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Prince of Pain
Modern-day Gilded Age romance.
He lives in a castle, but he’s no prince.
I live in a tower, but I’m no princess. Adelaide
I had a normal childhood for a blue blood growing up in a famous, historical hotel among Gilded Age mansions on the coast of Rhode Island.
My life changed dramatically when my mom died before I was even a teenager. That same year I met my best friend. Kingston. The boy with black hair and moonbeam eyes who saved me from cracking my head open. He became my lifeline. By the time we were teens, I planned our marriage and our happily ever after.
It was a fool's dream.
I learned the hard way people in my elite world hurt you. They betray and discard you like trash. My heart has had its share of beatings, but Kingston left it in pieces.
I hated him for it.
He grew up to be even more stunning and continues to taunt me, stealing kisses and more. Taking things he doesn't deserve but that I give willingly. Because as much as I hate him, I still want him. Worst of all, I hate when he shows glimpses of the boy I once loved. In rare moments, he even shows me affection.
That's the most I can hope for in this corrupt world of old money and legacies. We're all monsters who thrive off pain, me included. Kingston still owns a piece of my heart that I'm too weak to take back.
At twenty years old, we’re caught in a tormenting cycle of cat and mouse that can only end in one of two ways. We destroy or save each other.
*possible triggers - emotional abuse, bullying, dominance, stalking, possessiveness, past trauma, physical abuse of side character.
He lives in a castle, but he’s no prince.
I live in a tower, but I’m no princess. Adelaide
I had a normal childhood for a blue blood growing up in a famous, historical hotel among Gilded Age mansions on the coast of Rhode Island.
My life changed dramatically when my mom died before I was even a teenager. That same year I met my best friend. Kingston. The boy with black hair and moonbeam eyes who saved me from cracking my head open. He became my lifeline. By the time we were teens, I planned our marriage and our happily ever after.
It was a fool's dream.
I learned the hard way people in my elite world hurt you. They betray and discard you like trash. My heart has had its share of beatings, but Kingston left it in pieces.
I hated him for it.
He grew up to be even more stunning and continues to taunt me, stealing kisses and more. Taking things he doesn't deserve but that I give willingly. Because as much as I hate him, I still want him. Worst of all, I hate when he shows glimpses of the boy I once loved. In rare moments, he even shows me affection.
That's the most I can hope for in this corrupt world of old money and legacies. We're all monsters who thrive off pain, me included. Kingston still owns a piece of my heart that I'm too weak to take back.
At twenty years old, we’re caught in a tormenting cycle of cat and mouse that can only end in one of two ways. We destroy or save each other.
*possible triggers - emotional abuse, bullying, dominance, stalking, possessiveness, past trauma, physical abuse of side character.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2025
67 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Tara Gallina
16 books107 followersTara Gallina writes across various romance genres, from new adult and college to small town and fantasy. While most of her books are steamy, she’s also penned a few sweeter titles.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 24, 2025
Prince of Pain by Tara Gallina
4/5⭐
4/5🌶️
I honestly went into this book without any expectations, but I was intrigued by the blurbs! The writing style is engaging—I found it hard to put down. I was so curious to uncover the truth that I read it in one sitting! Adelaide and Kingston met when they were just 11 and 12 years old, and they quickly became inseparable. When Addie's mom passed away, Kingston became her rock. As they grew older, their feelings evolved into something deeper. However, at 15, Kingston made a choice that broke Addie’s heart.
I admit that I disliked Kingston for what he did to Addie. Even though I knew he had his reasons, the story is told solely from Addie's POV, which made me feel every ounce of her heartbreak and pain. But as the truth began to unfold, I started to feel for Kingston too. When he began to open up, do sweet things for her, and show his protective side, my heart began to melt for him.
Addie is such a wonderful, kind person that I sometimes wished she’d stand up for herself more. Instead of running away and staying quiet, I wanted her to fight back! But her kindness and compassion help Kingston find his way back to her. Her determination and strength pull him away from his darker moments and into her light.
This book gives off that “old money” vibe with characters who are rich, privileged, corrupt, and manipulative. I enjoyed seeing how the main characters grow throughout the story. The ending was satisfying, and I loved the epilogue! While this book is a light-dark romance, check the trigger warnings before diving in.
4/5⭐
4/5🌶️
I honestly went into this book without any expectations, but I was intrigued by the blurbs! The writing style is engaging—I found it hard to put down. I was so curious to uncover the truth that I read it in one sitting! Adelaide and Kingston met when they were just 11 and 12 years old, and they quickly became inseparable. When Addie's mom passed away, Kingston became her rock. As they grew older, their feelings evolved into something deeper. However, at 15, Kingston made a choice that broke Addie’s heart.
I admit that I disliked Kingston for what he did to Addie. Even though I knew he had his reasons, the story is told solely from Addie's POV, which made me feel every ounce of her heartbreak and pain. But as the truth began to unfold, I started to feel for Kingston too. When he began to open up, do sweet things for her, and show his protective side, my heart began to melt for him.
Addie is such a wonderful, kind person that I sometimes wished she’d stand up for herself more. Instead of running away and staying quiet, I wanted her to fight back! But her kindness and compassion help Kingston find his way back to her. Her determination and strength pull him away from his darker moments and into her light.
