What do you think?
Rate this book
Twisted Desires #1
Under Your Care
Lane Bennett has struggled for years due to his childhood trauma. He's tired of feeling broken beyond repair. When Lane's mother begs him to go back to therapy, he doesn't have high hopes. Therapy has never worked for him before, that is until he meets Dr. Cohen.
Greyson Cohen spends his days listening to the mundane issues of his patients. While it's a monotonous life, he doesn't realize something's missing in it until he sets his sights on his new patient, Lane.
Lane refuses to act on his attraction towards his new therapist, excusing their increasingly inappropriate interactions as Dr. Cohen's unique style of therapy. Lane is more than happy to ignore the red flags if it means feeling the affection he so desperately craves.
Under Your Care is the first book in the interconnected Twisted Desires series. This book is a dark MM romance featuring a femme twink and his obsessive, immoral therapist. Expect high heat, lots of lingerie, Daddy kink (no ageplay), hurt/comfort, stalking and forced proximity, a cat, and a HEA. CWs inside.
Greyson Cohen spends his days listening to the mundane issues of his patients. While it's a monotonous life, he doesn't realize something's missing in it until he sets his sights on his new patient, Lane.
Lane refuses to act on his attraction towards his new therapist, excusing their increasingly inappropriate interactions as Dr. Cohen's unique style of therapy. Lane is more than happy to ignore the red flags if it means feeling the affection he so desperately craves.
Under Your Care is the first book in the interconnected Twisted Desires series. This book is a dark MM romance featuring a femme twink and his obsessive, immoral therapist. Expect high heat, lots of lingerie, Daddy kink (no ageplay), hurt/comfort, stalking and forced proximity, a cat, and a HEA. CWs inside.
182 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2025
168 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
E. Baileu
11 books75 followersHi!
I’m a new author in the MM romance space. I primarily write dark romance, but like wholesome dark romance? You won’t find any verbal abuse or bullying in my books. I understand some people like that, but some people (me) prefer our morally grey men to dote on us.
My education background is in Criminology and Psychology, but I’ve always had a love for literature. I grew up writing short stories and poetry. As I got older, my creativity seemed to fade away and I became stuck in a monotonous routine. In December 2024, I suddenly decided to write Under Your Care. It felt like I had finally found what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I am so excited to share even more romantic, depraved, and kinky stories with everyone!!
Thank you,
E. (Elizabeth) Baileu
I’m a new author in the MM romance space. I primarily write dark romance, but like wholesome dark romance? You won’t find any verbal abuse or bullying in my books. I understand some people like that, but some people (me) prefer our morally grey men to dote on us.
My education background is in Criminology and Psychology, but I’ve always had a love for literature. I grew up writing short stories and poetry. As I got older, my creativity seemed to fade away and I became stuck in a monotonous routine. In December 2024, I suddenly decided to write Under Your Care. It felt like I had finally found what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I am so excited to share even more romantic, depraved, and kinky stories with everyone!!
Thank you,
E. (Elizabeth) Baileu
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 28, 2025
DNF @ 32%
This book's so bad that it's actually pretty funny. If it had been written any better, I would've been immediately horrified by some of these scenes but as is, I just felt kind of icky after taking a break from reading and letting my brain kick in.
Specifically, I thought it was a bad choice to have the MC Lane break down while going into detail about
I knew this was a dark/toxic book going in but this one just felt off. Like I mentioned, I thought it was poorly written which in this case was a good thing since it otherwise would've been truly upsetting to read.
This book's so bad that it's actually pretty funny. If it had been written any better, I would've been immediately horrified by some of these scenes but as is, I just felt kind of icky after taking a break from reading and letting my brain kick in.
Specifically, I thought it was a bad choice to have the MC Lane break down while going into detail about
I knew this was a dark/toxic book going in but this one just felt off. Like I mentioned, I thought it was poorly written which in this case was a good thing since it otherwise would've been truly upsetting to read.
March 22, 2025
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
TROPES:
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Hurt/comfort
🖤 Insta-love
🖤 Praise
🖤 Size difference
A toxic and dark therapist/client romance. The romance was very insta, the MCs a bit unhinged, the plot kind of all over the place. I’m still figuring out if I liked it or not. {I’ve also read way too many dark romances lately and should probably step away from them for a bit for my own sanity...}
Spoilers ahead
Bear with me as I figure out my feelings as I go, starting with the positives.
The premise was perfect for a twisted forbidden romance and Greyson was both hot and scary as our manipulative therapist. I loved pretty Lane, their dynamic, the initial tension. The kinks were also mostly yummy, hot Daddy and a cute femme princess.
I’m also curious about Greyson’s twin brothers and their new ‘toy’.
Lane’s trauma and the graphic descriptions was when I started to struggle with this. It was too heavy for me, not exactly triggering but close enough. I definitely mentally checked out for most of that.
And Greyson using that trauma to manipulate Lane into a ‘relationship’ was a bit too unhinged.
The romance was very insta, and I kind of wanted more of that push and pull from the beginning, more of that forbidden aspect, because once they get together that vanishes and it’s just fucking and fucking some more. And a bit of murder. And then more fucking. Their story felt finished around the 70% mark, and I was thinking ‘wtf we gonna do for the next 30%?’. Spoiler, more fucking and more murder.
The writing style was a bit over the top, the inner monologues and love declarations very flowery but also cringey. It fit with the whole insta-love/soulmates thing, but it was more eye-rolling than it was romantic. I can appreciate the effort, but it was trying to do too much. Between the forbidden aspect, the heavy traumas, the extensive kinks, the crazy third-act drama (two dramas, actually) — maybe it didn’t really need all of that crammed into 200 pages.
So, after writing down all my thoughts and taking everyone for a ride on my brain train (hi, hope you enjoyed) I guess I liked the idea of Under Your Care more than I liked its execution. It had some very good elements, but it fell a little short for me. I’m still here for the rest of the ride though ‘cause I still somewhat enjoyed it, so I’m sticking around for the twins book.
