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Don't Hate Me
*Heads up! This is Book Two in the Secrets of Ravens Hollow series. If you haven’t read Book One yet, proceed with caution. Spoilers ahead.
One reckless night of passion turned my life upside down… but that was just the beginning.
Now I’m trapped with the shadow of my nightmares. A ghost I thought was long dead. He tells me I’m safe, that I can trust him. But I’ve seen the beast behind those dark eyes. He’s cold, vicious, and remorseless.
I hate him. God, I want to hate him. But the more I fight, the tighter his grip becomes. The more I run, the deeper he pulls me in. And the worst part? A small, damaged piece of me doesn’t want to leave.
Somewhere out there, my boys are searching for the ones who swore they’d protect me. My bodyguard. My mafia boss. My detective. The men who claimed my heart before he ever touched it.
But here I am, alone with him, losing track of who I am… and terrified of what I’m starting to feel. He whispers, “Don’t hate me.” But maybe it’s already too late for that.
*Please check my website or the inside of the book for a list of content warnings.
One reckless night of passion turned my life upside down… but that was just the beginning.
Now I’m trapped with the shadow of my nightmares. A ghost I thought was long dead. He tells me I’m safe, that I can trust him. But I’ve seen the beast behind those dark eyes. He’s cold, vicious, and remorseless.
I hate him. God, I want to hate him. But the more I fight, the tighter his grip becomes. The more I run, the deeper he pulls me in. And the worst part? A small, damaged piece of me doesn’t want to leave.
Somewhere out there, my boys are searching for the ones who swore they’d protect me. My bodyguard. My mafia boss. My detective. The men who claimed my heart before he ever touched it.
But here I am, alone with him, losing track of who I am… and terrified of what I’m starting to feel. He whispers, “Don’t hate me.” But maybe it’s already too late for that.
*Please check my website or the inside of the book for a list of content warnings.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2025
28 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Darke
10 books29 followersAlicia Darke is a spicy dark RH romance and romantic suspense author. She lives on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, Australia, with her partner and three teens, a Cocker Spaniel, and a Lovebird. When she's not writing or daydreaming about new story ideas, you can find her playing with flowers at the local flower shop or kicking a soccer ball around with her team.
Her stories transport readers into thrilling escapes from reality, filled with fierce, badass heroines, irresistible anti-heroes, and bad boys who steal hearts as easily as they break rules. With panty-wetting chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Alicia’s books promise unforgettable adventures that culminate in the kind of happily-ever-afters you never see coming.
Her stories transport readers into thrilling escapes from reality, filled with fierce, badass heroines, irresistible anti-heroes, and bad boys who steal hearts as easily as they break rules. With panty-wetting chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Alicia’s books promise unforgettable adventures that culminate in the kind of happily-ever-afters you never see coming.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 19, 2025
No one messes with Sloane Stryker, badass biker chick; she'll give as good as she gets, especially when she has been kidnapped by Orlando, the man who terrorised her when she was a teen and left her with panic attacks. She'll fight him all the way, even though he is as gorgeous as his twin, Romeo. She'll do anything to get away from him.
But that changes when she sees a different side to him, but is this side real, or is it just to confuse her, to make her lower her defences? Does she give him a second chance? People do change, right? Can she catch feelings for her captor, especially a control freak, who likes tormenting her other three suitors, Romeo, Reef, and Onyx? Is he trying to prove he is better than them, and he is the only one she should want?
Orlando wants to keep Sloane safe from the one who is hunting her, especially when she finds out who this person is. Will she trust him enough to let him do that?
Orlando and Sloane have to face the past and why it happened. He needs to prove to her he has changed, but there is still a darkness within him, so can she accept all of him? Sloane has to face her challenges, her insecurities, and her anxiety. Will she ever get her life and control back?
This book had me gripped from the beginning. Ms Darke knows how to draw you into the story, feeling the angst, the fear, the anxiety, and the lust. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next one to be released to see if Sloane regains control of her life, her future, and proves to these alpha males she is one badass chick, you don't mess with!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But that changes when she sees a different side to him, but is this side real, or is it just to confuse her, to make her lower her defences? Does she give him a second chance? People do change, right? Can she catch feelings for her captor, especially a control freak, who likes tormenting her other three suitors, Romeo, Reef, and Onyx? Is he trying to prove he is better than them, and he is the only one she should want?
Orlando wants to keep Sloane safe from the one who is hunting her, especially when she finds out who this person is. Will she trust him enough to let him do that?