This book gives off that “old money” vibe with characters who are rich, privileged, corrupt, and manipulative. I enjoyed seeing how the main characters grow throughout the story. The ending was satisfying, and I loved the epilogue! While this book is a light-dark romance, check the trigger warnings before diving in.
March 2, 2025
This would be a very good book for those who are new to dark romance. This follows Adelaide & Kingston's story from becoming childhood friends to enemies to lovers. There's some OW drama which led to betrayal and Addie's heartbreak in their teen ages. Absolutely love their chemistry after reconciliation. There's so many uncovered secrets between them which made the plot interesting. I just felt that the ending was rushed. Overall really enjoyed it (read it in a single sitting 😌).
What to expect:
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💸 Billionaire Romance
🖤 Dark Romance for Beginners
🌶️ 18+ Spicy
What to expect:
❤️🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💸 Billionaire Romance
🖤 Dark Romance for Beginners
🌶️ 18+ Spicy
February 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
🌶🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5
Billionaire
Enemies to Lovers
Childhood Friends
Some Bullying
Secrets
⚡️Review:
I really liked the way this started off with them as kids. The early relationship building works quite well.
There's a bit of miscommunication trope which did irk me and it continued throughout. Kingston is too cryptic and there's a lot of the dancing around this supposed secret of why he iced her out for a few years. He has a couple opportunities to come clean and hints at it but doesn't fully give in. It seems too hard to believe he just wouldn't say it.
The dirty talk in his texts and the stalking after she confronts him just didn't seem in line with how he was portrayed when he was younger up till about 15ish. But they have times when they're alone, so the truth could've been told. When spicy talk takes over so much, it kind of loses my attention because it sounds like so many other dirty talk scenes in books.
I did like very much the angsty scenes in his castle! I loved seeing his tormented side and wish that was played up more.
Guess I just felt there was no reason for him to drag out not telling her what was going on. Then when it was talked about, it felt anticlimactic, and it felt like a stretch to have that cause these years of anger and mystery. I did like to see them as a couple very much though.
🌶🌶🌶 1/2 out of 5
Billionaire
Enemies to Lovers
Childhood Friends
Some Bullying
Secrets
⚡️Review:
I really liked the way this started off with them as kids. The early relationship building works quite well.
There's a bit of miscommunication trope which did irk me and it continued throughout. Kingston is too cryptic and there's a lot of the dancing around this supposed secret of why he iced her out for a few years. He has a couple opportunities to come clean and hints at it but doesn't fully give in. It seems too hard to believe he just wouldn't say it.
The dirty talk in his texts and the stalking after she confronts him just didn't seem in line with how he was portrayed when he was younger up till about 15ish. But they have times when they're alone, so the truth could've been told. When spicy talk takes over so much, it kind of loses my attention because it sounds like so many other dirty talk scenes in books.
I did like very much the angsty scenes in his castle! I loved seeing his tormented side and wish that was played up more.
Guess I just felt there was no reason for him to drag out not telling her what was going on. Then when it was talked about, it felt anticlimactic, and it felt like a stretch to have that cause these years of anger and mystery. I did like to see them as a couple very much though.
February 20, 2025
I received Prince of Pain as an ARC and I am so thankful for it.
Where do I even begin without spoiling it?!
Spice level is definitely 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
I love how Tara easily transitioned from serious scenes to the spicy moments. They never felt forced, repetitive, or randomly placed. And oh goodness were some moments steamy and I was here for it!
Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this plot. The billionaire friends to enemies to lovers was chefs kiss! I felt all the moments that broke Adelaide down and all the moments she was lifted. I felt the heartbreak and the betrayal. And I could FEEL the sadness from Kingston but it wasn’t clear to me why he was doing what he did until it was explained later. I really liked the subtlety of how this was “mafia” style.
Writing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I truly love Tara’s writing style. It was so well paced even with the years that go by. It was truly easy to read and I couldn’t put it down. I knew this was going to be a five star book for me when I ordered the hardcover off of Amazon before I was even halfway through the book. And I was excited to see art midway through. Helps me imagine the characters in the way the author intended.
I can’t wait to read the second book in this series!!
✨Rae✨
-TheReadersImprov
Where do I even begin without spoiling it?!
Spice level is definitely 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
I love how Tara easily transitioned from serious scenes to the spicy moments. They never felt forced, repetitive, or randomly placed. And oh goodness were some moments steamy and I was here for it!
Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this plot. The billionaire friends to enemies to lovers was chefs kiss! I felt all the moments that broke Adelaide down and all the moments she was lifted. I felt the heartbreak and the betrayal. And I could FEEL the sadness from Kingston but it wasn’t clear to me why he was doing what he did until it was explained later. I really liked the subtlety of how this was “mafia” style.
Writing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I truly love Tara’s writing style. It was so well paced even with the years that go by. It was truly easy to read and I couldn’t put it down. I knew this was going to be a five star book for me when I ordered the hardcover off of Amazon before I was even halfway through the book. And I was excited to see art midway through. Helps me imagine the characters in the way the author intended.
I can’t wait to read the second book in this series!!
✨Rae✨
-TheReadersImprov
February 23, 2025
Set in Newport and surrounding areas in RI, Prince of Pain is a story of two childhood friends eventually turned lovers after the MFC, Adelaide suffers betrayal and heartache when her best friend and boy she loves, Kingston disappears and is suddenly spending time with her enemy/step sister. Both main characters have suffered with losses and the isolation of growing up wealthy and blue blooded which is what bonded them but then threatens to tear them apart.
