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Trust Fall
Aviana has never belonged to anyone. Passed from one foster home to another, she’s learned that love is temporary, trust is dangerous, and survival means keeping her heart locked away. Abuse and neglect have left her with scars—some that fade, and some that never will.
Now, at a secluded trauma retreat, she’s supposed to be healing, learning how to exist without fear. But someone is watching her.
He moves in the shadows. A presence she can’t see but can feel. He calls himself Nightshade. A protector. A guardian. Maybe even something darker.
As old wounds resurface and buried memories claw their way to the light, Aviana is forced to confront a terrifying truth—her past is not finished with her. And neither is he.
But the real danger isn’t the man in the shadows. It’s what she feels when she’s with him.
Obsession. Safety. Longing.
Love twisted with something she can’t name.
If she lets him in, will he be her salvation? Or the kind of monster she’s been running from her entire life?
Now, at a secluded trauma retreat, she’s supposed to be healing, learning how to exist without fear. But someone is watching her.
He moves in the shadows. A presence she can’t see but can feel. He calls himself Nightshade. A protector. A guardian. Maybe even something darker.
As old wounds resurface and buried memories claw their way to the light, Aviana is forced to confront a terrifying truth—her past is not finished with her. And neither is he.
But the real danger isn’t the man in the shadows. It’s what she feels when she’s with him.
Obsession. Safety. Longing.
Love twisted with something she can’t name.
If she lets him in, will he be her salvation? Or the kind of monster she’s been running from her entire life?
- GenresSlow BurnDark Romance
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
11 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Simone Sumner
7 books69 followersWhen reviewing books I use this method:
1 Star - DNF'd the book
2 Star - The author took time to write & publish the book but it was missing something. The grammar was bad. The editing was bad. It wasn't worth finishing but I finished. Would not recommend.
3 Star - It was meh. It was just okay. It wasn't terrible but wasn't worth recommending.
4 Star - Worth recommending but will probably forget about it after a few days.
5 Star - Roman Empire. Plays like a movie in my head and will never forget. This is the type of book I will promote all over social media.
I never dreamed of being an author. I just got the bug in early 2025. I am in the process of writing my debut novel to be released in Spring 2025.
1 Star - DNF'd the book
2 Star - The author took time to write & publish the book but it was missing something. The grammar was bad. The editing was bad. It wasn't worth finishing but I finished. Would not recommend.
3 Star - It was meh. It was just okay. It wasn't terrible but wasn't worth recommending.
4 Star - Worth recommending but will probably forget about it after a few days.
5 Star - Roman Empire. Plays like a movie in my head and will never forget. This is the type of book I will promote all over social media.
I never dreamed of being an author. I just got the bug in early 2025. I am in the process of writing my debut novel to be released in Spring 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 22, 2025
This is an ARC review with spoilers so if you don’t want to know what’s coming, stop reading at the SPOILERS BELOW spot.
Okay. First and foremost, if you’re hyper sensitive to details of certain triggers, I recommend skipping this book. If you can set aside that sensitivity and follow the GROWTH and put focus into the actually development of Aviana, and Nightshade, you’ll be fine.
I didn’t read the triggers first. I knew the second I picked up the book that it would rip apart my heart and make me feel every emotion possible. But… THE TRIGGER WARNINGS ARE. THERE. FOR. A. REASON!!!
Do not take them lightly. Do not think, “oh it won’t be that bad”.
IYKYK
The story itself, as horrifying as Avianas childhood was, the development, the growth, her story is so well laid out. The struggle to overcome the trauma she faced so detailed to give readers that raw feeling as if they are Aviana. I cannot get over how much growth was placed into every chapter, every session, every blind meet up. It wasn’t over done. It wasn’t under performed. Because with trauma, there are trials, failures and successes with overcoming them. Two steps forward three steps back type of recovery. It worked perfectly!
🚫🛑SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️ 🛑🚫
I absolutely LOVED her revenge. I’m not a slow wind the race when it comes to drawn out torture but the moment was so fitting for that closure she needed.
Widlow….. I’ll just leave it at this…. He didn’t deserve the fate he was given. He deserved far worse.
Cade….. Mmm I felt he was manipulating her as a therapist. Unpopular opinion I’m sure but he was pushy, clingy, fast to “fall” and felt like he knew more about her than she did. I didn’t like him. He gave me creep vibes. There’s possessive and then there’s creep possessive.
Scarlet, kick rocks drama queen. Just be gone. She was my least favorite and I felt her only purpose was to try and be important when her role was so small and insignificant.
Maverick I for sure thought he was nightshade for the first half of the book!!! So glad that theory was derailed!
Ryan… oh Ryan… I was torn but felt he was the right guy to help Aviana from the moment they were introduced. But I never pegged him for the darker side. His intentions were always good but I didn’t understand why or how he thought Liam only attempted to rape her… When he asked “what did he do” I felt he already knew? He walked in on it before it got anywhere but the conversation was a clear indication of what he’d already done.
Overall, the character development was executed well. The story line played out smoothly (despite minor edits that were corrected). The author did an amazing job creating a story that could both be felt and visualized while reading it.
Okay. First and foremost, if you’re hyper sensitive to details of certain triggers, I recommend skipping this book. If you can set aside that sensitivity and follow the GROWTH and put focus into the actually development of Aviana, and Nightshade, you’ll be fine.
I didn’t read the triggers first. I knew the second I picked up the book that it would rip apart my heart and make me feel every emotion possible. But… THE TRIGGER WARNINGS ARE. THERE. FOR. A. REASON!!!
Do not take them lightly. Do not think, “oh it won’t be that bad”.
IYKYK
The story itself, as horrifying as Avianas childhood was, the development, the growth, her story is so well laid out. The struggle to overcome the trauma she faced so detailed to give readers that raw feeling as if they are Aviana. I cannot get over how much growth was placed into every chapter, every session, every blind meet up. It wasn’t over done. It wasn’t under performed. Because with trauma, there are trials, failures and successes with overcoming them. Two steps forward three steps back type of recovery. It worked perfectly!
🚫🛑SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️ 🛑🚫
I absolutely LOVED her revenge. I’m not a slow wind the race when it comes to drawn out torture but the moment was so fitting for that closure she needed.
Widlow….. I’ll just leave it at this…. He didn’t deserve the fate he was given. He deserved far worse.
Cade….. Mmm I felt he was manipulating her as a therapist. Unpopular opinion I’m sure but he was pushy, clingy, fast to “fall” and felt like he knew more about her than she did. I didn’t like him. He gave me creep vibes. There’s possessive and then there’s creep possessive.
Scarlet, kick rocks drama queen. Just be gone. She was my least favorite and I felt her only purpose was to try and be important when her role was so small and insignificant.
Maverick I for sure thought he was nightshade for the first half of the book!!! So glad that theory was derailed!
Ryan… oh Ryan… I was torn but felt he was the right guy to help Aviana from the moment they were introduced. But I never pegged him for the darker side. His intentions were always good but I didn’t understand why or how he thought Liam only attempted to rape her… When he asked “what did he do” I felt he already knew? He walked in on it before it got anywhere but the conversation was a clear indication of what he’d already done.
Overall, the character development was executed well. The story line played out smoothly (despite minor edits that were corrected). The author did an amazing job creating a story that could both be felt and visualized while reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Please for the love of all things, READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!
This is not a lovey dovey type of book, although it does have a love interest and spice, it is more focused on trauma and working through it.
I got to watch this book go from the authors random idea, through a lot of changes because the characters told her they wanted to be different than she had originally planned, and turn into this amazing book.
Avi has had a lot of trauma in her past that she needs to work through. So her best friends send her to a retreat where she meets her roommates, a therapist, and gains a stalker.
So many parts of this story we're unsettling because things like this happen in the real world. But the author didn't shy away from the bad, because she wanted it to feel real.
My 2 all time favorite quotes from this book are
1. "A reminder that no matter how broken we all are we can still rebuild ourselves. We're all shattered in different ways, cracked by things we've seen, the pain we've endured. But somehow, the pieces don't just go back the same - they fit together tighter, stronger. "
2. "Maybe we have to break to understand just how strong we really are. Maybe it's in those shattered edges, those scars and fractures, where are real power lives."
This is not a lovey dovey type of book, although it does have a love interest and spice, it is more focused on trauma and working through it.
I got to watch this book go from the authors random idea, through a lot of changes because the characters told her they wanted to be different than she had originally planned, and turn into this amazing book.
Avi has had a lot of trauma in her past that she needs to work through. So her best friends send her to a retreat where she meets her roommates, a therapist, and gains a stalker.
So many parts of this story we're unsettling because things like this happen in the real world. But the author didn't shy away from the bad, because she wanted it to feel real.
My 2 all time favorite quotes from this book are
1. "A reminder that no matter how broken we all are we can still rebuild ourselves. We're all shattered in different ways, cracked by things we've seen, the pain we've endured. But somehow, the pieces don't just go back the same - they fit together tighter, stronger. "
2. "Maybe we have to break to understand just how strong we really are. Maybe it's in those shattered edges, those scars and fractures, where are real power lives."
April 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW: 🌟🌟🌟
I was given the opportunity to be a part of my first ARC ever this month! What a cool thing it is to be involved with a new author’s creative process and included in the lead up to release day.
Trust Fall is not for the fainthearted. It is a story about healing and growth after a horrific and abusive childhood. It includes graphic flashbacks and present-day dissociative responses, so it is incredibly important to both read and understand the TWs.
Now to the content.
I really couldn’t contain my shock at the sheer number of people who were involved with the breaking of Avi’s spirit in her childhood. After the trauma of losing her parents tragically in elementary school, she moved from foster family to foster family and was hurt by the men around her in every stage of her life. Fortunately, she has found encouraging friendships in her adult life, and they give her the push she needs to attend a trauma retreat and finally take back her power.
Once at the retreat, she realizes she basically has two stalkers. One from her past, and another in the form of a therapist on the retreat. I really don’t get why either of these men thought they had the right to try and manipulate her to do things.. but I liked one slightly more than the other, and I’m happy he won in the end.
I am not sure I believe we reached a full healing moment while at the retreat, since Avi seemed to have missed more sessions than she attended.. and was exposed to more physical trauma (a fall) and emotional turmoil (the things she re-lived and witnessed), but I do believe in the end, she found solace with someone who will do anything to protect her (we learn this through his actions in the story).
I leave this story with so much sadness for anyone who has had to endure what Avi has, but with hope that healing is possible.
I was given the opportunity to be a part of my first ARC ever this month! What a cool thing it is to be involved with a new author’s creative process and included in the lead up to release day.
Trust Fall is not for the fainthearted. It is a story about healing and growth after a horrific and abusive childhood. It includes graphic flashbacks and present-day dissociative responses, so it is incredibly important to both read and understand the TWs.
Now to the content.
I really couldn’t contain my shock at the sheer number of people who were involved with the breaking of Avi’s spirit in her childhood. After the trauma of losing her parents tragically in elementary school, she moved from foster family to foster family and was hurt by the men around her in every stage of her life. Fortunately, she has found encouraging friendships in her adult life, and they give her the push she needs to attend a trauma retreat and finally take back her power.
Once at the retreat, she realizes she basically has two stalkers. One from her past, and another in the form of a therapist on the retreat. I really don’t get why either of these men thought they had the right to try and manipulate her to do things.. but I liked one slightly more than the other, and I’m happy he won in the end.
I am not sure I believe we reached a full healing moment while at the retreat, since Avi seemed to have missed more sessions than she attended.. and was exposed to more physical trauma (a fall) and emotional turmoil (the things she re-lived and witnessed), but I do believe in the end, she found solace with someone who will do anything to protect her (we learn this through his actions in the story).
I leave this story with so much sadness for anyone who has had to endure what Avi has, but with hope that healing is possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2025
A very good first novel! Lots of spice, a thriller of sorts. Murders galore, but justifiably done. The story and the characters edge the line of what is safe obsession and what is crossing the line. If you like risqué, murder, and women sharing their truths and their sorrows, this is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
Firstly read the Trigger Warnings !!
This book contains a lot of darkness , trauma and endings of all sorts . The reality of it all , is certain parts within the story happen in real life .
I devoured this book in less than a day .. the story, the characters , wanting to find out where Ava’s story went, I was glued at every page turn .
The Secrets, Nightshade . My mind is still reeling !!
The writing is gritty , raw and emotional and really captures the essence of a powerful storytelling. The balance between intensity and dark and light moments I found crucial , keeping the reader ( me ) engaged at every page turn . I was Eagerly flipping to find out more , but silently cursing the characters as the story unfolds .
The author has penned Characters that are real and flawed , which resonated more deeply with me the reader , making their journeys even more compelling and gut wrenching . A story is told , the pain is felt within the written dialogue , feelings felt and heard as the story unfolds , we are pulled into the darkness . Wanting answers ?? Wanting our own revenge .
As dark as moments are within this story, the author has you drawn in . Weaved you within her web . Spiralling down the rabbit hole , waiting for direction to unfold .
The story is often raw , the themes are explored with care, there are Dark moments and characters that you will not understand .
This book completely draws you into its dark morally Grey - unhinged and captivating world and doesn't let go. The characters are authentic, flawed, and unforgettable. The story tackles difficult moments making you feel it within your soul .
Nightshade has you intrigued . Little bird has a story that flickers between past and present . So much anguish , hurt and closure is needed . We see three sides - three different perspective’s . A tug of cat n mouse so to speak .
****Where he left scars, I traced them with tenderness. Where he took her power, I returned it tenfold.
She is not broken. She is not ruined. She is mine, and I will spend forever proving that she is whole.******* quote
If you're into dark, character-focused stories full of emotion, hurt, back story and a closure of some sort , then this one's definitely for you.
