Colton

Archer High #4

by Linzvonc

Luella infiltrated his world seeking revenge, but Colton was the complication she never expected. Ruthless, dangerous, and just as broken, he sees right through her charade—and now he’s not letting her go.

Trapped in his grip, Luella faces a battle of wits and wills. Their hatred is the spark that ignites a twisted desire, binding them together in a dark dance of obsession and power.

In this game, love and control blur. Can she break free, or will she succumb to the darkness they share?

A dark, intoxicating romance of vengeance, captivity, and forbidden desire.

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Mental Health, Kidnapping

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Linzvonc is a bestselling author with readers all over the globe. She loves nothing more than snuggling up with her fur babies and creating characters just for her readers. She studied an English Literature and Creative Writing degree level before becoming a writer as her full-time job. She believes there is no real way to write-and to write what you would like to read. If we all tried to do what others do, there wouldn't ever be room for change, and there must always be room for that.

Join Linzvonc's Ream to access new, ongoing works before they are published anywhere else, along with exciting secret announcements!

https://reamstories.com/page/ld4o7ywqjj

Alternatively, join the facebook group especially for Linz's readers: https://tinyurl.com/2b9cm4rr

Reviews

[Dru · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥

I was excited to get this ARC, because it said it was a pitch black dark romance. I am going to let you know, this is exactly what a morally black MMC is. There is no grey, just black.

The FMC is out for revenge for what happened to her sister, so she poses as a maid in order to get close to her target. What she doesn't expect, is that the son of her target to be as obsessed with her, as she is with her revenge. Will he put a stop to all her well laid plans?

I liked that the FMC was not a weak character overall, but she basically folded like a taco for the MMC. There may have been some minor resistance, but the book was written with insta-love. You get to read her inner monologue of her conflict about the MMC, so I wish it was seen more in her actions. I did love that she continued with her revenge. She never stopped in her mission (even though it felt that way in the middle of the book), and she was a strong character. She is able to put up and overcome a lot. I enjoyed that she knew her worth and who she was.

The MMC was a whole other level of crazy. That man has no morals. None. And do not expect a redeeming arc for him. He cannot be saved. So go in understanding that about him if you read this book and decide to stay along for the ride. I liked the MMC a lot more than the FMC, because I think he was a more unique character, and I appreciate reading his side of the story each chapter. The author did a good job of allowing the reader to get to know what type of character he is, and what makes his actions palatable at times. I use palatable lightly in this case, but his actions made sense for his character, not a morally decent person.

Where this book lost me at times was when the plot went way too fast, that it became a tell not show situation. Within the first 15% of the book, I felt like I was in a race. Then in the middle of the book, it slowed down quite a bit, and at the end of the book, I would say it was the most stable. It was like a yo-yo when it came to the pace of the book, which would take me out of the story. I wanted to be more invested than I really was when reading, and I think I would have been if the plot and characters were a bit more solid.

⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Stabby Heroine
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Dual POV’s
✅ Captor/Captive (for a hot minute)
✅ Insta-Love/Fast Burn
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers (you could say this but it happened so fast they weren't really enemies)
✅ No OW drama
✅ No OM drama
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ He falls first
✅ Stalker
✅ Chase/Primal
✅ MINE
✅ HFN

The trigger warnings are real, and a lot of them can be rough to read, so I would suggest to make sure you know what you are getting into if you are sensitive to some of the triggers. I went in blind since this is not my first rodeo with morally black characters, so if you are a seasoned vet, you may be fine, but I will still recommend reading the TW list.

***I was given this as an ARC for free and writing a review voluntary. All opinions are my own.***

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up!! First things first - this is a pitch black romance - I am not joking. The TW menu, I mean list, is there for a reason. This was my first book by the author and it will not be my last!!

It has been awhile since I have read a true pitch black romance - these characters are unhinged and morally black - and I could not get enough of them!

Our FMC Luella is on a path of revenge. She is after the man who unalived her sister…and ends up on Colton’s radar - he is the complication she never expected. Colton - holy hell he is unhinged and ruthless. I really liked the sense of tension between Luella and Colton - they have this fiery enemies vibe crossed with an insta love vibe - but also I wasn’t sure I could trust Colton!

We get this great back and forth between them - they have great chemistry and seem to play off one another. This story kept me right on the edge waiting to see what would happen!

✨What To Expect:
🖤Pitch Black Romance
🥀Dark Romance
💋She’s A Little Stabby
❤️‍🔥Enemies To Lovers
🧲Forced Proximity & Captivity
🚫Forbidden
🔪Revenge
🔥Morally Black Unhinged MMC

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Shit Linzvonc wasn’t playing when she said this story was pitch black with her longest list of triggers/ content warnings Colton is just on a whole other level and I ate his story up! Definitely five stars definitely loved every dark depraved dirty minute of this book I don’t know what more to say if you have read this author before then you know what to expect but wow I didn’t expect no where near the depravity of this story but I loved it!

Overall Ratings;⁣⁣
POV - Dual ⁣
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
Heroine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
⁣
Overall Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice ratings 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness- pitch black 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Triggers- yes check the trigger warnings in the front pages of the book! It’s like 3 pages long from top to bottom. Make sure you read and take care of your mental health always.

[Mistress Cyanide · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ALC REVIEW✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book 4 in the Archer High series
Tropes:
🖤 Captivity turned desire
🔥 Hatred turned love
☠️ Revenge romance
👑 Possessive anti-hero
🎭 Secrets and deception
🌒 Enemies to twisted lovers
🚨CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS🚨

I ALC'd Kaden and Jagger in this series and was excited to get this one. In this

I absolutely adore Lucy Rivers! She definitely did not disappoint in this! Luella is a strong, defiant, badass! Revenge is a dish better served with a gun to the dick!