The story follows them from adolescence into early adulthood where more is revealed about the lies, secrets and complications that tore them apart.
Identified by the author as an “intro to dark romance” there is some mild control and bullying. Lots of spice!
The story follows them from adolescence into early adulthood where more is revealed about the lies, secrets and complications that tore them apart.
Identified by the author as an “intro to dark romance” there is some mild control and bullying. Lots of spice!
maybe-idk
March 9, 2025can someone spoil me the OW drama please?
March 3, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
“𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖙’𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖑 𝖔𝖋𝖋𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖒𝖊 𝖆 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖘𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖆𝖇𝖔𝖚𝖙 𝖜𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖉𝖎𝖉. 𝕴 𝖘𝖎𝖌𝖓𝖊𝖉, 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖞 𝖍𝖊’𝖉 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖒𝖞 𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖇𝖊 𝖍𝖎𝖘. 𝕳𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖎𝖕𝖚𝖑𝖆𝖙𝖊. 𝕳𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖒𝖔𝖑𝖉. 𝕳𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖑 𝖍𝖔𝖜𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖘. 𝕾𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖘𝖊𝖊, 𝕬𝖉𝖉𝖎𝖊. 𝕴 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖓’𝖙 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖇𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝖆𝖑𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖞 𝖍𝖎𝖘.”
My first time reading Tara Gallina, and I really enjoyed it! This book is PERFECT if you are dipping your toes into the dark romance genre. But even still, make sure to read the trigger warnings.
Agreeing with the author, this is very much so a modern day guilded age story. Touches of old money and a light touch of mafia ? Possibly ?
Addie and Kingston are friends since the age of 11 and 12. They basically grow up together. They help each other through some really really tough times. And over the years become very close and dare I say even fall in love. That is until they are 15-16, and Kingston betrays Addie…bringing their friendship crashing down in a blazing glory.
This story is told solely from Addies POV, which is why it was 3 stars vs 4 stars for me. There’s a lot that happens between the ending of their friendship and the chaos that ensues bringing them back together. It is HEARTBREAKING reading it from Addies POV, but I really would have loved to see what Kingston’s mindset and thinking was during all of this. Because we never really get it. And that made it hard for me to connect with him and really believe if he was genuine with her at any point.
Either way it was a really good read and I’m super excited to see where the next book takes us 💙
🏰Billionaire
💙Enemies to Lovers
🏰Childhood Friends
💙Modern-Day Guilded Age
🏰Light Dark Romance
💙Bully
🏰Secrets
💙Corrupt Legacies
🏰Possessive MMC
💙Friends to Enemies
🏰Forbidden Romance
💙Stalking
“𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖙’𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖑 𝖔𝖋𝖋𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖒𝖊 𝖆 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖘𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖆𝖇𝖔𝖚𝖙 𝖜𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖉𝖎𝖉. 𝕴 𝖘𝖎𝖌𝖓𝖊𝖉, 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖞 𝖍𝖊’𝖉 𝖈𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖒𝖞 𝖑𝖎𝖋𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖇𝖊 𝖍𝖎𝖘. 𝕳𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖎𝖕𝖚𝖑𝖆𝖙𝖊. 𝕳𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖒𝖔𝖑𝖉. 𝕳𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖑 𝖍𝖔𝖜𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖘. 𝕾𝖔 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖘𝖊𝖊, 𝕬𝖉𝖉𝖎𝖊. 𝕴 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉𝖓’𝖙 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖇𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝕴 𝖜𝖆𝖘 𝖆𝖑𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖞 𝖍𝖎𝖘.”
My first time reading Tara Gallina, and I really enjoyed it! This book is PERFECT if you are dipping your toes into the dark romance genre. But even still, make sure to read the trigger warnings.
Agreeing with the author, this is very much so a modern day guilded age story. Touches of old money and a light touch of mafia ? Possibly ?
Addie and Kingston are friends since the age of 11 and 12. They basically grow up together. They help each other through some really really tough times. And over the years become very close and dare I say even fall in love. That is until they are 15-16, and Kingston betrays Addie…bringing their friendship crashing down in a blazing glory.
This story is told solely from Addies POV, which is why it was 3 stars vs 4 stars for me. There’s a lot that happens between the ending of their friendship and the chaos that ensues bringing them back together. It is HEARTBREAKING reading it from Addies POV, but I really would have loved to see what Kingston’s mindset and thinking was during all of this. Because we never really get it. And that made it hard for me to connect with him and really believe if he was genuine with her at any point.
Either way it was a really good read and I’m super excited to see where the next book takes us 💙
🏰Billionaire
💙Enemies to Lovers
🏰Childhood Friends
💙Modern-Day Guilded Age
🏰Light Dark Romance
💙Bully
🏰Secrets
💙Corrupt Legacies
🏰Possessive MMC
💙Friends to Enemies
🏰Forbidden Romance
💙Stalking
February 23, 2025
Read this book if you like:
□ from friends to enemies to lovers
□ billionaire
□ possessive MMC
□ corrupt legacies
□ dark romance with 🌶
Release date: February 27th
Always read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book!
Thank you, Love Notes PR and Tara Gallina, for this ARC!