Orlando and Sloane have to face the past and why it happened. He needs to prove to her he has changed, but there is still a darkness within him, so can she accept all of him? Sloane has to face her challenges, her insecurities, and her anxiety. Will she ever get her life and control back?
This book had me gripped from the beginning. Ms Darke knows how to draw you into the story, feeling the angst, the fear, the anxiety, and the lust. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next one to be released to see if Sloane regains control of her life, her future, and proves to these alpha males she is one badass chick, you don't mess with!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2025
Book one had me hooked and looking forward to this book and it hasn't disappointed at all! We finally got to meet the potential love interest which was Romeo's twin, Orlando. I admire Sloane's stubborn personality to fight back and try escape but also love their bonding moments which was very enemies to lovers on a short scale. The dice spicy group scene was wonderful for their bonding together and have enjoyed all the spicy scenes. The pacing of the book felt good, the plot kept me interested throughout and never felt myself getting bored once. The ending has me looking forward to book three now, the plot just keeps thickening!
We got to learn more of how the guys' are all tied in with the Moretti family and had a look into the past a little more. Onyx is definitely the defacto leader/protector out of the original trio and love his protectiveness of Sloane. Reef is a breath of fresh air with his laid back nature and flirty personality. I do enjoy his relationship with Romeo too, it doesn't feel thrown in but developed and an additional aspect in the group. Romeo definitely showed his more jealous side of his twin brother who was missing but quickly agreed to keep the peace for the sake of Sloane. I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold in book three with getting to see how Orlando's role within the Moretti family affects his relationship with Sloane going forward.
Can't recommend this book and series enough!
We got to learn more of how the guys' are all tied in with the Moretti family and had a look into the past a little more. Onyx is definitely the defacto leader/protector out of the original trio and love his protectiveness of Sloane. Reef is a breath of fresh air with his laid back nature and flirty personality. I do enjoy his relationship with Romeo too, it doesn't feel thrown in but developed and an additional aspect in the group. Romeo definitely showed his more jealous side of his twin brother who was missing but quickly agreed to keep the peace for the sake of Sloane. I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold in book three with getting to see how Orlando's role within the Moretti family affects his relationship with Sloane going forward.
Can't recommend this book and series enough!
August 22, 2025
⭐️ 2/5
🌶️ 2/5
Mafia
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Kidnapping
Age gap Forced proximity Possessive, obsessive heroes
This book pick up where the last one left off. Sloane being kidnapped by a mystery man who has been stalker her, Orlando. Orlando turns out to be one of her boyfriend’s brothers who everybody thought died. Sloane fights within herself on falling for her kidnapper, and balancing multiple men (Onyx, Reef, Romeo). The men are learning to share, and also sorting out how to take their respective roles as the head of the Mafia. Including taking out their father.
This book ends on another cliffhanger.
This is slow moving, and I wish it had more POVs than just the FMC. It’s hard to go along with the development in this situation with only one view point. An example is the ending, it’s hard to trust and believe certain characters and what they are really trying to accomplish. Left me confused and unable to trust any of them.
I did not read the first book in this series, but it was pretty easy to pick up on the missing pieces.
Honest Review
🌶️ 2/5
Mafia
Enemies to Lovers
Why Choose
Kidnapping
Age gap Forced proximity Possessive, obsessive heroes
This book pick up where the last one left off. Sloane being kidnapped by a mystery man who has been stalker her, Orlando. Orlando turns out to be one of her boyfriend’s brothers who everybody thought died. Sloane fights within herself on falling for her kidnapper, and balancing multiple men (Onyx, Reef, Romeo). The men are learning to share, and also sorting out how to take their respective roles as the head of the Mafia. Including taking out their father.
This book ends on another cliffhanger.
This is slow moving, and I wish it had more POVs than just the FMC. It’s hard to go along with the development in this situation with only one view point. An example is the ending, it’s hard to trust and believe certain characters and what they are really trying to accomplish. Left me confused and unable to trust any of them.
I did not read the first book in this series, but it was pretty easy to pick up on the missing pieces.
Honest Review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
Don’t Hate Me (Secrets of Raven’s Hollow book 2) continues the story of our strong and feisty FMC Sloane Stryker and her men. This picks up where things left off in book 1 with Sloane finally come face to face with her mysterious stalker, which happens to be part of a big plot twist.
Just like the first book this one is equal parts mystery, action, emotion, and spice. I do think that it was a little slow and somewhat repetitive at parts which made the pacing feel like it was dragging. There was more character development of Sloane’s stalker which brought things more into perspective. We also get a lot of back story on all of her guys. I do wish that these books could have included some of the guys’ POV but can see how that might get confusing.
The spice is definitely spicy in this one, maybe almost too much. But still well written.
We get introduced to some new players in this long running game which is part of the back story and I am super interested to see where book 3 will end up and how things will end for our fierce FMC Sloane and her men.
Just like the first book this one is equal parts mystery, action, emotion, and spice. I do think that it was a little slow and somewhat repetitive at parts which made the pacing feel like it was dragging. There was more character development of Sloane’s stalker which brought things more into perspective. We also get a lot of back story on all of her guys. I do wish that these books could have included some of the guys’ POV but can see how that might get confusing.
The spice is definitely spicy in this one, maybe almost too much. But still well written.
We get introduced to some new players in this long running game which is part of the back story and I am super interested to see where book 3 will end up and how things will end for our fierce FMC Sloane and her men.
August 5, 2025
After that cliffhanger in book 1, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second part of the story.
The book starts back up with action where we left off.
We finally find out who the stalker has been all along and what he wants with "Ava" aka Sloane. I was not expecting the twists. I enjoyed the plot and how it played out. These characters were all fantastic.
Sloane is one lucky lady.
Sloane's sassy take-no-nonsense attitude is back and better than ever. I love her headstrong character.
Her guys stop at nothing to eliminate her threats and keep her safe. We get to know Orlando in this book and if I may say I'm obsessed with his obsession.
This book was action-filled, suspenseful, and sexy. It was a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
Check TW
Looking forward to the next part in this thrilling ride by Alicia Darke.
The book starts back up with action where we left off.
We finally find out who the stalker has been all along and what he wants with "Ava" aka Sloane. I was not expecting the twists. I enjoyed the plot and how it played out. These characters were all fantastic.
Sloane is one lucky lady.
Sloane's sassy take-no-nonsense attitude is back and better than ever. I love her headstrong character.
Her guys stop at nothing to eliminate her threats and keep her safe. We get to know Orlando in this book and if I may say I'm obsessed with his obsession.
This book was action-filled, suspenseful, and sexy. It was a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
Check TW
Looking forward to the next part in this thrilling ride by Alicia Darke.
August 1, 2025
Don't Hate Me - book 2 in this series kicks off right where the 1st book ended with Sloane (FMC) in the hands of Orlando. Romeo's twin brother. Whilst in his hands Sloane gets a first hand view on who he really is and his backstory. She's not only a captive but she's been kidnapped for her own protection or so Orlando tells her. This was a twistedly good read where you spend half of this book confused with Sloane (or I did) about who to trust and the other half trying to work out everyone's agenda. It definitely kept me gripped from start to finish. I'm dying to see what will happen in the last book now.
August 6, 2025
The story picks up from book one right as Sloane Stryker has been kidnapped from her club with an unexpected twist in events. Her men Romeo, Reed and Onxy are searching everywhere. There’s more questions now than answers as a ghost from their past comes out to play with their lives especially Sloane’s. She uncovers secrets and lies that will change her life and her men lives as they scramble to keep her alive. A captivating story of life and death as her stalker gets closer and her men seek answers. Can they keep her safe or will the stalker get revenge ? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
No hate here!
Book two in the Secrets of Ravens Hollow, Don’t Hate Me: A Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance picks up from the cliff we were dangling from in Don’t Lie To Me. Even better than the first book, this one pulled me in like no one’s business! Twisted, turns you don’t see coming, insane tension, remarkable characters (especially Sloane), and a well oiled plot to boot. Can’t forget about the intense steam, whew 😅. Aannnndddd, we have another cliffhanger! But if the third book comes in hard like this one, I’ll instantly forget it. Can’t wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book two in the Secrets of Ravens Hollow, Don’t Hate Me: A Dark Mafia Reverse Harem Romance picks up from the cliff we were dangling from in Don’t Lie To Me. Even better than the first book, this one pulled me in like no one’s business! Twisted, turns you don’t see coming, insane tension, remarkable characters (especially Sloane), and a well oiled plot to boot. Can’t forget about the intense steam, whew 😅. Aannnndddd, we have another cliffhanger! But if the third book comes in hard like this one, I’ll instantly forget it. Can’t wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2025
This picks up right where book one left me dangling, and it does not ease you back in. Sloane is still that stubborn, sharp-edged queen who refuses to fold, even when she’s stuck with a man she thought was dead. Orlando is infuriating, intense, and somehow growing on me against my better judgment. The tension between him and the rest of her men is like watching lit matches near gasoline. The pacing is relentless, with twists hitting before you’ve processed the last one. It’s dark, a little twisted, and way too easy to binge in one sitting. And yes, it ends on another cliffhanger, which feels like emotional theft at this point.
July 20, 2025
Dark, Addictive, and Deliciously Twisted
Don't Hate Me is an intense, high-stakes mafia reverse harem that pulls you in fast and doesn't let go. Alicia Darke serves up brutal anti-heroes, sharp tension, and a fierce heroine caught in a dangerous game of power, betrayal, and obsession. The chemistry is explosive, the emotions are raw, and the twists keep coming. If you love morally gray men, dark romance themes, and high-heat drama with a reverse harem edge—this book delivers it all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Don't Hate Me is an intense, high-stakes mafia reverse harem that pulls you in fast and doesn't let go. Alicia Darke serves up brutal anti-heroes, sharp tension, and a fierce heroine caught in a dangerous game of power, betrayal, and obsession. The chemistry is explosive, the emotions are raw, and the twists keep coming. If you love morally gray men, dark romance themes, and high-heat drama with a reverse harem edge—this book delivers it all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
Ok … this author has me in her clutches. I was halfway through the book and checked to see if it was a duet .. cause I so needed a happy resolution. But Noooo .. it’s a trilogy.
Sloan .. she is still a bad @$$ queen
Orlando… I mean how could they get past the past ??? Well you might want to read and find out.
Her men … just wow…
The games they play ..
The secrets they keep …
The only thing that would make it better is if you could get the thoughts from the men.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sloan .. she is still a bad @$$ queen
Orlando… I mean how could they get past the past ??? Well you might want to read and find out.
Her men … just wow…
The games they play ..
The secrets they keep …
The only thing that would make it better is if you could get the thoughts from the men.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2025
Don't Hate Me is book 2 in the Secrets Of Ravens Hollow series and picks up where Don't Lie To Me leaves off with Sloane being abducted by Orlando, Romeo's twin. This girl has a lot of obstacles to get past. As with book 1, this one is intense, moreso than the previous book and will completely consume you just as fast. The twists, turns and surprises keep you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, anticipating what this author and her characters will bring next. It ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared for that. I can't wait to see how all of this turns out.
August 5, 2025
I am totally addicted. And like a toddler, I am over here stomping my foot with arms crossed, all because I CANNOT WAIT for the next book. "Watching" Sloane's life evolve has been a wild ride. She is a total badass (though sometimes she makes me nuts) and fights for what she believes in and those she loves. And her boys? Oof...boy are they in for a world of hurt.
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.
August 10, 2025
Book two kicks right back off in the thick of the previous cliff hanger and wow did this one bring the twists and turns!! i was literally on the edge of my seat as the story developed. We really see Orlando's obsessions intensify in this one and like Sloane, i battled with who i wanted vs who i should trust! Super exited for the final installment!.
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.
August 5, 2025
5 Stars for Don’t Hate Me by Alicia Darke
This read had my attention from the title - cover and book blurb. Sloane is a strong FMC and I love that ! In this why choose reverse harem storyline you will end up liking all the MMCs even Orlando !
I would recommend this read ! A page turner for me !.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This read had my attention from the title - cover and book blurb. Sloane is a strong FMC and I love that ! In this why choose reverse harem storyline you will end up liking all the MMCs even Orlando !
I would recommend this read ! A page turner for me !.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
Sloane finds herself kidnapped and in an impossible situation. She is desperate to get back to her men and her club. Orlando won’t ever let her go and Sloane discovers that she has feelings too. This book is for readers that love a twisty plot with their spice! Loved the ending of this and waiting impatiently for book three.
August 10, 2025
Sloane is kidnapped by Orlando, somewhere she doesn't want to be away from her three men - Onyx, Reef, and Romeo. The violence, drama and power struggles continue with plenty of spice, twists and more. Beware the ending...
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.
September 2, 2025
Don’t Hate Me by Alicia Drake
A great story that will engulf you with it drama and the wonderful characters. You’ll want to get this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great story that will engulf you with it drama and the wonderful characters. You’ll want to get this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2025
OMG it just keeps getting better! I loved the first book and this continuation is just as great. The sizzle factor is off the charts and the relationships between them all is growing. Of course we have another cliffhanger ending with us wonder what on earth will Sloane do....can't wait!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews