared to dogs in heat, like, five times in the first half of the book?! I understand once, maybe twice in the whole book, but 4-5 times in 100 pages is excessive. The only thing I liked was August before he decided to quit hiding that he was HIM. He was so sweet and supportive before deciding to let jackal take over. I also don’t understand why we needed 2 separate chapters/perspectives for the same person, but with a different name. Was it for suspense, or something?! Were we recreating Jackal and Hyde? I feel like anxiety and paranoia Siah’s whole personality. I understand that these topics are sensitive and important, but the people I’ve met with them don’t make it their entire personality.
July 24, 2026
Holy crap, this book just chewed me up and spit me back out. Siah is such a relatable character especially if you've dealt with mental health and being taken seriously. Doubly so if you've been paranoid and dealt with stalker or other abusive relationships. The romance was beautifully done, the conflict was understandable and part of me was hoping for some why choose type ending. The mystery would normally irritate me, so many times its drawn out or obvious but this was a magnificent blend of "who the hell is her stalker" with "okay that's hot regardless". The ending made sense especially with her history, and was so satisfying. I haven't read as realistic a romance with stalkers ever and it was a freaking ride. Recommend this to anyone who loves dark romance, especially if they haven't hit as hard as you want them to.
May 17, 2025
Siah has been living a lie. But she never knew it. With a stalker that drives her anxiety through the roof, a fallen apart marriage from a controlling man, and living in the home of her best friend’s stepbrother; she’s at the biggest crossroads of her life. But when the stalker now has access to her things take a huge turn.
I’m not a dark romance person. I’ve never really strayed towards heavy dark romance or twisted romance and extra steamy romance novels. This was actually really good of a read. I enjoyed Siah’s character and the showing of conflicting feelings across this novel. And the ending was not what I expected! Definitely a read that turned me towards giving dark romance a chance in the future.
I’m not a dark romance person. I’ve never really strayed towards heavy dark romance or twisted romance and extra steamy romance novels. This was actually really good of a read. I enjoyed Siah’s character and the showing of conflicting feelings across this novel. And the ending was not what I expected! Definitely a read that turned me towards giving dark romance a chance in the future.
September 1, 2025
I've read the other books by this author, and loved them, devoured them, and wanted more. I figured, why not check out the first dark romance by her, right?
I'm so freaking glad I did! She nailed it, from the plot, and twists, to the dark intensity that rode the whole story from beginning to end.
Dark romance is a funny thing, sometimes the focus is on the actions and intents, and sometimes it's on the deep emotional trauma, and this book beautifully skates that line between both, giving us a bit of everything to tempt us.
I loved August, and would happily have one of my very own, thank you very much.
LOVED this, and will absolutely read any other book by this author, dark or light!
I'm so freaking glad I did! She nailed it, from the plot, and twists, to the dark intensity that rode the whole story from beginning to end.
Dark romance is a funny thing, sometimes the focus is on the actions and intents, and sometimes it's on the deep emotional trauma, and this book beautifully skates that line between both, giving us a bit of everything to tempt us.
I loved August, and would happily have one of my very own, thank you very much.
LOVED this, and will absolutely read any other book by this author, dark or light!
May 21, 2025
Absolutely insane!!!
I picked this up on SYK day a few weeks ago and it’s been stuck in my head since. I devoured it in a single day, obligations be damned.
Firstly, LOVE Siah’s origins. Secondly, right up until the big reveal I was guessing and second guessing and denying who her stalker was. I LOVED it so much that there was more than one option and it wasn’t immediately obvious who it was (okay, it totally was, but you still second guess everything until the reveal).
5 ⭐️
Personally I’d say it’s a 3🌶️ but to me 1 is like a single scene and 5 is straight erotica.
I picked this up on SYK day a few weeks ago and it’s been stuck in my head since. I devoured it in a single day, obligations be damned.
Firstly, LOVE Siah’s origins. Secondly, right up until the big reveal I was guessing and second guessing and denying who her stalker was. I LOVED it so much that there was more than one option and it wasn’t immediately obvious who it was (okay, it totally was, but you still second guess everything until the reveal).
5 ⭐️
Personally I’d say it’s a 3🌶️ but to me 1 is like a single scene and 5 is straight erotica.
June 15, 2025
I actually really liked this one. It’s not the kind of book I usually pick up, but it surprised me. Siah’s whole journey with her mental health, getting out of a bad marriage, and then dealing with a stalker? It’s a lot. And August… oh my god, he’s something else. That man doesn’t take no for an answer, and always gets what he wants. There’s secrets, betrayal, tension, and a bunch of wait, what the hell just happened moments. A couple parts had me confused, not gonna lie, but not enough to mess with the story. Overall, a good read and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
June 26, 2025
intense
This one really pushes the mental health boundary and making Siah feel like she's losing her mind, August is ahhh he's no saint that's for sure but he would absolutely go to hell and back for Siah because they share the same pain. This book started off by pulling me in, there was no slow burn story to start just boom a husband leaving a wife because he wants to have her committed to a hospital for the paranoia he caused her. It was so good and I just can't get over how obsessed August is with Siah!!
