A Daughter to Die For

The Somewhere Aching #1

by Tanya Madsen

Meet a broken boy and an angry girl. Nicolas is a desperate Casanova turned criminal, and Judith is the femme fatale, determined to hunt him down. Nicolas has abducted Martha to seduce her into replacing a woman who broke his heart. Now, Judith vows to kill the man who took her mom, and only Justin, the cop she met the night her mom went missing, can stop her.

Martha, a bleeding-heart therapist, decides she must help Nicolas face his past if she ever wants to get free. Then she meets his father, Erik, and damn—suddenly, getting kidnapped isn’t so bad. A second chance for Martha, a soulmate for Judith. Mother and daughter could end up having it all—or end up dead. As Judith walks the warpath, searching for clues, Justin plays mind games to win her heart. Until Martha discovers why Nicolas took her, and all hell breaks loose.

Suspenseful, steamy, and led by a strong heroine, this is a heartwarming story about the power of love that will appeal to all those who aren’t scared of the dark stuff. If you love enemies-to-lovers romance, morally grey characters, and jaw-dropping twists, this book will leave you breathless.

Perfect for fans of: Pepper Winters, J.T. Geissinger, Skye Warren

411 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2025

About the author

Tanya Madsen pens gritty romantic thrillers about soulmates, psychos, and fiery maidens. When she’s not working her day job as a technical writer, she plays computer games, cuddles with her fur babies, or relaxes in the mountains. She lives in Northern Utah.

Reviews

[Book Enchanted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: A Daughter to Die For by Tanya Madsen

Series: The Somewhere Aching #1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

From the moment I opened Tanya Madsen's 'A Daughter to Die For', I knew I was diving into something darker and more complex than your typical romance. This book grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go, pulling me into a world where love and obsession dance dangerously close together, and where every character exists in shades of gray rather than simple black and white.

The story centers on Nicolas, a man whose heartbreak has transformed him from charming Casanova into desperate criminal. When he abducts Martha, a compassionate therapist, hoping she can fill the void left by his past love, I found myself both horrified and strangely captivated by his twisted logic. Martha's response to her situation particularly struck me. Rather than becoming a helpless victim, she chooses to understand her captor, believing that helping Nicolas confront his demons might be her path to freedom. Her strength in the face of such darkness was both inspiring and heartbreaking to witness.

What truly elevated this story for me was Judith, Martha's fierce daughter, whose determination to find and destroy the man who took her mother burns with white-hot intensity. Reading about her relentless pursuit, I felt every ounce of her rage and desperation. The introduction of Justin, the sexy cop who becomes both ally and potential love interest, added layers of emotional complexity that had me questioning whether Judith's single-minded focus on revenge might cost her a chance at happiness.

The moment Erik, Nicolas's father, entered the narrative, I knew the story was about to explode in unexpected directions. His presence brought with it the weight of generational trauma and family secrets that made every interaction crackle with tension. Suddenly, the simple story of kidnapper and victim became something much more intricate and psychologically rich.

Throughout my reading experience, I found myself constantly torn between wanting to shake these characters for their dangerous choices and desperately hoping they would find their way to healing. Madsen's writing doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the people who hurt us most are also the ones who understand our pain. The relationship between Martha and Nicolas, while morally questionable, felt raw and authentic in ways that made me question my own assumptions about love and redemption.

The mother-daughter dynamic between Martha and Judith provided an emotional anchor that kept me grounded even as the story spiraled into darker territory. Their bond, tested by separation and danger, reminded me why family connections can be both our greatest strength and our most vulnerable point.

By the time I reached the explosive climax, where Martha discovers the true reason behind her abduction, I was completely invested in these flawed, complicated characters. The revelation hit like a punch to the gut, recontextualizing everything I thought I understood about the story.

'A Daughter to Die For' is not a book for readers seeking simple romantic escapism. Instead, it's a bold exploration of how trauma shapes us, how love can emerge from the darkest circumstances, and how the line between victim and survivor is often thinner than we imagine. Madsen has crafted a story that is simultaneously beautiful and brutal, tender and terrifying.

This book left me emotionally exhausted in the best possible way, eager for the next installment while still processing the complex emotions it stirred within me. For readers who appreciate morally complex characters, psychological depth, and romance that challenges conventional boundaries, 'A Daughter to Die For' is an absolute must-read.

