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Colin: A Serial Killer Romance
Beauty is his obsession...
It started with the mannequin heads.
They were my escape, my solace, my companions in the darkness.
But the day came when they weren't enough. That's when I started taking the girls.
But Avery? She's not like the others.
She's beautiful - so beautiful - but I can't hurt her.
I need to keep her with me...forever.
He should terrify me.
I'm his prisoner.
I've seen what he did to the others. How can I believe him when he says he won't hurt me?
But there's more to him than darkness. There's a terrible sadness.
And as strange as it sounds, a kind of beauty.
I wonder if I can ever make him see himself the way I do?
Please This is a dark romance with violent and unsettling themes of an adult nature that some may find disturbing. A Serial Killer Romance is a standalone novel of 66k words with a HEA.
It started with the mannequin heads.
They were my escape, my solace, my companions in the darkness.
But the day came when they weren't enough. That's when I started taking the girls.
But Avery? She's not like the others.
She's beautiful - so beautiful - but I can't hurt her.
I need to keep her with me...forever.
He should terrify me.
I'm his prisoner.
I've seen what he did to the others. How can I believe him when he says he won't hurt me?
But there's more to him than darkness. There's a terrible sadness.
And as strange as it sounds, a kind of beauty.
I wonder if I can ever make him see himself the way I do?
Please This is a dark romance with violent and unsettling themes of an adult nature that some may find disturbing. A Serial Killer Romance is a standalone novel of 66k words with a HEA.
- GenresDark RomanceDarkRomance
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2017
18 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 4, 2016
Wow this rating is kind of hard for me.
This is the first serial killer related book that I've ever read that the main focus IS THE SERIAL KILLER. Of course I've read many dark reads but not like this. It was very thoroughly written IMO.
Collin was a well developed character but to me Avery fell short. Normally it's not a big deal for me, but there was really no explanation of her background that allowed me to understand her
acceptance of a serial killer like it's no big deal. It's not impossible but some of the things that took place surprised me. Throw her friend Barbara into the mix and that whole situation (towards the end with her and the "buddy")... just, no.
This book just sucked me right in! The entire way he executed his abductions and what he did with them was so cool. ONLY IN THE BOOK OF COURSE! Call me a sicko, I know.
His dark hair, dark mysterious eyes, and hot body maybe made it easier for Avery, I know it would be hard to resist a smokin' hot serial killer, what do you think?
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Avery is just a college student living next door, and she catches him watching her from his balcony, on a few occasions. She sees him in the tunnel (you'll learn about that... you HAVE to read it) and she sees him with a bag over his shoulders at one point that LOOKS like a body. Yet, she wants him.
"I'm kind of embarrassed to say this out loud, and the only reason I feel like I'm able to is because you have been so honest with me, but I did like it when I saw you watching me from your window. When we first met, I thought you were really hot and it made me feel good. And now, for reasons I cannot even begin to understand, the more I've gotten to know about you the more compelling you've become to me."
Honest? At this point I thought... how do you know that?
"Are you asking me if I raped the girls I brought here or fucked their dead bodies?"
And guess what? I got NO SEX the entire book! I can't handle that! I wanted her and the hot killer to get down and dirty. DID. NOT. HAPPEN. This is a rarity for me, to make it through so much of a story not thinking about it for periods at a time. But that's how pulled in I was.
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I'm happy to announce that I finally got some action! I won't mention who, don't assume these two! Remember Barbara was a part of this story.
This could have been a 5 star for me up until the last I don't know, 20%. Don't get me wrong! I loved this book I just wish it was handled somewhat differently for the ending.
***ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR*** Thank you!
This is the first serial killer related book that I've ever read that the main focus IS THE SERIAL KILLER. Of course I've read many dark reads but not like this. It was very thoroughly written IMO.
Collin was a well developed character but to me Avery fell short. Normally it's not a big deal for me, but there was really no explanation of her background that allowed me to understand her
acceptance of a serial killer like it's no big deal. It's not impossible but some of the things that took place surprised me. Throw her friend Barbara into the mix and that whole situation (towards the end with her and the "buddy")... just, no.
