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Muse #1
Muse: A Dark Romance
Ten years ago, being Piper Guidry meant that I had a family that loves me and a bright future ahead.
Then everything fell apart.
Now, my past has returned.
The world that I fled is dragging me back with a vengeance. In just one day, the life I carefully sketched in shades of gray is overcome by the colors and chaos of the past.
Someone that I thought was gone forever now says he’s here to stay. He says that he needs me and that he’ll do anything to keep me.
The reason?
I’m his muse.
Muse is a complete, 125k-word, dark romance story that contains themes and subjects that are not suitable for all readers. A complete list of these subjects can be found on the author's website. No cliffhangers here.
Then everything fell apart.
Now, my past has returned.
The world that I fled is dragging me back with a vengeance. In just one day, the life I carefully sketched in shades of gray is overcome by the colors and chaos of the past.
Someone that I thought was gone forever now says he’s here to stay. He says that he needs me and that he’ll do anything to keep me.
The reason?
I’m his muse.
Muse is a complete, 125k-word, dark romance story that contains themes and subjects that are not suitable for all readers. A complete list of these subjects can be found on the author's website. No cliffhangers here.
Audible Audio
Published November 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
November 22, 2022
Thank you Vellini for the rec, you always know the books I want to read ❤
I am a little annoyed by the hundreth time the hero keeps saying "my muse", it kind of loses it's affect. Muse is a best friend's sisters romance. It's an angsty dark romance with unsettling themes and an immoral hero.
'Okay, so what do you want with me?”
Lio’s eyes flicker over my body. “Inspiration.”'
Piper Guidry is a free-spirited, ignorant and bashful girl. Oblivious to her surroundings she is much aware to her family's criminal background and she faces criticisms at school. Ten years ago on the day of her best friends parent's wedding her life changed. Betrayal and friendships broken she was chased away from her town. Years later she was trying to make a life of her own which she later figures was a fabricated life made by the people she ran away from.
Lio Ledet is untamed when it came to Piper, he is twisted. He can sabotage himself, meaning he is high and will do anything to make Piper his.
Piper and Lio are criminals kids who goes to school with other crimals kids, they all try to act as normal teens but each of them know how dangerous their background connections are. These criminals kids enjoys art and photography, very different from their parents. Piper was a little ignorant to her parents crimes but she knows they are criminals, but keeping her sheltered ruined her life making her lose her family and friends. Though she was naive she was childish too.
Lio let her go ten years ago, now he won't. He kidnaps her from her cheating fiance basically build a room for her to 'nest'; the rest of her life is with him and if she does anything to run away from him there are consequences.
The story jumps between present and ten years past. The chapter began with powerful words it felt like someone went through a lot in life but Chapter 1 present Piper didn't feel the same as the present Piper from the rest of the book. Since the book is told from only Piper's perspective we cannot understand how Lio's infatuation to obsession to love for Piper began. I enjoyed Lio's over obsessed behaviour towards Piper, he flushed her birth control pills and is obsessed in breeding her! I also relished her escape attempts, she triggered her dire punishment.
For the authors first book the story was well crafted, and I like the cover which is a change than usual. I am eager for Rey and Mark's story, they are just time ticking bomb pair waiting to do havoc.
I am a little annoyed by the hundreth time the hero keeps saying "my muse", it kind of loses it's affect. Muse is a best friend's sisters romance. It's an angsty dark romance with unsettling themes and an immoral hero.
'Okay, so what do you want with me?”
Lio’s eyes flicker over my body. “Inspiration.”'
Piper Guidry is a free-spirited, ignorant and bashful girl. Oblivious to her surroundings she is much aware to her family's criminal background and she faces criticisms at school. Ten years ago on the day of her best friends parent's wedding her life changed. Betrayal and friendships broken she was chased away from her town. Years later she was trying to make a life of her own which she later figures was a fabricated life made by the people she ran away from.
Lio Ledet is untamed when it came to Piper, he is twisted. He can sabotage himself, meaning he is high and will do anything to make Piper his.
Piper and Lio are criminals kids who goes to school with other crimals kids, they all try to act as normal teens but each of them know how dangerous their background connections are. These criminals kids enjoys art and photography, very different from their parents. Piper was a little ignorant to her parents crimes but she knows they are criminals, but keeping her sheltered ruined her life making her lose her family and friends. Though she was naive she was childish too.
Lio let her go ten years ago, now he won't. He kidnaps her from her cheating fiance basically build a room for her to 'nest'; the rest of her life is with him and if she does anything to run away from him there are consequences.
The story jumps between present and ten years past. The chapter began with powerful words it felt like someone went through a lot in life but Chapter 1 present Piper didn't feel the same as the present Piper from the rest of the book. Since the book is told from only Piper's perspective we cannot understand how Lio's infatuation to obsession to love for Piper began. I enjoyed Lio's over obsessed behaviour towards Piper, he flushed her birth control pills and is obsessed in breeding her! I also relished her escape attempts, she triggered her dire punishment.
For the authors first book the story was well crafted, and I like the cover which is a change than usual. I am eager for Rey and Mark's story, they are just time ticking bomb pair waiting to do havoc.
November 14, 2022
Another new talented author to add to my list..... There was so much passion in this book!
I can't wait for Mark and Rey's story.
I can't wait for Mark and Rey's story.
January 8, 2023
First DNF of 2023.
I’m really disappointed because theoretically this is the exact sort of book I love. Obsessed hero, stalks her, takes her captive and manipulates her to do what he wants at every turn. I just can’t with it though. I forced myself to read to 53% before throwing up the white flag.
The fucking flashbacks completely ruin this. Every time I got flowing with the present another fucking flashback chapter. Completely ruins the flow of the story. It’s like a daydream and that keeps getting interrupted when you’re forced to engage with reality. Unsatisfying and frustrating.
Also the h is a complete doormat. I love doormat heroines so running into one I hate is always disconcerting. She’s the worst kind of doormat too. All hyped up for defiance and then she immediately folds like origami so by the time the author rolled out body betrayal syndrome I was done with with this pathetic h.
I’m really disappointed because theoretically this is the exact sort of book I love. Obsessed hero, stalks her, takes her captive and manipulates her to do what he wants at every turn. I just can’t with it though. I forced myself to read to 53% before throwing up the white flag.
The fucking flashbacks completely ruin this. Every time I got flowing with the present another fucking flashback chapter. Completely ruins the flow of the story. It’s like a daydream and that keeps getting interrupted when you’re forced to engage with reality. Unsatisfying and frustrating.
Also the h is a complete doormat. I love doormat heroines so running into one I hate is always disconcerting. She’s the worst kind of doormat too. All hyped up for defiance and then she immediately folds like origami so by the time the author rolled out body betrayal syndrome I was done with with this pathetic h.
November 25, 2022
Fresh tears well at the realization. I worked so hard to be something that I already was. I couldn’t see that beauty in the mirror, but it was there all along.
I think this is the first time where I find the Female lead more compelling. Usually in case such as these, I tend to lean more on the hero and his unrealistic ideology. But colour me surprise, because I couldn’t get enough of Piper here.
