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Awakening Elaina: A Tale of Loss, Lust, Love & Liberation
In the hauntingly beautiful world of Awakening A Tale of Loss, Lust, Love & Liberation, young widow Elaina grapples with the shadows of her past, echoes of childhood trauma and the scars of sexual abuse that have long silenced her spirit. Beneath the surface of her grief lies an unyielding darkness and desire for liberation and sexuality.
Enter Jacob, her best friend's brooding older brother. A hero in every sense, his obsession with her has meant that he has made it his mission to protect her from the demons that haunt her.
Can she confront her demons through desire?
A journey of self-discovery, where kink, sexual awakening and vulnerability intertwine. This is a story of loss, love, and the power to rise from the ashes.
Are you ready to awaken & embrace the Darkness...
Enter Jacob, her best friend's brooding older brother. A hero in every sense, his obsession with her has meant that he has made it his mission to protect her from the demons that haunt her.
Can she confront her demons through desire?
A journey of self-discovery, where kink, sexual awakening and vulnerability intertwine. This is a story of loss, love, and the power to rise from the ashes.
Are you ready to awaken & embrace the Darkness...
- GenresSpicy
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2024
25 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 12, 2025
I did love this book ..
The storyline, the spice, the touch her & die vibes .. 👌
I just felt like it could of been shorter. There is a point in the storyline that was the perfect ending. It felt like the writing past this was put in just to fit more smut in. However, the smut that was in the rest of the storyline was spot on 👌
Overall, I would recommend the book ✌️
The storyline, the spice, the touch her & die vibes .. 👌
I just felt like it could of been shorter. There is a point in the storyline that was the perfect ending. It felt like the writing past this was put in just to fit more smut in. However, the smut that was in the rest of the storyline was spot on 👌
Overall, I would recommend the book ✌️
March 28, 2025
In the hauntingly beautiful world of Awakening Elaina: A Tale of Loss, Lust, Love & Liberation, young widow Elaina grapples with the shadows of her past, echoes of childhood trauma and the scars of sexual abuse that have long silenced her spirit. Beneath the surface of her grief lies an unyielding darkness and desire for liberation and sexuality.
Enter Jacob, her best friend's brooding older brother. A hero in every sense, his obsession with her has meant that he has made it his mission to protect her from the demons that haunt her.
Can she confront her demons through desire?
A journey of self-discovery, where kink, sexual awakening and vulnerability intertwine. This is a story of loss, love, and the power to rise from the ashes.
Are you ready to awaken & embrace the Darkness...
Thoughts:
I couldn’t put this book down! Wow! This was a dark read and I loved all of it!
The FMCs development and set backs throughout this book were well written. The MMC obsessed dark dom hero! swoon!
Elaina and Jake have my whole heart! I giggled, kicked my feet, almost threw the book and even cried a little. It was a great roller coaster!
Please check your trigger warning before reading this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enter Jacob, her best friend's brooding older brother. A hero in every sense, his obsession with her has meant that he has made it his mission to protect her from the demons that haunt her.
Can she confront her demons through desire?
A journey of self-discovery, where kink, sexual awakening and vulnerability intertwine. This is a story of loss, love, and the power to rise from the ashes.
Are you ready to awaken & embrace the Darkness...
Thoughts:
I couldn’t put this book down! Wow! This was a dark read and I loved all of it!
The FMCs development and set backs throughout this book were well written. The MMC obsessed dark dom hero! swoon!
Elaina and Jake have my whole heart! I giggled, kicked my feet, almost threw the book and even cried a little. It was a great roller coaster!
Please check your trigger warning before reading this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 16, 2025
3.5/4stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Awakening Elaina
“My dark angle, you are my life. I would let the world burn if it meant having you for eternity.”
“The only thing I ask is that you outlive me, so I dont have to live in a world where you don’t exist.”
I give this book 3.5/4 stars. This book had a great story line truly. The FMC had backstory that was gut wrenching and gripping and you see her learn about herself, overcome trauma, ptsd, get a second chance at love, found family, truly had it all.
