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Finding You in the Dark
Everything seems simple when you’re a child...until it isn’t.
After a childhood of trauma, betrayal, and pain, Jaeda has learned that the safest place to be is unseen. She told the truth, and no one believed her. So why bother trying anymore?
Three years after everyone she loved took her abuser’s side, she returns to college, determined to move forward. But when she’s paired with her ex-best friend, Cassiel, for a term project, his cold hatred threatens to destroy the carefully built walls around her heart.
Jaeda thinks Cass’s cruelty is as simple as truth and lies. But she’s about to learn that nothing is as it seems...and the secrets he’s hiding are more dangerous than she ever imagined. And when the truth finally comes to light, Jaeda learns too late that some betrayals aren’t just painful.
They’re deadly.
After a childhood of trauma, betrayal, and pain, Jaeda has learned that the safest place to be is unseen. She told the truth, and no one believed her. So why bother trying anymore?
Three years after everyone she loved took her abuser’s side, she returns to college, determined to move forward. But when she’s paired with her ex-best friend, Cassiel, for a term project, his cold hatred threatens to destroy the carefully built walls around her heart.
Jaeda thinks Cass’s cruelty is as simple as truth and lies. But she’s about to learn that nothing is as it seems...and the secrets he’s hiding are more dangerous than she ever imagined. And when the truth finally comes to light, Jaeda learns too late that some betrayals aren’t just painful.
They’re deadly.
- GenresRomance
436 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2025
37 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Mariah L. Stevens
18 books111 followersMariah L. Stevens is a half-Black author and artist who lives in the PNW. She is diagnosed with Autism, BiPolar 1, and CPTSD. Mariah has been writing since she was 13 years old, and she plans to use her passion and life experience to help other survivors through the power of prose. She is a sex trafficking and Bulimia survivor that advocates for recovery and a life worth living. She encourages mental health awareness, as well as ED awareness in Black individuals, and weaves all of these elements into her work with the sole purpose of helping others seek recovery.
Mariah is a very creative person. She loves to write, draw, design fabric, sew lolita-style dresses, design her own book covers, and do different types of crafting. She loves Japanese fashion, Kingdom Hearts, Disneyland, and her cat, Chiiyo.
Mariah listens to metalcore and post-hardcore, has way too many pictures of MGK and Zendaya in her phone, and has 3 Kingdom Hearts tattoos.
She also really loves Godzilla.
Mariah is a very creative person. She loves to write, draw, design fabric, sew lolita-style dresses, design her own book covers, and do different types of crafting. She loves Japanese fashion, Kingdom Hearts, Disneyland, and her cat, Chiiyo.
Mariah listens to metalcore and post-hardcore, has way too many pictures of MGK and Zendaya in her phone, and has 3 Kingdom Hearts tattoos.
She also really loves Godzilla.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 27, 2025
A romance weaving between trauma and a friendship-turn to enemies - turn to (read the book).
It is definitely not an easy read, even with the warnings, and maybe it could have benefitted a little more trimming down but finding you in the dark hit me with with the complexity of Jaeda’s story.
The complicated feelings in the wake of outing a monster and not being believed, not even by her best friend since childhood: Cass, gave me all the emotions and opened my eyes to what comes after the SA ends. A recommended read for sure
*received ARC but this didn’t cash he my views in any way”
It is definitely not an easy read, even with the warnings, and maybe it could have benefitted a little more trimming down but finding you in the dark hit me with with the complexity of Jaeda’s story.
The complicated feelings in the wake of outing a monster and not being believed, not even by her best friend since childhood: Cass, gave me all the emotions and opened my eyes to what comes after the SA ends. A recommended read for sure
*received ARC but this didn’t cash he my views in any way”
March 14, 2025
"Finding You in the Dark" by Mariah L. Stevens explores deeply into the complexities of trauma, friendship, betrayal, and the grey areas of love. Stevens doesn't shy away from tough themes, crafting a narrative that's emotionally intense and thought-provoking. Admittedly, the pacing was sometimes challenging, lingering a bit longer than necessary on the secrets and emotional turmoil, yet this intensity contributed to a genuinely immersive reading experience. Jaeda's journey felt authentic and raw, often heart-wrenching, highlighting her strength in the face of disbelief and hardship. If you're prepared for a dark, messy, and emotionally charged story that explores what comes after trauma, this book will leave an impression. It's an ambitious debut, not flawless, but certainly impactful.
(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
June 30, 2025
Spoiler alert
Ok, this is by far the most confusing book I've ever read. The main female character is non stop having serious mental issues. Trigger warnings galore. Seriously the FMC struggles with depression, cutting, low self esteem the whole time, bullying, PTSD, codependency, non-stop whiplash of "I love him, I hate him, I'll die for him, and I will non stop beg for him." She was a really hard character to understand. The FMC puts herself in non-stop danger, waffles between standing up for herself and wanting to un-alive herself every third chapter. I wanted this book to work out. It was like a shake and bake attempt to make it make sense. Plot holes every step of the way. It reads as if it was meant to be a young adult romance in high school got booted up to community college. It was so disjointed and so many stop/starts. It was trying to be dark romance, trying to be a true crime style book, and it felt like you couldn't get the personality of the main character correct so all the free association made my head spin. It has sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, gang warfare that made no sense, drug slinging, weird band hobby, abusive parents, severe mental illness, weirdly erotic scenes in an attempt to save the book, and so much self loathing in the main characters it felt like watching a train wreck. I got this book on a stuff your kindle day. I went through the whole book trying to find redemption. I needed to finish to write a review because I feel so much ick. This would have read better as a story cliff notes style of what happened to Jaeda. She leaves the poopy town and lives an amazing life and one of her dead beat adoptive parents is dying and tells her about her true origins and that they all helped cover up a murder, sexual abuse, and they never did anything until now because the death they are going to face now won't let them rest until they told the truth. She finds out the truth and starts her own investigation and gets the legal evidence to prove her adoptive brother is/was a predator and she gets him caught up in legal charges and reunites with her long lost love Cass and together they find forgiveness and love in each other while they set things straight and shake up the tiny town with all the changes they made happen. Improving the overall likeability of the main characters and less plot holes to drive a whole bus through. She still gets all her redemption, justice, and the guy. Even had room for a reverse harem if she really wanted to make the spice make sense.
Ok, this is by far the most confusing book I've ever read. The main female character is non stop having serious mental issues. Trigger warnings galore. Seriously the FMC struggles with depression, cutting, low self esteem the whole time, bullying, PTSD, codependency, non-stop whiplash of "I love him, I hate him, I'll die for him, and I will non stop beg for him." She was a really hard character to understand. The FMC puts herself in non-stop danger, waffles between standing up for herself and wanting to un-alive herself every third chapter. I wanted this book to work out. It was like a shake and bake attempt to make it make sense. Plot holes every step of the way. It reads as if it was meant to be a young adult romance in high school got booted up to community college. It was so disjointed and so many stop/starts. It was trying to be dark romance, trying to be a true crime style book, and it felt like you couldn't get the personality of the main character correct so all the free association made my head spin. It has sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, gang warfare that made no sense, drug slinging, weird band hobby, abusive parents, severe mental illness, weirdly erotic scenes in an attempt to save the book, and so much self loathing in the main characters it felt like watching a train wreck. I got this book on a stuff your kindle day. I went through the whole book trying to find redemption. I needed to finish to write a review because I feel so much ick. This would have read better as a story cliff notes style of what happened to Jaeda. She leaves the poopy town and lives an amazing life and one of her dead beat adoptive parents is dying and tells her about her true origins and that they all helped cover up a murder, sexual abuse, and they never did anything until now because the death they are going to face now won't let them rest until they told the truth. She finds out the truth and starts her own investigation and gets the legal evidence to prove her adoptive brother is/was a predator and she gets him caught up in legal charges and reunites with her long lost love Cass and together they find forgiveness and love in each other while they set things straight and shake up the tiny town with all the changes they made happen. Improving the overall likeability of the main characters and less plot holes to drive a whole bus through. She still gets all her redemption, justice, and the guy. Even had room for a reverse harem if she really wanted to make the spice make sense.
February 27, 2025
Let me start by saying that this was a very exciting and entertaining read. While the plot is very dark, it keeps you engaged. The story itself is an interesting idea, and the writing was performed amazingly. It handles trauma and related topics, such as depression, self-harm and suicide attempt, in a graceful and realistic manner. It is very raw and accurate, and I do recommend reader discretion when reading because it is described in detail on page and could be triggering to some!
The main problem I had while reading is with the MMC (Cass). While I understand that the story is written from the FMC’s (Jaeda’s) point of view and therefore focused mostly on her emotions, I felt like the Cass could have been written more complex. His whole personality was only “protecting” and “living” for the main character. Ever since they met at the age of 8, he has been in love with her and has done everything just for her. However, it is not focused on enough just how much he goes through to achieve this. He has trauma of his own, which is never mentioned or acknowledged. It is especially heart breaking because the main character is supposed to love him and be his best friend, but she doesn’t seem to care about his trauma, only about how he hurt her, and she blames him even for her own trauma.
That being mentioned, I do love Jaeda, and I empathise with her and what she went through, I do think that she is a very strong character. And I do agree that in her situation it would be hard to focus on other people’s situation when she is barely surviving herself. I just wish we could have had a more rounded Cass with at least a tiny mention of everything he went thought and personality other than Jaeda obsessed boy.
Side note and SPOILER:
This book was provided to me as an ARC (thank you Mariah L. Stevens <3) but my rating is honest and all opinions are my own.
The main problem I had while reading is with the MMC (Cass). While I understand that the story is written from the FMC’s (Jaeda’s) point of view and therefore focused mostly on her emotions, I felt like the Cass could have been written more complex. His whole personality was only “protecting” and “living” for the main character. Ever since they met at the age of 8, he has been in love with her and has done everything just for her. However, it is not focused on enough just how much he goes through to achieve this. He has trauma of his own, which is never mentioned or acknowledged. It is especially heart breaking because the main character is supposed to love him and be his best friend, but she doesn’t seem to care about his trauma, only about how he hurt her, and she blames him even for her own trauma.
That being mentioned, I do love Jaeda, and I empathise with her and what she went through, I do think that she is a very strong character. And I do agree that in her situation it would be hard to focus on other people’s situation when she is barely surviving herself. I just wish we could have had a more rounded Cass with at least a tiny mention of everything he went thought and personality other than Jaeda obsessed boy.
Side note and SPOILER:
This book was provided to me as an ARC (thank you Mariah L. Stevens <3) but my rating is honest and all opinions are my own.
February 25, 2025
Finding You in the Dark is a solid 3.75 read. The characters are layered and the writing itself is excellent. The most compelling character for me, by far, was Jaeda. She is nuanced, complicated, empathetic and frustrating. I never stopped wanting her to succeed.
However, I could not abide her romantic relationship with the MMC. I felt like her feelings for him were a crutch and a distraction from the things she really needed to focus on (herself). She was so wrapped up in his needs and her need for him that she never gave attention to her own self-preservation.
I also had major issues with the MMC. Although his motivations were explained later in the story, I couldn’t help but feel his decision not to explore other options for protecting the FMC contributed greatly to her emotional pain and compounded her victimhood. It was a dealbreaker for me, especially after the FMC reached a breaking point.
Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t doubt that he loved Jaeda. That did come through. But he did NOT deserve her. I will die on this hill. I also didn’t like that the burden for repairing and maintaining their broken relationship was primarily placed on the FMC’s shoulders. She did all the heavy lifting and that should not have been on her.
This isn’t to say that the MMC was an irredeemable ass. He wasn’t. He was seriously flawed, as were most of the characters in this novel. I just feel he could have put in more work when it came to his relationship with the FMC. He got off way too easy for my liking.
But other than my problems with him and a few continuity issues, this was an engaging read. Although, I was ranting throughout most of the chapters, I was NEVER bored. You’ll definitely be engrossed from start to finish.
However, I could not abide her romantic relationship with the MMC. I felt like her feelings for him were a crutch and a distraction from the things she really needed to focus on (herself). She was so wrapped up in his needs and her need for him that she never gave attention to her own self-preservation.
I also had major issues with the MMC. Although his motivations were explained later in the story, I couldn’t help but feel his decision not to explore other options for protecting the FMC contributed greatly to her emotional pain and compounded her victimhood. It was a dealbreaker for me, especially after the FMC reached a breaking point.
Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t doubt that he loved Jaeda. That did come through. But he did NOT deserve her. I will die on this hill. I also didn’t like that the burden for repairing and maintaining their broken relationship was primarily placed on the FMC’s shoulders. She did all the heavy lifting and that should not have been on her.
This isn’t to say that the MMC was an irredeemable ass. He wasn’t. He was seriously flawed, as were most of the characters in this novel. I just feel he could have put in more work when it came to his relationship with the FMC. He got off way too easy for my liking.
But other than my problems with him and a few continuity issues, this was an engaging read. Although, I was ranting throughout most of the chapters, I was NEVER bored. You’ll definitely be engrossed from start to finish.
May 23, 2025
Finding You in the Dark by Mariah L. Stevens is a haunting and heartfelt exploration of trauma, resilience, and the journey toward healing. Stevens, a BIPOC neurodivergent author, brings authenticity and depth to this emotionally charged narrative.
The story follows Jaeda, a young woman grappling with the shadows of a painful past. Her experiences are portrayed with raw honesty, shedding light on the complexities of mental health and the struggle to find one's voice amidst adversity. The depiction of Jaeda's internal battles is both poignant and unflinching, offering readers a window into the enduring impact of trauma.
Stevens' prose is poetic and evocative, drawing readers into Jaeda's world with vivid imagery and emotional resonance. The narrative doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Jaeda's journey, but it also offers moments of hope and empowerment as she navigates her path toward self-discovery and healing.
While the subject matter is intense, the story is handled with sensitivity and care. Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives that delve into the intricacies of the human psyche will find much to admire here.
In summary, Finding You in the Dark is a compelling debut that confronts difficult themes with grace and authenticity. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of our experiences.
The story follows Jaeda, a young woman grappling with the shadows of a painful past. Her experiences are portrayed with raw honesty, shedding light on the complexities of mental health and the struggle to find one's voice amidst adversity. The depiction of Jaeda's internal battles is both poignant and unflinching, offering readers a window into the enduring impact of trauma.
Stevens' prose is poetic and evocative, drawing readers into Jaeda's world with vivid imagery and emotional resonance. The narrative doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Jaeda's journey, but it also offers moments of hope and empowerment as she navigates her path toward self-discovery and healing.
While the subject matter is intense, the story is handled with sensitivity and care. Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives that delve into the intricacies of the human psyche will find much to admire here.
In summary, Finding You in the Dark is a compelling debut that confronts difficult themes with grace and authenticity. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to illuminate the darkest corners of our experiences.
March 10, 2025
This review is as an ARC reader
I honestly tried reading this book, very hard. But I had to DNF it. And this is why.
I chose this book because of its interesting and intriguing blurb which said the FMC had a traumatic past which no one believed. The first 100 pages were enough to convince me of her trauma and that no one believed her.