Yes, she was sassy and could probably use a brain but the way the author defines her character. It just fits and honestly…in the end, I could see why it was necessary for her to forgive Leo and his abusive ass, cos that was the only way she could come back home and find herself along the way
Nonetheless, I don’t think I would be continuing this series but fuck If I don’t already miss Mark and his psychotic fuck ups
Just not sure, a girl obsessed with him so deep she could probably put Eleo in back of the line, will do it for me yk
Anyways enjoy Mark 😉,
For tis is as far as I shall go
Ciao
October 13, 2022
I will admit that I almost dnf-ed this book a bunch of times, but it always managed to suck me back in. Considering that this is the author's first book, I'm being more generous with the rating than I might be otherwise. The quality of writing itself is pretty good and the book is well edited. However, it was pretty confusing and seemed to want to be too many things at once. The story is told via time jumps between ten years ago and the present. I never really felt fully connected with the characters and their motivations. What is it about Piper that warranted Lio's obsession? I also had a hard time buying his reasons for staying away from his "muse" for ten years and letting another man be with her. This is the same man who is hell-bent on impregnating Piper so she can never leave him. On her end, Piper seemed to jump from wanting to run away to being desperate to stay with alarming frequency. I will say that I was definitely there for Lio's obsessive manipulative behavior. It was that content that reeled me back in every time I was ready to give up. Overall, this was too long, too heavy on the convoluted yet completely unbelievable plot, yet somehow compelling in parts. I hope the author continues in this vein but refines her work and I'm looking forward to Mark's book.
October 14, 2022
Get ready for the mind f*** of the year. If you like books that after you read them, you're left sitting there thinking, what the hell do I do now? This is the book for you. I read this book over a course of two days, not because it's hard to get into, but because of the emotions it had me feeling. I stayed on the line between wanting to do nothing, but read and needing to reevaluate my thought and feeling processes. This book invoked so many feelings for me. I loved it! Beautifully written with fleshed out characters, this is the book to read!
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Plot was amazing, I really loved it!
I might have enjoyed it more if the inner monologue of the h wasn’t just ‘too much’ it kept getting boring at times tbh..
Ngl, I kept getting bored here and there in the beginning bec Lio was too nice lol, considering I went with dark dark expectations… but he does delivers at about 60% mark. It kept getting better towards the ending. But yeah definitely worth a read!
Plot was amazing, I really loved it!
I might have enjoyed it more if the inner monologue of the h wasn’t just ‘too much’ it kept getting boring at times tbh..
Ngl, I kept getting bored here and there in the beginning bec Lio was too nice lol, considering I went with dark dark expectations… but he does delivers at about 60% mark. It kept getting better towards the ending. But yeah definitely worth a read!
October 10, 2022
WOWSERS
Marie, how is this your debut?! You absolutely BLEW. IT. OUT. THE. PARK!!!
Lio will forever be my book boyfriend!! I love how he is the proper anti-hero & he doesn't become a marshmallow by the end, he stays the true f***** up man he's always been yet his love couldn't be any stronger!!
This book is NOT for anyone who doesn't agree with n0n-c○n. It's a main theme in this book & if that's not for you, just put the book back & pick something else for you!
I CANNOT WAIT for Rey's story and too see how it all carries out.. I have SO many questions?!
Thank you for bringing this amazing book into my life! One of my favourite reads of 2022!!!
Marie, how is this your debut?! You absolutely BLEW. IT. OUT. THE. PARK!!!
Lio will forever be my book boyfriend!! I love how he is the proper anti-hero & he doesn't become a marshmallow by the end, he stays the true f***** up man he's always been yet his love couldn't be any stronger!!
This book is NOT for anyone who doesn't agree with n0n-c○n. It's a main theme in this book & if that's not for you, just put the book back & pick something else for you!
I CANNOT WAIT for Rey's story and too see how it all carries out.. I have SO many questions?!
Thank you for bringing this amazing book into my life! One of my favourite reads of 2022!!!
December 25, 2023
4 stars
I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. Not something I’d normally read but I am glad I did. The characters had such interesting dynamics. It’s really well written for a debut novel. I normally hate it when books have two timelines but I think the author did a good job in writing them cohesively without disrupting the flow here. It also had a really unique setting, not something I’ve read before. It was pretty confusing at the beginning even though it kinda made sense at end, I wish the setting in the flashbacks was explained more.
All of the characters were really interesting, even the side characters. They had so much to them. I really loved lio’s obsession, it was extremely toxic but for some reason I was also pulled into it like piper. I felt for her, she went through so much and had so much pain within her….it was just heartbreaking but i understood why she chose lio even after everything he put her through .she was able to feel free and be her true self with him because he gave her no other choice. His love and devotion to her was so toxic yet so addicting. (Loved it when he flushed her birth control 🤡) He was such an intriguing character, I couldn’t really understand him at certain parts (probably because it was mostly told from piper’s pov). But one I think I understood was his toxic love for piper, she was like oxygen for him, something he’d die without. I wish I was able to see how he fell for her and how it transformed it into obsession.
Overall, this was a really interesting novel. I would love to read more books by this author. Especially about mark and Rey.
I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. Not something I’d normally read but I am glad I did. The characters had such interesting dynamics. It’s really well written for a debut novel. I normally hate it when books have two timelines but I think the author did a good job in writing them cohesively without disrupting the flow here. It also had a really unique setting, not something I’ve read before. It was pretty confusing at the beginning even though it kinda made sense at end, I wish the setting in the flashbacks was explained more.
All of the characters were really interesting, even the side characters. They had so much to them. I really loved lio’s obsession, it was extremely toxic but for some reason I was also pulled into it like piper. I felt for her, she went through so much and had so much pain within her….it was just heartbreaking but i understood why she chose lio even after everything he put her through .she was able to feel free and be her true self with him because he gave her no other choice. His love and devotion to her was so toxic yet so addicting. (Loved it when he flushed her birth control 🤡) He was such an intriguing character, I couldn’t really understand him at certain parts (probably because it was mostly told from piper’s pov). But one I think I understood was his toxic love for piper, she was like oxygen for him, something he’d die without. I wish I was able to see how he fell for her and how it transformed it into obsession.
Overall, this was a really interesting novel. I would love to read more books by this author. Especially about mark and Rey.
Did Not Finish
August 13, 2023I had high hopes for this but had to DNF at 48%.
It just stressed me out more than anything
It just stressed me out more than anything
October 16, 2022
Eloquently written, the true definition of a Dark Romance.
First and foremost, TW galore. Please read, this is not for the faint of heart.
To be honest, I’m not sure i know how to feel about this book. The amount of mental warfare it conducts on your mind is astounding. Just when you think you’ve decided who’s the villain & the hero it flips. This is truly art. I was confused on how to feel for 100% of the book. It is entirely written in grey. Throw morality out the window and embrace a life in only muted grays. Slate, charcoal, platinum, it’s a symphony dedicated to challenging your idealisms on what beauty and love is. How far will one go to save someone ? Break them entirely to piece them back together ? Villainize yourself so much your sanity is being debated? Hide in the shadows playing puppet master? Or rather live life aloof without any serious emotional attachments ? There are chess pieces at play that will not be revealed until the last chapter. It keeps you on the edge of your seat entirely.
Leo, I’m not sure if he’s crazy or head over heels. His “love” (rather obsession) started early, and it only festers with time. Everything he does is deliberately crafted. He said it himself, there’s no such things as coincidences. He’s a Ledget, a thief. He saw something, so he took it. The only possible downside? That “thing” was a human person, Piper.