When I read the blurb of this book, I thought, this sounds promising! Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, and I love dark romances. How Addie and Kingston met during their childhood, fell in love with each other, and got ripped apart due to their families and their awful contracts. The angst in this book is fire! But love conquers all. They found each other again, and that's where things get heated. After a long time of cat and mouse games, they do everything to be together even if their families do not accept their relationship. It's a wild, emotional ride! It's beautifully written, gripping, and a satisfying ending. The world-building was good, very detailed. I did not like the bit of miscommunication and bullying. The MMC has his reasons, but still not a fan.
If you do not like explicit sexual content and dark romance, this book is not for you.
□ from friends to enemies to lovers
□ billionaire
□ possessive MMC
□ corrupt legacies
□ dark romance with 🌶
Release date: February 27th
Always read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book!
Thank you, Love Notes PR and Tara Gallina, for this ARC!
When I read the blurb of this book, I thought, this sounds promising! Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, and I love dark romances. How Addie and Kingston met during their childhood, fell in love with each other, and got ripped apart due to their families and their awful contracts. The angst in this book is fire! But love conquers all. They found each other again, and that's where things get heated. After a long time of cat and mouse games, they do everything to be together even if their families do not accept their relationship. It's a wild, emotional ride! It's beautifully written, gripping, and a satisfying ending. The world-building was good, very detailed. I did not like the bit of miscommunication and bullying. The MMC has his reasons, but still not a fan.
If you do not like explicit sexual content and dark romance, this book is not for you.
March 1, 2025
Prince of Pain is a great story to enter into the dark romance world. Enemies to lovers yet were the best of friends during their childhood. I loved the Gilded Age atmosphere throughout the book with the interactions of the characters to the settings throughout the story.
Adelaide was the outlier out of the world her parents lived in and even more definite once her mother passed. This story had me feeling such a wide range of emotions from anger to blinding love with the way Tara Gallina brought this story to life. I can only imagine how this story would have been if Tara had included Kingston’s POV into this story but even without that, the spice and the emotions radiating off Adelaide throughout the story was chefs kiss.
Adelaide was the outlier out of the world her parents lived in and even more definite once her mother passed. This story had me feeling such a wide range of emotions from anger to blinding love with the way Tara Gallina brought this story to life. I can only imagine how this story would have been if Tara had included Kingston’s POV into this story but even without that, the spice and the emotions radiating off Adelaide throughout the story was chefs kiss.
February 19, 2025
There’s just something about a light dark-romance that gets me out of a reading slump.
This follows Adelaide and Kingston - where they start as early teenagers and become quick friends. Soon, the bestest friends. Adelaide’s dad / family owns a hotel and is well known. And there’s Kingston’s family, who lives in a modern day castle - until the federal government took it away due to tax fraud and other issues. In their world, it’s just short of the mafia and their dads work together to make an equally beneficial relationship.
Or so we think. After the mother passes from cancer, her dad remarries after a couple of years. To the mother of her 2 bullies in school. As the duo grows up, Kingston suddenly cuts Adelaide off and starts dating her evil step sister.
We’re left in the dark and there to experience her emotions as she goes through them - and we get to present day, where they in their 20’s, and learn the truth and find out more about their world.
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC from Tara Gallina and super thankful for the chance to buy a reduced priced - early copy!
This follows Adelaide and Kingston - where they start as early teenagers and become quick friends. Soon, the bestest friends. Adelaide’s dad / family owns a hotel and is well known. And there’s Kingston’s family, who lives in a modern day castle - until the federal government took it away due to tax fraud and other issues. In their world, it’s just short of the mafia and their dads work together to make an equally beneficial relationship.
Or so we think. After the mother passes from cancer, her dad remarries after a couple of years. To the mother of her 2 bullies in school. As the duo grows up, Kingston suddenly cuts Adelaide off and starts dating her evil step sister.
We’re left in the dark and there to experience her emotions as she goes through them - and we get to present day, where they in their 20’s, and learn the truth and find out more about their world.
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC from Tara Gallina and super thankful for the chance to buy a reduced priced - early copy!
February 19, 2025
I love a tortured soul MMC and Kingston provides that. I did really hurt each time someone "protected" Addie in this story since it lead only to more hurt for her.
I did wish there was awarning for OW drama, even as light as it was. The most maddening thing about Kingston's "relationship" with Clementine was that Addie didn't get to ever really tell her off or gloat. Part of me wanted that pettiness for Addie after all her suffering.
Even though she got Kingston, and the only real first that matters (his love), i wanted more justice for Addie. She lost her support, her trusted caretaker moves away and she loses her best friend. I wanted sonmuch more for her.
I did wish there was awarning for OW drama, even as light as it was. The most maddening thing about Kingston's "relationship" with Clementine was that Addie didn't get to ever really tell her off or gloat. Part of me wanted that pettiness for Addie after all her suffering.
Even though she got Kingston, and the only real first that matters (his love), i wanted more justice for Addie. She lost her support, her trusted caretaker moves away and she loses her best friend. I wanted sonmuch more for her.
March 6, 2025
★★★☆☆ (3 stars)
“We choose our brand of poison every day. Not enough to kill us but enough to keep us in pain. For some reason, we like it—or maybe we need it to feel alive.”
