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Penance: A dark, Stalker Romance
Mercy
Two words.
‘You’re pregnant.’
Except, no.
That couldn’t be possible.
I was a good girl. I went to church, and I said my prayers.
I was saving myself.
How could this happen?
Was God punishing me?
Draco
Three words.
‘I own you’
Except Mercy doesn’t know it yet.
She will. She’ll find out soon enough.
I planned it this way when I climbed into bed with her every night.
I would have my little Mercy, and I would make her pay for what she did to me.
I would have her, and I would have my revenge.
Two words.
‘You’re pregnant.’
Except, no.
That couldn’t be possible.
I was a good girl. I went to church, and I said my prayers.
I was saving myself.
How could this happen?
Was God punishing me?
Draco
Three words.
‘I own you’
Except Mercy doesn’t know it yet.
She will. She’ll find out soon enough.
I planned it this way when I climbed into bed with her every night.
I would have my little Mercy, and I would make her pay for what she did to me.
I would have her, and I would have my revenge.
- GenresDark RomanceErotica
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
33 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 24, 2025
I think I read this in less than five hours. Probably less than four. It was that interesting.
Okay, before I give you the spoiler, let me start with what the story is about. It's about a very religious and devout female lead, Mercy. We found out that she was pregnant in the first chapter, and she had never had sex with anyone. With her knowledge, that was. Then, we were introduced to this pariah of the town character, Draco. Something happened in his past that made him infamous in their community. Something that was only hinted at in the prologue involved an older preacher.
Let's talk about these two characters. Mercy is deep in her religion; she never strayed and almost unhealthily or unconsciously depends on her faith. While, Draco is the temptation. He lived to corrupt Mercy and had a deep-rooted vendetta for her. He has this unexplained obsession (that was later revealed) and manipulated her to fall into his plan.
It's hard to tell you guys more without revealing some of the trigger warnings and spoilers. So, if you want to go into this book blind (which I recommend), do stop here. For those who just want to know what and why it happened, continue on.
For the trigger/content warnings, here it is:
For spoilers:
So, that was a mindfuck. And honestly, a vengeful part of me kinda understands (tho this part is very little) why he did what he did. But then, they were kids, so it was hard to blame either party. It was shitty what she did and he took his revenge too far. I'm torn.
All in all, this was a very engrossing of a story. Our guy is a maniac and honest to god, not a good person but... well, no buts really. I don't want to justify his actions more than I already did. I just wanted to say, I understand why he wanted to take his revenge on her. Not that I don't condemn what he did.
Anyway, pretty good of a dark romance. Recommended!
Okay, before I give you the spoiler, let me start with what the story is about. It's about a very religious and devout female lead, Mercy. We found out that she was pregnant in the first chapter, and she had never had sex with anyone. With her knowledge, that was. Then, we were introduced to this pariah of the town character, Draco. Something happened in his past that made him infamous in their community. Something that was only hinted at in the prologue involved an older preacher.
Let's talk about these two characters. Mercy is deep in her religion; she never strayed and almost unhealthily or unconsciously depends on her faith. While, Draco is the temptation. He lived to corrupt Mercy and had a deep-rooted vendetta for her. He has this unexplained obsession (that was later revealed) and manipulated her to fall into his plan.
It's hard to tell you guys more without revealing some of the trigger warnings and spoilers. So, if you want to go into this book blind (which I recommend), do stop here. For those who just want to know what and why it happened, continue on.
For the trigger/content warnings, here it is:
For spoilers:
So, that was a mindfuck. And honestly, a vengeful part of me kinda understands (tho this part is very little) why he did what he did. But then, they were kids, so it was hard to blame either party. It was shitty what she did and he took his revenge too far. I'm torn.
All in all, this was a very engrossing of a story. Our guy is a maniac and honest to god, not a good person but... well, no buts really. I don't want to justify his actions more than I already did. I just wanted to say, I understand why he wanted to take his revenge on her. Not that I don't condemn what he did.
Anyway, pretty good of a dark romance. Recommended!
May 26, 2025
ARC reader here. When someone tells you to be sure to read trigger warnings, this is one of them. PLEASE read the trigger warnings and remember your mental health before diving into this book. Definitely gives me Joe Arden MMC narrator vibes (IYKYK)
This book is dark. But I loved it. It shows too very different ways that an abused person becomes after the said abuse. It’s unhinged and raw and beautifully written. Earning every single one of those 5 stars.
This book is dark. But I loved it. It shows too very different ways that an abused person becomes after the said abuse. It’s unhinged and raw and beautifully written. Earning every single one of those 5 stars.
July 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🖤 M/F
🗣️ Dual POV
🌒 Darkness Scale- Black
💥 READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
♱ Dark Side of Religion
I cannot state this enough, please read the trigger warnings BEFORE reading the book if you have any triggers at all. If you have no triggers, you should be good, but maybe just still take a look 🤷♀️.
The book does not have a morally gray MC, Draco is not redeemable in the things that he does. Do we get his background and understand why he is the way that he is, yes but, even though he sometimes has some moments where he re thinks what he is doing to Mercy...It doesnt matter because he still follows through with his plan of ultimate destruction of her entire life.
Mercy is not a strong, or fierce FMC and she is incredibly hard to connect with if you are looking for that type of FMC. I found her hard to connect with, I am not a devout Christian, nor do I understand her inability to set boundaries so we just did not click. Which is totally fine, you're not going to connect with every character that you read. Her sniveling and lack of backbone was true to the story and did not take away.
My rating for this book is really around the writing being good, and how compelling the story was. I was invested, simply to see what the next fucked up thing Draco was going to do, and how it was going to impact Mercy.
I would have liked more background on what else Draco was up to in the 15yrs before he came back into Mercy's life, and I would also have liked more details on the suffrage of the pastor. Cause lets be honest, that man deserved way more than what we got at the beginning of the book.
Tropes:
🖤 Stalker
♱ Masked MMC
🖤 NonCon
♱ Religion Themed
🖤 Unredeemable MMC
♱ Dark "Romance"
🖤 Damsel FMC
♱ Pregnancy resulting from NonCon
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🖤 M/F
🗣️ Dual POV
🌒 Darkness Scale- Black
💥 READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
♱ Dark Side of Religion
I cannot state this enough, please read the trigger warnings BEFORE reading the book if you have any triggers at all. If you have no triggers, you should be good, but maybe just still take a look 🤷♀️.
The book does not have a morally gray MC, Draco is not redeemable in the things that he does. Do we get his background and understand why he is the way that he is, yes but, even though he sometimes has some moments where he re thinks what he is doing to Mercy...It doesnt matter because he still follows through with his plan of ultimate destruction of her entire life.
Mercy is not a strong, or fierce FMC and she is incredibly hard to connect with if you are looking for that type of FMC. I found her hard to connect with, I am not a devout Christian, nor do I understand her inability to set boundaries so we just did not click. Which is totally fine, you're not going to connect with every character that you read. Her sniveling and lack of backbone was true to the story and did not take away.
My rating for this book is really around the writing being good, and how compelling the story was. I was invested, simply to see what the next fucked up thing Draco was going to do, and how it was going to impact Mercy.
I would have liked more background on what else Draco was up to in the 15yrs before he came back into Mercy's life, and I would also have liked more details on the suffrage of the pastor. Cause lets be honest, that man deserved way more than what we got at the beginning of the book.
Tropes:
🖤 Stalker
♱ Masked MMC
🖤 NonCon
♱ Religion Themed
🖤 Unredeemable MMC
♱ Dark "Romance"
🖤 Damsel FMC
♱ Pregnancy resulting from NonCon
May 26, 2025
You want DARK dark? Penance is it for you. Draco is a deeply damaged MMC, with a very disturbed idea of what penance looks like. And wholesome, naive, desperate, Mercy just needs someone to turn to when she is feeling alienated. This leads to a twisted codependent relationship of Draco's dark design.