Piper, well you’ll see. I can’t seem to see if I love or hate her. If her feelings are genuine or a result of Stockholm. The lines are definitely blurred if they ever existed in the first place. POV is through her, she’s confused most of the time so as the reader are too. It gets distracting.
Overall, it was a bit hard for me to relate/love the characters. Everyone seemed mentally deranged; and not in a good way. Many unanswered questions (why Piper was Leo’s muse, How Ledet brothers got into the “family business”, why/how piper was sparing) But the book was written so beautifully, i highlighted so many passages that I felt in my soul. This book is a piece of art that has given me a kaleidoscope of emotions I’m sure I’ll be shifting through for days.
A Love that breaches insanity might be devotion at it’s truest form.
First and foremost, TW galore. Please read, this is not for the faint of heart.
To be honest, I’m not sure i know how to feel about this book. The amount of mental warfare it conducts on your mind is astounding. Just when you think you’ve decided who’s the villain & the hero it flips. This is truly art. I was confused on how to feel for 100% of the book. It is entirely written in grey. Throw morality out the window and embrace a life in only muted grays. Slate, charcoal, platinum, it’s a symphony dedicated to challenging your idealisms on what beauty and love is. How far will one go to save someone ? Break them entirely to piece them back together ? Villainize yourself so much your sanity is being debated? Hide in the shadows playing puppet master? Or rather live life aloof without any serious emotional attachments ? There are chess pieces at play that will not be revealed until the last chapter. It keeps you on the edge of your seat entirely.
Leo, I’m not sure if he’s crazy or head over heels. His “love” (rather obsession) started early, and it only festers with time. Everything he does is deliberately crafted. He said it himself, there’s no such things as coincidences. He’s a Ledget, a thief. He saw something, so he took it. The only possible downside? That “thing” was a human person, Piper.
Piper, well you’ll see. I can’t seem to see if I love or hate her. If her feelings are genuine or a result of Stockholm. The lines are definitely blurred if they ever existed in the first place. POV is through her, she’s confused most of the time so as the reader are too. It gets distracting.
Overall, it was a bit hard for me to relate/love the characters. Everyone seemed mentally deranged; and not in a good way. Many unanswered questions (why Piper was Leo’s muse, How Ledet brothers got into the “family business”, why/how piper was sparing) But the book was written so beautifully, i highlighted so many passages that I felt in my soul. This book is a piece of art that has given me a kaleidoscope of emotions I’m sure I’ll be shifting through for days.
A Love that breaches insanity might be devotion at it’s truest form.
December 4, 2022
Marie pulled me into her web with this deliciously dark and addictive debut novel. Once I started it, the action of stopping ceased to exist. ***Check your triggers at the door because this is a dark ride***
This is told all from Piper’s POV and it was intoxicating seeing where she came from and what she went thru to make her who she is in the present day. I loved seeing her go from broken to fighting, from fighting to healing, and healing to happiness.
Lio is such an enigma - as much as I despised him in the beginning, I grew to love him more. This man watched the one person he always loved wither away and was determined to bring her back to life anyway he could - even if it was via kidnapping and holding her hostage. His love may have been toxic in the beginning, but there was always purpose.
I can’t believe this is Marie’s debut novel! The way this is written, combining past with present in such a flawless manner within a story that has so many layers blew my mind. It’s emotional, dark, and gritty with just the right amount of spice and wtf twists. Even though this story was told with one POV, I could feel both characters’ emotions thru the pages and Marie covered sensitive topics with a finesse that impressed me beyond words.
This is more than just a story, this is an experience and I will not be forgetting these characters anytime soon. Marie may be a new author, this may just be her debut but I do one thing…I will be reading everything she puts out moving forward. Muse is an unforgettable story that will haunt and scar you in the beginning but will end up being the balm you need to heal every wound.
This is told all from Piper’s POV and it was intoxicating seeing where she came from and what she went thru to make her who she is in the present day. I loved seeing her go from broken to fighting, from fighting to healing, and healing to happiness.
Lio is such an enigma - as much as I despised him in the beginning, I grew to love him more. This man watched the one person he always loved wither away and was determined to bring her back to life anyway he could - even if it was via kidnapping and holding her hostage. His love may have been toxic in the beginning, but there was always purpose.
I can’t believe this is Marie’s debut novel! The way this is written, combining past with present in such a flawless manner within a story that has so many layers blew my mind. It’s emotional, dark, and gritty with just the right amount of spice and wtf twists. Even though this story was told with one POV, I could feel both characters’ emotions thru the pages and Marie covered sensitive topics with a finesse that impressed me beyond words.
This is more than just a story, this is an experience and I will not be forgetting these characters anytime soon. Marie may be a new author, this may just be her debut but I do one thing…I will be reading everything she puts out moving forward. Muse is an unforgettable story that will haunt and scar you in the beginning but will end up being the balm you need to heal every wound.
October 11, 2022
Corbin does an excellent job character and world building through past and present storytelling. This is a dark story (read the TW), but as a reader you can feel AND believe the growing changes of feelings and not so subtle obsession due to the revealing of the present and past events.
While dark, there is rich world building happening that lets the reader dive into the story. It's a great author that can get you to fall for the actual 'bad' guy and root for him to get the girl. The characters love story is everything I wanted for these two. Definitely not traditional, but perfect for this story.
It's surprising that this is her debut novel and that this is the first for this standalone MUSE series. Oftentimes it takes the second or third book for new authors to find their pacing and world development. This is NOT a problem with this author. I can't wait to read the next book.
While dark, there is rich world building happening that lets the reader dive into the story. It's a great author that can get you to fall for the actual 'bad' guy and root for him to get the girl. The characters love story is everything I wanted for these two. Definitely not traditional, but perfect for this story.
It's surprising that this is her debut novel and that this is the first for this standalone MUSE series. Oftentimes it takes the second or third book for new authors to find their pacing and world development. This is NOT a problem with this author. I can't wait to read the next book.
October 28, 2022
Conflicted but Awesome Debut
Book Info:
Standalone
HEA 🥰
First person narrative and FMC POV 👩🦳
Troupe: Brother’s Best Friend, Forced Relationship, Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance
Sub-genre: 🖤 Dark Romance
Category: 👀Stalker, 😔Angsty, Captive
Burn Rate: 73%
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Editing: ✏️✏️✏️
So……I’m not quite sure how I feel about this. I was definitely interested in the story. This is a crazy ride for sure. Knowing this is the author’s debut I’m seriously impressed. It’s told in present time but has some flash backs to the past which normally I don’t like but it worked well here.
There were times I was bored but over all I was riveted. This is not a basic love story. It’s interesting and intense. I felt so bad for the FMC a lot of the time and I am not gonna lie, this book was emotional for me.
The MMC is not really the good guy in this in most areas. This is where I’m having a hard time. I’m not sure the hero is redeemed in my mind for all the things he does. He is straight up crazy, which I’m normally ridiculously into, but even I had some cringe moments. I’m still thinking on this part.
If you like your MMC completely unhinged over the FMC and can forgive them anything then you should definitely check this out. I did enjoy the book. But it is dark and has a lot going on so check the information below just in case.
