Red Dreams

The Reaper Duet #2

by Ketley Allison

I used to dream of escaping him. Now I dream of keeping him.

When a shadow from Kaden's past threatens to tear us apart, I'll learn that loving a monster means becoming one yourself, because some nightmares are worth embracing—especially when they're wearing your lover's face.

Red Dreams is the final book in the Reaper Duet, where complete where total obsession binds a masked killer to the woman he was never meant to love. Be warned, there is violence, profanity, and mature themes ahead.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance

308 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2025

About the author

Author of Romantic Suspense, New Adult, and mature YA.

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Reviews

[Dul · Rating 2 out of 5]

An intense ride through the criminal underworld where Scythe faces an impossible choice that will test both his loyalty and his heart. The line between love and duty becomes increasingly blurred as the story progresses.

The relationship dynamic between Layla and Kaden is compelling, though at times it felt like their chemistry wasn't quite hitting the mark for me. Kaden's internal struggle between protecting those he loves and meeting the demands of his world creates some genuinely tense moments, even if some plot points felt a bit predictable.

[booklover · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is pissing me off, these books were actually good & interesting. Yet the woman who tortured the Fmc gets to live because she's the male lead's daughter. Poor Layla scars over her entire body & a forced tattoo, yet the daughter gets to live because she has trauma, oh and she also betrays them again. Wtf was the author thinking, you can't use a forgiveness route to a woman who forced fathers to kill their child, who had a weird obsession with listening & watching her father have sex with the FMC (disgusting, seriously???).

"Kaden’s feelings for his daughter and me are tearing him apart, but I’m not as conflicted. Cassie has tortured me, played numerous mind games, and enjoyed putting me on display for her men. She allowed their threats of rape and assault so I’d stay terrified and complacent, no matter how many knives she sharpened against my skin."

Yes , this girl has a happy ending going to college! I think this is the first time I singlehandedly see an author ruin a good book with a decision. And I'm not saying she should have killed her (although she would deserve it) she could have least been imprisoned or set to a facility . Bare minimum would be to keep her away from the fmc, so she doesn't see her abusers face every day. This girl doesn't even feel regret for torturing the Fmc , and I'm sorry but I don't want to hear that her trauma justify her actions, it was horrible what happened to her but she chose to become an abuser, to hurt other innocent people. She's the villain in this story & did not deserve forgiveness.

One other issue I had was when the male lead & Fmc was trapped by his daughter & suffered torture, the male lead said mean things to the fmc in order to trick his daughter that he didn't care about her. He brought up her abandonment issues, treated her horribly yet he never even apologized.... They never even had a conversation about this because the author for some weird reason chose to focus more on the villain than the actual relationship between the Fmc & male lead. All I can say is poor Layla (the fmc) knowing her man chose his daughter over her, seeing her abuser having no remorse & scars for life. The author really did her dirty, and this book is rushed yet the relationship was so badly done, the first book so good, in this book we don't get a relationship because the entire book is about the daughter. I'm just so pissed it was so good until the author decided to focus on the daughter when focus should have been Layla & Kaden. Talk about unnecessary

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*MF
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Assassin MMC
*Coder FMC
*Insta-attraction
*Dark Themes
*Close Proximity
*Masked Man
*Mafia
*Mid Burn
*Book 2/2
Who can be the biggest monster?
Yikes what a conundrum, forced to choose between the two biggest loves of his life, Scythe has to give a path that may destroy those around him.
There are mentions of torture and past abuse, as well as on page descriptions so do check TWs for this book.
This book is a show of what lengths one will go to for the one they love and how much can you ask them to forgive you in the process…Kaden absolutely tests those boundaries for Layla 😵
Cassie is a deplorable character and you wonder whether there is any goodness in her worth saving but thankfully our Layla has a heart of gold and there is also a redemption element for her too.
Some of this was a little predictable with no major shockers, but a strong dark romance for sure!

[Bentley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed black hearts, but this one just fell flat for me. The story had potential, but it was just predictable, kinda boring, and kinda dumb. The whole story just seemed like it was trying to take up pages

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second and conclusion of Kaden and Layla’s journey, where shadows of the past threaten to tear them apart.
No spoilers, this is a must read!
This is a well written fast paced, action packed, emotional roller coaster, with, revenge, survival, obsession, making choices, hidden identity, stalking, danger, suspense, intrigue, violence, witty banter, secrets, palpable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, informative, twisted, unpredictable, and dark addictive page turner.