This book just sucked me right in! The entire way he executed his abductions and what he did with them was so cool. ONLY IN THE BOOK OF COURSE! Call me a sicko, I know.
His dark hair, dark mysterious eyes, and hot body maybe made it easier for Avery, I know it would be hard to resist a smokin' hot serial killer, what do you think?
[image error]
Avery is just a college student living next door, and she catches him watching her from his balcony, on a few occasions. She sees him in the tunnel (you'll learn about that... you HAVE to read it) and she sees him with a bag over his shoulders at one point that LOOKS like a body. Yet, she wants him.
"I'm kind of embarrassed to say this out loud, and the only reason I feel like I'm able to is because you have been so honest with me, but I did like it when I saw you watching me from your window. When we first met, I thought you were really hot and it made me feel good. And now, for reasons I cannot even begin to understand, the more I've gotten to know about you the more compelling you've become to me."
Honest? At this point I thought... how do you know that?
"Are you asking me if I raped the girls I brought here or fucked their dead bodies?"
And guess what? I got NO SEX the entire book! I can't handle that! I wanted her and the hot killer to get down and dirty. DID. NOT. HAPPEN. This is a rarity for me, to make it through so much of a story not thinking about it for periods at a time. But that's how pulled in I was.
[image error]
I'm happy to announce that I finally got some action! I won't mention who, don't assume these two! Remember Barbara was a part of this story.
This could have been a 5 star for me up until the last I don't know, 20%. Don't get me wrong! I loved this book I just wish it was handled somewhat differently for the ending.
***ARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR*** Thank you!
April 3, 2016
This is a really good book. I do recommend this book it is a little creepy, and overall good read However this is a soft dark romance.
April 3, 2016
What a truly dark story. It was so twisted, like nothing I've ever read from Stella Noir yet. I just couldn't put it down until the last page. Then I sat there thinking WTF did I just read? I really want to read Landon's story now. I actually can't wait to read more like this from Stella and JB. They make me like dark and twisted. Grab yourself a copy to read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2016
Holy shit!!!
July 9, 2017
This is the first audiobook I've ever listened to and wasn't sure what to expect. I thought the narrator did a great job. Although it took some getting used to hearing the female narrator try to sound like male characters, she was able to make enough differences in her voice that I was able to tell which "character" was talking.
As far as the story goes, you need to heed the warning in the blurb. This is definitely "a dark romance with violent and unsettling themes of an adult nature that some may find disturbing." If violent themes are not your thing, make you uncomfortable, or make you offended I suggest you pass on listening to or reading this book. Yes, it is a pretty unrealistic storyline like a few reviewers have said. I would hope women in real life would call the police when stumbling upon someone like Colin (and Landon) instead of striking up a relationship with them. However, this is fiction. Knowing that, the writing is well done and it kept my interest. There were some unexpected twists as well. I've read some other stories by this author and liked them too. If you like dark themes, I definitely recommend reading or listening to her work.
*I voluntarily reviewed an audiobook copy gifted to me from the author. This is my honest review.*
As far as the story goes, you need to heed the warning in the blurb. This is definitely "a dark romance with violent and unsettling themes of an adult nature that some may find disturbing." If violent themes are not your thing, make you uncomfortable, or make you offended I suggest you pass on listening to or reading this book. Yes, it is a pretty unrealistic storyline like a few reviewers have said. I would hope women in real life would call the police when stumbling upon someone like Colin (and Landon) instead of striking up a relationship with them. However, this is fiction. Knowing that, the writing is well done and it kept my interest. There were some unexpected twists as well. I've read some other stories by this author and liked them too. If you like dark themes, I definitely recommend reading or listening to her work.
*I voluntarily reviewed an audiobook copy gifted to me from the author. This is my honest review.*
December 29, 2017
This one certainly has creep factor and certainly pushes the boundaries of darkness. Colin is actually quite a loveable serial killer once you get past the creepy, serial killer qualities! I know, kind of funny but, you can see how Avery falls for him and wants him to be more than he is and see himself as she sees him.