Nothing quite tastes as sweet as revenge .
I find that strong characters within stories definitely have a unique way of lingering and hanging within us , long after we've finished and turned that last page .
***Quote - A reminder that no matter how broken we all are we can still rebuild ourselves. We're all shattered in different ways, cracked by things we've seen, the pain we've endured. But somehow, the pieces don't just go back the same - they fit together tighter, stronger****
And stronger Nightshade and Little Bird fly …
This book contains a lot of darkness , trauma and endings of all sorts . The reality of it all , is certain parts within the story happen in real life .
I devoured this book in less than a day .. the story, the characters , wanting to find out where Ava’s story went, I was glued at every page turn .
The Secrets, Nightshade . My mind is still reeling !!
The writing is gritty , raw and emotional and really captures the essence of a powerful storytelling. The balance between intensity and dark and light moments I found crucial , keeping the reader ( me ) engaged at every page turn . I was Eagerly flipping to find out more , but silently cursing the characters as the story unfolds .
The author has penned Characters that are real and flawed , which resonated more deeply with me the reader , making their journeys even more compelling and gut wrenching . A story is told , the pain is felt within the written dialogue , feelings felt and heard as the story unfolds , we are pulled into the darkness . Wanting answers ?? Wanting our own revenge .
As dark as moments are within this story, the author has you drawn in . Weaved you within her web . Spiralling down the rabbit hole , waiting for direction to unfold .
The story is often raw , the themes are explored with care, there are Dark moments and characters that you will not understand .
This book completely draws you into its dark morally Grey - unhinged and captivating world and doesn't let go. The characters are authentic, flawed, and unforgettable. The story tackles difficult moments making you feel it within your soul .
Nightshade has you intrigued . Little bird has a story that flickers between past and present . So much anguish , hurt and closure is needed . We see three sides - three different perspective’s . A tug of cat n mouse so to speak .
****Where he left scars, I traced them with tenderness. Where he took her power, I returned it tenfold.
She is not broken. She is not ruined. She is mine, and I will spend forever proving that she is whole.******* quote
If you're into dark, character-focused stories full of emotion, hurt, back story and a closure of some sort , then this one's definitely for you.
Nothing quite tastes as sweet as revenge .
I find that strong characters within stories definitely have a unique way of lingering and hanging within us , long after we've finished and turned that last page .
***Quote - A reminder that no matter how broken we all are we can still rebuild ourselves. We're all shattered in different ways, cracked by things we've seen, the pain we've endured. But somehow, the pieces don't just go back the same - they fit together tighter, stronger****
And stronger Nightshade and Little Bird fly …
March 17, 2025
First please please read the triggers! If you are sensitive to trauma then proceed with caution.
I’ll be honest I didn’t think I would get through it cause I’ve been in a reading slump but I couldn’t put it down. It’s made me excited to get back into reading again. If you need something to keep you on the edge of your seat and if your heart needs to go on a roller coaster ride then this book is for you.
I’ll be honest I didn’t think I would get through it cause I’ve been in a reading slump but I couldn’t put it down. It’s made me excited to get back into reading again. If you need something to keep you on the edge of your seat and if your heart needs to go on a roller coaster ride then this book is for you.
April 4, 2025
This book was top tier! I have never been an ARC reader before and I was very excited to get to read this one! I loved it so much, it was everything I hope for in a book!
April 15, 2025
I want to give this 4.5 stars. This was a great dark read. But i do have to say read the trigger warnings, cause if haunting adeline bothered you this one is just as dark, and I loved it. It is a standalone which I am so happy to read, and needed. It also met all my expectations what it comes to a dark stalker read. The spicy is just right and the plot is a prefect balance. You need to read this book.
February 25, 2025
Omg this book is beautifully written the characters are so relatable. I can't put this book down. A must read highly recommend
April 10, 2025
Rating: 🌟🌟.75
Spice: I didn't get to it.
I dnf'ed this at 34%. Now, that is not to say it isn't good, obviously many others loved it. I found it to be extremely slow. I also love a strong, resilient, and sassy fmc. Our fmc here, was afraid of everything. Clearly, it was. Apart of the story line, I just couldn't stand it since she seemed to have no fight in her.
While reading I found several inconsistencies with tenses such as starting a chapter in past while it's the present story and bouncing back and forth constantly even in the same chapter.
While I didn't find this capturing my attention enough to finish it, I do love that the author gave us insight into the fmc's backstory with flashbacks to her childhood. Do keep in mind, the content of those flashbacks can be TRIGGERING, so please check the content warnings before proceeding!
Spice: I didn't get to it.
I dnf'ed this at 34%. Now, that is not to say it isn't good, obviously many others loved it. I found it to be extremely slow. I also love a strong, resilient, and sassy fmc. Our fmc here, was afraid of everything. Clearly, it was. Apart of the story line, I just couldn't stand it since she seemed to have no fight in her.
While reading I found several inconsistencies with tenses such as starting a chapter in past while it's the present story and bouncing back and forth constantly even in the same chapter.
While I didn't find this capturing my attention enough to finish it, I do love that the author gave us insight into the fmc's backstory with flashbacks to her childhood. Do keep in mind, the content of those flashbacks can be TRIGGERING, so please check the content warnings before proceeding!
March 19, 2025
"Who you are is beautiful. Strong. Fierce. You're everything they could never destroy."
This book was an emotional rollercoaster from the beginning to the end. Even when I thought I could grasp what was going to happen next, I was left with my jaw on the floor and desperate to tell anyone the revelations (instead I just typed out my notes on Bookmory as no one knew what I was on about and thought I was going insane).
I have cried, cheered on Aviana and also contemplated putting the book down (and have had to take some breaks here and there with the heavy subject matter). In places you think you can guess what's going to happen next and often you are completely shocked. Sumner has left nothing to the imagination and fully developed the heavier content in a way that defines trauma in a realistic way. None of the abuse is described in a way that romanticised it, but rather done in a way that feels honest and real.
The story is told from the perspectives of three characters and while this can sometimes be challenging, Sumner has used this to fully develop the characters and their perspectives. In a story where viewpoints are key, the differences in mindset and perspective really help to flesh out the characters and their motivations. You will fall in love with them and their thoughts, hate them, regret caring about them, and love them all over again.
A love story in one way and a realistic depiction of a variety of abuse and mental health in another. The story is a beautiful blend of the two.
I would highly recommend this book to any reader who is looking for a story of love (especially if you like a forbidden love trope) and overcoming trauma. The realistic depictions and responses to how abuse may manifest make this book a fantastic piece of writing.
KEY NOTE:
For people with trauma related to the trigger warnings this story could either help you know your reactions are perfectly justified or completely wreck your brain so please do decide whether you feel stable enough to read this and remember to put it down if you feel you can't continue. Even for those who are reading without any history of trauma please be aware that there are sections of the book that may make you upset or make you feel horrible after reading. You may have to put it down, but I promise that the ending is satisfying enough that you will be happy you read to the end.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster from the beginning to the end. Even when I thought I could grasp what was going to happen next, I was left with my jaw on the floor and desperate to tell anyone the revelations (instead I just typed out my notes on Bookmory as no one knew what I was on about and thought I was going insane).
I have cried, cheered on Aviana and also contemplated putting the book down (and have had to take some breaks here and there with the heavy subject matter). In places you think you can guess what's going to happen next and often you are completely shocked. Sumner has left nothing to the imagination and fully developed the heavier content in a way that defines trauma in a realistic way. None of the abuse is described in a way that romanticised it, but rather done in a way that feels honest and real.
The story is told from the perspectives of three characters and while this can sometimes be challenging, Sumner has used this to fully develop the characters and their perspectives. In a story where viewpoints are key, the differences in mindset and perspective really help to flesh out the characters and their motivations. You will fall in love with them and their thoughts, hate them, regret caring about them, and love them all over again.
A love story in one way and a realistic depiction of a variety of abuse and mental health in another. The story is a beautiful blend of the two.
I would highly recommend this book to any reader who is looking for a story of love (especially if you like a forbidden love trope) and overcoming trauma. The realistic depictions and responses to how abuse may manifest make this book a fantastic piece of writing.
KEY NOTE:
For people with trauma related to the trigger warnings this story could either help you know your reactions are perfectly justified or completely wreck your brain so please do decide whether you feel stable enough to read this and remember to put it down if you feel you can't continue. Even for those who are reading without any history of trauma please be aware that there are sections of the book that may make you upset or make you feel horrible after reading. You may have to put it down, but I promise that the ending is satisfying enough that you will be happy you read to the end.
March 12, 2025
Wow, what can I say about this book. It was amazing and really made you feel for the FMC. Before I start my whole review, I want to first say that you need to check the TWs. Like seriously check them this is not something that needs to be taken lightly. The author is graphic and explicit on things that happen to the FMC. The @buse is all open door and she starts to experience these things very early in life. This book details childhood trauma and the effects it has on you as an adult. The FMC also experiences @buse in her adulthood. Some might say that the FMC is really unlucky but honestly when you deal with childhood trauma the way you present yourself in adulthood is like catnip for the ones who are looking for submissives. I don’t mean in a BDSM kind of way I mean in life. People who want relationships they can control and dominate look for people who will give them the control. It is sad but very very real. Our FMC Ariana goes through so much because the @busers can see that she would be an easy target. So, she goes through a lot. This book is all about her finding her strength and growing. She is at a therapy camp but while she is there the reader will experience flashbacks to her childhood and all the things that have happened to her. You will get firsthand knowledge to the suffering and these things are detailed. Ariana needs to have these flashbacks to deal with her pain and take back her own control. So, I repeat again if you are triggered by childhood or adult trauma, graphic @abuse, noncon, r@pe, hitting, I mean really all of the things you should not read this book. Your mental health matters and this book hits really hard. Now, having said that if you are good with the TW then you should definitely read this book. I am in a constant state of reliving everything in my mind. It was so good I cannot get enough. I am astonished that this is the authors first book. So, my full review will have spoilers. Seriously stop reading now if you do not want spoilers.
Last chance….do not read further unless you want spoilers.
Spoilers ahead.
Alright you have had ample warning! I am going to break down every character and give my opinion because I still scream at some of them in my head!
Aviana-this poor girl! I mean she has dealt with so much in her life. She is so much stronger than she realizes and I am so happy she found her strength and used her past experience to help build her up. I am so happy she got to get her revenge on Maverick. Ryan is so good for her and he really helps to build her up instead of breaking her down like she is used to. I enjoyed her growth throughout the story.
Brandon-nope not calling this SOB “Mr. Widlow” or anything else because he is a sorry excuse for a human being. He doesn’t deserve the respect to be called mister anything or sir. He is disgusting and just a pervert. I mean at least Maverick was a kid too Brandon was a full-grown freaking adult doing these things to an EIGHT-YEAR-OLD!!! Like how disgusting are you? She even states that she doesn’t even have a chest yet and just to imagine this potbelly disgusting man looking at her. UGH! He started grooming her immediately, he knew exactly what he was doing and I can’t imagine how much further it would have gone if she stayed there. I call him the dickless wonder because he doesn’t even deserve that appendage at all.
Lily-!$#!$%#$%#$%$@ Honestly I can’t even say it because my review will be flagged! She is so heartless. She was supposed to be a mother figure and to turn around and blame Aviana!!! Seriously, she was a freaking child how was it her fault? Then to take it a step further after the slap and not even make her dinner anymore. Ugh she deserved much more than a slap at the end but I am glad Aviana was able to make her peace with it.
Maverick-OMG this dude here. He definitely has mental issues, which does not excuse his behavior but maybe explains it. Even at the end he still fully felt like Aviana “wanted” it even though she screamed, cried and said no. Can we say delusional? I mean I get he was only 17 at the time but he was old enough to know better. He was almost an adult and Aviana was still too young. I am so glad Avi got to be there for his punishment. She deserved that.
Bryn-I am so freaking disappointed in her. Avi thought she found a true friend and sister in Bryn and for her to turn on her the way she did. Avi did not deserve that. To deal with all the stuff from Maverick and then for her to say Avi asked for it and was a whore? No, Avi doesn’t deserve that. I do think Bryn was speaking more from a jealousy standpoint and since she was also so young didn’t understand what was going on. I honestly hope that we get a bonus epilogue from the author at some point where Avi can see Bryn again and get her closure.
Liam-UGH really? Are you freaking kidding me. She really felt like she had a true friendship with him and then he has to go and sh!t all over it. He was so much older and I really had high hopes since he didn’t start anything with her for a year. I mean he waited until she got comfortable with the family and then bam. He is just an a-hole and I am happy Ryan took care of him! I wish Ryan would have caught him earlier but hey Ryan is defiantly our savior and Liam deserved it all!
Ryan-okay Ryan is my hero. He is the best thing that ever happened to Avi. I hate that he pushed her away when he thought he didn’t deserve her. He felt that he had become a monster when he killed his brother but in reality, he was her savior. He created safety for her and that is what she needed to blossom. I just love Ryan so much for being exactly what she needed and letting her become the person she was always meant to be. They fit together so perfectly and it just makes my heart happy.
Scarlet-B!TCH, like seriously girl work on your issues. Why are you so concerned with everything Aviana does. Ma’am you need a life for real. Leave Avi alone. She is the true definition of those bullies in high school that thought they were everything and everyone else was beneath them. Seriously grow up Scarlet.