Perfect for fans of: Dark romance, psychological thrillers, morally gray characters, and stories that blur the lines between love and obsession.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, messy, and totally addictive, A Daughter to Die For by Tanya Madsen is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Think obsession, danger, and passion all wrapped into one. 👀🔥

Nicolas is the kind of anti-hero you want to slap and save at the same time. Martha, the therapist he pulls into his chaos, should be running, but instead, she’s caught in a dangerous connection that feels impossible to escape.

Enter Judith, Martha’s badass daughter who’s on a full-blown revenge mission. Add in Nicolas’s father with his shady past and a swoony cop who might just break Judith’s heart, and the drama is off the charts.

What makes this book shine is how unapologetically raw it is. No perfect heroes here, just messy, morally grey characters who make you gasp, yell, and maybe even root for them when you shouldn’t.

If you’re into dark romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes, sizzling tension, and characters who blur every line, this one’s a must-read. 💋

[Victor T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya, you have a gift for exploring the shadow and finding the light. Your courage to go deep made this book a revelation

[Victoria F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were not prepared for how much this story would move us. It’s suspenseful, haunting, and yet somehow tender. The emotional layers had us reflecting on forgiveness and second chances

[Book Nerdection · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Madsen’s “A Daughter to Die For” is a slow-burn psychological thriller that mixes family drama with the menace of an obsessed stranger. It is also a dark romance novel.

Martha, a middle-aged psychologist and devoted mother to Judith and Lizzy, is the story’s emotional anchor. Still reeling from her ex-husband Craig’s betrayal, she attends his wedding out of pride and to give her daughters closure, despite the emotional toll. Intelligent, self-aware, and protective, she becomes increasingly driven to shield her daughters as danger grows.

Judith’s voice is sharp, often unpleasant, but consistently compelling. Judith is Martha’s eldest daughter. She is a young woman whose childhood of beauty pageants has left her both confident in her looks and bitter about her family’s collapse. At almost twenty, she’s sharp-tongued, confrontational, and unafraid to voice her contempt for her father, Lori, and even her mother’s perceived weakness.

Her attitude masks deeper insecurities. It highlights that she is insecure about her future, her value beyond physical beauty, and the instability in her home life. Judith’s anger gives her presence in every scene. Also, her refusal to play nice at the wedding makes her a forceful counterpoint to Martha’s restrained dignity.

On the other hand, Lizzy provides a softer counterbalance. She is often caught in the middle of family tensions. Academically gifted and more reserved, Lizzy is less confrontational but still capable of speaking her mind when pushed. She tries to mediate between her mother and sister. However, she occasionally sides with Judith, but her loyalty to Martha is evident.

Nicolas, however, steals the show in the most unsettling way. His internal logic is a cocktail of romantic fantasy, entitlement, and latent violence. Madsen writes him with a disarming charm that makes his fixation both understandable and horrifying. His swings from tender self-affirmations to disturbing violent fantasies keep the reader in constant suspense.

One of the novel’s strengths is its psychological depth. The title, “A Daughter To Die For,” recurs in a way that is initially sentimental but later becomes charged with menace. It ties into both Martha’s maternal devotion and the threat encroaching upon her family. Themes of trauma, obsession, pain and While the slow-paced early family drama may test action-seeking readers, it pays off by building strong emotional investment before danger strikes.

Once it does, the stakes feel deeply personal. The main character is believable, the supporting cast heightens tension, and each chapter deepens the intrigue. Just when the mystery seems solved, the plot delivers a smart, natural twist, ending on a note that leaves you eager for the next book.

Fans of domestic suspense, dark romance, and multi-POV thrillers will find this a satisfying, unsettling read.

Reviewed By Andrew

[Deep Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Madsen’s A Daughter to Die For opens the Somewhere Aching Series with a haunting blend of psychological drama, romance, and suspense. It is not a story that plays it safe—it takes risks by probing into uncomfortable territory and confronting the darker impulses of love, loss, and obsession.

The novel centers on Nicolas, a man scarred by abandonment and warped by years of unresolved pain. His transformation from charming seducer to a man on the edge of criminality is both tragic and unsettling. When he abducts Martha, a therapist with a striking capacity for empathy, the narrative veers away from a typical captor-captive dynamic. Instead, Martha resists being defined as a victim and insists on seeing Nicolas through the lens of compassion. Her belief that beneath his dangerous exterior lies a shattered soul worth saving gives the story its emotional depth.