The spice was spicing, and much appreciated. What kept it from being a solid 4/5 was the “poly relations” should have been sprinkled throughout the book more. The group scene came i felt abruptly after she went through some serious trauma…
Her story line was strong enough, and the happy ending was nice and the spice of course.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Awakening Elaina
“My dark angle, you are my life. I would let the world burn if it meant having you for eternity.”
“The only thing I ask is that you outlive me, so I dont have to live in a world where you don’t exist.”
I give this book 3.5/4 stars. This book had a great story line truly. The FMC had backstory that was gut wrenching and gripping and you see her learn about herself, overcome trauma, ptsd, get a second chance at love, found family, truly had it all.
The spice was spicing, and much appreciated. What kept it from being a solid 4/5 was the “poly relations” should have been sprinkled throughout the book more. The group scene came i felt abruptly after she went through some serious trauma…
Her story line was strong enough, and the happy ending was nice and the spice of course.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved it!
Elaina starts off broken by her husband's death and having to deal with his awful family after some shocking truths come out at the funeral. But she bravely takes her life back with her best friend's brother, Jacob, by her side.
Add a devastating past that comes back to haunt Elaina, and you've got a gripping story.
Watching Elaina get her confidence back was inspiring and kept me hooked, and the chemistry between her and Jacob was seriously HOT!!!!
I'm really looking forward to continuing the series. I have a feeling that I'm going to be obsessed with Alex!!
Elaina starts off broken by her husband's death and having to deal with his awful family after some shocking truths come out at the funeral. But she bravely takes her life back with her best friend's brother, Jacob, by her side.
Add a devastating past that comes back to haunt Elaina, and you've got a gripping story.
Watching Elaina get her confidence back was inspiring and kept me hooked, and the chemistry between her and Jacob was seriously HOT!!!!
I'm really looking forward to continuing the series. I have a feeling that I'm going to be obsessed with Alex!!
April 30, 2026
One of the best books I've ever read! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!!
November 16, 2025
This book, wow. I went through all the emotions reading this one. It is spicy, dark and perfect in everyway. I absolutely fell in love with the FMC and the MMC and I really felt all the emotions with them through the events of the book, it was brilliantly written. This book has taken a spot in my all time favourites and I will absolutely be reading everything else this Author ever writes! Absolutely Obsessed, you NEED to read this! 🖤
March 16, 2025
Wow 5 star read
This book was so good this is a debut novel and I loved it .
It made me laugh , it broke my heart in place and I really connected with the story.
Elaina and Jake have my whole heart and the perfect couple
The story and writing flowed perfect and I need more 🖤
This book was so good this is a debut novel and I loved it .
It made me laugh , it broke my heart in place and I really connected with the story.
Elaina and Jake have my whole heart and the perfect couple
The story and writing flowed perfect and I need more 🖤
December 30, 2025
A tale of loss, lust, love and liberation. It’s right there on the cover. But you’re not prepaired for this book.
Dark romance ‘touch her and die’ vibes are strong.
Steamy ‘I can’t get enough of you’ intimacy with a deep BDSM vibe gives me life! Not the 50 shades type either, the real D/s vibe we all drool over.
But beyond that, we have a deep story line that will put you on a rollercoaster similar to Haunting Adeline and other dark romances that just seem to live under your skin forever more. This one will haunt you.
Elaina has seen more trauma than a woman of her just 30s ever should have. Loosing her parents resulted in being thrown into the foster system where she was brutally abused by the men who would frequent the homes she was placed in. Dark, dirty predators that took everything from her body and soul. So when she marries young to a man of wealth who quickly trained her to be the perfect beige wife fit for the high society he walked among; she was merely a shell of what she used to be. So alone: so lost.
But she never was truly alone, because all these years Jake (her childhood besties brother) has been watching her, following her moves, learning everything he can; and he’s not just obsessed; she is his oxygen and he will have her. Protect her. Save her.
Through the fire of trauma risen again, the exploration of her own inner darkness; and the guidance of a dominating Jake tempting his Angel to show her Devil side in and out of the bedroom, El not only manages to extract her revenge for those who harmed her in the most brutally delicious way, she steps into her power, realises her true self, and becomes the ‘ little badass’ she always had hidden away inside: and together with Jake; the world is theirs to conquer. Well in-between the amazingly spicy moments and the frequent debortuary at their new adventure, a BDSM club called Dark.