This one really pushes the mental health boundary and making Siah feel like she's losing her mind, August is ahhh he's no saint that's for sure but he would absolutely go to hell and back for Siah because they share the same pain. This book started off by pulling me in, there was no slow burn story to start just boom a husband leaving a wife because he wants to have her committed to a hospital for the paranoia he caused her. It was so good and I just can't get over how obsessed August is with Siah!!
March 12, 2025
This had me questioning myself and I bet most of the readers would also question themselves after reading this but also, I loved what I read!
Siah is a very strong woman at heart even though she can't protect herself physically. The pain she endured and the way she handled herself throughout the book was the proof of it.
I loved her friendship with Jayme and how she knows she can trust Elijah and August.
A MUST MUST MUST for dark romance lovers! It won't disappoint you.
Siah is a very strong woman at heart even though she can't protect herself physically. The pain she endured and the way she handled herself throughout the book was the proof of it.
I loved her friendship with Jayme and how she knows she can trust Elijah and August.
A MUST MUST MUST for dark romance lovers! It won't disappoint you.
June 30, 2025
• Dark romance. Explicit sex including bondage.
• Heed author’s trigger warnings
• Plenty of angst & drama. Betrayal. Manipulation. Control
• Some unexpected twists.
• The story was a bit confusing at times due to uncertainty as to which character was speaking. I found myself re-reading often just to follow along.
• I was frequently distracted (from the story) by the numerous typos, and incorrect (and sometimes odd) word choices.
• Heed author’s trigger warnings
• Plenty of angst & drama. Betrayal. Manipulation. Control
• Some unexpected twists.
• The story was a bit confusing at times due to uncertainty as to which character was speaking. I found myself re-reading often just to follow along.
• I was frequently distracted (from the story) by the numerous typos, and incorrect (and sometimes odd) word choices.
July 28, 2025
I want my own August!
Really enjoyed this story. I needed a stand-alone as I've been deep in series land and a break was due. August is great, Siah bugged me at times. Too many incorrect words used, hence only 4 stars. Like lounge when it's clearly meant to be lunge. As though it was only run through spellcheck rather than using a proofreader. I would volunteer for that job as I did enjoy the writing it just really annoyed me & would pull me out of the story.
Really enjoyed this story. I needed a stand-alone as I've been deep in series land and a break was due. August is great, Siah bugged me at times. Too many incorrect words used, hence only 4 stars. Like lounge when it's clearly meant to be lunge. As though it was only run through spellcheck rather than using a proofreader. I would volunteer for that job as I did enjoy the writing it just really annoyed me & would pull me out of the story.
May 20, 2026
Didn't disappoint
When I read a dark romance. I want DARK! This story delivered that and some. Stalker romance, mental health aspects, trigger warnings are like a grocery list of all the things I want to read about. Not only did that pull me in but by the second paragraph I was hooked. Expertly written, moments of am I the crazy one here. No way that happened?! DEFINITELY worth reading!!!!
When I read a dark romance. I want DARK! This story delivered that and some. Stalker romance, mental health aspects, trigger warnings are like a grocery list of all the things I want to read about. Not only did that pull me in but by the second paragraph I was hooked. Expertly written, moments of am I the crazy one here. No way that happened?! DEFINITELY worth reading!!!!
August 2, 2026
This book is everything you could want from a dark romance. There are definitely many triggers, so make sure to check them.
This is a cat and mouse game with only one person making the rules even if it leaves them both satisfied in the end. Who doesn’t love an obsessive stalker who plays on his prey’s mental health struggles and fear?
This book was off the charts unhinged at times, but that’s what made it so addicting. The ending was absolutely perfect.
This is a cat and mouse game with only one person making the rules even if it leaves them both satisfied in the end. Who doesn’t love an obsessive stalker who plays on his prey’s mental health struggles and fear?
This book was off the charts unhinged at times, but that’s what made it so addicting. The ending was absolutely perfect.
October 26, 2024
This book was something completely different from Alina’s Lost Hope series. I like how it wasn’t pitch black dark romance. The MMC was literally morally grey.
I loved every bit of this book. The whole time I was guessing and messaging Alina, who I think is the MMC and the way I squealed when I was right the whole time!
Alina managed to write it so cleverly that you are basically questioning yourself as you read.
I couldn’t stop reading, but that always happens with this author’s books.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author ! 🫶🏻
I loved every bit of this book. The whole time I was guessing and messaging Alina, who I think is the MMC and the way I squealed when I was right the whole time!
Alina managed to write it so cleverly that you are basically questioning yourself as you read.
I couldn’t stop reading, but that always happens with this author’s books.
I am looking forward to reading more books by this author ! 🫶🏻
November 2, 2024
I love this book
I'm not one for dark romance however the book still made me want to read it. I kept going back and forth between being certain I know who is who and not knowing at all. I had mixed feelings the entire book, and the fact that I pushed through my uncomfortable feelings to keep reading made this book such a great one for me. I totally love the ending!!!
I'm not one for dark romance however the book still made me want to read it. I kept going back and forth between being certain I know who is who and not knowing at all. I had mixed feelings the entire book, and the fact that I pushed through my uncomfortable feelings to keep reading made this book such a great one for me. I totally love the ending!!!
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