Running parallel to this tense relationship is Judith, Martha’s daughter, whose rage and determination to reclaim her mother inject the novel with raw intensity. Judith’s alliance with Justin, a law enforcement officer torn between duty and desire, provides a counterpoint of heat and friction that keeps the stakes high. The unexpected entry of Erik, Nicolas’s estranged father, further complicates matters, pulling readers deeper into a maze of betrayal, buried trauma, and generational wounds. What distinguishes Madsen’s writing is her refusal to lean on cheap thrills. The motives behind Nicolas’s actions are made clear early, shifting the story away from a mystery-driven thriller and toward a character study of trauma’s ripple effects. This choice makes the narrative less about sudden twists and more about the inevitability of consequences. While there are moments where the pacing slows and a handful of conversations feel slightly stylized, the overall impact is one of emotional authenticity. The relationships unfold with a sense of inevitability, and just when the reader feels comfortable, Madsen threads in turns that are both shocking and believable.

The novel also succeeds in blurring moral lines. Nicolas is not an easy character to forgive, yet the complexity of his portrayal forces readers to wrestle with questions of redemption, accountability, and the human need for connection. Martha, in turn, becomes more than a heroine—she embodies a difficult, almost saintly compassion that elevates the story beyond a simple romantic thriller.

A Daughter to Die For is a daring, emotionally charged work that merges dark romance with themes of healing and resilience. It is unsettling, passionate, and at times cathartic, leaving readers with the lingering sense that love and destruction often spring from the same source. As the opening to the Somewhere Aching Series, it establishes a powerful foundation and promises even deeper emotional entanglements to come.

[Bailey Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting another dark romance with the usual Stockholm syndrome tropes, but Tanya Madsen delivered something far more layered than I anticipated.
Let me be clear: this isn't an easy read. It's messy, uncomfortable, and at times deeply triggering. But that's exactly what makes it so powerful. Madsen doesn't glamorize trauma or try to sell you some sanitized version of healing. She shows you the ugly parts, the confusion, the grief, the way people cling to toxic connections because sometimes pain feels safer than the unknown.
What worked for me:
The character work here is exceptional. Judith isn't your typical romance heroine, and thank god for that. She's sharp edged, difficult, and real in a way that most authors are too scared to write. The multi POV structure gave me access to everyone's broken pieces, and I found myself understanding motivations I probably shouldn't sympathize with. That's good writing.
The prose itself, it's sharp. Madsen doesn't waste words. There's a line about spinning "through the darkness into the afterglow" that's been stuck in my head for days. She has this gift for capturing complex emotional states in single sentences that hit like gut punches.
What surprised me:
This isn't torture porn disguised as romance. Yes, there are dark themes (abduction, trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics), but the focus is on the psychological aftermath and the messy, non linear path toward healing. The ending gave me hope without feeling cheap or unearned.
Who this is for:
If you're a fan of Pepper Winters, J.T. Geissinger, or Skye Warren, you need to read this. If you want morally grey characters who make terrible choices for complicated reasons, this is your book. If you're tired of cookie-cutter heroines who exist only to be saved, Judith will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Who this isn't for:
If you need clear heroes and villains, skip this. If heavy trauma themes are a hard no for you (abuse, addiction, grief), protect your peace. Madsen doesn't hold back.
Bottom line:
This is Book One of a series, and I'm already invested in where Madsen takes these characters. She's managed to create something that feels both cathartic and deeply uncomfortable, which is exactly what dark romance should do when it's done right. I'm genuinely shocked this book doesn't have more attention. It deserves to be on every dark romance reader's TBR.
Highly recommend. Just make sure you're in the right headspace before diving in.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review – A Daughter to Die For by Tanya Madsen

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Tanya Madsen’s A Daughter to Die For is a dark, gripping, and unflinching romance that explores the raw edges of love, obsession, and vengeance. As the first book in The Somewhere Aching Series, it plunges readers into a world where passion collides with danger, and where the line between love and destruction is constantly blurred.

👉The story unfolds around Nicolas, a once-charming Casanova whose heartbreak drives him into a life of crime. His decision to abduct Martha, a compassionate therapist, sets in motion a tangled web of desire, pain, and emotional conflict. Martha’s character is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel—she is caught between the instinct for survival and the undeniable pull she feels toward her captor. Her journey is complex, layered with moments of fear, resilience, and an unsettling attraction that makes her both vulnerable and strong.

👉Running parallel to this story is Judith, Martha’s daughter, whose fierce determination adds intensity and grit to the novel. Judith’s relentless pursuit of Nicolas is fueled by her desire for revenge and her unbreakable bond with her mother. Her path is made even more complicated by Justin, the charismatic cop who aids her mission but stirs emotions that challenge her focus. The mother-daughter relationship forms an emotional backbone of the story, bringing tenderness and raw emotion to a narrative otherwise steeped in darkness.

👉The arrival of Erik, Nicolas’s father, deepens the story further by exposing the weight of family history and the lingering scars of generational trauma. His presence forces the characters to confront hidden truths and adds another level of psychological tension to an already layered narrative.

👉Madsen’s writing balances the dangerous allure of dark romance with the suspense of a psychological thriller. The prose is unapologetically raw, capturing the heat of passion while refusing to shy away from the destructive consequences of obsession and betrayal.

Happy reading 😁😁

#bookreview

[Chetna Gambhir · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the shadows of love and revenge, reason burns less brightly than hearts.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (4.5/5)

Tanya Madsen's A Daughter to Die For is a dark, haunting combination of romance, obsession, and atonement. At its center is Nicolas a Casanova-cum-criminal whose desperation draws him into risky games of seduction and survival. When he kidnaps Martha, a caring therapist, his intention is to fill the gap left by lost love. But Martha's daughter, Judith, driven by revenge and raw fury, turns into an unstoppable force in this twisted pursuit. Throw in Nicolas's father, Erik, the menacing figure looming in the background, and Justin, the cop stationed at Judith's side, whose smoldering passion creates a firestorm of tension, and the tale darkens into a tempest of passion, menace, and moral complexity.

Tanya Madsen doesn't play it safe—this first book hangs on the edge of unapologetic rawness, leaving the reader caught between wanting and fearing. Each character teeters on the edge of love and destruction, so this novel is both perilous and inescapable.

Why This Dark Romance Excels
• Morally ambiguous characters — broken, complex, and impossible to turn away from.
• Unwavering tension — obsession, enticement, and revenge collide with each turn of the page.
* Crossing emotional stakes — Martha's battle with Nicolas's dark fascination is echoed in Judith's hot pursuit of revenge.
* Distorted family dynamics — Erik's arrival raises the stakes and muddies loyalties.
* For Pepper Winters & Skye Warren fans — unapologetically hot, suspenseful, and haunting.

Final Thoughts

A Daughter to Die For is no sweet love tale—it's a dive into the darkness in which desire and peril spin a deadly waltz. Hot, tense, and emotionally honest, this is a dark romance that haunts long after the final page, challenging readers to wonder: how far will love stretch before it snaps?

[M. Book reveiwers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Madsen’s A Daughter to Die For is a dark and gripping story that pulls you into a world of danger, love, and revenge. The story begins with Nicolas, a broken man who has been hurt deeply in the past. He kidnaps Martha, a kind and caring therapist, hoping she can replace the woman who broke his heart. From the start, the story keeps you on edge as you wonder what Nicolas will do next and how Martha will survive.

Martha’s struggle is at the heart of the story. She wants to escape, but at the same time, she feels a complicated connection with Nicolas. Her bravery, intelligenceand compassion make her a strong heroine, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. The way she tries to help Nicolas face his past while protecting herself shows how layered and realistic her character is.

Parallel to this, Judith, Martha’s daughter, is determined to find her mother and bring Nicolas to justice. Her journey is full of tension and emotion as she teams up with Justin, the cop she met the night her mom went missing. Watching Judith face danger head-on, while also dealing with her feelings for Justin, adds suspense and heart to the story. Their mother-daughter bond adds emotional depth, making the stakes feel higher and more personal.

The story becomes even more intense when Erik, Nicolas’s father, enters the picture, revealing secrets and family struggles that shape the characters’ actions. The twists and emotional conflicts make this book hard to put down. On a personal level, I felt connected to the characters’ pain, struggles, and moments of hope. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark romance with suspense, complex characters and a story that keeps you thinking even after the last page.

