Toxic Confession

by Cassie Lein

She wasn’t the girl I meant to text. But she might be the one who ruins me.

I thought I was messaging a girl from the bar—cute, sweet, the kind of woman you bring home to meet your mom.

Instead, I got Indigo.

She’s chaos in a red lip. Pinup curves, razor-sharp wit, and a dark streak that runs deeper than I ever expected. She’s not what I was looking for. But somehow, I can’t stop texting her. Can’t stop needing her.

She makes me feel alive. Like I’m not just some forgettable guy floating through life.

Then I see her in the woods. Blood on her hands. A dead woman at her feet.

She says the woman deserved it.
She says she did it for me.

Now I know the truth: Indigo is dangerous.

And I should walk away.
But every time she whispers, I did it for you—
I wonder if she’s not the one who needs saving…
Or if it’s already too late for me.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Horror, Dark

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2025

About the author

Cassie resides in Northern Illinois on a farm with her husband and six kids. When not writing she can be found reading or chauffeuring her kids or showing pigs. Cassie is a huge advocate for foster care and adoption. Enjoys a good horror movie, a dark romance, and alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol. You did just read she has six kids right?

Reviews

[Layna Leighann · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️/4🔥

Girl Power!

Toxic B!tch is a dark, gory romance, and we love those! Indigo is a strong, although a bit unhinged, FMC who takes no sh!t and handles the business. Malik is our cuddly, dad-bod MMC, who falls for our girl and is both terrified and turned on by her.

This was a fun read, and I also loved the underlying body positive message between these characters. I like seeing an FMC take care of herself and is not afraid to be clear about what she wants. HIGHLY recommend this book!

[Nikkie reads smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. This is a 5 star book, a nice quick read. I really loved the FMC!

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie Lein wrote another good story with Toxic B!tch, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

It's not often we read about plus-size men and their feelings but here Cassie did it with respect & dignity. Malik is a big guy and I expect the wrong number given to him by a girl at the bar happens to be the best thing he could ever get. From the 1st text, he finds himself connected with Indigo & things will never be the same.

Indigo is a bartender by night and when she's not pouring drinks, she's a bada%% making people that hurt others pay. She a true force to be reckoned with!

[Screams & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! You have a pin up, tattoo women by the name of Indigo.
Then a heavy set man by the name of Malik. You first need to give the author props for that cause you don’t always need a skinny , sexy woman with a bodybuilder of a man. He showed her a thing or two !! And the spice was spicing in this book. That is what j like!!!!

So you have Indigo and she was raised in the hard side of the tracks if you know what I mean. And she has worked in the same bar since she could work. But she has an itch that need to be scratched. And that where her other job takes over. She is a bad ass unliving machine. But not only just men but bad men! Disgusting men…

Then you have Malik which he came into her work one night and someone gave him the wrong # and it happened to be indigo’s. So thing work out but he doesn’t know her little secret. But what will happen when he finds out.

Wow this book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. I eat this book up within 2 sittings and still want more. I just love this couple together. He is just so great with her and really just accept her for who she is. Along with she will unalive anybody that talks bad about him. It nice to have the difference role change.

This is a great read that will make you not want to stop! If you haven’t picked this book up yet, what are you doing!!!!

Some things I love about this book and quotes:

Mentions my favorite place to eat: Taco Bell.

Best: What was it called? Horton Hears a Who?”

“I’m out of here. I’d tell you to have a good night, but you’re a b!tch, so try not to get hit by a car on your way home,”

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

~Screams & Reviews

[Janet Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toxic B!tch ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cassie Lein
Girl this book is amazing. Girl Power all the way. Indigo is basically an assassin taking out the nasty trash who are far from innocent. She gets a text from Malik by accident as another girl gave him the wrong number. Instead of disregarding it, she starts realize that he might be the man for her. There are major challenges, though for her and Malik’s relationship. Will he accept her as she is and what she does or will he run for the hill? You’re gonna have to read to find out but I’m telling you you’re in for a ride as you get to step into her world, and the journey, the two of them take! I am definitely gonna need to check out more material from Cassie as this was definitely a hit.

