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In You: A Pitch Black Psychological Thriller
My name is Tamryn.
I am a woman with a job, a home, and a mother who loves me. Not whole, but not quite incomplete, either. I have many faces, but they all want one thing; someone to protect me. Someone to love me. And then I find him...He's everything I thought I ever wanted. Handsome, suave, gentlemanly, my knight in shining armor with a hand stretched out to make everything perfect. And everything is perfect, that is, until my true savior comes along and shows me just how broken I am, and works to piece me back together...
At the end of the day, all I really know my name is Tamryn, and I've always wanted to live by the sea. Preferably in a kingdom, but a small house will do...
My name is Caleb.
I am a survivor, a killer, a loner. Ruthless in my pursuit of justice, I fill my time moonlighting as a vigilante, cleansing the world of the filth that walks upon it. I handle what needs to be taken care of, then I retreat back to my thousand acres of woods until I'm needed again. Though the kills aren't ever enough to erase the touch of my abuser, the bloodlust I feel is sweet, and so far, it's been enough to soothe the aching loneliness that threatens on a daily to swallow me whole. I've accepted my heart is dead, that is, until I meet Tamryn. This fragile woman touches something inside of me, and forces me to realize that I need so much more than that what I've been settling for. She makes me crave more, and enables me to face my deepest, darkest secrets.
This book is a psychological thriller and pitch black romance. As well as various aspects of abuse, it also features heavy themes depicting Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It is recommended to read the trigger warnings before proceeding. 18+ only.
I am a woman with a job, a home, and a mother who loves me. Not whole, but not quite incomplete, either. I have many faces, but they all want one thing; someone to protect me. Someone to love me. And then I find him...He's everything I thought I ever wanted. Handsome, suave, gentlemanly, my knight in shining armor with a hand stretched out to make everything perfect. And everything is perfect, that is, until my true savior comes along and shows me just how broken I am, and works to piece me back together...
At the end of the day, all I really know my name is Tamryn, and I've always wanted to live by the sea. Preferably in a kingdom, but a small house will do...
My name is Caleb.
I am a survivor, a killer, a loner. Ruthless in my pursuit of justice, I fill my time moonlighting as a vigilante, cleansing the world of the filth that walks upon it. I handle what needs to be taken care of, then I retreat back to my thousand acres of woods until I'm needed again. Though the kills aren't ever enough to erase the touch of my abuser, the bloodlust I feel is sweet, and so far, it's been enough to soothe the aching loneliness that threatens on a daily to swallow me whole. I've accepted my heart is dead, that is, until I meet Tamryn. This fragile woman touches something inside of me, and forces me to realize that I need so much more than that what I've been settling for. She makes me crave more, and enables me to face my deepest, darkest secrets.
This book is a psychological thriller and pitch black romance. As well as various aspects of abuse, it also features heavy themes depicting Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It is recommended to read the trigger warnings before proceeding. 18+ only.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
653 people are currently reading
2702 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Presley
14 books167 followersS.K. resides in the midwest with an adorable rescue beagle. Drawn to writing steamy dark romances with love interests who are infatuated with one another, it has always been her dream to share with the world her ideas and stories, and she hopes that you enjoy her work just as much as she enjoys creating it.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
August 3, 2025
Oh I have thoughts. I HATE being manipulated by an author on booktok using buzzwords to attempt to gain an audience. That’s exactly what happens here. This book is not a PITCH BLACK DARK ROMANCE. Advertising it as such is manipulation plain and simple.
SPOILERS-
This book was sold on BookTok as some kind of pitch-black dark romance, with the author bragging that “most people can’t get past ten chapters.” That’s cute, except there’s literally nothing dark about this book—unless you count clumsy shock factor and exploiting real-life trauma for clicks as “dark.”
Instead of being genuinely disturbing or thought-provoking, the story takes actual issues—like childhood abuse and DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder)—and turns them into cheap plot gimmicks. The FMC randomly slips into a seven-year-old alter who… shoves dog food up herself. That’s not edgy, that’s lazy shock writing. And it’s definitely not romance when her “love interest” also is dumbed down to being her caretaker instead of getting help himself.
By the end, she lands in a mental hospital (which, frankly, should’ve been page two), but somehow they’ve had a kid together. Because yes, apparently the big romantic payoff is having a child with someone who is deeply unwell and never gets proper care until it’s too late. That’s not “dark romance.” That’s just irresponsible, gross, and exploitative writing.
This book didn’t push boundaries; it pandered to BookTok with empty “this is SO taboo” marketing while being neither taboo nor romantic. It’s trauma bait dressed up as edgy romance, and frankly, it deserves zero hype.
SPOILERS-
This book was sold on BookTok as some kind of pitch-black dark romance, with the author bragging that “most people can’t get past ten chapters.” That’s cute, except there’s literally nothing dark about this book—unless you count clumsy shock factor and exploiting real-life trauma for clicks as “dark.”
Instead of being genuinely disturbing or thought-provoking, the story takes actual issues—like childhood abuse and DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder)—and turns them into cheap plot gimmicks. The FMC randomly slips into a seven-year-old alter who… shoves dog food up herself. That’s not edgy, that’s lazy shock writing. And it’s definitely not romance when her “love interest” also is dumbed down to being her caretaker instead of getting help himself.
By the end, she lands in a mental hospital (which, frankly, should’ve been page two), but somehow they’ve had a kid together. Because yes, apparently the big romantic payoff is having a child with someone who is deeply unwell and never gets proper care until it’s too late. That’s not “dark romance.” That’s just irresponsible, gross, and exploitative writing.
This book didn’t push boundaries; it pandered to BookTok with empty “this is SO taboo” marketing while being neither taboo nor romantic. It’s trauma bait dressed up as edgy romance, and frankly, it deserves zero hype.
June 13, 2025
Your mental health matters. If you need help, please reach out.
This book is dark. Unapologetically raw, heavy, and real. In You by S.K. Presley pulls no punches, diving deep into trauma, grief, pain, and survival. It’s filled with trigger warnings, and it will be a difficult read for many. But that’s the point. This isn’t just fiction, it’s a reality for so many. If at any point you feel overwhelmed while reading, please give yourself permission to stop. Your peace is more important.
With that being said… Tamryn and Caleb’s story opened my eyes in ways I wasn't prepared for. These two characters are shattered and completely broken in their own ways, and watching them try to piece themselves together through the wreckage of their pasts is both heart wrenching and brutally beautiful.
The things they’ve endured are unthinkable. The emotional and physical scars they carry make it nearly impossible to trust, to breathe, to live. But somehow, through all of that, they find each other. Not in a romanticized way, but in way that was not expected until you get to it. When you're that broken, sometimes the only person who can truly understand you... is someone who's just as shattered.
I won't say this book is for everyone, because it’s not. It’s haunting and painfully honest. But I will say that I want everyone to read it. Because seeing what trauma looks like, how it lingers, how it swallows people whole… might just help someone recognize it in themselves or in someone they love.
Tamryn and Caleb are in shambles. But they see each other. And in that there’s the smallest sliver of hope.
Five stars. Because it gutted me, and I’ll never forget it.
This book is dark. Unapologetically raw, heavy, and real. In You by S.K. Presley pulls no punches, diving deep into trauma, grief, pain, and survival. It’s filled with trigger warnings, and it will be a difficult read for many. But that’s the point. This isn’t just fiction, it’s a reality for so many. If at any point you feel overwhelmed while reading, please give yourself permission to stop. Your peace is more important.
With that being said… Tamryn and Caleb’s story opened my eyes in ways I wasn't prepared for. These two characters are shattered and completely broken in their own ways, and watching them try to piece themselves together through the wreckage of their pasts is both heart wrenching and brutally beautiful.
The things they’ve endured are unthinkable. The emotional and physical scars they carry make it nearly impossible to trust, to breathe, to live. But somehow, through all of that, they find each other. Not in a romanticized way, but in way that was not expected until you get to it. When you're that broken, sometimes the only person who can truly understand you... is someone who's just as shattered.
I won't say this book is for everyone, because it’s not. It’s haunting and painfully honest. But I will say that I want everyone to read it. Because seeing what trauma looks like, how it lingers, how it swallows people whole… might just help someone recognize it in themselves or in someone they love.
Tamryn and Caleb are in shambles. But they see each other. And in that there’s the smallest sliver of hope.
Five stars. Because it gutted me, and I’ll never forget it.
August 12, 2025
It’s roughly 1.5-2. I couldn’t decide…
This book was so far from pitch black or psychological. I saw it on booktok and felt interested. I had talked to quite a few people who loved it but I constantly asked myself are we reading the same book?
The story itself was not super original but it had potential. And I could overlook the unoriginal plot because let’s face it I read a lot of these books but this just missed in every way. The characters were not likable really and felt forced.
There was no build up and not in a fun instalove way.
Overall if you loved this I’m happy for you but for me it was a miss.
This book was so far from pitch black or psychological. I saw it on booktok and felt interested. I had talked to quite a few people who loved it but I constantly asked myself are we reading the same book?
The story itself was not super original but it had potential. And I could overlook the unoriginal plot because let’s face it I read a lot of these books but this just missed in every way. The characters were not likable really and felt forced.
There was no build up and not in a fun instalove way.
Overall if you loved this I’m happy for you but for me it was a miss.
August 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | This was a dark and emotional read that taps into your sensitive side in many ways. It definitely draws you in from the beginning as you get invested into Tamryn early on in the story. The story dives into two lost souls that connect and depend on each other to heal from past traumas. It also shows how childhood traumas can affect you in adulthood if a person is not willing to get the proper care for their mental health. I feel as though the author did a good job on researching such sensitive topics, as I felt more educated about the area she touched on by the end of the book.
I absolutely love Caleb and truly feel that every decision he made, he feels though that was best at that time. His childhood story was heartbreaking, raw & gut wrenching! The things that Tamryn endured was just as heartbreaking, & I think this is what made this couple inseparable after their paths crossed! Overall, this story was well written, and enjoyable despite the heavy subjects. I recommend reading the trigger warnings, but if you can handle it I would highly recommend this read!
I absolutely love Caleb and truly feel that every decision he made, he feels though that was best at that time. His childhood story was heartbreaking, raw & gut wrenching! The things that Tamryn endured was just as heartbreaking, & I think this is what made this couple inseparable after their paths crossed! Overall, this story was well written, and enjoyable despite the heavy subjects. I recommend reading the trigger warnings, but if you can handle it I would highly recommend this read!
September 2, 2025
i finished this book that’s currently going viral on booktok, but at what cost?
to be honest, this wasn’t a good book but i quite literally couldn’t stop reading it. it’s like a wreck you can’t look away from, you know?
this shouldn’t be categorized as a romance in my opinion, i do not think these 2 characters should have been together. they both needed help and to heal but it’s whatever, i guess i can understand it being done for the plot.
but while i do not personally consider this a pitch black romance, it’s definitely dark and disturbing. very heavy with child sexual assault themes & conversations. like it’ll make you feel disgusted. also, i think the author was like “you know let me add dry dog food in a scene as a shock factor” because what the actual fuck was that? i wont ever be able to think of dry food the same anymore. so thanks a lot 😭
i wouldn’t recommend this book tbh.
to be honest, this wasn’t a good book but i quite literally couldn’t stop reading it. it’s like a wreck you can’t look away from, you know?
this shouldn’t be categorized as a romance in my opinion, i do not think these 2 characters should have been together. they both needed help and to heal but it’s whatever, i guess i can understand it being done for the plot.
but while i do not personally consider this a pitch black romance, it’s definitely dark and disturbing. very heavy with child sexual assault themes & conversations. like it’ll make you feel disgusted. also, i think the author was like “you know let me add dry dog food in a scene as a shock factor” because what the actual fuck was that? i wont ever be able to think of dry food the same anymore. so thanks a lot 😭
i wouldn’t recommend this book tbh.
August 5, 2025
just bad
you cannot develop DID at 29 its a childhood abuse disorder it makes no sense and why when he has just rescued a sex trafficked girl is he trying to shag her from the get go
bad
bad
you cannot develop DID at 29 its a childhood abuse disorder it makes no sense and why when he has just rescued a sex trafficked girl is he trying to shag her from the get go
bad
bad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
I wish I had known this book centered on Dissociative Identity Disorder before diving in. That context would have tempered my expectations, and perhaps helped me avoid acquiring a copy altogether. Still, here is an objective review from a psychologist (PhD) with a habit of parsing fiction through a clinical lens.
What ultimately unraveled the experience for me was the portrayal of DID. As a clinician, I remain unconvinced by DID as a reliably diagnosable condition. While dissociation, depersonalization, derealization, and somatic distress are all legitimate trauma responses, these symptoms are more consistently and coherently observed in disorders such as complex PTSD (not currently in the DSM-V TR, but now a billable ICD code), borderline personality disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and major depressive disorder with psychotic features. Unlike DID, these diagnoses have clearer diagnostic criteria, more predictable symptom profiles, and stronger empirical support. DID relies heavily on subjective self-report, lacks reliable biomarkers, and often reflects therapeutic suggestion or cultural narratives rather than stable pathology. Its depiction in fiction tends to lean into sensationalism, portraying identity as fractured into discrete personalities rather than understanding fragmentation as a spectrum of disintegration more accurately captured by other trauma-related paradigms. In this case, the novel’s depiction did little to ground the disorder in clinical plausibility or psychological realism, and instead amplified the very inconsistencies that continue to make DID one of the most contested diagnoses in the DSM.
This book may resonate with readers who are already aligned with its representation of trauma and dissociation. For those looking for psychological realism or emotionally immersive storytelling, it is likely to fall short.
What ultimately unraveled the experience for me was the portrayal of DID. As a clinician, I remain unconvinced by DID as a reliably diagnosable condition. While dissociation, depersonalization, derealization, and somatic distress are all legitimate trauma responses, these symptoms are more consistently and coherently observed in disorders such as complex PTSD (not currently in the DSM-V TR, but now a billable ICD code), borderline personality disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and major depressive disorder with psychotic features. Unlike DID, these diagnoses have clearer diagnostic criteria, more predictable symptom profiles, and stronger empirical support. DID relies heavily on subjective self-report, lacks reliable biomarkers, and often reflects therapeutic suggestion or cultural narratives rather than stable pathology. Its depiction in fiction tends to lean into sensationalism, portraying identity as fractured into discrete personalities rather than understanding fragmentation as a spectrum of disintegration more accurately captured by other trauma-related paradigms. In this case, the novel’s depiction did little to ground the disorder in clinical plausibility or psychological realism, and instead amplified the very inconsistencies that continue to make DID one of the most contested diagnoses in the DSM.
This book may resonate with readers who are already aligned with its representation of trauma and dissociation. For those looking for psychological realism or emotionally immersive storytelling, it is likely to fall short.
August 13, 2025
DNF at 35%.
Not pitch black at all.
MMC was ick - pervy and not likeable. I usually love a dark MMC but this was not it. The MMC “fell in love” far too quick over nothing except the FMC looks. This fell very flat and not believable. Too insta-lovey for me.
Portrayal of DID in the FMC was annoying and unrealistic.
I liked the first few chapters but then I was just annoyed and frustrated throughout the rest of it.
First book I DNF.
Don’t let booktok fool you.
Not pitch black at all.
MMC was ick - pervy and not likeable. I usually love a dark MMC but this was not it. The MMC “fell in love” far too quick over nothing except the FMC looks. This fell very flat and not believable. Too insta-lovey for me.
Portrayal of DID in the FMC was annoying and unrealistic.
I liked the first few chapters but then I was just annoyed and frustrated throughout the rest of it.
First book I DNF.
Don’t let booktok fool you.
Read
August 2, 2025There’s a trend on TikTok rn that goes “please don’t look at me lustfully” and I felt like screaming that every time Caleb was even remotely near Tamryn.
I actually hate to post anything negative about a indie author but from the review I watched on TikTok made this book seem like an emotional healing type of journey when really it was Caleb trying to screw her fast asf and her alters popping up every other second and him freaking out and dealing with it. There were barely any therapy scenes and they had months long time jumps. I don’t think there was an ounce of healing anywhere in this book. Also I didn’t like the ending at all. I feel like it demonized people who actually have DID, was it really necessary to have her want to hurt her own child? I feel like there could have been another reason that made Caleb realize he actually needed to get her professional help. I know this book is labeled pitch black but you can give me pitch black without giving me the ick. Caleb was definitely better than the captor. He was definitely giving pervert but the man literally hunted them? I just feel like since he’s a victim he would act a little different at least? Idk.
I don’t think I would have picked up this book if I hadn’t seen that review (that the author reposted and said that it was a good representation of what the book was) bc this was just two mentally ill people going at it or thinking about it.
I did notice one or two spelling mistakes but those really don’t bother me.
PLEASE TAKE EVERYTHING I SAID WITH A GRAIN OF SALT! This is my opinion but maybe you would feel differently.
I actually hate to post anything negative about a indie author but from the review I watched on TikTok made this book seem like an emotional healing type of journey when really it was Caleb trying to screw her fast asf and her alters popping up every other second and him freaking out and dealing with it. There were barely any therapy scenes and they had months long time jumps. I don’t think there was an ounce of healing anywhere in this book. Also I didn’t like the ending at all. I feel like it demonized people who actually have DID, was it really necessary to have her want to hurt her own child? I feel like there could have been another reason that made Caleb realize he actually needed to get her professional help. I know this book is labeled pitch black but you can give me pitch black without giving me the ick. Caleb was definitely better than the captor. He was definitely giving pervert but the man literally hunted them? I just feel like since he’s a victim he would act a little different at least? Idk.
I don’t think I would have picked up this book if I hadn’t seen that review (that the author reposted and said that it was a good representation of what the book was) bc this was just two mentally ill people going at it or thinking about it.
I did notice one or two spelling mistakes but those really don’t bother me.
PLEASE TAKE EVERYTHING I SAID WITH A GRAIN OF SALT! This is my opinion but maybe you would feel differently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
In full honesty, this book is SO good, top 5 in my reads this year!!!! The characters, the trauma, the plot, and the love😍This book has touched my body, spirit, and mind in every way possible, I jumped into a whole different reality when reading. I seriously could not put it down until I finished this book. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!🖤🖤🖤
August 27, 2025
This was a very different and unique book. It was intense and heart wrenching at times. However, there were other moments where it was heartwarming and quite lovely. I loved the realism and accurate descriptions of DID/OSDD. I learned things I never knew relating to these disorders. Now this book is rough. It is 100% Pitch Black if not Static White. It CAN be an extremely tough book to read especially if you have triggers. There was a rough moment where I had to take a couple days break after reading. But I was definitely cheering them on. Your mental health matters.
S.K. Presley did an amazing job with her research and making these characters seem real. She wrote a masterpiece depicting 2 individuals with a strong survival instinct and a lot of hope to maybe thrive instead of just survive.
SPOILERS:
I love Tamryn. I wish she had spoken up about her feelings regarding his obsession with Camilla. But I loved her character. She felt real and I am sure anyone in her situation would have felt the same way. She was confused and lost and I can't imagine what it would be like to go through life with parts of your days missing. Sometimes entire days. Sometimes it was difficult to know who you were reading as when it was on Tamryn's POV. Tamryn's mind split to help protect her from all the dark and evil things Mr. Calvin did to her. He annihilated her, he brutalized her, he isolated her, he made her feel like garbage, he made her into an animal. He destroyed her mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I felt awful for Caleb. Reading what he went through at such a young and fragile age was heart breaking. I feel sick for what his mother did to him. I couldn't even imagine what that would be like. Its disgusting and she was vile for inflicting that torture on her child. You are supposed to protect your children and she took advantage of him. When he was asleep. She snuck in. She shushed him. She silenced him. No person would be sane after going through something so traumatizing. Then to have his pain and trauma thrown back into his face in the military. By people you need to trust. It was a violation. Those "men" were disgusting and as vile as she was. Thank goodness for Frank.
Their relationship was forced at the beginning. Caleb couldn't let her go. But I don't think Tamryn would have a normalish life if she had gone anywhere else. Even a facility. She wouldn't be good going out all the time around so many other people and never knowing when one of her triggers would be hit and her personality would change and locking her up wasn’t what he wanted to do either. It would be another prison to her at first. At least with Caleb she can have one person who knows her and how to manage the personalities albeit somewhat.
However I am happy that when Caleb could no longer manage her struggles he did the right thing and got her help. He still visits with their child. And it creates a somewhat normalcy for her.
This book destroyed me in the best way possible and I will forever remember it.
S.K. Presley did an amazing job with her research and making these characters seem real. She wrote a masterpiece depicting 2 individuals with a strong survival instinct and a lot of hope to maybe thrive instead of just survive.
SPOILERS:
I love Tamryn. I wish she had spoken up about her feelings regarding his obsession with Camilla. But I loved her character. She felt real and I am sure anyone in her situation would have felt the same way. She was confused and lost and I can't imagine what it would be like to go through life with parts of your days missing. Sometimes entire days. Sometimes it was difficult to know who you were reading as when it was on Tamryn's POV. Tamryn's mind split to help protect her from all the dark and evil things Mr. Calvin did to her. He annihilated her, he brutalized her, he isolated her, he made her feel like garbage, he made her into an animal. He destroyed her mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I felt awful for Caleb. Reading what he went through at such a young and fragile age was heart breaking. I feel sick for what his mother did to him. I couldn't even imagine what that would be like. Its disgusting and she was vile for inflicting that torture on her child. You are supposed to protect your children and she took advantage of him. When he was asleep. She snuck in. She shushed him. She silenced him. No person would be sane after going through something so traumatizing. Then to have his pain and trauma thrown back into his face in the military. By people you need to trust. It was a violation. Those "men" were disgusting and as vile as she was. Thank goodness for Frank.
Their relationship was forced at the beginning. Caleb couldn't let her go. But I don't think Tamryn would have a normalish life if she had gone anywhere else. Even a facility. She wouldn't be good going out all the time around so many other people and never knowing when one of her triggers would be hit and her personality would change and locking her up wasn’t what he wanted to do either. It would be another prison to her at first. At least with Caleb she can have one person who knows her and how to manage the personalities albeit somewhat.
However I am happy that when Caleb could no longer manage her struggles he did the right thing and got her help. He still visits with their child. And it creates a somewhat normalcy for her.
This book destroyed me in the best way possible and I will forever remember it.
October 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Definitely check your trigger warnings with this story. Two broken adults trauma bonding and helping each other heal. I did like how the author included ways to cope with trauma along with how therapy and seeking help is truly important after suffering from a traumatic ordeal.
August 1, 2025
I am honestly not sure what I feel right now... having seen a review on TIKTOK and then moments later seeing the author speak about the review on this book I took it as a sign to read it. I did however go through the reviews before downloading to see if I honestly should or not. There were a lot AND I MEAN A LOT of heavy topics, things you don't ever think about or would even know how to handle if I experienced it myself. This book made me uncomfortable but I didn't hate it. It was well written, strong, and did the FMC and MMC right. Not a lot of books I've read with topics like this do either one or both of the characters justice but I think S.K. Presley did a wonderful job.
If you are easy to trigger, or have trauma even in the smallest degree, I would 100% make sure you read thoroughly through the triggers listed in this book before reading.
Chapter 23 broke me, it made me turn my phone off and sit in my dark room for about 20 minutes. I binge read this whole book in about 4 hours, I tend to do this with heavier trauma topic material for my own sanity. But this chapter actually broke me.
I don't know what to rate this book TBH, to some I think it will come across terrible, I don't idolize this type of literature but I also didn't hate the book. I sat with it, took it in, and in the end I did like this story. I like how well it was written, I like the depth we get to see in each character, I loved seeing the growing on Caleb's mental health. How he healed with Tamryn and Camilla, and how deeply he tried to heal all of them was something special.
If you are easy to trigger, or have trauma even in the smallest degree, I would 100% make sure you read thoroughly through the triggers listed in this book before reading.
Chapter 23 broke me, it made me turn my phone off and sit in my dark room for about 20 minutes. I binge read this whole book in about 4 hours, I tend to do this with heavier trauma topic material for my own sanity. But this chapter actually broke me.
I don't know what to rate this book TBH, to some I think it will come across terrible, I don't idolize this type of literature but I also didn't hate the book. I sat with it, took it in, and in the end I did like this story. I like how well it was written, I like the depth we get to see in each character, I loved seeing the growing on Caleb's mental health. How he healed with Tamryn and Camilla, and how deeply he tried to heal all of them was something special.
June 13, 2025
This book is not for the faint of heart, or the faint of stomach. This is truly a pitch black romance. The characters themselves only slightly bend the morals/ethics, but what has happened to those characters and how they deal with it is what makes this books so darkly drenched in blood and tears.
There aren’t very many thing I can say without spoiling this and that is the last thing I want to do. But I will say this book is chock full of triggers, questionable choices, horrible people, amazing people, beautiful journeys, heart wrenching moments, some steamy moments, but most of all a love that is forged by two people the world let down and forgot about, and how they don’t give up on each other. It is an emotional read that I am sure some people out there have had to live with in one way or another, and i hope it shows them, or anyone who reads this that there is love to be found and had even for the most broken people. I am sure i could make some reference to kintsugi, but I feel that would be reductive. There is far more to this than two broken people healing each other. It’s beautiful, sad, and hopeful all at the same time. If you need a good shock, a good heart wrenching read, that shows hope even for the bleakest circumstances, this is for you. I will caution you to read the trigger warnings and read when ready/able to handle heavy material. And that is all i can say. Now go get it 💖
There aren’t very many thing I can say without spoiling this and that is the last thing I want to do. But I will say this book is chock full of triggers, questionable choices, horrible people, amazing people, beautiful journeys, heart wrenching moments, some steamy moments, but most of all a love that is forged by two people the world let down and forgot about, and how they don’t give up on each other. It is an emotional read that I am sure some people out there have had to live with in one way or another, and i hope it shows them, or anyone who reads this that there is love to be found and had even for the most broken people. I am sure i could make some reference to kintsugi, but I feel that would be reductive. There is far more to this than two broken people healing each other. It’s beautiful, sad, and hopeful all at the same time. If you need a good shock, a good heart wrenching read, that shows hope even for the bleakest circumstances, this is for you. I will caution you to read the trigger warnings and read when ready/able to handle heavy material. And that is all i can say. Now go get it 💖
August 27, 2025
This story gutted me. It is a dark, disturbing, emotional, raw story dealing with insufferable trauma, abuse and mental issues stemming from abuse. This has many triggers, and will not be for everyone. I definitely needed breaks with this one.
My heart broke time and again for Tamryn and Caleb. As both characters are broken, Caleb ends up saving Tamryn. Although he gets her from her abuser, her mental health has already been shattered, as she has DID. Trying to get therapy for her, his lacking of wanting it for himself as well saddened me. I loved the part of Caleb who was trying to protect Tamryn, his patience and empathy. My heartstrings ached for what he endured as a child. As both characters try to navigate, and heal, I think it is realized only love wasn’t enough. I wouldn’t call this a dark romance, definitely dark, heavy, twisted, gut wrenching. It will definitely stick with me. Would I recommend… I’d be selective who I’d recommend to.
My heart broke time and again for Tamryn and Caleb. As both characters are broken, Caleb ends up saving Tamryn. Although he gets her from her abuser, her mental health has already been shattered, as she has DID. Trying to get therapy for her, his lacking of wanting it for himself as well saddened me. I loved the part of Caleb who was trying to protect Tamryn, his patience and empathy. My heartstrings ached for what he endured as a child. As both characters try to navigate, and heal, I think it is realized only love wasn’t enough. I wouldn’t call this a dark romance, definitely dark, heavy, twisted, gut wrenching. It will definitely stick with me. Would I recommend… I’d be selective who I’d recommend to.
September 30, 2025
unfortunately i was also bamboozled by Booktok into reading this…there is nothing “pitch black” about In You. The author, who claims to have an extensive background in mental health, actually wrote an exploitative story that contributes to an already stigmatic and uncertain narrative around DID. also, there seems to be barely any proofreading, with numerous spelling mistakes and repetitions (including the misspelling of Jane Austen, which I cannot get over). I appreciate that SK Presley is an indie writer who writes dark romances, and I didn’t go into this expecting classic literature or highbrow writing. I did expect at least some narrative cohesion and effort to create depth for characters that doesn’t rely on SA, predatory behavior, and controversial buzzwords and themes for the shock value. Or any effort to create believability. It is not the themes or even the bizarre sex scenes that offended me in this book, it was the author’s treatment of them. Even the usage of “dark romance” tropes was tired and unoriginal. You can tell that this was rushed and not fully thought out. Very disappointed
August 4, 2025
Dnf chapter two
This book screams millennial. Nothing wrong with the story just hate how it’s written. She’s getting r*ped but her mind goes to “well his penis is small so it’s not tewww bad” idk but that just gave me the ick. Then we have a little time skip where she meets the male MC and he’s corny as hell. And then 5 mins into them meeting the topic of her father comes up and she’s like “ you can tell him. You can share…” girl after your experience with men you choose the first man that gives you attention to share your traumas with? Like you don’t know this mf lol and then home boy does the BARE MINIMUM and she’s like “omggg I’m in awe at how polite he is” please don’t piss me off.
Anyways, super disappointed in this one. saw a great review on TikTok about it and was so excited to read. To my disappointment this didn’t meet my expectations. This book is corny asf
This book screams millennial. Nothing wrong with the story just hate how it’s written. She’s getting r*ped but her mind goes to “well his penis is small so it’s not tewww bad” idk but that just gave me the ick. Then we have a little time skip where she meets the male MC and he’s corny as hell. And then 5 mins into them meeting the topic of her father comes up and she’s like “ you can tell him. You can share…” girl after your experience with men you choose the first man that gives you attention to share your traumas with? Like you don’t know this mf lol and then home boy does the BARE MINIMUM and she’s like “omggg I’m in awe at how polite he is” please don’t piss me off.
Anyways, super disappointed in this one. saw a great review on TikTok about it and was so excited to read. To my disappointment this didn’t meet my expectations. This book is corny asf
August 7, 2025
extremely dark- check trigger warnings
This book was a ride. It starts off slow, but once it grabs you, it doesn’t let go. S.K. Presley does a phenomenal job capturing the brutal, messy, and raw reality of living with and loving someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder. The representation felt intentional, layered, and deeply emotional.
It’s not just the mental health aspect that hits hard. This story explores trauma, survival, love, and identity in a way that’s as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. The smut scenes? On point.
If you’re looking for something dark, honest, and soul-shattering, with romance that burns slow but hits hard. Thus one will leave a mark.
This book was a ride. It starts off slow, but once it grabs you, it doesn’t let go. S.K. Presley does a phenomenal job capturing the brutal, messy, and raw reality of living with and loving someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder. The representation felt intentional, layered, and deeply emotional.
It’s not just the mental health aspect that hits hard. This story explores trauma, survival, love, and identity in a way that’s as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. The smut scenes? On point.
If you’re looking for something dark, honest, and soul-shattering, with romance that burns slow but hits hard. Thus one will leave a mark.
August 9, 2025
I seriously had my jaw drop at least twice while reading this book! It’s dark, intense, and so well written. I couldn’t put it down!
Tamryn’s story is heartbreaking and raw, and Caleb is one of those characters who’s messed up but somehow exactly what she needs. They help heal each other's trauma by breaking down their walls and letting each other in.
And the ending? At first it completely terrified me with what seemed like was going to happen. But then I loved that she finally got the help she needed. After everything she went through, it felt like such a powerful moment. This book is so good, read it!
Tamryn’s story is heartbreaking and raw, and Caleb is one of those characters who’s messed up but somehow exactly what she needs. They help heal each other's trauma by breaking down their walls and letting each other in.
And the ending? At first it completely terrified me with what seemed like was going to happen. But then I loved that she finally got the help she needed. After everything she went through, it felt like such a powerful moment. This book is so good, read it!
August 1, 2025
Read your trigger warnings. Your mental health matters.
Just from the prologue, I knew this one was going to be a doozy. It is DARK. It is a complete mindfuck. There were moments I wanted to scream. Moments I wanted to cry and moments I actually did cry. Moments that warmed my heart. This takes you through some serious trials and tribulations but shows you that there is a way out. I was not expecting it to be so high on emotion but here I stand corrected. Definitely an eye opener. Amazing read that I will not be forgetting for a while.
Just from the prologue, I knew this one was going to be a doozy. It is DARK. It is a complete mindfuck. There were moments I wanted to scream. Moments I wanted to cry and moments I actually did cry. Moments that warmed my heart. This takes you through some serious trials and tribulations but shows you that there is a way out. I was not expecting it to be so high on emotion but here I stand corrected. Definitely an eye opener. Amazing read that I will not be forgetting for a while.
August 4, 2025
This book is absolutely profound. When sheer will for connection mutated just to survive it put out for you to read. Holy hell, do I resonate with this book beyond the words.
Every shard of the main characters bleeds with intention. Every fracture born from the same ache that split them all apart internally, internalized. The twists, the bends, will have you on your knees screaming at the pages with them. Absolute madness, all of it for an absolute masterpiece
Every shard of the main characters bleeds with intention. Every fracture born from the same ache that split them all apart internally, internalized. The twists, the bends, will have you on your knees screaming at the pages with them. Absolute madness, all of it for an absolute masterpiece
September 7, 2025
The first half of this book was literally so good, and then it went downhill so incredibly fast. It felt like the author wanted the main characters to fall in love but didn't know how to do it in a realistic way, so the pacing went out the window. Pair that with the obscene amount of typos and the fact that 95% of the men have names that start with C (small gripe, but it caused me a lot of confusion at first), and I give this like a 2.75/5.
August 13, 2025
This is the epitome of trauma bonding 🥲
This was dark, but also feel like it was written purely for shock factor and parts were just a bit stupid and cringe. Still enjoyed though lol
Lots of spelling mistakes and inconsistencies which was annoying me though
This was dark, but also feel like it was written purely for shock factor and parts were just a bit stupid and cringe. Still enjoyed though lol
Lots of spelling mistakes and inconsistencies which was annoying me though
Read
August 6, 2025stockholm syndrome but make it sexy (but also not sexy and very gut wrenching and scary)
Read
August 7, 2025I just finished this and I feel really gross and a tad bit manipulated. The author clearly has talent and I flew through her writing. But the series of events that play out in this book are nauseating, shocking and seemingly incomprehensible. I’m not satisfied with the way the story ends and it leaves a very, very bitter taste in my mouth.
December 13, 2025
2.5⭐️ unfortunately I just found this boring 🥱
August 30, 2025
The feelings this story invoked. I can’t really put into words
So traumatic, & heartbreaking so well written.
Pitch black & definitely triggering but so good
So traumatic, & heartbreaking so well written.
Pitch black & definitely triggering but so good
August 5, 2025
In You
Author: S.K. Presley
5⭐️s/🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book will peel you open and leave you emotionally raw. But it is worth it.
Once again, I am blown away by S.K. Presley and her depiction of mental health disorders in her books. My heart was worked over with this one. The love story between these two traumatized characters is one I will never forget!
ALL the feelings came to the surface reading this book. I felt shock, horror, disgust, and heartbreak, knowing this is reality for millions of men and women across the world. But I also felt the love and hope that those who suffer from atrocities can find what they need to live a functional and happy life.
This book is about some dark topics, including human tra&&icking, modern-day sla
This may be a work of fiction, but ideas for works of fiction come from somewhere. YOU NEED TO READ the author's FOREWARD information and CONTENT WARNING before you dive into this one.
-Pitch black romance
-excellent mental health rep
-FMC with Dissociative Identity Disorder
-she is unaware of her different personalities
-vigilante MMC with childhood trauma
-he is patient and protective
-emotionally vulnerability
-trauma coping and healing
-his dirty talk is on point
-delicious spice
Author: S.K. Presley
5⭐️s/🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book will peel you open and leave you emotionally raw. But it is worth it.
Once again, I am blown away by S.K. Presley and her depiction of mental health disorders in her books. My heart was worked over with this one. The love story between these two traumatized characters is one I will never forget!
ALL the feelings came to the surface reading this book. I felt shock, horror, disgust, and heartbreak, knowing this is reality for millions of men and women across the world. But I also felt the love and hope that those who suffer from atrocities can find what they need to live a functional and happy life.
This book is about some dark topics, including human tra&&icking, modern-day sla
This may be a work of fiction, but ideas for works of fiction come from somewhere. YOU NEED TO READ the author's FOREWARD information and CONTENT WARNING before you dive into this one.
-Pitch black romance
-excellent mental health rep
-FMC with Dissociative Identity Disorder
-she is unaware of her different personalities
-vigilante MMC with childhood trauma
-he is patient and protective
-emotionally vulnerability
-trauma coping and healing
-his dirty talk is on point
-delicious spice
Read
August 7, 2025Wtf
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