I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Dreams by Ketley Allison is the story of Kaden and Layla. This is a continuation of their all-immersive, intensely danger-filled story!! Things have progressed to unimaginable heights!! The one behind the capture and betrayal will shock you!! Now, time is of the essence!! Things must happen in a specific order for all to be ok.

Whew!!! This story was amazing!!! Just as riveting and engrossing as the first in the series!!! Absolutely amazing, phenomenal, exciting, dangerous read!!!

[Yvette Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Dreams by Ketley Allison is book two and the final book in the Reaper Duet. If you like masked men, age gap, bodyguard, boy obsessed, escaping a killer, jealous/possessive, kidnapped, anti-hero, gothic, dark romances then you will love this book.

Red Dreams picks up right where Black Heart left off. Ketley did an amazing job with the storyline and plot, in this story she takes you on an emotional ride. This is a story of survival, resilience, the evil side of humanity, and redemption. Cassie made me so angry with how much hatred she had for her dad but as her story began to unfold, the darkness and horror she lived through, I understood why she was the way she was. Cassie lived through hell and wanted to make her dad pay for what she went through. Kayden never stopped trying to protect Layla even though they were both in the same situation. It was crazy to watch him be able to turn on/off his “humanity” when he was forced to. Layla didn’t break despite everything she was put through, she is a bad ass FMC. I could not put this book down and wished it was a little bit longer. When Cassie was revealed at the end of Black Heart I was not prepared to see the fallout of everything that happened to her in Red Dreams. Ugh just read this book bc I’m afraid I have given too much away. Read this series, read this series, read this series!! Thank you to Valentine PR and Ketley Allison for letting me read this ARC for my late thoughts and opinions.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Allison captured me entirely with Kaden and Layla's story!

Tears in my eyes many times over!

The love between the main characters.

My heart did go out to Cassie for what she endured.

I kept trying to guess how Kaden and Layla would escape.
And what would happen to Ethan!

This dark romance was definitely twisted.

Ms. Allison's story-telling prowess continued to shine through her "Red Dreams" story!

[Caroline Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the cliffhanger end red dreams starts where black heart finished
Now we know who the enemy may be
Layla and Kaden have to really fight in this book fight for themselves fight for each other fight for Ethan and most of all fight with and for Cassie.although most of the time she seemed to be her own worst enemy.
This book was nothing like I expected and was a bit surprised by some of the scenes nevertheless I was hooked and could not put it down.
Well thought out story that has me gripped

[✮⋆˙Shorouk˙⋆✮]

Seriously, no clue why I wasted my time on this shit.

[Kay Hertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

That. Was. DARK! HOT! Just WOW!

Plot: 4.5📍
Spice:4 ❤️‍🔥
Overall: 4.5 ⭐

This was the second half of the the Sycthe Duet, but I don’t know if Ms. Allison has finished the full story arc here… There’s no cliffhanger, per say.

Our MCs get their HEA after a friggin WILD, spicy, bl**dy, dark journey that was just the hottest rollercoaster ride!

But… BUT! I think (I HOPE!🤞🏼) we get more from one or two of the supporting characters in future books. A girl can dream!

(Full review to come!!!)

[Ketley Allison]

Available now!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/4ac0Xhj

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4a7RBDn


Start The Reaper Duet now with book 1, Black Heart!
https://bit.ly/3Pw1cKS

[Mira Gencheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5⭐

A very good second book and actually the conclusion of a duology. My first encounter with Ketley Allison's work left me impressed and eager to continue with more of her books.

I've mentioned before how much I love when the next book in a series picks up exactly where the previous one ended. Well, “Red Dreams” does that almost perfectly, which I immediately appreciated. I say "almost" because it actually starts three days after everything that happened in “Black Heart”, which helped the story immediately draw me back in. These three days were close enough to keep me aware of what was happening, yet distant enough to show how much Layla had been through.

I think this is the moment to say that I really appreciate authors who don't spare their characters and make them go through the worst horrors and atrocities. I believe this effectively shows what kind of characters they are and perfectly satisfies my desire to delve into the darkest corners of dark romances. With this book, I can confidently confirm that Ketley Allison certainly didn't let Kaden and Layla off easy. After everything these two endured, it's a miracle they managed to keep their sanity, let alone anything else.

✨ "I would tear apart both heaven and hell to protect you. I don't give a shit that these men started off innocent. I will burn each of these fathers alive the very second I have an opening. And I swear to you, on everything I have left, I will not let her destroy me."
"I know," I say. "I know because I would do the same for you."
"You are my f*cking universe." ✨

However, the book would have been even more amazing if all this torment hadn't lasted throughout the first half, even a bit more. Despite the moments of calm alternating with more intense scenes, the action felt monotonous, and at one point, I got tired of the constant cycle of torment-rest, torment-rest without any development. Admittedly, these first 150 pages helped me delve deeper into the characters' souls and get to know them better than I did in the first book, but at some point, they became tedious.

✨ "You really do love her, don't you?" she whispers. "Enough to kill your own daughter."
Kaden's voice is rough as gravel. "Enough to die for her. Enough to live for her. Even when living hurts like hell." ✨

Of course, there were many emotional moments that were exceptionally well-written and beautifully showcased how deeply the author understands her characters and how real and credible they are. But unfortunately, they couldn't compensate for the lack of true dynamics in my eyes.
Another thing that certainly made a huge impression on me, and not in the way you might think, were the erotic scenes. Yes, they're wonderfully written, but I'm convinced we could have done without them, at least in the first half of the book. It just doesn't make sense for the tortured Layla, who's struggling to survive in the hellhole she's in, to have sexual thoughts. Something doesn't add up. And here, I refer solely to Layla, as Kaden has much more experience in such situations and hasn't completely switched to "survival mode."

✨ "You're mine. No matter what happens next, you will always be mine." ✨

After these first 150 pages, however, the action picked up, and finally, we had the plot development I was hoping for, which managed to rekindle my interest in the story.

Two major plot twists, a quick but good climax, and an amazing resolution later, my opinion of the book greatly improved, and thanks to the reignited interest, I devoured “Red Dreams” in no time.

I can confidently say that “The Reaper Duet” didn't disappoint me and I really enjoyed it. Ketley Allison's work managed to capture my attention and intrigue me enough that I'll soon dive into another one of her series.
~~~
✨ This book was provided to me by Ketley Allison for my honest opinion. ✨

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟Bodyguard
🌟Masked Men
🌟Anti Hero
🌟Strong FMC
🌟Kidnapped
🌟J/P MMC
🌟Man Obsessed
🌟Dual POV
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️

Red Dreams picks up right where Black Heart left off, plunging readers into a brutal and gut-wrenching journey of survival, resilience, and raw emotion. It’s a battle of wills against evil, a deep dive into the shadows of humanity, and the desperate hope for redemption.

Layla’s journey is both harrowing and inspiring. Captured and subjected to unimaginable horrors, she digs deep into her core, refusing to break under the weight of her circumstances. It’s her unwavering belief that Kaden will come for her—the sliver of hope she clings to—that fuels her determination to survive. Her strength, though battered, never falters, and her fight to hold on is nothing short of extraordinary.

Then there’s Kaden, whose internal torment is palpable. His anguish is so raw, so consuming, it leaps off the page. You can feel his struggle as he wrestles with the weight of his perceived failures, his need to protect Layla colliding with the haunting belief that he’s let her down. Yet, when it’s time to act, Kaden’s transformation into the ruthless Scythe is as chilling as it is satisfying—a stark reminder of what he’s capable of when everything is on the line.

Cassie’s revelations hit like a punch to the gut. The horrors she has lived through are pitch black. The darkness she embodies is beyond anything I expected, her cruelty so deeply ingrained that it’s almost mesmerizing in its sheer madness. She’s the kind of villain who leaves you in awe of her depravity while making your skin crawl.

Ethan, on the other hand, is a sweet cinnamon roll amidst all the chaos. His loyalty to Layla is unwavering, and while he provides moments of solace, it’s clear he’s in way over his head. What he goes through is raw, but saying more would give too much away—you’ll just have to experience it for yourself.

Red Dreams delivers a fitting, hard-earned closure to the chaos that began in Black Heart. Layla and Kaden’s journey to their version of a happily ever after is anything but conventional, but it’s theirs—messy, imperfect, and real. This book is a dark, gripping ride you won’t forget anytime soon.

Thanks to VPR for the gifted copy

[Valerie M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just.. overdone? Cliche? EXTREMELY FAST OBSESSION, I'm literally talking a few pages in and already determining she's HIS from a PICTURE - and if this was my only issue with the book, I'd have happily overlooked it, but alas, it was not my only qualm. Unrealistic desires to use inanimate objects during spicy times (a heel? Come on, be SO for real right now). The broom handle scene, just, I cannot stop thinking about how uncomfortable and GROSS the OUTDOOR broom is - talk about infection. And she "falls for him" SO stupidly fast after he threatens to kill her - Again, BE SO FOR REAL. There's also some inconsistencies - like when the FMC tries to run away she states, "I don't hike. My hobbies include napping and reading -" but earlier in the book she is known to be a runner for exercise..? There's also typos (plus other inconsistencies) throughout. Don't even get me started on part 2... *insert eyeroll*. I get it, FMC 2 wants to hurt the MMC for "abandoning her to a horrible life," but the way she goes about it is SO theatrical and far fetched that it’s absolutely ridiculous. Spice scenes were even ruined half the time with words like "her pearl." There were also parts where I felt like the SAME thing was being said in 2 or 3 different ways back to back. I feel like there was potential here.. but it flopped for me.

Black Heart (Ketley Allison): St@lking, contract k¡||er, handsy boss (FMC), OTT pøssessive/øbsessive MMC, drink tampering, misuse of a broom, dom/sub, degr@dation/humiliation, begging, invasion of privacy (cams and other technology), controlling (MMC), breath/bl00d/@nal/pr0state/pain play, manîpul@tion, masked man, dub-con/non/f0rced compliance, mûrdêr(s), almost r@p€, revenge motives (MMC), past trauma (MMC), sassy/semi-bratty FMC who's very smart, age gap (FMC mid twenties and MMC early 40s(?)), "good girl", f0rced exhibitionism (multiple times), a deal, a prom¡se, c@ptivity, psychological and physical t0rture/conditioning on multiple people, betr@yals, a loyal best friend, dysfunctional relationships, guilt, sp@nk¡ng, HEA.

[Sara Books & Tips · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇬🇧 We have reached the end of this wonderful and intense dilogy born from the pen of Ketley Allison, an author who for me is now a confirmation.

A dark romance saga where contrasting feelings, the sense of loss and the pain of a difficult past are the masters. This volume, in particular, is the graphic representation of how hard it is to choose between two very different people who you love in the same way, but also of how much and what a person is willing to do for those they care about most.

It is not an easy story, there are strong contents that can disturb some types of readers, but if you are able to go beyond them, I believe that every action and scene of the book is able to hit you straight in the heart and mind, getting directly to the point by immediately getting the intrinsic message of the story.