Joe Arden has always played the unhinged EXTREMELY well! This one was no different! Joe as Colton had my eye in a constant state of 😯! The lines were blurred when it came to love, obsession, and lust.
Please, please, please check your triggers for this one. It can be a little bit rough in places!

[Galina Rupchina]

I should stop reading Instagram-recommended books

[Idara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @linzvonc and @rrbooktours for my #gifted copy.

spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“Her revenge. His obsession. Her ruin.”

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘵?

This one might be right up your alley.

I had the pleasure of receiving an arc for Colton, the fourth book in the Archer High series. Did I read books 1–3? Nope! But did that stop me from understanding and enjoying this one? Absolutely not.

Y’all, I’ve read my fair share of dark romances, but this one takes the cake. Colton is a dark, stalker romance where the FMC is out for revenge against a man accused of killing her sister, only to find herself in a dangerously obsessive game of cat and mouse with his son, Colton.

Now, I love a morally gray character, but Colton? He’s toeing the line of morally black.

⚠️ Be sure to check the trigger warnings—this one gets really dark.

𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼
❥pitch black romance
❥obsessive and stalker romance
❥twisted love & soulmate
❥cat & mouse
❥revenge plot

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 47%...

First ever audio that I've DNF'd, as normally, no matter how crap the book is, the audible tends to save it, however the narrators in this case, I think made it worse!

The story itself was completely bizarre, one minute Mary is a maid seeking revenge for her sister, talking to the sexy, broody son filled with mystery, then, in literally a chapters time, that same mystery man is a complete nut job, who whisks her away from his evil father, only to trap and r*** her himself?!

I am not apposed to trigger warnings nor erotic horror, but this was advertise as a dark romance?! This is not romance! its Stockholm Syndrome! I did not finish the book, because if they magically fell in love and stayed together at the end, it would of angered me!
The fact the book doesn't advertise it any differently, I thought I'd save myself the anger..

Back to the narrators, Lucy Rivers is fantastic, but this was not the book for her voice, she was too delicate, whereas Luella/Mary was feisty.

Joe Arden is my favourite narrator, but he spoke in his psychopathic voice,, Which I love, but also told me AGAIN that this was not a romance, He used the same method in "Painters Obsession" .. Fantastic book, but AGAIN not a romance!

The plot was paper thin, with no back story, no explanation... this may of been in the other half of the book, But, sadly, I couldn't care to find out.

[Cassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ALC Review*🎧

I absolutely loved this one! Pitch black, possesive, and obsessive MMC who will stop at nothing to have his girl. Luella is a fierce and brave FMC seeking revenge when she stumbles upon Colton. This was SO good yall...so good! The narrators could not have been picked any more...so much talent and so much emotion from them. The story line was so good..everything so just so good!

[Ravens Dark Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

what it do? its me your favorite spoiler girl, spoiling the books that i read and today i am spoiling, COLTON

Now, before i jump in, let me just preface there is GRAPE, in this book, HEAVY HEAVY HEAAAAAVY GRAPE AND SA. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE MY WARNINGS KINDLY. AND IF YOU WANTED TO READ THIS BUT WERE WEARY OF THAT, BUT STILL WANTED TO KNOW WHAT THIS BOOK WAS ABOUT, THEN ITS A GOOD THING IM SPOILING IT FOR YOU

Alright? Got it? Good, lets hop in


So, Luella ( hate that damn name) goes undercover as a maid with the alias Mary for the Blackwoods, preferably, Xavier Blackwood, shes doing this to avenge her sisters death at the hands of Xander. This all powerful man, with twisted R Kelly and Mr. Islandman....who know, kinks. While working she catches the eye of Xaviers son, Colton, who instantly takes a obsession to Luella. One day while snooping and finding a file of pictures of Xanders....stuff with her sister and other women and even Colton, she witness, Xavier and a young women, whom he is violating. He then calls in Colton to try to get him to join in, which he rejects.

Colton notices that his dad wants Luella and he tells him to leave her alone because she is his, which his dad finds HILARIOUS because, hes Xavier Blackwood and whatever or whoever he wants, he gets, and not even his stupid son can stop him.

Welllll, Colton stops him

In a way, By taking Luella and running away. They come across a young girl named Ameila that they try to save but in the end Colton says deuces on her and leaves her behind in order to save Luella cause you know, shes his. Even though shes all, "NO im not"

But that all changes when they run and hide in a cabin but pretty soon, dear old dads minions came a knocking and colton offs one of them and they hide in a trap door area in the basement of that cabin ,where they get it on for the first time and all that does is make Colton even more obsessed with her. Luella is trying to make sense of what happened because you know, she planned to kill his dad and she just slept with his son? WHAAAAAAAT?

But Colton, yeah nah " Shes his" and he can not and will not let anything come between them. Luella goes out for some fresh air and colton is right there on her tail cause he cant stand to be away from her. he needs to see her, smell her, be with her at all times he needs to know that she is HIS. And so he takes her right there, AGAIN.

So then they go on the run again cause dear of dad. Colton takes her to a home that his dad knows nothing about and this is where everything slides to the depths of HELL

At this house, Colton locks her in a room. Shes not too happy about this. Cause why? He tells her what to wear and shes like again, why?

Now in Coltons parts, you see him and his conscious talking. Like his Conscious will tell him things like " Do it Colton, You want her Colton, Youre scaring her COLTON!" and Colton will respond verbally. So you see that his elevator doesnt reach the top floor. Like hes battling some mental issues. Probably from the things his witness at the hands of his dad.

At this house is where Luella fights back at colton by telling him, him locking her away isnt love, its obsession and he says there the same thing, they both make you do things you normally wouldnt and that hes protecting her, hes saving her from his father. He wont let anything or anyone harm what belongs to him. Luella is really giving him a run for his money with her defiance as he says and this is where...the.....GRAPE. happens

Afterwards, she showers and sees the evidence of this and tells him that he made her bleed and Colton is like "yeah. ill clean you up" very nonchalant.

Colton knows that luella is hiding something ( how idk its not specified but he does) and he calls someone to find out everything about her and this is where he finds out that Luella is Luella and not Mary He confronts her and says Yeah i know youre name is Luella Watts, your dad did things to you and your sister, your mom is gone, you sister was killed by my dad, you want to kill my dad because of it OH and your dad was murdered and his sole surviving daughter.....went missing?

And Luella all " oh crap how you know that and idc im gonna kill your dad" Coltons all " Nah, you cant kill him not possible" Luellas all " ill kill him and you" and they fight and she holds her own until he plans to tie her up with rope or handcuffs. He gives her the option of which one she wants, obviously she didnt choose but he did and uses handcuffs.

And again.....another Grape scene..


Shes on the bed handcuffed, asleep and Coltons inner voice tells him to .......take her and that it will be easier because shes.....asleep and he wants her to stay asleep so he gets Chloroform and yeah

The next day, shes unaware of what he did shes sore and feeling out of it but is pretty much clueless. Colton tells her his dad called and knows where they are and that they have to go on the run again. Luella says nah. She hits his over the head with something i forget and leaves. She drives to a town and uses a public computer to email herself everything she found at Xaviers house, all the evidence of the things hes done. She then calls the cops and tells them she has evidence on Xavider and shes make a statement or whatever. She goes to the cops does all that and they put her up in a safehouse

Boom, over to Colton he wakes up finally. massive headache all like "oh snap my little bird knocked me out and took my car' He calls a cop ai forget why but the cop is all " YO SHE WAS HERE" Coltons all " send me a unmark car " Boom, colton goes to this cop and gets the address for her safehouse, Goes there and

Shes not there

Back to Luellas part, yeah Xavier dads men, got that ass. she wakes up in a basement and oops its Xavier and he knows exactly who she is. Not mary but Luella and that she wants revenge for her sister. Xavier tells her shes nothing and she spits at him and he tells her that she will break and cry and that him and his friends are gonna have some fun with her and to take her to a different part of the basement and when they do they toss her to two other men who say that they are gonna have fun with her and during all this she is thinking about colton. How they could have together fought this and the last thing she thinks or hears is her mother telling her to come be with her and her sister

Colton is rushing to her aid and beating himself up at the same time how he drove her away with his obsessive posessive crap and he failed to protect her. He calls up a friend for help all the while fighting with his inner voice telling him kill them all. Him and the team that he has from the help of his friend, they storm the house

Luella is being......yep when something comes over their radios and tears them away from her leaving her alone and she tries to think of a way out as colton is face to face with his father. he telling his dad " where is she?" and his dad is all " TF? i dont answer to you BOY! and i cant have you falling for a skank were blackwoods, we marry for money!" they fight and colton takes his pew pew holds it up to his head and hes dad is all " do it do it!" colton shoots him in the leg and then throws him down the stairs and says whether he lives or dies he doesnt care but he will feel everything.

LBack to Luella and the guards who were with her before return and Luella goes charlies angels and gets the pew pew she demands to know where Xavier is and they tell her. She shoots the chains and gets free and finds him when he starts BEGGING HER TO SAVE HIM! YES HE ACTUALLY SAYS PLEASE HELP ME. And Luella is all " like you helped my sister?" shes about to pew pew him but then Colton shows up. And hes all " who hurt you?'

and shes all " dont matter they are gone" and they look at xavier like what do we do with him? And they decided he has to suffer and its gonna be them who make that happen

xavier is all " youre not saint, colton you were there when her sister died and you did nothing!" Colton admits he was there but he didnt engage in anything

Bascially they torture Xavier for all the lives he himself tortured. Well She does and Colton watches

We fast forward one year later, Luella is living her soft girl life in her apartment but she still cant shake the feeling of being watched mainly because Colton is watching her on his computer screen somewhere else, because as he said she is his to protect. He knows its way more then just that though, its posession, he needs to know that she is HIS, whether shes with him or not, she is HIS

Luella still misses Colton and after the events of prior news reports state that Colton is missing and no one knows where he is. After coming back home from grabbing coffee she find a flower with a note and the word "Mine: written across

Colton is seeing a therapist discussing how he could be just like his father and he doesnt want that . He is going by the name Ray and says how he needs a clean slate but his mind just wont let him

blah blah blah bascially they end up together, they realize they are both sick and weird and twisted and that thats why they are prefect together and prefect for each other

And thats Colton

Now heres my thoughts

The part two crap was unnecessary you did not have to drag that stuff out that long. That wasnt even needed, she did some stupid twilight stuff where bella sat at the window and the months tick tick tick away. Stupid pointless.

I listened to it on audio and Joe Arden MADE this book, hes an amazing actor.

Despite the,,,,SA and Grape it was a interesting story. Umm but those scenes were.....very hard to listen to as a survivor myself. So yeah if you decide to read or listen to this just please please PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THOSE WARNINGS AS JOKES THEY ARE NOT!!!!

[Kaely Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review

Narrated in duet by Lucy Rivers and Joe Arden

Tropes:
🖤Pitch Black Romance
🖤Revenge
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Morally Gray FMC
🖤Morally Black MMC

Story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice
🌶🌶🌶🌶

Colton is the final installment in the Archer High Series by LINZVONC. I have listened to and loved every single book in this series, and I have recommended it to others. LINZVONC was a new-to-me author in 2025, but I will definitely be picking up more of her books. She writes and weaves her stories with heavily flawed characters, some of whom are not the good guys, but I end up rooting for them by the end. Colton is no different.

Please check those trigger warnings because this is a pitch-black romance. Colton Blackwood is not a good man, and Mary (aka  Luella) has a plan to destroy a Blackwood, but her plans go awry when Colton decides to try and play the hero. However, he’s no hero, and Luella is no damsel in distress. Colton may be the Blackwood she's forced to be around, but it's not his blood that Luella wants; can she escape Colton's possessive grasp on her? Can Colton keep his new obsession safe? I promise you, this story is so well written, has so many ups and downs, but it’ll keep you guessing until the end. 

Lucy Rivers and Joe Arden are two of my favorite narrators, and I love it when they are on an audiobook together. They collaborate so well together. Colton was one of my favorite performances from both. Lucy plays Luella, who is ready for revenge but is also so flawed and vulnerable, yet she never gives up. Then there’s Joe, who we know does unhinged so fucking well. But some of my favorite characters he’s played are characters who show their vulnerable side, and Colton does in a way that Joe does so well. 

Just do yourself a favor and listen to this book! But check those trigger warnings because this is a pitch-black romance. 

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was absolutely ready to check out this "pitch black romance" and dove right into the story. It had a very intriguing beginning that hinted at some terrible experiences, and who can resist the burning desire of revenge?!
I could tell right from the start that Luella was a force to be reckoned with. As she became more entwined with Colton, I found it fun trying to peel back his layers and consider his intentions.
When they seemingly joined forces, I was on the edge of my seat to see how things would play out and if they could both get what they wanted from that pairing.
This book kept me guessing for sure and trying to figure out Colton and what made him tick. I never completely knew if he could be trusted or not. The depths of his depravity seemed boundless, but I enjoyed being on the edge of my seat as I watched everything play out.
And the author wasn't kidding about the "pitch black" part. Many of the scenes are not for the easily triggered or faint of heart.
When Part Two started, I found the beginning intriguing all over again, and I was curious about what had become of these two after Xavier's death. The instant back and forth of their perspectives made this even more enticing for me as a reader. The cat and mouse, the ever watchful and ever watched...this was one hell of a read. The author did an incredible job of describing their chemistry and capturing their madness. I think I would definitely like to read more of this series.

[Gina Dart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was so lucky to ARC read this and it hit all the right spots.
This is a dark captive/stalker romance. Colton is the son of a sick and twisted man who uses women for fun. Luella wants revenge for her sister but things didnt go as planned.
After reading this I will be looking to purchase all the books.
Stalker/kidnapping/non con and much more
Released on March 1st

[Nicole Parnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this book had me kicking and screaming. Had me on egde the entire time!
PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS and this is a very pitch black romance this will be in my mind for a while 🖤

[Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF in like the 2nd chapter.

Okay so I’ve been primarily reading Dramoine fanfic for the last year. And MM romance before that. Dark MF romance used to be my cuppa. I tried to return because I’ve been reading dark Dramoine and I’m running out of options…

This was not it.

I’ve always said that if you are going to write dark romance there that’s dark because the MMC is a bad man…. Then he has to have something that makes him redeemable. Something that makes him so attractive to the reader that we don’t care he’s a bad bad man. On the flip side…. Because I’ve read SO many of these I’m kind of picky about how authors redeem these characters. So if he’s a “bad man” but he only kills what we all collectively agree are bad people…. Is he a bad man or is he a vigilante? Like…..

If he’s a “bad man” but he’s never hurt an innocent, or violate the fmc’s consent in ANY WAY. But he’s apparently supposed to be the devil incarnate…… I’m not buying it.

I say all that to say I KNOW I’m being picky. I know.

But this didn’t work for me because the MMC was too bad…. And perhaps if I had given it longer she could have redeemed him….. but I just don’t see how I would have found a creep attractive. He begins his chapter telling us about how hems too weak to stand up to his father. ( first strike). Then he goes on the talk about how he enjoys objectifying women and treating them as disposable. He gives an example of having one of the maids cook for him in the nude before because he could. ( strike 2 ….. gross) and then he HEARS about the new FMC starting as a maid. She has not been physically described to him at all. Just been told that she seems different and may last longer than the others. And he immediately starts lusting after her and thinking about how to objectify her the way hems objectified the other house staff….. sight unseen. Knows nothing about her. (Strike 3…. What? And grosss)

If he had talked about sleeping around and not allowing women to become attached to him and vice versa…. Fine. But literally talking about being a creep and objectifying women in vulnerable positions just because you can….. gives men in real life vibes….. and why would I want that. I actually really enjoy dark themes and in particular non-con between the couple. But prefer to be like a….. he wants her and just isn’t gonna take no for an answer. Not he’s a habitual creep and routine sexually harasses / assaults women. Again it’s giving real life.

Maybe it’s a weird distinction…. I’ll give you that. But I don’t read fiction to fantasize real life horrible men 🤷🏾‍♀️.

So 1 ⭐️ from me because the MMC is gross and bitch made and the author wont be able to recover his image for me.

[Im Arcana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love a good deep dark pitch black romance. And this one is it. This is not for the feint of heart as it touches on some deep subjects. I will preface this by saying, please read the content warnings, they are deep, insightful and very before you step foot in this world, a must.

This is definitely a story about Revenge, Obsession, Payback and dare I say Love mixed with a whole lot of lust mixed in. Colton is about Luella, a woman who is hell bent in avenging her sisters death at the hands of Xavier Blackwood. A man who is dangerous, wealthy and sickeningly depraved. Who dabbles in life and death, sex trafficking abuse of women, girls (ch!ldren) and whomever he can get his hands on. Luella trains her body and mind for several years to withstand anything that would be thrown at her, she has gone down the dark rabbit hole of revenge to finish the man who started it all.
Luella comes under false pretenses as a maid working for Xavier. Knowing full well it is enough to entice him to take her on. Not only does he want her, his son Colton does as well. And so then begins the obsession to own and possess her as his. It is not long that they join forces to take down his father and escape that world. Colton just wants to take her, to make her his forever. Colton as the MMC was deep a pitchblack ott psychotic MMC who was want to own her body and soul. He felt the need to protect her and keep safe from his father, not knowing what her true intentions are.

I will say as effed up as much as Colton, I loved his brand of crazy possessive unhinged mmc. He wanted her, he took her. She fought him, he took what he wanted, he saw it as his right to do so In a effed up sort of was, he was trying to protect her. He had to have the moment he laid eyes on her. He knew there was more. I loved his devotion;) Mine Mine Mine Mine Mine....

It is not long when they realize they must work together, even though Luella tries to evade him, escape her feelings for him, knowing she has a job to do, she knows she needs him. I think they fit together like fire and flame. He was not letting go, he took what he wanted from her with no shame or apology.

One of my fav quotes was " Its a heady feeling, knowing that I have this power over her, That I can maker her do anything I want, While keeping her safe, of course" It gives you a glimpse of how deep his obsession was with Luella. Mine..... guess I will read it again;)

This is my first book by Linsvonc and dare I say not my last. I was very much interested reading her other books. I read this as advanced reader copy and I am giving my honest and true review.

[✨Wendy✨| downtherabbitholes · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Colton by Linzvonc

🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrators: Lucy River and Joe Arden

READ THE TRIGGERS WARNINGS ‼️
READ THE TRIGGERS WARNINGS ‼️
READ THE TRIGGERS WARNINGS ‼️

🗣️Quote: *whispered* “I am not here…” 😭

✍️ Non-Spoiler Audiobook Review
I thought I knew what I was getting into when I started Colton… yeah well, I absolutely did NOT. This book was DARK and… INTENSE. I found myself sitting there, mouth agape, listening to the heartbreaking brutality of this story and what these characters endured. I cannot put into words how ‘NOT’ prepared I was for this book… for this audio, for all of it. Performed flawlessly by Lucy Rivers and Joe Arden, who literally left me speechless, which is a hard feat to achieve. The emotions and feelings were palpable… my stomach clenched while my mind sputtered. It’s no secret that these voice actors are two of my favorites, and this raw performance is just another reason why. They make an incredible duo.

The mental health rep was pure perfection as it created an entire vibe for the storyline. No one can play an unhinged, psychopath quite like Mr. Joe Arden and, Wow… the different voices, mood swings and unknown variables were something out of a thriller movie… and as you know, I’m a weenie thru-and-thru, so to say I was uncomfortable is an understatement, but that was the exact point, right? It’s pitch black and his performance will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ms. Rivers has perfected the strong, female lead roles, making you believe her characters can do just about anything… and maybe they can 😉 Her voice and performance not only gave her character Mary, strength and this badass chick vibe we all adore. Her smartass banter, quick-wit, and inner monologue of smack- talking, had me cracking up, even during some of the darkest parts of this book. Lucy is an incredible voice actor and gives Mary the strength and sass required to deal with her circumstances.

This book is beyond dark. It’s a pitch black romance, that is well written and phenomenally performed. It’s saturated with obsession, possession, revenge, Stockholm Syndrome and everything in between. Dare I mention the BUFFALO BILL vibe wafting off of Colton?! I question my own sanity at times, because even though this book was incredibly dark and made me uncomfortable at times, I enjoyed it. Like a lot. The characters… the storyline, the plot… they were addictive and my interest was piqued from the get-go. I do recommend the audio format for the full unhinged experience, but strongly suggest that you read/ listen to the TW’s.

Thank you Blue Nose for the ALC.

📖- 4
🎙️- 5+
🌶️- 3.5

Tropes:
🖤 Pitch Black
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Mental Health Rep
🖤 Unhinged MMC

[Ruth Bookish Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colton: Archer High Series Book 4
By Linzvonc

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

Always remember to check your trigger warnings!
This book has dark themes…listener discretion is advised!

Tropes:
🖤Pitch Black
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤Mental Health Rep
🖤Unhinged/Pitch Black MMC
🖤Revenge Plot
🖤Obsession
🖤Captor/Captive
🖤Obsessive/Stalker
🖤Touch Her & ☠️
🖤Twisted Soulmates

Audiobook Review:
Produced by Blue Nose Audio:
Performed in duet by:
✨Lucy Rivers
✨Joe Arden 

Colton is the fourth installment in the Archer High Series by Linzvonc. And, Damn...

This audiobook was everything & so much more than I could have imagined. The pitch blackness, the gut wrenching & purely phenomenal pertormances were quite literally out of this world.

Quite simply…This audio experience should not be missed.

This is extremely dark, pitch black and beautifully written. A complex and deeply emotional storyline with so many layers to these wonderfully crafted and insanely complex characters!

Joe Arden is truly on another level. His multi layered & deeply emotional performance quite literally grabbed me by the throat for the duration of this incredible & deeply emotional experience. What an incredible, inspiring and spectacular voice actor and performer he is… I can’t imagine anyone else in the deeply emotional role of Colton. Bravo, Joe!

Lucy Rivers is equally as phenomenal in her portrayal of Luella, a determined & beautifully complex character which Lucy made her own. She gives this character a beautiful and powerful personality and depth of character.

Our super talented voice actors give their all throughout this audio experience, all the drama and emotional moments with every single character they play! Absolutely brilliant!
I loved every moment of this incredible production.

A true masterpiece. A beautiful, pitch back narative that is deeply emotional, compelling and insanely complex.


*

Quotes:

"Her revenge. His obsession. Her ruin."

"The truth is, I'm terrified of the depths of his obsession, of the twisted desire that burns within him. The way his touch ignites something primal within me, something that threatens to consume me from the inside out."

"I'm the ghost she can't shake, the demon she can't exorcize, She is my light in the darkness, my hope in the chaos"

"Did she want him to die? Because I'm not ashamed to admit that I imagined wearing his skin like a robe after the way she smiled at him."

"She's everything I never knew I wanted and everything I can never have. She saw the darkness in me, and she wasn't afraid. She saw the monster and chose to stay."

[Hend · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐Maybe she needs a monster to save her from something far worse.⭐⭐

✴️✴️She’s not just a pawn in this game; she’s the Queen, the most powerful piece on the board. And I’m the f*cking King.✴️✴️

This book is about Survival, Revenge , Justice Lust, Obsession and Love ❤️❤️ There is a battle between desire and resistance and while reading you will find out who is the winner 😍😍

It's a heavy read please read WT as it's serious but it is worth it 🥰🥰
From page 1 , you are dragged into the story and wanting more, the thriller is so good, that my heart was pounding while reading it , it's as if you are in there with her 🙈🙈 the more you read , the more secrets and unbelievable events that is discovered 😞 The book keeps you wondering , and the suspense and the thriller keeps you on your toes all the time .

My heart is completely shattered for Luella , her story is so sad and my brain can't process what happened to her weather it's in the past or in the present 😭 😭 😭 😭 . Also there was twisted attraction that always binds her to Colton.

Colton and his mental struggle is a heart breaking, how his abusive father shadow always looming in the dark and trying to make him a monster just like him but his inner voices and how he is trying to fight back is magnificent.

The book starts with letting us know that " Mari " is all in for revenge for her little sister and she will stop at nothing to achieve her goal .

Colton is a dark unhinged and unpredictable man. He is not only seeking control no, he wants power and he is primal, possessive, brutal and he decided that she is his possession 🙈🙈🥰🥰 so imagine what will happen 😁

Is it crazy that I loved their fighting scene or was it a battle ? 😀 how strong she was ? The chase ? Well I was grinning and happy for her go girl 😀 yes do it 😀😀 I was cheering her up 😀😀

There are so many quotes I loved but those are my favourites:

"The truth is, I’m terrified of the depths of his obsession, of the twisted desire that burns within him. The way his touch ignites something primal within me, something that threatens to consume me from the inside out." Luella

"I’m the ghost she can’t shake, the demon she can’t exorcize , She is my light in the darkness, my hope in the chaos" Colton

Colton used "mine" for over 90 times in this book 🙈🙈😁😁 just so you know 😍😍😍

[Jenny Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linzvonc is a new-to-me author this year, and I had previously listened to an audio of hers (Daddy December) and when I learned that she also wrote dark romance, I was instantly intrigued. She has written a four book series (“Archer High”) that certainly fits the bill of forbidden, dangerous and dark. “Colton” is the final book in this series and tagged as “pitch black romance”. This description is entirely accurate.

The story of “Colton” features Luella, the FMC, who is desperate to exact revenge on her sister’s murderer, Xavier Blackwell. In order to do this, she creates a new identity as “Mary”, has honed her body into a physical fortress, and is hired as a maid in his mansion. She knows there is something dangerous in the depths of the Blackwell home, and she is determined to bring it to the ground. What she doesn’t anticipate is Colton, Xavier’s son, who in almost every way imaginable appears to be following in his father’s footsteps.

Colton’s character reminds of a tragic hero; he was raised by a monster and by default some aspects of his own development categorize him as a monster. He is immediately attracted and connected to Luella and has a sense that she is different. He has the desire to save her from being eventually tangled in his father’s clutches.

The chemistry between Luella and Colton is apparent right away, and I highly recommend heeding the trigger and content warnings because the ways in which Colton and Luella evolve is not for the faint of heart. I was very angry with Colton during a very specific scene that I had never read on page. And I had to sit with that scene for a while before I could continue.

I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t have trigger warnings and has a strong love of dark/depraved love. Luella and Colton go through it; it’s messy, toxic and at times downright painful to read. I appreciate when an author can coax me into areas that are uncomfortable, yet the taboo and forbidden plot or character points make sense for the story.

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say Luella goes through some rough things is so far away from an understatement as it can get.

Luella poses as a maid to get access to Colton’s father and get revenge/justice for her mother and sister. What she doesn’t count on is Colton sparking something in her and distracting her from her objective.

When she realizes it’s a million times worse than she ever imagined, Colton comes to her rescue in his own twisted, broken, messed up way.

Colton is beyond damaged from living with the monster that is his father and his feelings for Luella quickly turns to obsession. In his way, he is trying to protect and love Luella the best way he can. Unfortunately, his way is just as traumatic and makes her wonder if he is any better than his father. The difference is that Colton’s monsters speak to and bring out her own monsters. Encourages them, in fact.

They are two very unstable, unhinged, damaged people that somehow are perfect for each other.

This is a beyond dark read with no holds barred on the trauma and evil. Colton has all the red flags and at first I was worried about Luella until we see her own darkness come through and she does get her justice in the end, but has to go through something no one should ever have to experience.

If you have triggers, I cannot stress enough to look before reading as it is a tough read at times and they are huge triggers for some.

I wouldn’t really say it’s a HEA in a traditional sense, but it is for these two characters.

I devoured this book and was on the edge of my seat the whole way through and it will stay rent free in my brain for a long time…..but I welcome it.

I’m sad this is the last book in the series, but it ended with a spectacular story!

[Novellaworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Dark Romance | Audiobook Recommended

I was not prepared for this. At all.

Colton by Linzvonc — the final book in the Archer High series — is not just dark romance. It’s pitch-black, no-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel, proceed-with-caution dark. When a book lists over 40 trigger warnings, believe it. They exist for a reason.

While the world outside felt chaotic, I somehow found myself completely consumed by this story — and questioning my own sanity for how much I enjoyed it.

Luella enters Colton Blackwood’s world seeking revenge, determined to destroy the man who took everything from her. What she didn’t plan for was Colton himself — ruthless, obsessive, unhinged, and deeply damaged. He sees through her lies, tears down her walls, and pulls her into a twisted nightmare fueled by hatred, obsession, and control.

There are no heroes here.
Only monsters… and the girl who wanted to burn them all.

This story is saturated with obsession, possession, revenge, captivity, and Stockholm Syndrome. It’s uncomfortable at times. Disturbing at others. And yet, the characters, plot, and pacing were completely addictive. I was hooked from the first moment and couldn’t stop listening.

🎧 Highly recommend the audiobook.
Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers delivered a flawless, raw, emotionally brutal performance. Their narration made every moment more intense, more disturbing, and more immersive. The emotions were palpable — my stomach clenched, my mind reeled, and I was left genuinely speechless.

This is for readers who crave love stories that are cruel, consuming, and beyond redemption.

⚠️ Read the trigger warnings before starting.
Not for the faint of heart — but unforgettable for the right reader. 🖤

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was screaming when I finally got my hands on this book, I've been forever for it. So when I got it, I just had to give right into it. I devoured it, in one sitting never putting it down until it was done. I was captivated from start to finish. What a fucking crazy ass rollercoaster ride that was it had twists and turns like you wouldn't believe. It had me on the edge of my seat, with my heart pounding and my jaw on the ground.

"The truth is, I'm terrified of the depths of his obsession, of the twisted desires that burns within him. The way his touch ignites something primal within me, something that threatens to consume me from the inside out."

It's dark, twisted, raw , heartbreaking and oh so fucking yummy. And I was here for every bit of it. It's filled with suspense, angst, revenge, lust, obsession, love, justice, spice, survival and loads more. The characters are amazing, I felt every little thing they felt and went through. The storyline and plot where wonderfully written, I could picture it all beautifully.

"I'm the ghost she can't shake, the demon she can't exercize, she is my light in the darkness, my hope in the chaos."

My heart fucking shattered into a million pieces for them, it was devastating and heart wrenching. What they both went through was awful. But I'm so glad they both met each other, they are soul mates, each others lights in a dark world. I just can't fault this book at all. Everything was perfect. Highly recommend!!!!

" She's not just a pawn in this game, she's the queen, the most powerful piece on the board. And I'm the fucking king."

[Britany | SouthernAsianReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Narration
⭐⭐⭐.5 Story

What do you get if you take Butcher and Blackbird, age the characters down, strip away the comedy, and turn it into a pitch-black romance? You get Colton by Linzvonc. Bonus points due to this book having the same narrators 🖤

I really enjoyed this audiobook, and a huge part of that was the narration by Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers. Joe and Lucy together are always a treat, and here they absolutely delivered. Both brought an intense, emotional edge to the story that perfectly matched its dark, gritty tone. Their performances elevated the listening experience and made it easy to stay fully immersed from start to finish. I love all of Lucy’s narrations, but anytime she voices a badass FMC, I know I’m in for a good time.🎧✨

Colton’s story leans fully into its darkness, but there’s still an undercurrent of connection and emotion that kept me invested. It’s deeply unsettling at times and completely unafraid to push boundaries. And Joe Arden? As usual, totally unhinged, but in the best ways. I just listened to him in Painter’s Obsession, and somehow Colton might be an even crazier MMC…which I loved.

While the story didn’t quite hit five stars for me overall, the audio absolutely did. This was still a strong, memorable listen with compelling characters and an atmosphere that really works. If you enjoy dark romance with sharp edges, morally black characters, and standout audiobook performances, this one is definitely worth checking out. 🖤✨

⚠️ As stated: This is a pitch black romance. Please check the full author-provided warnings before reading. ⚠️

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luella is one bad chic. I am in absolute awe of her character. Her bravery and courage to avenge her sister is honorable. Luella knows who caused the death of her sister and is out for revenge. She willingly puts herself in this man's way with plans to get her revenge. What she didn't account for was what she would end up feeling for his son, Colton. When she realized Colton was just as much of a victim as the women that were being trafficked by his father, she knew that her revenge would be for him and all those other woman as well. Colton is unhinged. Takes what he wants, hears voices that tell him what to do, protective, and will go to any lengths to make her his. Except, he goes about it the wrong way and ends up pushing Luella further away. The story between Luella and Colton is dark and twisted. At first, I thought wow, they have great chemistry, they could really balance each other. But then he did what he did and there was no going back after that. What Luella went through at the hands of his father and the other men... oh man... that was tough to read. My heart was hurting for her. I thought for sure there was no way out, and then, baddie that she is, proved me wrong yet again. The plot in this story is amazing. It was dark, intriguing, captivating, and very well thought out. I rally enjoyed this story. Definitely add this one to your tbr, but check the trigger warning first. This gets pretty dark.

[Bookish Shann · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC REVIEW
🎧: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

OMG!! This AUDIO!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Lucy you did AMAZING!🙌🏽🙌🏽 love you as Luella! Loved every second! I felt every emotion!😍🥹
Joe OMG WHAT?! I loved how you brought Colton to life along with his ‘voices’ I swear you always do amazing as well! I am OBSESSED with you BOTH! LOVED IT !

I loved Luella & Colton! I didn’t love everything they had to endure but I’m glad they got their HEA!🥹😮‍💨 They deserved it and more🫶🏽

‘Maybe we hate each other but our monsters…they’re in love.’

I really liked that Luella was smart, fearless and determined. She knew what she wanted to do and what she wanted so she did!! She’s a badass FMC for sure ! Colton, oh Colton. I love you and your voices. You are one of a kind especially with the way you were so overprotective and obsessed with Luella! The revenge in this book is beautiful!!!

‘Love, obsession, what’s the difference? They both consume you; both make you do things you never thought you would.’

‘She’s not just a pawn in this game; she’s the Queen, the most powerful piece on the Baird. And I’m the f*cking King.’

‘For her, I’ll be whatever she needs. Even if it means embracing the darkness I’ve tried so hard to escape.’

Please read their story. Especially the audio because it was 🔥😍

Will be on audible TOMORROW! 01/22

Don’t forget to read the TW‼️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
This read was literally pitch black! It had so many heavy topics and some hard chapters to read so please make sure you read the TW if you have any.

[Melinda Berryhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 5/5
🌶️ 4/5
🎧 5/5

🖤 Pitch Black Romance
🖤 Morally Black MMC
🖤 Revenge Plot
🖤 Obsession
🖤Captor/Captive

Produced By Blue Nose

Preformed in Duet by Lucy Rivers and Joe Arden


🖤 This is a pitch Black romance. Check your triggers your mental health matters. 🖤

Wow this one was a wild ride from start to finish. I was hooked from the beginning. It’s dark, spicy and has revenge. What more could you want? It’s definitely very dark and has romantic thriller vibes. Which makes it hard to look away.

This one starts with Luella becoming a maid to take down the man that killed her sister. There is just one tiny problem his son becomes obsessed with her. And he is unhinged and won’t stop until he gets what he wants but she isn’t easily broken. That’s all I’ll say so I don’t spoil the plot.

If you are looking for a very dark revenge story and a fantastic audiobook this for you! 🖤

As an audiobook this was absolute perfection. 🔥

Lucy Rivers absolutely delivered as Luella. She brought all her pan and strength to life and I’m obsessed.

And Joe Arden delivered the perfect growly, obsessed, and unhinged man as always. Colton was brought to life in the best way.

I loved this audiobook and can’t wait to check out more from Linzvonc.

Thank you Linzvonc and Blue nose for this ALC. and as always all thoughts and opinions are my own. 🖤

[Aleia Tylkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I was hooked from the start. A strong FMC on a quest for revenge and a really good plan. Enter, Colton. He bulldozed that plan entirely. I was so intrigued by him. His darkness was abundant, but there was a softness to him that shone through a bit. It wasn’t soft in the direct meaning of the word, but his version of soft. Protective at all costs. But then he hurt her. And it was pure darkness. No reason other than he wanted to. I did not know what to expect after that. The disgust and hatred she had for him kept me on my seat as to how it would all play out. Then she went through absolute hell. Pains and defeat overtook her and there he was. There to help her. But what I loved was that he allowed her to take the lead. He was there to assist. Man that guy is so fine. He could fold me like a lawn chair! I fell absolutely in love with him. I did the audiobook and the performance by Lucy Rivers was so haunting and perfect. I could feel her pain but could also feel her power and strength. Her determination and perseverance through it all was incredible. As for Mr Joe Arden. The way this man can bring crazy is wild. It overtook him in the performance and you could sense every moment that he cracked and it truly felt like you were in the mind of Colton. Such an incredible book and audio, I highly recommend.

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is pure darkness—unflinching, brutal, and completely consuming. From the first chapter, it’s clear this isn’t a story about love in any traditional sense. It’s about obsession, power, and the kind of vengeance that destroys everything in its path.

Lucy Rivers delivers Luella with raw intensity, capturing her fury, desperation, and slow unraveling in a way that feels painfully real. Every crack in her resolve is audible, every moment of defiance laced with danger. Joe Arden is chilling as Colton Blackwood—controlled, menacing, and terrifyingly magnetic. His performance amplifies Colton’s obsession, making him impossible to look away from even when you desperately want to.

Their chemistry is volatile and unsettling, elevating the story’s hatred-turned-hunger into something feral and suffocating. There are no heroes here—only monsters—and the narration leans fully into that truth. The power imbalance, captivity, and psychological warfare are intense, and the performances make every moment hit harder.

This is pitch-black dark romance done without compromise. Disturbing, provocative, and unforgettable. If you crave cruel, obsessive stories with no redemption arc and narrators who aren’t afraid to go to the darkest places, this audiobook will absolutely wreck you. 🖤🔥

[Kiersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
5🎙️

Let me start with please check the trigger warnings before you start this one. Your mental health matters.

This is a pitch black dark romance ‼️

With that being said this audiobook had me sucked in from chapter one! I love me a revenge story with a strong FMC and true morally black MMC.

This starts with Luella who is here to exact revenge on the man who killed her sister. Their backstory is traumatic and honestly burn them all my friend! But little does she know the man she is out to get has an obsessive unhinged son, Colton.

Colton will do ANYTHING to own Luella. You honestly have to listen this to get the full affect.

The narrators honestly made this book for me!

Preformed in duet by Lucy Rivers and Joe Arden, who might I say are an incredible duo.

Lucy is honestly one of my favorite narrators. Her voice range is impeccable. The raw emotion she uses is just pure perfection.

Joe Arden, what is there to say! We all know this man was made for an unhinged MMC! He nailed Colton’s personality and “inside” voices perfectly!

Thank you to the author Linzvonc as well as the narrators Lucy Rivers and Joe Arden. And of course Blue Nose Audio for the opportunity to ALC this. As always my reviews are honest and 100% my own! 🖤

[Lucipurr’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3.75⭐️
This was intriguing. I honestly can’t say I loved it but it was alright! It kept me interested. It’s definitely dark and not for everyone so take your triggers seriously. Colton and Luella are something. They definitely aren’t the traditional couple. They got there by stalking, kidnapping and a little assault. It made them what they are today. They found their lovely non traditional happily ever after. They both have demons that play well together. Luella needed time to figure that out. That their jagged edges fit together in an unexpected way. They slayed their monsters together. They had one shared one. Now, with him gone it’s a lot of self discovery for both of them to find their purpose. They need each other.

Favorite Quote:
“Whether I like it or not, Colton Blackwood is a part of me, a ghost that I can't out run. And as much as it terrifies me, there's a dark, twisted comfort in knowing that he's out there, watching, waiting. My dark guardian angel. Because, deep down, I know that I'm his. And he is mine. He is my ghost, my shadow, and the piece of me that keeps me tethered to something beyond freedom. A cage built of his longing and mine. And in the quiet, I realize, the darkness has never felt more like home.”