The FMC went through a lot and the 3/4th of the book just revolved around the her trauma and the secrets. I was tired till 300 pages and the story didn't show any significant progress. No secrets were getting revealed and we weren't even getting a glimpse of it. If the last 100 pages are miraculous, I am sorry I didn't reach that far.
Another ick is MMC, I swear if he is in my life or I know someone like him. I am going to slap him so hard that his entire body shakes. That's how pissed I am at him. The guy barely supports FMC, disrespects her, doesn't trust her,keeps secrets from her and just uses her for sex at this point. And I am mad at FMC for choosing him every time irrespective of when she has better options.
Honestly side characters in this book >>> main characters. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
I honestly tried reading this book, very hard. But I had to DNF it. And this is why.
I chose this book because of its interesting and intriguing blurb which said the FMC had a traumatic past which no one believed. The first 100 pages were enough to convince me of her trauma and that no one believed her.
The FMC went through a lot and the 3/4th of the book just revolved around the her trauma and the secrets. I was tired till 300 pages and the story didn't show any significant progress. No secrets were getting revealed and we weren't even getting a glimpse of it. If the last 100 pages are miraculous, I am sorry I didn't reach that far.
Another ick is MMC, I swear if he is in my life or I know someone like him. I am going to slap him so hard that his entire body shakes. That's how pissed I am at him. The guy barely supports FMC, disrespects her, doesn't trust her,keeps secrets from her and just uses her for sex at this point. And I am mad at FMC for choosing him every time irrespective of when she has better options.
Honestly side characters in this book >>> main characters. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
March 12, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
M.L. Stevens' 'Finding You in the Dark,' threw me for a loop! I'd never really read dark romance before, and this book just dives right in. It's not some sweet, love story, It's more like... being dropped into a really twisty roller coaster, with secrets and betrayals along the way.
The main character, Jeada, honestly, I don't know how she's still standing 🥴. She's been through so much, it's heartbreaking. But she's also incredibly strong. Her whole thing is trying to keep her friendship with her best friend alive, and it's like every step she takes, something else terrible happens.
This book is just full of surprises. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, BAM!💥 Something else happens. It was a lot, I won't lie, a bit overwhelming at times, but in a good way?
It's definitely an emotional ride. If you're into books that make you feel things, then this is for you. It's intense, messy and complicated, and it really gets under your skin.😤
If you've ever been curious about trying dark romance, or if you're already a fan, you should definitely check this out. Just be prepared to go through the motions.
M.L. Stevens' 'Finding You in the Dark,' threw me for a loop! I'd never really read dark romance before, and this book just dives right in. It's not some sweet, love story, It's more like... being dropped into a really twisty roller coaster, with secrets and betrayals along the way.
The main character, Jeada, honestly, I don't know how she's still standing 🥴. She's been through so much, it's heartbreaking. But she's also incredibly strong. Her whole thing is trying to keep her friendship with her best friend alive, and it's like every step she takes, something else terrible happens.
This book is just full of surprises. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, BAM!💥 Something else happens. It was a lot, I won't lie, a bit overwhelming at times, but in a good way?
It's definitely an emotional ride. If you're into books that make you feel things, then this is for you. It's intense, messy and complicated, and it really gets under your skin.😤
If you've ever been curious about trying dark romance, or if you're already a fan, you should definitely check this out. Just be prepared to go through the motions.
February 27, 2025
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I felt that there were so many good aspects to the storyline, and I did become engrossed at points. It was hard not to feel for Jaeda after everything she endured. Jaeda is a strong, resilient woman.
Also, it was good to understand how the trauma Cass had endured had affected him and how he grew throughout the book.
The way the author portrayed the abuse and mental health struggles was extremely well handled and portrayed well.
I loved the found family aspect.
However, for me personally I wanted the book to continue with the storyline rather than Jaeda's obsession with Cass, as I found myself getting disconnected from the book by the constant referral to Cass and how it consumed every aspect of Jaeda's life. For me, this was what prevented me from rating the book higher.
Overall, I did enjoy the story, the characters, and how they dealt with their own traumas.
I would have given the book 3.5 ⭐️ if possible.
⚠️ Do check the trigger warnings as for this book.
Thank you to Mariah L Stevens and Bookworm Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Also, it was good to understand how the trauma Cass had endured had affected him and how he grew throughout the book.
The way the author portrayed the abuse and mental health struggles was extremely well handled and portrayed well.
I loved the found family aspect.
However, for me personally I wanted the book to continue with the storyline rather than Jaeda's obsession with Cass, as I found myself getting disconnected from the book by the constant referral to Cass and how it consumed every aspect of Jaeda's life. For me, this was what prevented me from rating the book higher.
Overall, I did enjoy the story, the characters, and how they dealt with their own traumas.
I would have given the book 3.5 ⭐️ if possible.
⚠️ Do check the trigger warnings as for this book.
Thank you to Mariah L Stevens and Bookworm Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2025
Be aware of the trigger warnings here as there is a theme of mental health issues.
Jaeda an abuse survivor, who was wronged by pretty much everyone in her life, returns to college in an attempt to reclaim her life and her oath crosses once again with Cass, her ex best friend and confidante, himself a trauma survivor. We realise how deeply in love Cass is and always has been with Jaeda and what he has suffered in order to survive. However what was a problem for me is that Cass' story is never made clear, despite Jaeda claiming to be so close to him, how come she knows next to nothing? For this reason I'm afraid this book missed the mark for me.
I was desperate for Cass' side of the story and a dual POV.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jaeda an abuse survivor, who was wronged by pretty much everyone in her life, returns to college in an attempt to reclaim her life and her oath crosses once again with Cass, her ex best friend and confidante, himself a trauma survivor. We realise how deeply in love Cass is and always has been with Jaeda and what he has suffered in order to survive. However what was a problem for me is that Cass' story is never made clear, despite Jaeda claiming to be so close to him, how come she knows next to nothing? For this reason I'm afraid this book missed the mark for me.
I was desperate for Cass' side of the story and a dual POV.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2025
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
Yesterday i had to dnf this book😭😭 I was at 366 pages of 864 pages! I was not liking it a long time 😭😭 but I kinda wanted to know the story (i might pick again if I feel like it but I don't think my rating will change:( )
I think the way the author made them doesn't match with their age, when they were 8? They hug her mothers legs and they were up? How is that possible? (Is not) at age 14/15 they were to innocent for that age. And even now I don't understand how they act if they are in their 20s.
If this way when they had like 13/14 I could understand their actions/ dialogue, but in their 20s? I'm sorry but doesn't make sense
Yesterday i had to dnf this book😭😭 I was at 366 pages of 864 pages! I was not liking it a long time 😭😭 but I kinda wanted to know the story (i might pick again if I feel like it but I don't think my rating will change:( )
I think the way the author made them doesn't match with their age, when they were 8? They hug her mothers legs and they were up? How is that possible? (Is not) at age 14/15 they were to innocent for that age. And even now I don't understand how they act if they are in their 20s.
If this way when they had like 13/14 I could understand their actions/ dialogue, but in their 20s? I'm sorry but doesn't make sense
March 9, 2025
This book really threw me for a loop. I was invested from the get go. My poor Jaeda has been through so so much and still keeps going through things. She has so much trauma and she’s just trying to move on and survive. She’s strong, independent and very courageous. My hats off to her. Cass is a real piece of work. I totally hated him but I do believe that everyone should have a chance to redeem themselves. Lots of secrets, lies and betrayal that Jaeda goes through. Jaeda and Cass’s relationship is very turbulent. The twist and turns can give you whiplash. Loved it. Definitely watch for triggers. Can’t wait to read more books from this author!!!
July 15, 2025
I absolutely love reading works by this author. The characters they write are absolutely some of my favorites. I cried so much while reading this book, but I absolutely recommend it so much. I love not only the main characters, Jaeda and Cass, but the side characters as well. The history between the characters and the trauma they go through is just so heartbreaking. This book is definitely one of my favorites by this author, and I think one of my favorites in general. The story is so unique and I cannot wait to read more
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
Genre/Tropes ✨ friends to enemies to lovers, gangs, dark romance, found family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
Genre/Tropes ✨ friends to enemies to lovers, gangs, dark romance, found family
February 28, 2025
First of all , check trigger warnings before reading as it deals with mental health issues and SA. This was such a good book, from page one I was invested in the story and the character Jae. I could not put the book down as the story was really engaging and I just wanted our girl Jae to be happy. The writing in this was so poetic and addictive. The representation of mental health with Jae felt realistic and was done so well. I felt so connected to her as she was so relatable not only with her mental health issues but also her personality. The found family in this was top tier as she makes a really good friend.
February 26, 2025
This book is pretty dark but the plot kept me hooked until the end.
Jaeda is a survivor, with bad things happening to her over and over. Despite this she is desperately trying to finish college and make friends.
While the plot somrtimes felt unrealistic, as bad things happened on top of bad things, it was interesting and I wanted to know what happened next.
The mental health depictions felt very realistic and although harrowing it was good to read something that felt real and un- glamourised.
Make sure to check the trigger warnings.
This book was an ARC but all views are my own.
Jaeda is a survivor, with bad things happening to her over and over. Despite this she is desperately trying to finish college and make friends.
While the plot somrtimes felt unrealistic, as bad things happened on top of bad things, it was interesting and I wanted to know what happened next.
The mental health depictions felt very realistic and although harrowing it was good to read something that felt real and un- glamourised.
Make sure to check the trigger warnings.
This book was an ARC but all views are my own.
March 11, 2025
I appreciated the fact that the author doesn’t romanticize abuse. You can feel the raw emotions and feelings the characters are going through. Jaeda is what I picture girl power to be. She’s a really strong fmc and deserves the world. Seeing Cass’s character development and the twist he brought to story had me glued to the book. I beautiful story about love, found family, and friendship. A perfect story for the dark romance readers. However, don’t forget to read the trigger warnings before reading.
March 6, 2025
I am never going to recover from this book. This was literal perfection, and this is coming from some who is not typically a fan of dark romance. I couldn't put this down!! I loved Jaeda and Cass: Jaeda was such a strong Fmc and I loved watching the character development of Cass. I really enjoyed the mystery/suspense of what Cass was hiding. This book was so beautifully written and overall is a 5 star read for me. I really hope y'all give this a read, you will not be disappointed!!
March 14, 2025
This story is a work of art, and in true artistic fashion, it can show us some of the depths of humanity we aren't ready to face or have trouble acknowledging. The real-world feel to the book brought an emotional pull to the story that was brutal. It was a hard read, but one that makes me realize just how human I am, how human we all are.
Check the content warnings, this book doesn't fuck around.
Check the content warnings, this book doesn't fuck around.
October 5, 2025
I almost DNFed at 9%, again at 22% Ave a couple of other times. The FMC to me was too whiny. She also flip-flopped on her feelings and actions so many times it was frustrating. She wasn't the only character that seemed to do a 180 in the storyline either. The action picked up later but it seemed disjointed.
March 27, 2025
This was well written and I enjoyed the storyline per se and some of the characters, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
April 11, 2025
Please check your triggers
Jaeda is back in college and ends up teamed up with her ex best friend. I enjoyed this read!
Jaeda is back in college and ends up teamed up with her ex best friend. I enjoyed this read!
July 7, 2025
0.5 stars. DNF. This book ticked no boxes for me. Did not hit right. After reading Apricity in 2020 i was really looking forward to reading her published work but unfortunately did not hit the same. This one was just a miss for me.
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