[Gee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Daughter to Die For is a contemporary romance novel written by the author Tanya Madsen, published in March 2025. It masterfully blends suspense, emotional depth, and morally complex characters. From the first chapter, I was completely immersed in the tangled lives of Nicolas, a heartbroken criminal, and Martha, the compassionate therapist he abducts. Their connection is messy, intense, and utterly captivating, setting the stage for a story that challenges the boundaries of love, obsession, and redemption. Judith, Martha’s determined and fiercely independent daughter, adds a gripping layer of tension as she seeks revenge, with Justin, the charismatic cop, complicating her mission in ways that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The addition of Nicolas’s father, Erik, further deepens the narrative, highlighting the long-lasting effects of trauma and family secrets. What makes this novel stand out is how unapologetically raw it is—no perfect heroes, only flawed, multidimensional characters whose choices keep you questioning right and wrong. The suspenseful plot, steamy tension, and nuanced emotional arcs make it impossible to put down, even with the book’s considerable length. Daughter to Die For is a sophisticated, dark romance that balances psychological intensity with heart-stopping passion. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy morally grey characters, suspenseful twists, and a story that lingers long after the final page. I am already eager for the next installment. Highly recommended from my side.

Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dark, intense, and utterly compelling.

Final Verdict: A gripping, emotionally charged dark romance that is as thought-provoking as it is addictive—a must-read for fans of complex, character-driven storytelling.

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: A Daughter to Die For (The Somewhere Aching Series, Book One) by Tanya Madsen

Tanya Madsen’s A Daughter to Die For is a dark romance that plunges headfirst into a storm of obsession, revenge, and unexpected redemption. With its morally grey characters and tangled relationships, this first installment in The Somewhere Aching Series keeps readers hooked from its first page to its haunting conclusion.

At the heart of the story is Nicolas—a broken Casanova-turned-criminal—whose desperate abduction of Martha, a compassionate therapist, sparks a twisted web of desire and danger. Martha’s struggle between her yearning for freedom and the dangerous pull toward Nicolas makes her a captivating, conflicted heroine. Enter Judith, Martha’s daughter, a fierce and relentless avenger whose determination to hunt Nicolas down introduces high-stakes tension and a layered mother-daughter bond at the core of the novel.

Madsen excels at balancing the steamy allure of enemies-to-lovers dynamics with the pulse of a suspense thriller. Themes of love and betrayal are heightened by Erik’s (Nicolas’s father) unexpected arrival, which deepens the emotional complexity, while the presence of Justin—the alluring cop tied to Judith—adds another strand of passion and heartbreak.

With its unapologetically raw prose and morally ambiguous characters, A Daughter to Die For dares to explore how love and obsession can intertwine in both destructive and redemptive ways. It’s a bold, intoxicating read that fans of dark romance and psychological thrillers will find hard to put down.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in a lot of ways. On the surface, it’s pitched as a dark romance, but it’s really a mix of suspense, obsession, redemption, and complicated relationships. The story isn’t afraid to go into uncomfortable territory, but it balances that with moments of vulnerability and even hope.

The characters are messy, flawed, and sometimes infuriating, but that’s what makes them feel real. Nicolas, as a character, is deeply broken and hard to pin down, yet his arc kept me invested. Judith is fierce, angry, and driven, and her pursuit of answers gives the story a sharp edge. Martha brought another layer to the book, as her compassion clashes with the danger she’s caught up in. I also appreciated how the supporting characters, like Erik and Justin, weren’t just filler but added to the tension and complexity.

The pacing is quick but not rushed. Every chapter seemed to raise the stakes just a little more, and there were enough twists to keep me guessing where it was going. Some of the choices the characters make are questionable, but they make sense within the world the author has created. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, with a good balance of dialogue and action.

This won’t be for everyone, it leans into dark themes and morally grey behavior but if you enjoy romance with edge, suspense, and flawed but compelling characters, it’s a strong read. It kept me turning pages, and by the end, I felt satisfied with the way it tied things together. A solid 5 stars for delivering exactly what it promised: a dark, twisty, emotional ride.

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly did not expect this book to affect me the way it did. Tanya Madsen’s A Daughter to Die For is the kind of story that pulls you in with its dark premise and then keeps you hooked because of its layered characters. Nicolas isn’t just a villain he’s a man haunted by loss, driven to desperation, and trying to fill a void in the most destructive way. You hate his choices, but you can’t stop wanting to understand him.

Judith, on the other hand, is everything he is not: determined, fiery, and unwilling to let go of her pain until she finds justice. Her warpath gave the book a constant pulse of adrenaline, and pairing her storyline with Justin the cop who challenges and unsettles her added a really interesting dynamic.

But what surprised me most was Martha. She’s the quiet strength of this book. Her empathy and determination to dig into Nicolas’s past were unexpected but incredibly moving. And when Erik (Nicolas’s father) enters the picture, the emotional stakes only get higher. Their connection added a tenderness I didn’t anticipate in such a dark, violent story.

This book is about revenge and survival, yes but it’s also about second chances, unexpected love, and the way broken people can sometimes piece each other back together. The writing is sharp, the pacing unrelenting, and the twists perfectly timed. I couldn’t stop reading, and I can’t stop thinking about it.

[Emliy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a powerful and unforgettable read. From the very beginning, the story hooked me with its unique mix of suspense, dark romance, and emotional depth. The author really excels at creating characters who feel raw and human. Nicolas is flawed and broken, yet his complexity makes it hard to look away. Judith is fierce, driven, and full of fire, while Martha brings compassion and a sense of hope to the darker parts of the narrative. Even the supporting characters Erik and Justin added tension and purpose to the plot.

The pacing was sharp and engaging. Each chapter built on the last, raising the stakes and keeping me invested. The twists were surprising without feeling forced, and the emotional weight behind the story made it more than just a thriller or romance, it became a reflection on obsession, redemption, and the many forms love can take.

What impressed me most was the writing itself. The author knows how to balance intensity with vulnerability, and how to craft scenes that make you think while keeping you entertained. It’s dark, yes, but also meaningful. By the time I reached the ending, I felt satisfied and eager to read more from this author. A must-read for anyone who enjoys romance with an edge and characters who linger in your mind long after the last page.

[ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Madsen has outdone herself with A Daughter to Die For. This book isn’t just a thriller, it’s an emotional rollercoaster that dives deep into trauma, revenge, and redemption. Nicolas, the so-called “desperate Casanova turned criminal,” is one of the most layered antiheroes I’ve read in a long time. You want to hate him, but Madsen’s writing makes you see his pain, his longing, and even the fragments of hope left inside him. Judith, on the other hand, is pure fire her determination to avenge her mother gives the book such relentless energy, and I loved her strength and vulnerability in equal measure.

Martha may be the unsung hero of the story for me. Her compassion and courage, even in the face of unimaginable danger, were inspiring. And the fact that her story unexpectedly intertwines with Erik Nicolas’s father was a twist I didn’t see coming, yet it added such emotional depth. Every single character has a purpose, and every scene pushes the story forward with tension, emotion, or revelation.

The pacing is sharp, the stakes are high, and the ending left me breathless. This is not your average crime/romance crossover, it’s a beautifully messy exploration of love, loss, and what it means to fight for (or against) the people we love most. I can’t recommend it enough.

[Elite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit, I picked up A Daughter to Die For thinking it would be a fast-paced thriller with a few romantic subplots. What I didn’t expect was a story so layered, emotional, and full of characters that felt like living, breathing people. Tanya Madsen doesn’t just give us a chase between an abductor and those hunting him she pulls us into the brokenness of Nicolas, the burning anger of Judith, and the hopeful heart of Martha.

The relationships here are what make the book shine. Judith’s bond with her mother drives everything, and you feel every ounce of her grief, fury, and desperation. Martha’s strange empathy for Nicolas and her growing entanglement with Erik was shocking but surprisingly beautiful, it reminded me that people are rarely just “good” or “evil.” And Justin, the cop who tries to balance duty with his complicated feelings for Judith, added the perfect tension to an already fraught situation.

Every chapter raised the stakes higher, and the psychological tension had me glued to the page. The ending was explosive but also deeply satisfying, tying the chaos together in a way that felt earned. This is the kind of book that keeps you awake long after you’ve finished, replaying scenes in your mind. A must-read for thriller and dark romance fans alike.

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping and memorable story that stood out for its bold approach to romance and suspense. The characters are far from perfect, and that’s what made them interesting. Nicolas’s brokenness, Judith’s intensity, and Martha’s compassion all played off each other in ways that kept the tension alive. The relationships felt messy and complicated, but that made them believable and emotionally engaging.

The pacing was strong overall, and I found myself constantly curious about what would happen next. The twists and turns were well-placed and added to the suspense. That said, there were moments where the intensity felt a bit overwhelming, and some parts could have been tightened to keep the momentum flowing even smoother.

Still, the writing style was clear and immersive, and the themes of obsession, redemption, and resilience gave the story real weight. It’s not a light or easy read, but that’s part of its appeal, it challenges the reader while still delivering a satisfying story.