This was a really fun read and is definitely a great “beginner” or “light-dark” romance - if you’re looking to get into dark romance but want to start a little on the safe side, this is the story for you!
I ate up the old money vibes in this one! The imagery & worldbuilding is stunning, and I found myself very easily enchanted by the world in which Gallina’s protagonists live. Not to mention that there’s some rather compelling corruption going on too…
All of the characters are endearing (even the occasional “villain”); I found I was pleasantly surprised with each of their character arcs - particularly Kingston’s and those closest to him in his world.
Despite the fact I’m not always seeking the perfect HEA in dark romance (because sometimes it just doesn’t fit the genre) I did enjoy the ending of Prince Of Pain, particularly the lovely moments with Hollis.
My only criticism here is the pacing; it just takes a while to really get going and does feel a touch repetitive. We could have done with significantly more tension and conflict as opposed to the same issue throughout the duration of the novel, followed by a relatively swift resolution that our narrator plays no direct part in.
Huge thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC of this book! The above opinions are entirely my own.
“We choose our brand of poison every day. Not enough to kill us but enough to keep us in pain. For some reason, we like it—or maybe we need it to feel alive.”
This was a really fun read and is definitely a great “beginner” or “light-dark” romance - if you’re looking to get into dark romance but want to start a little on the safe side, this is the story for you!
I ate up the old money vibes in this one! The imagery & worldbuilding is stunning, and I found myself very easily enchanted by the world in which Gallina’s protagonists live. Not to mention that there’s some rather compelling corruption going on too…
All of the characters are endearing (even the occasional “villain”); I found I was pleasantly surprised with each of their character arcs - particularly Kingston’s and those closest to him in his world.
Despite the fact I’m not always seeking the perfect HEA in dark romance (because sometimes it just doesn’t fit the genre) I did enjoy the ending of Prince Of Pain, particularly the lovely moments with Hollis.
My only criticism here is the pacing; it just takes a while to really get going and does feel a touch repetitive. We could have done with significantly more tension and conflict as opposed to the same issue throughout the duration of the novel, followed by a relatively swift resolution that our narrator plays no direct part in.
Huge thank you to Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC of this book! The above opinions are entirely my own.
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March 7, 2025Si quieren leer sobre una protagonista patética y débil, que permite que el protagonista la lastime y se arrastra por su atención; donde él trata mejor a cualquier otra persona que a ella, la utiliza y luego le dice cosas crueles… este es su libro.
Adelina y Kingston eran mejores amigos hasta que su amistad pareció convertirse en algo más… o al menos eso creía ella. En realidad, él solo la estaba usando para involucrar a la familia de su novia en el mundo de Ade. Durante años, tanto él como Clementina (su novia, que además terminó convirtiéndose en la hermanastra de Adelina) la trataron tan mal que ella decidió irse a un internado.
Tiempo después, regresa por vacaciones o por alguna otra razón, ve a Kingston y vuelve a caer en sus redes, solo para que él la lastime y se burle de ella junto con Clementina. Este ciclo se repite una y otra vez, pero la tonta de Ade no aprende. Se pone en una posición para que la lastimen y, aun así, dice que no puede alejarse porque lo ama. Nada como el supuesto "amor de tu vida" convirtiéndote en el hazmerreír.
La forma en que ella le suplicaba por su atención me dio asco.
Adivinen quién guardó y experimentó todas sus primeras veces con él, a pesar de que la trató horrible y tenía novia… ¿Y quién, en cambio, no esperó y vivió su vida al máximo?
Por cierto, él puede estar con quien quiera, pero se encarga de que ningún hombre se le acerque a ella. ¡Viva el doble estándar!
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.
February 27, 2025
A ‘lighter’ dark romance that starts off in the past when the main characters meet. We see them as kids bonding as friends and then as teenagers when things get more complicated…as adults even more so!
We travel through time, experiencing the ups and downs of their bond when they are apart and together.
My favourite parts of this story were probably the two club scenes, those and the car scene!! I enjoyed Addie’s coming of age but also uncertainty and innocence as a character.
Kingston as a character was undeniably very hot and cold and throughout the book we saw his multi-faceted personality, which at times gave me and Addie whiplash!
I enjoyed the resolution and epilogue, this would have been a 5 star but I just felt that the reasoning behind some of the conflict could have been stronger.
Lots of really hot scenes, some very gut wrenchingly horrible moments for Addie but felt by the end it was all worth it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We travel through time, experiencing the ups and downs of their bond when they are apart and together.
My favourite parts of this story were probably the two club scenes, those and the car scene!! I enjoyed Addie’s coming of age but also uncertainty and innocence as a character.
Kingston as a character was undeniably very hot and cold and throughout the book we saw his multi-faceted personality, which at times gave me and Addie whiplash!
I enjoyed the resolution and epilogue, this would have been a 5 star but I just felt that the reasoning behind some of the conflict could have been stronger.
Lots of really hot scenes, some very gut wrenchingly horrible moments for Addie but felt by the end it was all worth it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2025
First I wanna say thank you to Love Notes PR and author Tara Gallina for letting me read this book. This is my first book from this author and I throughly enjoyed her writing. This book is a dark romance for beginners and even though im no stranger to dark romance books I will say this is a good book to start with if you’re looking to go into dark romance.