[Katelyn Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie , Cassie ! You will remember her name after you read this book!!!
This was so entertaining , literally I couldn’t put it down bc I wanted to know what happened next .
Indigo is this feisty SOB so funny and has literally no filter … I loved her vibe , then MALIK❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥holy want , yup you are all going to want him !! I dare you try not too.
Go read this! I’m not giving anything about . Nope this book is too good for you not to read. Gooo read!! Soooo worth it wow

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t Put It Down!


I loved loved loved Indigo! I don’t think there’s another FMC I’ve loved this much. She owns her crazy! And Malik is the perfect man for her! This is a different take on the serial killer trope and it hooked me! I couldn’t stop reading this book and I want more like this! I soo hope this author does more of these, it is one of my favourite reads from Cassie Lein.

[T.C_Reads89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

wrong number who did?

Indigo and Malik ❤️❤️❤️
I absolutely loved this book!!
thank you Elle for given Malik the wrong number and allowing him and Indigo to meet!
They are absolutely perfect together!

[Tabitha Eskuri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 star read for me! Loved the ending and the concept of this book

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Mariah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie you have out done yourself with the completion of this story. I just loved the relationship between the main characters and glad they go to finish out their story.

[Bre Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Lein knocked it out with this one. Who doesn't love an unhinged FMC who loves to unalive and protect those she cares about and still mix a mean drink. This is a definite must read.

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Indigo & Malik. I read the first 12 chapters in the ANTHO and realized I needed more….and now we got the full book. Malik & Indigo were made for each other and I love how protective Indigo is of Malik. Hurt my heart how Malik was seen to other women but was perfect for Indigo.

[Allyson Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a strong FMC & Indigo was that and more. I wish we had gotten to know a little more about her background and how she got involved with the cleaners. Malik was sweet and realistic with how he grappled with his emotions surrounding everything. I fear my favorite character was Jake & I hope he gets his own book someday🤞🏻🫶🏻

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indigo was never the girl Malik meant to text. But Indigo might just be the one who destroys him.

Malik thought he was messaging a girl from the bar – a cute, sweet, kind woman, the kind you could bring home to your mom.

Instead, Malik ended up getting Indigo.

Malik finds Indigo to be chaos in a red lip. She has those Pinup girl curves, a razor-sharp kind of wit, and she has this dark streak in her that runs so much deeper than Malik could have ever expected. Indigo was not what Malik had been looking for. But for some reason, he just can't stop texting her. Or, needing her for that matter.

Indigo has the power to make Malik feel alive. Suddenly he feels like he's not just some guy that's floating through life, invisible to those around him.

Then the day comes when Malik finds Indigo in the woods. She has blood on her hands and there's a dead woman at her feet.

Indigo claims that this woman deserved it.
She tries to claim that she did it for me.

Suddenly Malik discovers the truth: Indigo is dangerous.

Malik knows in that moment that he should walk away from her.
But, she keeps whispering, I did it for you -
And Malik starts to wonder if Indigo isn't the one who needs saving
Or, could it be that it's already too late for him?

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and consider the trigger warnings before starting this book. There is subject matter and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers. Some scenes could be triggering for some readers. Please remember that your mental health always comes first.

Toxic B!tch by Cassie Lein is a slow-burn romance and it does make sense for this plot and subplot. I loved that in this story the FMC is the psychopath and the MMC is trying to figure her out and figure out what to do. And I wanted to see what he was going to do after he discovered who and what she truly was and how their dynamic was going to play out in the end.

One of the things that I loved about this book was that we get Indigo and Malik's POVs. We first learn that Indigo works in a bar and likes to mix drinks like the Toxic B!tch, it's a fruity shot with juice, vodka, and tequila.

Malik meets a woman named Elle at the bar that Indigo works at and she spends the night flirting and dancing with him while he buys her drinks. At the end of the night, Elle gives Malik her number and tells him to give her a call. Indigo, after being accosted in the backroom of the bar, decides on her next k!ll. She stalks her prey, paints her new masterpiece all in an abandoned home.

Malik, who I believe is in home restoration gets brought in to restore the home the one Indigo performed her last k!ll in and it had burned down. Slowly we start to see some parallels between Malik and Indigo slowly started to form. At least until Malik decides that he wants to text Elle so he can ask her out on a date. Suddenly he discovers that she had given him another woman's phone number. And it just happens to be Indigo's phone number.

Indigo has her fun and entertains Malik's texts. Slowly a friendship forms between the two, at least until they finally meet in person and that's when their friendship turns into an intimate relationship.

Indigo admits that she feels like she can only give Malik half of herself. Even though she adores the masterpieces she's created and continues to create. “if only being an assassin full-time was feasible.”

Everything comes to a head when Malik finally discovers who Indigo is, and in that moment his own moral compass is flipped upside down and starts to go insane, especially when Indigo tells him that she will not stop, no matter how much he begs. And Malik's moral compass goes even more insane when he starts to realize that he likes this grotesque and insane world that Indigo has pulled him into and keeps pulling him deeper into.

All I can say is that I hope that this is not rooted in any type of reality.

I kind of felt for Indigo when I learned about Indigo's past. She didn't have the easiest past or childhood. She had been passed around in the foster care system and that's not an easy life. She went through verbal, physical, and emotional abuse that started at way too young an age and she was forced to start making life or death decisions when she should have been playing with dolls. She started out as an assassin at an age that was way too young and she couldn't see another way out.

And now that she has Malik in her life, she is petrified that he's not going to accept her for who and what she is, since she's been rejected so many times in the past.

I liked Malik. Even though he's hardworking, but insecure and has body image issues. He's not the book boyfriend kind of guy, he's just your average kind of guy and I liked that. He felt real. We don't have the chance to get to know a lot about his family. We do know that he has a thriving home restoration business.

At first he seemed like this normal good guy, but very quickly we learn that he has this dark side, a side that he I don't think he realized he had at first but once he discovered it was there he realized he had to tap into it.

Malik is so happy to worship Indigo. But, at the same time, Indigo is happy to worship Malik. “I’ll be the devil he knows to everyone else, but here, in this room, I just want to be his baby girl.”

I honestly love that Cassie gave us a kick-ass FMC serial k!ller and even though Indigo has found love refuses to stop. But, she targets the “bad people” using this as justification for her k!lls.

If you can manage the trigger warnings I highly recommend this book just like I do with all Cassie Lein books. I just adore Cassie's books and can't recommend them enough. Just like I can't recommend Cassie Lein enough as an author.

[Medallio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐: This was a slow burn but it made sense for the plot. The story was interesting because the FMC was a psychopath and the MMC wasn’t. I was intrigued to see how their dynamic worked once he found out who she really was.

Introduction:
This is my book review of Toxic B!tch by Cassie Lein. This is my first time reading a book by Cassie and it was a wild ride. Cringy, heart-pounding, and a little nauseous. Check out my other reviews on Bookish Bedroom Reviews w/Medallio on YT.

Summary:
The story is told in dual POVs. We meet Indigo first and find out that works at a bar and mixes up drinks such as Toxic B!tch - “fruity shot called Toxic B!tch. Juice, vodka, and tequila.”

She meets Malik inadvertently and a woman named Elle that flirts with him all night. He buys her drinks and dances with her. She gives him her number. Indigo is accosted in the backroom at the bar and this prompts her to take on her next k!ll. She stalks him and then paints her masterpiece in an abandoned home. Malik is in home restoration (I think) and he is brought in to restore a home that was burned down (the one that Indio did her latest k!ll). We see these parallels between the two until he tries to text Elle and ask her on a date and realizes that she gave him another woman’s phone number - Indigo.

She entertains his texts and they form a friendship until they meet in person and then start an intimate relationship - “It feels like a thread connection us, pulling us closer together.”

Indigo feels like she’s giving him only half of herself though she loves the masterpieces that she creates - “if only being an assassin full-time was feasible.”

When Malik finally finds out who she really is, this tilts his moral compass and makes it go crazy especially when he finds out that she won’t stop, not even for him. His moral compass tilts as well because he starts to realize that he likes this grotesque world that she’s pulling him further into.

Is this rooted in reality? Who knows…I should hope not.

Character Analysis:
Indigo - She was passed around in the foster care system and didn’t live an easy life. She was abused physically and verbally starting at a young age and found herself having to make life or death decisions just to survive. Her beginning days as an assassin were when she was much younger and didn’t see another way out. Now she has Malik in her life and she’s worried that he won’t accept her since so many others didn’t - “he’s always seen the flirty, silly side of me, but not the part that appreciates the intimate brutality of death.”

Malik - He’s insecure and has body image issues based on reactions from others, especially women. He doesn’t have the book boyfriend physique, but he does have an average man’s body. He’s hardworking, we don’t know much about his family. He has a booming home restoration business. He seems like a normal good guy, but we quickly find out that he has a dark side that he didn’t know that he needed to tap into. He worships Indigo and she worships him - “I’ll be the devil he knows to everyone else, but here, in this room, I just want to be his baby girl.”

Conflict:
The conflict is that Indigo is a serial k!ller and she shows no signs of stopping. She also targets those that are bad people and uses this to justify her k!lls.

Spice Level:
🌶️🌶️🌶️💋: Tension, kissing and open door intimate scenes, that are not short; flaming with tension. This is a slow burn.

Conclusion:
What I took away from reading Toxic B!tch by Cassie Lein is that even serial k!llers need love and an outlet for their desires. The moral compass was heavily skewed on this one, but it had to be to make the story work; it’s probably how a psychopath really thinks for all we know.

Warning to the Readers:
The triggers in this are gore, grotesque scenes, and eluding to smexual a$$ault.

Recommendation:
If you don’t mind dark reads and a lot of gory scenes then I recommend Toxic B!tch by Cassie Lein.

[Mars Rads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

If you are looking for a slightly unhinged story that is kind of disturbing but also a sweet romance, this is the story you are looking for. This book perfect for those like me who might be a little disturbed and like a little bit of serial killer thrown into your romance. When I started reading it, my eyes were bugging out just a little (I enjoy some gory horror so it wasn’t so bad) but by the end I couldn’t stop smiling. This was such an entertaining story and I found it hard to put it down. It wasn’t extremely long, but it was such a fun if not slightly messed up read. The two main characters were so cute with each other, which doesn’t seem like it would fit in a book about an unaliver, because it gives this book the perfect balance and makes this book so enjoyable to read.

Indigo is the FMC and she is a little “unique”. And by that, I mean men and women don’t get her excited, but her “art” does. She enjoys the hunt and is excited when she gets to get her hands dirty. Besides the unaliving, I totally get her. Her internal dialogue while she is at the bar mirrors what I have thought before. I love the accidental way that she crosses paths with Malik. Call it luck or fate that the girl at the bar gave Malik Indigo’s number. Malik is so freaking cute. He has low self esteem because he looks like a real 30 year old guy. He’s a little chubby but in the best way. It made me think dad bod. He’s self depreciation actually works in his favor though because it pulls Indigo in. They are both big goofballs and so perfect for each other. I couldn’t help but smile at these two goobers.

This was such an entertaining short story. I enjoy a little horror and a little gore. But the way the author is able to switch it to a sweet romance (even though Indigo is still Indigo). I thought that this was such a fun story. There were some fantastic spicy scenes between these two characters, showing the amazing chemistry between them. I would still tread lightly because there is definitely some mukduk (aka murder) so it really may not be your thing.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed with this story when it was part of the anthology it was in and let me tell you, the extended version with the HEA did not disappoint!

I loved that we got to see Indigo love Malik for who he was. He may not have been the typical guy society dictates should get the girl, but he was so special and unique and totally someone anyone would fall in love with if they just gave him a chance and I loved that Indigo was that girl. I also really loved seeing the aftermath of Elle's rejection from the beginning of the story. There was always some doubt in the back of Malik's mind as to Indigo and her true feelings because of the way their relationship started, and it was nice to see that Indigo was able to make him comfortable enough to not only truly accept who he was size wise as a person, but that he deserved all the love in the world. Plus, who wouldn't love a terrible person like Elle being put in her place?

I also really enjoyed Indigo's secret coming out to Malik and how he handled the entire situation. It can't be easy to discover that the girl you love and have such an off the charts chemistry with can so easily kill, but Malik took it in spades. It certainly wasn't easy for either of them to navigate once the secret was out in the open, but I am so glad that he didn't become another one of her victims (not that I think should would have been able to do so). I also really enjoyed how when she got a greater opportunity to take her skills to a more professional setting, that he was right there by her side showing his support all while loving her in the process.

This story was certainly worth the wait for it to be completed and I, for one, am sad that it is now over.

[Morgan Talley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited that I was chosen as an ARC reader 🤍
4 stars - I plan to purchase the book to add to my book trophy’s. My review is below 😊

I really enjoyed the unique plot, the morally grey FMC, and the writing style. I was hooked from the start and quickly finished it. No part of this book had me bored or uninterested.
This author is extremely talented in her ability to go into such detail - it really helped paint a vivid picture in my mind the entire story. The spicy scenes were 👌🏼 not smutty but the author didn’t hold back on the vivid details and phrases. I LOVE a happy ending and this story did not disappoint.

Malik’s character — loved him! He was so genuine the entire time. I liked his personality and how raw and honest he was. I wish we had a little bit of a better physical description for him. All I could really gather is that he’s a little chunky. I don’t recall reading his hair or eye color.

Indigo’s character — really enjoyed a morally grey FMC who was unapologetically herself. Again I wish we had a slightly better physical description of her but maybe the intention was for us to draw our own conclusions and picture whoever we wanted her to be. I really hated the small heart face tat - so I personally imagined her without it 😂

There are a few things I could critique:
• a few typos throughout the book
• when Indigo called Malik a “poopy head” - wtf ?! This is a grown woman calling a man … poopy head. Didn’t fit Indigos character to say something juvenile like that
• the squirrel skull engagement ring ... again I say, WTF. Now while this did fit Indigos character more, it’s pretty strange.
• “hot seed” used to describe his cum 🤢
• Malik’s “dom” moment when he demands a blowjob. This seemed out of character to me

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toxic Bit#h by Cassie Lein is so well done! Indigo is a bad a$$ woman that serves her own brand of justice to those who really deserve it - all in the name of her “art” and Malik is a great MMC that isn’t the typical ripped, alpha, perfectly sculpted man. He’s a real man with a real body and a real job! No grumpy billionaire perfection here and I love him all the more because he’s real!!
They meet briefly when she serves him at a bar and with a twist of fate, Malik is given a wrong number that luckily turns out to be Indigo’s! They build a friendship over text and eventually start speaking on the phone where the relationship builds further. Indigo keeps her secret, but doesn’t feel the urge to continue as frequently as she had been and Malik is afraid of rejection so meeting in person hasn’t been an option so far.
Due to another twist of fate, Malik goes out for a drink at a local bar and hears Indigo’s voice and knows it’s her! They finally meet and all goes better than expected.
I feel this is just the beginning of a bigger story for them and I want more of this couple so badly! I really hope for another book to dive in to more as there is so much left undiscovered and unrealized for the characters and the readers! No real spice in this story, I’d give that a 0.5 on the scale, but it could become a real spicy dish! I didn’t miss the spicy bits though as the story draws you in and keeps you so captivated. Cassie always writes an amazing, interesting story that pulls you in and this is no exception. Again, I’m hoping Cassie will let us visit these characters again and see how things play out with them!

[Readernerd57_book_reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ 🌶️1.5 ❤️3.75
I received and ARC for free and this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It is fun and a good time.

In this book the FMC, Indigo, is a serial killer and just a tad bit unhinged. Her day job is a bartender. She is a good serial killer though, she only goes after people who are guilty. Manly men who don't take "no" for an answer.

The MMC in this book is such a sweetheart. He is a big bearded man, and we first meet him at Indigo's bar when he was kind enough to buy another woman a drink. She however used him and gave him a fake number when he asked for hers. The fake number she gave happened to be Indigo's real cell number. And what begins as a wrong number text soon develops into a true friendship and then more.

I LOVED the meet cute in this book. The texting was so fun and cute. I did want a little more development with the relationship once they meet in person though. I know that they have technically known each other for a while before the meet in person, I just still felt that when they met it was a little insta-lovey. I didn't really believe that they had those feelings for each other yet. That is really my only issue with this book. I loved the plot, I absolutely love how protective Indigo is of Malik. That woman would do anything for that man and vice versa I love it.

This was my first book by Cassie Lein and I really enjoyed her writing style. I love that she was able to kind of marry cozy with unhinged serial killer haha. It was a really fun read for me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance.

[Readers Gonna Read - RGRbooks Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. Indigo is not the kind of heroine you read about every day. She is bold, messy, dangerous, and completely unapologetic about who she is. I loved that she wasn’t written to be safe or perfect. She is an unaliver with attitude, sharp wit, and a whole lot of chaos, and I could not look away from her story.

The wrong number text that pulls her into this plot was such a fun twist to kick things off, and the way it escalates into something darker kept me turning the pages. Indigo brings fire and edge into every scene, and her interactions with Malik were some of my favorite parts. Their chemistry is magnetic and unpredictable, which gave the whole book an addictive spark.

The writing is fast-paced, sharp, and full of bite. Cassie Lein leans into the dark and messy side of these characters and does not hold back. That is what made the book stand out for me. It felt bold and different from the usual romance, and I really appreciated that.

For me this was a solid four-star read. What would have made it five stars is just a little more depth. I wanted a bit more of Indigo’s backstory and a few extra moments with Malik to really deepen their connection. The ending also felt a little quick. An extra chapter or two would have left me with an even bigger impact.

Final Thought: Toxic B!tch is fierce, dark, and totally addictive. Indigo is the kind of heroine you either root for or hate, but either way she demands your attention. If you like your romance with danger, sass, and a sharp edge, this is one to add to your list.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toxic Bitch by Cassie Lein

Cassie Lein’s Toxic Bitch is a fiery romance that thrives on intense chemistry, unexpected connections, and the power of finding the right person in the most unconventional way. The novel follows Indigo, a fiercely independent and talented artist with a dangerous edge, and Malik, a seemingly ordinary guy who stumbles into her life through a simple wrong number—one that changes everything.

The relationship between Indigo and Malik is electric from the start. Their initial text exchanges build an undeniable tension, and when they finally meet in person, the sparks ignite into an all-consuming inferno. Lein does a fantastic job of crafting a slow-burn romance that is both passionate and emotionally compelling. Indigo’s sharp edges and Malik’s steady presence create a balance that makes their connection feel authentic and intense.

What stands out most in Toxic Bitch is the way Lein develops her characters. Indigo isn’t just a typical "tough girl"—she’s layered, carrying both strength and vulnerability. Malik, on the other hand, is refreshingly real, providing a grounded contrast to Indigo’s fiery nature. Their dynamic keeps the reader hooked, making it impossible to put the book down.

While the romance takes center stage, the novel also explores themes of self-discovery, trust, and the way love can be both healing and destructive. The writing style is fast-paced and engaging, drawing the reader into Indigo and Malik’s world with sharp dialogue and emotionally charged moments.

Overall, Toxic Bitch is a thrilling and steamy read, perfect for fans of intense, character-driven romance. Lein masterfully blends tension, humor, and raw emotion into a story that lingers long after the final page.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOXIC B!TCH is a standalone featuring a morally grey FEMALE character! Yep, you heard me. How many male characters have I read? This is the only one I can think of where it's the female, and let me tell you... I loved it!

Malik is such a teddy bear - sweet and naive, yet very conscious of his weight. As far as Indigo is concerned, he is everything she never knew she needed, and she is VERY protective of him. Although, to be fair, her idea of protection are slightly different to mine! 😆 I didn't cry about what happened though. Malik didn't deserve the treatment he received from someone else.

I thought this was brilliantly written - dark, deadly, delightfully crazy, and yet a body positive story too. The one thing I absolutely adored was the interplay between Indigo and Malik - even before he found out all about her. She is feisty and sassy, with no filter, and he is there for it. He loves that she doesn't play games, and she is just what he needs too.

Another hit by this author that I read in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 10, 2025

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read that came to me from the author via Book sirens.
Well that was a different take on the opposites attract trope. Our two main characters couldn't be more different if they tried. . . . .or. . . . . maybe they aren't that diffent at all.?
Indigo is a bartender, and after a female patron flirting with a guy, gives him her phone number, it's Indigo who starts getting random messages and calls. She returns the messages and calls and a friendship of sorts begins.
Enter Malik. Literally. He turns up at Indigo's work , she is instantly captured by the reserved, shy, bulky man. They start a relationship but its not enough for Indigo she craves more, she's hiding a secret from Malik. A dark secret, one she can"t share, but one that needs sated.
Malik accidentally uncovers her secret, he's shocked, scared, unsure what to do or how to react to what he's discovered. He needs time, but he also needs Indigo. Does he accept her and her dark needs, or does he leave?

I enjoyed this story and found if easy to read. I liked how the author twisted everything into something you didn't expect, it was quite amusing really. Im not sure if it was supposed to be but I found it was. Think 6° of separation.
All in all a good book to start the New Year on.
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[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start by saying I have never read any of Cassie's books before and this story is not my usual choice. However that being said I can honestly say that although the topic is understandably questionable I enjoyed the book and will read more from this author. Indigo works at a club serving drinks it pays her bills and gives her time for her main interest ART. Having to deal with the pick up lines and unasked for sexual advances from drunk men. When she meets Malik who steps in and pays for a woman's drink she's impressed by his manners and politeness. Malik meeting the woman in a club and buying her drinks then asking for her number I was surprised when she gave it so easily. When Indigo recieves a message from an unknown number she never expected the outcome she got. Malik should have known he been given the wrong number he's not the usual type to win with women. This starts a series of outcomes that can only be described as unusual. Can Indigo carryon with her unique artwork making creeps disappear. Will Malik run for the hills when he finds out the truth behind Indigo's secret artwork. I will just say read the triggers before reading as some may find it difficult. I will be looking into more of Cassie's books.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading the first third or so of this story in an anthology last year and thinking that I wanted more of it. I loved Indigo and Malik's accidental yet fortunate meet-cute but had no idea where their budding relationship would go or even whether it would develop into something more, so I'm thrilled that Cassie Lein turned their story into a dark romance standalone and answered all the questions I was left with before.

Full of heart, heat, humor, and extreme (but arguably valid) violence, Toxic B!tch is a little different from the average dark romance because the FMC is the badass, good-looking, morally gray character, while the MMC is the good, average-looking, ordinary man who falls fast and hard for her and refuses to let her go. Despite the book's plot, these characters and their actions and reactions are realistic and relatable, and their loyalty to, trust in, and willingness to understand each other, even under less-than-ideal circumstances, is admirable. I'm so glad that Indigo and Malik got the ending they deserved, and I can't wait to see what Cassie writes for us next.

[Dominique Jones]

Cassie Lein’s Toxic B!tch is a razor-sharp, emotionally charged dark romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. What starts as a mistaken text to the wrong woman spirals into a twisted love story between Indigo—a chaotic, magnetic force of nature—and a man who never saw her coming.

Indigo isn’t your typical heroine. She’s unpredictable, seductive, and dangerous. With pinup curves and a wicked sense of humor, she’s the kind of woman who makes you feel alive… until you find her in the woods with blood on her hands and a body at her feet. Lein masterfully blurs the line between obsession and devotion, crafting a story that’s equal parts seductive and unsettling.

🔥 What to expect:

A morally gray, unforgettable female lead

Stalker romance with psychological depth

Intense emotional tension and dark humor

A narrative that explores love, identity, and the cost of loyalty

This book isn’t for the faint of heart—but if you love stories that challenge your comfort zone and make you question everything, Toxic B!tch is a must-read. Lein’s writing is fierce, fast-paced, and unapologetically bold.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique read and I loved the reading ride I went on to see how Indigo and Malik would come together. He gets the wrong number from a gal at the bar that Indigo works at to pay the bills, and she entertains his texts. Soon enough these two are friends and work their way to being more, but she is way more than he could ever have anticipated and he has to process who she is. Indigo comes from a bad background and is rather psychotic. She is an assassin that targets baddies... Yeah, unhinged works for her ;) However, Malik finds that he has a darker side, too. Malik was an average looking guy with a fair few insecurities. Indigo really taught him that he was worthy of love and he found he could accept all sides of Indigo and love her. I was caught up in the humour, gore, sass and strength in this morally gray FMC. This may be a slow burn romance, which makes perfect sense for the plot, but it's not missing anything. I was glued to my reader following the journey these two went on to the unexpected ending. Good fun!

[Laurenloveslit81 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun! Indigo is so unhinged and such an entertaining character to read. I loved Malik as well, he was such a teddy bear. I really liked how the author turned the story around that is the opposite of what we are used to. Malik was the one with the self esteem issues because he wasn’t conventionally attractive and Indigo is the one who OTT for him and will hurt anyone who hurts his feelings. I also love that he didn’t just automatically got on board with what Indigo does- it made it feel more real. The plot twists at the end were crazy as well.

This book definitely has some seriously graphic scenes so really heed those TW’s. I do wish a TW was included for the hunting/animal death parts. I know a lot of readers like me have no problem with unaliving bad guys, but draw the line at animals (it’s not a domestic pet but I still found it upsetting). Still, a really fun read and I would totally recommend it for dark romance readers. Thank you to the author and booksirens for providing me with a copy.

[Angie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, wow. Toxic B!tch was everything I didn’t know I needed. Indigo might be one of the most unforgettable FMCs I’ve read in a while, totally unhinged, brutally honest, and absolutely not here to play nice. She’s fierce, dark, and knows exactly who she is. Malik was such a refreshing surprise. He’s a big guy with a soft heart and real depth, and the connection between him and Indigo was chaotic in the best way. They shouldn’t work, but they just do.

The body positive rep in this book stood out big time. It felt natural, not performative, and I loved that both characters were written with confidence and vulnerability. The storyline is violent, bloody, and seriously addicting. It had me laughing in one chapter and then cringing at the gore the next. I couldn’t stop reading.

Cassie Lein absolutely nailed the vibe here. It's dark and twisted, but also hilarious and kind of sweet underneath all the chaos. I’ll be checking out more of her books for sure. This one was a wild ride from start to finish.