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Collateral Damage: A Sapphic Erotic Thriller
This book is a Sapphic Erotic Thriller intended for mature readers only. Please check trigger/content warnings at the beginning of the book or on our website. It contains graphic and disturbing scenes that some readers may find uncomfortable or triggering. It is a heavy seated Stockholm Syndrome with no guaranteed HEA.
P U P P E T
My life as I know it was taken from me. Murdered in cold blood. Now left with nothing but scattered pieces of my once perfect life, and a shell of the girl I used to be, stuck with a monster who carries a hollow heart. A broken engine. A Clown with an act for vengeance in blood. She speaks as if she knows me but won't confess. I will get to the bottom of this. I will uncover her secrets buried deep within these walls. Can I be the final piece in her broken engine to bring her back to life?
Will I be her salvation?
Will she be my beginning or my end?
P U P P E T E E R
This was meant to be my final act but life had other plans. Gifting me karma on a silver platter for my sins. Now stuck with a grieving girl who harbours a death wish in my presence. I will not apologise for my pain, only that this was never part of my plan. She was never meant to be a part of my show. She is simply Collateral damage caught in the crossfire of my ravenous revenge with a now, incessant need to fix me. Fix something that cannot be fixed.
She will be my undoing.
Will she be my beginning or my end?
P U P P E T
My life as I know it was taken from me. Murdered in cold blood. Now left with nothing but scattered pieces of my once perfect life, and a shell of the girl I used to be, stuck with a monster who carries a hollow heart. A broken engine. A Clown with an act for vengeance in blood. She speaks as if she knows me but won't confess. I will get to the bottom of this. I will uncover her secrets buried deep within these walls. Can I be the final piece in her broken engine to bring her back to life?
Will I be her salvation?
Will she be my beginning or my end?
P U P P E T E E R
This was meant to be my final act but life had other plans. Gifting me karma on a silver platter for my sins. Now stuck with a grieving girl who harbours a death wish in my presence. I will not apologise for my pain, only that this was never part of my plan. She was never meant to be a part of my show. She is simply Collateral damage caught in the crossfire of my ravenous revenge with a now, incessant need to fix me. Fix something that cannot be fixed.
She will be my undoing.
Will she be my beginning or my end?
579 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
369 people are currently reading
2669 people want to read
About the author
Shassii
2 books134 followersLove creates art, pain creates strength and acceptance creates healing. Just two broken souls trying to give you all three! Me and my partner have always both been artistic in our own nature and we have found a way to blend those pieces of us together and create something magical.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
dnf
June 5, 2025DNF - no rating
I don’t know it must be me because so many people were raving about this book. The set up doesn’t work for me at all. The killer had a horrific childhood, but we’re only told about it briefly and I’m sorry it’s not enough for me to get behind the murder of the first two people. The killer wearing clown makeup? The prose is filled with odd word choices . It feels like the author is trying too hard to come up with interesting ways to say things and it ends up sounding weird.
I pushed through to 20% but I’m giving up now
See below for a quick example of what I’m talking about.
QUOTE
I don't even hear her approach, too concentrated on the ringing in my ears as I tremble to stay warm.
“You're shaking like a dog.” I jolt in response, not expecting her to jump scare me as she states the obvious from behind me, wiping away the remnants of present tears as I sniffle quietly.
“I'm fine.” My eyes roll to the back of my head, frustrated that I can't seem to have a moment of peace without her hovering. It's midnight or something stupid, what is she even doing up?
END QUOTE
I don’t know it must be me because so many people were raving about this book. The set up doesn’t work for me at all. The killer had a horrific childhood, but we’re only told about it briefly and I’m sorry it’s not enough for me to get behind the murder of the first two people. The killer wearing clown makeup? The prose is filled with odd word choices . It feels like the author is trying too hard to come up with interesting ways to say things and it ends up sounding weird.
I pushed through to 20% but I’m giving up now
See below for a quick example of what I’m talking about.
QUOTE
I don't even hear her approach, too concentrated on the ringing in my ears as I tremble to stay warm.
“You're shaking like a dog.” I jolt in response, not expecting her to jump scare me as she states the obvious from behind me, wiping away the remnants of present tears as I sniffle quietly.
“I'm fine.” My eyes roll to the back of my head, frustrated that I can't seem to have a moment of peace without her hovering. It's midnight or something stupid, what is she even doing up?
END QUOTE
September 9, 2025
I’m writing this just to advise you, please do not read this. Such a waste of time… I’m very disappointed because by some reviews I thought this would be amazing? I even asked it for my birthday and I’m sad they spent money on this. This book is so repetitive, SO cringe and it doesn’t make sense during so many parts. I started skipping pages when I was like in the middle just to know how it would end or if it would get any better? But it didn’t. It really looks like a 12-13 year old wrote this.
February 16, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO COLLATERAL DAMAGE!
"You were my beginning. And you will be my end."
If you want to have a proper cry this Valentine's Day, then you should read Collateral Damage. Yes, it will break you, but it will also put you back together again, so I'd say that's a win-win.