Story takes place with two children that you follow through their teen years and their early stages of adulthood. Bestfriend’s until a betrayal happens turning them into enemies eventually to lovers. I can’t stress enough how much I loved this story. I do wish it was dual POV because there was times I wanted to read certain scenes in the MMC perspective. But there is a happy ending to this book, I can’t wait for book two I hope it’s about the FMC girl bestfriend.
Tropes for this book is dark romance for beginners, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, stalking, possessive MMC
Story takes place with two children that you follow through their teen years and their early stages of adulthood. Bestfriend’s until a betrayal happens turning them into enemies eventually to lovers. I can’t stress enough how much I loved this story. I do wish it was dual POV because there was times I wanted to read certain scenes in the MMC perspective. But there is a happy ending to this book, I can’t wait for book two I hope it’s about the FMC girl bestfriend.
Tropes for this book is dark romance for beginners, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, stalking, possessive MMC
February 27, 2025
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌹Friends to Enemies x Enemies to Lovers
🌹Forbidden Romance
🌹Touch her and die
🌹Possessive MMC
🌹Bully
🌹Stalking (to protect her)
This is a modern-day Gilded Age romance about Adelaide and Kingston, two young people trapped in a toxic cycle of love and hate amidst immense wealth and privilege.
Adelaide, raised in a historical Rhode Island hotel, suffered a devastating loss and found solace in Kingston, a boy who became her best friend and the object of her childhood dreams. However, their relationship shattered, leaving Adelaide feeling betrayed and heartbroken.
This book was an easy and light read, perfect as an introduction to dark romance! I won't lie, I sometimes got so upset with Addie for loving Kingston no matter what he did. I was like, 'Girl, wake up!' But then I remembered that being with him and being his support was all she'd known since a young age.
The book transports you to that old money vibe, which is fantastic! It has a good pace and is easy to understand. I loved seeing how, towards the end, they understood what was best for her, and she decided on her own, not controlled by anyone else.
If you want to be introduced to the dark romance world, this book is perfect for you.
Thank you, Tara Gallina, for the ARC copy. I receive it in exchange for my honest review ❤️.
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌹Friends to Enemies x Enemies to Lovers
🌹Forbidden Romance
🌹Touch her and die
🌹Possessive MMC
🌹Bully
🌹Stalking (to protect her)
This is a modern-day Gilded Age romance about Adelaide and Kingston, two young people trapped in a toxic cycle of love and hate amidst immense wealth and privilege.
Adelaide, raised in a historical Rhode Island hotel, suffered a devastating loss and found solace in Kingston, a boy who became her best friend and the object of her childhood dreams. However, their relationship shattered, leaving Adelaide feeling betrayed and heartbroken.
This book was an easy and light read, perfect as an introduction to dark romance! I won't lie, I sometimes got so upset with Addie for loving Kingston no matter what he did. I was like, 'Girl, wake up!' But then I remembered that being with him and being his support was all she'd known since a young age.
The book transports you to that old money vibe, which is fantastic! It has a good pace and is easy to understand. I loved seeing how, towards the end, they understood what was best for her, and she decided on her own, not controlled by anyone else.
If you want to be introduced to the dark romance world, this book is perfect for you.
Thank you, Tara Gallina, for the ARC copy. I receive it in exchange for my honest review ❤️.
February 28, 2025
After trying to cope with losing everything and everyone she cares about, Adelaide is doing what she can to pick up the pieces. Until she is home from school and has chance encounter with the boy who broke the last fragile piece of her heart years ago. Reeling from her mixed emotions from that day, she has to admit she has more questions than answers. Kingston still draws her to him like a moth to the flame. How could he not! He was attractive when they were best friends growing up. Now he is nothing short of a living Greek God. But it appears he is just as drawn to her as she is to him. As it get harder and harder to keep her undeniable attraction and repressed feelings of love for him, secrets start to come out for what might have been the driving force behind their lost friendship. Can she learn to trust him again after he has shattered her heart all those years ago? I adored this book! The chemistry and angst between Addie and Kingston is delectable! You will love him, hate him and root for their relationship the whole way through. I had a hard time putting this book down, it was that captivating. Definitely recommend this to all those who believe in a second chance for love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2025
4.25⭐️ Dark Romance, Friends to Enemies to Lovers, Obsessed MMC, Billionaire Romance, Cinderella Twist 🫐🌙☕️👑
I ATE THIS BOOK UP! Buckled in from page one and was ready to devour it all! I just loved everything about it!
I liked Prince of Pain being a dark romance but on the lighter side. Friends to lovers is such a good trope and I love the way that it was done in this book. Being able to read scenes from different years as the characters grew up definitely added some needed backstory and context that made me a more invested reader.
I ate up the timeline and struggles they both went through. From Addie and Kingston meeting at age 11 and being inseparable, to them having this abrupt ending to their friendship, and then finding a way to resolve past issues and move forward with their relationship.
The romance and suspenseful dark elements went together so perfectly. It gave this book a nice twist while also being so addicting to read. Reading about characters like these ones truly make me believe in love and soulmates 🤍
BOOK 1 : Cruel Legacies
I ATE THIS BOOK UP! Buckled in from page one and was ready to devour it all! I just loved everything about it!
I liked Prince of Pain being a dark romance but on the lighter side. Friends to lovers is such a good trope and I love the way that it was done in this book. Being able to read scenes from different years as the characters grew up definitely added some needed backstory and context that made me a more invested reader.