Do I think that it's fully believable? Eh...trauma does crazy things to a person. It's not out of the realm of possibility. The only real question mark over my head here is that once Mercy sees herself as "damaged goods" in the eyes of the church, she just goes all-in with Draco. In my experience, there would PROBABLY be a little more awkwardness when it came to intimacy on her part. Going from sheltered and pious, to grinding on a guy and begging him to screw you is a long road of experience and experimenting - but our girl Mercy goes 0-100 in the blink of an eye. Again, not out of the realm of possibility in a deeply traumatic situation, so I can let it slide.
All in all, it was a filthy and twisted romance that will still manage to put a smile on your face at the end -- and somehow, still fall for this MMC.
Do I think that it's fully believable? Eh...trauma does crazy things to a person. It's not out of the realm of possibility. The only real question mark over my head here is that once Mercy sees herself as "damaged goods" in the eyes of the church, she just goes all-in with Draco. In my experience, there would PROBABLY be a little more awkwardness when it came to intimacy on her part. Going from sheltered and pious, to grinding on a guy and begging him to screw you is a long road of experience and experimenting - but our girl Mercy goes 0-100 in the blink of an eye. Again, not out of the realm of possibility in a deeply traumatic situation, so I can let it slide.
All in all, it was a filthy and twisted romance that will still manage to put a smile on your face at the end -- and somehow, still fall for this MMC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
Thank you for the author sending me arc
This is book is extremely DARK!!!
This book is dark, disturbing, and deeply emotional. It’s not a light read, and it doesn’t try to be. Mercy is a symbol of purity and faith, while Darco is her opposite—broken, obsessive, and dangerous. What unfolds between them is twisted and painful, with heavy themes including manipulation, control, and sexual assault. It’s uncomfortable, haunting, and at times hard to read.
But beneath all the cruelty, there’s a tragic love story trying to survive. A bond that was once innocent is now tainted by revenge and obsession, yet somehow it still burns.
This isn’t a romance for everyone. It’s for readers who are drawn to the darkest corners of love—those who can sit with discomfort and still see the fragile threads of hope and forgiveness buried beneath it all. Please check content warnings before diving in.
This is book is extremely DARK!!!
This book is dark, disturbing, and deeply emotional. It’s not a light read, and it doesn’t try to be. Mercy is a symbol of purity and faith, while Darco is her opposite—broken, obsessive, and dangerous. What unfolds between them is twisted and painful, with heavy themes including manipulation, control, and sexual assault. It’s uncomfortable, haunting, and at times hard to read.
But beneath all the cruelty, there’s a tragic love story trying to survive. A bond that was once innocent is now tainted by revenge and obsession, yet somehow it still burns.
This isn’t a romance for everyone. It’s for readers who are drawn to the darkest corners of love—those who can sit with discomfort and still see the fragile threads of hope and forgiveness buried beneath it all. Please check content warnings before diving in.
May 30, 2025
ARC reader here! This book is VERY dark so pleaseee check the trigger warnings for it! Besides that, I liked how the author showed two different abuse victims and how they handled their trauma in different ways as no one reacts the same.
Possible spoilers below.
The character development was nice but I do wish the FMC took a little longer to forgive the MMC after finding out. It was a little quick and I felt like she wasn’t able to fully come to terms to the extent of what she had just found out before deciding to forgive him. Regardless, I enjoyed reading this book!
Possible spoilers below.
The character development was nice but I do wish the FMC took a little longer to forgive the MMC after finding out. It was a little quick and I felt like she wasn’t able to fully come to terms to the extent of what she had just found out before deciding to forgive him. Regardless, I enjoyed reading this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
I read this as an ARC and it was amazing, love lillith’s writing. With that said, it is a very dark book and has lots of trigger warnings. But I love dark romance, stalker, spicy books with lots of trigger warnings. The characters were awesome and watching the growth of each character was beautiful. The spice was amazing! I don’t think I’ve wanted to strangle and love an MMC this much 🤣
July 3, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
Penance was intense, dark, and good. The MMC was intentionally written so that I knew I was going to dislike him—I was supposed to. When the story peaked, it all made sense. However, I still have questions about the pentagram tattoo. There are TW/CWs and a note from the author in the beginning. The story is not for everyone. I liked it a lot.
Penance was intense, dark, and good. The MMC was intentionally written so that I knew I was going to dislike him—I was supposed to. When the story peaked, it all made sense. However, I still have questions about the pentagram tattoo. There are TW/CWs and a note from the author in the beginning. The story is not for everyone. I liked it a lot.
May 24, 2025
This is a very dark book, while dark I still enjoyed it, mostly lol. I enjoyed as much as I think you’re supposed to. Draco is indeed an extremely dark individual who exacts his revenge in the worst way possible. He humiliates mercy in abnormal ways. Somehow they manage to work through both of them being terrible people and make love work in a unique way!
May 26, 2025
this book was so amazing and I couldn’t put it down. I loved every minute of it. it was so dark but also lowkey spicy (if you’re into that stuff). definitely check the trigger warnings, but if you can handle it then I highly recommend this book!
May 26, 2025
This book contains very dark themes and elements so please check the trigger warnings before you read it. Overall, I enjoyed the story. I thought it had a great plot, I personally enjoyed the dark elements it had, although I understand it may be too much for some. The MMC is truly a villain, so you won't find a soft or turned hero here. He is set out for vengeance and to make Mercy suffer. I do wish Mercy had a little bit more of a backbone, I would have liked to see her grow stronger and do a little less crying, but I understand for the story she's meant to be more of a sacrificial "lamb". If you like very dark romance where the MMC STAYS the villain, this will be one you'll want to read!
May 26, 2025
Such a dark and twisted book but that’s what made it so great, I loved the darkness and all the trigger warning. This book is highly recommended but read the tw first.
May 28, 2025
ARC reader here! PLEASE read trigger warnings. This is a very dark read, but it kept me hooked through the whole thing. The character development peeks throughout almost had me questioning whether or not I liked certain characters, and you get a deep look into the mind of abuse victims and how they handle their emotional and mental states while coping.
May 29, 2025
Loved this book! Can't wait to read more by Lillith!!
Want to read
August 10, 2025NOTE: MERCY
Two words.
‘You’re pregnant.’
Except, no.
That couldn’t be possible.
I was a good girl. I went to church, and I said my prayers.
I was saving myself.
How could this happen?
Was God punishing me?
DRACO
Three words.
‘I own you’
Except Mercy doesn’t know it yet.
She will. She’ll find out soon enough.
I planned it this way when I climbed into bed with her every night.
I would have my little Mercy, and I would make her pay for what she did to me.
I would have her, and I would have my revenge.
TRIGGERS:
Heavy religious subjects
R@pe (graphic, on page)
Emotional @buse
Physical @buse
M@nipulation
G@slighting
Pr3gn@ncy
S0mn0philia
D@cryphilia
Kn!fe play
M@sk play
Su!c!dal thoughts
St@lking
F0rced br33ding
F0rced Marriage
F0rced s3m3n ingestion
Hum!liat!on
Mental @buse
!solati0n and c0ntr0l
Home !nvasion
Hidd3n c@meras
Child @buse
Remembered CSA
D3ath of a parent
3dg!ng
0 denial
@n@l
Two words.
‘You’re pregnant.’
Except, no.
That couldn’t be possible.
I was a good girl. I went to church, and I said my prayers.
I was saving myself.
How could this happen?
Was God punishing me?
DRACO
Three words.
‘I own you’
Except Mercy doesn’t know it yet.
She will. She’ll find out soon enough.
I planned it this way when I climbed into bed with her every night.
I would have my little Mercy, and I would make her pay for what she did to me.
I would have her, and I would have my revenge.
TRIGGERS:
Heavy religious subjects
R@pe (graphic, on page)
Emotional @buse
Physical @buse
M@nipulation
G@slighting
Pr3gn@ncy
S0mn0philia
D@cryphilia
Kn!fe play
M@sk play
Su!c!dal thoughts
St@lking
F0rced br33ding
F0rced Marriage
F0rced s3m3n ingestion
Hum!liat!on
Mental @buse
!solati0n and c0ntr0l
Home !nvasion
Hidd3n c@meras
Child @buse
Remembered CSA
D3ath of a parent
3dg!ng
0 denial
@n@l
June 2, 2025
ARC reader 📚 review
(possible plot spoilers)
The first thing I noticed when I began reading was that the story felt overly punctuated. It was enough to capture my attention and annoyed me until the story began to take off. I'd describe it as if the story read like it was choppy and just didn't flow smoothly. Once the plot began to develop, I was less bothered by it, but it was still on my radar as an annoyance.
Draco (MMC) has all my favourite content warnings ⚠️ making him the perfect book boyfriend for me ... at least he should've been. He was very much conflicted and didn't fully sell the bad boy, ruin your life with no remorse character, I felt as though he was written to portray. From the prologue, his character was depicted a certain way that just fell a little short. I expected pitch black and got morally gray.
Overall, the storyline was good, but nothing really too shocking or unpredictable happening. His plan to do to Mercy what he believed she did to him years prior, felt like it could've been explored more (her POV of his past experience). This is likely due to the sensitive nature of the content and it being off page SA. But his perceived betrayal from Mercy is what stemmed his whole revenge plot.
Personally, when I got to the last 60 pages, I knew the ending was going to feel rushed to me. I felt like a lot more needed to play out, and it just was a quick here's their HEA.
There were some minor spelling/ grammatical errors that will likely be resolved before final print.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in Stockholm syndrome romance, forced breeding, and books with possessive MMCs - it's not a drop everything and read now, skip your TBR list kind of book
(possible plot spoilers)
The first thing I noticed when I began reading was that the story felt overly punctuated. It was enough to capture my attention and annoyed me until the story began to take off. I'd describe it as if the story read like it was choppy and just didn't flow smoothly. Once the plot began to develop, I was less bothered by it, but it was still on my radar as an annoyance.
Draco (MMC) has all my favourite content warnings ⚠️ making him the perfect book boyfriend for me ... at least he should've been. He was very much conflicted and didn't fully sell the bad boy, ruin your life with no remorse character, I felt as though he was written to portray. From the prologue, his character was depicted a certain way that just fell a little short. I expected pitch black and got morally gray.
Overall, the storyline was good, but nothing really too shocking or unpredictable happening. His plan to do to Mercy what he believed she did to him years prior, felt like it could've been explored more (her POV of his past experience). This is likely due to the sensitive nature of the content and it being off page SA. But his perceived betrayal from Mercy is what stemmed his whole revenge plot.
Personally, when I got to the last 60 pages, I knew the ending was going to feel rushed to me. I felt like a lot more needed to play out, and it just was a quick here's their HEA.
There were some minor spelling/ grammatical errors that will likely be resolved before final print.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in Stockholm syndrome romance, forced breeding, and books with possessive MMCs - it's not a drop everything and read now, skip your TBR list kind of book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will preface my review by saying I do not read much dark romance. In fact I can count the number of dark romance books I've read in one hand and Penance is the 3rd so that could be why this book hit me so hard. I struggled with this read but not because of the tropes, the writing or the plot but more so with how I personally was reconciling with myself my love of the MMC even though he was doing such terrible things. If I met a man like the MMC in real life, I would turn around and skidaddle my ass the other way fast!
As I was reading, I had a birds eye view into the MMC's psyche but as the story progressed, I got a window to peek into that explained why he was doing the crazy shit he was doing. This book was written so brilliantly and I am very impressed with L. A's writing style. One second I was screaming at the MMC and the next I was praying he got his HEA. My emotions were all over the place with this read. This book was 5 amazing stars for me and Im so glad I got an ARC. For anyone who enjoys reading dark romance, Penance is a must read!
But please, do read the trigger warnings as it's truly not for the faint of heart.
I will preface my review by saying I do not read much dark romance. In fact I can count the number of dark romance books I've read in one hand and Penance is the 3rd so that could be why this book hit me so hard. I struggled with this read but not because of the tropes, the writing or the plot but more so with how I personally was reconciling with myself my love of the MMC even though he was doing such terrible things. If I met a man like the MMC in real life, I would turn around and skidaddle my ass the other way fast!
As I was reading, I had a birds eye view into the MMC's psyche but as the story progressed, I got a window to peek into that explained why he was doing the crazy shit he was doing. This book was written so brilliantly and I am very impressed with L. A's writing style. One second I was screaming at the MMC and the next I was praying he got his HEA. My emotions were all over the place with this read. This book was 5 amazing stars for me and Im so glad I got an ARC. For anyone who enjoys reading dark romance, Penance is a must read!
But please, do read the trigger warnings as it's truly not for the faint of heart.
August 14, 2025
I liked the book but I'm gonna give an honest review. I loved Mercy, but lots of times it pmo that she didn't ever stand up for herself concerning draco, she was such a doormat, she was attaching too but ughh I felt frustrated, like she fell madly in love with the guy so easily, and all of a sudden she totally submitted to him, even when she found the mask in his coat and other evidences, she still was all over him and desesperate for him, I wanted her to hate him. And I hated draco as a character, to me hé went way too far with his vengeance, he was so cruel, like wdym you humiliated her and rap3d her and abused her and broke her down just she was too scared to react when he got rap3d ??? They were kids !!! For god's sake she was only a kid so the fact that she started appologizing to him desesperatly even after he humiliated her angered me. Disclaimer I still loved the book it was well written and I loved the tropes etc and I'm not hating on the author just on the characters, still love Mercy tho but I didn't like the fact that draco got her so easily and that she was so submissive and naive although i usually love naive fmcs. 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
*** ARC READER ***
Penance is one of those dark, heavy reads that sticks with you long after you finish. Mercy was raised in a strict, devout world and tries to hold onto her beliefs and innocence, even as everything around her falls apart. Draco isn’t your typical morally gray antihero — he’s darker than that, and fully set on breaking her in ways that are both cruel and devastating.
The forced dynamic between them is intense, uncomfortable, and at times hard to read — but I couldn’t look away. Even through all of Draco’s darkness, there are brief moments where you catch glimpses of something more, and it leaves you constantly torn between hope and dread.
This is not a light read. It’s raw, dark, and absolutely pushes the limits of dark romance. Please make sure to check the author’s trigger and content warnings before reading, because this book does deal with very heavy themes. But if you’re prepared for it, Penance is gripping, twisted, and completely unforgettable. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Penance is one of those dark, heavy reads that sticks with you long after you finish. Mercy was raised in a strict, devout world and tries to hold onto her beliefs and innocence, even as everything around her falls apart. Draco isn’t your typical morally gray antihero — he’s darker than that, and fully set on breaking her in ways that are both cruel and devastating.
The forced dynamic between them is intense, uncomfortable, and at times hard to read — but I couldn’t look away. Even through all of Draco’s darkness, there are brief moments where you catch glimpses of something more, and it leaves you constantly torn between hope and dread.
This is not a light read. It’s raw, dark, and absolutely pushes the limits of dark romance. Please make sure to check the author’s trigger and content warnings before reading, because this book does deal with very heavy themes. But if you’re prepared for it, Penance is gripping, twisted, and completely unforgettable. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2025
Penance is a dark, stalker romance by author Lillith Abendroth. This was my introduction to this author, and I look forward to reading more of her work. As always, please check your trigger warnings.
The book follows Draco and dear Mercy. Mercy is a sweet girl who is devout, attends church, and is the purest of souls. Draco is the complete opposite. He is broken, possessive, and obsessive. To Draco, she is his little lamb. His to claim…to own. Just when you think he doesn’t deserve a happy ending, you change your mind.
This one is a dark, dark romance. The things that Draco does to Mercy would crack the psyche of anyone. I never expected a HEA, and I wasn’t sure why they even deserved one until I got invested in them both. I was pushed to my limits and felt numerous emotions.
Thanks to Lillith Abendroth for gifting me an eARC of Penance. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book follows Draco and dear Mercy. Mercy is a sweet girl who is devout, attends church, and is the purest of souls. Draco is the complete opposite. He is broken, possessive, and obsessive. To Draco, she is his little lamb. His to claim…to own. Just when you think he doesn’t deserve a happy ending, you change your mind.
This one is a dark, dark romance. The things that Draco does to Mercy would crack the psyche of anyone. I never expected a HEA, and I wasn’t sure why they even deserved one until I got invested in them both. I was pushed to my limits and felt numerous emotions.
Thanks to Lillith Abendroth for gifting me an eARC of Penance. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2025
4 stars
I had to sit with this one for a bit before reviewing. Spoilers are definitely coming.
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So. The trigger warnings are definitely not overhyped. They are real, and you should make sure you're okay with what you will read. Your mental health matters.
I was actually fine with everything. Even the r@pe of the FMC by the MMC in her sleep. Usually, I avoid those sorts of things. In this case, I had faith it was needed for the story. And it was. I was okay with Merxy running to Drake and hiding with him. And the entire going to church and upsetting her parents. I really struggled with the video he showed in the church, though. Now that I have had a day to sit with it, maybe it was needed in order for Drake to actually forgive her. Two wrongs dont make a right, but here it seems two wrongs make a happily ever after.
So definitely another win from Ms Abendroth. I probably wont read this one again, so 4 stars, but it is a very strong 4 stars.
I had to sit with this one for a bit before reviewing. Spoilers are definitely coming.
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So. The trigger warnings are definitely not overhyped. They are real, and you should make sure you're okay with what you will read. Your mental health matters.
I was actually fine with everything. Even the r@pe of the FMC by the MMC in her sleep. Usually, I avoid those sorts of things. In this case, I had faith it was needed for the story. And it was. I was okay with Merxy running to Drake and hiding with him. And the entire going to church and upsetting her parents. I really struggled with the video he showed in the church, though. Now that I have had a day to sit with it, maybe it was needed in order for Drake to actually forgive her. Two wrongs dont make a right, but here it seems two wrongs make a happily ever after.
So definitely another win from Ms Abendroth. I probably wont read this one again, so 4 stars, but it is a very strong 4 stars.
June 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Let me start off by saying you are definitely want to check triggers for this one. Penance is one of those books that you are either going to love or hate depending on your views. I absolutely loved it. It was dark, depraved, and touched on religion in a way that I think most people are afraid to. The MMC Draco has a dark and twisted soul but his past made him that way. You can tell that even though he wants to be good life just kept kicking him while he was down. That led into some very questionable decisions but I like me a little stalking with my romance. Mercy the FMC was raised to follow one path and if she didn’t she was in the wrong. Turns out penance can come in many different forms and some wrongs definitely make a right. I would definitely recommend this book but again check your triggers!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Let me start off by saying you are definitely want to check triggers for this one. Penance is one of those books that you are either going to love or hate depending on your views. I absolutely loved it. It was dark, depraved, and touched on religion in a way that I think most people are afraid to. The MMC Draco has a dark and twisted soul but his past made him that way. You can tell that even though he wants to be good life just kept kicking him while he was down. That led into some very questionable decisions but I like me a little stalking with my romance. Mercy the FMC was raised to follow one path and if she didn’t she was in the wrong. Turns out penance can come in many different forms and some wrongs definitely make a right. I would definitely recommend this book but again check your triggers!
May 26, 2025
I love everything this author writes, and Penance definitely did not disappoint! If you're looking for a dark romance that will test your limits and make you wonder if maybe there's actually something wrong with you for liking it- this book is for you! I had doubts about how it would all come together and work out in the end, but she made it work perfectly. One of the few books to ever make me cry, this book will make you feel all the feels, scream at the pages, sob with the characters, and overall wish you could hug them both! I highly recommend this book and I am honored to have been chosen as an arc reader!
June 1, 2025
Arc reader here!
Just finished this book and I loved it so much. Definetly check out the trigger warnings prior to reading though! Beautifully writen dark romance.
I looved Draco’s character, at the begining I was’nt sure how I was going to feel about him but he definetly won me over. The way he took care of Mercy, and molded her into a better version of herself (in my opinion). I really enjoyed how the author was able to portray two different traumas and how they shaped the people involved.
It really showed how two very different worlds can collide and that no matter how dark and broken you think you are, there is always someone out there who can help your heart beat again.
Just finished this book and I loved it so much. Definetly check out the trigger warnings prior to reading though! Beautifully writen dark romance.
I looved Draco’s character, at the begining I was’nt sure how I was going to feel about him but he definetly won me over. The way he took care of Mercy, and molded her into a better version of herself (in my opinion). I really enjoyed how the author was able to portray two different traumas and how they shaped the people involved.
It really showed how two very different worlds can collide and that no matter how dark and broken you think you are, there is always someone out there who can help your heart beat again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so excited for this book because of all of the trigger warnings! Also, please read them before you start! But was disappointed as MMC seemed like he had a very fast character development, and was morally grey at best. The development felt too rushed. The first 60 pages were pretty slow but then it got very interesting.
There were spelling errors throughout the book, but I’m sure it’ll be updated soon if it hasn’t been already (ARC reader).
Overall the last half of the story ended up feeling rushed. This book has MANY spicy scenes, which was part of the draw for me.
Finished in two days after work.
I was so excited for this book because of all of the trigger warnings! Also, please read them before you start! But was disappointed as MMC seemed like he had a very fast character development, and was morally grey at best. The development felt too rushed. The first 60 pages were pretty slow but then it got very interesting.
There were spelling errors throughout the book, but I’m sure it’ll be updated soon if it hasn’t been already (ARC reader).
Overall the last half of the story ended up feeling rushed. This book has MANY spicy scenes, which was part of the draw for me.
Finished in two days after work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
This was my first ARC reading and I’m feeling like I need to go bathe in holy water after reading this. This book is very dark, but it is disturbingly beautiful in the way that it is written by the author. I have read a lot of dark romance, but this is by far the darkest book I’ve ever read and at times I did feel very conflicted with what I was reading and that’s why I rated it the way I did. In the end though I finished this book quick and it had my attention the entire way through. I would definitely suggest this to someone who has no triggers and enjoys reading dark romance novels.
June 7, 2025
ARC reader here! The trigger warnings should not be taken lightly!!! I’ve only recently delved into the world of dark romance, but it was SO GOOD. I read the book in two days, and was so focused on it that I was told that I looked mad.
I felt like the ending was really abrupt, with Draco’s reveal and the ending. That may just be because my other recent reads have all been slowburn.
Overall, great read!!!
I felt like the ending was really abrupt, with Draco’s reveal and the ending. That may just be because my other recent reads have all been slowburn.
Overall, great read!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and let me tell you, I loved this book. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it. And when I was reading it, I didn’t want to put it down! I could feel my heart racing while reading it because of the thrill and suspense.
It was definitely very dark so check the trigger warnings before diving in!
It was definitely very dark so check the trigger warnings before diving in!
June 12, 2025
ARC Reader
I read a lot of dark romance books, so with the list of trigger warnings, I was expecting a morally black MMC. He started out that way, but I feel his character development happened way too quickly. The book was dark, I was just expecting more dark actions from the MMC before his big life change into a morally grey character.
I read a lot of dark romance books, so with the list of trigger warnings, I was expecting a morally black MMC. He started out that way, but I feel his character development happened way too quickly. The book was dark, I was just expecting more dark actions from the MMC before his big life change into a morally grey character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
I actually adored the writing of the book. The prose was just really well written. I also really loved how frank the book deals with things like self harm and core faith. It is still a romance novel, so dont expect to delve deeply into the subjects, but I personally really liked how the emotions were communicated. it felt real.
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