Rating: 4.5 stars.
OH. MY. GOD. This book literally SHOCKED me in the best way possible. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good, and honestly? I’m flattered, obsessed, and completely speechless all at once. Like… why didn’t I read this sooner?? I’ve been hunting for the perfect romance for ages, forgetting that dark romance is where the true yearning men live, and this book delivered in every single way.
This is exactly what I mean by slow burn: tension that makes you ache, chemistry that explodes off every page, a gradual, simmering love that grips your chest… but let me tell you, SLOW BURN, but make it EVEN SLOWER because AHHHHH. I was living for every second of this, and not a single crumb was left behind. And whoever said the “made series” is better than THIS? No. Absolutely NOT. I ate this up, savored every line, and I am officially obsessed. But I really wanted to enjoy that series, eventually it was just cringe characters and couldn't bare them.
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Okay, first of all… I literally don’t even know where to start because this book COMPLETELY wrecked me and left me absolutely shook, but in the best way imaginable. I went in thinking I was getting a spicy, dark, dangerous romance with just a hint of chaos… and oh honey, Somme Sketcher didn’t just give me a hint, she unleashed a full-on hurricane of emotions, tension, and fire that had me screaming internally. I’m completely obsessed. Every nerve in my body was on high alert, my heart racing, palms sweating, and jaw literally on the floor. I couldn’t tear my eyes away for a single second, fangirling so hard that I almost forgot to breathe. This story? It’s a full-throttle, all-consuming ride, and I am here for every second of it.
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Oh my god, the characters! I won't talk much let's just dive into them!
°˖➴ Penny Price:
"This girl isn’t the Queen of Hearts, but the Devil in disguise.
Unfortunately, I can’t say for sure I wouldn’t follow her into hell."
OH. MY. GOD. Penny Price is literally EVERYTHING!! She’s bold, sassy, and wickedly clever, the kind of heroine who makes you scream “YASS QUEEN!” every single time she outsmarts everyone around her. I was living for her fearless energy and that unstoppable spark she brings to every scene. Sure, she gets herself into trouble sometimes, but honestly? That just makes her even more badass and impossible not to root for. I swear, she’s the kind of girl you’d want as your bestie while lowkey fangirling over her every move. And the BEST part? Beneath that strong, untouchable exterior is this emotional depth that hits you without warning. I literally didn’t blink when she spoke or acted, and that, my friends, is peak FMC love.
°˖➴ Rafe Viscouti:
“Why do you care if I cry?”
“Because last night, I saw you laugh.”
And Rafe Visconti… ohhhhhh, don’t even get me started. Dark, broody, dangerous… but also with these hidden layers that make your heart melt like butter. I love that he’s this gentleman to the world, but with her? Yeah… let’s just say he’s a whole different level.
he’s that gorgeous, powerful, cashmere-charm-wrapping, gentlemanly façade type, whose world completely unravels the moment she shows up. I mean, my empire started crumbling just reading it. His calm, control, and subtle dominance versus her wild, fearless energy? Absolute fire. The tension, the banter, the unspoken threats and desires, every scene felt electric, like I was sitting in a storm and loving every second.
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The tension between them? OH, IT’S OFF THE CHARTS. Every glance lingers too long, every word drips with unspoken meaning, and every subtle touch feels electric. I was gripping my book, my heart racing, just from the way they moved around each other. Their dynamic is a perfect storm, messy, fiery, and utterly intoxicating. It’s the kind of chemistry that makes you sigh, swoon, and simultaneously panic because you just KNOW the consequences of their feelings are going to be explosive. Every scene together had me internally screaming, fangirling like mad, and craving more. Together, they destroy and rebuild each other in the most addictive, heart-stopping way imaginable, and I am 100% obsessed.
Also… can we talk about the utter chaos she brings? She’s lucky, yes, but the kind of luck that drags him through flames, forces him to face enemies closing in, and still makes me giggle and scream at the same time. Queen of Hearts indeed.
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The Writing:
And the writing? Absolute perfection. Darkly seductive, sharp, and addictively twisted, it pulls you in from the first line. Every sentence drips with tension, every small power move hits like a thrill, and every quiet moment between them leaves you craving more. It’s intoxicating, messy, and utterly satisfying, like the author knew exactly how to keep your heart racing and your mind hooked.
The Story:
What truly caught me off guard is how rich and layered this story is. It’s not just a romance; it delves into the complexities of two people struggling with their past mistakes, the weight of control over their lives and others, and the sacrifices they make for loyalty and trust. Every interaction carries emotional depth, and the tension isn’t just romantic, it’s woven into their very decisions, their fears, and their sense of responsibility. This adds a whole other level of intensity that keeps you completely hooked, feeling everything alongside them.
>>> ──────── .✦
ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִִֶֶָ🥀་༘࿐ So I’ve been out here desperately trying to find the one, that romance book that calls my name, shakes my soul, and steals my sleep, but I think I’ve been looking in the wrong places this whole time. Which is exactly why I’m back… because I MISS the yearning in dark romance. The obsession. The tension. The ache. And who am I to resist when it’s literally what feeds me? Also, let’s be honest, I refuse to fall into a reading slump again because if that happens, I’m disappearing from the face of the earth.
Anyway, this book has been sitting on my radar ever since I finished the first one, and now I’m finally ready. I am already seated, strapped in, vibrating with anticipation, hehe. Maybe just maybe, this will end up being my favorite book in the entire series.
So let’s dive in, shall we? <𝟑 .ᐟ