Bonus points for Chloe the pretty kitty, ‘cause cute pets always make a book better.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Graphic discussions of past sexual abuse as a minor
- Attempted SA
- Discussions of mental disorders (PTSD, BPD, ASPD, dark empath)
- Murder
- Dub-con
- Drugging
- Kidnapping and confinement
- Graphic violence
- Assault
- ED & intimacy issues
- Unhealthy power dynamics
- Stalking
- Transference
- Suicidal ideation
- Daddy kink (no ageplay)
- Top/bottom
- Feminization
- Lingerie
- Toys (vibrator, nipple clamps, blindfold, ball gag)
- Rimming
- Overstimulation
- Bondage
- Service Dom
- Semi-public sex
- Orgasm control
- Brief breath play
- Spanking
- Cock-warming
- Fisting (epilogue)
- Somnophilia (epilogue)
“Are you going to kill me?” My question caused the soothing rhythm of his hands to abruptly stop. “Oh sweetheart, no. How could you be mine if you’re dead?”
TROPES:
🖤 Forbidden romance
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Hurt/comfort
🖤 Insta-love
🖤 Praise
🖤 Size difference
A toxic and dark therapist/client romance. The romance was very insta, the MCs a bit unhinged, the plot kind of all over the place. I’m still figuring out if I liked it or not. {I’ve also read way too many dark romances lately and should probably step away from them for a bit for my own sanity...}
Spoilers ahead
I wondered if he could also feel that he was mine.
Bear with me as I figure out my feelings as I go, starting with the positives.
The premise was perfect for a twisted forbidden romance and Greyson was both hot and scary as our manipulative therapist. I loved pretty Lane, their dynamic, the initial tension. The kinks were also mostly yummy, hot Daddy and a cute femme princess.
I’m also curious about Greyson’s twin brothers and their new ‘toy’.
“It’s easier having hardly any feelings at all rather than being crushed under their weight.”
Lane’s trauma and the graphic descriptions was when I started to struggle with this. It was too heavy for me, not exactly triggering but close enough. I definitely mentally checked out for most of that.
And Greyson using that trauma to manipulate Lane into a ‘relationship’ was a bit too unhinged.
The romance was very insta, and I kind of wanted more of that push and pull from the beginning, more of that forbidden aspect, because once they get together that vanishes and it’s just fucking and fucking some more. And a bit of murder. And then more fucking. Their story felt finished around the 70% mark, and I was thinking ‘wtf we gonna do for the next 30%?’. Spoiler, more fucking and more murder.
The moment I laid my eyes on him, my stitched-together heart knew that I’d never survive without his love. He was my oxygen.
Baby, I will follow you to the edge of every abyss just to be able to pull you back into my arms.
The writing style was a bit over the top, the inner monologues and love declarations very flowery but also cringey. It fit with the whole insta-love/soulmates thing, but it was more eye-rolling than it was romantic. I can appreciate the effort, but it was trying to do too much. Between the forbidden aspect, the heavy traumas, the extensive kinks, the crazy third-act drama (two dramas, actually) — maybe it didn’t really need all of that crammed into 200 pages.
So, after writing down all my thoughts and taking everyone for a ride on my brain train (hi, hope you enjoyed) I guess I liked the idea of Under Your Care more than I liked its execution. It had some very good elements, but it fell a little short for me. I’m still here for the rest of the ride though ‘cause I still somewhat enjoyed it, so I’m sticking around for the twins book.
Bonus points for Chloe the pretty kitty, ‘cause cute pets always make a book better.
“I will gladly be your marionette as long as you’re the one to control my strings.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Graphic discussions of past sexual abuse as a minor
- Attempted SA
- Discussions of mental disorders (PTSD, BPD, ASPD, dark empath)
- Murder
- Dub-con
- Drugging
- Kidnapping and confinement
- Graphic violence
- Assault
- ED & intimacy issues
- Unhealthy power dynamics
- Stalking
- Transference
- Suicidal ideation
- Daddy kink (no ageplay)
- Top/bottom
- Feminization
- Lingerie
- Toys (vibrator, nipple clamps, blindfold, ball gag)
- Rimming
- Overstimulation
- Bondage
- Service Dom
- Semi-public sex
- Orgasm control
- Brief breath play
- Spanking
- Cock-warming
- Fisting (epilogue)
- Somnophilia (epilogue)
April 13, 2025
Being blind would be a mercy.
Read
March 23, 2025ARC REVIEW
This romance was quite wholesome for all the toxicity it had in the relationship 😆. Therapist (Greyson) manipulates and "kidnaps" patient (Lane) with a huge deal of trauma but instead of the treating the patient like a captive, he daddies him to the extreme. They are both codependent and a bit unhinged. There's a bit of murder, psycho twin brothers with an obsession for Lane's best friend. And there's also graphic descriptions of SA of Lane when he was a minor, which it's a big part of the plot so take care of yourselves, and there's a whole revenge thing going on that is super satisfying.
It's the authors first novel and you can tell it could have been a bit more rounded, but I had a lot of fun reading it, an besides some minor continuity errors and such, it was the perfect mix of dark and fluffy.
This romance was quite wholesome for all the toxicity it had in the relationship 😆. Therapist (Greyson) manipulates and "kidnaps" patient (Lane) with a huge deal of trauma but instead of the treating the patient like a captive, he daddies him to the extreme. They are both codependent and a bit unhinged. There's a bit of murder, psycho twin brothers with an obsession for Lane's best friend. And there's also graphic descriptions of SA of Lane when he was a minor, which it's a big part of the plot so take care of yourselves, and there's a whole revenge thing going on that is super satisfying.
It's the authors first novel and you can tell it could have been a bit more rounded, but I had a lot of fun reading it, an besides some minor continuity errors and such, it was the perfect mix of dark and fluffy.
dnf
April 9, 2025dnf @ 43%
i’m sorry but the daddy kink will ruin it for me every single time :/
i’m sorry but the daddy kink will ruin it for me every single time :/
May 23, 2025
Okay so after I read the second book first, I had to read this one since it's been on my tbr since forever and I had to know about Lane & Greyson 😏
This is a dark romance, since Greyson is Lane's therapist and there is
k!dnapping involved, so please check the tw-list before you read it.
This book was unhinged since Greyson is a morally grey guy, doing morally grey things 🤭
Lane is such a cutie and they really fitted together.
I really enjoyed this book 🥰
This is a dark romance, since Greyson is Lane's therapist and there is
k!dnapping involved, so please check the tw-list before you read it.
This book was unhinged since Greyson is a morally grey guy, doing morally grey things 🤭
Lane is such a cutie and they really fitted together.
I really enjoyed this book 🥰
April 2, 2025
This book is
Insta-love✅
A lot of sexy times and orgasms and “Daddy!”✅
No cheating ✅
Kidnapping ✅
Obsession✅
Taboo relationship ✅
Dark romance ✅
Happy ever after ✅
This book is like how you can’t advert your eyes when crazy shit is happening in front of you. These two are definitely made for each other, no question.
21 year old Lane just wants to be loved and needed. His fucked up cousin sexually abused Lane when he was younger and it obviously has effected him.
‘you had killed my motherfucking soul and then thrown away the husk of my body.’
That’s where Dr. Greyson Cohen come in.
Therapy red flags
🚩 Greyson calls Lane sweet boy and hugs him in their first session
🚩 Second session Greyson calls Lane cute, seems to get jealous of Lanes friend Oliver, blushes, and does not seem particularly alarmed Lane may have a stalker
🚩Greyson sees Lane and Oliver at a coffee shop and introduces himself as Lanes therapist.
🚩 Third session Greyson seems to get jealous over the thought of Lane having male sexual attention.
‘He very lightly placed a hand on my lower thigh as he said, “You’re so young… I understand no longer entertaining casual encounters but… you shouldn’t give up on having a long-term partner.”
Same session Greyson is calling him baby and
‘Dr. Cohen slid towards me on the couch, wrapping his arms around me, hushing and cooing at me. I leaned into his embrace, placing my head on his chest, hands clenching his shirt.’
Greyson also asks Lane to describe is ideal partner.
🚩 Fourth session. Greyson sits close to Lane and asks him if he wants to sit on his lap!! Wtf. Calls him sweet boy. More jealousy
“What if I’ve not been having that issue around someone?” He stilled, and when he looked at me, his eyes were devoid of any of his usual warmth. “Who?” He gritted out.’
🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩mother fucker of all red flags 🚩 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
GREYSON IS LANES STALKER!!!
Outside of therapy :-
A single red tulip and a book on Victorian flower language is left beside Lanes bed as he sleeps. Tulip, Red: Perfect love, passion, declaration of love, rebirth, wealth.
More red tulips and a gift card.
Lane has a stalker.
Tate, the rapist cousin, is missing with his place all torched.
Even Oliver is suss about Lanes therapist.
Lane wake up one night to find both of his wrists were stretched above his head and handcuffed to the headboard.
Hmm yeah maybe you should’ve called the police about your stalker 🤷🏻♀️
‘I was fucking terrified to hear the response, but still, I managed to cautiously ask, “Are you going to kill me?” My question caused the soothing rhythm of his hands to abruptly stop. “Oh sweetheart, no. How could you be mine if you’re dead?” That isn’t terrifying at all.’
“You need this. You need me to help you relax.” “You’re the fucking reason I’m not relaxed, you motherfucker!”
Sooo… turns out Greyson is Lanes stalker and has pretty much obsessed from the moment they met.
Oh and killed Tate so green flag I guess…
Lanes been horny for Greyson since they met so now he knows who is stalker is, he is ok having orgasms and calling him daddy. 🤦🏻♀️
Greyson kidnaps Lane and his cat. Lane wakes up in a strange bedroom, although styled to suit his preferences, sees Greyson and its more orgasms , no questions.
‘What the fuck was wrong with me? God. I hadn’t even tried to resist. I wanted it. He could’ve been coming into the room to kill me, and I fucking begged him to finger me?’
Lane is experiencing all the emotions.
‘I held back my laughter as I realized this man had practically made a school report on “How to Care for Your Captive Boyfriend.”Why was this kidnapping so wholesome?’
They way Greyson talks about this whole new life after kidnapping Lane sounds so scarily reasonable.
Lane is being all accepting and playful. Apparently Greyson is a dark empath with high emotional intelligence.
After a few days Lane has Oliver over to his new place with Greyson, while Grayson’s out. Oliver is the sane one in this book and attempts to drag Lane away but Lane doesn’t want to leave cos he’s been brainwashed to think this is all ok. Stalking and Drugging and kidnapping by your therapist is a perfectly good start to falling in love. 🤦🏻♀️
I get it Lane, the bedroom sounds so princessy and pretty and pink. And the sex is fire 🔥 And the handbook is a very handy reference, so reasonable.
‘Oliver whipped around, latching onto one of my wrists. “We’re getting you out of here right now!” He tugged me towards the door as I dug my feet into the floor.’
I’m not sure if Oliver is talking to Lane or me 🤣
“Fuck. Lane, do you even hear yourself? He literally told you point blank that he manipulates you. You haven’t been outside in like two weeks! He controls everything from your diet, your hygiene, your clothes. I’m your best friend, Lane. Please, I’m begging you to think for yourself and realize how fucked up this all is. He was your fucking therapist, Laney. None of this is okay!”
Ooh Oliver plays dirty, gets in Lanes head and says some really mean shit.
Lane runs away, Greyson finds him. It’s all good.
But wait- PLOT TWIST.
Seriously how much trauma does one guy have to endure in a book?
“I love you,” he murmured. I pulled him to my chest. “I love you too, little fawn.” “Forever?” “Always.”
Insta-love✅
A lot of sexy times and orgasms and “Daddy!”✅
No cheating ✅
Kidnapping ✅
Obsession✅
Taboo relationship ✅
Dark romance ✅
Happy ever after ✅
This book is like how you can’t advert your eyes when crazy shit is happening in front of you. These two are definitely made for each other, no question.
21 year old Lane just wants to be loved and needed. His fucked up cousin sexually abused Lane when he was younger and it obviously has effected him.
‘you had killed my motherfucking soul and then thrown away the husk of my body.’
That’s where Dr. Greyson Cohen come in.
Therapy red flags
🚩 Greyson calls Lane sweet boy and hugs him in their first session
🚩 Second session Greyson calls Lane cute, seems to get jealous of Lanes friend Oliver, blushes, and does not seem particularly alarmed Lane may have a stalker
🚩Greyson sees Lane and Oliver at a coffee shop and introduces himself as Lanes therapist.
🚩 Third session Greyson seems to get jealous over the thought of Lane having male sexual attention.
‘He very lightly placed a hand on my lower thigh as he said, “You’re so young… I understand no longer entertaining casual encounters but… you shouldn’t give up on having a long-term partner.”
Same session Greyson is calling him baby and
‘Dr. Cohen slid towards me on the couch, wrapping his arms around me, hushing and cooing at me. I leaned into his embrace, placing my head on his chest, hands clenching his shirt.’
Greyson also asks Lane to describe is ideal partner.
🚩 Fourth session. Greyson sits close to Lane and asks him if he wants to sit on his lap!! Wtf. Calls him sweet boy. More jealousy
“What if I’ve not been having that issue around someone?” He stilled, and when he looked at me, his eyes were devoid of any of his usual warmth. “Who?” He gritted out.’
🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩mother fucker of all red flags 🚩 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
GREYSON IS LANES STALKER!!!
Outside of therapy :-
A single red tulip and a book on Victorian flower language is left beside Lanes bed as he sleeps. Tulip, Red: Perfect love, passion, declaration of love, rebirth, wealth.
More red tulips and a gift card.
Lane has a stalker.
Tate, the rapist cousin, is missing with his place all torched.
Even Oliver is suss about Lanes therapist.
Lane wake up one night to find both of his wrists were stretched above his head and handcuffed to the headboard.
Hmm yeah maybe you should’ve called the police about your stalker 🤷🏻♀️
‘I was fucking terrified to hear the response, but still, I managed to cautiously ask, “Are you going to kill me?” My question caused the soothing rhythm of his hands to abruptly stop. “Oh sweetheart, no. How could you be mine if you’re dead?” That isn’t terrifying at all.’
“You need this. You need me to help you relax.” “You’re the fucking reason I’m not relaxed, you motherfucker!”
Sooo… turns out Greyson is Lanes stalker and has pretty much obsessed from the moment they met.
Oh and killed Tate so green flag I guess…
Lanes been horny for Greyson since they met so now he knows who is stalker is, he is ok having orgasms and calling him daddy. 🤦🏻♀️
Greyson kidnaps Lane and his cat. Lane wakes up in a strange bedroom, although styled to suit his preferences, sees Greyson and its more orgasms , no questions.
‘What the fuck was wrong with me? God. I hadn’t even tried to resist. I wanted it. He could’ve been coming into the room to kill me, and I fucking begged him to finger me?’
Lane is experiencing all the emotions.
‘I held back my laughter as I realized this man had practically made a school report on “How to Care for Your Captive Boyfriend.”Why was this kidnapping so wholesome?’
They way Greyson talks about this whole new life after kidnapping Lane sounds so scarily reasonable.
Lane is being all accepting and playful. Apparently Greyson is a dark empath with high emotional intelligence.
After a few days Lane has Oliver over to his new place with Greyson, while Grayson’s out. Oliver is the sane one in this book and attempts to drag Lane away but Lane doesn’t want to leave cos he’s been brainwashed to think this is all ok. Stalking and Drugging and kidnapping by your therapist is a perfectly good start to falling in love. 🤦🏻♀️
I get it Lane, the bedroom sounds so princessy and pretty and pink. And the sex is fire 🔥 And the handbook is a very handy reference, so reasonable.
‘Oliver whipped around, latching onto one of my wrists. “We’re getting you out of here right now!” He tugged me towards the door as I dug my feet into the floor.’
I’m not sure if Oliver is talking to Lane or me 🤣
“Fuck. Lane, do you even hear yourself? He literally told you point blank that he manipulates you. You haven’t been outside in like two weeks! He controls everything from your diet, your hygiene, your clothes. I’m your best friend, Lane. Please, I’m begging you to think for yourself and realize how fucked up this all is. He was your fucking therapist, Laney. None of this is okay!”
Ooh Oliver plays dirty, gets in Lanes head and says some really mean shit.
Lane runs away, Greyson finds him. It’s all good.
But wait- PLOT TWIST.
Seriously how much trauma does one guy have to endure in a book?
“I love you,” he murmured. I pulled him to my chest. “I love you too, little fawn.” “Forever?” “Always.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
I honestly don’t know how to rate this book. I think I am going to go with four ⭐️ because of the complete surprise/ for catching me off guard and because of the potential~ but overall feeling is maybe more of a 3 stars bc…I don’t know… there were certain moments where I was very annoyed with the ‘plot’
The last scene was hot but also a little bit cringed and I don’t know, maybe I would’ve preferred if it had ended on a different scene or page time for the same characters instead of on HEA smutty scene. Also, is this book in anyway realistic? I don’t think so, but is that the reason why we read books? Not me ig 😂
April 5, 2025
5.25 ⭐️
C. R. A. Z. Y. Truly had to stop and ask myself “what the hell did I just read?” This relationship is extremely toxic, disturbingly manipulative, and unbelievably unhealthy. And yet.. I loved every single second of it.
As a minor, Lane is sexually abused by a family member, and as a result, struggles heavily with his mental wellbeing. After stopping therapy for years, Lane decides to go back at age 21 to try and get the help he needs. That’s where he meets Grey, and where the plot truly and throughly picks up.