Again, I didn't love this one as much as I have other of JB's works but again, this one is worth the read if you like your romances with dark, twisty elements that at times make you go 'ew' and at others, 'ah'!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Again, I didn't love this one as much as I have other of JB's works but again, this one is worth the read if you like your romances with dark, twisty elements that at times make you go 'ew' and at others, 'ah'!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 21, 2019
I enjoyed it.
Even read it twice. It’s a sweet killer story if you can call it thought. Kinda insta love. A lot of internal dialogue. Author works hard to make them seem like good guys even though they kill people. But it seems to work if you over look it and just want a sweet love story.
Even read it twice. It’s a sweet killer story if you can call it thought. Kinda insta love. A lot of internal dialogue. Author works hard to make them seem like good guys even though they kill people. But it seems to work if you over look it and just want a sweet love story.
June 12, 2017
Colin by J.B. Duvane was a great dark read. Colin is a very twisted person that you hope will change his ways and redeem himself. Avery is a naive girl who finds herself falling for her captor. I enjoyed reading this book and seeing if Colin could find his happily ever after.
October 4, 2022
It started off incredible, but ended up being boring as hell.
April 22, 2016
I'm not real sure what I just read or how to rate this book so I'm gonna rate it in the middle. Colin was a messed up character and I didn't care for or like Avery at all. But like a car crash, I couldn't seem to look away and kept right on reading. I therefore guess it's fair to give it a couple of stars simply because it kept my attention long enough to finish it.
Oddly, I liked Colin well enough - although the man's this serial murderer who reminds me of that dude from the movie Silence of the Lambs. I mean, he's building the perfect women mannequin heads by taking parts off different women who he meets at the salon where he works. He drugs them, drags them home through tunnels under their town, tortures them, kills them and then dumps their bodies. I already felt Avery was weird, but she confirms it when she doesn't seem too bothered when she learns about him because she's drawn to him and feels some f'ed up invisible connection. But HOW can you NOT be disturbed by the fact he's killing women? She even witnesses a bloody woman crawling, yes crawling up the freaking stairs from the basement. Just bizarre! The guy could be the hottest man I'd even seen. I mean we're talking tall, tattooed, muscled, bossy and just fine. But if he has a mutilated, bloody chick moaning and locked up in his basement, I'm thinking that's an immediate mood/deal breaker. No hot man can be that flippin hot!
Then we have the story about the vindictive mom who was really a dad yet Colin still considers him/her a mom. WTH?! And did I mention that the whole wig headed mannequin women thing is because Colin is creating them to be his pretend friends? I'm just at a loss. I can usually stretch my imagination really damn far, but with this one I'm shaking my head cause this is some seriously messed up stuff here. And yes, I feel sorry for the man. His childhood had to have been horrible to have warped him so badly. But wow! Unless it’s a paranormal story, I have to find the storyline a little bit believable and I just couldn’t with this one.
But hey, this is just my opinion on this book. You may love reading about this kind of stuff. After all, it does have a happy ending.
Oddly, I liked Colin well enough - although the man's this serial murderer who reminds me of that dude from the movie Silence of the Lambs. I mean, he's building the perfect women mannequin heads by taking parts off different women who he meets at the salon where he works. He drugs them, drags them home through tunnels under their town, tortures them, kills them and then dumps their bodies. I already felt Avery was weird, but she confirms it when she doesn't seem too bothered when she learns about him because she's drawn to him and feels some f'ed up invisible connection. But HOW can you NOT be disturbed by the fact he's killing women? She even witnesses a bloody woman crawling, yes crawling up the freaking stairs from the basement. Just bizarre! The guy could be the hottest man I'd even seen. I mean we're talking tall, tattooed, muscled, bossy and just fine. But if he has a mutilated, bloody chick moaning and locked up in his basement, I'm thinking that's an immediate mood/deal breaker. No hot man can be that flippin hot!
Then we have the story about the vindictive mom who was really a dad yet Colin still considers him/her a mom. WTH?! And did I mention that the whole wig headed mannequin women thing is because Colin is creating them to be his pretend friends? I'm just at a loss. I can usually stretch my imagination really damn far, but with this one I'm shaking my head cause this is some seriously messed up stuff here. And yes, I feel sorry for the man. His childhood had to have been horrible to have warped him so badly. But wow! Unless it’s a paranormal story, I have to find the storyline a little bit believable and I just couldn’t with this one.