Kinks: 👋🏻Spanking (just a bit), ❤️🔥OTT possessive male, 🎙Dirty Talk, 👶🏻Breeding, 😽slapping
Possible Triggers: 💪🏻controlling hero, 👊🏻Abuse, Sexual Assault, Threat of Rape, non-con, dub-con, Rape (Main couple), 💊Drugging, Kidnapping, 🤰Birth Control Tampering, Abuse of Power
Book Info:
Standalone
HEA 🥰
First person narrative and FMC POV 👩🦳
Troupe: Brother’s Best Friend, Forced Relationship, Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance
Sub-genre: 🖤 Dark Romance
Category: 👀Stalker, 😔Angsty, Captive
Burn Rate: 73%
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Editing: ✏️✏️✏️
So……I’m not quite sure how I feel about this. I was definitely interested in the story. This is a crazy ride for sure. Knowing this is the author’s debut I’m seriously impressed. It’s told in present time but has some flash backs to the past which normally I don’t like but it worked well here.
There were times I was bored but over all I was riveted. This is not a basic love story. It’s interesting and intense. I felt so bad for the FMC a lot of the time and I am not gonna lie, this book was emotional for me.
The MMC is not really the good guy in this in most areas. This is where I’m having a hard time. I’m not sure the hero is redeemed in my mind for all the things he does. He is straight up crazy, which I’m normally ridiculously into, but even I had some cringe moments. I’m still thinking on this part.
If you like your MMC completely unhinged over the FMC and can forgive them anything then you should definitely check this out. I did enjoy the book. But it is dark and has a lot going on so check the information below just in case.
Kinks: 👋🏻Spanking (just a bit), ❤️🔥OTT possessive male, 🎙Dirty Talk, 👶🏻Breeding, 😽slapping
Possible Triggers: 💪🏻controlling hero, 👊🏻Abuse, Sexual Assault, Threat of Rape, non-con, dub-con, Rape (Main couple), 💊Drugging, Kidnapping, 🤰Birth Control Tampering, Abuse of Power
January 24, 2023
Usually, I like dark romances but this is the first time that I have truly hated a manipulative toxic main character, like truly
Nothing in the book made sense and on the final pages, the author made up an unrealistic reason for her to stay with her rapist.
It left me feeling wrong in my stomach and unsatisfied because everything ended up wrong.
If you’re into hardcore toxic relationships and dark as night romances, try this book because I thought I was into that kind of toxic but reading it made me know I had a limit
Nothing in the book made sense and on the final pages, the author made up an unrealistic reason for her to stay with her rapist.
It left me feeling wrong in my stomach and unsatisfied because everything ended up wrong.
If you’re into hardcore toxic relationships and dark as night romances, try this book because I thought I was into that kind of toxic but reading it made me know I had a limit
October 29, 2023
You ever finish a book and think "what the f*ck did I just read?"
July 28, 2023
“Angry, frightened breaths lock in my lungs. I clench my jaw together. “You would really touch me against my will?” Brushing my hair over my shoulder, my tormenter touches his lips to the sensitive place below my ear. “Oh, sweet muse. I will do whatever it takes to keep you with me forever.”
WHY DOES THIS BOOK NOT HAVE MORE ATTENTION???
I read Torment by Dylan Page and was looking for something to fill that void of sociopath, obsessive, dual-timeline, strong plot, and good characters and I found it. Anyone who likes Sam Mariano, Anna Zaires, those types of books will love this.
“You’re too fucked up for life?” Lio releases my arms in exchange for my face. My cheeks squish between his fingers as he brings his face close to mine. Hot, angry breaths sear my pouting lips. “Don’t you ever talk about yourself like that. You say whatever the fuck you want about me, because I have the strength to take it, but you? You are so goddamn weak, Piper, not for beating up on yourself, but for allowing the demons in your head to speak for you. Too fucked up for life? I never want you to say—to think—those words ever again.”
The forced breeding in this is BIG and honestly done really well, especially in the epilogue.
“Lio lifts his hand and brings it to the toilet handle. “Watch,” he demands. It’s an unnecessary request. I couldn’t stop watching if I tried. Lio pushes down the toilet handle until the water begins to circulate. In one shattering move, the pills are gone, and I gulp, finally letting my eyes drift up to him. “I told you not to run, Piper. This was your punishment. Now, if you try to leave me again, I’ll make sure I’m with you forever. Do you understand what I mean by that?” Lio’s words are deceivingly soft.”
The plot between the brothers, Rey, Mark, etc. was all very well-done and fleshed out. I will say the plot stole a lot of the attention away from Lio, especially in the first half of the book where there was so little romance, but those scenes were the most intense and best written. There's lots of dub-con and OTT protectiveness with that sociopath-except-for-her vibe.
The relationship with her and Simon was cute. I actually liked all the side characters. The writing was great, amazing tension and smut.
“Shoot me. Pull the trigger. The last thing I do will be to hand you the car keys while you step over my body. I can’t live without you, sweet muse. I can’t.” Moisture condenses on my palms. “I don’t want to shoot you, but I will,” I warn. “Just give me the keys and go back upstairs.” “I will die when you leave me, so just fucking kill me, Piper.”
My biggest gripe was that the story didn't blend as well as it could have. The plot points felt disjointed and unorganized, handled a little messily with too much going on from the secrets to falling for Lio and the personal growth that was happening with our MC.
October 10, 2022
I am so glad I have read this book, initially I did find it difficult to connect to the characters but I am grateful that I pushed through. Once I really got to grips with the story I was hooked and just couldn’t stop reading I needed to know EVERYTHING and how this would all end.
There are definitely some triggers in the book but as long as you check what they are before reading to make sure you are okay with them then all should be fine.
There are so many parts to this story and sometimes it can be a little jumpy between parts of the story but it definitely becomes clear towards then end as to why.
If you are looking for a toxic, overbearing and protective brute then this if for you!
This for me is definitely a re-reader and I cannot wait for what comes next from Marie Corbin!
There are definitely some triggers in the book but as long as you check what they are before reading to make sure you are okay with them then all should be fine.
There are so many parts to this story and sometimes it can be a little jumpy between parts of the story but it definitely becomes clear towards then end as to why.
If you are looking for a toxic, overbearing and protective brute then this if for you!
This for me is definitely a re-reader and I cannot wait for what comes next from Marie Corbin!
October 10, 2022
Where do I start?? This book has so many twists and turns, it makes you feel a mixture of feelings all at the same time, I was on a real rollercoaster and felt everything from anger to anguish to sympathy to joy and so much more.
The author really pulled it out the bag with this book I was hooked from the beginning and I would advise to definitely trust in the trigger warning.
The characters really get to you and frustrate you to pull theses feelings out shows how well it is written.
Definitely worth the 5* I have given it!
The author really pulled it out the bag with this book I was hooked from the beginning and I would advise to definitely trust in the trigger warning.
The characters really get to you and frustrate you to pull theses feelings out shows how well it is written.
Definitely worth the 5* I have given it!
November 8, 2022
Great outcome...
I loved the outcome of this book, but I honestly struggled with some scenes. I had to take a break to get my mind in order. I'm not sorry that I finally finished it. Lio's love for his Muse never faltered and even with a 10 year gap, he still felt as protective of her as he did when she was much younger. Even though the friendships took a knock, they all felt that what they did was to protect Piper. Was what Lio did to her right though is the bigger question.
Happy that they get their HEA in the end.
I loved the outcome of this book, but I honestly struggled with some scenes. I had to take a break to get my mind in order. I'm not sorry that I finally finished it. Lio's love for his Muse never faltered and even with a 10 year gap, he still felt as protective of her as he did when she was much younger. Even though the friendships took a knock, they all felt that what they did was to protect Piper. Was what Lio did to her right though is the bigger question.
Happy that they get their HEA in the end.
October 13, 2022
This is Marie Corbin's debut novel. I usually don't mind dark reads & I did read the triggers for this book before reading it so I knew what I was getting myself into; the triggers didn't bother me per say, it was just the whole storyline in general. I like a good dark romance, but there was honestly ZERO romance in this book. Even at the end of it, I still think the FMC was suffering from SHS. The MMC did redeem himself at the very end but I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. It was written well overall though & the author does have a great deal of potential for future releases; I will probably read them to see if they can capture my attention a bit more.
Thank you for your review.
Thank you for your review.
July 4, 2024
I appreciate that this book tried to do something different. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me, but at least it wasn't the same old bullshit we're being fed these days. I lost interest once the couple interacted a few times. The chemistry just wasn't there. However, I enjoyed the humorous writing. We don't often see that in dark romance, I feel.
September 4, 2023
Genre identification is kind of important. It signals to the reader genre characteristics so we know what to expect.
❤️ In a romance, we see love interests work through a romantic (or erotic) connection, and they have a guaranteed HEA. The HEA comes no matter how dark the story or characters are. We see their evolution and character growth come from their romantic love leading to the HEA.
🏃🏾♀️A thriller is about the twists and turns, keeping you on the edge about the mystery or crime, and the characters growth comes from the resolution of those twists and turns. A thriller can be romantic and how romantic moments....so why this long dissertation about genres? Because even though I enjoyed this story, it's not really a dark romance, more so it's a romantic thriller. I'm tagging what I enjoyed while explaining how it matters.
#dark romance so this story does have rape, non con, sexual coercion between the main characters, and Lio's primary motivation is his love for Piper, but the story isn't balanced between their character growth. Yes, Lio kidnaps Piper in Chapters 2-3. Yes, Lio will set these rules and conditions of her imprisonment. Yes, Lio gets rid of her birth control. Yes, Lio wants to be sexual and have intimate relations with Piper, and he will force these moments if he has to, but.....Lio isn't really a flushed out character.
🫶🏿#OTTobssessedMMC. Lio feels like a background in his own romance. We never get his pov, and he doesn't grow through the romance. He takes care of Piper. He is obsessed with Piper, but he doesn't change and evolve through their love. Instead, the twists and turns that we learn throughout the story uncovers his true motivations, but his actions don't change. Just our perspective given the full story that everyone has but the FMC. Each layer in the story is added to the lore and twists. Unfortunately, we don't see actual love build. Lio is a great character in a women's lit fiction story, but the romance wasn't there. Raping her, he doesn't even try to make it feel good or come across as romantic. He just takes his anger out. There isn't aftercare where he demontrates how deep his actual feelings go. It's just control. There is zero wooing outside of forcing the FMC to confront deep psychological issues she didn't realize she had.
#eroticism They barely kiss the first 51% of the story. When they do share a forced kiss, it's briefly described. Intimacy is used as a finely sharpened weapon. The scenes aren't about the rough pummeling sex. We are still getting tentative kisses, and I can't trust him actions through 60-70% of the story. The "love" isn't unleashed until around 80%. The noncon SA happens around the 60ish% mark, but before that, it's hardly any touches. Once again, the eroticism used as a twist in a thriller was great it kept me invested and engrossed. It just wasn't a romance in the general sense.
🫶🏿#damselindistress Piper isn't a bad character. It's told all from her POV, and it pulls you at the end. How did she end up with friends she hated? How did she not realize a man was obsessed with her (her brother's laid-back best friend)? Does she have a disordered eating pattern? All intriguing questions and the story are layered with flashbacks to the most pivotal time in our lives. 18 years old and high school seniors. We see the vulnerability of youth and the closed off shutdown demeanor of a 28 year old woman. It's interesting hook and we travel that road with her. As the star of the show, we see how this is really a women's lit story. It's about watching Piper rise from the pain. Watching her become reborn in her captivity. Seeing how the twists and turns impact her and forces her to change (not Lio's love but the mystery of it all).
🫶🏿#artworld Art is intrinsic to the story, and it's described well here. It enhances what's going on and gives the story heart. It's not pedantic or derivative. No, the descriptions are done by a living breathing artist, and it elevates the entire narrative. I love the art groups. Each character fits in. The clothing designer/model. The photographer. The sculptor. The crime trends have their own groups as well: The Cons. The thieves. The Assassins. The Money Launders. All groups are important to character motivations. The art thief is also a sculptor. In his world, you take what you want. Chapter titles are the gift that keeps on giving. This book was just beautiful from beginning to end.
The mysteries do get solved in this book, but some twists that pop up at the end will be explored with two different characters. Im all in with reading Book 2. I want to go down the dark, twisty, romantic thriller path. I'm ok with the author saying this is a dark romance if only because I never would have read it otherwise. It was a nice treat.
❤️ In a romance, we see love interests work through a romantic (or erotic) connection, and they have a guaranteed HEA. The HEA comes no matter how dark the story or characters are. We see their evolution and character growth come from their romantic love leading to the HEA.
🏃🏾♀️A thriller is about the twists and turns, keeping you on the edge about the mystery or crime, and the characters growth comes from the resolution of those twists and turns. A thriller can be romantic and how romantic moments....so why this long dissertation about genres? Because even though I enjoyed this story, it's not really a dark romance, more so it's a romantic thriller. I'm tagging what I enjoyed while explaining how it matters.
#dark romance so this story does have rape, non con, sexual coercion between the main characters, and Lio's primary motivation is his love for Piper, but the story isn't balanced between their character growth. Yes, Lio kidnaps Piper in Chapters 2-3. Yes, Lio will set these rules and conditions of her imprisonment. Yes, Lio gets rid of her birth control. Yes, Lio wants to be sexual and have intimate relations with Piper, and he will force these moments if he has to, but.....Lio isn't really a flushed out character.
🫶🏿#OTTobssessedMMC. Lio feels like a background in his own romance. We never get his pov, and he doesn't grow through the romance. He takes care of Piper. He is obsessed with Piper, but he doesn't change and evolve through their love. Instead, the twists and turns that we learn throughout the story uncovers his true motivations, but his actions don't change. Just our perspective given the full story that everyone has but the FMC. Each layer in the story is added to the lore and twists. Unfortunately, we don't see actual love build. Lio is a great character in a women's lit fiction story, but the romance wasn't there. Raping her, he doesn't even try to make it feel good or come across as romantic. He just takes his anger out. There isn't aftercare where he demontrates how deep his actual feelings go. It's just control. There is zero wooing outside of forcing the FMC to confront deep psychological issues she didn't realize she had.
#eroticism They barely kiss the first 51% of the story. When they do share a forced kiss, it's briefly described. Intimacy is used as a finely sharpened weapon. The scenes aren't about the rough pummeling sex. We are still getting tentative kisses, and I can't trust him actions through 60-70% of the story. The "love" isn't unleashed until around 80%. The noncon SA happens around the 60ish% mark, but before that, it's hardly any touches. Once again, the eroticism used as a twist in a thriller was great it kept me invested and engrossed. It just wasn't a romance in the general sense.