Let me just preface this by saying that this book truly might not be for everyone, and I get why. Lane and Grey are a very dangerous combination, but surprisingly, very entertaining to read. I definitely think that the introductory scenes of Lane in therapy.. and the stalking scenes.. were unbelievably crazy and kept me on the edge of my seat. And I don’t mean crazy like “wow this plot is so shocking” no I mean “Greyson is a walking red flag.. he is quite possibly deranged.. and I fear for Lanes mental wellbeing.” But here we are… This book was insta-love and insta-obsession and damn if I was not eating it up. For this being such a short book, the plot truly plots. I can’t believe half the shit that goes down in the book in such a short time span… it was really hard to put it down.
I will say, the only thing that didn’t do it for me was the EXTREME feminization in this book. That just isn’t my particular cup of tea when it comes to kinks— but it also wasn’t like a deterrent for me that made me not want to read this book or potentially DNF it. I definitely do prefer my plots be without it, but for those that do like this kink, I think it is done super well by the author!
Anyways, this book was definitely quite the ride. I can’t wait for the second one to come out about Oliver and Grey’s twin brothers.
C. R. A. Z. Y. Truly had to stop and ask myself “what the hell did I just read?” This relationship is extremely toxic, disturbingly manipulative, and unbelievably unhealthy. And yet.. I loved every single second of it.
As a minor, Lane is sexually abused by a family member, and as a result, struggles heavily with his mental wellbeing. After stopping therapy for years, Lane decides to go back at age 21 to try and get the help he needs. That’s where he meets Grey, and where the plot truly and throughly picks up.
Let me just preface this by saying that this book truly might not be for everyone, and I get why. Lane and Grey are a very dangerous combination, but surprisingly, very entertaining to read. I definitely think that the introductory scenes of Lane in therapy.. and the stalking scenes.. were unbelievably crazy and kept me on the edge of my seat. And I don’t mean crazy like “wow this plot is so shocking” no I mean “Greyson is a walking red flag.. he is quite possibly deranged.. and I fear for Lanes mental wellbeing.” But here we are… This book was insta-love and insta-obsession and damn if I was not eating it up. For this being such a short book, the plot truly plots. I can’t believe half the shit that goes down in the book in such a short time span… it was really hard to put it down.
I will say, the only thing that didn’t do it for me was the EXTREME feminization in this book. That just isn’t my particular cup of tea when it comes to kinks— but it also wasn’t like a deterrent for me that made me not want to read this book or potentially DNF it. I definitely do prefer my plots be without it, but for those that do like this kink, I think it is done super well by the author!
Anyways, this book was definitely quite the ride. I can’t wait for the second one to come out about Oliver and Grey’s twin brothers.
March 14, 2025
4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Content Warnings for book: Explicit detail of CSA and incest, sexual assault, mental health struggles, physical assault, rape, dubious consent, unsafe BDSM, nonconsensual drugging, kidnapping, unethical power dynamics (therapist/client), violence, murder, death, stalking, suicidal ideation, f-slur, torture, gun violence, human trafficking, vomit
Kink: Feminization, lingerie, somnophilia, sex toys, overstimulation, bondage, daddy kink, public sex, praise kink, spanking, suckling, choking, fisting
This was a fun dark romance romp. We’ve got an obsessive killer daddy Greyson and the sweet boy Lane. Is it ethical? Hell no! He’s a stalker and using therapy language to manipulate someone. It’s obviously very fucked up, but I knew it going in because the author’s content warnings are very clear so you can turn back if you don’t wanna read it.
These are the sort of dark romances I enjoy. The obsessive and codependent MCs where it is very “us versus the world” instead of hatred between them. Lots of hurt/comfort with the reality the situation is fucked, too. The sex was enjoyable, with a lot of fun kinks I liked reading. I also related to Lane being like “well … it could be worse. He did get me a gift card and stuff I liked.” Honestly, some days, I feel like I’d accept that deal too. Obviously in real life this is all very fucked up and not acceptable though.
In terms of criticisms, “dark empath” had me cringing in my soul, but it is unfortunately a very real term so that’s just the life of it. I feel the author’s writing was enjoyable but could be cleaned up in places with some better formatting concerning when they split paragraphs. Either way, I did feel connected to the characters. I think the writer’s actual writing can do with some brush up on skill — sometimes it was a bit juvenile in places, a touch repetitive. All of which can be improved with time!
I am so hype for Oliver’s book. More dark trans romance, let’s fucking go!!! Super excited for that, though I do hope there’s some love shared too and not all hatred.
Content Warnings for book: Explicit detail of CSA and incest, sexual assault, mental health struggles, physical assault, rape, dubious consent, unsafe BDSM, nonconsensual drugging, kidnapping, unethical power dynamics (therapist/client), violence, murder, death, stalking, suicidal ideation, f-slur, torture, gun violence, human trafficking, vomit
Kink: Feminization, lingerie, somnophilia, sex toys, overstimulation, bondage, daddy kink, public sex, praise kink, spanking, suckling, choking, fisting
This was a fun dark romance romp. We’ve got an obsessive killer daddy Greyson and the sweet boy Lane. Is it ethical? Hell no! He’s a stalker and using therapy language to manipulate someone. It’s obviously very fucked up, but I knew it going in because the author’s content warnings are very clear so you can turn back if you don’t wanna read it.
These are the sort of dark romances I enjoy. The obsessive and codependent MCs where it is very “us versus the world” instead of hatred between them. Lots of hurt/comfort with the reality the situation is fucked, too. The sex was enjoyable, with a lot of fun kinks I liked reading. I also related to Lane being like “well … it could be worse. He did get me a gift card and stuff I liked.” Honestly, some days, I feel like I’d accept that deal too. Obviously in real life this is all very fucked up and not acceptable though.
In terms of criticisms, “dark empath” had me cringing in my soul, but it is unfortunately a very real term so that’s just the life of it. I feel the author’s writing was enjoyable but could be cleaned up in places with some better formatting concerning when they split paragraphs. Either way, I did feel connected to the characters. I think the writer’s actual writing can do with some brush up on skill — sometimes it was a bit juvenile in places, a touch repetitive. All of which can be improved with time!
I am so hype for Oliver’s book. More dark trans romance, let’s fucking go!!! Super excited for that, though I do hope there’s some love shared too and not all hatred.
August 28, 2025
Freak for freak and honestly I was so into it 😆 Very insta, very toxic, very yum.
September 26, 2025
Una sola palabra para definir este libro sería: TURBIO!
Y eso es mucho viniendo de mi, porque no tengo muchos límites a la hora de leer pero yo no iba mentalmente preparada para leer lo que me encontré en esta historia, cuando leí algunas reseñas vi que el libro era un dark romance entre dos chicos (un psicólogo y su paciente) claramente muy poco ético pero me encanta esta temática, sin embargo pensé que el mayor obstáculo para la pareja sería ese, que su relación era impropia por ese motivo, pero no, eso es solo un detalle mínimo y tonto en toda esta historia tan tóxica 😂
Me encontré un libro con psicopatas, muertes violentas, mucha feminización (se que a muchas les encanta este detalle en los MM pero no es de mis cosas favoritas), secuestros, consentimiento super dudoso, una relación que definen como amor pero que es a base de problemas mentales graves por ambas partes, y cosas peores..
Aqui no hay nada que no sea cuestionable.
Y pues yo iba buscando una relación prohibida por su dinámica de doctor-paciente pero nada más, no me esperaba semejante cosa.
Y debo aclarar, yo leo de todo y hasta cosas más problemáticas pero es cuando estoy en busca de tropos así, en esta ocasión yo no buscaba esto y tambien está el hecho de que tiene elementos que del todo no me gustan, principalmente la feminización.
El protagonista activo suele hablarle al otro como si fuera una mujer, incluso nombra las partes del cuerpo del pasivo como las de una mujer y llegó el punto en que yo juraba que estaba leyendo un libro hetero.
En fin, fue un balde de agua fría todo en este libro, si les gusta leer sobre todo lo antes mencionado entonces seguro les gusta. Pero no es amor, es algo enfermizo desde la página 1 y hasta llegar al final.
Mi puntuación es de 2.5/5 ⭐️
Y eso es mucho viniendo de mi, porque no tengo muchos límites a la hora de leer pero yo no iba mentalmente preparada para leer lo que me encontré en esta historia, cuando leí algunas reseñas vi que el libro era un dark romance entre dos chicos (un psicólogo y su paciente) claramente muy poco ético pero me encanta esta temática, sin embargo pensé que el mayor obstáculo para la pareja sería ese, que su relación era impropia por ese motivo, pero no, eso es solo un detalle mínimo y tonto en toda esta historia tan tóxica 😂
Me encontré un libro con psicopatas, muertes violentas, mucha feminización (se que a muchas les encanta este detalle en los MM pero no es de mis cosas favoritas), secuestros, consentimiento super dudoso, una relación que definen como amor pero que es a base de problemas mentales graves por ambas partes, y cosas peores..
Aqui no hay nada que no sea cuestionable.
Y pues yo iba buscando una relación prohibida por su dinámica de doctor-paciente pero nada más, no me esperaba semejante cosa.
Y debo aclarar, yo leo de todo y hasta cosas más problemáticas pero es cuando estoy en busca de tropos así, en esta ocasión yo no buscaba esto y tambien está el hecho de que tiene elementos que del todo no me gustan, principalmente la feminización.
El protagonista activo suele hablarle al otro como si fuera una mujer, incluso nombra las partes del cuerpo del pasivo como las de una mujer y llegó el punto en que yo juraba que estaba leyendo un libro hetero.
En fin, fue un balde de agua fría todo en este libro, si les gusta leer sobre todo lo antes mencionado entonces seguro les gusta. Pero no es amor, es algo enfermizo desde la página 1 y hasta llegar al final.
Mi puntuación es de 2.5/5 ⭐️
March 2, 2025
Dark, definitely messed up, but really good.
March 22, 2025
I saw the tropes, read the blurb and was sold!
I loved how it started out and enjoyed the interactions between Lane and his therapist. When Lane informed his therapist he had a stalker I was like okay, I know where this is going and it's a bit fast but okay, okay. Still in it. Suddenly we’re like less than 10 chapters in, and Lane has been kidnapped and is happily living in his therapists house.
We weren’t even at 50% and I felt like all the drama was over. Like if this had been more of a slow burn? Hell YEAH I'd have been all over this but it felt just SO rushed and are needing to create drama because this book is not even halfway done and they’re already living in bliss. Ofc he has to run away once and has to be saved though. Because, ofc he does.
I felt like all of his diagnoses, his need for therapy and his medications just… disappear the first time they have sex and holy fuck I hate that shit so much. Like, getting dicked down suddenly cures all ailments?
As a person with diagnosed PTSD, depression and anxiety, I feel that this is so incredibly insulting honestly. It felt the same as "you just need to go outside and you'll be fine."
I will not be reading Oliver’s book because of the disgusting things he said in this book. Idc if they were said in panic or fear, you do not tell a person who was raped by family that perhaps you DID seduce them.
Fuck.
That.
Then we magically had to bring back the rapist because jk, the therapist who stalked him, learned his random ass house code, knew every single thing about him despite the fact that we never hear much about his house or his likes/dislikes, somehow grabbed the WRONG PERSON?!?! And that wrong person was just his FRIEND? Are. You. KIDDING ME?! His brothers are apparently trained hit men and he knows the same shit but couldn’t be bothered to get a photo? Check the dudes ID? Just assumed it was him and killed him? Blajedgfijfgij.
Lane is ofc rescued, but was found beaten and broken and is rushed to surgery for his shattered ankle, was informed he'd most likely lose sight in one eye, and then two days later he’s just… fine? Dude had broken bones all over, damage to his eye, shattered ankle and two days later he’s fucking in a car?
Hmmm no.
I loved how it started out and enjoyed the interactions between Lane and his therapist. When Lane informed his therapist he had a stalker I was like okay, I know where this is going and it's a bit fast but okay, okay. Still in it. Suddenly we’re like less than 10 chapters in, and Lane has been kidnapped and is happily living in his therapists house.
We weren’t even at 50% and I felt like all the drama was over. Like if this had been more of a slow burn? Hell YEAH I'd have been all over this but it felt just SO rushed and are needing to create drama because this book is not even halfway done and they’re already living in bliss. Ofc he has to run away once and has to be saved though. Because, ofc he does.
I felt like all of his diagnoses, his need for therapy and his medications just… disappear the first time they have sex and holy fuck I hate that shit so much. Like, getting dicked down suddenly cures all ailments?
As a person with diagnosed PTSD, depression and anxiety, I feel that this is so incredibly insulting honestly. It felt the same as "you just need to go outside and you'll be fine."
I will not be reading Oliver’s book because of the disgusting things he said in this book. Idc if they were said in panic or fear, you do not tell a person who was raped by family that perhaps you DID seduce them.
Fuck.
That.
Then we magically had to bring back the rapist because jk, the therapist who stalked him, learned his random ass house code, knew every single thing about him despite the fact that we never hear much about his house or his likes/dislikes, somehow grabbed the WRONG PERSON?!?! And that wrong person was just his FRIEND? Are. You. KIDDING ME?! His brothers are apparently trained hit men and he knows the same shit but couldn’t be bothered to get a photo? Check the dudes ID? Just assumed it was him and killed him? Blajedgfijfgij.
Lane is ofc rescued, but was found beaten and broken and is rushed to surgery for his shattered ankle, was informed he'd most likely lose sight in one eye, and then two days later he’s just… fine? Dude had broken bones all over, damage to his eye, shattered ankle and two days later he’s fucking in a car?
Hmmm no.
March 2, 2025
WOW just WOW! Be prepared my dark romance compatriots for Lane and Greyson. Morally grey-son, see what I did there. A lot of belief must be suspended for this book but once you can do that, you will enjoy the ride of a dark empath and the broken man he falls in love with. The care and Greyson's form of love, lavished on Lane and the comfort that Lane was able to glean from it all was so rewarding. Be prepared for so much hurt/comfort. I hope Oliver and Greyson's brothers get their own book too. Oh I just saw they are! Yay.
Read
January 3, 2026DNF at 74%. Can’t tell u what happens nor what i can remember. It couldn’t keep my attention 😞
March 3, 2025
Loved every minute of it!
This book was recommended to be by someone from an M/M book group on Facebook. I can see why it was recommended. It's very well writtenfor such a short story, it managed to pull me in. Shocked me to the core of what Lane had gone through but brought me back to life when Lane found someone like Greyson.
This book was recommended to be by someone from an M/M book group on Facebook. I can see why it was recommended. It's very well writtenfor such a short story, it managed to pull me in. Shocked me to the core of what Lane had gone through but brought me back to life when Lane found someone like Greyson.
March 2, 2025
so freaking good!!!
OMG I absolutely love these two!!! The toxic codependent relationship they have is so not normal but I love it anyways!!!
OMG I absolutely love these two!!! The toxic codependent relationship they have is so not normal but I love it anyways!!!
May 16, 2025
Entertaining and kept me engaged but I felt it was oversaturated with too many wow-factors
March 22, 2025
DNF @ 70%.
Why do these dark romance authors think the plots need to be so OTT?
I was perfectly content with stalker therapist obsessed with this patient, manipulating and kidnapping Lane to get what he wants.
But then, it turns out he is a “hobby killer”, his twin brothers are contract killers and psychopaths, Lane accidentally murders someone, so now he might join Greyson in his hobby killing. Ugh, annoying. What’s next? A murder cult or underground fight club?
Why do these dark romance authors think the plots need to be so OTT?
I was perfectly content with stalker therapist obsessed with this patient, manipulating and kidnapping Lane to get what he wants.
But then, it turns out he is a “hobby killer”, his twin brothers are contract killers and psychopaths, Lane accidentally murders someone, so now he might join Greyson in his hobby killing. Ugh, annoying. What’s next? A murder cult or underground fight club?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
February 28, 2025DNF @ 67% - So I’m reading this book and okay I would’ve loved a slower escalation but hey it’s kinda fun in a very messed-up way. And then I’m suddenly reading chapter 19 in between chapters 13 and 14 and I just can’t.
And I think this is the second time this year I’ve read a book with the word “I’s” in it. How does this even get past an editor??
And I think this is the second time this year I’ve read a book with the word “I’s” in it. How does this even get past an editor??
March 30, 2025
It started great, i was so involved i couldn't stop reading.
However at some point i lost interest.
I don’t really know how to explain what bothered me.
I just know that everything became too unrealistic, too fuck*d up.
And yeah i know it's a dark romance, and it's my favorite genre so that's not the problem.
However at some point i lost interest.
I don’t really know how to explain what bothered me.
I just know that everything became too unrealistic, too fuck*d up.
And yeah i know it's a dark romance, and it's my favorite genre so that's not the problem.
March 25, 2025
If I was forced to make a choice between killing you or letting you go, I would slit that pretty throat of yours. I would burn your body and tattoo the ashes into my skin.”
I think I've just blessed my eyes reading this book.
It was twisted, dark, messed up and honestly my cup of tea.
Lane and Grey never ceased to amaze me throughout this book. In the beginning it seems like an ordinary, you know, patient-therapist relationship going on, and then Bam! The therapist is actually a psychopath who actually and quite freely exposes his manipulations so nonchalantly and kills people as a hobby. I was like uh... what?!
And Lane, gosh, I was like Lane in this book. The way Grey would say some real messed up stuff or do even worse things and then tell this to Lane like it isn't a big deal... I was like damn, okay Daddy, yes please.
I have high emotional intelligence, so while I can understand others’ deeply, I don’t usually care.
I live for Grey's view on life. He is such a complex yet easy character to read.
As I cooked and bustled around the kitchen, I brainstormed more ways I could tie him to me. I could lock his pretty little cock up and hold the key. I could create a traumatic situation so that he'd have a trauma bond with me. I could tattoo my name into his skin. I could…
See? This dude makes even the most crazy things sound romantic.
But in essence, I had fun reading this book. There were many twists and turns that left me gaping. The love between these two is beyond unhealthy and toxic and I love that for them. The chemistry and tension between these two need to be studied because I felt like I was intruding while reading their story.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
This was definitely a hit.
//ARC Review//
I think I've just blessed my eyes reading this book.
It was twisted, dark, messed up and honestly my cup of tea.
Lane and Grey never ceased to amaze me throughout this book. In the beginning it seems like an ordinary, you know, patient-therapist relationship going on, and then Bam! The therapist is actually a psychopath who actually and quite freely exposes his manipulations so nonchalantly and kills people as a hobby. I was like uh... what?!
And Lane, gosh, I was like Lane in this book. The way Grey would say some real messed up stuff or do even worse things and then tell this to Lane like it isn't a big deal... I was like damn, okay Daddy, yes please.
I have high emotional intelligence, so while I can understand others’ deeply, I don’t usually care.
I live for Grey's view on life. He is such a complex yet easy character to read.
As I cooked and bustled around the kitchen, I brainstormed more ways I could tie him to me. I could lock his pretty little cock up and hold the key. I could create a traumatic situation so that he'd have a trauma bond with me. I could tattoo my name into his skin. I could…
See? This dude makes even the most crazy things sound romantic.
But in essence, I had fun reading this book. There were many twists and turns that left me gaping. The love between these two is beyond unhealthy and toxic and I love that for them. The chemistry and tension between these two need to be studied because I felt like I was intruding while reading their story.
I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
This was definitely a hit.
//ARC Review//
March 19, 2025
4.0 ⭐
Genre: M/M Dark Romance
Format: eBook
Series: Yours to Break # 1
‼️Check your triggers prior to reading. There are dark and heavy themes in this story‼️
Character Development: 3/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Okay... I am not sure what E. Baileu put in this book. I was so uncomfy yet absolutely enthralled. This was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Greyson and Lane were perfectly toxic and codependent. I can't flipping wait for Ollie and the twins story to come out. Definite auto buy when it does.
Please be careful though and check the trigger warnings. Lane's early childhood was not easy and descriptions can be graphic at times.
What to Expect:
• Age Gap
• Forbidden - Therapist x Patient
• BDSM
• Feminization
• Dark Empath
• Hobbiest Unaliver
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Genre: M/M Dark Romance
Format: eBook
Series: Yours to Break # 1
‼️Check your triggers prior to reading. There are dark and heavy themes in this story‼️
Character Development: 3/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Okay... I am not sure what E. Baileu put in this book. I was so uncomfy yet absolutely enthralled. This was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Greyson and Lane were perfectly toxic and codependent. I can't flipping wait for Ollie and the twins story to come out. Definite auto buy when it does.
Please be careful though and check the trigger warnings. Lane's early childhood was not easy and descriptions can be graphic at times.
What to Expect:
• Age Gap
• Forbidden - Therapist x Patient
• BDSM
• Feminization
• Dark Empath
• Hobbiest Unaliver
• HEA
Cheating:
Third-act breakup:
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
KU: Yes
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
March 17, 2025
In no way was this book meant to reflect a real patient/ therapist relationship so keep that in mind! Lane was abused as a child and cannot have a relationship or find gratification so he visits a therapist, Greyson. Greyson has an unusual therapy protocol and is inappropriate with the lovestruck Lane. In a dark, intriguing book, their attachment is chock full of kinks, pleasures and obsessions. It's not just Lane who has issues. This book blows your mind. It's violent and filled with possession, need and abuse and yet enthralling and fascinating. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.
July 25, 2025
July 2025
Kindle edition
Blurb sounded great. Was expecting slow, dark, psychological. Instead it was loud, quick and messy, torn between Grey and I forget the MCs name, Oliver and the twins. It was insta. I'm surprised Greyson screwed up that badly for someone so meticulous etc. Didn't feel believable. I liked Oliver up until what he said about the cousin. A lot going on but read like a play on a time crunch. Its a shame but this one was not for me.
Kindle edition
Blurb sounded great. Was expecting slow, dark, psychological. Instead it was loud, quick and messy, torn between Grey and I forget the MCs name, Oliver and the twins. It was insta. I'm surprised Greyson screwed up that badly for someone so meticulous etc. Didn't feel believable. I liked Oliver up until what he said about the cousin. A lot going on but read like a play on a time crunch. Its a shame but this one was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
I got mixed feelings, it was hard to get into in the beginning normally I love fast burns but I feel that this book would have benefited more from a little more in the beginning, more build up maybe would have really helped. I did love the end! It tied together beautifully!! And I cannot wait for the twins book! I really hope it's even more unhinged!
March 28, 2025
For being the authors' first published book, this was pretty good! It's really fast-paced, insta-obsession and had a satisfying revenge murder at the end. I really loved that Grayson was such a good man to Lane, that was cute to see.
Can't wait to read about the twins and Oliver, even though I'm scared to.
Can't wait to read about the twins and Oliver, even though I'm scared to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Fun fast read that needs a bit of work
This was a lot of fun if you like stalkers, obsessiveness, and toxic relationships that are perfect for each other (and are willing to suspend disbelief lol).
That said, I hope the author is able to get an editor or at least a good proofreader next time. Things like actions used as dialogue tags, confusion over lay/laid, incorrect tense, and several instances of “Greyson and I’s” that made me actually cringe, did detract from my enjoyment to some extent. Still, I’m intrigued enough to want to give Oliver’s story a try when it comes out!
This was a lot of fun if you like stalkers, obsessiveness, and toxic relationships that are perfect for each other (and are willing to suspend disbelief lol).
That said, I hope the author is able to get an editor or at least a good proofreader next time. Things like actions used as dialogue tags, confusion over lay/laid, incorrect tense, and several instances of “Greyson and I’s” that made me actually cringe, did detract from my enjoyment to some extent. Still, I’m intrigued enough to want to give Oliver’s story a try when it comes out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews