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LAMB: A Dark Retelling
She was my brother’s fiancée. And my absolute obsession.
There were three things and only three things I knew for sure about the woman sitting across from me at the family dinner table every night for the last week. She was completely off-limits. She was my brother’s fiancée. And she was my absolute obsession.
Fact of the matter was, I’d also seen her first. Which meant it was only fair that I crept into her bridal suite the night before the ceremony and took her virginity. She retaliated by slipping into my hotel room and taking something of mine. An appendage. The fifth toe on my left foot. Tucking it away in a box as a sick little keepsake of our short time together.
Blood for blood, or so she claimed.
And that’s when I knew the girl was it for me. Her kind of crazy the perfect accompaniment to my own… peculiarities.
The newspapers liked to call me a butcher. I preferred the term surgeon. After all those years in medical school, I deserved it.
The truth was, I was a saint compared to her. Because Mari didn’t just know how to crack open a rib cage. She knew how to fish around with a pair of perfectly manicured nails and dig out a guy’s heart. Something my brother found out the hard way.
Now she was back, looking to make amends. Or at least pretending to. And I was more than ready to lead my little lamb to slaughter…
LAMB is a dark spin on the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and book two in The Renegades Series. Each title is a standalone in an interconnected world while each story is a retelling of a fairy tale, nursery rhyme, fable, etc. The focus is dark romance so please heed the trigger warnings at the beginning of every book.
There were three things and only three things I knew for sure about the woman sitting across from me at the family dinner table every night for the last week. She was completely off-limits. She was my brother’s fiancée. And she was my absolute obsession.
Fact of the matter was, I’d also seen her first. Which meant it was only fair that I crept into her bridal suite the night before the ceremony and took her virginity. She retaliated by slipping into my hotel room and taking something of mine. An appendage. The fifth toe on my left foot. Tucking it away in a box as a sick little keepsake of our short time together.
Blood for blood, or so she claimed.
And that’s when I knew the girl was it for me. Her kind of crazy the perfect accompaniment to my own… peculiarities.
The newspapers liked to call me a butcher. I preferred the term surgeon. After all those years in medical school, I deserved it.
The truth was, I was a saint compared to her. Because Mari didn’t just know how to crack open a rib cage. She knew how to fish around with a pair of perfectly manicured nails and dig out a guy’s heart. Something my brother found out the hard way.
Now she was back, looking to make amends. Or at least pretending to. And I was more than ready to lead my little lamb to slaughter…
LAMB is a dark spin on the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and book two in The Renegades Series. Each title is a standalone in an interconnected world while each story is a retelling of a fairy tale, nursery rhyme, fable, etc. The focus is dark romance so please heed the trigger warnings at the beginning of every book.
504 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2025
114 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Sybil Knight
20 books472 followersSybil is a career-driven Philadelphian native. A crime show enthusiast by day, and a BDSM club hopper by night. When she isn't working or writing, she is talking about working and writing. She is a single mom to her beta fish (Fish) and way too many dead houseplants.
Her stories range from gray to black, with darker themes throughout. She prefers heroines with a kick-ass mentality and the heroes who know how to rein them in. The mental and medical aspects of her books are well-researched, though they are given a humanistic approach and diagnoses aren't the focal points. She believes her characters don't need to wear labels in order to get her messages across.
Her books are mostly standalones, though her characters may interact and intersect worlds. Additionally, she works closely with and writes alongside author Dahlia Reign and some characters will appear in cameos in each of their publications.
Her stories range from gray to black, with darker themes throughout. She prefers heroines with a kick-ass mentality and the heroes who know how to rein them in. The mental and medical aspects of her books are well-researched, though they are given a humanistic approach and diagnoses aren't the focal points. She believes her characters don't need to wear labels in order to get her messages across.
Her books are mostly standalones, though her characters may interact and intersect worlds. Additionally, she works closely with and writes alongside author Dahlia Reign and some characters will appear in cameos in each of their publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
June 19, 2025
I would give this a 4.5 stars if I could on Goodreads. The only reason why it was not a five star for me was because I had hoped by the end of this story the FMC had a more positive outlook on her future because she still seemed bitter about her past. You could still see the hardshell that she was portraying.
This story had me shocked, astonished, and concerned sometimes all at the same time for the characters, Adrian and Marisela. There was about 8 scenes that had me clutching my pearls and thinking oh my hope she/he is ok. 🤣
The authors trigger warning page should be read before you begin this story.
I loved how the author built the character development for both the FMC and MMC. The FMC character development was more drastic as the years went by. The author for the FMC described in a good amount of detail of her mental state and how it changed over the years. It was interesting to see the FMC change from a young woman that was still learning her skills and assets to an older woman that develops experience and master her skills in the business world. To say the MMC was obsessed, I believe is an understatement. His feelings for the FMC and his continued devotion towards her is beyond admiration.
I also loved how the story was broken apart into four parts with several chapters in each part. It gave me a better understanding of the timeline within the story. I also enjoyed the bonus chapter for the character Casper leading into the third installment of the renegade series.
This story had me shocked, astonished, and concerned sometimes all at the same time for the characters, Adrian and Marisela. There was about 8 scenes that had me clutching my pearls and thinking oh my hope she/he is ok. 🤣
The authors trigger warning page should be read before you begin this story.
I loved how the author built the character development for both the FMC and MMC. The FMC character development was more drastic as the years went by. The author for the FMC described in a good amount of detail of her mental state and how it changed over the years. It was interesting to see the FMC change from a young woman that was still learning her skills and assets to an older woman that develops experience and master her skills in the business world. To say the MMC was obsessed, I believe is an understatement. His feelings for the FMC and his continued devotion towards her is beyond admiration.
I also loved how the story was broken apart into four parts with several chapters in each part. It gave me a better understanding of the timeline within the story. I also enjoyed the bonus chapter for the character Casper leading into the third installment of the renegade series.
June 28, 2025
☽｡⋆ ARC REVIEW - LAMB BY @author.sybil.knight
My Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating 🌶🌶🌶
This was perfectly dark and taboo read. It’s a twisted retelling of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. Grab that flashlight and off you go into this world of crazy and dark.
DR. ADRIAN LAMBERT has an obsession he can’t let go of. The only problem she is his brother’s fiancée. But that is not going to be enough to stop him. He wants her and he will do anything to make her HIS. She is his lamb. She and him are two parts of a whole and nothing is stopping them from being together.
MARISELA CRUZ has a mother who is not here and a father who is ready to sell her for profit and in the midst of this life where she is forced to be someone, she is not she has acquired a STALKER. But Marisela doesn’t hate his gaze or his forbidden touch. In the darkness, she can forget all about her miserable life and lose herself in sin.
But the forces around them are not going to make it easy for these two. There’s going to be challenges and obstacles like no other. They are going to be tested and not everything is how it appears to be. Don’t fall for their tricks. This is going to be a cray, taboo, and a beautifully fucked up read.
My Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating 🌶🌶🌶
This was perfectly dark and taboo read. It’s a twisted retelling of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. Grab that flashlight and off you go into this world of crazy and dark.
DR. ADRIAN LAMBERT has an obsession he can’t let go of. The only problem she is his brother’s fiancée. But that is not going to be enough to stop him. He wants her and he will do anything to make her HIS. She is his lamb. She and him are two parts of a whole and nothing is stopping them from being together.
MARISELA CRUZ has a mother who is not here and a father who is ready to sell her for profit and in the midst of this life where she is forced to be someone, she is not she has acquired a STALKER. But Marisela doesn’t hate his gaze or his forbidden touch. In the darkness, she can forget all about her miserable life and lose herself in sin.
But the forces around them are not going to make it easy for these two. There’s going to be challenges and obstacles like no other. They are going to be tested and not everything is how it appears to be. Don’t fall for their tricks. This is going to be a cray, taboo, and a beautifully fucked up read.
July 4, 2025
I'm honestly disappointed. This should have stayed dark. Instead it decided to take the horror romance route with a tone of levity. One scene describing decapitation or rooting around in guts (chilling, disturbing, loss of appetite, mentally ill), the next scene the hero and heroine banter like they are in the most mid-romcom (boring, yawn, Marvel-like dialogue).