Readers beware , the trauma El goes through can be triggering, it’s intense; detailed , and you live it alongside her as this book has its way of really immersing you , so read your trigger warnings. But for those Dark romance girlies out there like me who eat trigger warnings as a snack this is definitely a book for you.
Dark romance ‘touch her and die’ vibes are strong.
Steamy ‘I can’t get enough of you’ intimacy with a deep BDSM vibe gives me life! Not the 50 shades type either, the real D/s vibe we all drool over.
But beyond that, we have a deep story line that will put you on a rollercoaster similar to Haunting Adeline and other dark romances that just seem to live under your skin forever more. This one will haunt you.
Elaina has seen more trauma than a woman of her just 30s ever should have. Loosing her parents resulted in being thrown into the foster system where she was brutally abused by the men who would frequent the homes she was placed in. Dark, dirty predators that took everything from her body and soul. So when she marries young to a man of wealth who quickly trained her to be the perfect beige wife fit for the high society he walked among; she was merely a shell of what she used to be. So alone: so lost.
But she never was truly alone, because all these years Jake (her childhood besties brother) has been watching her, following her moves, learning everything he can; and he’s not just obsessed; she is his oxygen and he will have her. Protect her. Save her.
Through the fire of trauma risen again, the exploration of her own inner darkness; and the guidance of a dominating Jake tempting his Angel to show her Devil side in and out of the bedroom, El not only manages to extract her revenge for those who harmed her in the most brutally delicious way, she steps into her power, realises her true self, and becomes the ‘ little badass’ she always had hidden away inside: and together with Jake; the world is theirs to conquer. Well in-between the amazingly spicy moments and the frequent debortuary at their new adventure, a BDSM club called Dark.
Readers beware , the trauma El goes through can be triggering, it’s intense; detailed , and you live it alongside her as this book has its way of really immersing you , so read your trigger warnings. But for those Dark romance girlies out there like me who eat trigger warnings as a snack this is definitely a book for you.
November 10, 2025
if I could rate this out of 10, it would, without a doubt, be a 10/10😍
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
I'm struggling to comprehend how I'm feeling after finishing this book, and to find the words to describe the things it has done to me over the past week😅
It literally destroyed me, I cried a good few times over the things Elaina went through. Her growth and the things she overcame in this book was absolutely amazing. With everything she had gone through, I fully expected this to be a book where she remained broken throughout, but instead she rose from the dark like a phoenix from the ashes and absolutely smashed out of the cage of heartache she was stuck in ❤️🔥
I'm so glad her first husband died, if not I would've wanted to put him 6ft under myself. Awful creature. His family of vultures were dreadful too, the lack of loyalty towards Elaina and the betrayal was so heartless 🔪 . And don't even get me started on the mistress, I hated every part of her and her nasty, hurtful behaviour.
Jake was such a sweetheart 🫶🏼 the way he treats his "Angel" is absolutely swoon-worthy. The care, the love, the protectiveness, the worshipping, the dominance... just wow, he's incredible.
If this was a show, it would be one of those comfort shows that you watch over and over again because you just love it that much.
Normally I fly through books because I read quickly, but I purposely took my time with this one because I honestly just didn't want it to end.
This book had my heart beating crazy at one point, had me cry a good few times, smiling more than I expected, and shedding a few happy tears too. It has ruined me emotionally and then stitched me back together in the best way.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
I'm struggling to comprehend how I'm feeling after finishing this book, and to find the words to describe the things it has done to me over the past week😅
It literally destroyed me, I cried a good few times over the things Elaina went through. Her growth and the things she overcame in this book was absolutely amazing. With everything she had gone through, I fully expected this to be a book where she remained broken throughout, but instead she rose from the dark like a phoenix from the ashes and absolutely smashed out of the cage of heartache she was stuck in ❤️🔥
I'm so glad her first husband died, if not I would've wanted to put him 6ft under myself. Awful creature. His family of vultures were dreadful too, the lack of loyalty towards Elaina and the betrayal was so heartless 🔪 . And don't even get me started on the mistress, I hated every part of her and her nasty, hurtful behaviour.
Jake was such a sweetheart 🫶🏼 the way he treats his "Angel" is absolutely swoon-worthy. The care, the love, the protectiveness, the worshipping, the dominance... just wow, he's incredible.