I ate up the timeline and struggles they both went through. From Addie and Kingston meeting at age 11 and being inseparable, to them having this abrupt ending to their friendship, and then finding a way to resolve past issues and move forward with their relationship.
The romance and suspenseful dark elements went together so perfectly. It gave this book a nice twist while also being so addicting to read. Reading about characters like these ones truly make me believe in love and soulmates 🤍
BOOK 1 : Cruel Legacies
February 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story hooked me right off the back. I loved the telling of the two MCs story from childhood. I had tingles while reading the first half of this book. I was feeling the betrayal and confusion of the FMC. I also wanted to know how he could do that to her. Then the confusion of what their relationship had me fully engaged.
Then after the half way point I did feel the back and forth was a little repetitive. I kept thinking something bad was going to happen at any point only to never have that happen. I also felt the reasons for everything happening was not high enough stakes.
By the end of the book, I realized my want for more higher stakes is from reading much darker romances. I had forgotten the author said this would be a lightly dark romance and it is soooo lightly dark I would put in the grey world. This was just a little fluffier than I expected it but overall really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Tara and Love.Notes Pr for letting me read this arc.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story hooked me right off the back. I loved the telling of the two MCs story from childhood. I had tingles while reading the first half of this book. I was feeling the betrayal and confusion of the FMC. I also wanted to know how he could do that to her. Then the confusion of what their relationship had me fully engaged.
Then after the half way point I did feel the back and forth was a little repetitive. I kept thinking something bad was going to happen at any point only to never have that happen. I also felt the reasons for everything happening was not high enough stakes.
By the end of the book, I realized my want for more higher stakes is from reading much darker romances. I had forgotten the author said this would be a lightly dark romance and it is soooo lightly dark I would put in the grey world. This was just a little fluffier than I expected it but overall really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Tara and Love.Notes Pr for letting me read this arc.
February 27, 2025
Adelaide and Kingston meet when they’re children and quickly develop a close friendship. As they enter their teenage year they’re still best friends but Adelaide starts to imagine their future together. Until Kingston betrays her in the worst way she can imagine. Suddenly her life isn’t anything like it once was and the boy she was in love with she now hates. As they reach adulthood they’re start playing a dangerous game and Adelaide begins to question everything she once knew. Is there more to what happened when they were 15?
Ok wow. I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I needed answers so badly! When Kingston betrayed Adelaide my heart broke for her and I was so mad! But the more I read the more I fell for him. Sometimes in books like this you’re left frustrated about the decisions the MMC makes but not here. Everything Kingston did made perfect sense and you can’t help but love him even more for it.
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
Ok wow. I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I needed answers so badly! When Kingston betrayed Adelaide my heart broke for her and I was so mad! But the more I read the more I fell for him. Sometimes in books like this you’re left frustrated about the decisions the MMC makes but not here. Everything Kingston did made perfect sense and you can’t help but love him even more for it.
This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
February 22, 2025
Where do I even begin! Kingston and Adelaide will keep you on your toes the entire time! The will they won’t they for the first part of the book is just the build up you need. They held me captive even when I should have been working 🤫 This story reminds me of a mix between Cinderella and The Ritual by Shantiel Tessier. The dark seedy underworld of the rich and corrupt with the evil step mom and sisters thrown in. And reading how Kingston is with Adelaide reminds me of how my husband is with me. Very protective and 100% obsessed with owning every inch of me 🥵🫠
The sex scenes aren’t overly descriptive like they can be in some darker romances and romances period. But spicy nonetheless!
I highly recommend this book. You won’t be able to put it down.
The sex scenes aren’t overly descriptive like they can be in some darker romances and romances period. But spicy nonetheless!
I highly recommend this book. You won’t be able to put it down.
February 26, 2025
Ever wondered if dark romance is your thing? Then Prince of Pain is the perfect place to start. It has all the intensity, suspense, and obsession that make dark romance so addictive—without the extreme brutality some books in the genre lean toward. Instead, it offers a Gilded Age setting filled with wealthy families, dangerous politics, and a love story that is as twisted as it is addictive.
The tropes? Perfection.
🔥 Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers – The tension, the heartbreak, the years of longing? Chef’s kiss.
📱 Stalker vibes & texting mind games – Just the right amount of unhinged devotion.
💸 Rich, powerful families & their cutthroat politics – The drama keeps coming, and I loved every second of it.
🌶 Obsession, spice, and tension so thick you could cut it with a knife – Addie and Kingstone’s chemistry is electric.
I finished this in less than two days—completely obsessed. The tension? Incredible. The emotions? Intense. The chemistry? Off the charts. This is one of those books that will ruin you and then make you want to read it all over again.
Final verdict: If you’re new to dark romance, read this. If you already love dark romance, definitely read this. And if you ever find yourself in a slump? This is the book that will pull you out.
⭐ 5/5 – Bring on the next book, I’m READY.
Gifted copy for review but the text and thoughts are entirely my own.
The tropes? Perfection.
🔥 Childhood best friends to enemies to lovers – The tension, the heartbreak, the years of longing? Chef’s kiss.
📱 Stalker vibes & texting mind games – Just the right amount of unhinged devotion.
💸 Rich, powerful families & their cutthroat politics – The drama keeps coming, and I loved every second of it.
🌶 Obsession, spice, and tension so thick you could cut it with a knife – Addie and Kingstone’s chemistry is electric.
I finished this in less than two days—completely obsessed. The tension? Incredible. The emotions? Intense. The chemistry? Off the charts. This is one of those books that will ruin you and then make you want to read it all over again.
Final verdict: If you’re new to dark romance, read this. If you already love dark romance, definitely read this. And if you ever find yourself in a slump? This is the book that will pull you out.
⭐ 5/5 – Bring on the next book, I’m READY.
Gifted copy for review but the text and thoughts are entirely my own.
March 26, 2025
“Prince of Pain,” by Tara Gallina
Cinderella type story with a friends to enemies to lovers trope type of stuff going on. There was a lot of mystery throughout the book which kept me wondering what would happen or what was going on. Family drama and teen angst all over the book. I wished the ending was more impactful than it ended up being but the book until then was really interesting. 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Hiddengems.
Cinderella type story with a friends to enemies to lovers trope type of stuff going on. There was a lot of mystery throughout the book which kept me wondering what would happen or what was going on. Family drama and teen angst all over the book. I wished the ending was more impactful than it ended up being but the book until then was really interesting. 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Hiddengems.
February 22, 2025
This was an ARC read. It was good, I liked the story, the spice was good, I liked the enemies to lovers. I like a little bit of a miscommunication trope but felt it was too drawn out. You could feel Adelaide's heartbreak and loneliness and how tormented Kingston is and loved that those feelings really came through.
I just felt like a lot of it was a little redundant.
Felt like the villains needed more to show why they were so terrible.
Liked the ending and the epilogue.
Thank you LoveNotes PR and Tara Gallina for the ARC!!
I just felt like a lot of it was a little redundant.
Felt like the villains needed more to show why they were so terrible.
Liked the ending and the epilogue.
Thank you LoveNotes PR and Tara Gallina for the ARC!!
March 7, 2025
This book is full of betrayal, heart break, all the emotions and true undying love. This unputdownable story kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. I couldn’t figure out why all this drama was happening. It’s a very complicated plot that keeps the reader hooked until the last page. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
March 8, 2025
I enjoyed reading this! It’s sweet but also edgy with a touch of mystery and a morally grey MMC that turns into a golden retriever.
It’s a friends to enemies to lovers gilded age story of love and loss and strength. I’ll tell ya that I didn’t expect to cry but I definitely did! I loved how the story came together and the ending left no questions unanswered.
It’s a friends to enemies to lovers gilded age story of love and loss and strength. I’ll tell ya that I didn’t expect to cry but I definitely did! I loved how the story came together and the ending left no questions unanswered.
November 9, 2025
I feel like 4⭐️ might be too high of a rating but it’s definitely not a 3⭐️
There were a few time jumps between current and past that could’ve been done better and left me confused at some points. The story line and characters were fine but didn’t make me feel anything🤷♀️
I probably would not recommend this book to someone but it was a very easy read and I flew through it.
There were a few time jumps between current and past that could’ve been done better and left me confused at some points. The story line and characters were fine but didn’t make me feel anything🤷♀️
I probably would not recommend this book to someone but it was a very easy read and I flew through it.
February 16, 2025
Very glad to be able to read this arc.. This is an author that I’ve never read, but very much enjoyed. This is a dark romance ( not too dark) but is very spicy, I love to see the growth off the mmc and mfc through the book and through their life.. There are a few triggers you should be aware of: bullying,physical and mental abuse, stalking, toxic relationships, past trauma… but in saying all that it is a great book . I love the main characters relationship as it grows up with them ( maybe toxic?) but is believable. The back story with their family and the violence and lies get between them. It’s a great story full of lots of twists and turns. Kingston and Addie are great characters with a great story to tell. The only downside side for me was the “bad men” in the book are spoken of and described but I would have like to hear them and their characters throughout the book. I am looking forward to the next in the series
February 19, 2025
Wow. I have so much I could say about this book. But wow sums it up. It kept me on my toes the whole time. I thought it couldn’t be an enemies to lovers story as they loved each other from their first meeting as kids. It was so evident they were destined to be together. But then came the betrayal, the lies, the hurt on so many different fronts.
I loved every word and couldn’t put the book down. She does an amazing job at keeping you hooked and then at leaving the story with a great ending.
So much happens in this book, it was such an emotional roller coaster. But one I would take again!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved every word and couldn’t put the book down. She does an amazing job at keeping you hooked and then at leaving the story with a great ending.
So much happens in this book, it was such an emotional roller coaster. But one I would take again!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2025
This book was an incredible experience. I have to be honest—the entire reading journey had me wiggling my legs countless times. While some might label it as dark romance, I see it as a story about two teenagers navigating their way back to each other while grappling with deep childhood trauma.
The plot and buildup are so compelling that I found myself reading all day long. I appreciate the simplicity of the storyline, which carries a powerful impact. I could relate to several parts of the book, and that made it even more engaging.
Overall, I rate it 4.5 out of 5. Excellent work
The plot and buildup are so compelling that I found myself reading all day long. I appreciate the simplicity of the storyline, which carries a powerful impact. I could relate to several parts of the book, and that made it even more engaging.
Overall, I rate it 4.5 out of 5. Excellent work
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