Cade-OMG Cade, why oh why? I knew there was something funny about him at the beginning. Just how he was always there and “bumping” into her. I had high hopes for a friendship with you Cade but you really screwed that up didn’t you? Why did you have to turn into such a pr!ck? You manipulative b@st@rd!! He was using his power of authority over Aviana to control her and her choices. Her was manipulating her to pick him. Things he was saying about Ryan, hello pot meet kettle! Honestly, I think he was the worst villain of all because at least Brandon and Maverick and even Liam made themselves known as the @ssholes they were right from the start. Cade pretended to be this nice charming man that could be Aviana’s friend. He was gaining her trust and used that trust against her. What a scumbag POS!!! I really hated him and was so glad Ryan took care of him. Ryan didn’t want to but as soon as he tried forcing himself on Avi…. yup game over buddy! You and Scarlet really did deserve each other, you should have gone for her!
So, all in all most the characters were complete @ssholes and definitely deserve their fate. Brandon needs to be brought back, t0rtur$d and unalived several times in my opinion. He deserves more than just one de@th. I just have so many feelings for all of the characters. I don’t think I will every get over this book and have a major book hangover right now. I wish I could go back and relive it for the first time again. I am so excited to see what else this author brings out and will be reading everything and anything.
Last chance….do not read further unless you want spoilers.
Spoilers ahead.
Alright you have had ample warning! I am going to break down every character and give my opinion because I still scream at some of them in my head!
Aviana-this poor girl! I mean she has dealt with so much in her life. She is so much stronger than she realizes and I am so happy she found her strength and used her past experience to help build her up. I am so happy she got to get her revenge on Maverick. Ryan is so good for her and he really helps to build her up instead of breaking her down like she is used to. I enjoyed her growth throughout the story.
Brandon-nope not calling this SOB “Mr. Widlow” or anything else because he is a sorry excuse for a human being. He doesn’t deserve the respect to be called mister anything or sir. He is disgusting and just a pervert. I mean at least Maverick was a kid too Brandon was a full-grown freaking adult doing these things to an EIGHT-YEAR-OLD!!! Like how disgusting are you? She even states that she doesn’t even have a chest yet and just to imagine this potbelly disgusting man looking at her. UGH! He started grooming her immediately, he knew exactly what he was doing and I can’t imagine how much further it would have gone if she stayed there. I call him the dickless wonder because he doesn’t even deserve that appendage at all.
Lily-!$#!$%#$%#$%$@ Honestly I can’t even say it because my review will be flagged! She is so heartless. She was supposed to be a mother figure and to turn around and blame Aviana!!! Seriously, she was a freaking child how was it her fault? Then to take it a step further after the slap and not even make her dinner anymore. Ugh she deserved much more than a slap at the end but I am glad Aviana was able to make her peace with it.
Maverick-OMG this dude here. He definitely has mental issues, which does not excuse his behavior but maybe explains it. Even at the end he still fully felt like Aviana “wanted” it even though she screamed, cried and said no. Can we say delusional? I mean I get he was only 17 at the time but he was old enough to know better. He was almost an adult and Aviana was still too young. I am so glad Avi got to be there for his punishment. She deserved that.
Bryn-I am so freaking disappointed in her. Avi thought she found a true friend and sister in Bryn and for her to turn on her the way she did. Avi did not deserve that. To deal with all the stuff from Maverick and then for her to say Avi asked for it and was a whore? No, Avi doesn’t deserve that. I do think Bryn was speaking more from a jealousy standpoint and since she was also so young didn’t understand what was going on. I honestly hope that we get a bonus epilogue from the author at some point where Avi can see Bryn again and get her closure.
Liam-UGH really? Are you freaking kidding me. She really felt like she had a true friendship with him and then he has to go and sh!t all over it. He was so much older and I really had high hopes since he didn’t start anything with her for a year. I mean he waited until she got comfortable with the family and then bam. He is just an a-hole and I am happy Ryan took care of him! I wish Ryan would have caught him earlier but hey Ryan is defiantly our savior and Liam deserved it all!
Ryan-okay Ryan is my hero. He is the best thing that ever happened to Avi. I hate that he pushed her away when he thought he didn’t deserve her. He felt that he had become a monster when he killed his brother but in reality, he was her savior. He created safety for her and that is what she needed to blossom. I just love Ryan so much for being exactly what she needed and letting her become the person she was always meant to be. They fit together so perfectly and it just makes my heart happy.
Scarlet-B!TCH, like seriously girl work on your issues. Why are you so concerned with everything Aviana does. Ma’am you need a life for real. Leave Avi alone. She is the true definition of those bullies in high school that thought they were everything and everyone else was beneath them. Seriously grow up Scarlet.
Cade-OMG Cade, why oh why? I knew there was something funny about him at the beginning. Just how he was always there and “bumping” into her. I had high hopes for a friendship with you Cade but you really screwed that up didn’t you? Why did you have to turn into such a pr!ck? You manipulative b@st@rd!! He was using his power of authority over Aviana to control her and her choices. Her was manipulating her to pick him. Things he was saying about Ryan, hello pot meet kettle! Honestly, I think he was the worst villain of all because at least Brandon and Maverick and even Liam made themselves known as the @ssholes they were right from the start. Cade pretended to be this nice charming man that could be Aviana’s friend. He was gaining her trust and used that trust against her. What a scumbag POS!!! I really hated him and was so glad Ryan took care of him. Ryan didn’t want to but as soon as he tried forcing himself on Avi…. yup game over buddy! You and Scarlet really did deserve each other, you should have gone for her!
So, all in all most the characters were complete @ssholes and definitely deserve their fate. Brandon needs to be brought back, t0rtur$d and unalived several times in my opinion. He deserves more than just one de@th. I just have so many feelings for all of the characters. I don’t think I will every get over this book and have a major book hangover right now. I wish I could go back and relive it for the first time again. I am so excited to see what else this author brings out and will be reading everything and anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5 Little Birds (because even my blackened soul was screaming at some point)
Trigger Warnings:
• Child abuse (heavy, detailed, and gut-wrenching)
• Sexual assault
• Stalking (by a love interest, because of course)
• Emotional manipulation
• Death
• Gaslighting
• PTSD
• Trauma bonding
• Scenes involving grooming/abuse in foster care settings
(Seriously, don’t skip these. If you have trauma of your own, tread carefully.)
⸻
Review:
So. You thought you were downloading a cutesy “trust exercises in a meadow” story, didn’t you? Oh no, honey. Simone Sumner said, “We’re going to skin your emotions alive and then make you THANK ME for it.” And she succeeded.
Meet Aviana, our trauma-riddled queen, who’s basically the human version of a wounded bird with razor blades for feathers. Then there’s Nightshade, the totally “I’m-not-a-psycho-but-I-installed-hidden-cameras-in-your-bedroom” guy who loves her so much he thinks stalking is just… advanced protection.
And let’s not forget Dr. Cade Brenner, a therapist whose vibe is less “healing guidance” and more “you might not survive your own session.” If Cade had a Tinder profile, it would say: “Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.”
The first half of this book? Emotional waterboarding. The second half? An unhinged, panty-melting, delicious descent into obsession and dark romance where you’re alternately screaming “NO” and “Oh God, maybe…?”
Highlights:
• Nightshade’s love language is “I will literally burn the world down for you (but also track your phone and maybe tie you to a chair if needed).”
• The back-and-forth between trauma, healing, and spicy tension is not for the faint-hearted. It’s like slow dancing with a bear—deadly but kinda hot.
• Aviana isn’t just a helpless little bunny. She fights, she bleeds, she breaks, she rebuilds. This woman DESERVED her own Marvel movie.
• Spice levels? Honey, this wasn’t a chili pepper. This was liquid lava poured directly onto your libido. (We’re talking dark, possessive, slightly unhinged spice – and I ate it UP.)
Quote that made me simultaneously gag and swoon:
“I will always be here to catch you when you fall… even if I have to cut the world down to size to fit you in my arms.”
(Like… sir, that’s either hot or grounds for a restraining order, I can’t decide.)
⸻
Final Verdict:
Trust Fall is if trauma bonding, toxic devotion, and very questionable coping mechanisms had a threesome and made a novel. It’s raw. It’s uncomfortable. It’s disturbingly tender and violently erotic at times. It’s like being caressed by a knife: you shouldn’t like it… but oh, you will.
Would I recommend it?
If your mental health is currently being held together by coffee and trauma memes—YES. But also maybe text your therapist first. Just in case.
PS: If you end up liking Nightshade… congratulations, you’re the problem. (Same, bestie.)
Trigger Warnings:
• Child abuse (heavy, detailed, and gut-wrenching)
• Sexual assault
• Stalking (by a love interest, because of course)
• Emotional manipulation
• Death
• Gaslighting
• PTSD
• Trauma bonding
• Scenes involving grooming/abuse in foster care settings
(Seriously, don’t skip these. If you have trauma of your own, tread carefully.)
⸻
Review:
So. You thought you were downloading a cutesy “trust exercises in a meadow” story, didn’t you? Oh no, honey. Simone Sumner said, “We’re going to skin your emotions alive and then make you THANK ME for it.” And she succeeded.
Meet Aviana, our trauma-riddled queen, who’s basically the human version of a wounded bird with razor blades for feathers. Then there’s Nightshade, the totally “I’m-not-a-psycho-but-I-installed-hidden-cameras-in-your-bedroom” guy who loves her so much he thinks stalking is just… advanced protection.
And let’s not forget Dr. Cade Brenner, a therapist whose vibe is less “healing guidance” and more “you might not survive your own session.” If Cade had a Tinder profile, it would say: “Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.”
The first half of this book? Emotional waterboarding. The second half? An unhinged, panty-melting, delicious descent into obsession and dark romance where you’re alternately screaming “NO” and “Oh God, maybe…?”
Highlights:
• Nightshade’s love language is “I will literally burn the world down for you (but also track your phone and maybe tie you to a chair if needed).”
• The back-and-forth between trauma, healing, and spicy tension is not for the faint-hearted. It’s like slow dancing with a bear—deadly but kinda hot.
• Aviana isn’t just a helpless little bunny. She fights, she bleeds, she breaks, she rebuilds. This woman DESERVED her own Marvel movie.
• Spice levels? Honey, this wasn’t a chili pepper. This was liquid lava poured directly onto your libido. (We’re talking dark, possessive, slightly unhinged spice – and I ate it UP.)
Quote that made me simultaneously gag and swoon:
“I will always be here to catch you when you fall… even if I have to cut the world down to size to fit you in my arms.”
(Like… sir, that’s either hot or grounds for a restraining order, I can’t decide.)
⸻
Final Verdict:
Trust Fall is if trauma bonding, toxic devotion, and very questionable coping mechanisms had a threesome and made a novel. It’s raw. It’s uncomfortable. It’s disturbingly tender and violently erotic at times. It’s like being caressed by a knife: you shouldn’t like it… but oh, you will.
Would I recommend it?
If your mental health is currently being held together by coffee and trauma memes—YES. But also maybe text your therapist first. Just in case.
PS: If you end up liking Nightshade… congratulations, you’re the problem. (Same, bestie.)
March 24, 2025
for the love of all things please take It series when we say read and process the trigger warnings.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review."
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favorite quotes :
“ leading with your dick I stead of your degree,huh?” Had me 😂
“ our souls are twin flames. Destined to find each other in every life. Whether we’re together or not, we burn” 🥺😍
Favorite line: maybe we have to break to understand just how strong we really are.
I have enjoyed, cried, hated, and had to take breaks while reading this book, talk about some powerful writing. It touches on real situations that can be possible in foster systems and just truly sick how some people can be. Dang my heart hurt for Avi. The author describes the on page trigger warning scenes very thorough and while graphic in a really good way (if that even makes sense haha). It definitely provides a foundation for Avi’s story.
This is a story of trauma and healing and the balance between past and present was so very nicely done. Battle between the therapist and nightshade on who can be more to Avi and help heal her trauma felt a little like who’s 🍆 is bigger lol. The one thing that bugged me with ryan, is he didn’t see how uncomfortable she was around his brother for years or ask her or see what was going on, or at least never acknowledged or pushed to find out why. For someone who was like “she’s mine I am her protector” he kinda sucked back then.
I am so proud of the strength Avi shows despite all her trauma. I love how Avi took control finally towards the end of the book.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this book. I am voluntarily leaving a review."
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favorite quotes :
“ leading with your dick I stead of your degree,huh?” Had me 😂
“ our souls are twin flames. Destined to find each other in every life. Whether we’re together or not, we burn” 🥺😍
Favorite line: maybe we have to break to understand just how strong we really are.
I have enjoyed, cried, hated, and had to take breaks while reading this book, talk about some powerful writing. It touches on real situations that can be possible in foster systems and just truly sick how some people can be. Dang my heart hurt for Avi. The author describes the on page trigger warning scenes very thorough and while graphic in a really good way (if that even makes sense haha). It definitely provides a foundation for Avi’s story.
This is a story of trauma and healing and the balance between past and present was so very nicely done. Battle between the therapist and nightshade on who can be more to Avi and help heal her trauma felt a little like who’s 🍆 is bigger lol. The one thing that bugged me with ryan, is he didn’t see how uncomfortable she was around his brother for years or ask her or see what was going on, or at least never acknowledged or pushed to find out why. For someone who was like “she’s mine I am her protector” he kinda sucked back then.
I am so proud of the strength Avi shows despite all her trauma. I love how Avi took control finally towards the end of the book.
April 1, 2025
WARNING: Please read and abide by the TRIGGER warnings. Trust Fall isn't for the weak of heart; if you're hoping for a romance, you won't find it. Aviana (FMC) has experienced trauma all of her life, including physical abuse, foster home after foster home, the heartbreaking death of her mother at the age of eight, a nonexistent father, and being SA'd but a foster parent.
To overcome her demons and heal her pain, her best friends suggest that she attend a trauma healing retreat. During her stay, however, she encounters a stalker without realizing it.
Ms. Sumners writing style, character development and having the conversation about real life issues is top tier. Again this book won’t be for everyone, but I would absolutely hands down recommend this book! If you aren’t pulling for Avi, when you read Trust Fall you’re just a heartless sole. Avi is a character I will truly carry with me for a long time if not forever.
Thank you Ms. Sumner, for an advanced copy of Trust Fall, in exchange for an honest review. This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster; however, I’m glad I was able to have had the opportunity to have read Avi’s heart touching story.
To overcome her demons and heal her pain, her best friends suggest that she attend a trauma healing retreat. During her stay, however, she encounters a stalker without realizing it.
Ms. Sumners writing style, character development and having the conversation about real life issues is top tier. Again this book won’t be for everyone, but I would absolutely hands down recommend this book! If you aren’t pulling for Avi, when you read Trust Fall you’re just a heartless sole. Avi is a character I will truly carry with me for a long time if not forever.
Thank you Ms. Sumner, for an advanced copy of Trust Fall, in exchange for an honest review. This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster; however, I’m glad I was able to have had the opportunity to have read Avi’s heart touching story.
March 13, 2025
Let me honest, I was expecting to not make it through the book because of the triggers and knowledge of the author herself. Instead I flew through it and enjoyed the beautifully details written on the pages.
The whole time you read this book I guarantee you that you will feel something for this girl. You will either understand her pain, feel sympathy, or feel the love she truly wants to give to someone. Regardless of what you feel- feel it while you read and continue the journey as long as the triggers do not mess with your mental health.
I hope that everyone who reads this book can understand and relate to it someway or another. For me it was a paragraph that resonated with me. But I’ll share just a line. “Maybe we have to break just to understand how strong we really are.”
Simone I hope you understand how strong you are and everything you are capable of. Never forget your trauma (it made you the incredible person you are babe) and never forget your strength to persevere. I am so incredibly proud of you and I look forward to your next book. Xoxo. -J
The whole time you read this book I guarantee you that you will feel something for this girl. You will either understand her pain, feel sympathy, or feel the love she truly wants to give to someone. Regardless of what you feel- feel it while you read and continue the journey as long as the triggers do not mess with your mental health.
I hope that everyone who reads this book can understand and relate to it someway or another. For me it was a paragraph that resonated with me. But I’ll share just a line. “Maybe we have to break just to understand how strong we really are.”
Simone I hope you understand how strong you are and everything you are capable of. Never forget your trauma (it made you the incredible person you are babe) and never forget your strength to persevere. I am so incredibly proud of you and I look forward to your next book. Xoxo. -J
April 13, 2025
This is a great example of a dark romance. The multiple POVs are fantastic, as well as the swap between past and present times. These time switches are linked to current events, as a memory, and fit well.
The FMC is a strong woman, doing her best to wade through the memory and trauma of her entire life. She's been walked all over and used like nothing more than a doll, and she's on a path to reclaiming herself.
MMC is a dark, pushy, stalker who initially feels aggressive. However, he does offer FMC control and kindness while staying resistant and pushing her to control her trauma and learn to work with it.
The building of tension in wanting to learn who the masked stalker is, is not only present in the FMC but as the reader I wanted to know so badly!!
The FMC's supposed therapist is SO icky. Big icky, but is definitely useful in the storyline showing how influenced by her past the FMC is.
Simone Sumner definitely writes in a way that makes you uncomfortable, but in the best way. It's a dark romance, it's made to be tense and uncomfortable while a romance blooms.
Very well done piece of work. I enjoyed the read!!
The FMC is a strong woman, doing her best to wade through the memory and trauma of her entire life. She's been walked all over and used like nothing more than a doll, and she's on a path to reclaiming herself.
MMC is a dark, pushy, stalker who initially feels aggressive. However, he does offer FMC control and kindness while staying resistant and pushing her to control her trauma and learn to work with it.
The building of tension in wanting to learn who the masked stalker is, is not only present in the FMC but as the reader I wanted to know so badly!!
The FMC's supposed therapist is SO icky. Big icky, but is definitely useful in the storyline showing how influenced by her past the FMC is.
Simone Sumner definitely writes in a way that makes you uncomfortable, but in the best way. It's a dark romance, it's made to be tense and uncomfortable while a romance blooms.
Very well done piece of work. I enjoyed the read!!
March 24, 2025
definitely read your trigger warnings before reading this book!!!!! Avi goes through severe abuse and trauma all throughout her upbringing and as nice as it is to see her regain control and take her life back, some scenes might be too triggering for some. I loved the plot and i loved the revenge era her and Nightshade had. not only was he possessive which we love, he teaches her how to regain control of her fears and her life which i loved so much. i’ve been through similar situations and it’s very hard and this book really helps see in a different light of how you can heal if that makes sense. loved the plot, i did think it could be a little repetitive at times and slow but overall i loved hearing about Avi and Nightshade’s story 🖤
March 11, 2025
This book had me going through all my emotions.
It’s one hell of an emotional roller coaster.
But it’s so worth it in the end. You’re going to fall in love with the FMC who’s gonna make you want to jump right on into the book and stay by her side the whole time.
I love how the Author brought all her characters to life and loved how each of them slowly became stronger in their own little ways. Give or take a few I’d like to help destroy as well.
Please, please, please check the trigger warnings before you read this book. Because I might love it but as we all know some things aren’t always for everyone. If you do end up reading it I hope you enjoyed reading it like I have!!!
It’s one hell of an emotional roller coaster.
But it’s so worth it in the end. You’re going to fall in love with the FMC who’s gonna make you want to jump right on into the book and stay by her side the whole time.
I love how the Author brought all her characters to life and loved how each of them slowly became stronger in their own little ways. Give or take a few I’d like to help destroy as well.
Please, please, please check the trigger warnings before you read this book. Because I might love it but as we all know some things aren’t always for everyone. If you do end up reading it I hope you enjoyed reading it like I have!!!
March 19, 2025
she deserved to be with cade and not ryan, not sorry 🤷♀️ they had more tension honestly.
this book was very well written and I did like ryan before he had a crush on her, i wish they would've stayed best friends instead of lovers. on that note, i do wish we got a little more back story with each of the foster families. for example: we see her moving into their home and then it goes straight into the abuse that she endured. i would have especially loved to see her and brynn's relationship. we never got to see how close they were. we also never got to see ryan and avi actually being best friends.
honestly- cade was definitely right in the sense that their relationship is very weird. i know they weren't technically related but at the same time they basically were like??? i hate how avi calls him a monster at the end as if ryan didn't stalk, kidnap, and drug her 💀 like avi please 😭😭 i know some people get attached to their stalkers but you should've gotten with cade for real :/ and the fact that she wouldn't trust cade after she accidentally fell but is trusting ryan..... okay
this book was very well written and I did like ryan before he had a crush on her, i wish they would've stayed best friends instead of lovers. on that note, i do wish we got a little more back story with each of the foster families. for example: we see her moving into their home and then it goes straight into the abuse that she endured. i would have especially loved to see her and brynn's relationship. we never got to see how close they were. we also never got to see ryan and avi actually being best friends.
honestly- cade was definitely right in the sense that their relationship is very weird. i know they weren't technically related but at the same time they basically were like??? i hate how avi calls him a monster at the end as if ryan didn't stalk, kidnap, and drug her 💀 like avi please 😭😭 i know some people get attached to their stalkers but you should've gotten with cade for real :/ and the fact that she wouldn't trust cade after she accidentally fell but is trusting ryan..... okay
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! First off like everyone else has said, please read the triggers beforehand. This book depicts different types of abuse and Trauma that the FMC character goes through.
This was a rollercoaster of emotions and so beautifully written. It’s a dark romance with working through trauma and healing, add in some spice, and a twist ending. I love the way the FMC learns to trust and feel safety in her life finally. And the MMC is obsessed, protective, and teaches her so much about working through triggers and learning how to heal.
I would re-read this book again and I don’t do that often. If I could rate it higher I would. It’s a must read!
This was a rollercoaster of emotions and so beautifully written. It’s a dark romance with working through trauma and healing, add in some spice, and a twist ending. I love the way the FMC learns to trust and feel safety in her life finally. And the MMC is obsessed, protective, and teaches her so much about working through triggers and learning how to heal.
I would re-read this book again and I don’t do that often. If I could rate it higher I would. It’s a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
First and foremost before you think of reading this book please check your trigger warnings! It’s a must!
This book had me locked in such an emotional rollercoaster my mind is still spinning. All of the emotional trauma that Aviana went through had my heart hurting so bad for her. The way Nightshade was there for Aviana even before she knew and the secrets he had to keep until the end just to keep her safe.
The way those book was written had me flipping pages as if I was a character in this story. I felt connected to characters from beginning to end. Everything I could want in a great story.
This book had me locked in such an emotional rollercoaster my mind is still spinning. All of the emotional trauma that Aviana went through had my heart hurting so bad for her. The way Nightshade was there for Aviana even before she knew and the secrets he had to keep until the end just to keep her safe.
The way those book was written had me flipping pages as if I was a character in this story. I felt connected to characters from beginning to end. Everything I could want in a great story.
March 11, 2025
Please check the two pages of trigger warnings before reading, as this book is not for everyone. It has some dark scenes depicting abuse and assault. This book is told in the present with flashbacks to the past which I loved. The story was mainly about the protagonist’s past trauma but it was also a thriller, a little bit of a spicy romance with a side of vigilante justice and an epic twist at the end that I loved.
My favorite quote excerpt to avoid spoilers is “You may be a monster…….but you’re the monster I need. “
My favorite quote excerpt to avoid spoilers is “You may be a monster…….but you’re the monster I need. “
March 15, 2025
First, if you have any childhood trauma, this book is not for you. Take extra precaution and read the trigger warnings thoroughly.
This book is so intense and had me crying at times. As Aviana's story unfolds, you can literally feel yourself immersed in it. Simone did an incredible job in balancing present day to the past which is not always an easy task to keep the story moving forward.
And an incredible, sad, and very dark story. I read it in one day. I could not put it down. Aviana's story tugged at my heartstrings.
This book is so intense and had me crying at times. As Aviana's story unfolds, you can literally feel yourself immersed in it. Simone did an incredible job in balancing present day to the past which is not always an easy task to keep the story moving forward.
And an incredible, sad, and very dark story. I read it in one day. I could not put it down. Aviana's story tugged at my heartstrings.
March 26, 2025
If you have experienced trauma in your past please read the trigger warnings first, your mental health matters and the author even has this as a warning. But okay onto the review.
Wow. I was sucked in immediately. The way the story unfolds and we learn more about the various characters' pasts and how they have shaped their current situations is beautifully done. If you like a good dark, stalker, obsession romance and don't shy away from the trauma that people have experienced, I definitely recommend Trust Fall.
Wow. I was sucked in immediately. The way the story unfolds and we learn more about the various characters' pasts and how they have shaped their current situations is beautifully done. If you like a good dark, stalker, obsession romance and don't shy away from the trauma that people have experienced, I definitely recommend Trust Fall.
April 19, 2025
This debut novel is dark, emotional, and haunting.
Simone gave a lot of depth and back story to support the trauma that the FMC has to work through and how she works through it.
I enjoyed getting to see the character development as Avianna grows into the woman she is at the end.
You get 3 peoples POV.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am beyond thankful for getting the opportunity to get to ARC read this book. Thank Simone for allowing me this experience.
Simone gave a lot of depth and back story to support the trauma that the FMC has to work through and how she works through it.
I enjoyed getting to see the character development as Avianna grows into the woman she is at the end.
You get 3 peoples POV.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am beyond thankful for getting the opportunity to get to ARC read this book. Thank Simone for allowing me this experience.
March 17, 2025
First read the trigger warnings! Second:….after you read them know this - the abuse she depicts is done in an extremely tasteful way. There were a couple of times I needed to take a break but that was because of real life experiences for me. Third….. READ THIS BOOK! The main characters are relatable and dynamic. The story is heart wrenching then heart warming. I had anxiety, I cried, I laughed out loud. I cannot wait for her next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
Trigger warnings must be read before reading this book!
The whole book was an emotional ride. The trauma Avi had to deal with was an absolute sh*t show, but Nightshade was an amazing character!! He was definitely my favourite, and I loved reading his POV. He was everything Avi needed to help her work through her traumatic life.
I was so happy to read Cade's ending. He deserved everything that he got.
The whole book was an emotional ride. The trauma Avi had to deal with was an absolute sh*t show, but Nightshade was an amazing character!! He was definitely my favourite, and I loved reading his POV. He was everything Avi needed to help her work through her traumatic life.
I was so happy to read Cade's ending. He deserved everything that he got.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!!
This is not a lovey dovey sweet romance type of book, although it does have a love interest and spice, it is more focused on trauma and working through it. Avi has a lot of trauma from her past. So her best friends send her to a retreat where she meets her roommates, a therapist, and gains a stalker. Multiple parts of this story were unsettling because certain things like this happen in the real world. I applaud the author for writing topics like this as I feel many try and avoid them. Absolutely worth the read!
This is not a lovey dovey sweet romance type of book, although it does have a love interest and spice, it is more focused on trauma and working through it. Avi has a lot of trauma from her past. So her best friends send her to a retreat where she meets her roommates, a therapist, and gains a stalker. Multiple parts of this story were unsettling because certain things like this happen in the real world. I applaud the author for writing topics like this as I feel many try and avoid them. Absolutely worth the read!
March 19, 2025
First and foremost please read the trigger warnings for this book. I was able to read this in advance and I loved every bit of it! It follows the MFC who is attending a trauma camp to get over past trauma including SA and can be described as graphic. There are 3 POVs. The MFC her therapist and her stalker. With that being said the author wrote this beautifully. The way she describes her healing and her trauma is done so well. There are flashbacks that she experiences and it goes into detail on how she gets through those times. This will pull at some heart strings and has some suspense leading up to the reveal of her stalker. Definitely recommend!
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