Sweet Misery

by Caz Luan

Taken, tormented and trapped, there is only one option left for Naz Adams and that is to save herself.
After she is scarred by the intrusion of her past into her present, Naz vows to rebuild her carefully constructed world on a solid foundation of Revenge and Redemption.
She has spent her life running from the memory of the monster in her past.
Now, she must decide if her fractured soul is worth saving, even if it means being with the one, she has come to despise.

Griffin Maxwell expected Naz to run back into his arms.
But the woman he got back was cold, calculating and merciless with one goal in mind; settling old scores.
He will make Naz realize the truth about their relationship, even if it destroys them both.
All he needs to do is make her see that in a world where trust is dangerous and love is a weapon, redemption comes at a price. And some scars are carved too deep to heal.

Perfect for dark romance readers who crave enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray anti-heroes, and the kind of love story that leaves bruises.

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2025

About the author

I am Caz Luan, and I have always loved the idea of love. Writing a romance novel has been a dream for as long as I can remember, and finally, with the love and support of my husband, it has become a reality. As an ex-lecturer in English and Communication with an Honors degree in English, I am acutely aware of the power words can hold. I do feel that is slightly more impressive if you know English is my second language. My sassiness and humor get me in trouble more often than not, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I don’t look good in prison colors, I might have had many more friends. I always say my superpower is fitting in everywhere and making friends, but honestly, it might be more that I am getting too old for these Shish kabobs. When I am not painting or trying new recipes with friends, I eat cake for breakfast and sing lousy karaoke on my backyard swing. I am also a professional cocktail taster until the third when my inner explorer escapes, and I go on a desperate hunt for the best milkshake in town. I am currently traveling around with my ex-pat husband and hope to use my newfound experiences in the next novel.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Ngl kinda skimmed read most of it

[Katelyn Scheffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Golden Stars – Finished this in three days🤩

After being completely blown away by the first book, I went into Sweet Misery with very high expectations — and I can honestly say the second book did not disappoint in the slightest. If anything, it pulled me even deeper into the story and the characters I had already fallen in love with.

From the very beginning, I was hooked all over again. The emotional intensity, the tension, and the powerful connection between the characters had me turning pages non-stop. This sequel builds beautifully on everything that made the first book so unforgettable, while adding even more depth and emotion.

One of my favourite things about Sweet Misery is how real and layered the characters feel. Their journey continues in a way that feels raw, intense, and completely absorbing. There are moments of vulnerability, unexpected tenderness, and emotional tension that had me completely invested without ever feeling predictable.

Without giving anything away, there are a few scenes and turning points that genuinely surprised me and kept me glued to the story. The chemistry and push-and-pull between the characters is just as gripping as in the first book — if not more — and watching their story unfold was absolutely addictive.

The writing flows effortlessly and makes it so easy to lose yourself in the world. I found myself thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading, which is always the sign of a truly memorable book for me.

If the first book pulled you in, Sweet Misery will absolutely keep you there. It delivers the same intensity and emotion while expanding the story in a way that feels satisfying and meaningful.

This series has completely captured me, and I already know these characters will stay with me for a long time.

Five golden stars — I loved every moment of it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Thebiblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I am truly amazed that not only did I give the first book a five-star review, but the follow-up is getting the same outstanding rating—if not more. Book two picks up Naz and Griffin’s story after that amazing cliffhanger ending in book one, and wow… this one had such fast, fueling pacing it felt like I was on a rollercoaster and I loved every second of the ride.

This book had everything. The continued badass FMC energy was what I needed. I honestly love that Naz is a total take-charge, dominanting warrior princess set in a modern world. She is ruthless, powerful, and completely unapologetic. Griffin is the bad boy along for the ride and is constantly reminded that he isn’t the savior—because our girl can save herself.

That said, Griffin still delivers all that bad-boy, possessive, obsessive deliciousness we crave in a dark romance MMC. The tension between them is intense and addictive.

I’m honestly so stoked for the rest of this series. It really feels like we’re closing in on Naz and Griffin’s individual story, and I can’t wait for the side characters to finally get their spotlight.

If you haven’t picked this one up yet and you love badass FMCs and dark romances… what are you waiting for?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chanelle Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Misery by Caz Luan absolutely delivered as a follow-up, and honestly, I’m shocked—in the best way—that it matched the intensity of the first book for me. Picking up right after that brutal cliffhanger, the story throws you straight back into Naz and Griffin’s chaotic, dangerous world, and the pacing barely lets you breathe. It felt like being strapped into a rollercoaster of tension, revenge, and emotional warfare, and I loved every minute of it.

Naz has returned stronger, colder, and far more ruthless than before. She’s no longer the woman running from her past—she’s ready to confront it head-on, even if it means tearing everything apart along the way. Watching her reclaim control of her life and settle old scores made her such a compelling heroine.

Griffin, on the other hand, is forced to face a version of Naz he never expected. Their relationship is messy, volatile, and deeply complicated, but that’s exactly what makes it so addictive. These two characters are deeply scarred, yet somehow their broken pieces still seem to fit together in the most intense way.

What really kept me hooked were the constant twists and emotional turns. One moment I was holding my breath, the next I was cheering for them and then suddenly questioning everything again. Caz Luan has a talent for pulling readers into the emotional chaos of her characters’ world—you don’t just read the story; you feel every bit of it.

Dark, intense, and impossible to put down, Sweet Misery is a gripping continuation of Naz and Griffin’s story. If you enjoy dark romance filled with tension, revenge, and morally complicated love, buckle up—this one is a wild ride.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶🌶

[M. Noir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read; I devoured it. There is just something about the way Caz tells a story that is so refreshing and unique. You simply can’t stop reading, real life be damned.

I was already so hooked after Sweet Torture and couldn’t wait for the sequel. Caz did not disappoint. Sweet Misery is everything I could’ve wanted for Naz and her Chaos. They eventually get their HEA but they sure had to work hard for it. Worth every second of it.

Two such morally gray characters but so perfect for each other. The tension is electric and the spice be giving. So much action and intrigue too. Really a rollercoaster of emotions in this read. (It’s a dark romance and it definitely lives up to the label, so definitely be mindful of the TWs.)

I can’t wait to see where the series goes. I am a sucker for a strong man on his knees and Caz knows how to deliver him so well.

[Nicole Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I could kiss her if I knew she would allow it. Never have I loved a woman more. Loved? Fuck no! Completely obsessed, I can give you, but love?"

This one picks up right after Sweet Torture; When Naz's past come back for her, Griffin is ready to burn the would to a crispt to have his queen back. And when she comes back, Griffin will do anything to keep her in his arms. With threats around every corner Naz knows the only way to end them is by trusting Griffin even if she feels it goes against her better judgement.

Griffin/Chaos really needs to be protected. This man is one the scariest CEOs with so many enemies... but he kneels happily and willingly for Naz. The amount of healing for the both of them was something I loved. Griffin and Naz both have demons that they thought were behind them.. but it's clear that it does play a part in their relationship. Thank you Caz, you really did a great job with this one!

[SydneyLieske · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This time, I will save myself”

This book is definitely for fans of dark romance, and enemies to lovers! The tension in this book was amazing! Griffin and Naz are both super strong willed people who want to protect each other while still protecting themselves! They both have things they struggle with, but they find that being with each other pushes them to be more open minded about opening up their hearts. This is definitely a love story that leaves bruises! Neither of them are perfect, but they both would burn the world down for each other.

[Angiewagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Caz's writing style. So descriptive and well written.
Naz & Griffin have been through so much together. The calm and not-so-calm are meant to be.
I love this series and eagerly await the next book.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Tarien Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your past comes back to haunt you, but you beat it bloody into submission - guess who saves you? You do!
Naz has come a long way, but she still has a way to go. Along the road, she realizes that it’s no longer just herself in her corner — she has people who will go to bat for her.
Griffin has been to hell and back, but his heart was irrevocably stolen by Naz and he would do anything for his queen.
From multiple enemies on many fronts, to contracts and revenge - this book is quick paced and full of twists and turns.
A fantastic read and I am so proud of this fantastic South African author.

[Jade Kallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing series. I am excited to see wherre the story goes. I read both in less than a week. Spell binding and refreshing. Well done

[Tina Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written loved it I couldn’t put it down.

[Marlie Roose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation from the cliffhanger in book one! They’ll do anything to keep the other safe & the spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ can’t wait for book 3!

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up buttercup for this wonderfully delicious Dark Romance. It's chaotic, suspenseful, danger around every corner. Naz and Griffin are two broken souls who's pieces fit together perfectly.
I literally could not stop reading. The twists and me gasping for air, saying no no no one minute and cheering for these two incredible characters the next.
Caz is amazing, the way she tells her story in a very unique way. It draws you in and you experience all the emotions. Sometimes your laughing and others you have tears streaming down your face.
Naz and Griffin endure all the chaos together and their bond grows. She is his Queen and he is her Chaos. The ending filled my heart with joy.
I highly recommend this book and this series. And I am anxiously waiting for the next book in this series. I know it will be as incredible as the first two books.
Happy Reading Everyone!

[Tiffany Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right where Sweet Torture left off. I love a good dark romance enemies to lovers novel and Caz did not disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning, it just keeps getting better. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next one.

[Reba Densley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picks up exactly where you left off and it's not something you will want to put down. I devoured this in no time and didn't regret it.