Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Painter's Obsession #2

Painter's Obsession: Volume II

Rate this book
MM EROTIC HORROR

Some stories aren’t just painted in blood—they’re carved into flesh, leaving nothing but ruin in their wake.

I survived his world, but not without changing me. Not without sinking me with him into the void. Turns out, sometimes, in order to set something free, you have to destroy it.

The game isn’t over. The lessons aren’t finished. And the deeper I go, the harder it is to tell where he ends and I begin.

THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE.... THIS IS STOCKHOLM... TOXIC WITH NO - ABSOLUTELY NO HAPPY ENDING.. THIS IS MORE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EROTIC HORROR.

LEVEL VOID III

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2025

90 people are currently reading
693 people want to read

About the author

Luna K. Wicked

17 books444 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
267 (57%)
4 stars
129 (27%)
3 stars
46 (9%)
2 stars
18 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
Profile Image for Blondies Book Binge.
94 reviews12 followers
April 2, 2025
The rating came easily with this book, five stars hands down. The review is where I’m struggling. I read the first book of this duo and as expected after that, this book is full of Stockholm syndrome, gore, PTSD, and chaos. There’s some sensory deprivation, there’s some cannibalism, and there’s plenty of non con and unaliving. The first half of this book tracks with Ren and his psychopathic tendencies because of his past trauma. We got more light shed onto that. But we also see more about Byron’s past trauma. There’s a ton of dark humor in the first 2/3 as well, like y’all I howled laughing because Ren is crazy but he’s also hilarious. However, his character arc is everything. His cracks begin to show. They deepen. And Byron, our boy is losing it. The amount of growth they have in this book is wild and everything. It’s traumatic. It’s gutting. But this book is so much more than an erotic horror, it’s also a beautiful tragedy for two men who are so broken there’s no saving them. And definitely no redemption for a man like Ren. There’s nothing in the world that could prepare me for the ending even tho I saw on the triggers there’s no HEA. It shattered my black heart and physical tears were shed. And I was feeling so raw and then I got to the bonus chapter and I reached a whole new level of broken. I have never cried in a book as hard as I did in that bonus chapter. The bonus is supposed to be healing and in its own effed up way, I suppose it is. I’ll never get over this book, these characters, or the level of artistry it took for the author to weave this story together so intricately over two books. Massive fan. There is a love story here, and I’ll die on this hill… the love Byron had for his sister and the lengths he would go to to protect her.. it made me feel everything, especially their childhood flashbacks. Does he succeed? Only way to find out is to read it. This book is past pitch black MM, it’s gross, it’s violent, it is NOT a romance, and it’s not for everyone. But it was most definitely for me. A tragic unpredictable ending to a story I’ve been invested in since the first page of volume 1. I’d give it more stars if goodreads would let me.
Profile Image for Marissa E.
324 reviews347 followers
May 3, 2025
This was the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given a book! As sad as this ending was it was perfect! After how Painters Obsession Vol 1 ended this was the perfect conclusion!

Make sure to check your TWs with this one! There is no romance, there is gore, dub con, this is a static white read.

Ren and Byron have the most tragic childhoods I’ve ever read! Byron has his sister Gabriella to shine some light in his life, Ren however, has no one. His fixation on Byron is just that, it’s something he cannot process. Byron much the same way for Ren is definitely part Stockholm and part wanting to delve into darkness with him. I loved getting more flashbacks of both their childhoods, despite being tragic, it shines light on why they are the way they are as adults. This is the most messed up MM twist in Romeo and Juliet you’ll ever read.

There is no HEA, but the epilogue was such a beautiful conclusion.

Thank you so much to Luna K Wicked for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review…also, F Kevin…

Profile Image for Amy Rodriguez.
226 reviews
April 24, 2025
Painter’s Obsession Volume II was the piece to the puzzle that I very much needed. Volume I was intense, depraved, and unhinged. Volume II gives the raw insight, the foundation that built the monster. A story doesn’t need to have a happy ending to be satisfying. I crave the unconventional and the twists. For me, the Painter’s Obsession story collectively felt like a beautifully dark piece of art. Highly recommend if you enjoy reading something with a deeper meaning that leaves you thinking.
Profile Image for Leo.
4,993 reviews628 followers
January 3, 2026
I had to reread book one because it took so long until I read book but it was all worth it. Both books where dark and very haunting and I want to reread them again someday.
25 reviews
January 5, 2026
Even though I forced myself to finish book 1, I still picked up book 2 hoping I’d like it more. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I didn’t end up DNF’ing it like I thought I might (like with volume 1), but it still didn’t fully work for me.

I went into this duet hoping it might come close to or even beat my love for Danse Macabre and My Name Is Tryst, but sadly, it didn’t.
Profile Image for Jessi.
512 reviews106 followers
May 13, 2025
This is dark and definitely not a romance. Check the trigger warnings

I was prepared for blood and gore, but I wasn’t prepared for the heartbreak. I loved this so much, but I was definitely not ready for the ending. I liked getting to know Ren more and seeing him struggle with his need for Byron. And Byron, doing everything he could to keep Gabby safe. In the end, even though he “chose” Ren, he did it for his sister.
Profile Image for Olivia Hernandez.
159 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🔪captive/ captor
🩸Mutual destruction
🎨“If I Can’t Have You, No One Can”
🔪Obsession/ Possession
🩸Psychopath
🎨Forced Submission
🔪Corruption
🩸Sadist vs. Masochist

OMG I’m a wreck after finishing this book!!! The broken boy and the psychopath. This book answered a lot of questions we really get in to depth of Ren’s past and the way his mind works. Ren and Byron both have trauma from their parents and that definitely plays a big part in who they are. This is extremely dark but it also tragically beautiful. This was a perfect ending to their story!!
Profile Image for Kristina Yones.
110 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2025
I can’t even think of where to begin with this !!! First off if you looking at these reviews deciding your next read .. this is beyond pitch black … it’s static white …. Full of so many triggers that if you need to scroll through to make sure it doesn’t hit one…. Just assume it does .. ok….‼️‼️ If that’s an issue maybe find a hockey book or Wild West story . This isn’t for you !! THOSE that are still reading !!! 👀👀 LOOK❗️⚠️ What a beautiful f*n nightmare this is …. Psychotic Romeo and Juliet. Scratch that Romeo and Romeo Remix taken place in Hell! Ate this whole thing up ! Luna Killed this in the most poetic way! It’s everything and more .. I’m still trying to find the emotions and I’m currently still in the wrecked and numb stages and can’t move on .Forever in my heart will it live … and all its Emotional Damage.. obsessed with every piece of it . Out did her self honestly ! -And don’t let it fool you thinking it’s not a romance .. in the unconventional way it’s romance at its best if you’re into the not happily ever after but the vision of it ! And the BONUS CHAPTER …. Yall ain’t ready for that !!! No spoilers here enjoy the f*n ride and hold the hell on !!!
Profile Image for Miasia.
306 reviews11 followers
December 6, 2025
This book absoul absolutely WRECKED my heart and soul; straight tore it to pieces that I LITERALLY cried and had to go for a run I was so overwhelmed.

I absolutely loved the first one, and begged to have a continuation because of the way she ended the first one. I knew this wasn’t going to have a happy ending, I just didn’t think it was going to end the way it did. The way it ended though is incredibly fitting, just hurts! This book picks up immediately after where book 1 ends and flows very well. You watch how both MMCs break and come undone, one willingly and the other not completely understanding what is happening to him. Ren is my absolutely favorite and my heart broke for him the most. While both mmcs upbringing was rough,REN went through it to where it made him who he is, while Byron hid and became what his sister needed. You watch REN unravel but not fully understanding how or why; since he never understood or learned what real love was, to him it was a sickness that needed destroying 😭 so when he unraveled he was clueless but he didn’t fight it,. Byron was never my favorite as he would never cave to Ren, and that frustrated the shit out of me 😂 but in PO2 you see him, understand his truth and accept it. The way he finally chose Ren over his sister made me SO happy.

This book is NOT a HEA. The ending is fucking tragic and causes so much devastation but it is a perfect duet.
Profile Image for SAV.
221 reviews1,141 followers
July 17, 2025
Wow this book somehow got even darker than the last book and damn I was not expecting what happened in this book but I think it definitely was needed and that the ending all though not being the happiest was a perfect ending for this book but I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read this book 😍
Profile Image for Sarah’s.Books.
47 reviews87 followers
June 3, 2025
THIS BOOK! Luna!!!! What did you do!!!! That ending!!! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME!
Profile Image for kym.etherington.
87 reviews11 followers
May 16, 2025
i didn't think it was possible truly to top volume 1 for me but hey again,words are failing me,volume 2 has topped it ten fold.. i'm literally writing this with tears scrolling down my face,never did i ever think horror could be so beautiful,never did i ever think a story so dark could break my heart in a way this has,these characters... i cried.. i cried so much..

when i tell you - non HEA,is an understatement and usually i would be a hater,but this... this is so gut wrenching but so perfect,the ending is right, it feels right. it is how it should end but when i tell you,letting go of these characters is going to be so hard for me.. they are so special to me,i have a place in my heart for these boys,always. not a love story yet i felt love from it,in a fucked up way,it's a tragic love story... a one built on tradegy and loss and truly,i don't know why i didn't read sooner because they are the most beautiful fucked up stories i've come in to contact with,so dark,so depraved,so incredibly raw.. guttural raw is all you feel when reading this.

although an erotic horror,i was indeed horrified but i felt something more,i can't even explain it,i rarely read books in one day (short attention span queen x) so it has to be good,the minute i finished volume 1 i was already thinking about volume 2,i had a brief intermission & i literally when i tell you i dreamt about these characters,i replayed the story in my head,i cried,so many times.. these characters truly have got into the fucked up part of me,they're engrained in their and i'm not letting them go,they're mine now i guess.. they'll forever be a part of me,as will this story,it feels to me a story of understanding,a story of carnal desire,a story of self acceptance,a story of love (however tragic) & for that,if anything is a testament to luna and her work,her work is art.. these books are a work of art,in so many ways. a story so beautifully fucked up is all i can say,5 stars for me⭐️

let's rate i guess? it's probably obviously but here we go :

characters? 5⭐️ ren,byron,gabriella (especially in this book).. they all are just characters i feel a pull too,call me crazy,call me whatever you feel is fitting but just something is special to me about them,they showed me.. darkness can also be beautiful.

plot? 5⭐️ such a great plot,a novel with a plot that truly will have you gripped from the beginning,it's a story written to perfection not only in the artistry but in the wording,in the format,in the speed + pace of it.. all of it is perfect. a story of depravity,lined in spice,lined in power and control.

spice? 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ a story of control of power,of a power dynamic most wouldn't understand,a dynamic on pain and desire,a dynamic most wouldn't enjoy but as somebody who is immersed in this world,luna wrote it perfectly,down to the wording,to the descriptions,the spice showcased standalone the story and the realtionship these boys have. and for that,i applaud her,not many can capture such a dynamic so perfectly & as somebody immersed in the world,beautiful to me honestly,raw carnal desire. it was beautiful and i highlyyyyy rate the spice,from beginning to end.

gore? 🩸🩸🩸 not as gorey as book 1 as i feel but definitely gorey in a different way,the gore took a different turn,the gore took a more horror way and i personally loved it,it was perfect for this story,no shock value,just an art in writing fucked up shit i guess,so luna,we love you for that!!

