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Pretty Little Trigger: A Gripping Dark Romance Debut
She survived the unthinkable.
Now she’s protected by a man she should never want.
After surviving a brutal kidnapping, Alana Ashby is doing everything she can to get her old life back. Control her schedule. Control her brand. Control her emotions. But when her overprotective father hires a bodyguard to shadow her every move, Alana’s carefully stitched world begins to unravel.
Hunter is the last man she should trust. Tattoos, rough hands, and a mouth that feels like a dare. His job is to keep her safe, but his presence sparks a different kind of danger. A kind that tempts her to risk everything.
The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to remember the lines they’re not supposed to cross. And when the truth finally breaks the surface, it could destroy them both.
A slow-burn, tension-soaked romance that simmers behind closed doors, but will still leave you gasping for air.
Perfect for fans of dangerous men, emotional slow burns, and heroines who wear their trauma like armour.
Now she’s protected by a man she should never want.
After surviving a brutal kidnapping, Alana Ashby is doing everything she can to get her old life back. Control her schedule. Control her brand. Control her emotions. But when her overprotective father hires a bodyguard to shadow her every move, Alana’s carefully stitched world begins to unravel.
Hunter is the last man she should trust. Tattoos, rough hands, and a mouth that feels like a dare. His job is to keep her safe, but his presence sparks a different kind of danger. A kind that tempts her to risk everything.
The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to remember the lines they’re not supposed to cross. And when the truth finally breaks the surface, it could destroy them both.
A slow-burn, tension-soaked romance that simmers behind closed doors, but will still leave you gasping for air.
Perfect for fans of dangerous men, emotional slow burns, and heroines who wear their trauma like armour.
- GenresDark Romance
316 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2025
8 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Le Riche
3 books39 followersAndrea Le Riche believes stories should haunt you. They should follow you into the dark, linger in your chest and demand you feel something you’d rather ignore.
Her stories do not live in the light. They wander through gothic halls and fractured hearts, across fantasies soaked in shadow and romances edged with ruin. Whatever the genre, her compass always points toward the dark, where survival claws into beauty and betrayal blooms into truth.
Her stories do not live in the light. They wander through gothic halls and fractured hearts, across fantasies soaked in shadow and romances edged with ruin. Whatever the genre, her compass always points toward the dark, where survival claws into beauty and betrayal blooms into truth.
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June 5, 2025Just a little note from the author. Thank you so much for picking up Pretty Little Trigger.
This story is deeply personal to me: it’s about survival, defiance, tenderness, and all the messy spaces in between.
If you decide to leave a review (good, bad, or somewhere in between), please know how much it means to indie authors like me. Every reader, every comment, every moment you spend with these characters makes a difference.
I hope Hunter and Alana stay with you long after you turn the last page.
With all my gratitude,
Andrea 🖤
This story is deeply personal to me: it’s about survival, defiance, tenderness, and all the messy spaces in between.
If you decide to leave a review (good, bad, or somewhere in between), please know how much it means to indie authors like me. Every reader, every comment, every moment you spend with these characters makes a difference.
I hope Hunter and Alana stay with you long after you turn the last page.
With all my gratitude,
Andrea 🖤
May 28, 2025
4.25🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was one of the best dark romances I’ve ever read. Did you hear what I just said? THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST DARK ROMANCES I’VE EVER READ!
The writing, I mean poetry, was beautiful. I was also giggling out loud at the humour sprinkled throughout.
I loved the MFC, Alana so much. We got snippets and short chapters from Hunter’s perspective - but I honestly didn’t even need more of him (even though I was feral for him). It felt like Alana’s story and I just wanted her voice to be heard the loudest - and it really was.
I actually loved ALL the female characters, and we are getting their stories? I’m sat.
So good if you want to get into dark romance.
Favourite quotes:
“Alana never needed saving. She just needed reminding that she could save herself. I didn't pick up her pieces. I didn't fix her. All I did was show her where the glue was.”
“She's radiant in the dark. Like something I'm not supposed to touch.” … “What the fuck am I doing? It's pathetic. I should walk away. Instead, I take one step closer.”
“He thinks he's poison. But he was my antidote. My edge.
My flame. And whatever's swelling in my chest now? It's not anger anymore. It's not heartbreak. It's hunger. It's home. It's him.”
“I kiss him because he makes me brave. Because he makes me strong. I kiss him because I fell for the villain. Because he makes me absolutely fucking feral.” EM = DECEASED
“That's what best friends are for, right? To hold your hand through trauma. To hype you up through breakups. And to shamelessly exploit your crush for emotional entertainment.
This dinner isn't just business anymore. It's chaos. And I wouldn't miss it for the world.”
Thank you so much to the author for this arc copy. These thoughts, as well as the rating, are my own.
This was one of the best dark romances I’ve ever read. Did you hear what I just said? THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST DARK ROMANCES I’VE EVER READ!