In short, this is a strong book with plenty to recommend, especially for fans of darker romance and morally complex characters. While not perfect, it was definitely worth the read and left me impressed with the author’s storytelling.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book more than I expected to. It’s not just a dark romance, it’s a story that digs into obsession, redemption, and the complicated ways people can hurt and heal each other. The author did such a great job creating characters who are messy and human, and I found myself fully invested in all of them. Nicolas was broken yet strangely magnetic, Judith’s fiery determination made her unforgettable, and Martha added so much depth and compassion to the story. Even the side characters were written with purpose, which made the world feel complete.

What impressed me most was how the author balanced the darker themes with real moments of emotion and connection. The twists were well-placed, the pacing kept me hooked, and the writing style pulled me right into the tension without ever dragging. It’s clear a lot of thought and care went into weaving this story together.

Overall, this was a gripping, emotional ride that stayed with me even after I finished the last page. The author deserves a lot of credit for creating something so bold, layered, and unforgettable. I’ll definitely be looking out for more of their work.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It’s dark, emotional, and full of twists, but at the same time, it has a surprising amount of heart. The author did a great job creating characters that feel layered and real. Nicolas is complicated and flawed, Judith brings so much fire and determination, and Martha adds a softer, more compassionate perspective that balances the story. Even the side characters had depth and purpose, which made the world feel complete.

The pacing was strong, with each chapter pushing the story forward while still giving space for emotions to land. I loved how the book didn’t shy away from messy, morally grey choices but still managed to weave in themes of love, healing, and redemption. It made the reading experience intense but also rewarding.

Overall, this was a captivating story that kept me hooked until the last page. The writing is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the emotional weight really stays with you. I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading more from this author.

[DanielReed · Rating 5 out of 5]

What first pulled me in was actually the cover, it has this mysterious, haunting vibe that instantly made me curious. Then I read the description, and the premise felt so unique compared to most romance books I’ve come across. A broken Casanova, a vengeful daughter, a kidnapped therapist, and complicated family ties… I knew it would be dark, but I didn’t expect it to be so layered and emotional.

The author does an excellent job of building tension while still giving space for the characters to breathe. I enjoyed how messy and morally grey everyone was; nobody felt one-dimensional. Nicolas’s pain, Judith’s anger, Martha’s compassion, it all collided in such a dramatic, unpredictable way. The writing style also had this smooth flow that made the book easy to sink into, even with its darker themes.

Overall, this book kept me hooked from beginning to end. The suspense, the twisted romance, and the emotional payoffs all worked together perfectly. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories with real intensity and depth.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

What first pulled me in was actually the cover, it has this mysterious, haunting vibe that instantly made me curious. Then I read the description, and the premise felt so unique compared to most romance books I’ve come across. A broken Casanova, a vengeful daughter, a kidnapped therapist, and complicated family ties… I knew it would be dark, but I didn’t expect it to be so layered and emotional.

The author does an excellent job of building tension while still giving space for the characters to breathe. I enjoyed how messy and morally grey everyone was; nobody felt one-dimensional. Nicolas’s pain, Judith’s anger, Martha’s compassion, it all collided in such a dramatic, unpredictable way. The writing style also had this smooth flow that made the book easy to sink into, even with its darker themes.

Overall, this book kept me hooked from beginning to end. The suspense, the twisted romance, and the emotional payoffs all worked together perfectly. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories with real intensity and depth.

[Pat T · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dual perspectives of mother and daughter create compelling parallel journeys as Martha deals with her captor Nicolas while Judith hunts him down. The psychological complexity of Nicolas as a broken criminal and Martha as a therapist trying to understand him adds depth beyond typical kidnapping plots. The romance between Judith and Justin provides balance to the darker elements, and the unexpected connection between Martha and Erik complicates the narrative in interesting ways.

The premise requires significant suspension of disbelief, particularly around Stockholm syndrome elements that some readers may find uncomfortable. That said, the suspense maintains tension throughout, and the character motivations feel grounded in their traumatic pasts. The steamy scenes are well-integrated, and the exploration of how pain drives behavior creates psychological depth. For readers who enjoy dark romance with morally complex characters and aren't deterred by controversial dynamics, this delivers intense emotional stakes and unexpected twists.

[Karen Gow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya Madsen’s debut really impressed me — a surprising blend of dark emotion, healing, and unconventional romance. I loved how the reader was given multiple perspectives; they kept things moving along well and the characters engaging.

The story follows a mentally unstable young man - Nicolas, who abducts Martha, a compassionate therapist he hopes will love him. It’s gritty in places with mild steam, but the real pull is the psychological drama underneath. Martha’s personality – her strength and empathy make her feel like the true hero of the story.