Sorry to be so unkind because to be honest, Lamb got me for the first 20-40%? I've only read Skin by Sybil Knight, and there is something about the beginning pages that makes me want to DNF. I persevered due to Skin being a GR recommendation and I actually ended up having a good time with the smut and plot.
I had the same rocky beginning with Lamb. Stepping aside the fact that the author really enjoys starting in medias res and working back (not for me, but I can live with it), I did not enjoy the beginning chapters. I didn't buy the characters when they were teenagers. Adrian in particular. I honestly felt they could have been in their twenties and it would have suited their POVs better.
However, something switched after that fateful night and the stint in Briarwood. That was probably the most emotional part of the story. That for me was probably the best part of the story. Dark. Twisted. Wasn't sure what would happen.
However, it turns into this odd but boring lark. A game of "cat and mouse" over the years between the doctor and his sister-in-law. It was clear this was not going to be a broken heroine story, but a twisted psychopaths in love. See: Heroine showing hero her literal skeletons in the closet, describing her murders, and him reacting by pinching the bridge of his nose because you can't have bones buried under your home! (Ok that was the one funny piece of dialogue that I did enjoy).
As a dark romance reader, I don't mind a little bit of levity. However, I was expecting a deranged and obsessed hero who'd do anything to be with the love of his life. Here, the hero came off too nice. He honestly didn't need to wait too long for her to come to him.
Also, one of those moments of despair was when she can't orgasm after her trauma. I didn't need the conflict/redemption to be centred around that. I can respect that this wasn't predictable BUT I STILL NEEDED SOMETHING.
I don't recommend Lamb for readers looking for something dark to twist them up. I do think it would be of interest for readers who like Natalie Bennett or Lauren Biel's works that are more on the disgusting scale (descriptions of things done to human anatomy), which to me is not the dark I seek out.
I also don't recommend Lamb if you want to read a stand-alone romance. I had completely forgotten the plot of Skin because I had read it when it first came out. Halfway through reading this, I thought Skin was the plot of a different medical romance revenge novel that I got distracted by trying to remember what it was called (it had a good ending, but I can't remember the title or author...)
Sorry to be so unkind because to be honest, Lamb got me for the first 20-40%? I've only read Skin by Sybil Knight, and there is something about the beginning pages that makes me want to DNF. I persevered due to Skin being a GR recommendation and I actually ended up having a good time with the smut and plot.
I had the same rocky beginning with Lamb. Stepping aside the fact that the author really enjoys starting in medias res and working back (not for me, but I can live with it), I did not enjoy the beginning chapters. I didn't buy the characters when they were teenagers. Adrian in particular. I honestly felt they could have been in their twenties and it would have suited their POVs better.
However, something switched after that fateful night and the stint in Briarwood. That was probably the most emotional part of the story. That for me was probably the best part of the story. Dark. Twisted. Wasn't sure what would happen.
However, it turns into this odd but boring lark. A game of "cat and mouse" over the years between the doctor and his sister-in-law. It was clear this was not going to be a broken heroine story, but a twisted psychopaths in love. See: Heroine showing hero her literal skeletons in the closet, describing her murders, and him reacting by pinching the bridge of his nose because you can't have bones buried under your home! (Ok that was the one funny piece of dialogue that I did enjoy).
As a dark romance reader, I don't mind a little bit of levity. However, I was expecting a deranged and obsessed hero who'd do anything to be with the love of his life. Here, the hero came off too nice. He honestly didn't need to wait too long for her to come to him.
Also, one of those moments of despair was when she can't orgasm after her trauma. I didn't need the conflict/redemption to be centred around that. I can respect that this wasn't predictable BUT I STILL NEEDED SOMETHING.
I don't recommend Lamb for readers looking for something dark to twist them up. I do think it would be of interest for readers who like Natalie Bennett or Lauren Biel's works that are more on the disgusting scale (descriptions of things done to human anatomy), which to me is not the dark I seek out.
I also don't recommend Lamb if you want to read a stand-alone romance. I had completely forgotten the plot of Skin because I had read it when it first came out. Halfway through reading this, I thought Skin was the plot of a different medical romance revenge novel that I got distracted by trying to remember what it was called (it had a good ending, but I can't remember the title or author...)
June 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🗓️ Release Date: 6.30.2025
📚 Book 2 In The Interconnected Standalone Series "The Renegades"
🗣️ Dual POV
💥 Trigger Warnings
🖤 MF
🐑 Dark Spin on a Fairytale Retelling
First and foremost, read the trigger warnings for this book BEFORE getting into it. This book has morally black characters so if that isnt your thing, I do not recommend you give this a shot. This isnt the darkest thing that I have read, but it did have me questioning some of my morals and repeating "What did I just read?", "Did that really just happen?"
Adrian and Marisela are not redeemable characters in the least bit, but they are products of their environment. They were raised with pretty substantial trauma, which molded them into who they are. Even into adulthood, they are still being given a shit hand in life, and it has warped their moral compass for sure. The obsession and the level of unhinged for the pair of them is next level.
As much as Adrian is morally bankrupt, he's also completely obsessed with Marisela from the first time he sees her. Everything that he does revolves around her and winning her "Love" or at last whatever shes capable of giving to him.
Marisela while she starts out "seemingly" more stable compared to Adrian, she quickly devolves as the years go by. While I did understand Marisela's position when it came to Adrian and their involvement together, I also just wanted her to give in and accept Adrian's form of love. She really made things hard on herself for no reason some parts in the book.
I also would have loved to be given time jump notifications at the beginning of the next chapter, rather than just being told time has passed. I like to know how old the characters are when things happen and how long their story has been. Not a deal breaker, but a nice to have for progression sake.
I now need to go back and read Skin, so I can piece together Cohen & Emily's story since we see them in Lamb.
Tropes:
🖤 He Falls First
💀 Stalker
🖤 Brother's Fiance/ Arranged Marriage
💀 Forbidden Love
🖤 Morally Black Characters
💀 Serial Killer[s]
🖤 Masked MMC [Plague Dr Mask]
💀 Dark spin on Mary Had A Little Lamb
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🗓️ Release Date: 6.30.2025
📚 Book 2 In The Interconnected Standalone Series "The Renegades"
🗣️ Dual POV
💥 Trigger Warnings
🖤 MF
🐑 Dark Spin on a Fairytale Retelling
First and foremost, read the trigger warnings for this book BEFORE getting into it. This book has morally black characters so if that isnt your thing, I do not recommend you give this a shot. This isnt the darkest thing that I have read, but it did have me questioning some of my morals and repeating "What did I just read?", "Did that really just happen?"
Adrian and Marisela are not redeemable characters in the least bit, but they are products of their environment. They were raised with pretty substantial trauma, which molded them into who they are. Even into adulthood, they are still being given a shit hand in life, and it has warped their moral compass for sure. The obsession and the level of unhinged for the pair of them is next level.
As much as Adrian is morally bankrupt, he's also completely obsessed with Marisela from the first time he sees her. Everything that he does revolves around her and winning her "Love" or at last whatever shes capable of giving to him.
Marisela while she starts out "seemingly" more stable compared to Adrian, she quickly devolves as the years go by. While I did understand Marisela's position when it came to Adrian and their involvement together, I also just wanted her to give in and accept Adrian's form of love. She really made things hard on herself for no reason some parts in the book.
I also would have loved to be given time jump notifications at the beginning of the next chapter, rather than just being told time has passed. I like to know how old the characters are when things happen and how long their story has been. Not a deal breaker, but a nice to have for progression sake.
I now need to go back and read Skin, so I can piece together Cohen & Emily's story since we see them in Lamb.
Tropes:
🖤 He Falls First
💀 Stalker
🖤 Brother's Fiance/ Arranged Marriage
💀 Forbidden Love
🖤 Morally Black Characters
💀 Serial Killer[s]
🖤 Masked MMC [Plague Dr Mask]
💀 Dark spin on Mary Had A Little Lamb
July 8, 2025
She was my brother's fiance. And my absolute obsession.
This book was one wild ride for sure. We start out in the present, go back to the past, and slowly work our way back up to the present. We also get an idea of the inner workings of Briarwood, which is interesting to say the least.
Now let's get into Adrian. Him in his plaque doctor mask is something else! He is obsessed with Marisela from the get go. It's like a next level unhinged obsession.
Marisela man I feel for her. She is strong, independent, and crazy as hell. She for sure is a character and I loved every bit of getting to know her!
This book is dark, depraved, and I loved every second of it!
What you'll get:
Serial killer
He falls first
Masked MMC
Forbidden love
Stalker
Brother's fiance/ forced marriage
Morally black characters
🌶️ 4/5
⭐ 5/5
This book was one wild ride for sure. We start out in the present, go back to the past, and slowly work our way back up to the present. We also get an idea of the inner workings of Briarwood, which is interesting to say the least.
Now let's get into Adrian. Him in his plaque doctor mask is something else! He is obsessed with Marisela from the get go. It's like a next level unhinged obsession.
Marisela man I feel for her. She is strong, independent, and crazy as hell. She for sure is a character and I loved every bit of getting to know her!
This book is dark, depraved, and I loved every second of it!
What you'll get:
Serial killer
He falls first
Masked MMC
Forbidden love
Stalker
Brother's fiance/ forced marriage
Morally black characters
🌶️ 4/5
⭐ 5/5
August 7, 2025
the book was long, exhausting and confusing at times but i enjoyed it nevertheless.
adrian's devotion to marisela was everything. everything he did was for her and the fact the marisela didn't give a damn about him was entertaining to watch. she had him wrapped around her pinky and he was just a lovesick puppy when it came to her.
the book has dark elements, their relationship was unhealthy and toxic! this was a unique dark romance with different themes and not just your typical old and recycled plot
‼️no cheating, no ow drama‼️
adrian's devotion to marisela was everything. everything he did was for her and the fact the marisela didn't give a damn about him was entertaining to watch. she had him wrapped around her pinky and he was just a lovesick puppy when it came to her.
the book has dark elements, their relationship was unhealthy and toxic! this was a unique dark romance with different themes and not just your typical old and recycled plot
‼️no cheating, no ow drama‼️
June 30, 2025
When I tell you I counted down the days for this book, I had it circled on my desk calendar with a big red heart, I was READYYY
And it lived up to every ounce of anticipation.
Dr. Adrian Lambert is my new favorite morally grey cinnamon roll of a MMC. The trigger warnings had me concerned he’d be hard to love but I promise you that is not the case. Our FMC Marisela Cruz on the other hand is one STRONG anddd morally black character - if you like your women strong, smart and slightly terrifying Marisela is your gal.. but uh maybe don’t call her that to her face cause she’d probably cut you for saying she’s yours..
If you enjoy plotting, morally corrupt mental hospitals, scheming, murder, kidnapping, and overcoming everything else the world can throw at them for one heck of a well earned HEA do not hesitate to check out this book.
It is absolutely a standalone - however if you read SKIN first a whole other set of puzzle pieces fall beautifully into place while reading this.
Finally, I do want to mention this is SPICY, like a full on 5/5 which I don’t think I’ve ever rated a book before..
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
M/F
Morally grey MMC
Morally black FMC
A VERY LONG TRIGGER WARNING LIST INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Blood play
Dubcon
Stalking
Electro convulsion therapy
Medical Gore and torture
PTSD, Trauma and Abuse
And it lived up to every ounce of anticipation.
Dr. Adrian Lambert is my new favorite morally grey cinnamon roll of a MMC. The trigger warnings had me concerned he’d be hard to love but I promise you that is not the case. Our FMC Marisela Cruz on the other hand is one STRONG anddd morally black character - if you like your women strong, smart and slightly terrifying Marisela is your gal.. but uh maybe don’t call her that to her face cause she’d probably cut you for saying she’s yours..
If you enjoy plotting, morally corrupt mental hospitals, scheming, murder, kidnapping, and overcoming everything else the world can throw at them for one heck of a well earned HEA do not hesitate to check out this book.
It is absolutely a standalone - however if you read SKIN first a whole other set of puzzle pieces fall beautifully into place while reading this.
Finally, I do want to mention this is SPICY, like a full on 5/5 which I don’t think I’ve ever rated a book before..
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
M/F
Morally grey MMC
Morally black FMC
A VERY LONG TRIGGER WARNING LIST INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
Blood play
Dubcon
Stalking
Electro convulsion therapy
Medical Gore and torture
PTSD, Trauma and Abuse
July 2, 2025
Adrian and Marisela: Adrian is a surgeon with…. Morallly black extra curricular activities…and patients 😬 This is a Mary Had A Little Lamb nursery rhyme retelling, brothers fiancé, forbidden love, hidden identity, stalker, morally grey-to black, “shes just as dark as he is”, dark romance.
Feeling suffocated by her life and iron control of her father, Marisol has deeper and much darker desires than the pink crafted forced on persona shows. Betrothed to the worst kind of man… only to have his brother be her masked stalker.
Adrian- transfixed by Marisela and how their inner darkness match. They are perfectly paired and he cant stay away. Their journey is of being broken and then healing together.
Feeling suffocated by her life and iron control of her father, Marisol has deeper and much darker desires than the pink crafted forced on persona shows. Betrothed to the worst kind of man… only to have his brother be her masked stalker.
Adrian- transfixed by Marisela and how their inner darkness match. They are perfectly paired and he cant stay away. Their journey is of being broken and then healing together.
June 22, 2025
I had been eagerly awaiting this ARC release and squealed with excitement when it arrived. It was finally here and it did not disappoint.
I loved this book, dark, depraved, no holding back on triggering warnings (please check all warnings before you read - your mental health matters). This is not an easy read in the sense that it’s so dark, but it’s so worth it - a total pitch black romance borderline white noise. If you are wondering, I personally felt Skin was darker than Lamb.
The MMC is so unhinged there aren’t really words. My favourite part about him was how he uninhibitedly wanted the FMC. Nothing held him back and he expressed that from the get go. The FMC is fierce and stands up for herself, which leads to the most delicious dynamic, I loved them individually and even more so as a couple.
The book is so well written, fast paced, full of dark unhinged behaviour and a beautiful love story without the fluffiness. This is a standalone but if you have read Skin, you will pick up references.
This was an ARC read and there was no compensation for this review.
I loved this book, dark, depraved, no holding back on triggering warnings (please check all warnings before you read - your mental health matters). This is not an easy read in the sense that it’s so dark, but it’s so worth it - a total pitch black romance borderline white noise. If you are wondering, I personally felt Skin was darker than Lamb.
The MMC is so unhinged there aren’t really words. My favourite part about him was how he uninhibitedly wanted the FMC. Nothing held him back and he expressed that from the get go. The FMC is fierce and stands up for herself, which leads to the most delicious dynamic, I loved them individually and even more so as a couple.
The book is so well written, fast paced, full of dark unhinged behaviour and a beautiful love story without the fluffiness. This is a standalone but if you have read Skin, you will pick up references.
This was an ARC read and there was no compensation for this review.
July 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for the arc!
Wow ok, I have a lot to say!
- arranged marriage
- brothers fiance
- dark (VERY DARK) check triggers!!
- Mary had a little lamb inspiration!
- second book in a series.
I definitely preferred Marisela and Adrian’s story to Skin.
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this! I loved the banter and tension between our two characters. I also found a few of our side characters fascinating. Casper….. I feel a book about him coming eventually…..
Now, this was not a 5. The reason for that was I wasn’t overly connected to our characters. They were fine, and I appreciate their dynamic, but I wasn’t OBSESSED. Same with their lust and their smut, was a little much.
Adrian was such an interesting MMC, especially the toe……ummmmm ok.
Marisela, what a bad b. I actually respected a lot of her decisions.
Overall, I would recommend!
Thank you again to Sybil Knight for the arc :)
Wow ok, I have a lot to say!
- arranged marriage
- brothers fiance
- dark (VERY DARK) check triggers!!
- Mary had a little lamb inspiration!
- second book in a series.
I definitely preferred Marisela and Adrian’s story to Skin.
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this! I loved the banter and tension between our two characters. I also found a few of our side characters fascinating. Casper….. I feel a book about him coming eventually…..
Now, this was not a 5. The reason for that was I wasn’t overly connected to our characters. They were fine, and I appreciate their dynamic, but I wasn’t OBSESSED. Same with their lust and their smut, was a little much.
Adrian was such an interesting MMC, especially the toe……ummmmm ok.
Marisela, what a bad b. I actually respected a lot of her decisions.
Overall, I would recommend!
Thank you again to Sybil Knight for the arc :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
LAMB BY SYBIL KNIGHT.
BOOK 2 in The Renegades series.
Release date set for 30th of June 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Banging book.
I throughly enjoyed the full book and thought the main characters were great.
Please read the trigger warnings as they are there for a reason.
Love the cover.
I'm already looking forward to book 3 in the series 🖤
BOOK 2 in The Renegades series.
Release date set for 30th of June 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Banging book.
I throughly enjoyed the full book and thought the main characters were great.
Please read the trigger warnings as they are there for a reason.
Love the cover.
I'm already looking forward to book 3 in the series 🖤
August 26, 2025
This dark retelling of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” transcends its nursery rhyme roots and becomes something mesmerizingly twisted and deeply emotional. We’re first drawn into Adrian’s unnervingly intense world.
- “Her kind of crazy is the perfect accompaniment to my own peculiarities.”
- “Fact of the matter was, I’d also seen her first… I crept into her bridal suite the night before the ceremony and took her virginity. She retaliated by taking the fifth toe on my left foot. Tucking it away in a box as a sick little keepsake. Blood for blood, or so she claimed.”
These quotes perfectly encapsulate the beautifully volatile, obsessive chemistry between Adrian and Marisela. Their connection is equal parts sinister and oddly romantic in its own cruel way. It signals a relationship built on a fierce, unhinged bond that lurks in the shadows. Adrian’s own twisted pride shines through and reveals a character who sees himself as precise, even in corruption. Marisela is just as morally unhinged and completely captivating. I love that both characters are morally grey. Twice the morally grey, twice the sick and twisted fun you’ll run into.
Sybil Knight embodies the raw, feral heartbeat of obsession and power. Thrilling, uncomfortable, and enthralling all at once.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why I’m Giving It 5 Stars:
☆ Unconventional love story with dark and deranged twists to familiar tropes.
☆ Adrian & Marisela are both morally grey which gives this story its dangerous edge.
☆ Surgeons are a thing of nightmares with your life in their hands so this story captivates you insanely quickly.
☆ This novel retelling will knock more than your socks off.
☆ Lamb will have you acknowledge your own twisted soul for even reading it in the first place.
In short, if you’re drawn to twisted love stories, consumed by obsession, and the delicious edge of danger, Lamb will haunt you from the shadows endlessly. Thank you, Sybil, for providing me with the arc for this book, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review!
- “Her kind of crazy is the perfect accompaniment to my own peculiarities.”
- “Fact of the matter was, I’d also seen her first… I crept into her bridal suite the night before the ceremony and took her virginity. She retaliated by taking the fifth toe on my left foot. Tucking it away in a box as a sick little keepsake. Blood for blood, or so she claimed.”
These quotes perfectly encapsulate the beautifully volatile, obsessive chemistry between Adrian and Marisela. Their connection is equal parts sinister and oddly romantic in its own cruel way. It signals a relationship built on a fierce, unhinged bond that lurks in the shadows. Adrian’s own twisted pride shines through and reveals a character who sees himself as precise, even in corruption. Marisela is just as morally unhinged and completely captivating. I love that both characters are morally grey. Twice the morally grey, twice the sick and twisted fun you’ll run into.
Sybil Knight embodies the raw, feral heartbeat of obsession and power. Thrilling, uncomfortable, and enthralling all at once.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why I’m Giving It 5 Stars:
☆ Unconventional love story with dark and deranged twists to familiar tropes.
☆ Adrian & Marisela are both morally grey which gives this story its dangerous edge.
☆ Surgeons are a thing of nightmares with your life in their hands so this story captivates you insanely quickly.
☆ This novel retelling will knock more than your socks off.
☆ Lamb will have you acknowledge your own twisted soul for even reading it in the first place.
In short, if you’re drawn to twisted love stories, consumed by obsession, and the delicious edge of danger, Lamb will haunt you from the shadows endlessly. Thank you, Sybil, for providing me with the arc for this book, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review!
July 22, 2025
I have finished reading 'Lamb' a dark horror romance written by Sybil Knight. This is book two in the 'Renegades' series. Book three 'Bells' is planned to release next year.
"To need something means to require it. To not be able to function without it."
I enjoyed the first book very much and I was surprised that the second wasn't about the same (main) characters, but it's kinda nice to get to know the other characters of the first book as well. This story is as dark, but in a different way. I loved the 'crazy' of it.
"Show me what you got. Just remember, a day will come when the student surpasses the teacher. It always does."
This story is about Adrian and Marisela. Both are side characters in the first book and now the spotlight is on them. Their psycho matches like no other, but will it be enough to find common ground?
"It's done when I say it's done, little Lamb. And we are not done."
This story is about obsession, about lust, love, hate and revenge. Its about the thin line between all of them and the games you can play along the way. It's about finding a way in a sick world and being even sicker to thrive in that world.
"Careful, little Lamb. Out here, no one can hear you scream."
I enjoyed reading Lamb. It's written in a way that's just really comfortable to read. The storyline is strong and the characters even stronger. I give it four stars.
"To need something means to require it. To not be able to function without it."
I enjoyed the first book very much and I was surprised that the second wasn't about the same (main) characters, but it's kinda nice to get to know the other characters of the first book as well. This story is as dark, but in a different way. I loved the 'crazy' of it.
"Show me what you got. Just remember, a day will come when the student surpasses the teacher. It always does."
This story is about Adrian and Marisela. Both are side characters in the first book and now the spotlight is on them. Their psycho matches like no other, but will it be enough to find common ground?
"It's done when I say it's done, little Lamb. And we are not done."
This story is about obsession, about lust, love, hate and revenge. Its about the thin line between all of them and the games you can play along the way. It's about finding a way in a sick world and being even sicker to thrive in that world.
"Careful, little Lamb. Out here, no one can hear you scream."
I enjoyed reading Lamb. It's written in a way that's just really comfortable to read. The storyline is strong and the characters even stronger. I give it four stars.
July 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
What the actual f*** did I just read… and why did I love it???
Lamb is Book 2 in The Renegades series. It's dark, it's twisted, it’s weird, it’s disturbing, and somehow… so good I couldn’t stop reading.
What pulled me in right away were the tropes. We're talking brother’s fiancé, stalker obsession, masked man, asylum setting, knife play, blood kink — like, hello?? All the ingredients of a truly unhinged dark romance. And Sybil Knight didn’t hold back!
The characters? both MMC and FMC are messed up in their own ways, and the side characters are just as off-the-rails. We’ve got everything from c*rps*s to people who get off on literal pain.
I also like how the author portrayed the FMC’s mental state. You can feel how her trauma shaped her. How past events weighed her down, affected her thoughts, her actions, even her desires. It’s not just shock for shock’s sake. It reflects how, in real life too, trauma can change a person in ways we don’t always talk about. I just wish there was a moment where she starts to heal or pull herself out of that darkness, but at the same time... I can’t really blame her. She’s drowning in her past, and it felt painfully real.
Now the MMC? His obsession is top tier. He’s been waiting for her for so long, and not just physically — emotionally, mentally, all of it. He’s twisted, yes, but his patience and devotion? You can tell he just wants her, in all her brokenness. And that kind of obsessive love? Kinda terrifying... but also beautiful in this really dark, messed up way.
The way the story is broken down into parts is really good too. The buildup was delicious, and every chapter pulled back another layer of their secrets and dark fantasies. Some scenes literally made me laugh in disbelief. It's so disturbing yet written in such a gripping way, you have to keep reading.
So if you’re into extreme dark romance, the kind that lives rent-free in your head and makes you rethink your moral compass, you need to read this. But for those that are curious — please, please check the content warnings. This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s haunting, filthy, disturbing, and totally unforgettable.
Sybil Knight — you're twisted .... and I love it!!!
What the actual f*** did I just read… and why did I love it???
Lamb is Book 2 in The Renegades series. It's dark, it's twisted, it’s weird, it’s disturbing, and somehow… so good I couldn’t stop reading.
What pulled me in right away were the tropes. We're talking brother’s fiancé, stalker obsession, masked man, asylum setting, knife play, blood kink — like, hello?? All the ingredients of a truly unhinged dark romance. And Sybil Knight didn’t hold back!
The characters? both MMC and FMC are messed up in their own ways, and the side characters are just as off-the-rails. We’ve got everything from c*rps*s to people who get off on literal pain.
I also like how the author portrayed the FMC’s mental state. You can feel how her trauma shaped her. How past events weighed her down, affected her thoughts, her actions, even her desires. It’s not just shock for shock’s sake. It reflects how, in real life too, trauma can change a person in ways we don’t always talk about. I just wish there was a moment where she starts to heal or pull herself out of that darkness, but at the same time... I can’t really blame her. She’s drowning in her past, and it felt painfully real.
Now the MMC? His obsession is top tier. He’s been waiting for her for so long, and not just physically — emotionally, mentally, all of it. He’s twisted, yes, but his patience and devotion? You can tell he just wants her, in all her brokenness. And that kind of obsessive love? Kinda terrifying... but also beautiful in this really dark, messed up way.
The way the story is broken down into parts is really good too. The buildup was delicious, and every chapter pulled back another layer of their secrets and dark fantasies. Some scenes literally made me laugh in disbelief. It's so disturbing yet written in such a gripping way, you have to keep reading.
So if you’re into extreme dark romance, the kind that lives rent-free in your head and makes you rethink your moral compass, you need to read this. But for those that are curious — please, please check the content warnings. This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s haunting, filthy, disturbing, and totally unforgettable.
Sybil Knight — you're twisted .... and I love it!!!
August 25, 2025
Ni siquiera se que decir con este, me gustó muchísimo y me sorprendió en como se desarrollo la historia, pensé que sería muy diferente creí que iba a hacer como otros dark romance pero este dió un giro bastante interesante en la forma de contar el plot.
Los dos protagonistas estuvieron de diez, me gustó mucho ese estira y afloja que tuvieron durante toda la trama y como no se soltaban del todo en especial Marisela que sufrió mucho y se tuvo que adaptar a la vida que le tocó.
La historia nos cuenta como se desarrolla está relación durante 14 años desde que tenían 20's hasta los 40's.
Enserio que el personaje de Marisela no me terminaba de sorprender, tenía lo que se le dice pendejo al protagonista en la palma de su mano, y cuando el creía que iba a un paso adelante de ella, Marisela ya había dado como 10! Inteligente, ingeniosa, calculadora y manipuladora, exelente protagonista, me gustó al final acepto el amor de el y se dejó de negar a ella misma.
Y que puedo decir de Adrian? obsesionado, devoto hacia ella, loco, pero al mismo tiempo me daba mucha risa sus monólogos y a veces que no le salía los planes que tenía hacia Marisela, pobre hombre jajaja se enamoro de la más difícil.
En conclusión amé. <3
Los dos protagonistas estuvieron de diez, me gustó mucho ese estira y afloja que tuvieron durante toda la trama y como no se soltaban del todo en especial Marisela que sufrió mucho y se tuvo que adaptar a la vida que le tocó.
La historia nos cuenta como se desarrolla está relación durante 14 años desde que tenían 20's hasta los 40's.
Enserio que el personaje de Marisela no me terminaba de sorprender, tenía lo que se le dice pendejo al protagonista en la palma de su mano, y cuando el creía que iba a un paso adelante de ella, Marisela ya había dado como 10! Inteligente, ingeniosa, calculadora y manipuladora, exelente protagonista, me gustó al final acepto el amor de el y se dejó de negar a ella misma.
Y que puedo decir de Adrian? obsesionado, devoto hacia ella, loco, pero al mismo tiempo me daba mucha risa sus monólogos y a veces que no le salía los planes que tenía hacia Marisela, pobre hombre jajaja se enamoro de la más difícil.
En conclusión amé. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
Before diving in 1. Check those TWs they are the real deal 2. Be sure to have read Skin it only enhances the experience of this world and the characters. Now that’s out of the way….
Sybil miss ma’am Adrian’s story was a rollercoaster ride with a tantalizing journey to the drop zone. But one that slow tortuous burn ends that spice HITSSSSS. The storytelling, the vivid imagery, the character development and everything in between will KEEP YOU FLIPPING.
I’ve been obsessed since Skin and this is an amazing addition to the series. We get a smart & baddie FMC, and morally black and questionable MMC. And all the delicious tropes that make you wanna squeal.
💉ѕтαℓкєяѕ
💉м@ѕкѕ
💉вяσтнєяѕ ƒιαηɕéє
💉ѕтαяɕяσѕѕєԃ ℓσνєяѕ
💉ƒσυηԃ ƒαмιℓу
💉αѕуℓυм ѕєттιηց
💉кηιƒє ρℓαу
💉вℓσσԃ кιηк
💉тσυɕн нєя & υηαℓινє (ℓιтєяαℓℓу)
Another 5 star read from Sybil. I’m continued to be in awe by her writing ability and it keeps me coming back for more. Bring on Bells!
Sybil miss ma’am Adrian’s story was a rollercoaster ride with a tantalizing journey to the drop zone. But one that slow tortuous burn ends that spice HITSSSSS. The storytelling, the vivid imagery, the character development and everything in between will KEEP YOU FLIPPING.
I’ve been obsessed since Skin and this is an amazing addition to the series. We get a smart & baddie FMC, and morally black and questionable MMC. And all the delicious tropes that make you wanna squeal.
💉ѕтαℓкєяѕ
💉м@ѕкѕ
💉вяσтнєяѕ ƒιαηɕéє
💉ѕтαяɕяσѕѕєԃ ℓσνєяѕ
💉ƒσυηԃ ƒαмιℓу
💉αѕуℓυм ѕєттιηց
💉кηιƒє ρℓαу
💉вℓσσԃ кιηк
💉тσυɕн нєя & υηαℓινє (ℓιтєяαℓℓу)
Another 5 star read from Sybil. I’m continued to be in awe by her writing ability and it keeps me coming back for more. Bring on Bells!
July 17, 2025
Make sure u read TWs before u read this book. This book is a dark retelling of Mary Had a Little Lamb. Each book is a standalone in an interconnection world.
Adrian is obsessed with his big half-brother Tate's fiance Marisela, and he sees her first, and she is his obsession. Marisela was a bargaining chip for her father, Henry, to up his political career. Tate is a twisted and messed up half-brother even thou he is a monster just like Adrian, but he was a different type of monster. Mari is a spit fire and full of sass, but she also shares the same darkness as Adrian. But Tate and his dad are pure evil. While Adrian is evil, he still can love, and he loves Marisela and will do anything to protect her. This book is really good, and the character build-up was amazing. It did have me on the edge of my seat at times. The bonus chapter on Casper was fantastic, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series even thou they can be read as standalone's. I want full character experience.
Adrian is obsessed with his big half-brother Tate's fiance Marisela, and he sees her first, and she is his obsession. Marisela was a bargaining chip for her father, Henry, to up his political career. Tate is a twisted and messed up half-brother even thou he is a monster just like Adrian, but he was a different type of monster. Mari is a spit fire and full of sass, but she also shares the same darkness as Adrian. But Tate and his dad are pure evil. While Adrian is evil, he still can love, and he loves Marisela and will do anything to protect her. This book is really good, and the character build-up was amazing. It did have me on the edge of my seat at times. The bonus chapter on Casper was fantastic, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series even thou they can be read as standalone's. I want full character experience.
July 7, 2025
This is a very dark psychological romance, so prepare yourself! It's a reimagining of Mary had a Little Lamb and is about Marisela and Adrian, two very unhinged main characters who are perfect for each other in a freakish sort of way. Only thing is, Marisela is engaged to Adrian's brother. But this doesn't stop Adrian from stealing her v-card before his brother gets to. And as revenge (or a keepsake?) she cuts one of his t0es off and keeps it. That seems to be when he realized that he was not only obsessed with her but she was the woman of his dreams. They are both a special kind of crazy. If you're in the mood for dark storytelling, this author has you covered. This book is twisted and suspenseful and makes you want to keep reading. It's a different storyline from anything I've ever read before. I can't wait to read more of her books.
July 20, 2025
I was so excited to continue the series after reading Skin, even though I didn't know where it would go or who it would follow. Luckily, I was already incredibly curious about Adrian and Marisela from hearing little bits about them in the first book, so them being the main characters for Lamb AND including their backstory was exactly what I wanted!
I love a crazy, psychotic, unhinged MMC who looks down on everyone besides the FMC (who he happily kneels for). The "good" Dr Lambert is obsessive, possessive, and he takes what he wants. He stalks and studies his "little lamb" so he knows just how she likes to be handled.
And I love love an FMC I'd be petrified to encounter IRL. Marisela might actually be more wolf than lamb, especially when she has her sights set on something, only for *men* to try to stand in her way.
LAMB is a thrilling, dark, terrifying, spicy, addicting re-imagining of "Mary Had a Little Lamb", and I am so glad I got to read it.
I love a crazy, psychotic, unhinged MMC who looks down on everyone besides the FMC (who he happily kneels for). The "good" Dr Lambert is obsessive, possessive, and he takes what he wants. He stalks and studies his "little lamb" so he knows just how she likes to be handled.
And I love love an FMC I'd be petrified to encounter IRL. Marisela might actually be more wolf than lamb, especially when she has her sights set on something, only for *men* to try to stand in her way.
LAMB is a thrilling, dark, terrifying, spicy, addicting re-imagining of "Mary Had a Little Lamb", and I am so glad I got to read it.
June 21, 2025
This book is incredible! While it can be read as a standalone, it is the 2nd book in her Renegades series & is much better having read the first book in my opinion. However, I cannot say how much I adore Adrian as the MMC. He is obsessed with the FMC Marisela from the second he sees her. Their relationship is both twisted and tragic. Despite all Adrian has endured in life being the bastard son, he still has some moral ground but it begins and ends around what Marisela needs or wants. So many of the twists & turns that this author has written in this book had me not only surprised but jaw dropped in shocked. I loved every second! I enjoyed Skin, but this is honestly the best book I’ve read in quite some time. I do advise readers to check their triggers. But loud applause for Sybil Knight!
June 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️/ 3 🌶️
Darkness level - High 🖤
Before you read—please read the trigger warnings! 🚨
This book is a lot, in the best and most unhinged way possible.
I went in completely blind, didn’t even read the blurb because I loved Skin so much, and honestly? I was absolutely blindsided—in the best way. 😈
Adrian and Marisela? Whew. These two redefine unhinged. And it's not just for the sake of being wild—their pasts, the trauma, the way they love... it's intense, obsessive, possessive, and completely addictive to read. They’re chaotic, raw, and yet weirdly perfect for each other. 🙌🏼
The plot twists, the spice, and the sheer next-level craziness of it all made this book amazing. If you’re looking for a dark, twisted love story that toes the line of madness and passion, this one is the perfect choice. 🖤
Darkness level - High 🖤
Before you read—please read the trigger warnings! 🚨
This book is a lot, in the best and most unhinged way possible.
I went in completely blind, didn’t even read the blurb because I loved Skin so much, and honestly? I was absolutely blindsided—in the best way. 😈
Adrian and Marisela? Whew. These two redefine unhinged. And it's not just for the sake of being wild—their pasts, the trauma, the way they love... it's intense, obsessive, possessive, and completely addictive to read. They’re chaotic, raw, and yet weirdly perfect for each other. 🙌🏼
The plot twists, the spice, and the sheer next-level craziness of it all made this book amazing. If you’re looking for a dark, twisted love story that toes the line of madness and passion, this one is the perfect choice. 🖤
July 7, 2025
This book was a great dark romance. Twisted, a sick, unhinged love story and some gory details that made it the perfect story to lose yourself in!
I loved Sybil's writing, how she added medical terms as details or little hints in chapters for the future throughout the storyline.
Marisela was a very interesting fmc. Strong, stubborn and unlike any I've ever encountered.
Adrian was pretty sick as well. Loved his multiple faces and ways to wave his path like he wanted to.
I am definitely going to binge Skin and Sybil's future books! Ma'am, you got yourself a new loyal reader!
*I was gifted an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I loved Sybil's writing, how she added medical terms as details or little hints in chapters for the future throughout the storyline.
Marisela was a very interesting fmc. Strong, stubborn and unlike any I've ever encountered.
Adrian was pretty sick as well. Loved his multiple faces and ways to wave his path like he wanted to.
I am definitely going to binge Skin and Sybil's future books! Ma'am, you got yourself a new loyal reader!
*I was gifted an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
June 17, 2025
Holy smoke show !! This book was a WILD RIDE !!! I started it yesterday and was Hooked !!!! Sleep ? What’s that ! Idk know what that is ? Bc I devoured this !!!
Please please please read your trigger warnings !!!
This book was all types of INSANE !!! Epic! Some Joker & Harley Quinn on steroids kinda book and I absolutely loved the INSANITY OF IT !! It was hot, deranged, insane, delulu, mental- and just epic !!!
Insane twist on Mary had a Little Lamb ! 🐑
Sybil u did it again 🥵🔥❤️🔥
Please please please read your trigger warnings !!!
This book was all types of INSANE !!! Epic! Some Joker & Harley Quinn on steroids kinda book and I absolutely loved the INSANITY OF IT !! It was hot, deranged, insane, delulu, mental- and just epic !!!
Insane twist on Mary had a Little Lamb ! 🐑
Sybil u did it again 🥵🔥❤️🔥
July 6, 2025
I enjoyed this! Book 2 in a series of 3 interconnected; was a really enjoyable read. The cat and mouse chase throughout the book is well written. The FMC is feisty and really well played out, and the MMC deliciously twisted. Writing quality is exceptional and I would have rated higher but I was left with a few questions that I didn't think were answered or closed up at the end. But overall really good and worth adding to your tbr!
June 19, 2025
I literally squealed when this ARC hit my inbox! From the moment I read Skin I needed more of The Surgeon. Adrian Lambert, illegitimate son of a ruthless man and treated his whole life like a second class citizen. Adrian is not a good man. He’s a dark, over the top, possessive, unhinged stalker. His obsession is Marisela Cruz. She’s nothing more than a tool in her father’s ascension to power. She’s also his brother’s fiancé. She has her own dark tendencies as well and can be quite bratty and a little stabby. And she will be Adrian’s.
Another amazing, unhinged, super spicy, dark stalker romance from Sybil Knight! It was filled with ah-ha, WTF and can’t sit still moments. Sybil crafts stories that pull me in until I’m completely obsessed!
This is NOT your childhood version of Mary Had A Little Lamb so please check the trigger warnings!
Another amazing, unhinged, super spicy, dark stalker romance from Sybil Knight! It was filled with ah-ha, WTF and can’t sit still moments. Sybil crafts stories that pull me in until I’m completely obsessed!
This is NOT your childhood version of Mary Had A Little Lamb so please check the trigger warnings!
July 7, 2025
Definitely a great dark read for sure. These two were a match made in darkness for sure and I loved reading them the entire time. The darkness, the mental games, the obsession portrayed, all of it made this book addicting to read and not able to put down. I was kept on edge the entire time reading. Ending was great
July 8, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, so picture this: "An Extremely Dark Mary Had A Little Lamb Retelling: Book 2 in the Renegades series."
If you like
-Asylum setting
-He Falls First
-Masked Men
-Forbidden Love
-Obsessive/Possessive
-🔪 Play
PLUS So Much More!!!!
Where to even begin when it comes to Adrian and Marisela 🤍
When an illegitimate son falls for his brothers soon to be wife, he will stop at nothing to have her.
No matter how long it takes him or who gets in his way.
Marisela is beautifully unhinged in her own way. She's not your typical damsel. This girl's got a PhD in playing games, and her specialty is "Cat and Mouse."
From being devastatingly broken together to healing together in their own sick twisted game.
This book had me hooked from the very beginning.
Okay, so picture this: "An Extremely Dark Mary Had A Little Lamb Retelling: Book 2 in the Renegades series."
If you like
-Asylum setting
-He Falls First
-Masked Men
-Forbidden Love
-Obsessive/Possessive
-🔪 Play
PLUS So Much More!!!!
Where to even begin when it comes to Adrian and Marisela 🤍
When an illegitimate son falls for his brothers soon to be wife, he will stop at nothing to have her.
No matter how long it takes him or who gets in his way.
Marisela is beautifully unhinged in her own way. She's not your typical damsel. This girl's got a PhD in playing games, and her specialty is "Cat and Mouse."
From being devastatingly broken together to healing together in their own sick twisted game.
This book had me hooked from the very beginning.
July 11, 2025
★★★★☆
“Toe-day I learned I’m unwell.”
A romantic comedy for people who think romantic means scalpel play, psychological trauma, and extreme toe-related vengeance.
They say love makes you do crazy things. Marisela? She took that sentiment, carved it into someone’s thigh, and moved on with her day. By the fifth toe, I realized this wasn’t going to be a typical love story — this was going to be a surgical crime scene with feelings.
What even is this book? A bedtime story for the deranged? A cautionary tale about keeping your socks on during arguments? A manual on how to weaponize prenups? Whatever it is… I devoured it like Marisela devoured her husband's half-brother’s dignity. And appendages.
Marisela is not your average heroine. She doesn’t cry in the rain — she starts the storm. She's emotionally scorched, allergic to softness, driven like hellfire, and could destroy a man’s life and credit score in a single sentence. And she’s jealous. The subtle, knife-in-her-bra kind. If someone even breathed near Adrian, she’d set the building on fire — quietly, and without breaking a nail.
But don’t get it twisted — she’s not chasing after a man. She sets the terms. In one of the most iconic dark romance ultimatums ever, she hits Tate her husband with a prenup demand that says: bend or bleed. And Adrian the brother? Oh, he helps — with a scalpel in one hand and poetic delusions in the other.
> “If my time at Briarwood taught me anything, it was that hope was for the people waiting around to be saved — and I was tired of waiting. Especially when I could do the saving myself.”
She means it. With a red pocket knife. Possibly in someone’s sleep.
And let’s talk about Adrian: surgeon, stalker, poet, psychopath — honestly? King. He’s not just obsessed — he’s engineered for it. The unwanted underdog of his family, smart where his brother Tate is just pretty and pants-driven, Adrian doesn't fall for Marisela — he spirals into her like a man who’s been waiting his whole life to be ruined. He sees her rage and violence not as flaws, but as holy rites.
And the sibling rivalry? Delicious. Tate may have married Marisela out of spite, but Adrian’s the one who knows how to cut her open and crawl inside emotionally — and maybe literally. Honestly, if Marisela had married Adrian first, this would’ve been a duet. With less blood. Maybe.
Which brings us to the “child” moment. After Marisela tries to tap out of responsibility for Adrian’s newest rescue, she gives him this:
> “Fine,” I huffed. “But you’re feeding it, changing it, and all that nonsense. If you want a pet, you’re the one taking care of it.”
And he replies with the kind of line that makes your spine twitch:
> “He’s not a pet, Marisela. He’s our child. A little piece of you and me. At least he will be when we’re done with him.”
And that’s when I knew: this isn’t about healing. This is about ownership. Twisted, blood-soaked, toe-stealing, surgical-precision ownership.
This isn’t a romance. It’s a full-blown hostage situation with emotional eye contact.
It’s The Parent Trap if both twins had trauma and weapons.
It’s Bonnie & Clyde, if Clyde had a bone saw and Bonnie had a prenup clause.
Would I recommend this to my mom? No.
Would I recommend this to my therapist? Also no.
Would I recommend it to someone who sharpens scalpels while whispering, “I could fix him”? Absolutely.
Come for the trauma. Stay for the toe. Fall for the madness.
“Toe-day I learned I’m unwell.”
A romantic comedy for people who think romantic means scalpel play, psychological trauma, and extreme toe-related vengeance.
They say love makes you do crazy things. Marisela? She took that sentiment, carved it into someone’s thigh, and moved on with her day. By the fifth toe, I realized this wasn’t going to be a typical love story — this was going to be a surgical crime scene with feelings.
What even is this book? A bedtime story for the deranged? A cautionary tale about keeping your socks on during arguments? A manual on how to weaponize prenups? Whatever it is… I devoured it like Marisela devoured her husband's half-brother’s dignity. And appendages.
Marisela is not your average heroine. She doesn’t cry in the rain — she starts the storm. She's emotionally scorched, allergic to softness, driven like hellfire, and could destroy a man’s life and credit score in a single sentence. And she’s jealous. The subtle, knife-in-her-bra kind. If someone even breathed near Adrian, she’d set the building on fire — quietly, and without breaking a nail.
But don’t get it twisted — she’s not chasing after a man. She sets the terms. In one of the most iconic dark romance ultimatums ever, she hits Tate her husband with a prenup demand that says: bend or bleed. And Adrian the brother? Oh, he helps — with a scalpel in one hand and poetic delusions in the other.
> “If my time at Briarwood taught me anything, it was that hope was for the people waiting around to be saved — and I was tired of waiting. Especially when I could do the saving myself.”
She means it. With a red pocket knife. Possibly in someone’s sleep.
And let’s talk about Adrian: surgeon, stalker, poet, psychopath — honestly? King. He’s not just obsessed — he’s engineered for it. The unwanted underdog of his family, smart where his brother Tate is just pretty and pants-driven, Adrian doesn't fall for Marisela — he spirals into her like a man who’s been waiting his whole life to be ruined. He sees her rage and violence not as flaws, but as holy rites.
And the sibling rivalry? Delicious. Tate may have married Marisela out of spite, but Adrian’s the one who knows how to cut her open and crawl inside emotionally — and maybe literally. Honestly, if Marisela had married Adrian first, this would’ve been a duet. With less blood. Maybe.
Which brings us to the “child” moment. After Marisela tries to tap out of responsibility for Adrian’s newest rescue, she gives him this:
> “Fine,” I huffed. “But you’re feeding it, changing it, and all that nonsense. If you want a pet, you’re the one taking care of it.”
And he replies with the kind of line that makes your spine twitch:
> “He’s not a pet, Marisela. He’s our child. A little piece of you and me. At least he will be when we’re done with him.”
And that’s when I knew: this isn’t about healing. This is about ownership. Twisted, blood-soaked, toe-stealing, surgical-precision ownership.
This isn’t a romance. It’s a full-blown hostage situation with emotional eye contact.
It’s The Parent Trap if both twins had trauma and weapons.
It’s Bonnie & Clyde, if Clyde had a bone saw and Bonnie had a prenup clause.
Would I recommend this to my mom? No.
Would I recommend this to my therapist? Also no.
Would I recommend it to someone who sharpens scalpels while whispering, “I could fix him”? Absolutely.
Come for the trauma. Stay for the toe. Fall for the madness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the first dark romance I’ve ever read with an underlying "medical" tone—and it’s as twisted as it is addictive. The spice is intense and brutal, with scenes that blur the line between obsession and desire. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Rated 3.5 stars just due to the intensity. I enjoyed it but its definitely not the type of book i would read all of the time. If you can handle the heat better than me, it may be everything you want in a book.
The pacing builds slow and sharp, then races into a bloody, breathless spiral. I was never bored, though I sometimes wished for more emotional depth between the chaos.
Adrian is a morally unhinged surgeon obsessed with Marisela, who’s trapped in a life of control and abuse. Their chemistry is wrong—but you can’t stop reading. What stood out most was the stark representation of domestic violence. It's raw, disturbing, and layered throughout the story in a way that adds real weight. Especially in how it shapes Marisela's choices, trauma, and eventual gravitation toward Adrian—who, while twisted, represents a different kind of power
If you're into dark romance with scalpel-sharp tension, trauma bonds, and taboo heat, this one might be for you.
“Don’t ever underestimate how much I want you, Marisela. All of you. Not just a part of you. Not just what you want to show the world. All the broken shards. All the ugliness you keep to yourself. I want every depraved piece of you. I want to taste it, savor it and worship it until you have no choice but to do the same.”
— Adrian Lambert
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the first dark romance I’ve ever read with an underlying "medical" tone—and it’s as twisted as it is addictive. The spice is intense and brutal, with scenes that blur the line between obsession and desire. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Rated 3.5 stars just due to the intensity. I enjoyed it but its definitely not the type of book i would read all of the time. If you can handle the heat better than me, it may be everything you want in a book.
The pacing builds slow and sharp, then races into a bloody, breathless spiral. I was never bored, though I sometimes wished for more emotional depth between the chaos.
Adrian is a morally unhinged surgeon obsessed with Marisela, who’s trapped in a life of control and abuse. Their chemistry is wrong—but you can’t stop reading. What stood out most was the stark representation of domestic violence. It's raw, disturbing, and layered throughout the story in a way that adds real weight. Especially in how it shapes Marisela's choices, trauma, and eventual gravitation toward Adrian—who, while twisted, represents a different kind of power
If you're into dark romance with scalpel-sharp tension, trauma bonds, and taboo heat, this one might be for you.
“Don’t ever underestimate how much I want you, Marisela. All of you. Not just a part of you. Not just what you want to show the world. All the broken shards. All the ugliness you keep to yourself. I want every depraved piece of you. I want to taste it, savor it and worship it until you have no choice but to do the same.”
— Adrian Lambert
June 26, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
It is official! I have willingly checked into Briarwood Sanitorium in any capacity that Dr. Lambert…aka The Surgeon (or aka The Butcher if you listen to the news outlets…but that’s fake news? Maybe. Who’s to say?) will have me. Is this a healthy mindset? Up for debate 🤣 BUT what I can say is that my little dark romance loving heart will take ZERO criticism on the Doctor. Sure, he’s a VERY morally gray, okay maybe pitch black, MMC, but we all have our trauma responses and his commitment to the love of his life? *Swoon* …y’all just let me be delulu, okay? 🤣
*Check Your TWs!*
💉He Falls First & Harder
💉MMC Follows FMC…for years
💉Masks
💉Brother’s Fiancée
💉Star-Crossed Lovers
💉Found Family
💉Asylum Setting
💉🔪 Play, 🩸K!nk, DubCon
💉Touch Her & ☠️…Literally
Marisela is Adrian’s obsession, but completely off-limits – she was his brother’s fiancée after all. Despite that? She is his complete obsession…especially because he saw her first.
Naturally, prior to her wedding night, Adrian stakes his claim in a way his brother will never be able to, but Marisela retaliates by taking something of Adrian’s, too…the fifth toe on his left foot. Don’t fret, it’s tucked away for safekeeping in a box on her dresser. *Talk about matching each other’s freak*
Marisela and Adrian are the perfect flavors of crazy to complement one another…but the timing? Not right. No matter, Adrian is good at playing the long game and when Mari comes back looking to smooth things over for her own gain? Adrian is more than ready to lead his little lamb to slaughter…
THIS. BOOK. I definitely recommend reading Half Cocked & SKIN prior to this one as the other stories within this world add depth and other characters' perspectives (it’s fun seeing these interconnected standalones click and overlap). Now, I admit that Adrian, The Surgeon, got a bit of a bad rap in Book 1, but we didn’t get to see the inner workings of his mind (yes, I’m 100% team Dr. Lambert) – now that was delivered on a silver platter!
The Surgeon is UNHINGED, but I was here for his character development. Adrian is dark, possessive, obsessive, and due to his extremely traumatic upbringing, is disconnected with normal human emotions related to affection and empathy (I nicely just called him a psychopath, which totally tracks, but he’s lovable…I said what I said).
Marisela is strong and independent, and fights as best she can not to be made a pawn in her father’s political machinations. When she is physically overpowered to bend to others’ wills, she changes her tactics to beat the men at their own twisted games…until she realizes that she needs help to truly come out on top.
The connection between these two?! UNDENIABLE! I cannot get over the freaking tension – forbidden love at its darkest and finest. This twisted love story matured over 15 years, and the flame never went out between these two. I was LIVING for the stolen moments, and the end game The Surgeon was crafting (talk about edging yourself to the max).
If you like your dark romance to be unhinged, twisty, and filled with complex characters that make you question your morals and sanity a time or two? Then pick this up!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
It is official! I have willingly checked into Briarwood Sanitorium in any capacity that Dr. Lambert…aka The Surgeon (or aka The Butcher if you listen to the news outlets…but that’s fake news? Maybe. Who’s to say?) will have me. Is this a healthy mindset? Up for debate 🤣 BUT what I can say is that my little dark romance loving heart will take ZERO criticism on the Doctor. Sure, he’s a VERY morally gray, okay maybe pitch black, MMC, but we all have our trauma responses and his commitment to the love of his life? *Swoon* …y’all just let me be delulu, okay? 🤣
*Check Your TWs!*
💉He Falls First & Harder
💉MMC Follows FMC…for years
💉Masks
💉Brother’s Fiancée
💉Star-Crossed Lovers
💉Found Family
💉Asylum Setting
💉🔪 Play, 🩸K!nk, DubCon
💉Touch Her & ☠️…Literally
Marisela is Adrian’s obsession, but completely off-limits – she was his brother’s fiancée after all. Despite that? She is his complete obsession…especially because he saw her first.
Naturally, prior to her wedding night, Adrian stakes his claim in a way his brother will never be able to, but Marisela retaliates by taking something of Adrian’s, too…the fifth toe on his left foot. Don’t fret, it’s tucked away for safekeeping in a box on her dresser. *Talk about matching each other’s freak*
Marisela and Adrian are the perfect flavors of crazy to complement one another…but the timing? Not right. No matter, Adrian is good at playing the long game and when Mari comes back looking to smooth things over for her own gain? Adrian is more than ready to lead his little lamb to slaughter…
THIS. BOOK. I definitely recommend reading Half Cocked & SKIN prior to this one as the other stories within this world add depth and other characters' perspectives (it’s fun seeing these interconnected standalones click and overlap). Now, I admit that Adrian, The Surgeon, got a bit of a bad rap in Book 1, but we didn’t get to see the inner workings of his mind (yes, I’m 100% team Dr. Lambert) – now that was delivered on a silver platter!
The Surgeon is UNHINGED, but I was here for his character development. Adrian is dark, possessive, obsessive, and due to his extremely traumatic upbringing, is disconnected with normal human emotions related to affection and empathy (I nicely just called him a psychopath, which totally tracks, but he’s lovable…I said what I said).
Marisela is strong and independent, and fights as best she can not to be made a pawn in her father’s political machinations. When she is physically overpowered to bend to others’ wills, she changes her tactics to beat the men at their own twisted games…until she realizes that she needs help to truly come out on top.
The connection between these two?! UNDENIABLE! I cannot get over the freaking tension – forbidden love at its darkest and finest. This twisted love story matured over 15 years, and the flame never went out between these two. I was LIVING for the stolen moments, and the end game The Surgeon was crafting (talk about edging yourself to the max).
If you like your dark romance to be unhinged, twisty, and filled with complex characters that make you question your morals and sanity a time or two? Then pick this up!
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