But hey, this is just my opinion on this book. You may love reading about this kind of stuff. After all, it does have a happy ending.
April 6, 2016
Well... I should have expected this being as the title says "A Serial Killer Romance" but I didn't. I enjoy a darker romance every once in awhile but I like them mixed with really hot dark sex. This book didn't have that. SO I was a little disappointed by that. It was just straight serial killer mixed with a little insta love.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book. Colin was one of the best written characters I have read in awhile. They did a phenomenal job writing his mind. He had the mind,body, soul of a killer. He thought he was a monster but that he couldn't do any better. His mind was completely broken and it was honestly beautiful. Which I know sounds messed up but it's true and it's hard to explain because I don't usually read these kinds of books. But I believe he was perfect. There wasn't a flaw in his character the whole book. There was always something broken in his mind. Even at the end, when he had the girl, he wasn't instantly healed.
Avery, I absolutely hated. She is what ruined the book for me. I understand that she had to be little bit desperate and she would have to have a few problems to be able to accept a killer for a lover. But she was just unbearable.
I was completely impressed with the writing and the development of Colin's character. I've never read anything by this author and it was given to me by the author through one of my GR friends. But I have to say that I am going to look for some of her other books because I really was impressed with Colins character. I so did not think I would love the serial killer but I did. Not in the I want you to be my husband love, but the your character was so perfectly written that I want to know more about your mind, love.
The book is twisted and also very creepy, but defiantly worth reading!
http://megansbookmadness.blogspot.com...
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book. Colin was one of the best written characters I have read in awhile. They did a phenomenal job writing his mind. He had the mind,body, soul of a killer. He thought he was a monster but that he couldn't do any better. His mind was completely broken and it was honestly beautiful. Which I know sounds messed up but it's true and it's hard to explain because I don't usually read these kinds of books. But I believe he was perfect. There wasn't a flaw in his character the whole book. There was always something broken in his mind. Even at the end, when he had the girl, he wasn't instantly healed.
Avery, I absolutely hated. She is what ruined the book for me. I understand that she had to be little bit desperate and she would have to have a few problems to be able to accept a killer for a lover. But she was just unbearable.
I was completely impressed with the writing and the development of Colin's character. I've never read anything by this author and it was given to me by the author through one of my GR friends. But I have to say that I am going to look for some of her other books because I really was impressed with Colins character. I so did not think I would love the serial killer but I did. Not in the I want you to be my husband love, but the your character was so perfectly written that I want to know more about your mind, love.
The book is twisted and also very creepy, but defiantly worth reading!
http://megansbookmadness.blogspot.com...
September 13, 2016
I was really excited to start this book and it started off well enough. It was getting pretty interesting, then about half way through it seemed like the book reached its climax and basically just flatlined from there.
After a certain point I was reading faster and skipping over whole pages so I could just finish it and move on.
After a certain point I was reading faster and skipping over whole pages so I could just finish it and move on.
June 11, 2016
This book was a little strange to start, I know Colin is a serial killer with a obsession of beauty and for me it dragged on to long before we got any naughty bits lol. Avery is his neighbor and Colin has an obsession over her, although only meeting once and spying on her through her bedroom window. It's not as dark as I'd have liked lol I mean apart from being a killer that's it, no real details as to what Colin did to his victims. I feel it's tame, a good read but the most exciting thing I felt was yet to come when landen rings ,after 6 months of being with Avery and staying out of the dark mind set we may never know if Colin visits landen and his captive in his cells. I'd also love to see a book for Landen and Barbara I want to know exactly what he does lol or rather how he does
June 13, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This is dark and twisted, but I loved it! Twists that I did not at all see coming. Scary, 'ew' moments. Great storyline and characters. Colin was well thought out, I hated him, liked him, felt sorry for him, then understood him. Avery, I didn't quite connect to her as much. I understand that she had issues too, it's just, I don't know - if it was me in her boots, I would have reacted differently, she kinda came across as more emotionless than Colin. Secrets, layers to each of them that all slowly come out. Did I mention dark and twisted? Would recommend though.