For this same reason, the pace is super pressing, there is never a moment of peace and the adrenaline is sky high. But not everything is as it seems, it is also a game of cunning, intelligence and who knows how to play their cards better, without necessarily resorting to brute force. Sometimes, battles are better fought with the brain and it can hurt just as much.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely yes, for me Ketley is an insta-buying author, but her works are not suitable for everyone. So, I recommend checking the TWs before continuing with the reading.
___________

🇮🇹 Siamo giunti al termine di questa stupenda ed intensa dilogia nata dalla penna di #KetleyAllison, autrice che per me è ormai una conferma.

Una saga #darkromance dove i sentimenti contrastanti, il senso di perdita e il dolore di un passato difficile ne fanno da padrone. Questo volume, in particolare, è la rappresentazione grafica di quanto sia arduo scegliere tra due persone molto diverse ma che ami allo stesso modo, ma anche di quanto e cosa una persona sia disposta a fare per coloro a cui tiene di più.

Non è una storia facile, ci sono contenuti forti che possono disturbare alcune tipologie di lettori, ma se siete in grado di andare oltre, credo che ogni azione e scena del libro sia in grado di colpirvi dritti al cuore e alla mente, arrivando subito al dunque facendo passare immediatamente il messaggio intrinseco della storia.

Per questo stesso motivo, il ritmo è super incalzante, non c’è mai un momento di pace e l’adrenalina è alle stelle. Però non tutto è come sembra, si tratta anche un gioco di furbizia, di intelligenza e di chi sa giocare meglio le sue carte, senza passare obbligatoriamente alla forza bruta. A volte, le battaglie si combattono meglio col cervello e posso ferire anche altrettanto.

Lo consiglio? Assolutamente si, per me Ketley è un’autrice insta-buying, ma le sue opere non sono indicate per tutti. Quindi, consiglio di controllare i TWs prima di procedere con la lettura.

[Maz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️. 5
The 2nd book in the duet and it started off straight from the cliff hanger. This is quite dark and so much gore, so please check TW and read with care. Also, if you haven't read book 1, please don't read any further as it will ruin the whole of book 1 for you.
I have to say, Layla really became strong as a character and I loved it. For a woman not made for this world, she definitely was fierce and resistant. Her love for Kayden was much more powerful than her pain.
I couldn't even get my mind around Cassie being alive. But I was not prepared for how broken and moulded Cassie was. She is definitely top 10 in the villains list. The pain and torture she inflicted on Layla was absolutely shattering. I was like, you can see what your dad did for you etc, but I guess when she has been manipulated and a used for 10 yrs from young age, she can't see clearly anymore.
Kayden was in such a bad position. Does he save the love of his life or the daughter he doesn't recognise anymore?!! I felt heartbroken for him too. But my goodness, did we see a different side to him in this one. He is still that ruthless assassin but with Layla, his love was pouring out in every way possible.
And that's all I will leave you with because you need to read to feel the shock, anticipation, hurt, betrayal, torture, loss and love. This one was very spicy compared to the 1st book.
You would think how do they manage that if it's mostly torture. But if you're in a situation where you may never see each other again, you take whatever you can despite the predicament you're in.
This one was hard to read but also I was full of admiration of the strength their love had. That ending was absolutely perfect.

“This photo reminds me how you wore pain like armor.” Kaden's voice carries deadly intent. “Now let me show you how to wear it like a crown.”

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been obsessed with a duet like I am with this one. Red dreams was a little more twisted.
When Caden spent years forcibly taking down anyone who comes in the way of him finding out what happened to his daughter, Cassie, he became the Scythe. The Scythe is ruthless. But when he finds out that Cassie is not only alive, but feels anger that he was never able to save her and kidnaps Layla, his Wraithling, to take out her revenge, he is torn. Does he need to be Caden, the loving father to bring his little girl Cassie back, or the Scythe, the ruthless avenger to take Cassie down and save Layla?
The play on Cassie being the "bad guy" in this story had me hooked. I was so torn for Caden. But heartbroken for Cassie. Because I felt her pain. To endure the torture that she had in order to become what she became... well. that could not have been easy, but endure that torture as a little girl, hoping everyday that your daddy was coming to rescue you and him not showing up... aaaahhh.. that put me in my feelings.
I was torn for Layla in this one. She must have wanted revenge on Cassie so many times for what she endured at her hands. The scars left all over her body. The pain she endured. The tattoo. But for her to endure all that and still want Cassie to live, want her to have a better life, want her to change and be the best version of herself, made her such a strong woman in my eyes.
This is an amazing duet. You have to read book 1, Black Heart first which ends on a cliffhanger. Red Dreams picks up right where Black Heart concluded. Definitely check the trigger warnings first, but this is a must read!!!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A manipulative, bloody, cruel, and heart wrenching end to The Reaper duet! It’s utter carnage, twisted revenge, a body count that rises with every paragraph, mind games, and torture, where love is the weapon of choice, and it’s used with blood curdling efficiency by an enemy that shouldn’t exist and it is ridiculously good. It balances out the dark with hope, softens the brutal with a gentle touch, proves that while love is a weapon it can be used in a multitude of ways, and when Kaden unleashes The Scythe, leaves you with zero doubt that Layla is his everything, he’d set the world on fire and happily kill every single person to have her safe and in his arms, and even a black heart will bleed red for love.
I am so into this read! It's like a twisted mess of emotions, super harsh realities, and I can't help but love that putting all the torture and bodies aside, the real nitty gritty is Kaden having hope and a little belief that his daughter, the little girl who was his whole world, is buried somewhere inside the monster she's been made into and that he can reach her but knowing that sometimes the damage is too much and if he has to kill her to end this whole mess he will. It'sfull of anit-hero vibes, which I love, and I totally ate up all the tender and sweet little moments between Kaden and Layla, just really moving and super hot that one minute he's slitting a throat and the next he's washing her hair and whispering how much he loves her, and the ending...I'm feeling a Cassie book coming on and it's throwing avenging angel vibes that I already can't wait for.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up after events of the first book and straight away you're pulled back into the suspense and revelations that came from book 1.

This was gritty, full of suspense and heavy on the revenge. I really felt sorry for what Layla was going through, but then you start to get some of the back story and your heart just breaks for everyone involved.

This book shows what can happen to someone when they've been conditioned a certain way. They don't know anything else.

I enjoyed how this book wasn't wholly centred around Layla and Kaden, but how the dynamics had shifted slightly with the addition of another central character. I won't say more, I don’t want to give away too much.

Kaden was so torn over his choices. Warring with what is the right thing to do, what he should be doing and what he wants to do.

Some parts didn't quite fit but it was enjoyable regardless. Had me on the edge of my seat. This story was fast-paced and had the same level of intensity as the first book and I really enjoyed that.

I'm really interested in learning my about the added character as well and what they went through. I really think there is definitely a story there.

Overall, this was a dark twisted tale of revenge and romance and I loved every minute of it!

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in a duet, and unfortunately I hadn’t read the first so when the storyline starts with the FMC Layla captured and tortured, I didn’t really have a great deal of backstory to rely on.

This is a story where the first 60% is a locked door, captor/ captive, mafia, violence filled book. The MMC The Scythe (an assassin) whose real name is Kaden is trying to rescue Layla (his young love). The captor is his daughter who was lost to him in childhood and raised by another violent mafia villain to be a killing machine.

And therein lies the story - when I wasn’t trying to figure out who’s who, I was wondering if I was going to finish it given the focus on the violence, that seemed not to be leading to anything. There are redemption arcs and there’s some intensity, but it’s a book that left me a little more unsettled than satisfied I’d read it. What I took from it was the relationship forged between Layla and Kaden and what they endured, and Kaden particularly’s faith that there was something good still there in Cassie.

I think it would be helpful to have read the first book so I would know the backgrounds for each of the characters, and whether there had been growth for them across the duet.

Thanks to the author for providing me a copy prior to release.

[Nic_key_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Dreams is book two in a duet so it has to be read after Black Heart.

Red Dreams picks up right after the cliffhanger in Black Heart. The first few chapters I was a screaming mess but in the best way. This is one of those books that will have you going back and forth with wanting to scream and then be happy again.

Red Dreams had this pull on me from chapter 1. Layla is this FMC that you find yourself rooting for. The stuff she goes through in the beginning of this book only a strong one could handle it and come out of it even stronger. Kaden he’s a hard one. I wanted to be mad at him so many times but couldn’t find it in my heart to be. Everything he does is with in reason.


I honestly really enjoyed this duet. Ketley gave us something different with this duet. She brought her A-game and completely slayed it. This duet was something unexpected in the best way possible. It was a different type of story and one that I would definitely recommend.

[Elise Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing!

The first book was great. Even though I thought it dragged a little I enjoyed it. This duet isn't just about a masked stalker dark romance. This duet is so much more and doesn't stop mind messing until... well you'll have to read it to find out. At first I was disappointed that the first book was a cliffy but I read the second in a day! I couldn't put it down. It's very dark , unpredictable and violent. It's also got a spice level that's off the charts right up until the very end! I'm hoping for a book about Cassie...my emotions were all over the place with her. At one point I teared up because her pain and loss of self was so deep! Anyway now I want more! This is a duet that gets better and better. Glad I stuck with it because its going to stick with me! Deserves the five stars without a doubt!

[jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

arc review

rating: 3.5 ⭐️

after the cliffhanger in book one of this duet, i was desperate to find out what happened and i wasn’t disappointed.

book 2 picks up where book 1 left off and it’s just as dark and twisted. i was completely grasped in and had to finish the book as quickly as possible.

layla and kaden are seriously fighting for their lives in this book and fighting for their love. i loved ethan’s character and so happy he survived everything!

all the characters had a lot of inner torment to fight through and survive it. i’m trying to review without giving too much away but it was definitely twisted and layla goes through a lot at the hands of kaden’s daughter who he’s now discovered is alive.

i liked cassie’s character and understood she went through a lot before they discovered she’s alive but something about her character also annoyed me.

red dreams gives the duet a really great ending and a somewhat happy one for the characters which i enjoyed reading. it for really well with the tone and pace of black heart. this book overall was dark but gripping.

read this if you love:
🖤 dark romance
🖤 dual pov
🖤 anti hero
🖤 insta love/attraction

thank you valentine pr & ketley allison for this arc 🫶🏻

[Hollyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Dreams is the second book in The Reaper Duet. This book starts off where book one ends, so these need to be read in order. This book is about Kaden and Layla and is told from both of their points of view.

Book one left off on a major cliffhanger. This book starts off with Layla being tortured, and Ethan helping Kaden recover from almost being killed. Ethan and Kaden will do anything to save Layla and Cassie.

Layla and Kaden go through so much together in this duet, as well as Ethan and Cassie. Can all 4 of them come out on the other side. Will Kaden get his daughter back? Will Kaden and Layla get their happy ending.

I enjoyed this book, but one of the characters made me mad throughout the book, and I was happy to see how it came out at the end.

[Sarah is Lostinthepages.17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not prepared for the depth of her depravity.
Picking up where Black Heart ends, we learn Cassie’s plans for Layla, but we also learn that Layla is a survivor, fueled by love.
Cassie’s anger, hatred and feelings of abandonment is directed at her father, but taken out on Layla.
Kaden is determined to save his love and his daughter.
The question is how? Any other person to have laid a finger on Layla would be dead, but Cassie…
Layla is so much stronger than I gave her credit for in the first book. Smart, absolutely, but survive this, I didn’t see that coming.
Kaden’s love for Layla is so grounding for him and the only thing keeping his monster at bay.
A satisfying conclusion, but I gotta say, I have a feeling Cassie could have more story to be told. I’d be here for it.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the second book in The Reaper Duet. This is the conclusion to Kaden and Layla's story.You have to read Black Hearts or you will be lost when picking up this book. As you know we left off in a huge cliffhanger in the last book. This book will pick up right where that one left off. This is where all the secrets are revealed. It is a fast paced read where Kaden is really on the rampage and trying his dead level best to protect Layla. I can't really tell you much about this story line because there are some twist that I really did not see coming happening in this book. This was a great duet and I really loved reading it.

[meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating: 4.25
spice: 2.5

this was the PERFECT ending to the reaper duet. i was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time.

kaden and layla are so perfect for each other. i would love to read a novella or bonus chapter of my favorite side character, ethan. the things they all went through together made my heart break. and layla is such a strong FMC. she's better than me, i would've never forgiven the people that forced her to go through what she went through.

ketley never misses and i'm so happy valentine gave me the opportunity to arc read this one!

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely love this conclusion. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

I read this book in one sitting and I loved every second of it. The chemistry and passion between Kaden and Layla was as strong and sizzling even after what happened and after all that Layla endured. I loved how it was all worth it. And the ending was amazeballs.

Overall I loved this duet very much. If you’re looking for a masked hero, hidden identity romance, stalker, dark romance then you’re going to love it.

[Becky Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Dreams is the 2nd book in the Reaper Duet. This is a dark romance and does contain content that may be sensitive to some so please check the trigger warnings before reading. Red Dreams pick up right where the first book, Black Heart, ended. Layla finds herself at the mercy of the cruel and deranged Cassie, Kaden’s long lost daughter. Layla and Kaden face lots of ups, downs, heartache, betrayal, violence and lots of spice. Great end to the duet. Can’t wait to see what Ketley comes out with next!!! I received this directly from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.