It's a slow burn romance with lots of tension, but the book itself isn't slow at all, you could easily finish it in one day, because Alo and Hays won't let you go until you've read all they have to say.
If you've ever experienced any kind of trauma, you might see yourself in this book, as I did. These two go through A LOT together, and it's not always sunshine and rainbows, but it was so worth it, reading their story.
I related to Hayden more than I did to Alora, but there are parts of me in both of them which is what made me love this book so much.
We follow both of their PoVs, and they're equally engaging. I enjoyed watching them grow to love one another & heal each other. The way Hayden brought Alora out of her shell, and Alo brought back a part of Hays she thought was gone, MY HEART.
I wish I could talk about the plot, but I don't wanna spoil anything, just know that it's a whole experience, and you should be ready to cry during the last 100 pages, mkay?
Because I absolutely did cry, the epilogue really got me, and got me BAD, I was a mess, about to question my whole existence. Then the picture at the end of the epilogue got me again...I've been HURT by this book, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Also fun fact, sunflowers are my favourite, which is going to be interesting going forward, because I KNOW I'll remember this book every time I look at one. Haha. *wails in the distance*
This was a beautiful, beautiful book, and I need everyone who has ever asked for a good sapphic romance to please read it!!! It has excellent and lovable characters, stellar writing (and pacing), an interesting and heartbreaking plot, and of course wonderful steam, what more could you want?
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
"You were my beginning. And you will be my end."
If you want to have a proper cry this Valentine's Day, then you should read Collateral Damage. Yes, it will break you, but it will also put you back together again, so I'd say that's a win-win.
It's a slow burn romance with lots of tension, but the book itself isn't slow at all, you could easily finish it in one day, because Alo and Hays won't let you go until you've read all they have to say.
If you've ever experienced any kind of trauma, you might see yourself in this book, as I did. These two go through A LOT together, and it's not always sunshine and rainbows, but it was so worth it, reading their story.
I related to Hayden more than I did to Alora, but there are parts of me in both of them which is what made me love this book so much.
We follow both of their PoVs, and they're equally engaging. I enjoyed watching them grow to love one another & heal each other. The way Hayden brought Alora out of her shell, and Alo brought back a part of Hays she thought was gone, MY HEART.
I wish I could talk about the plot, but I don't wanna spoil anything, just know that it's a whole experience, and you should be ready to cry during the last 100 pages, mkay?
Because I absolutely did cry, the epilogue really got me, and got me BAD, I was a mess, about to question my whole existence. Then the picture at the end of the epilogue got me again...I've been HURT by this book, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Also fun fact, sunflowers are my favourite, which is going to be interesting going forward, because I KNOW I'll remember this book every time I look at one. Haha. *wails in the distance*
This was a beautiful, beautiful book, and I need everyone who has ever asked for a good sapphic romance to please read it!!! It has excellent and lovable characters, stellar writing (and pacing), an interesting and heartbreaking plot, and of course wonderful steam, what more could you want?
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 26, 2025
SOMEONE HELP ME!!! 😭😭😭 I need therapy.
This book has left me with such grief and heartache but also a since of happiness and peace. I am in shambles right now. It has been a long time since a book has destroyed me like this. I will never forget the story of Hays and Alora.
This book has left me with such grief and heartache but also a since of happiness and peace. I am in shambles right now. It has been a long time since a book has destroyed me like this. I will never forget the story of Hays and Alora.
June 2, 2025
DNF at 12% I cannot force myself to read anymore of what seems like a 15yr old on Livejournal wrote and self published on Amazon
June 9, 2025
Damn. Imma need a minute to process this one.
**Update…four days later
So I’ve woken up every day thinking about Alora and Hays. I’m NOT a dark romance reader at all. I usually require a traditional HEA and way less angst in my romance reads. I purposely read this on vacation so that I could have all the vitamin D that the Outer Banks of NC could give me. Also, I knew that traveling with my 2 great nephews would result in ice cream at any time of the day that they demanded, so I thought I was all set with my coping mechanisms. I WAS WRONG.
When Shassii says to pay attention to the TWs, she’s dead serious. When she says it will break you and put you back together, she’s also dead serious. This debut is ridiculously good on so many levels. Revenge, redemption, justice, facing your inner demons, and resiliency are in there by the truckload. It was gut wrenching and touching and scary and just amazing.
I will let you know that there are some inconsistencies in the technical aspects of the book and I knew that going in. She’s an independent author and it’s her debut. I did not give a shit. The story is so engrossing and compelling. Definitely my read of 2025.
**Update…four days later
So I’ve woken up every day thinking about Alora and Hays. I’m NOT a dark romance reader at all. I usually require a traditional HEA and way less angst in my romance reads. I purposely read this on vacation so that I could have all the vitamin D that the Outer Banks of NC could give me. Also, I knew that traveling with my 2 great nephews would result in ice cream at any time of the day that they demanded, so I thought I was all set with my coping mechanisms. I WAS WRONG.