The writing, I mean poetry, was beautiful. I was also giggling out loud at the humour sprinkled throughout.
I loved the MFC, Alana so much. We got snippets and short chapters from Hunter’s perspective - but I honestly didn’t even need more of him (even though I was feral for him). It felt like Alana’s story and I just wanted her voice to be heard the loudest - and it really was.
I actually loved ALL the female characters, and we are getting their stories? I’m sat.
So good if you want to get into dark romance.
Favourite quotes:
“Alana never needed saving. She just needed reminding that she could save herself. I didn't pick up her pieces. I didn't fix her. All I did was show her where the glue was.”
“She's radiant in the dark. Like something I'm not supposed to touch.” … “What the fuck am I doing? It's pathetic. I should walk away. Instead, I take one step closer.”
“He thinks he's poison. But he was my antidote. My edge.
My flame. And whatever's swelling in my chest now? It's not anger anymore. It's not heartbreak. It's hunger. It's home. It's him.”
“I kiss him because he makes me brave. Because he makes me strong. I kiss him because I fell for the villain. Because he makes me absolutely fucking feral.” EM = DECEASED
“That's what best friends are for, right? To hold your hand through trauma. To hype you up through breakups. And to shamelessly exploit your crush for emotional entertainment.
This dinner isn't just business anymore. It's chaos. And I wouldn't miss it for the world.”
Thank you so much to the author for this arc copy. These thoughts, as well as the rating, are my own.
July 22, 2025
4.5 stars!
Pick this up!
Do not be put off if you are not a dark romance reader. I am not and I did not find this to be very dark (I’ve read fantasy books that are far “worse”). There is no explicit intimate scenes on page.
But this was a brilliant debut and I could see so much of the author and her love for her family in this book.
I encourage any contemporary romance reader to give this a try!
Pick this up!
Do not be put off if you are not a dark romance reader. I am not and I did not find this to be very dark (I’ve read fantasy books that are far “worse”). There is no explicit intimate scenes on page.
But this was a brilliant debut and I could see so much of the author and her love for her family in this book.
I encourage any contemporary romance reader to give this a try!
August 9, 2025
"Little Diamond" ❤️🖤 I loved this read! The multiple pov's were really intriguing and I'm so glad Hunter's chapters got longer as the book went on. I still would've liked to see even more from his perspective though. The twist I suspected but wow, the way it was revealed hit me so hard. Couldn't have asked for a better ending!
I couldn't relate to a lot of the "rich lifestyle" elements in the book but it was fun to read about.
Chapter 59 was giving Shatter Me vibes with that chapter title (iykyk) and I loved that!
"Healing's not a straight line. It's messy, jagged... it's frustrating, it's humbling and yet, it's human. I'm learning that the road to healing is winding and I can't control the turns..." 😭
I couldn't relate to a lot of the "rich lifestyle" elements in the book but it was fun to read about.
Chapter 59 was giving Shatter Me vibes with that chapter title (iykyk) and I loved that!
"Healing's not a straight line. It's messy, jagged... it's frustrating, it's humbling and yet, it's human. I'm learning that the road to healing is winding and I can't control the turns..." 😭
August 11, 2025
I honestly don't know how to review this book except by saying... Go and pick it up!!! (But ofcourse I'll still say my say hehe)
This is Andrea's debut novel and I must say... it's absolutely phenomenal! Her writing style is genuinely so amazing. It's poetic, easy to read and understand and everything just makes sense yknow?
The story itself is so captivating. Bodyguard romance? Sign me up any time, any day!!
I went into this book knowing that it's meant to be a Bodyguard romance and a dark romance (I'm not a dark romance reader but from what I know about it, there are books with heavier topics that's written more intensely. PLT does have a heavy and uncomfortable topic but I would say that it is still easy to get through and doesn't have that really dark aspect to it, in my opinion) other than that I didn't know what else to expect. But oh boy am I glad that I went in like that because wow! The plot twist really got me on the edge of my seat, begging for immediate answers! I didn't know how our fmc would react to such news and how she'd move on. But I was truly satisfied with the ending and the overall story and writing.
P.s
Hunter... 🧎🏻♀️
This is Andrea's debut novel and I must say... it's absolutely phenomenal! Her writing style is genuinely so amazing. It's poetic, easy to read and understand and everything just makes sense yknow?
The story itself is so captivating. Bodyguard romance? Sign me up any time, any day!!
I went into this book knowing that it's meant to be a Bodyguard romance and a dark romance (I'm not a dark romance reader but from what I know about it, there are books with heavier topics that's written more intensely. PLT does have a heavy and uncomfortable topic but I would say that it is still easy to get through and doesn't have that really dark aspect to it, in my opinion) other than that I didn't know what else to expect. But oh boy am I glad that I went in like that because wow! The plot twist really got me on the edge of my seat, begging for immediate answers! I didn't know how our fmc would react to such news and how she'd move on. But I was truly satisfied with the ending and the overall story and writing.
P.s
Hunter... 🧎🏻♀️
June 8, 2025
Pretty Little Trigger was such a fun, easy to binge, angsty dark romance read. 🖤☺️ If you’re interested in dipping your toe in the dark romance pool, I definitely recommend this one. The spice was closed door, which was actually really nice as it allowed for a slower burn and a more lethal dose of yearning. I’ll 100% choose angst over spice any day of the week…
Our FMC Alana is a bit of a control freak who struggles with anxiety and PTSD after a kidnapping incident. Her dad assigns a bodyguard to her afterwards to ensure her safety, despite Alana’s initial protests. The bodyguard turns out to be Hunter, a tatted up ex-military man with a broody, no nonsense attitude, and a smart mouth. Not to mention his set of pretty teeth! Cue the banter! 🤌
Although I really enjoyed the book overall, there are a couple of reasons why I couldn’t give it a 5 star review just yet.
I wish there was a bit more world building. It was easy to get into because the focus was mostly on the characters and their relationships, but I think it would have elevated the book if we saw more of the world/ city outside of the few spaces frequented by the FMC
The usage of the words “sin” and “armour” could have been toned down slightly. It was great in the beginning, but the more it came up the more I was pulled out of the story when I saw it on the page.
This could also just be a me thing, but I would have liked to spend a little more time in the incident that leads to the FMCs trauma. Since most of the book explores the repercussions of that incident, I think living in that space a little longer as the reader would increase the level of empathy throughout the story.
Aside from those few elements, I really enjoyed the book and hope to see more from the author in the future since the prose was strong and there were beautiful quotes sprinkled into the text. I’m sure we have even greater things to come post debut.
A few fave quotes below ☺️🖤
💎“Diamonds are formed under immense pressure. Buried, battered, forged in the dark. They’re praised for their strength, their sparkle, their worth. But even diamonds can break. They can crack. Shatter.”
💎“There’s a softness to her now. A quiet that clings to her like a bruise. It’s a lie, but it suits her.”
💎“She never tries to fix me. She just makes sure I don’t fall apart alone.”
💎“I used to think healing meant making the scars disappear. But maybe that was never the point. Maybe these marks are mine for a reason. Fragments of a story only my body remembers. Not wounds anymore, but reminders.”
Our FMC Alana is a bit of a control freak who struggles with anxiety and PTSD after a kidnapping incident. Her dad assigns a bodyguard to her afterwards to ensure her safety, despite Alana’s initial protests. The bodyguard turns out to be Hunter, a tatted up ex-military man with a broody, no nonsense attitude, and a smart mouth. Not to mention his set of pretty teeth! Cue the banter! 🤌
Although I really enjoyed the book overall, there are a couple of reasons why I couldn’t give it a 5 star review just yet.
I wish there was a bit more world building. It was easy to get into because the focus was mostly on the characters and their relationships, but I think it would have elevated the book if we saw more of the world/ city outside of the few spaces frequented by the FMC
The usage of the words “sin” and “armour” could have been toned down slightly. It was great in the beginning, but the more it came up the more I was pulled out of the story when I saw it on the page.
This could also just be a me thing, but I would have liked to spend a little more time in the incident that leads to the FMCs trauma. Since most of the book explores the repercussions of that incident, I think living in that space a little longer as the reader would increase the level of empathy throughout the story.
Aside from those few elements, I really enjoyed the book and hope to see more from the author in the future since the prose was strong and there were beautiful quotes sprinkled into the text. I’m sure we have even greater things to come post debut.
A few fave quotes below ☺️🖤
💎“Diamonds are formed under immense pressure. Buried, battered, forged in the dark. They’re praised for their strength, their sparkle, their worth. But even diamonds can break. They can crack. Shatter.”
💎“There’s a softness to her now. A quiet that clings to her like a bruise. It’s a lie, but it suits her.”
💎“She never tries to fix me. She just makes sure I don’t fall apart alone.”
💎“I used to think healing meant making the scars disappear. But maybe that was never the point. Maybe these marks are mine for a reason. Fragments of a story only my body remembers. Not wounds anymore, but reminders.”
June 29, 2025
For a debut novel I think this was pretty well done and I am happy for the author.
However, I did have some issues with the book.
There are a lot of great tropes that I love in a romance book, the bodyguard trope, forced proximity, the damsel in distress but it felt really rushed.
I don’t think the characters were developed enough and I feel there was a lot of room to grow from that. Also the time line was a bit confusing from jumping to days to even weeks after. This was unfortunately not as slow burn as I would’ve liked it to be but it was a fun read and very easy to follow.
Character development - 3 ⭐️
Plot - 4⭐️
However, I did have some issues with the book.
There are a lot of great tropes that I love in a romance book, the bodyguard trope, forced proximity, the damsel in distress but it felt really rushed.
I don’t think the characters were developed enough and I feel there was a lot of room to grow from that. Also the time line was a bit confusing from jumping to days to even weeks after. This was unfortunately not as slow burn as I would’ve liked it to be but it was a fun read and very easy to follow.
Character development - 3 ⭐️
Plot - 4⭐️
May 12, 2025
This Book Saw Me.
I don’t say this lightly: this book pulled me out of a reading slump I thought would never end. From the very first chapter, I was hooked — and by the end, I was wrecked in the best possible way.
The entire book is written like poetry — the kind of lines you’d find on Pinterest, scribbled in a journal, or tucked into a note to your younger self.
Alana’s story is one of strength, survival, and yearning — and wow, the yearning is TOP TIER. She’s a character that feels deeply real, carrying her trauma like armour, and I felt so seen in her. Her internal world is so richly written, and SO emotionally honest, I found myself highlighting sentence after sentence just to come back to later.
And then there’s Hunter. The protective, gruff, shouldn’t-want-him-but-can’t-help-it dream of a man. The tension between them had me holding my breath. It’s slow-burn perfection — simmering, aching, emotional — but still so grounded and raw.
The writing is stunning. Every word is intentional. And just when I thought I knew where it was going, a twist landed that completely knocked the air out of me — in the best way.
This book is for the misunderstood girlies. The soft-hearted ones who’ve been through it. The ones who crave connection but keep their walls up. It’s tender, vulnerable, and quietly fierce.
If you love a slow burn with real emotional depth, a complex heroine, and a protector with a dangerous edge… this is it.
Must read. 10/10. No notes. Just vibes. Loved it.
I don’t say this lightly: this book pulled me out of a reading slump I thought would never end. From the very first chapter, I was hooked — and by the end, I was wrecked in the best possible way.
The entire book is written like poetry — the kind of lines you’d find on Pinterest, scribbled in a journal, or tucked into a note to your younger self.
Alana’s story is one of strength, survival, and yearning — and wow, the yearning is TOP TIER. She’s a character that feels deeply real, carrying her trauma like armour, and I felt so seen in her. Her internal world is so richly written, and SO emotionally honest, I found myself highlighting sentence after sentence just to come back to later.
And then there’s Hunter. The protective, gruff, shouldn’t-want-him-but-can’t-help-it dream of a man. The tension between them had me holding my breath. It’s slow-burn perfection — simmering, aching, emotional — but still so grounded and raw.
The writing is stunning. Every word is intentional. And just when I thought I knew where it was going, a twist landed that completely knocked the air out of me — in the best way.
This book is for the misunderstood girlies. The soft-hearted ones who’ve been through it. The ones who crave connection but keep their walls up. It’s tender, vulnerable, and quietly fierce.
If you love a slow burn with real emotional depth, a complex heroine, and a protector with a dangerous edge… this is it.
Must read. 10/10. No notes. Just vibes. Loved it.
September 19, 2025
This author is going to achieve great things within her writing career! I enjoyed this story and I appreciated how she was able to truly reflect the battles of anxiety and PTSD. I also appreciated how much of her is reflected in her writing, truly allowing the reader to experience her through her story telling! Well done! For a debut… well done!!!
June 27, 2025
It’s actually a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75! It was so good and I truly loved hunter 🥺 but the plot twist plot twisted! I had a feeling it was going to turn out that way, but then I was thrown for a loop and said nah…but I was right and I loved it 😍😍😍
August 27, 2025
5 Stars 🌟
I loved the back and forth bickering in the book. And who doesn't love a bodyguard romance. 🖤
You also know you're hooked, when it's 1:22 AM and you're choosing the characters over your sleep.
Also, this line... 《I used to think healing meant making the scars disappear. But maybe that was never the point. Maybe these marks are mine for a reason. Fragments of a story only my body remembers. Not wounds anymore, but reminders.》 Perfection.♡
I loved the back and forth bickering in the book. And who doesn't love a bodyguard romance. 🖤
You also know you're hooked, when it's 1:22 AM and you're choosing the characters over your sleep.
Also, this line... 《I used to think healing meant making the scars disappear. But maybe that was never the point. Maybe these marks are mine for a reason. Fragments of a story only my body remembers. Not wounds anymore, but reminders.》 Perfection.♡
May 28, 2025
Who doesn’t love a well-written, slow burn bodyguard romance? Because I know I do—and Pretty Little Trigger delivers exactly that. This book is packed with the tropes we all swoon over: he pines for her, he falls first, he’s dangerous, tattooed, and fiercely protective. And she? She’s a total badass.🤭
I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book, and to say I was surprised by how much I loved it would be an understatement. I knew I’d be hooked based on all the teasing Andrea Le Riche did on social media, but nothing prepared me for just how deeply this story would capture my heart. As my first ARC experience, it has absolutely set the bar—this book is not only a standout, it's a comfort read I’ll come back to again and again .💌
The connection I felt to these characters was so incredibly profound. Alana Ashby, MFC, is so vividly written that I felt like I was walking the streets beside her, living through every emotion with her. This is such a girl-coded book in the best possible way—it speaks directly to the heart of anyone who loves a strong female lead and a protective, quietly intense male counterpart.
Hunter, the bodyguard, is the dream. He’s kind, strong, possessive in all the right ways, and clearly written by a woman who gets women. He’s the kind of man who helps you become stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. He’s the perfect balance of good and bad, yin and yang, and his dynamic with Alana is everything. 😩
This is a high-stakes, forced-proximity, kidnapped - bodyguard scenario that plays out with delicious tension and perfectly paced emotional build-up. The slow burn was just right—never too fast or too drawn out. Every moment of tension, every touch and lingering look, was enough to make me giggle, gasp, and even tear up.
AND the plot twist? It shocked me (in the best way), and the ending left me full of deeply satisfied. I also loved the subtle glimpses of Cape Town—that felt woven into the fabric of the story,. It made the setting feel real and grounded, and it added an extra layer of connection for me, especially knowing this was my first book by a local author.
Andrea, wrote something truly special here. I felt her voice echoing through the pages, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it as an ARC reader. This book is everything I want in a slow burn romance: tension, tenderness, strong characters, and a storyline that lingers long after the final page.
I was so sad to close the book, and I look forward to reading the next on from you, Andrea! 🩷
Run—don’t walk—to grab a copy of Pretty Little Trigger. You won’t regret it.🩷
I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book, and to say I was surprised by how much I loved it would be an understatement. I knew I’d be hooked based on all the teasing Andrea Le Riche did on social media, but nothing prepared me for just how deeply this story would capture my heart. As my first ARC experience, it has absolutely set the bar—this book is not only a standout, it's a comfort read I’ll come back to again and again .💌
The connection I felt to these characters was so incredibly profound. Alana Ashby, MFC, is so vividly written that I felt like I was walking the streets beside her, living through every emotion with her. This is such a girl-coded book in the best possible way—it speaks directly to the heart of anyone who loves a strong female lead and a protective, quietly intense male counterpart.
Hunter, the bodyguard, is the dream. He’s kind, strong, possessive in all the right ways, and clearly written by a woman who gets women. He’s the kind of man who helps you become stronger—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. He’s the perfect balance of good and bad, yin and yang, and his dynamic with Alana is everything. 😩
This is a high-stakes, forced-proximity, kidnapped - bodyguard scenario that plays out with delicious tension and perfectly paced emotional build-up. The slow burn was just right—never too fast or too drawn out. Every moment of tension, every touch and lingering look, was enough to make me giggle, gasp, and even tear up.
AND the plot twist? It shocked me (in the best way), and the ending left me full of deeply satisfied. I also loved the subtle glimpses of Cape Town—that felt woven into the fabric of the story,. It made the setting feel real and grounded, and it added an extra layer of connection for me, especially knowing this was my first book by a local author.
Andrea, wrote something truly special here. I felt her voice echoing through the pages, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it as an ARC reader. This book is everything I want in a slow burn romance: tension, tenderness, strong characters, and a storyline that lingers long after the final page.
I was so sad to close the book, and I look forward to reading the next on from you, Andrea! 🩷
Run—don’t walk—to grab a copy of Pretty Little Trigger. You won’t regret it.🩷
June 11, 2025
I'd say this is by far one of my favorite reads this year, reading books by local authors make me happy and Andrea created a masterpiece! Alana was a beautiful destructive character while Hunter was this dark mysterious man that brought us all at a stand still with that bomb drop of a twist! South African authors do it better ❤️
June 7, 2025
I read this in less than a day!!!😍 4 and a half stars!!!😍 The writing is beyond beautiful and the story had me absolutely hooked !!! Andrea… I want more !!!! Please can all the girls in the book have their own story 😍 also Salem was my favorite!!!!🥹😍
August 12, 2025
I loved the dual POV's, because it gave us access to the thoughts and struggles of both characters, and also how their relationship develops over the time.
August 24, 2025
Daaamn, I’ve never finished a book so fast (and I’m a slow reader). I couldn’t put it down! I just had to know what’s going to happen next. Loved the characters and the plot (got a bit nervous the last few chapters). Thanks Andre Le Riche for this diamond of a book, it’s truly captivating.
Can’t wait to read Pretty Little Vow🔥🖤
If a book captures my attention like this and I keep on wanting more, I have to give it a five stars!
Can’t wait to read Pretty Little Vow🔥🖤
If a book captures my attention like this and I keep on wanting more, I have to give it a five stars!
June 3, 2025
Dark romance girlies is going to devour this!!!
Get your hands on it!!!
Get your hands on it!!!
May 6, 2025
What a breathtaking debut! Andrea’s first novel is a deeply emotional and hauntingly beautiful journey that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. The story follows Alana, a young woman whose life is upended by a traumatic event that spirals into something no one sees coming. Without giving anything away, let’s just say the emotional twists, complex relationships, and inner battles are utterly compelling.
Andrea has a gift for exploring the shadows of the human psyche — every dark thought, every uncomfortable emotion, is written with poetic insight and layered meaning. The tension is expertly paced, the revelations shocking, and the emotional payoff powerful. It’s rare to find a story that’s equal parts thrilling, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking.
This is not just a story of survival, but of transformation, love, and the messy, complicated nature of healing. An unforgettable read — I can’t wait to see what Andrea writes next!
Andrea has a gift for exploring the shadows of the human psyche — every dark thought, every uncomfortable emotion, is written with poetic insight and layered meaning. The tension is expertly paced, the revelations shocking, and the emotional payoff powerful. It’s rare to find a story that’s equal parts thrilling, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking.
This is not just a story of survival, but of transformation, love, and the messy, complicated nature of healing. An unforgettable read — I can’t wait to see what Andrea writes next!
July 13, 2025
Where's the 6 star option?
Pretty Little Trigger exceeded my expectations. I was hooked from start to finish.
This was a book I needed. I didn't even know that I needed it.
If this is not on your TBR, what are you even doing?
The dedication: This is for every woman who was told to be unbreakable. For the ones who held it all together until they couldn't. The ones who bled in silence, smiled through the pressure and turned pain into something sharp and unforgettable.
@Andrea Le Riche, you have your number one fan right here🤌🏼
Pretty Little Trigger exceeded my expectations. I was hooked from start to finish.
This was a book I needed. I didn't even know that I needed it.
If this is not on your TBR, what are you even doing?
The dedication: This is for every woman who was told to be unbreakable. For the ones who held it all together until they couldn't. The ones who bled in silence, smiled through the pressure and turned pain into something sharp and unforgettable.
@Andrea Le Riche, you have your number one fan right here🤌🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
Andrea Le Riche knows how to pull readers in—I was absolutely hooked from the first page. Alana’s inner dialogue was hilarious and relatable, even as she dealt with heavy trauma. Her dynamic with Hunter, her bodyguard, added layers of intensity, chemistry, and a bit of danger. He was definitely more than he seemed—both in good ways and not-so-good ones.
The writing is smooth, engaging, and full of emotional depth. I particularly enjoyed the dual POV, which didn’t just retell scenes but expanded them, offering different emotional perspectives without losing pace.
I did figure out a key plot point early on, and still—when it was confirmed—I was devastated in the best way. The ending delivered closure, making the emotional journey feel complete.
This book was everything I wanted: suspenseful, funny, romantic, and intense.
5/5 stars
The writing is smooth, engaging, and full of emotional depth. I particularly enjoyed the dual POV, which didn’t just retell scenes but expanded them, offering different emotional perspectives without losing pace.
I did figure out a key plot point early on, and still—when it was confirmed—I was devastated in the best way. The ending delivered closure, making the emotional journey feel complete.
This book was everything I wanted: suspenseful, funny, romantic, and intense.
5/5 stars
September 28, 2025
Paused at 61% and might DNF.
Don't get me wrong this is really great for a debut novel. I like the writing style and tone and I did fly through the first 40% of the book and feel the idea behind the storyline is cool, but there's just something missing for me personally.
For background. The dark romances I read include the likes of Rina Kent's God of Wrath/Malice etc, Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann and Insatiable by Leigh Rivers to name a few. So I do not find this book to be dark romance at all, at least up until the 61% mark and maybe that changes my opinion due to expectations I had for the genre. I still think it has promise but there's just details/some depth missing.
To elaborate further... how does the MMC fall in love with the FMC and she's everything to him by 40% if we barely see any deep moments between them. His initial POVs in the book are just too short. It adds something different sure, but if we had longer POVs we could have gotten more insight into his mind and thoughts and dark past as to what shaped him.
There were some scenes I felt were great, but other times it felt a bit rushed.
Behind the Broken was a brilliant bodyguard dark romance. And this made me think of that in a sense, but maybe that was part of the problem because then it kinda fell flat for me. I just really would have loved some more detailed writing like for the sparring sessions and some more character depth.
To be fair I probably can't make a fully informed decision if I haven't read the entire book, but I'll be sure to update my review if I do end up finishing it.
Don't get me wrong this is really great for a debut novel. I like the writing style and tone and I did fly through the first 40% of the book and feel the idea behind the storyline is cool, but there's just something missing for me personally.
For background. The dark romances I read include the likes of Rina Kent's God of Wrath/Malice etc, Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann and Insatiable by Leigh Rivers to name a few. So I do not find this book to be dark romance at all, at least up until the 61% mark and maybe that changes my opinion due to expectations I had for the genre. I still think it has promise but there's just details/some depth missing.
To elaborate further... how does the MMC fall in love with the FMC and she's everything to him by 40% if we barely see any deep moments between them. His initial POVs in the book are just too short. It adds something different sure, but if we had longer POVs we could have gotten more insight into his mind and thoughts and dark past as to what shaped him.
There were some scenes I felt were great, but other times it felt a bit rushed.
Behind the Broken was a brilliant bodyguard dark romance. And this made me think of that in a sense, but maybe that was part of the problem because then it kinda fell flat for me. I just really would have loved some more detailed writing like for the sparring sessions and some more character depth.
To be fair I probably can't make a fully informed decision if I haven't read the entire book, but I'll be sure to update my review if I do end up finishing it.
November 13, 2025
I apologize for being so late with this review, but it's better late than never because this debut truly deserves to be highlighted.
With bruised souls, slow-burning tension, and a brooding, tattooed bodyguard who falls first and falls hard, this book is what I want in a softer dark romance. Alana is the type of woman who, after trauma, rebuilds herself with steel and control, whereas Hunter is all quiet devotion and sharp edges. When combined, they are explosive in the best sense—fire and self-control just waiting to erupt.
Andrea Le Riche was excellent for her debut. The writing is clear and tense enough to creep under your skin. With the way Andre writes, Alana’s PTSD and anxiety were written with authenticity and care—something I personally appreciate deeply, especially for someone who struggles with it daily. This wasn’t darkness for shock value; it was heartbreak, healing, and the courage to let someone in again.
Would I have liked it a little darker and spicier? Absolutely. I was begging for just one scene where the restraint snapped. However, the balance makes this the perfect gateway for readers curious about dipping their toes into dark romance without getting overwhelmed by it.
Also, can we talk about that plot twist? And yes—THE DIAMOND. If you know, you know. (HUNTER)
The pacing was tight, the emotion raw, and I devoured it in one sitting. This one’s a gem—and the fact that it’s from a South African author? Even better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 0.5
With bruised souls, slow-burning tension, and a brooding, tattooed bodyguard who falls first and falls hard, this book is what I want in a softer dark romance. Alana is the type of woman who, after trauma, rebuilds herself with steel and control, whereas Hunter is all quiet devotion and sharp edges. When combined, they are explosive in the best sense—fire and self-control just waiting to erupt.
Andrea Le Riche was excellent for her debut. The writing is clear and tense enough to creep under your skin. With the way Andre writes, Alana’s PTSD and anxiety were written with authenticity and care—something I personally appreciate deeply, especially for someone who struggles with it daily. This wasn’t darkness for shock value; it was heartbreak, healing, and the courage to let someone in again.
Would I have liked it a little darker and spicier? Absolutely. I was begging for just one scene where the restraint snapped. However, the balance makes this the perfect gateway for readers curious about dipping their toes into dark romance without getting overwhelmed by it.
Also, can we talk about that plot twist? And yes—THE DIAMOND. If you know, you know. (HUNTER)
The pacing was tight, the emotion raw, and I devoured it in one sitting. This one’s a gem—and the fact that it’s from a South African author? Even better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 0.5
July 14, 2025
My first ever dark romance and I could not have asked for a better introduction to the genre.
Alana’s strength. Hunter’s obsession.
This story swallowed me whole from page one.
What starts as a bodyguard romance quickly unravels into something darker, deeper, and so much more intense. Hunter or should I say Kaden isn’t who he says he is. He’s not just her protector. He’s part of the very trauma she’s trying to heal from and still, I couldn’t stop rooting for him.
The slow burn, the touch her and die tension, the one bed, the fake dating, and the morally gray MMC had me unhinged. I was shy smiling, jaw dropped, and emotionally spiraling all at once.
Andrea, you delivered. This wasn’t just a book it was a full emotional experience.I’ll be thinking about Alana & Kaden forever.
And book two? Pretty Little Vow?
I need it. ASAP‼️‼️
Alana’s strength. Hunter’s obsession.
This story swallowed me whole from page one.
What starts as a bodyguard romance quickly unravels into something darker, deeper, and so much more intense. Hunter or should I say Kaden isn’t who he says he is. He’s not just her protector. He’s part of the very trauma she’s trying to heal from and still, I couldn’t stop rooting for him.
The slow burn, the touch her and die tension, the one bed, the fake dating, and the morally gray MMC had me unhinged. I was shy smiling, jaw dropped, and emotionally spiraling all at once.
Andrea, you delivered. This wasn’t just a book it was a full emotional experience.I’ll be thinking about Alana & Kaden forever.
And book two? Pretty Little Vow?
I need it. ASAP‼️‼️
August 25, 2025
What a rollercoaster
I honestly did not see the plot twists coming, I had a feeling but was completely wrong, your writing is strong and confident, you don't drag a scene out to its max, which usually bored me. I loved Hunter and Alana they were perfect! I would have like the spice to be spicier(just my opinion seeing as I was thrust into the dark stuff too soon)but if someone gave me this to start my dark romance journey with I would not have been so scarred so soon, this is the perfect kind of bridge between romance and suuuuper dark and twisted romance. I recommend that this be the story you pick up if you want to start dark romance, loved the temp of the story, loved the daddy's little princess vine but not spoilt like a trust find baby and also that you didn't make her a brat....definitely a 5star read for me and I will be racing about this to all my book besties!
I honestly did not see the plot twists coming, I had a feeling but was completely wrong, your writing is strong and confident, you don't drag a scene out to its max, which usually bored me. I loved Hunter and Alana they were perfect! I would have like the spice to be spicier(just my opinion seeing as I was thrust into the dark stuff too soon)but if someone gave me this to start my dark romance journey with I would not have been so scarred so soon, this is the perfect kind of bridge between romance and suuuuper dark and twisted romance. I recommend that this be the story you pick up if you want to start dark romance, loved the temp of the story, loved the daddy's little princess vine but not spoilt like a trust find baby and also that you didn't make her a brat....definitely a 5star read for me and I will be racing about this to all my book besties!
May 26, 2025
4.5 stars
A very interesting and riveting book, I enjoyed it very much. Alana’s story pulls you in from the first chapter. Hunter was mysterious and aloof but very protective and territorial when it came to Alana. Their banter was really funny and keeps you laughing. I liked the story build up. The side characters were great as well. It is a closed door romance book which was actually a great palette cleanser after a very long time.
For a debut novel this book is fantastic, I liked it…
A very interesting and riveting book, I enjoyed it very much. Alana’s story pulls you in from the first chapter. Hunter was mysterious and aloof but very protective and territorial when it came to Alana. Their banter was really funny and keeps you laughing. I liked the story build up. The side characters were great as well. It is a closed door romance book which was actually a great palette cleanser after a very long time.
For a debut novel this book is fantastic, I liked it…
July 4, 2025
4.5🌟 WOW! What a debut!!😍 The writing pulls you in immediately and does NOT let go. You are trapped! (pun intended)
The characters were fleshed out well and the pacing was top tier. The representation of anxiety, trauma, and panic attacks were so raw and real. And the PLOT TWIST. My jaw was on the floor! 😱
If you want a no-spice, tons of tension, lyrical, page-turning, dark romance - THIS IS IT GIRLIES🖤
The characters were fleshed out well and the pacing was top tier. The representation of anxiety, trauma, and panic attacks were so raw and real. And the PLOT TWIST. My jaw was on the floor! 😱
If you want a no-spice, tons of tension, lyrical, page-turning, dark romance - THIS IS IT GIRLIES🖤
September 9, 2025
Must read!
This is a debut novel done well! It is well written & engaging. This was my first Dark Romance novel - thankfully it wasn't too dark for me. I really enjoyed the storyline & plot. The book is pretty fast paced but fits well with the suspense/thriller mixed with romance vibe. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but it also integrated nicely with the FMC's struggle with anxiety & panic attacks & need for control.
Can't wait to read the sequel!
This is a debut novel done well! It is well written & engaging. This was my first Dark Romance novel - thankfully it wasn't too dark for me. I really enjoyed the storyline & plot. The book is pretty fast paced but fits well with the suspense/thriller mixed with romance vibe. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but it also integrated nicely with the FMC's struggle with anxiety & panic attacks & need for control.
Can't wait to read the sequel!
June 7, 2025
Loved it, loved it, loved it !!!!
This was a dark bodyguard romance but more on the softer side.
He falls first and hard 🫠🫠👌👌.
I loved Andrea's writing style. This was an effortless read, and I ate this up. I could not put it down. Finished it in 24 hours.
This is also from a local South African author 🫶🤗🇿🇦🇿🇦.
I highly recommend this of you like dark romance.
This was a dark bodyguard romance but more on the softer side.
He falls first and hard 🫠🫠👌👌.
I loved Andrea's writing style. This was an effortless read, and I ate this up. I could not put it down. Finished it in 24 hours.
This is also from a local South African author 🫶🤗🇿🇦🇿🇦.
I highly recommend this of you like dark romance.
July 13, 2025
I ate this book up! It did feel a little rush but it was still very enjoyable. I loved Alana and Hunter, but Alana and Kaden absolutely has my heart! 🥹
Andrea, you did a great job! Cant wait to read Pretty Little Vow! 😁
Andrea, you did a great job! Cant wait to read Pretty Little Vow! 😁
September 22, 2025
Very good read
I liked the book the story is very well written and I liked the character but I did see the twist coming and I think it was obvious. But I definitely will recommend the book.
I liked the book the story is very well written and I liked the character but I did see the twist coming and I think it was obvious. But I definitely will recommend the book.
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