I liked that the tension didn’t rely on shock twists. Instead, the focus of the plot is on trauma, redemption, and unexpected connections. The characters — especially Nicolas and Judith — are flawed and real, which made me root for them even when they made questionable choices. I also found Justin’s character interesting. He has a dark side to him, and I enjoyed the dynamic that developed between he and Judith. No doubt that will be explored further in the next book.
A good read and one I would be happy to recommend.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an intense and engaging read from start to finish. The mix of romance, suspense, and dark themes gave it a unique edge that kept me turning pages. The characters are complicated and far from perfect, which made their journeys all the more interesting. Nicolas is deeply flawed but fascinating, Judith’s determination adds real fire to the story, and Martha brings heart and compassion to the chaos she’s caught up in.

The pacing is steady, with enough twists and surprises to keep things unpredictable without feeling overdone. What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t shy away from messy emotions or morally grey decisions, it makes you think about redemption, obsession, and what love really means in difficult circumstances.

Overall, it’s not your typical romance, but that’s exactly why it works. If you’re open to darker themes and layered characters, this is definitely worth reading.

[Lyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very engaging read with a lot of twists and emotional depth. The story mixes suspense, romance, and darker themes in a way that kept me hooked, and I really appreciated how layered the characters were. Nicolas, Judith, and Martha each brought something different to the table, and their interactions made the story feel unpredictable yet believable.

The pacing was strong overall, and I found myself wanting to keep turning the pages to see how everything would unfold. There were moments where the intensity felt a little overwhelming, but that also fits the tone of the book, it’s not meant to be a light read. The writing is clear and immersive, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into making these characters flawed but compelling.

I enjoyed the ride from beginning to end, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was memorable and very well-written. I’d recommend it to readers who like romance with darker edges, morally grey characters, and plenty of tension.

[Loveth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few days ago, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. The Somewhere Aching Series has started with a bang! A Daughter to Die For isn’t just about abduction and revenge, it’s about family, grief, and the strange ways people try to heal.

I loved how every character had layers. Nicolas isn’t just “the bad guy” his pain is raw and real, and while I didn’t excuse his actions, I understood where they came from. Judith’s storyline had me rooting for her fiercely, and I loved the intensity of her bond with her mother. Martha’s compassion felt like the heartbeat of the book, and Justin’s presence added the perfect balance of order to Judith’s chaos.

This is the kind of thriller that keeps your pulse racing while also making you think about what drives people to their breaking points. I’ll definitely be reading the next one.

[Evelyn Neriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read! A Daughter to Die For is gripping, emotional, and brilliantly written. Tanya Madsen has a rare gift for creating characters who feel alive on the page. Nicolas, Judith, and Martha are so complex that you can’t help but get tangled up in their struggles, their pain, and even their questionable choices. I loved how the story moved seamlessly between dark suspense and moments of surprising tenderness.

The pacing was flawless, fast enough to keep me on edge but with enough breathing space to let the emotions hit hard. The twists were perfectly timed, and the ending left me stunned. Tanya Madsen has proven herself to be a writer who understands both the craft of suspense and the depth of human emotion. I’m so impressed, and I cannot wait to see where she takes this series next.

[Lio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a captivating read. From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in with its mix of suspense, romance, and raw emotion. The characters are not your typical leads they’re flawed, complex, and sometimes frustrating, but that’s exactly what makes them so compelling. Nicolas’s brokenness, Judith’s fire, and Martha’s compassion all created a dynamic that kept me glued to the pages.

The pacing was excellent, with just the right balance of action, tension, and quieter moments. The twists were unpredictable but believable, and I loved how the author didn’t shy away from darker themes while still leaving room for love and redemption.

What stood out most to me is how the author managed to create a story that was both intense and heartfelt. It’s bold, unique, and truly unforgettable. I finished the last page already wanting to see what this author writes next.

[Megan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of dark romances, but what stood out here was the voice of the author. There’s a real balance between the raw, sometimes shocking events, and the tender undercurrents of hope and redemption. That takes talent. The author didn’t shy away from showing flawed characters making questionable choices, yet somehow made me care for them anyway.

The pacing was strong never too slow, never rushed. Each twist felt earned. And the character development was the highlight for me. Martha, in particular, was a standout. I loved how she wasn’t written as a passive victim but as someone with agency, determination, and heart.

I’d honestly read more from this author just for the writing alone. It’s dark, steamy, and suspenseful, but at the same time, it carries a strong emotional core that makes it unforgettable.