When Shassii says to pay attention to the TWs, she’s dead serious. When she says it will break you and put you back together, she’s also dead serious. This debut is ridiculously good on so many levels. Revenge, redemption, justice, facing your inner demons, and resiliency are in there by the truckload. It was gut wrenching and touching and scary and just amazing.
I will let you know that there are some inconsistencies in the technical aspects of the book and I knew that going in. She’s an independent author and it’s her debut. I did not give a shit. The story is so engrossing and compelling. Definitely my read of 2025.
March 6, 2025
Honestly, I had high expectations for this based on the reviews and was extremely disappointed. So many spelling errors and the story itself was bland and predictable.
December 16, 2024
“never, i’ll wait”
one … i’m fucking crying.
two … i’m fucking sobbing.
three … i’m a fucking mess.
four for good measure … i’m. fucking. ruined.
i had the privilege to arc read this and there’s not enough words to express how grateful i am 🖤 this book put me through the damn ringer and i would do it all over again just to get that feeling of reading it for the first time. hays and alora will forever be on my mind, live in my heart rent free. i wake up every morning thinking about them, their story, everything they’ve been through. they consume my every thought.
what would you do if some random stranger with a clown mask breaks into your house in the middle of the night and murks your parents, then snatches you away because you’ve seen too much and they just simply don’t want to let you go 👀
this is a dark sapphic erotic novel that follows hayden and alora 🌻🤡 grumpy x sunshine, revenge, morally pitch black, trauma, second chance, stockholm syndrome, slow burn, masked fmc, innocent fmc, banter, disability and mental health rep, justice system corruption, heartbreak, and tension
this book absolutely had me by the throat from just the idea of it alone. i 100% suggest going into it blind and preferably with tissues 😭 when i say slow burn … it’s a SLOW BURN WITH LOTS OF YUMMY TENSION !! you really have to read for the characters and everything they represent. hays and alora are literally everything and more. they deserve your attention and they deserve your time. seeing their journey together is one that had me sweating, clenching, choking on air, and eyes bugging out from crying so much. THE SPICE !???!! good lord 🧎🏻♀️ i think i read each scene a good three times before moving on because the wait was so worth it. the banter between hays and alora was everything and more !! their character development, especially hays, was just beautiful 🥹 i love everything about these two and i will forever cherish their story.
redd, you have out done yourself. you were born to write. i can not wait for your book baby to be available for the world. you deserve the whole universe. the way i’m sobbing just writing this review right now !!! this book became one of my favorite reads of the year and i can say without a doubt i will be rereading it over again. i never want to leave hays and alora. thank you for giving me the chance to arc read. i love you. i love your mind i love this book. i love these characters.
🫀
🌶️🌶️🌶️
one … i’m fucking crying.
two … i’m fucking sobbing.
three … i’m a fucking mess.
four for good measure … i’m. fucking. ruined.
i had the privilege to arc read this and there’s not enough words to express how grateful i am 🖤 this book put me through the damn ringer and i would do it all over again just to get that feeling of reading it for the first time. hays and alora will forever be on my mind, live in my heart rent free. i wake up every morning thinking about them, their story, everything they’ve been through. they consume my every thought.
what would you do if some random stranger with a clown mask breaks into your house in the middle of the night and murks your parents, then snatches you away because you’ve seen too much and they just simply don’t want to let you go 👀
this is a dark sapphic erotic novel that follows hayden and alora 🌻🤡 grumpy x sunshine, revenge, morally pitch black, trauma, second chance, stockholm syndrome, slow burn, masked fmc, innocent fmc, banter, disability and mental health rep, justice system corruption, heartbreak, and tension
this book absolutely had me by the throat from just the idea of it alone. i 100% suggest going into it blind and preferably with tissues 😭 when i say slow burn … it’s a SLOW BURN WITH LOTS OF YUMMY TENSION !! you really have to read for the characters and everything they represent. hays and alora are literally everything and more. they deserve your attention and they deserve your time. seeing their journey together is one that had me sweating, clenching, choking on air, and eyes bugging out from crying so much. THE SPICE !???!! good lord 🧎🏻♀️ i think i read each scene a good three times before moving on because the wait was so worth it. the banter between hays and alora was everything and more !! their character development, especially hays, was just beautiful 🥹 i love everything about these two and i will forever cherish their story.
redd, you have out done yourself. you were born to write. i can not wait for your book baby to be available for the world. you deserve the whole universe. the way i’m sobbing just writing this review right now !!! this book became one of my favorite reads of the year and i can say without a doubt i will be rereading it over again. i never want to leave hays and alora. thank you for giving me the chance to arc read. i love you. i love your mind i love this book. i love these characters.
🫀
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 1, 2025
I really don’t like leaving bad reviews, but this book annoyed me from beginning to end. My biggest accomplishment in life is that I was able to finish it..
it is too long, too repetitive, has SO MANY typos and so many things that make no sense at all.
I don’t really have any issues with the content itself, it is dark and fucked up as it was advertised to be, but everything else made me mad.
it is too long, too repetitive, has SO MANY typos and so many things that make no sense at all.
I don’t really have any issues with the content itself, it is dark and fucked up as it was advertised to be, but everything else made me mad.
June 15, 2025
Finished it just to say don’t read it. Prose is awkward and the storyline isn’t solid enough to believe anything could happen.
August 15, 2025
actually you know what? no. fuck this book. I am rating it.
This book sucked ass, the writing was horrible, the characters were horrible, this author wrote death and grief horribly and the characters were inconsistent, annoying and the overall ‘deeper’ message to this is still fucked up. If you want to go that route, don’t make the victim. STILL IN LOVE WITH THE ABUSER in the end. Goodnight. Fuck this book. I’m not being nice. Also WHERE THE FUCK WAS THIS WOMAN PULLING HER STRAP OUT IN EVERY SEX SCENE. Boom! It just magically was in her pants every time she needed it even if sex happened out of no where. Like no, no, fuck that. Fuck this book. Goodnight.
ALSO FOR GOD SAKES PICK A FUCKING NICKNAME
This book sucked ass, the writing was horrible, the characters were horrible, this author wrote death and grief horribly and the characters were inconsistent, annoying and the overall ‘deeper’ message to this is still fucked up. If you want to go that route, don’t make the victim. STILL IN LOVE WITH THE ABUSER in the end. Goodnight. Fuck this book. I’m not being nice. Also WHERE THE FUCK WAS THIS WOMAN PULLING HER STRAP OUT IN EVERY SEX SCENE. Boom! It just magically was in her pants every time she needed it even if sex happened out of no where. Like no, no, fuck that. Fuck this book. Goodnight.
ALSO FOR GOD SAKES PICK A FUCKING NICKNAME
November 11, 2025
The writing had me cringing at times with all the inner monologues being extremely dragged out…. and there were many run on sentences/spelling mistakes. But that being said, the story was so enjoyable I couldn’t rate it any less, even though I wanted to for its faults.
There are not enough f/f dark romance books out there and this one tried its hardest to make up for it. From the constant que of “play this song at this scene”, to the character images and trailer made on instagram, it gave everything it could.
Collateral Damage was definitely not just an erotic thriller. Tragic love story? 100%.
First off, that ending hurt like a bitch and I’m not forgiving the author at all for the emotional damage caused 😭 …and I’m so heartbroken about Shep. Ugh… thank you for the beautiful story but also how dare you.
The characters took a while to grow on me. I instantly was fond of Hayden from the start but Alora only changed my mind and feelings towards her at around 70%.
Now for the flaws in my opinion (sorry if you don’t agree):
I cannot get over her just always wearing a strap and ready to go. Like what? I was so thrown back from that every time and it almost took me out of the moment whenever it happened. Ain’t no way that was ever comfortable and I feel like it just wasn’t realistic (but hey, maybe that’s just me).
Also the court case and the entire police scene felt rushed and also unrealistic. I know it’s a story and I’m definitely a more glass half empty person .. so I can’t fault the author for me being cynical and criticizing all the little bits.
Overall, I love the slow angst and build up between the two. I loved the character development. And even though it hurt like a bitch, I loved the ending with Hayden saving her life through her words alone. Great debut.
There are not enough f/f dark romance books out there and this one tried its hardest to make up for it. From the constant que of “play this song at this scene”, to the character images and trailer made on instagram, it gave everything it could.
Collateral Damage was definitely not just an erotic thriller. Tragic love story? 100%.
First off, that ending hurt like a bitch and I’m not forgiving the author at all for the emotional damage caused 😭 …and I’m so heartbroken about Shep. Ugh… thank you for the beautiful story but also how dare you.
The characters took a while to grow on me. I instantly was fond of Hayden from the start but Alora only changed my mind and feelings towards her at around 70%.
Now for the flaws in my opinion (sorry if you don’t agree):
I cannot get over her just always wearing a strap and ready to go. Like what? I was so thrown back from that every time and it almost took me out of the moment whenever it happened. Ain’t no way that was ever comfortable and I feel like it just wasn’t realistic (but hey, maybe that’s just me).
Also the court case and the entire police scene felt rushed and also unrealistic. I know it’s a story and I’m definitely a more glass half empty person .. so I can’t fault the author for me being cynical and criticizing all the little bits.
Overall, I love the slow angst and build up between the two. I loved the character development. And even though it hurt like a bitch, I loved the ending with Hayden saving her life through her words alone. Great debut.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2025
so angry I have so much say, that's why imma say nothin.
April 22, 2025
O să încep prin a spune că e o carte aflată în afara zonei mele de confort. Am citit-o pentru că descrierea mi-a trezit curiozitatea și pentru că mi-am zis să încerc și ceva nou.
Din păcate, nu ne-am înțeles mai deloc.
- începutul mi s-a părut interesant, iar finalul mi-a plăcut, fiind potrivit pentru ceea ce s-a întâmplat
- mesajul a fost punctul forte al cărții pentru mine
- principala mea problemă a fost portretizarea lui Hayden; a fost atât de masculinizată încât deseori a trebuit să-mi amintesc că e vorba de o femeie, nu de un bărbat
- celălalt personaj feminin a fost tare clișeic
- n-am simțit chimia dintre cele două pe parcursul paginilor și nu știu exact dacă problema a fost la mine sau la carte
- tot parcursul lor mi s-a părut tare irealist, fiind exact ca un scenariu de film dramatic (cu excepția finalului); unele aspecte ar fi avut nevoie de lămuri pentru că am rămas cu întrebări; altele n-au avut sens pentru că au fost puțin discutate sau dezvoltate
- mi s-a părut foarte lungă pentru ceea ce oferă
- nici intervenția autoarei dinspre final nu mi s-a părut inspirată pentru că-mi place să descopăr singură ce urmează, nu să mi se spună.
Chiar dacă n-a funcționat, mă bucur că i-am dat o șansă. Voiam să o citesc de ceva timp și aș fi rămas cu gândul la ea.
Din păcate, nu ne-am înțeles mai deloc.
- începutul mi s-a părut interesant, iar finalul mi-a plăcut, fiind potrivit pentru ceea ce s-a întâmplat
- mesajul a fost punctul forte al cărții pentru mine
- principala mea problemă a fost portretizarea lui Hayden; a fost atât de masculinizată încât deseori a trebuit să-mi amintesc că e vorba de o femeie, nu de un bărbat
- celălalt personaj feminin a fost tare clișeic
- n-am simțit chimia dintre cele două pe parcursul paginilor și nu știu exact dacă problema a fost la mine sau la carte
- tot parcursul lor mi s-a părut tare irealist, fiind exact ca un scenariu de film dramatic (cu excepția finalului); unele aspecte ar fi avut nevoie de lămuri pentru că am rămas cu întrebări; altele n-au avut sens pentru că au fost puțin discutate sau dezvoltate
- mi s-a părut foarte lungă pentru ceea ce oferă
- nici intervenția autoarei dinspre final nu mi s-a părut inspirată pentru că-mi place să descopăr singură ce urmează, nu să mi se spună.
Chiar dacă n-a funcționat, mă bucur că i-am dat o șansă. Voiam să o citesc de ceva timp și aș fi rămas cu gândul la ea.
August 23, 2025
3.5 Stars
Collateral Damage recommended by @romanticallysapphic is a lesbian dark romance by Shassii.
The book cover and all the trigger warnings made it daunting to even start the book. As I got into it, I noticed some inconsistencies and plot holes. In addition, one of the main character’s narrative (Alora), (this is in the very beginning) the writing style had a very simplistic and quite naive expression which made it feel like a teenager’s online journal.
Furthermore, the inner monologue seemed repetitive in spirit at times. I noticed this especially in the middle part of the story and mostly coming from Hays, the other MC. She was selling the same goods with different ads. I understand the sentiment the author was trying to convey, such as ownership, possessiveness, etc. However, when the same dish is served over a period of time, it gets tiring.
As mentioned earlier, plot holes were found, some spelling errors, etc. In a critical pov it needs a bit more editing and refinement. However, if you shift your pov and overlook technical difficulties, the story in itself was entertaining and captivating. I enjoyed reading Hays and Alora’s story. The ending was noteworthy and emotionally charged. Despite everything said above, I truly enjoyed Collateral Damage.
Collateral Damage recommended by @romanticallysapphic is a lesbian dark romance by Shassii.
The book cover and all the trigger warnings made it daunting to even start the book. As I got into it, I noticed some inconsistencies and plot holes. In addition, one of the main character’s narrative (Alora), (this is in the very beginning) the writing style had a very simplistic and quite naive expression which made it feel like a teenager’s online journal.
Furthermore, the inner monologue seemed repetitive in spirit at times. I noticed this especially in the middle part of the story and mostly coming from Hays, the other MC. She was selling the same goods with different ads. I understand the sentiment the author was trying to convey, such as ownership, possessiveness, etc. However, when the same dish is served over a period of time, it gets tiring.
As mentioned earlier, plot holes were found, some spelling errors, etc. In a critical pov it needs a bit more editing and refinement. However, if you shift your pov and overlook technical difficulties, the story in itself was entertaining and captivating. I enjoyed reading Hays and Alora’s story. The ending was noteworthy and emotionally charged. Despite everything said above, I truly enjoyed Collateral Damage.
May 18, 2025
I’m gonna need a minute (or several days) before I write a review for this book 😭 nope. okay, I’m good. I think. Review below!
Well, firstly, I’ve never read a sapphic erotic thriller before….and I will say, it had me hooked from the get go!
I loved so many different parts of this book I honestly don’t know where to start! (Plus I really don’t want to spoil anything). I’ll just say, I adored the characters, the ups and downs, the growths, the setbacks, the hurt and the emotions! This book had me sobbing (and I mean real tears. If you know me irl. You’ll know it takes a lot to make me cry).
Just read it BUT please, check the triggers and content warnings before doing so. This is a dark romance and covers some extremely difficult topics.
I want to talk about the spice in this book too, amazing. Just one word 😂 if anyone knows my online presence, you know how much I love spice in books!! This book has 13 spicy scenes (a couple you may not consider that, but that’s my assessment of it). And they cover sooo many different kinks! I’m obsessed.
The books written in first person with 2x POVs. The author was amazing and included a playlist and lets you know exactly when to play each song! Which I highly recommend you do! Tropes consist of captive/captor, slow burn, revenge, forced proximity and age gap (11).
Well, firstly, I’ve never read a sapphic erotic thriller before….and I will say, it had me hooked from the get go!
I loved so many different parts of this book I honestly don’t know where to start! (Plus I really don’t want to spoil anything). I’ll just say, I adored the characters, the ups and downs, the growths, the setbacks, the hurt and the emotions! This book had me sobbing (and I mean real tears. If you know me irl. You’ll know it takes a lot to make me cry).
Just read it BUT please, check the triggers and content warnings before doing so. This is a dark romance and covers some extremely difficult topics.
I want to talk about the spice in this book too, amazing. Just one word 😂 if anyone knows my online presence, you know how much I love spice in books!! This book has 13 spicy scenes (a couple you may not consider that, but that’s my assessment of it). And they cover sooo many different kinks! I’m obsessed.
The books written in first person with 2x POVs. The author was amazing and included a playlist and lets you know exactly when to play each song! Which I highly recommend you do! Tropes consist of captive/captor, slow burn, revenge, forced proximity and age gap (11).
March 13, 2025
This is my official petition for MORE FF DARK ROMANCE BOOKS because this has just lit a match in me!
This was beautiful, and savage, and dark and tragic. By the end I was left broken in pieces only to be slowly put back together through words alone. But I'll never be the same.
Admittedly, it wasn't as dark as I thought it was going to be based on the synopsis but I'm actually glad for that. It was such a change to read about a villain that had been genuinely created by circumstance rather than just being an asshole for the sake of it because she could. I had empathy for Hays from the very beginning, so I never viewed her as the monster she believed herself to be.
Aloras innocence was endearing, and I had a few giggles at her frustration. She started as a naive, coddled and privileged teen, yet the trauma she endured turned her into a strong, capable and fierce woman. Her bratty attitude made me smile and her unwavering kindness was such a breath of fresh air. What should have broken her, changed her for the better.
There were quite a few spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and extremely long sentences throughout the book, but I don't think it took anything away from the story. I was able to look over them without being distracted (not an easy feat tbh) so I think it could have done with a bit of polishing but for a debut novel, it was fantastic.
Thank you for the buddy read, Carley!
This was beautiful, and savage, and dark and tragic. By the end I was left broken in pieces only to be slowly put back together through words alone. But I'll never be the same.
Admittedly, it wasn't as dark as I thought it was going to be based on the synopsis but I'm actually glad for that. It was such a change to read about a villain that had been genuinely created by circumstance rather than just being an asshole for the sake of it because she could. I had empathy for Hays from the very beginning, so I never viewed her as the monster she believed herself to be.
Aloras innocence was endearing, and I had a few giggles at her frustration. She started as a naive, coddled and privileged teen, yet the trauma she endured turned her into a strong, capable and fierce woman. Her bratty attitude made me smile and her unwavering kindness was such a breath of fresh air. What should have broken her, changed her for the better.
There were quite a few spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and extremely long sentences throughout the book, but I don't think it took anything away from the story. I was able to look over them without being distracted (not an easy feat tbh) so I think it could have done with a bit of polishing but for a debut novel, it was fantastic.
Thank you for the buddy read, Carley!
January 19, 2025
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️ Did it shatter me into a million pieces? Yes. Did I eat it up and lick the plate CLEAN OFF?! Also, yes. Every last motherf*kn DROP.
“You were the beginning, and you will be my end”
I had the absolute pleasure of ARC reading this for Shassii and I could not be more grateful to have been able to read this book before its release. So THANK YOU, even though I can’t show my gratitude enough🥺🖤
If you want a book that’s going to absolutely rip your heart out whilst being the most engaging, giggle inducing, wholesome yet devious book you’ve ever read? This one’s for you, pookie.
If you can stomach a story with dark topics (defs check triggers) then I demand you put this on your tbr RIGHT NOW😭😭😭
This book isn’t just a dark romance. It’s got so many other deeper meanings that I don’t wish to spoil, but it has so much substance and emotion to it. You can just tell how much passion has gone into it from all the tiny details. I could connect with both Alo and Hays on such a deep level. There are even songs to be played throughout for the full experience (YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THEM I PROMISE IT’s WORTH IT). I was a blubbering mess — still am — after finishing this book.
Long story short, this book will be a part of me for a long time. Definitely a new favourite of mine and I can’t wait to see what else Shassii comes up with. This was an incredible debut novel🥹🫶🏻
“You were the beginning, and you will be my end”
I had the absolute pleasure of ARC reading this for Shassii and I could not be more grateful to have been able to read this book before its release. So THANK YOU, even though I can’t show my gratitude enough🥺🖤
If you want a book that’s going to absolutely rip your heart out whilst being the most engaging, giggle inducing, wholesome yet devious book you’ve ever read? This one’s for you, pookie.
If you can stomach a story with dark topics (defs check triggers) then I demand you put this on your tbr RIGHT NOW😭😭😭
This book isn’t just a dark romance. It’s got so many other deeper meanings that I don’t wish to spoil, but it has so much substance and emotion to it. You can just tell how much passion has gone into it from all the tiny details. I could connect with both Alo and Hays on such a deep level. There are even songs to be played throughout for the full experience (YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THEM I PROMISE IT’s WORTH IT). I was a blubbering mess — still am — after finishing this book.
Long story short, this book will be a part of me for a long time. Definitely a new favourite of mine and I can’t wait to see what else Shassii comes up with. This was an incredible debut novel🥹🫶🏻
June 13, 2025
I have a LOT to say… but I do not want to go on forever or spoil anything.
There is a kind of "mise en abyme" with this book. Alora and Hays are the meeting of the innocence and the monster — and this book is a monster.
You should be afraid, stay away. And yet… the more you read, the more you fall. It pushes you to your limits, but it is not unpleasant. Despite all the pain, you come out of it changed.
God, this book made me feel things.
And yes, I was a good girl, followed the author’s instructions to the letter. I listened to every song at the right moment. She wanted to create an experience, and I respected the process.
And what an experience it was, an intense read. On every level.
(Please check the trigger warnings carefully before starting.)
There are so many books we love that simply pass through us, and that is fine, we still adore them.
And then there are books that leave marks, and maybe even scars.
Thankfully, not every book does this, otherwise, my head would be a mess.
But sometimes, having a story that still stirs you days later, that still tightens your chest when you hear a certain song… that is quite something.
So, if you enjoy this kind of book: I highly recommend it.
But buckle up. And stay hydrated!
There is a kind of "mise en abyme" with this book. Alora and Hays are the meeting of the innocence and the monster — and this book is a monster.
You should be afraid, stay away. And yet… the more you read, the more you fall. It pushes you to your limits, but it is not unpleasant. Despite all the pain, you come out of it changed.
God, this book made me feel things.
And yes, I was a good girl, followed the author’s instructions to the letter. I listened to every song at the right moment. She wanted to create an experience, and I respected the process.
And what an experience it was, an intense read. On every level.
(Please check the trigger warnings carefully before starting.)
There are so many books we love that simply pass through us, and that is fine, we still adore them.
And then there are books that leave marks, and maybe even scars.
Thankfully, not every book does this, otherwise, my head would be a mess.
But sometimes, having a story that still stirs you days later, that still tightens your chest when you hear a certain song… that is quite something.
So, if you enjoy this kind of book: I highly recommend it.
But buckle up. And stay hydrated!
June 24, 2025
1/5⭐️ - when i saw this was a wlw dark romance i got so excited but then it just got so confusing and i dnf’d at 116 pgs. one of the last chapters i read literally made no sense. hays took alora to the doctors and then immediately was looking for her in the house and then miss girl pops out with a knife and stabs her hand? same chapter. like it just doesn’t make sense. i tried to like it, i really did. disappointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
SOMEBODY SEDATE MEEEEE 😭😭😭
Read
April 10, 2025dnf at 25%...idk if i will come back to this :/
September 1, 2025
DNF at 35 pages. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. Did a 12 yr old write this? Terrible writing, so many mistakes, hard to follow. Why is everyone talking about this book??
June 14, 2025
Like how do I even review this???
This book BROKE. ME.
I cannot begin to describe the EMOTIONS I had through this. This is a decent read and I finished it in 2 days. TWO DAYS.
I was angry, I was sad, I was in to it?
“𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩? 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙-𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙙.”
I couldn’t put it down, this story had me engulfed and I’m sad that’s it done and I’m sad that’s how it ended.
Hayden, Hayley, my sweet little puppeteer, god you BROKE ME. You just loved with your whole heart but you just couldn’t say the words.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪, 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝘿’𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙮 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚. 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨.”
Alora, my sweet little baby girl. I am so sorry and I’m just so sad for you.
“𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙤. 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙢, 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧.”
Okay, that’s all. I can’t write anymore or I’ll cry again.
Everyone needs to read this book. I’ve found my newest auto-buy author in Shassii.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book BROKE. ME.
I cannot begin to describe the EMOTIONS I had through this. This is a decent read and I finished it in 2 days. TWO DAYS.
I was angry, I was sad, I was in to it?
“𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩? 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙-𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙙.”
I couldn’t put it down, this story had me engulfed and I’m sad that’s it done and I’m sad that’s how it ended.
Hayden, Hayley, my sweet little puppeteer, god you BROKE ME. You just loved with your whole heart but you just couldn’t say the words.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪, 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝘿’𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙮 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚. 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨.”
Alora, my sweet little baby girl. I am so sorry and I’m just so sad for you.
“𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙤. 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙤𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙢, 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧.”
Okay, that’s all. I can’t write anymore or I’ll cry again.
Everyone needs to read this book. I’ve found my newest auto-buy author in Shassii.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 27, 2025
First book that I DNF around 25%, and the first I've typed a review for.
Really struggled with the writing, seemed clumsy in places whilst somehow being unbelievable and predictable in the same breath.
In what world, would someone describe their parents' killer as "kind" within several hours of discovering their bodies?
I read such great things about this book, just really disappointing.
Really struggled with the writing, seemed clumsy in places whilst somehow being unbelievable and predictable in the same breath.
In what world, would someone describe their parents' killer as "kind" within several hours of discovering their bodies?
I read such great things about this book, just really disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
i really don’t understand how the rating on this is so high. it reads like a wattpad book (derogatory) and she calls her vagina a flower. also what was up with so many different nicknames. i did finish it all so 2 stars. i would’ve probably ate this up like 5 years ago
February 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
i am not ok after finishing this. i will be directing my therapy bills to shassi for hurting me like this.
rtc once my tears stop.
i am not ok after finishing this. i will be directing my therapy bills to shassi for hurting me like this.
rtc once my tears stop.
March 20, 2025
My favorite kind of characters are ones that have a hard shell with a gooey center, the ones that truly in their heart of hearts believe that they are irredeemable and will never be worth loving and then WHOOSH in comes the second main character to show them that they are just completely flat out wrong and so so worthy of that love and 😭 this book gave me all that and so much more!
This was my first foray into the darker genre so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The list of trigger warnings is long with this one (please read responsibly!) and gave me LOTS of clues as to what I was in for. While my main go-to is contemporary romance (I need that HEA!) I can 100% fully say with my entire chest that I will definitely be reading more books darker in nature and definitely more from this author. The way Shassii captured my heart with Hayden and Alora - I couldn’t stop turning the pages. And that epilogue! Don’t even get me started on the way it crushed my entire soul with its heart and raw emotion and that perfect blend of joy and sorrow. (I’ve shed tears in the past with other books but this one. Ugh. Once the tears started they kinda couldn’t stop 🥲)
It’s been 4 days and I haven’t been able to pick up another book. I’m still thinking about it, completely hungover on its intensity and heartache and the timeless belief that love really is the most powerful force out there. 🌻
This was my first foray into the darker genre so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The list of trigger warnings is long with this one (please read responsibly!) and gave me LOTS of clues as to what I was in for. While my main go-to is contemporary romance (I need that HEA!) I can 100% fully say with my entire chest that I will definitely be reading more books darker in nature and definitely more from this author. The way Shassii captured my heart with Hayden and Alora - I couldn’t stop turning the pages. And that epilogue! Don’t even get me started on the way it crushed my entire soul with its heart and raw emotion and that perfect blend of joy and sorrow. (I’ve shed tears in the past with other books but this one. Ugh. Once the tears started they kinda couldn’t stop 🥲)
It’s been 4 days and I haven’t been able to pick up another book. I’m still thinking about it, completely hungover on its intensity and heartache and the timeless belief that love really is the most powerful force out there. 🌻
December 15, 2024
I got this as an ARC, I am not obligated to leave a review of any kind!
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Collateral Damage hurt me in a way that I could not have anticipated or prepared for.
This book will rub you raw, gouge into where you’re hurting and rip away the walls you’ve put up around your most painful memories just to make you relive them again through the eyes of another.
The anguish on these pages was almost familiar. I saw different versions of myself in Alo and Hays, and sobbed my way through some of the chapters with my own memories playing in parallel.
I don't know how to explain what Collateral Damage means to me without sounding insane or oversharing, but reading it was ... therapeutic. It brought back memories and emotions I'd made an effort to avoid, both good and bad. I look at the night sky so differently now, for so many reasons.
The author truly has put so much time and effort and SOUL into this book, and when that slow burn finally catches, it's a wild ride, right down to the very end.
I'd say thank you to the author, but she has yet to pay my therapy bill <3
-----
Collateral Damage hurt me in a way that I could not have anticipated or prepared for.
This book will rub you raw, gouge into where you’re hurting and rip away the walls you’ve put up around your most painful memories just to make you relive them again through the eyes of another.
The anguish on these pages was almost familiar. I saw different versions of myself in Alo and Hays, and sobbed my way through some of the chapters with my own memories playing in parallel.
I don't know how to explain what Collateral Damage means to me without sounding insane or oversharing, but reading it was ... therapeutic. It brought back memories and emotions I'd made an effort to avoid, both good and bad. I look at the night sky so differently now, for so many reasons.
The author truly has put so much time and effort and SOUL into this book, and when that slow burn finally catches, it's a wild ride, right down to the very end.
I'd say thank you to the author, but she has yet to pay my therapy bill <3
July 24, 2025
a tragic story indeed.
So much character development and build up to the story. You learn so much from them and seeing them evolve from the tragedy and hurt their families put them through. There’s not much i can say without spoilers but i enjoyed seeing these characters fall in love and coming out of such a dark place in a way.
So much character development and build up to the story. You learn so much from them and seeing them evolve from the tragedy and hurt their families put them through. There’s not much i can say without spoilers but i enjoyed seeing these characters fall in love and coming out of such a dark place in a way.
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