This is dark and twisted, but I loved it! Twists that I did not at all see coming. Scary, 'ew' moments. Great storyline and characters. Colin was well thought out, I hated him, liked him, felt sorry for him, then understood him. Avery, I didn't quite connect to her as much. I understand that she had issues too, it's just, I don't know - if it was me in her boots, I would have reacted differently, she kinda came across as more emotionless than Colin. Secrets, layers to each of them that all slowly come out. Did I mention dark and twisted? Would recommend though.
April 29, 2016
I couldn't really get into this book. The story line went so fast and just jumped so hard. One second Im meeting a new character and the next she's making a best friend and I just felt like the time line was messed up. I didnt feel like the two main characters were in love, I didnt see how they fit together and the story itself really didnt build to anything. It was just a straight line.
Maybe its just not my type of story, I made it through the book at least but that's about all I can say about this book.
Maybe its just not my type of story, I made it through the book at least but that's about all I can say about this book.
April 3, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It was so refreshing to see how Avery looked at the world and her perspective of people. Even though this was a dark romance, the yucky stuff took a backseat to the good stuff. Colin may have done some really bad things and had a horrible childhood, but his first meeting with Avery started to change his way of thinking. Will Avery be able to help Colin see the good in himself? Or will she become his next victim?
ARC provided for honest review
ARC provided for honest review
April 20, 2016
Great dark read. Colin is beautiful on the inside but broken on the inside. Avery moves into a new into a new place and started college. She is intrigued by her new neighbor but never imagined she could become one of his victims. This is a fast paced, drama filled read. Colin is one of those character you know you should hate but can’t because there is good in him. I really enjoyed delving Colin’s mind.
May 6, 2016
Umm.. You know, I liked it. It was a first book of this type that I read. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. Then I remembered it is just a book. Colin was a wounded man. He had many issues that made him do the things be did.
The book kept my interest, I enjoyed it. I would read this author again.
The book kept my interest, I enjoyed it. I would read this author again.
June 19, 2017
ARC review For honest review. I don't normally read this kind of stuff, but it was good very dark or ok sick. Colin is a serial kill of women and even his friend is a serial killer .Avery changes a lot of things ,but let's just say read this it's really good but messed up .I also got this as a audible wow I loved the reader and listen again it's even better on audible.
June 19, 2017
ARC review For honest review. I don't normally read this kind of stuff, but it was good very dark or ok sick. Colin is a serial kill of women and even his friend is a serial killer .Avery changes a lot of things ,but let's just say read this it's really good but messed up .I also got this as a audible wow I loved the reader and listen again it's even better on audible.
May 12, 2016
New for me
I've never read this kind of storyline before so I thought I would give it a try I'm glad I did I found it to be a really good read tastefully done and I will read more by the two authors
I've never read this kind of storyline before so I thought I would give it a try I'm glad I did I found it to be a really good read tastefully done and I will read more by the two authors
August 10, 2016
Wow
This was one hell of a book. A little different from what I normally read but, still a very good book. I don't know gowns would react if someone that I was into was actually a serial killer.
This was one hell of a book. A little different from what I normally read but, still a very good book. I don't know gowns would react if someone that I was into was actually a serial killer.
October 22, 2016
WOW!!!
This is my first dark read and I really really like it.
I never knew I could be into serial killer romances. infact I didn't even know they existed.
I will be looking forward to more in this genre definitely and more from the author.
This is my first dark read and I really really like it.
I never knew I could be into serial killer romances. infact I didn't even know they existed.
I will be looking forward to more in this genre definitely and more from the author.
June 12, 2017
Colin by J.B. Duvane was a great dark read. Colin is a very twisted person that you hope will change his ways and redeem himself. Avery is a naive girl who finds herself falling for her captor. I enjoyed reading this book and seeing if Colin could find his happily ever after.
April 17, 2016
Awesome
When you start reading this book, you start to really enjoy reading the story you have to finish reading the book
When you start reading this book, you start to really enjoy reading the story you have to finish reading the book
April 11, 2016
I HAVE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS BOOK
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews