Social Distortion

by Rhea Vynn

Lila

I don't believe in love.

My life revolves around my career as a chef and my dog, Max. But a dream changes everything, sending me spiraling into the world of online dating...and straight into the arms of Blaze. He's a brilliant scientist with a surprising passion for dark romance. Things were perfect, until my ex reappeared, turning my newfound love life into a complicated mess.

Blaze

I'm a scientist, not a casanova.

Women seem to want things that I can't give and I’m more comfortable with formulas than feelings and… I'm a virgin. When two of my colleagues introduce me to dark romance, I make online friends who introduced me a to a twisted version of what women crave. It's intoxicating. When I join the world of online dating, Lila is everything I've ever wanted. But my own darkness, and Lila's past, threaten to tear us apart.



Will our love survive the secrets, or will it become another casualty of the night?

Your mental health matters
Social Distortion does contain topics that could be considered triggering to some readers. These can be found in the author's note at the beginning of the book, the author's website, and on social media. Social Distortion is NOT recommended for readers under the age of 18.

Genres: Dark

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

Rhea Vynn is a Midwest girl with a rebellious soul who follows her dreams, quite literally. One morning she woke up with a story to tell and after several months she shared what she was doing with one of her friends. That is where the downward spiral of chaos into the pit of her enjoyment of writing Romantic Suspense and Crime Thrillers began. When she's not off chasing dreams she's running around to make sure that her five children are happy and healthy, and driving her husband down the tunnel of love and insanity.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY FLUFF-BALLS TO THE DARK SIDE!!!!
**CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS**

This book wasn't what I expected going into it....but man it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!! The beginning put off fluffy vibes....until close to the halfway point....then everything flipped!!! I was definitely caught off guard, but OMG Blaze is simply delicious!!! Loved the outcome!! Lila is one lucky lady!!

[Emmy Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn this book was not what I was expecting: It started out so innocent and cute but then took a darker turn. I loved this and finished this in one sitting. Blaze is a hot tatted scientist who’s friends actually are into dark romance, so he joins this dark romance readers group and reads dark romance hoping to find out how to make girls like him. He’s such a sweetheart and so shy, but man once he meets Lila, that monster hiding in there starts to come out. And the “Anonymous” texts encouraging him aren’t helping. Lila’s husband cheated on her and broke her heart years ago, then she finds Blaze on a dating app and that connection clicks. They are so cute!!! And they bond over Haunting Adeline which I find hilarious and adorable. I didn’t expect some parts of this plot but I wouldn’t call them major twists, it was still exciting and I was hooked. Some things weren’t explained well or at all, Blaze reveals some stuff from his past that hints at many dark secrets but he never fully explains them or tells them to Lila. Blaze seems like such a green flag at first… but oh you’re in for a surprise, a good one though! Lila is great too, she’s really like me, thinking that she’ll only be stuck with book boyfriends and her pets all her life. I loved this book, it was so cute and I give this a 4/5

[Felicia Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a whirlwind of ups and downs!

This book was Phenomenal and beautifully written. Properly placed in the thriller romance category, I devoured this one! I am a sucker for a good stalker romance and this one took the cake! Rhea Vynn has never disappointed with any of the books she’s written thus far and this one easily became my favorite! Right up there with Hans!

Our main characters are well written in their respective emotions and their stories are intense! Though left on a bit of a cliffhanger on what happened to Blaze in childhood, I am interested in finding that tid bit out. ;)

Lila was a sad and lonely girl who has been heart broken over a piece of trash ex and when she meets Blaze all the flames are ignited. Their love story was one for the ages and he’s just as unhinged as her ;) I loved it. Truly a match made in heaven for them.

The ending was beautiful. And made me smile ear to freaking ear! The climax of this book? PHEW! Yall get ready to scream and yell cause I sure did!

This one was amazing, well written open door spice and tons of unhinged antics, this book was intense and I adored every single second of it. I can’t wait to see what this author brings to the table next! And until then, you know what to do! Go read this one and let me know your thoughts!

Until the next one!

Muah! 💋

[Robyn Luther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Social Distortion, by author Rhea Vynn, released on June 17, 2025.

The story follows Lila, our FMC, who has always believed that love only exists in the books she reads, and Blaze, our MMC, a man shaken by failed relationships. The 2 connect through a dating app.

Lila's journey from fantasy-lover to risk-taker feels true and relatable. Their chemistry is believable. The story shows the thrill and excitement of new love… while still
acknowledging both peoples emotional baggage.

At novella length, Social Distortion doesn't waste a page. A few deeper scenes and details about the characters' lives outside of the relationship might have made it better and added more depth, but overall, the story feels complete and purposeful.

All in all, if you're looking for a quick, heartfelt romance with emotionally intelligent and honest characters that addresses love in the digital age… this one's a strong pick for you! Ya’ll check my girl out!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is he a perfect protective 'Book Boyfriend' or a parade of red flags?


"Social Distortion" by Rhea Vynn is an immediately captivating dark romance with relatable and highly developed intellectual characters. This dark romance features Lila, the FMC recovering from an abusive ex, and Blaze, the anxious, inexperienced MMC, who turns to a slightly unhinged readers group for dating advice. Vynn's narrative skillfully weaves the dynamics between these characters, blurring the line between bookgirlies wanting a strong protective MMC in their life (who checks off all the trope boxes) and how terrifying a psychotic "Book Boyfriend" would be in real life. Truly a fun read, with built-in recommendations/references to Vynn's favorite authors and artists, this book will keep you intrigued till the end.

[Rebecca Cuevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW

Social Distortion by Rhea Vynn

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶 🌶
Dark: 🖤🖤
Recommend: 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽


Perfect Romance


Okay this was one book that definitely had me laughing, sniffling, and getting angry. I couldn’t put it down for long.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything there was in this book. The characters and the banter back and forth. It was so worth the read.

I laughed so many times and had to cover my mouth from wanting to laugh out loud at 11:30pm while everyone was asleep. The spice and the darkness was something I enjoyed.

The reading group and the MMC with his antics. It was priceless. This is definitely a book I would recommend you read. It will have you all over with emotions. There are a few triggers so check those before you read.

[Shanai Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨✨✨

Social Distortion broke me in the best possible way. I devoured this book in 6 hours and immediately spiraled. Blaze?? A virgin scientist who simps with the intensity of a dark romance antihero??? SIGN ME UP. Lila?? A guarded woman learning to love again while being a total queen with her loyal dog Max?? I felt her.

This story is full of emotion, obsession, healing, and perfectly executed chaos. It gave me “touch her and die” energy with a soft heart. The chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS. The twists? I gasped. The writing? Poetic and unhinged in all the best ways.

If you love your romance dark, emotional, and a little bit feral, this is your next obsession. Rhea Vynn, I’m emotionally ruined and eternally grateful. 🖤

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Social Distortion is a fantastic dark romance! If you have ever read Rhea's books, you probably already know how amazing they are, but this book is the chef's kiss! I devoured this book. Blaze is not your typical MMC outwardly he seems like a good boy. What would you expect from a virgin scientist? However, he secretly has a dark, protective side. Lila is a heartbroken FMC with a dog named Max (that you have to love, or maybe it's just me because my dog's name is also Max lol.. ) Looking for a dark romance with a great storyline that will hold your attention? Then, I would recommend adding this book to your TBR! Be careful. If you feel like someone is watching you, they probably are!

18+ As this is a dark romance, please read TW's!

[Shanna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that when I started reading this book I didn't expect it to go where it did. Lila is wanting to move on from her broken relationship so she turns to online dating. I mean I kind of see myself in her looking for someone who is pure at heart. Blaze is something of a loner but has the heart of gold. Looking for "The One" takes him to online dating and well that is where he meets Lila. The chemistry between the two is just on fire and well it seems to be they were meant to be together. Now, there are a few twists and turns that even a pro at solving puzzles like me wasn't even close in guessing. If you are looking for something that is dark, fun, and well a HEA then this is your book. Rhea never disappoints and well she doesn't with Blaze and Lila in Social Distortion.

[Jenn Balis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ila is a chef who has sworn off love. After 10 years, she's convinced to "get back in the saddle." Like all of us, she had plenty of mediocre dates. Just when she thinks it's time to give up, she's matched with someone who seems to be perfect. Handsome, intelligent, great body, and likes to read. A man that reads dark romance. Yes, you read that right! A man who reads dark romance to learn what women want! When Lila realizes that she's already met Blaze before, she gives it 1 last try. Things get heated quickly, and his obsession is set ablaze after he loses his virginity! Blaze might just be a real-life book boyfriend...
This was one of the more realistic and relatable dark romance I've read! Once I started it, I couldn't put it down!

[Kayla T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Rhea’s books and her dipping into dark romance didn’t disappoint me. I enjoyed the dark elements of this book. Lila and Blaze were everything. Max was also a good incorporation.

Seeing the part about Lila being on the dating app and the man she matched with saying he likes to read, reminds me of one of my friends and the matches that she gets. This is definitely a good vibe to connect with someone that shares the same interest.

Blaze is such a good book boyfriend with how sweet he is and how committed he was from the start. I loved seeing the nerves he had being around Lila but them together was just a good thing to see.

I did enjoy the twists and turns that took place in this book. What would a book be by Rhea without them?

[Jesslynxreay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into or what was going to happen next. A nice quick book! I liked the characters, I feel like we could have dug more into the MMC. I found him fascinating, the way he would try to read people, he was socially awkward but masked it, didn’t fit in. The FMC deserves great things after what she went to, I can’t understand her forgiving nature, but she recognizes it as a flaw and girly definitely makes up for it, in a surprising twist that felt a little too quick to move the plot along, but I’m not mad at it. The spice was decent, the primal scene was the best scene. It ends in a happily ever after, I’m wondering if we’ll get a book on the friends?

[Jennifer Markowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! I will start off by saying that you should check the trigger warnings. This book from page one had me all up in my feelings. Parts of it just hit hard and made me cry. But I love that it has a HEA at the end. But OMG that twist about three fourths of the way through the book. I didn’t see that coming at all! I hit that point in the book and my jaw hit the floor and I was thinking “well THAT just happened”. I had a hard time with this book at first just because of all the feelings it brought to the surface for me. But I kept reading and it just kept getting better and better. Definitely going in my reread pile!

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I've discovered a new favourite author!


Lila has refused to date since her heart was broken ten years ago. However, after experiencing some intriguing dreams, she decides to try a dating app, where she meets Blaze.


This book was an amazing read! It starts off slowly, but by the time I was 10% in, I couldn't put it down. I must say, Blaze is an excellent character. He seems sweet and mild, but he definitely has a slightly twisted side that I adored.


Lila was sweet, a little broken from her past, as the story continues on, I got a clearer picture of why, though.  I did find one of her choices questionable but thankfully it ended on a happy note.

[Mirra Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me! It started off cute but took a darker turn that I really enjoyed. Blaze, a hot tatted scientist who joins a dark romance readers group, is trying to win over girls, and he's such a sweetheart. When he meets Lila, who’s recovering from a broken heart, their connection is instant. They bond over "Haunting Adeline," which is both hilarious and adorable. While there are hints of Blaze's dark past that aren’t fully explained, the story kept me hooked. Lila thinks she’ll only have book boyfriends and pets forever, which I really relate to since I have so many book boyfriends and two cats lol. Overall, it was a good read, and I’d give it a 4/5!

[KayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila has been single for a long time. After her ex almost ruined her, she couldn't see the point in dating again. Blaze is a smart guy who hasn't had the best luck in love. Somehow their friends convince them to join a dating site. Lila thinks this man is too good to be true but figures she'll take a shot. Blaze is getting his relationship advice from a book group, perhaps not the best idea. Will this end in flames or could this actually work out. Quick read, great story, not over the top with spice; an all around good book.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Lila and Blaze... this couple is everything. I haven't had a book tear me apart so much like this one. I was in my feels throughout the whole book haha

For a dark romance book, it was refreshing to have an MMC that was innocent. I wish we had more MMC's this way.

I feel like this book checked off a lot of things on my list and I cant praise it enough!

There is a twist of sorts in the book but to find out what it is.... you're just going to have to read it 😊

Now off I go before I cry again lol!

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

What start as a cute sweet story soon turned into something dark and twisted and sexy. It’s full of healing and obsession, raw gritty emotions and slightly feral

Blaze is a smart guy nerdy scientist who hasn't had the best luck in love and Lila doesn’t believe in love no more not after her ex almost destroyed her she has been single for a long time. Somehow their friends convince them to join a dating site. Blaze is getting his relationship advice from a book group what could possibly go wrong.

[Tabatha Slagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Blaze may have started out as a shy, nerdy guy with his "innocence" in tact, by the end of this book, he is the MMC we'd all drop to our knees for. Lila is definitely working through a tough past in this book, but she gets her own form of justice in the end. Of course, I was excited to come across the Dexter-esque reference in the book, which is becoming a Rhea signature. While this might have been her toe dip into the dark side, it did not disappoint and was definitely more of a plunge. I CANNOT wait for more, and if it's anything like this one, I know I'll love it.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa this was a dark one, but so good! Lila is a chef who doesn't have a lot going for her besides owning a restaurant. She starts doing online dating and finds a guy who was into dark romance just as much as her. Blaze just just started with dark romance novels and wanted to find someone he can share that with. Blaze and Lila's chemistry is off the charts and they get in deep right away. But Lila's past and Blaze's underlying darkness don't mix well. This was such a quick read for me and I can't wait to read more of Rhea's work!

[Sarah Seelbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am completely captivated by this book! I genuinely hope there’s more to delve into, perhaps a series or something alike, as I crave more! The story revolves around Blaze and Lila, along with Lila’s loyal sidekick, her dog Max. Lila is nursing a broken heart from her ex and is reluctant to love again. Blaze is a virgin scientist with a mischievous side. The chemistry between them is undeniable, yet they take their time getting to know each other. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a read!

[Dezireè · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF YALL ARE LOOKING FOR A STALKER ROMANCE THIS IS IT! SHE HAD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMEONE SHE THOUGHT WAS IT FOR HER TILL HE TURNED TO ALCOHOL. THEN IT WAS BAD. HE TURNED THINGS AROUND AND MESSED UP AGAIN. TEN YEARS LATER AND AN OPENED RESTAURANT SHE DECIDES TO TRY ONLINE DATING AND TURNS OUT TO BE SOMEONE WHO LIVES CLOSE BY.
🔟🔟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fast-paced read. I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance with a virgin MMC before, so that definitely made it stand out. It’s not like the other stalker romances I’ve picked up, which kept it interesting. I did feel like some parts moved a little too fast, and I would’ve loved more build up with Blaze and Lila since their connection felt pretty instant. But if you’re looking for something kinda dark, different, and easy to binge in one sitting, this one’s worth checking out.

[Mia Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much!
I love blaze and his character growth throughout this. and also Lila and her switch and growth from her trauma.
I also love that this is showing different ages to the usual 20 something year olds that are suddenly super experienced. it really gives a bit more relation to the real world 🌎

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

ahh what a lovely couple Blaze and Lila are so freaking cute together. This is such a great story. Its a quick read as well so if you want a quick darkish romance with spice this is the book for you and the characters are just amazing and really Rhea did a great job bringing Lila and Blaze's story to life and brought the characters to life well it's was definitely a great read.

[Spicy BookNook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so this book took me by complete surprise. What started off as this cute book, turned dark real fasssst! 👀 like holy smokes, I was not expecting that!

Blaze is something else I tell ya. Like...sometimes I just, don't even know what to say about him?!

Ohhhh and the ending? Loved it so much!!!

I absolutely love Rhea's books and can't wait for more!

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this would be a prefect book if you want to dip your toes into dark romance. Blaze (MMC) gets talked into joining a social media bookclub of sorts and starts reading dark romance books. Which is super cute! Lila has recently been through a traumatic break up. They meet and things get twisty, and spicy, and crazy from there. Arc review.

[Shatana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Social Distortion is an incredible dark romance! If you've read Rhea's other works, you already know how captivating they can be, but this one truly stands out. I couldn't put it down. Blaze, the male lead, might seem like your average good guy at first glance—after all, he's a virgin scientist—but he harbors a surprisingly dark and protective side. On the other hand, Lila, the heartbroken female protagonist, has a lovable dog named Max (which I can't help but adore, especially since my own dog shares the same name!). If you're on the hunt for a gripping dark romance with a compelling plot, this book deserves a spot on your TBR list. Just a heads up: if you ever feel like someone is watching you, chances are, they really are!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star⭐️
First of check your trigger warning. I went in blind and I wasn't sure what to expect and it start pretty nice and kinda cute and you get all the feels and to a certain point you think you know what's going to happen and BAM!! It's a great story even if not that long. I highly recommends any books from Rhea.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

yessss mam this book was everything 🥵 and more blaze and Lila whew i loved how they met and both of them took their time with each it was beautiful ❤️ I love how protective blaze is for Lila and Lila is a baddie herself how she took things held on was amazing this book is a 10