If this was a show, it would be one of those comfort shows that you watch over and over again because you just love it that much.
Normally I fly through books because I read quickly, but I purposely took my time with this one because I honestly just didn't want it to end.
This book had my heart beating crazy at one point, had me cry a good few times, smiling more than I expected, and shedding a few happy tears too. It has ruined me emotionally and then stitched me back together in the best way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
Awakening Elaina is the first book in the Dark Series, and WOW — what an incredible start. I genuinely couldn’t put this book down.
I would just say that if you do have some triggers then check out the warnings for this book first.
The story follows Elaina, who becomes a widow at a young age and begins to struggle once again with the trauma from her childhood. During her marriage, she had become someone she wasn’t — moulded by her husband into what he considered the perfect wife and woman. No one truly knew the real Elaina.
Except for Jacob — her old best friend’s older brother. He has been obsessed with Elaina for years, lurking in the background and keeping an eye on her for the last ten years.
This is a dark read, and as someone still fairly new to the genre, I can confidently say I am fully invested in this series. Elaina is written perfectly; her character development, as well as her setbacks, feel incredibly real. You truly feel for her after everything she has been through — and what she goes through again would be enough to make anyone want to give up.
There are some scenes I absolutely loved, but I don’t want to go into too much detail and risk spoilers. Her badass moment was everything she needed, and the Christmas Eve scene… wow — HOT.
I also love the relationship between Elaina and Jake. They are perfection together, and he would do absolutely anything to protect her. While many people talk about their relationship, the friendship between Elaina and Nicole also deserves recognition. After drifting apart, they come back together as if they had never been separated — a true example of real friendship.
I honestly wish I had discovered this series sooner. Now, hand me book two.
I would just say that if you do have some triggers then check out the warnings for this book first.
The story follows Elaina, who becomes a widow at a young age and begins to struggle once again with the trauma from her childhood. During her marriage, she had become someone she wasn’t — moulded by her husband into what he considered the perfect wife and woman. No one truly knew the real Elaina.
Except for Jacob — her old best friend’s older brother. He has been obsessed with Elaina for years, lurking in the background and keeping an eye on her for the last ten years.
This is a dark read, and as someone still fairly new to the genre, I can confidently say I am fully invested in this series. Elaina is written perfectly; her character development, as well as her setbacks, feel incredibly real. You truly feel for her after everything she has been through — and what she goes through again would be enough to make anyone want to give up.
There are some scenes I absolutely loved, but I don’t want to go into too much detail and risk spoilers. Her badass moment was everything she needed, and the Christmas Eve scene… wow — HOT.
I also love the relationship between Elaina and Jake. They are perfection together, and he would do absolutely anything to protect her. While many people talk about their relationship, the friendship between Elaina and Nicole also deserves recognition. After drifting apart, they come back together as if they had never been separated — a true example of real friendship.
I honestly wish I had discovered this series sooner. Now, hand me book two.
May 3, 2026
Was Awakening Elaina my kind of story? ...hell yeah it was- Five stars, easily.
Elaina completely carried this book for me. I loved how she wasn't just instantly "figured out"-you actually get to see her grow into herself, piece by piece. There's something really satisfying about watching her come into her own, and it felt genuine the whole way through. She's strong, but not in an over-the-top way-more in that quiet, determined way that sneaks up on you. The things she has faced I don't think I could face the world in the way she does and having a best friend brother to guide her into the spicy world of BDSM safely yesssss please!
The overall vibe of the story just worked. It's emotional without being heavy, and there's this steady depth to it that keeps you hooked. It's not trying too hard, it just is, and I appreciated that. You can tell it's a story about growth, healing, and stepping into who you're meant to be, but it never felt forced.
The romance was such a good addition too. It didn't overpower everything else, but it blended in really nicely with Elaina's journey. It felt natural, not rushed, and liked how it supported her story instead of taking it over.
Everything just came together in a way that made it hard to put down. It's one of those books where you finish it and just sit there for a second like. yeah, that was worth it.
Definitely a five-star read for me. I can't wait to read more.
Elaina completely carried this book for me. I loved how she wasn't just instantly "figured out"-you actually get to see her grow into herself, piece by piece. There's something really satisfying about watching her come into her own, and it felt genuine the whole way through. She's strong, but not in an over-the-top way-more in that quiet, determined way that sneaks up on you. The things she has faced I don't think I could face the world in the way she does and having a best friend brother to guide her into the spicy world of BDSM safely yesssss please!
The overall vibe of the story just worked. It's emotional without being heavy, and there's this steady depth to it that keeps you hooked. It's not trying too hard, it just is, and I appreciated that. You can tell it's a story about growth, healing, and stepping into who you're meant to be, but it never felt forced.
The romance was such a good addition too. It didn't overpower everything else, but it blended in really nicely with Elaina's journey. It felt natural, not rushed, and liked how it supported her story instead of taking it over.
Everything just came together in a way that made it hard to put down. It's one of those books where you finish it and just sit there for a second like. yeah, that was worth it.
Definitely a five-star read for me. I can't wait to read more.
November 10, 2025
This was a wickedly spicy read with quite the emotional developmental journey for Elaina. Having suffered in the past, Elaina has been stifled in so many ways & still needs to heal.
Until Jacob. He's a dark, protective, obsessive dom, brooding & ready to protect her with his 'brothers' backing him up; the 4 take on new roles in her life. Some more unexpected than others. There are some dark on page elements, as well as scenes from her past, which sensitive readers definitely need to check the triggers for.
It got spicy, it got k1nky & it got really dark in places, with more than a little revenge thrown in. So if any of this is your thing, you will 100% love this book.
I am looking forward to seeing where Penny takes the series next...
Until Jacob. He's a dark, protective, obsessive dom, brooding & ready to protect her with his 'brothers' backing him up; the 4 take on new roles in her life. Some more unexpected than others. There are some dark on page elements, as well as scenes from her past, which sensitive readers definitely need to check the triggers for.
It got spicy, it got k1nky & it got really dark in places, with more than a little revenge thrown in. So if any of this is your thing, you will 100% love this book.
I am looking forward to seeing where Penny takes the series next...
January 6, 2026
Best friends brother
Dual POV
Touch her d!e vibes
In this new dark series we meet Elaina. She’s had a traumatic past and is dealing with her demons. Her husband, passes away and she finds out that he’s been having a separate life with another woman. She feels angry, disappointed and lied too.
At the wake she stumbles into Jacob, her best friend, Nicole’s brother.
Jacob works for a security firm and since his sister and Elaina became friends he has been obsessed with her.
The spice and the story is amazing. The side characters of Alex, Derek and Mark intrigue me.
Penny is a new author to me and I cannot wait to read more of her work. Highly recommend this new dark romance series.
Dual POV
Touch her d!e vibes
In this new dark series we meet Elaina. She’s had a traumatic past and is dealing with her demons. Her husband, passes away and she finds out that he’s been having a separate life with another woman. She feels angry, disappointed and lied too.
At the wake she stumbles into Jacob, her best friend, Nicole’s brother.
Jacob works for a security firm and since his sister and Elaina became friends he has been obsessed with her.
The spice and the story is amazing. The side characters of Alex, Derek and Mark intrigue me.
Penny is a new author to me and I cannot wait to read more of her work. Highly recommend this new dark romance series.
November 4, 2025
What a rollercoaster of emotions this book sent me on! The FMC transforms from a vulnerable little widow to a sex siren who takes her power back and rises from the ashes! She turns her pain and trauma into pure confidence and sex appeal! And her knight in black armour don’t even get me started on Jacob, he is the man of dreams! Dominant, possessive, protective and sexy as hell!! Together they are unstoppable
What have you done to me ?!
Screaming, crying and throwing up doesn’t even come close to how this book has effected me! Never read a love story so dark, raw, emotional and obsessive! There’s plot, there’s twists and there’s definitely spice - Everything I love in a book! I got so lost in Elaina and Jacob’s story I’m having a hard time realising they aren’t real … don’t think I will ever get over this book
I had the honour of meeting Penny at AATA last month and she did not disappoint she’s such a lovely, down to earth woman! Thank you for giving us such an amazing book, you are one talented woman
I am sooo excited to get lost in the world of Alex, Mark and Derek
What have you done to me ?!
Screaming, crying and throwing up doesn’t even come close to how this book has effected me! Never read a love story so dark, raw, emotional and obsessive! There’s plot, there’s twists and there’s definitely spice - Everything I love in a book! I got so lost in Elaina and Jacob’s story I’m having a hard time realising they aren’t real … don’t think I will ever get over this book
I had the honour of meeting Penny at AATA last month and she did not disappoint she’s such a lovely, down to earth woman! Thank you for giving us such an amazing book, you are one talented woman
I am sooo excited to get lost in the world of Alex, Mark and Derek
February 9, 2025
I loved this debut book from Penny Mappoura Salmon! It was dark and delicious and the FMC has great development in her story arc.
The MMC is obsessed, touch her and 💀 (literally). The spice is bang on through the book. The FMC finding her darkness in more waysbthan one.
A story of self discovery and I can't wait for book 2!!
The MMC is obsessed, touch her and 💀 (literally). The spice is bang on through the book. The FMC finding her darkness in more waysbthan one.
A story of self discovery and I can't wait for book 2!!
December 23, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. The emotions the author pulls out of you throughout this whole book is amazing. Got worried in the beginning over the MMCs obsession but Penny did it tastefully. The touches on some pretty dark subjects that can be relatable to some readers. It was definitely worth the read! Diving into book 2 now!
July 23, 2025
This book was so beautifully dark and I am absolutely in love with it! Elaina’s story was amazing, I love that she had so much backstory. I am also absolutely OBSESSED with Jake, and the smut! 😍❤️
6/5 stars, I am so so glad I picked this up!
6/5 stars, I am so so glad I picked this up!
August 17, 2025
(Please read your trigger warnings!!)
Elaina - Has become a widow, a widow who has found out her husband isn't who she thought he was.
She has lots of past childhood trauma, ones that she hasn't forgotten.
Her life is about to change when she rekindles with her childhood best friends brother.
Jake - Rekindles with Elaina, who is his sisters childhood best friend, he becomes obsessed with Elaina and lets her see parts of his dark and thrilling life.
This is a beautifully written dark romance, one where we see a second chance romance between childhood friends, we also see how the FMC becomes her own hero with the support of her hero man behind her guiding her the best way he can.
There are lots of twists and turns in his novel. There is also delicious spice. The way the author created the dark themes and spicy scenes in his novel is amazing!!
This book got me hook line and sinker! I absolutely ate this book up!!
This is the first time reading this authors work, and I can hands down say it will not be the last! I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us next!
If you are looking for a dark romance novel, with twists and turns and delicous spice, then this novel is for you! As always, please read your trigger warnings.
Elaina - Has become a widow, a widow who has found out her husband isn't who she thought he was.
She has lots of past childhood trauma, ones that she hasn't forgotten.
Her life is about to change when she rekindles with her childhood best friends brother.
Jake - Rekindles with Elaina, who is his sisters childhood best friend, he becomes obsessed with Elaina and lets her see parts of his dark and thrilling life.
This is a beautifully written dark romance, one where we see a second chance romance between childhood friends, we also see how the FMC becomes her own hero with the support of her hero man behind her guiding her the best way he can.
There are lots of twists and turns in his novel. There is also delicious spice. The way the author created the dark themes and spicy scenes in his novel is amazing!!
This book got me hook line and sinker! I absolutely ate this book up!!
This is the first time reading this authors work, and I can hands down say it will not be the last! I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us next!
If you are looking for a dark romance novel, with twists and turns and delicous spice, then this novel is for you! As always, please read your trigger warnings.
November 15, 2025
What a roller coaster of emotions, I have loved every second of this book so much i gave up on today and read this instead thankfully my family are understanding. I have yelled, cried and wanted to scream so much and yet every single sentence was so well put tighter. loved every part of it.
January 3, 2026
If you want a hero who is dangerously obsessed and a story that turns trauma into power, READ THIS.
Jacob is the ultimate "Who did this to you?" MMC. He’s been waiting in the shadows for years, and watching him help Elaina reclaim her body and her pleasure after so much loss is everything.
It’s dark, it’s heavy on the spice, and the emotional payoff is top-tier.
My heart was racing the entire time.
Check your triggers, then go get obsessed.
Jacob is the ultimate "Who did this to you?" MMC. He’s been waiting in the shadows for years, and watching him help Elaina reclaim her body and her pleasure after so much loss is everything.
It’s dark, it’s heavy on the spice, and the emotional payoff is top-tier.
My heart was racing the entire time.
Check your triggers, then go get obsessed.
January 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! I’m just getting back into reading and finished this in record time for me, going straight on to the next now. Very spicy but also a brilliant storyline too! Hate it when it’s just smut after smut and no story, this was perfect! Definitely recommend! Onto the next ………
August 24, 2025
OH. MY. DAYS. So freaking hot and heartbreaking and beautiful 😕 but him... WOooooo he's stunning, and dark and made of silky chocolate 🤤 As for the fire they have... Ouch!
March 28, 2026
What a ride this book was!
Elaina I am 90% sure I’m in love with her 😂
Jacob is all the right kinds of possessive!
I loved how we saw Elaina come into her own after all she has been through and find someone she can truly be herself with without judgement.
Nic is a badass bestie and I loved her!
I can’t wait to see how these books progress as we see more of the boys-fyi I’m team Alex already 👀👀
The spice scenes well…penny ma’am…nicely done 🥵
I’m gonna need me a moment with all them men and Elaina included 👀😂
This book touches on some raw subjects but it’s handled so well and shows the truth of how some trauma can change a person.
Excited for book 2! 🔥
Elaina I am 90% sure I’m in love with her 😂
Jacob is all the right kinds of possessive!
I loved how we saw Elaina come into her own after all she has been through and find someone she can truly be herself with without judgement.
Nic is a badass bestie and I loved her!
I can’t wait to see how these books progress as we see more of the boys-fyi I’m team Alex already 👀👀
The spice scenes well…penny ma’am…nicely done 🥵
I’m gonna need me a moment with all them men and Elaina included 👀😂
This book touches on some raw subjects but it’s handled so well and shows the truth of how some trauma can change a person.
Excited for book 2! 🔥
January 19, 2026
Such a good book.
August 19, 2025
Omg this book is dark……..like my heart 😜😜😜😜😜
Such a fantastic read from start to finish 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Elaina is a survivor AND stays that way throughout the book
Jake is 🥵🤤🫠🥵🤤🫠🥵🤤🫠 and will make sure Elaina stays that way, even with his ‘collar’ 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
A must read now for any dark hearted fan like myself
Such a fantastic read from start to finish 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Elaina is a survivor AND stays that way throughout the book
Jake is 🥵🤤🫠🥵🤤🫠🥵🤤🫠 and will make sure Elaina stays that way, even with his ‘collar’ 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
A must read now for any dark hearted fan like myself
January 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Awakening Elaina was an absolute nonstop rollercoaster of emotions and fire 🔥! Just when I thought I had a grasp on where the story was going, it surprised me again and I loved never knowing what was coming next. The unpredictability kept me completely hooked from start to finish.
The writing is beautiful and immersive, making Elaina’s journey feel raw, real, and deeply emotional. And let’s talk about the romance and smut because WOW!!! #TeamJacob It is on fire, but what really makes it work is how naturally it develops. Nothing feels rushed or forced!!! The chemistry builds in a way that feels earned and incredibly satisfying.
This book made me feel everything, heartbreak, hope, passion, and suspense. I will forever be recommending this book to those who love the dark side ! Awakening Elaina is a must-read.
Awakening Elaina was an absolute nonstop rollercoaster of emotions and fire 🔥! Just when I thought I had a grasp on where the story was going, it surprised me again and I loved never knowing what was coming next. The unpredictability kept me completely hooked from start to finish.
The writing is beautiful and immersive, making Elaina’s journey feel raw, real, and deeply emotional. And let’s talk about the romance and smut because WOW!!! #TeamJacob It is on fire, but what really makes it work is how naturally it develops. Nothing feels rushed or forced!!! The chemistry builds in a way that feels earned and incredibly satisfying.
This book made me feel everything, heartbreak, hope, passion, and suspense. I will forever be recommending this book to those who love the dark side ! Awakening Elaina is a must-read.
November 10, 2025
Wow what a rollercoaster this book took me on I think I felt every emotion known to man whilst reading this book. This is dark and haunting and I ate it up. The EMC in this book was so incredibly broken and watching her flourish and then navigate her setbacks was amazing and executed brilliantly. Now let's talk about Jake cause that's what I'm TALKING ABOUT wow his overprotective alpha energy was outmatched and he may be one of my new top MMCs he can Dom me whenever he feels like it. He was dark and broody and overbearing and soooo sexy wow wow wow wow wow wow I volunteer as tribute @the way he controlled his primal emotions around the EMC and let her lead as she pieced herself back together only stepping in when he needed to urgh *swoon* he melted me yes 10 stars for Jake
But those other 3 99999991'11 have a slice of each of those pies thank you
But those other 3 99999991'11 have a slice of each of those pies thank you
April 22, 2026
This was what I wanted in a dark romance , plot spice tension re discovery revenge and MC that will kill anyone who hurt her , Elaina had a really rough start in life losing her parents at a young age resulting in her ending up in foster care , her experience in foster care was horrific to say the least (sexually assaulted and abused read your triggers ) she eventually faces her demons and with the help of the amazing Jake she overcomes a lot of her own personal issues while re discovering how much of a fucking badass she really is 🖤 the spice was 10 /10 here , Jake uses a collar and a chain to parade her around the club, that scene was so powerful after all she has been through in her life to trust in Jake and explore her sexuality is just incredible, in no way did the author overdo the spice in this story the plot was equally as good with a really good plot twist keeping you on your toes 🖤would highly recommend this and I can’t wait to jump into the next one
March 15, 2026
Some books entertain you. Others crawl under your skin and stay there.
Awakening Elaina is haunting, emotional, and beautifully dark. Elaina’s journey through grief, trauma, and rediscovering her own power is raw and compelling, and it’s impossible not to root for her as she slowly begins to reclaim herself.
Jacob’s brooding, protective presence adds an intense layer of tension that kept me completely hooked. The story explores vulnerability, healing, and sexual awakening in a way that feels both powerful and deeply emotional.
A gripping, darkly beautiful read about rising from the ashes and embracing the strength within. I couldn’t put it down!
Awakening Elaina is haunting, emotional, and beautifully dark. Elaina’s journey through grief, trauma, and rediscovering her own power is raw and compelling, and it’s impossible not to root for her as she slowly begins to reclaim herself.
Jacob’s brooding, protective presence adds an intense layer of tension that kept me completely hooked. The story explores vulnerability, healing, and sexual awakening in a way that feels both powerful and deeply emotional.
A gripping, darkly beautiful read about rising from the ashes and embracing the strength within. I couldn’t put it down!
February 2, 2026
This was my first read by this author and I can honestly say I’m obsessed! 🤩
This book was beautifully written 😍
Jacob & Elaina were so amazingly written, their chemistry was incredible ♥️
The storyline was gripping and dark and I could not put it down!
The victim to healing part of this book was beautifully executed and I adored the second chance that Jake and Elaina get 🥰
I adored every single part of this read, the spice, the storyline and the possessive touch her and die vibes were everything 🥵
I absolutely adore this series!
Penny it was a pleasure to read this and I’m obsessed 🖤🖤
Read this for;
- Touch her and die vibes
- Possessive antihero
- Victim to badass FMC
- Found Family
- Victim to healing
- His sisters best friend
- Second chance romance
As usual babes, she is pretty but she is dark 😈🖤
Check your triggers 💋
This book was beautifully written 😍
Jacob & Elaina were so amazingly written, their chemistry was incredible ♥️
The storyline was gripping and dark and I could not put it down!
The victim to healing part of this book was beautifully executed and I adored the second chance that Jake and Elaina get 🥰
I adored every single part of this read, the spice, the storyline and the possessive touch her and die vibes were everything 🥵
I absolutely adore this series!
Penny it was a pleasure to read this and I’m obsessed 🖤🖤
Read this for;
- Touch her and die vibes
- Possessive antihero
- Victim to badass FMC
- Found Family
- Victim to healing
- His sisters best friend
- Second chance romance
As usual babes, she is pretty but she is dark 😈🖤
Check your triggers 💋
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