🫶🏿#damselindistress Piper isn't a bad character. It's told all from her POV, and it pulls you at the end. How did she end up with friends she hated? How did she not realize a man was obsessed with her (her brother's laid-back best friend)? Does she have a disordered eating pattern? All intriguing questions and the story are layered with flashbacks to the most pivotal time in our lives. 18 years old and high school seniors. We see the vulnerability of youth and the closed off shutdown demeanor of a 28 year old woman. It's interesting hook and we travel that road with her. As the star of the show, we see how this is really a women's lit story. It's about watching Piper rise from the pain. Watching her become reborn in her captivity. Seeing how the twists and turns impact her and forces her to change (not Lio's love but the mystery of it all).
🫶🏿#artworld Art is intrinsic to the story, and it's described well here. It enhances what's going on and gives the story heart. It's not pedantic or derivative. No, the descriptions are done by a living breathing artist, and it elevates the entire narrative. I love the art groups. Each character fits in. The clothing designer/model. The photographer. The sculptor. The crime trends have their own groups as well: The Cons. The thieves. The Assassins. The Money Launders. All groups are important to character motivations. The art thief is also a sculptor. In his world, you take what you want. Chapter titles are the gift that keeps on giving. This book was just beautiful from beginning to end.
The mysteries do get solved in this book, but some twists that pop up at the end will be explored with two different characters. Im all in with reading Book 2. I want to go down the dark, twisty, romantic thriller path. I'm ok with the author saying this is a dark romance if only because I never would have read it otherwise. It was a nice treat.
October 22, 2022
THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL???? ARE WE SURE??? HOLY SHIT🙌🏼
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆?” 𝑰 𝒂𝒔𝒌 𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚.
“𝑰 𝒅𝒐, 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐. 𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.”
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆?”
𝑳𝒊𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘. “𝑶𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆, 𝑷𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
(^do you see me melting over here???)
There is so much depth in this book!!
With all shades of fucked up but sweet too at the same time and almost every alternate chapter switching between the past and present; the fact I love the most is that it's not all about the relationship, it's about the secrets of the past and the family dynamics of the ART people, the friendship between the main group and what each of them hid from the other.
Lio and his muse aka Piper are the main characters here but we meet others as well like Simon, Rey, Mark & Jed. Their lives are interwined with each other to the limit of you thinking "oh my gosh, noooo".
Dark Romance with Triggers of :-
• Sexual Assault being mentioned
• some dubcon
• r*pe fantasy (almost?). Basically, the s£x part is not normal ordinary and loving but it toes the line of "i hate you, i don't want this" - "i hate you but i want this" - AND - "i love you, i want this"
• Eating disorder
• BREEDING KINK!!
"𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆."
For me personally, it took a little time to get into the flow of the story but once I did, you bet I finished this book in one sitting!! At times I was confused with my own feelings because do/should I hate Lio? Anyways, Lio has the best replies and some of the most sweetest dialogues but his cruel replies will cut you damn deep. SO MANY HIGHLIGHTS OMGGG. The ending twist is not predicted but I'm glad that he came back!! The epilogue though is perfect, super sweeeeet and i love the three new members, especially how the two of them fight >>>>
Lio stalked and kidnapped Piper and is hell bent on keeping her with him because she's his Muse, his inspiration, her pain inspires him, her fire gives ideas to both of them. To say he's obsessed would be an understatement. Stockholm Syndrome is here? Maybe? Who knows? He'll do anything to keep her, he bared his soul to her and buring the world to dust is a very possible option in his book.
10 years ago, we see how Piper wanted to reach the glamourous life, how Rey went through her family seperation, how Simon was having feelings and trying to bring them to light, how Lio was ALWAYS obsessed with Piper, how Mark did what he did and why, how their individual families had drama that resulted in the animosity among them all.
Mark's book!!? YES PLEASE 😈
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆?” 𝑰 𝒂𝒔𝒌 𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚.
“𝑰 𝒅𝒐, 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐. 𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.”
“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆?”
𝑳𝒊𝒐 𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘. “𝑶𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆, 𝑷𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
(^do you see me melting over here???)
There is so much depth in this book!!
With all shades of fucked up but sweet too at the same time and almost every alternate chapter switching between the past and present; the fact I love the most is that it's not all about the relationship, it's about the secrets of the past and the family dynamics of the ART people, the friendship between the main group and what each of them hid from the other.
Lio and his muse aka Piper are the main characters here but we meet others as well like Simon, Rey, Mark & Jed. Their lives are interwined with each other to the limit of you thinking "oh my gosh, noooo".
Dark Romance with Triggers of :-
• Sexual Assault being mentioned
• some dubcon
• r*pe fantasy (almost?). Basically, the s£x part is not normal ordinary and loving but it toes the line of "i hate you, i don't want this" - "i hate you but i want this" - AND - "i love you, i want this"
• Eating disorder
• BREEDING KINK!!
"𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆."
For me personally, it took a little time to get into the flow of the story but once I did, you bet I finished this book in one sitting!! At times I was confused with my own feelings because do/should I hate Lio? Anyways, Lio has the best replies and some of the most sweetest dialogues but his cruel replies will cut you damn deep. SO MANY HIGHLIGHTS OMGGG. The ending twist is not predicted but I'm glad that he came back!! The epilogue though is perfect, super sweeeeet and i love the three new members, especially how the two of them fight >>>>
Lio stalked and kidnapped Piper and is hell bent on keeping her with him because she's his Muse, his inspiration, her pain inspires him, her fire gives ideas to both of them. To say he's obsessed would be an understatement. Stockholm Syndrome is here? Maybe? Who knows? He'll do anything to keep her, he bared his soul to her and buring the world to dust is a very possible option in his book.
10 years ago, we see how Piper wanted to reach the glamourous life, how Rey went through her family seperation, how Simon was having feelings and trying to bring them to light, how Lio was ALWAYS obsessed with Piper, how Mark did what he did and why, how their individual families had drama that resulted in the animosity among them all.
Mark's book!!? YES PLEASE 😈
October 14, 2022
Holy Flock I can’t believe this is Ms. Corbin’s debut novel just incredible!
Multifaceted characters that had me wanted to get to see each layer and each part of their being.
A complex twisted plot that had me stunned and reeling.
This story is intricate and has lots of moving parts. The author lays it out in present and past and I was always on the edge of my seat. Wanting to stay in the present to see what would happen next but salivating to read the past to figure out what happened and how it shaped their personas and their beings.
Every character plays an integral part in the story.
But the main characters Lio and Piper. Both of them are messed up in different ways for different reasons. But they both share the same tragedy that has left a devastating effect on their lives.
Lio is a fascinating man. He had me wanting to know everything about him.
His obsession with Piper was absolute. It was all consuming and out of control.
But mostly everything he did he did for a certain purpose. And that purpose was to help Piper see herself in a different light. His way of trying to help her and take care of her. His heart was in the right place. His measures questionable but his actions came from a good place. Until things start to ravel and so does he.
Piper was once a carefree girl. But slowly that starts to change. And she keeps things hidden from her family and closest friends. Keeping her secrets to herself changes her immediately and drastically.
She starts to change from the inside out. Damaging her soul and her spirit.
Piper starts to lose who she is and gets to the point she’s merely existing and not living.
Until Lio decides enough is enough and takes matter into his own hands.
He and Piper have this energy and vibe radiating between them. And energy that is like a breathing entity. It’s light and dark. It’s consuming and twisted. And it will destroy what is already something that is fragile and ready to break.
This story has twists and turns that are stunning and nerve racking.
The sexual tension is crackling and full force.
Once I started this book I just didn’t want to put it down.
Again my mind is blown away that this is the author’s first novel.
Im excited to follow her and read her future books because she is tremendous and will just keep getting better and better.
Looking forward to read the nest standalone in the Muse series.
Multifaceted characters that had me wanted to get to see each layer and each part of their being.
A complex twisted plot that had me stunned and reeling.
This story is intricate and has lots of moving parts. The author lays it out in present and past and I was always on the edge of my seat. Wanting to stay in the present to see what would happen next but salivating to read the past to figure out what happened and how it shaped their personas and their beings.
Every character plays an integral part in the story.
But the main characters Lio and Piper. Both of them are messed up in different ways for different reasons. But they both share the same tragedy that has left a devastating effect on their lives.
Lio is a fascinating man. He had me wanting to know everything about him.
His obsession with Piper was absolute. It was all consuming and out of control.
But mostly everything he did he did for a certain purpose. And that purpose was to help Piper see herself in a different light. His way of trying to help her and take care of her. His heart was in the right place. His measures questionable but his actions came from a good place. Until things start to ravel and so does he.
Piper was once a carefree girl. But slowly that starts to change. And she keeps things hidden from her family and closest friends. Keeping her secrets to herself changes her immediately and drastically.
She starts to change from the inside out. Damaging her soul and her spirit.
Piper starts to lose who she is and gets to the point she’s merely existing and not living.
Until Lio decides enough is enough and takes matter into his own hands.
He and Piper have this energy and vibe radiating between them. And energy that is like a breathing entity. It’s light and dark. It’s consuming and twisted. And it will destroy what is already something that is fragile and ready to break.
This story has twists and turns that are stunning and nerve racking.
The sexual tension is crackling and full force.
Once I started this book I just didn’t want to put it down.
Again my mind is blown away that this is the author’s first novel.
Im excited to follow her and read her future books because she is tremendous and will just keep getting better and better.
Looking forward to read the nest standalone in the Muse series.
February 21, 2026
This was a good book until the end with the reappearance of Mark and revelation of Rey as Andrea and it went downhill from there.
The characters were just OK but the story had me hooked. The male lead is the female lead’s older brother’s best friend.
He and his younger sibling always had a crush on the female lead but the depths of the male lead’s obsession was always deeper. He becomes enraged upon hearing the female lead had sex with someone else, manipulates the circumstances to have her, kidnaps the female lead and breeds her while holding her captive.
The female lead is resistant but eventually succumbs to Stockholm syndrome though as she becomes friendly with the male lead’s sibling again, triggers the male lead’s jealousy from time to time.
I do wish the male lead’s younger sibling didn’t give up his crush so easily but that was a minor annoyance. It was still sitting at a 3 star rating.
Surprisingly the time jumps in the writing were well done. These scene changes didn’t disrupt the flow.
The whole reappearance of Mark made no sense. Why would it take him ten years to reappear in the female lead’s life? Why now? Why was his plan to take her to New York then essentially abandon her? Why did he provide Jed the advice it would be safe to return in ten years? What is the significance of ten years? If Mark was returning to take the female lead away from the male lead, why would he do that only to then return her to him?
It just felt like Mark’s reintroduction was pointless, apart from forced advertising of the next book.
Rey also received so many unnecessary and pointless scenes I just knew she was going to have a separate book. The ending cemented it. It made no sense Mark would even take Rey with him. He could have simply questioned her about what she knew then let her go. It was obviously advertising for the next book and ruined this book for me.
The infertility of the female lead also came out of nowhere. Most of the book was about breeding her, only for the book to then go on to say she can’t get pregnant.
But then another epilogue at the end has her pregnant. The infertility arc felt so unnecessary
The characters were just OK but the story had me hooked. The male lead is the female lead’s older brother’s best friend.
He and his younger sibling always had a crush on the female lead but the depths of the male lead’s obsession was always deeper. He becomes enraged upon hearing the female lead had sex with someone else, manipulates the circumstances to have her, kidnaps the female lead and breeds her while holding her captive.
The female lead is resistant but eventually succumbs to Stockholm syndrome though as she becomes friendly with the male lead’s sibling again, triggers the male lead’s jealousy from time to time.
I do wish the male lead’s younger sibling didn’t give up his crush so easily but that was a minor annoyance. It was still sitting at a 3 star rating.
Surprisingly the time jumps in the writing were well done. These scene changes didn’t disrupt the flow.
The whole reappearance of Mark made no sense. Why would it take him ten years to reappear in the female lead’s life? Why now? Why was his plan to take her to New York then essentially abandon her? Why did he provide Jed the advice it would be safe to return in ten years? What is the significance of ten years? If Mark was returning to take the female lead away from the male lead, why would he do that only to then return her to him?
It just felt like Mark’s reintroduction was pointless, apart from forced advertising of the next book.
Rey also received so many unnecessary and pointless scenes I just knew she was going to have a separate book. The ending cemented it. It made no sense Mark would even take Rey with him. He could have simply questioned her about what she knew then let her go. It was obviously advertising for the next book and ruined this book for me.
The infertility of the female lead also came out of nowhere. Most of the book was about breeding her, only for the book to then go on to say she can’t get pregnant.
But then another epilogue at the end has her pregnant. The infertility arc felt so unnecessary
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2022
Marie, this cannot be your debut lol! You did such an amazing job with this book, especially considering this is a dark romance. I have to say I can't wait until you release more!!!
First I would like to say please read the TW there are some extreme things happening in this book and I'd hate for anyone to go into this book not aware of the triggers in them. Now if you can handle the triggers please pick this book up and read it! Soak up this book exactly how I did! I absolutely ate this book up! We start the book off with Piper finding out some shocking information about her relationship and from there it gets even crazier. There are so many twists and turns in this book you really have to pay attention to dissect each and every plot twist. Piper starts off very innocent and honestly a little naive. As the book continues on she realizes she needed to open her eyes to the truth of everything going on around her. The growth you witness from her is just outstanding and of course, we can thank the book boyfriend, Lio for all he did.
Lio really made this book. From the beginning to the end he stays the anti-hero that he is. Even with him being an anti-hero it's only right that we fall in love with him. He is a little dark but we all love to see some light in the darkness. Piper truly is Lio's Muse and he makes sure she knows that he can't live without her in his life. What I was not expecting in this book were the amazing side characters. The main characters are really good as well, but I don't feel like they would be good-written characters without the side characters. Simon is a great best friend to Piper in many ways and I hope we get to see him in book two. I also love Rey and Mark. I'm hoping we get some good chemistry going between those two! Overall this book is a great debut and I suggest picking it up.
First I would like to say please read the TW there are some extreme things happening in this book and I'd hate for anyone to go into this book not aware of the triggers in them. Now if you can handle the triggers please pick this book up and read it! Soak up this book exactly how I did! I absolutely ate this book up! We start the book off with Piper finding out some shocking information about her relationship and from there it gets even crazier. There are so many twists and turns in this book you really have to pay attention to dissect each and every plot twist. Piper starts off very innocent and honestly a little naive. As the book continues on she realizes she needed to open her eyes to the truth of everything going on around her. The growth you witness from her is just outstanding and of course, we can thank the book boyfriend, Lio for all he did.
Lio really made this book. From the beginning to the end he stays the anti-hero that he is. Even with him being an anti-hero it's only right that we fall in love with him. He is a little dark but we all love to see some light in the darkness. Piper truly is Lio's Muse and he makes sure she knows that he can't live without her in his life. What I was not expecting in this book were the amazing side characters. The main characters are really good as well, but I don't feel like they would be good-written characters without the side characters. Simon is a great best friend to Piper in many ways and I hope we get to see him in book two. I also love Rey and Mark. I'm hoping we get some good chemistry going between those two! Overall this book is a great debut and I suggest picking it up.
April 6, 2026
First time ever, I am starting a review without knowing what I will rate it. The first 30% i was so ready to give my 5stars to this book, but after that things got complicated. I love the plot so much, the way everyone was an artist, and how the art in the book was worth admiring. I LOVE the main characters and side characters. I love how our fmc was broken without the mmc and how things went after that as well. But why not 5 stars, you may ask...
Even though everyone was broken in their own way, the book failed to make me cry. I'm not sure what held me back; it may be because no one reacted the way they were supposed to. The sexual tension was there, yes, especially the scenes from flashbacks where the fmc didn't have a clue were so good, but the physical touch started wayyyyyy later for my taste. Also, not a fan of the lack of reactions from side characters who deeply (?) cared for fmc. And that's why I am rating it 4 stars.
It was good, i would read the second book if it was out. I would like to continue this amazing story. Can't help but put this quote down here as someone who struggled with self-love for years and say this was totally my favorite scene from the whole book.
"For the first time, I can see myself through someone else's eyes.
I looked relaxed. Happy. Beautiful. Fresh tears well at the realization.
I worked so hard to be something that I already was. I couldn't see that beauty in the mirror, but it was there all along."
AND this book made me realize, as someone who is obsessed with bully-obession love stories, I LOVE old friends reunions. And I didn't see this trope in any other book I read so far so it put me on a search. If any of you have suggestions, I am open. <33
Even though everyone was broken in their own way, the book failed to make me cry. I'm not sure what held me back; it may be because no one reacted the way they were supposed to. The sexual tension was there, yes, especially the scenes from flashbacks where the fmc didn't have a clue were so good, but the physical touch started wayyyyyy later for my taste. Also, not a fan of the lack of reactions from side characters who deeply (?) cared for fmc. And that's why I am rating it 4 stars.
It was good, i would read the second book if it was out. I would like to continue this amazing story. Can't help but put this quote down here as someone who struggled with self-love for years and say this was totally my favorite scene from the whole book.
"For the first time, I can see myself through someone else's eyes.
I looked relaxed. Happy. Beautiful. Fresh tears well at the realization.
I worked so hard to be something that I already was. I couldn't see that beauty in the mirror, but it was there all along."
AND this book made me realize, as someone who is obsessed with bully-obession love stories, I LOVE old friends reunions. And I didn't see this trope in any other book I read so far so it put me on a search. If any of you have suggestions, I am open. <33
March 4, 2023
As a teen, Piper was so desperate to be loved, that she twisted herself into knots and eating disorders. After a tragedy that resulted in the loss of her entire family, she was driven away and didn't return for 10 years. Her cheating fiance moves them back to her home town and when she discovers he was cheating, she packed a bag determined to leave him. Only too late, her house is being robbed by her former best friend and his intense big brother. But it's no coincidence. Everything was planned by Lio, who has wanted Piper for years and this time, he plans to never let her go.
Okay. So this took much longer to finish cause I'm just drowning in school and work. This was such a messed up story that I managed to enjoy. I know now that I don't like reading about heroines with eating disorders. But despite this I managed to feel for Piper even though she frustrated the piss out of me at times. Lio. Lio. Lio. I both loved and hated the bastard. TW, there's straight up non-con, committed by Lio. There's a LOTS of breeding talk but no actual breeding. I loathed him for his cruelty and loved and sympathized with his longing for Piper and determination to help her heal. He loved her since teen years but as he was older, kept his distance to appease her brother. I gotta admit that there's something about Mark that intrigued me from the start. There's some misleading for most of the story and I literally gasped when the truth was revealed. Not a fan of Rey though and the way she treated her poor father who only wanted to be free from her bitch mom. I'm still willing to read her story since my boyfriend Mark is in it.
Okay. So this took much longer to finish cause I'm just drowning in school and work. This was such a messed up story that I managed to enjoy. I know now that I don't like reading about heroines with eating disorders. But despite this I managed to feel for Piper even though she frustrated the piss out of me at times. Lio. Lio. Lio. I both loved and hated the bastard. TW, there's straight up non-con, committed by Lio. There's a LOTS of breeding talk but no actual breeding. I loathed him for his cruelty and loved and sympathized with his longing for Piper and determination to help her heal. He loved her since teen years but as he was older, kept his distance to appease her brother. I gotta admit that there's something about Mark that intrigued me from the start. There's some misleading for most of the story and I literally gasped when the truth was revealed. Not a fan of Rey though and the way she treated her poor father who only wanted to be free from her bitch mom. I'm still willing to read her story since my boyfriend Mark is in it.
January 9, 2023
I love books that drag my emotions through the wringer and back again. Especially when the characters are so intense and deep, when their stories just rip your heart to shreds.
In this book, everything is from Piper's POV. While I would have liked to get Lio's POV, I understand that this is Piper's story. Following her from the bottom, where she is so broken that she's honestly barely alive. There are stages to her transition and they are subtle but noticeable because you're so engrossed in the story. When she starts to heal, she finds happiness and it's a beautiful, breathtaking thing.
Lio…oh Lio. Many want to hate him, but I was enthralled with him from the beginning. I guess that's just the inky dark part of me showing out. His OTT obsession is toxic, yes. His love for her is unmatched. He is willing to do anything to make her whole again. His means for doing so are not the greatest but he always has a purpose for his actions.
I'm looking forward to many more novels from this author. This being her debut novel is astounding! Talk about a breakout! I am slightly obsessed. The Muse is multi-faceted, deeply emotional, very dark, gritty, with enough spice to get you squirming.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥Noncon 💥SA
💥Mass gun violence 💥Suicide
💥Eating disorders 💥Potential infertility
💥Abduction 💥Stockholm Syndrome
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 3🌶🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book, everything is from Piper's POV. While I would have liked to get Lio's POV, I understand that this is Piper's story. Following her from the bottom, where she is so broken that she's honestly barely alive. There are stages to her transition and they are subtle but noticeable because you're so engrossed in the story. When she starts to heal, she finds happiness and it's a beautiful, breathtaking thing.
Lio…oh Lio. Many want to hate him, but I was enthralled with him from the beginning. I guess that's just the inky dark part of me showing out. His OTT obsession is toxic, yes. His love for her is unmatched. He is willing to do anything to make her whole again. His means for doing so are not the greatest but he always has a purpose for his actions.
I'm looking forward to many more novels from this author. This being her debut novel is astounding! Talk about a breakout! I am slightly obsessed. The Muse is multi-faceted, deeply emotional, very dark, gritty, with enough spice to get you squirming.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥Noncon 💥SA
💥Mass gun violence 💥Suicide
💥Eating disorders 💥Potential infertility
💥Abduction 💥Stockholm Syndrome
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 3🌶🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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