overall?? 5⭐️ easily 5 stars,a story i'll hold near and dear as my first erotic horror duet,as a story that showed me the darkness,that truly pushed me into the void,and quite frankly.. i don't see this stopping,i've finally found my soul author,luna,you write the most beautiful stories and it is an honour to read your darkness and feel just so seen and not judged at all,we're all just a little warped together.🩶
Profile Image for M's ☆~HEA~☆.
1,349 reviews57 followers
June 14, 2025
You have to read Vol. 1 in order to care about what is happening in this book. Yes, vol1 has a bit of MF but Ren is a straight serial killer who has been heavily damaged by his mother's depravity so he kills & screws some ladies - it's not a big deal. On to this book - I developed quite an obsession myself with this duet. I know I only gave book one 3⭐ but I felt the immediate pull to go onto this book.
“FUCK YOU!” I scream as I continue to punch the mirror, the sharp glass continuing to penetrate my skin, but it’s not the physical pain that’s killing me... destroying me... it’s what’s inside. The feeling I can’t rip away. My commotion must have woken up the monster, feeling his warm arms wrap around me. It’s like water splashing on fire. Sun and moon colliding, creating the perfect bloody eclipse. “Shh,” he coos in my ear. “I’m here,” he says, as if that’s supposed to be reassuring or comforting.
There is literally no warmth or cute moments bewteen the MCs. Every time Ren feels feelings coming on he does something awful to Byron. Byron? Well he's equally obsessed with his captor but both these guys are so freaking broken by their pasts that they really have little hope of making it out of this in a happy way.

No, there is no romance but yes there is sex. Sometimes messy sex. There is also murder and cannibalism and torture etc.

I was so sick of hearing about Byron's sister Gabriela but that girl proved she was worth her weight in gold during the epilogue. She did not have to do what she did, but because she loved Byron so much she did it. And that elevated Gabi up to superstar status in my book.

If you enjoy crying over no HEAs in great stories you're going to enjoy this dark tale. Book 2 is better than book 1 in my opinion.
Profile Image for Lunawolfwy.
224 reviews21 followers
April 30, 2025
Luna K Wicked did an outstanding job writing this book, it's even better than the first one and that's saying a lot because the first was an outstanding dark read!

The book is pitch black & beyond. The characters and plot will take your emotions, twist them and throw them back at you in your face. This is not a bad thing but damn!

Ren was not my favorite character in the first book but as of now, he's written in pen at the top. Luna gives us so much into Ren & Byron in these chapters. A true deep dive into the pits of hell. So much is explained about their lives growing up to now. We get to see who they are and what they desire so deeply.

There are warnings from the author, read them, maybe twice. Thank you Luna K Wicked for your fabulous dark stories, I'm going to patiently wait to see what you have for us next!!
Profile Image for Carrie.
137 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2025
I was so excited to have a second book!! Ren is my man!!PO volume 2 is darker, deeper, and even more disturbing than the first—and that’s saying something because i love dark stuff, beyond dark! This is psychological horror meets pitch-black obsession, with no happy ending in sight. Ren and Byron’s story takes a gut-wrenching dive into trauma, identity, and desire. Luna is amazing at peeling back the layers of the characters broken pasts, leaving you raw. If you're into extreme dark romance/horror, this one will wreck you in the best way. ‼️‼️Check your trigger warnings‼️‼️
Profile Image for Rebecca.
64 reviews
October 14, 2025
somehow like the secound book more than the first the ending had confused and crying at the same time
this showed bryon getting re kidnapped which was a well thought out plan ac gas ?
after being dragged to the middle on no where he deals with being starved, fed human meat and being made to kill people to please his psychopath
this book also shows how the 2 men find understanding and there own creepy in a way love
f u Kevin you got what was coming no money for you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeliza Torres.
340 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2025
Well Luna you weren’t lying about it not being a HEA. The suspense, the spice, the sadness, the gore! I knew that Byron still had a tug pulling him back to Ren but I never thought he would finally see him and choose him. Well everything he did was for Gabriella but they reached for each other in the end. Those letters absolutely gutted me! I just hope that Gabriella can heal and live the life that he sacrificed himself for 🖤
Profile Image for Toni Amey.
268 reviews34 followers
May 14, 2025
Omg! Where do I even start. This books was just as dark as volume 1 and I couldn’t put it down. Byron & Ren have me in a complete chokehold and this is one of those stories that will stick with me for a very long time. If you are thinking of reading this story… just do it! You won’t regret it!!!
Profile Image for Amber.
165 reviews73 followers
May 10, 2025
If you’re a fan of DARK romance/horror books, you NEED to read this! Not like a cute haunted house story, I’m talking psychological thriller/horror, gore, disturbing, no ‘happily ever after’, 100% need to check the trigger warnings before you read. I was so happy when I found out Painter’s Obsession was getting a volume 2 and it did NOT disappoint. If you’re looking for something really dark, I HIGHLY recommend reading Painter’s Obsession (starting with Vol. 1).
Profile Image for Kalene.
436 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2025
Yesss this left me hanging onto everything because I was lost when Volume One ended. now that I got Volume two I was still wanting more! I love Luna's books and this was the perfect No HEA absolutely tragic and horror.
Profile Image for littlesmuttyone.
241 reviews40 followers
May 12, 2025
luna never fails to make me love her characters, especially Ren. I was loving every bit of it, and then I got hit with chapter 25, which broke me down . I was so ready for all the gore,pain, and torture, but my emotional ass was taken under, and then the epilogue broke me down even more,

Kevin all I have say is fuck you
Profile Image for Tabitha Williams.
29 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2025
Ahhhhh the ending I knew was coming, but it still gutted me. I read the first part and then went right into the last. In this second book you get more of a feel of the background of Byron and Ren, what horrible traumatic childhoods they went through and growing up in general. Even though they were vastly different in some areas, they were really much alike. Both seeking validation and healing from past trauma. The darkness in this one is much more heavy because I had a feeling of impending doom the whole time I knew the ending was coming, and I worked it out in my head how it would happen and it was pretty close to it. As unhinged, depraved and dark that Ren was I still felt for him. Just imagine if his childhood wasn’t what it was what he could’ve become, would he still have been a monster? I don’t think so. I’m not saying everyone that has a bad childhood obviously grows up to be a serial killer but in this case, I think the trauma from his mother was just so much he slipped into this cold calculated cunning monster. His pain was so unbearable that he wanted to share it and throw it out there into the world. Once he found B I think part of him latched on to that need that we all have to have someone understand us, even our darkest parts. I also knew once he got Byron back he was never going to let him go and honestly, I think Byron also developed a very toxic connection to him and he wasn’t going to leave.


This was a gut, wrenching thrilling, dark mind f*ck kind of book diving into the very back part of your head where you question your emotional attachments to such depraved and unhinged characters. Ren was an absolute psychopath, a controlled and calculated killer, but you somewhat identify with why he is the way he is by his past again not saying everyone grows up to be like him that went through a bad childhood, but it almost gives you just enough to feel for him and then Byron his unbelievable push and need to keep his sister safe and also fight through his own demons, lands him right in bed with the Devil. I think the most hated character that I had in this book was Kevin and he was probably the least scary out of all of them. I just wanted him to be made into a painting or something because he was obnoxious. Lol and I wanted him away from Gabriela, by the way that girl needs to learn how to pick her men because she has really bad taste..

I truly enjoyed the duet. It’s very dark as I said in my other review, don’t be looking for happy endings because there isn’t any, but there is an ending and the ending wraps up the duet perfectly I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome of an ending. It’s very needed for this kind of book and the follow up with Gabriella was even more beautiful. So I guess you could say there was a semi happy ending for one of the characters. if you like very dark horror spicy books I would highly suggest you read these. The duet was very well written. It was very easy to lose yourself into this duet and the fact that I finished both books in less than two days says it all 🖤
Profile Image for Amanda.
305 reviews
July 1, 2025
June 28, 2025
🥀 𝙿𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁'𝚂 𝙾𝙱𝚂𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽 𝚋𝚢 @luna.k.wicked 🥀
~ ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇ ɪɪ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ~

"ʟᴇᴛs sᴇᴇ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ sᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋ. ᴡɪʟʟ ɪᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ʏᴏᴜ? ᴏʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ ɪᴛ?"

"ᴀ ʀᴏsᴇ ɪs sᴏ ғʀᴀɢɪʟᴇ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜᴏʀɴs ᴀʀᴇɴ'ᴛ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴇᴍ ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛ ɪᴛ. sᴏ ᴇᴀsʏ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴜᴄᴋ."

ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇs:
🎨 ᴍᴍ ᴇʀᴏᴛɪᴄ ʜ��ʀʀᴏʀ
🩸 ᴄᴀᴘᴛɪᴠᴇ / ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴏʀ
🎨 ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴏɴ / ᴘᴏssᴇssɪᴏɴ
🩸 "ɪғ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ, ɴᴏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴄᴀɴ
🎨 sᴀᴅɪsᴛ / ᴍᴀsᴏᴄʜɪsᴛ
🩸 sᴛᴏᴄᴋʜᴏʟᴍ sʏɴᴅʀᴏᴍᴇ
🎨 ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ ʙᴏɴᴅɪɴɢ
🩸 ɴᴏ ʜᴇᴀ

"ɪᴛ sᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ.
ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴇɴᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ."

So, as you can imagine, Byron gets captured by the notorious laguna bay painter, again. Ren wants to break him, to rebuild him in his image so that they can embrace the void together. This entails depriving Byron of light and food for a time, getting him covered in blood from Ren’s “lessons” seriously, I don’t think Byron gets clean for more than twenty minutes at a time before he’s covered in blood again thanks to Ren. It’s terrible what Ren’s mother did to him as a child growing up, imagine your own mother raping her own flesh and blood. She is the reason that Ren is so sick and twisted. It’s absolutely disgusting to think of a mother doing that to her child, you’d think if she was so disappointed in her marriage she would’ve just gotten a divorce and found herself another man to fuck, nope, she chose her own flesh and blood. People like her deserve worse than death. She created a monster.

This story takes you through all the emotions, rage, despair, love? Can anything Ren does be considered love? Maybe in his own twisted way he did love Ren, but he didn’t see it that way because he viewed love as a weakness thanks to his mother. Which is why he flips out on Byron and starts kicking him when Byron begs him to fuck him. Honestly, Ren was beyond saving, no shrink in the world could help him and fix him. Maybe Byron could have but I think he would’ve only fed his sickness. No medicine in the world can fix the kind of psychological damage done to a child by a parent in that way. The only solution for Ren would be to be locked up in an institution for the crimally insane. It’s sad, the ending to this story isn’t sweet or happy. This isn’t a romance. This is like watching a train barrel down the tracks straight for you while your foot is stuck in the tracks. You know how it’s going to end if you don’t free yourself. No good can come out of the kind of “love” that Ren had for Byron. If not for Ren’s mother he might’ve turned out normal like anybody else. Monsters can be created and Ren’s mother proved that. Evil isn’t born, it’s created. No baby on this earth started out evil, we all start out innocent and fragile. Circumstances like Ren’s create monsters and evil. It’s a sad ending but I’m glad I finished these books. This book reads very fast mainly because the chapters are so short and I think some pages are missing. One minute I’m on page 190 or whatever and when I flip pages it’s like two or three pages ahead of itself instead of one. If you’re looking for an emotional quick read then this is it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alex Robinson.
78 reviews
May 5, 2025
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was TOTAL DEPRAVITY, and I was HERE for it! What an epic conclusion to Ren and Byron’s story! I devoured this in one sitting; I did not—could not—put it down. 10/10! A masterpiece! Luna’s writing always captivates me and expertly paints the darkest, most depraved, and unabashedly twisted images. This was raw, gritty, and beautifully horrific.

In Volume 1, we see the calm, cool, and collected Ren Sato—the perfectly composed specimen of a man who has perfected his craft and the image he portrays to others. He is meticulous, calculated, and cunning. The world is his chessboard, and he is ALWAYS two steps ahead. In Volume 2, we see the man behind the mask… REALLY SEE him. He has developed an obsession, and its malignancy has spread. He is more unhinged (if that's even possible), like watching a car crash in slow motion. This obsession is ravaging his mind and breaking him in ways he didn’t know existed. Watching him come apart and unravel was truly both devastating and cathartic. We gain a deeper understanding of how his trauma has affected him and continues to consume him. “To consume means to love,” and damn, if that isn’t the truth. Even in death, his mother is still LOVING him… haunting him. Luna beautifully and masterfully captured his psychopathy.

In Volume 1, Byron is messy. He is simply trying to chase the feeling of wanting to belong and be accepted in his father’s eyes, which leads him to hide his true nature. The cultural aspect of “being a man” and not being queer is so powerful and provides an accurate representation. The shame and guilt he feels still live strongly within him, although for different reasons now. In Volume 2, I felt that we really saw Byron rapidly go through the stages of grief and work through his issues. Personally, I believe that Byron won in the end with that power struggle and dominance.

Now, regarding the ending: going into this, I knew it would not a HEA. THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE; THIS DOES NOT HAVE A HEA. That said, this was such a SATISFYING non-HEA! It gave me EVERYTHING I needed. It was beautifully done and authentic to the story between these two broken men. Byron’s letter at the end, paired with Gabriela’s POV, was excellent and truly showcased his forward-thinking.
Profile Image for Laura  Books_0.
75 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2025
🩸🎨Painter’s Obsession Vol II🎨🩸
✍🏼: @luna.k.wicked
(ARC)

📍Ratings

5⭐️
3🌶️
4🖤

📍ARC Review

I knew I would enter a dark world and pick up where we left off in the last book, but it was so much more what I found.

I loved the book, it really has been an unhinged read, with a lot of emotions and a lot of questionable things. The characters are the most pitch black I have ever read, and even though you know there is no redemption for them, that it is not right what is happening, there is always an instinct to protect them.

Because we know very well that villains are not born, they are made. In this case Ren was created in the most vile way, but in his twisted mind he was desperate for his muses, but they came to him in the form of obsession, consuming him completely . In this book we see a lot more of Ren's past, which makes me understand why he is the way he is and what drove him to do it, but he is not the only one with darkness. Even though he is more open with it. Byron tries to fight something that is undeniable and at that point comes the important question What would you do for love? Fight tooth and nail, for that which pulls you out of the darkness you fear so much, until there is no longer that light you fight for, or sacrifice yourself so that light will never be extinguished.

📍Do I recommend it?

Without a doubt. I want to make it clear that please read the warnings, so you know what is right for you. This is not a book for just anyone. If you are a fan of Gore/Horror I say be prepared because it will be the perfect book for you.

If you are a person who is looking for something darker then meet Ren and Byron, they will be your guides into the new world of the pitch black romance or horror genre, keep in mind that the characters are not redeemable, nor are they looking to be!

So don't wait any longer and order “Painter's Obsession Vol II” and when you have it, come back and tell me.

What would you do to save your light from the void?

📍Si desean leer la reseña en español la podrán encontrar en mi perfil de instagram.
Profile Image for Megan Moser.
610 reviews
April 30, 2025
“Let’s see if you can survive the dark. Will it break you? Or will you welcome it?”

‼️This duet is not for the faint of heart. If you have read anything by Luna you know her work is dark and depraved but also poetic in a sense. Please go into this knowing and reading up on the trigger warnings. It is NOT a romance but something far more twisted.

There are many stories out there about psychopaths that are really wild and great but Luna has captured Ren on a level that surpasses anything I’ve read.

Stemmed from his own trauma as a child she lets us see his world so deeply that it can be terrifying at times. The artistry behind his character is so true to her authentic writing style and you can help but keep reading to discover more.

To literally come back from what should have been his grave, it was like watching a horror film unravel. The suspense, the pain, the intricate planning created the best and most horrific reading experience! Poor Byron never had a chance, even in the beginning moments where he thought he could escape and reset his life. That was not in the cards for this muse. While he may have been a captive he was also Ren’s undoing. Making him question everything he believed himself to be.

The manipulation throughout is quite literally insane. Like I would be scared to be in Luna’s mind lol. Every part of this book flowed so tragically and beautifully it was as though she researched someone identical to Ren and then brought him to life within the pages. I was so anxious and just wanted someone to show up for Byron, to save him and help him save himself but after all he had been through I couldn’t imagine what a life “after” would ever possibly be. There were so many moving parts that were masterminded you truly did. Or know what was going to come next.

Part 3 had me in tears and feeling all the things.
Top tier horror erotica book and another winner!
Profile Image for gena_bookish_reviews.
578 reviews34 followers
January 7, 2026
This duet destroyed me. I bawled my fucking eyes out. This is not romance y'all. Dont come here looking for emotions or love. This is a VERY DARK story about obsession, trauma, and two people who were both broken long before they met each other.

What happened between Byron and Ren was unhealthy, traumatic, painful and destructive. And the thing is.. that their story is not devastating because *SPOILER* they both die in the end. Its devastating because you realize this was the only ending they could ever have.

Byron was literally walking trauma and Ren is what happens when abuse shapes someone into a monster instead of a survivor. Like you're not meant to like Ren. You're not meant to understand his actions even after you see all the abuse he went through.. but somehow i still felt really sad for him. Like that boy had no chance to a healthy future. He didn't get a chance to escape and become someone else.

And you'll notice that when Byron enters his life.. its too late. He couldn't save Ren or change him. Because Ren wasn't just evil at that point, he was repeating the only shape of "love" he had ever received in his life. And that shape of "love" is one of the most disturbing, sick and toxic things you've ever encountered.

Byron specifically broke my heart bc he was so damaged that he chased Ren not because he wanted him but because he was craving the end he knew only Ren could give him.

Again.. this duet destroyed me. If you ever come across it and decide to read it have in mind that its MM horror erotica. Not romance. It's disturbing, heavy and full of triggers. If you expect healing or redemption, this is not that book. This book is gonna make you sad. Its gonna make you cry. Embrace it because honestly its worth it.

What to expect:

🥀 MM Horror Erotica
🥀 No HEA
🥀 Tragic ending
🥀 Serial killer
🥀 Captor/Captive
🥀 Mutual destruction
🥀 Psychological Horror
🥀 Cycle of abuse
🥀 NonCon
🥀 Assault and pain
🥀 Carving and blood
Profile Image for Rebecca Cuevas.
Author 12 books40 followers
April 21, 2025
ARC BOOK REVIEW

Painter's Obsession Volume II by Luna k Wicked


Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶♾️
Dark: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 ♾️ (White Static People) Beyond dark
Recommend: 🤌🤌🤌🤌🤌♾️

I am destroyed and broken

I don't know where to go from this. I knew there was no HEA, but wow, my heart is shattered. The things both Byron and Ren had to deal with growing up were so horrific. No kid should have to deal with that.

Even though their love was a toxic love, it was also a beautiful thing. They were truly meant for one another. They truly saw each other the way they were meant to be seen.

Byron, that man was so broken and Gabbi was his only light in all the darkness. The way his dad treated him just for wanting to be with another guy, was truly heartbreaking. Byron deserved another father that's for sure. Byron needed Ren, just as much as Ren needed him.

Ren- Well now, that is a completely different story, but yet it's not. I mean being abused at such a young age from someone who's supposed to love amd protect you?? Heart shattering. That devil woman never left him alone even in death. Ren didn't know how to love anyone or anything until Byron. He may not have known it but he loved Byron in his own toxic way. Byron was Ren's light in the darkness, but he was too blinded by the darkness to truly see that, which is saddening.

I cried for these two and for everything they could have been. This was truly an experience you will never forget. Ren and Byron have made a permanent home in my mind and heart.

I recommend this book for eternity. You need to read it. No lie. Bring tissues and please check the triggers before you read. Your mental health is very important.

The ending was not at all what I suspected l, but it was still a perfect ending to such a beautiful and unhinged book.

Together Forever. 💔🖤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.