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Bend Her
Avery
That night was supposed to free me from my innocence, but it chained me to an obsession instead. Now, a masked stranger stalks my nights, turning me into his willing prey. As he pushes me further into the darkness, I find myself craving the fall.
Rowen
She was never supposed to be there, but watching her surrender to me, not knowing who I was, ruined years of restraint. So I slip back into her life, falling for her all over again as she gives in to my touch. She has no idea it’s the hands of the man she hates, but by the time she discovers the truth, she’ll be too obsessed to walk away.
That night was supposed to free me from my innocence, but it chained me to an obsession instead. Now, a masked stranger stalks my nights, turning me into his willing prey. As he pushes me further into the darkness, I find myself craving the fall.
Rowen
She was never supposed to be there, but watching her surrender to me, not knowing who I was, ruined years of restraint. So I slip back into her life, falling for her all over again as she gives in to my touch. She has no idea it’s the hands of the man she hates, but by the time she discovers the truth, she’ll be too obsessed to walk away.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
47 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 16, 2025
We start off with a bang, literally! The spice started in the first chapters, what an opening! Who doesn’t love a pr*ml play? Avery sure does and Rowen loves the chase. And one of them the other and the other one is obsessed and it just makes their situation even better! Avery thinks Rowen ruined her life when all he wanted was a friend. I blame the parents for how they were introduced. The obsession Rowen has for Avery is deep as all get up. I mean like deep deep. Honey when I tell you these jokers were going at it like rabbits. I mean in the woods, in the bedroom, in the kitchen and other places.Not only were the making a physical connection they were form an emotional connection as well. What these two have is deep. It may seem wrong to the world but it is so right to them. I want to tell y’all every little freaky, dirty and delicious detail of the book. It was so good and then it was over. I’m just looking at my kindle like really. If my kindle could speak back she(yes she’s a she) would have said “what do you want me to do about it I didn’t write this book?” Petunia is right, S Lynn Smith wrote this amazingness. The only bright side is there will be more. I devoured this in a day, I knew I would. Give me more, I need more. Thank you, well done.
October 17, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I love a good step-sibling taboo, and this one absolutely delivered! Add in a whole lot of BDSM, love-hate tension, and a solid plot, and you’ve got a wild ride of a story.
The FMC’s intense dislike for the MMC set the tone perfectly for their electric dynamic. He’s completely unhinged, unapologetically dominant, and doesn’t take no for an answer — breaking down her walls in the most primal, addictive way.
Make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in, as there are a few sensitive themes woven into the story.
A must-read for dark romance lovers. I’m already dying to know when we’ll get more!
November 4, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was about great no think pallet cleanser, it’s definitely taboo as it follows the relationship of step siblings. There lots of primal play, and it definitely delivered on that and spice! If that’s your cup of dark romance definitely grab a copy ASAP!
To author:
Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity to get an early copy of this book, and I can’t wait to be able to read book 2, as well as all your other work!
This book was about great no think pallet cleanser, it’s definitely taboo as it follows the relationship of step siblings. There lots of primal play, and it definitely delivered on that and spice! If that’s your cup of dark romance definitely grab a copy ASAP!
To author:
Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity to get an early copy of this book, and I can’t wait to be able to read book 2, as well as all your other work!
October 19, 2025
✨Bend Her ✨
Quote: “We aren’t playing. We’re meant for this. You were made for me, kitten. Mine.”
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Taboo Romance, Step Siblings , Primal Play , Possessive MMC , She hates him but he’s obsessed , Stalker , Virgin FMC , Masked Man.
So recently i had been reading nothing but cutesy romance so when i started this one i was in for a surprise but a GOOD surprise😏 ! This is definitely a fast pace and the spice is definitely spicing🥵🫠!!! The step sibling trope is one of my favorite tropes! I finished this book in one sitting. As soon as i started i was sucked in ITS SO GOOD!
Quote: “We aren’t playing. We’re meant for this. You were made for me, kitten. Mine.”
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Taboo Romance, Step Siblings , Primal Play , Possessive MMC , She hates him but he’s obsessed , Stalker , Virgin FMC , Masked Man.
So recently i had been reading nothing but cutesy romance so when i started this one i was in for a surprise but a GOOD surprise😏 ! This is definitely a fast pace and the spice is definitely spicing🥵🫠!!! The step sibling trope is one of my favorite tropes! I finished this book in one sitting. As soon as i started i was sucked in ITS SO GOOD!
November 4, 2025
I thought this was a great 🌶️ book full of twisted desires and fantasies!! I absolutely LOVED how this book started 🥵 I tend to like more of world building/in-depth books, so that’s why this isn’t a 5 star for me! But this was still an amazing book that will have you reading allllll night long! S. Lynn Smith is a fantastic writer who knows exactly how to keep you reading “just one more chapter!”
November 4, 2025
OUT NOVEMBER 4TH! This is my Arc review with no spoilers.
Want a book that is smut with plot?
Want something taboo?
Do you like an obsessed MMC?
Do you like things a little kinky?
If you said yes then this is the book for you! I ate this book up, could not put it down. I enjoyed the characters and their story, definitely enjoyed the spice. 10/10 would recommend if you’re looking for something fun to read with a “friend” ;)
Want a book that is smut with plot?
Want something taboo?
Do you like an obsessed MMC?
Do you like things a little kinky?
If you said yes then this is the book for you! I ate this book up, could not put it down. I enjoyed the characters and their story, definitely enjoyed the spice. 10/10 would recommend if you’re looking for something fun to read with a “friend” ;)
November 11, 2025
My Review Template Used 1/3:
🖤 1. Sensual Fiction
Genre: 'Dark' Romance
Subgenre: Taboo
Tropes: Stepbrother, Stalkerish, Masked, Primal Play
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Book Summary:
At the age of ten, Avery’s life changed when Rowen and his father moved in. Feeling displaced and hurt, she channeled her resentment toward Rowen, hating him for years.
Rowen, meanwhile, initially adored her as the sister he’d always wanted, until that affection turned into a new fixation.
Now young adults, a masked encounter (on both sides) at a club reignites his buried obsession and forces her long-held animosity into something forbidden, and far more intimate.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Tone & Themes:
Themes of obsession and desire dominate the book, but the “dark” tone feels surface-level. It reads as taboo erotic rather than true dark romance(to me), with the tension existing mostly to fuel sexual encounters rather than build toward anything deeper.
────────── ──────────
Plot & Pacing:
If you’re here for plot, you’ll be disappointed; this is a short, spice-forward read with a lack of story structure. But if you're here for the smut? You're in the right place! :D
The first half is intriguing to read due to the mystery shrouding him, but it quickly dissolves into repetitive erotic scenes.
The pacing is fast which sacrifices development, proper resolution, or any real sense of consequence. (Perhaps we will see more in the second part of the duet?)
────────── ──────────
Characters:
Avery: Seems a bit up herself and is bratty for little reason. Her resentment toward Rowen feels misplaced, especially considering he did not have a choice in the matter, and her rapid emotional turnaround after discovering his identity is hard to buy into after hearing so much of that hate.
Rowen: Beneath everything, he honestly seems pretty grounded. There is the mention of a job, his own place, and he has a moment of showing more vulnerability in regard to her animosity towards him. He can be seen wanting to spend time with her, and overall he doesn't appear to show distain back at her for the way she treats him. On the surface, he is quietly(at first) obsessed with Avery, and is driven by a mix of devotion and dominance. His intensity is consistent, but he doesn’t evolve much beyond desire and fixation, mostly due to the lack of plot.
Side characters?: Outside of the parents, there doesn't seem to be any reoccuring characters in the book (Only others mentioned are the security/club staff right at the beginning). Friends are written off as being dropped/lost due to the obsession of the main characters.
────────── ──────────
Chemistry & Spice:
Heavy on primal play and CNC elements, though consent seemed handled well, checked throughout via eye contact, pauses, and verbal/nonverbal cues. There are forest chases, a couple of toys, binding, praise, and degradation
The chemistry between them appears strong, but interestingly, the chemistry before Avery learns the identity of her 'stalker' feels more authentic and charged than afterward. Once the mystery lifts, the tension does too.
A lot of my favourite scenes were in the first half, before she knew.
────────── ──────────
Writing Style:
This is fast-paced and direct. It prioritises erotic tension. The Scenes are concise, but development and worldbuilding are pretty nonexistent.
────────── ──────────
Overall Impression:
In my views, outside of the stalkerish and masked angles, Bend Her doesn’t fully come across as 'Dark' Romance, it’s more taboo erotica. The obsession and secrecy give it a dark flavor, but without darker elements, emotional development or genuine consequence, it functions best as a quick, spicy taboo novella.
Perfect for those looking for a quick, smutty read.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Quotes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Genre: 'Dark' Romance
Subgenre: Taboo
Tropes: Stepbrother, Stalkerish, Masked, Primal Play
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Book Summary:
At the age of ten, Avery’s life changed when Rowen and his father moved in. Feeling displaced and hurt, she channeled her resentment toward Rowen, hating him for years.
Rowen, meanwhile, initially adored her as the sister he’d always wanted, until that affection turned into a new fixation.
Now young adults, a masked encounter (on both sides) at a club reignites his buried obsession and forces her long-held animosity into something forbidden, and far more intimate.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Tone & Themes:
Themes of obsession and desire dominate the book, but the “dark” tone feels surface-level. It reads as taboo erotic rather than true dark romance(to me), with the tension existing mostly to fuel sexual encounters rather than build toward anything deeper.
────────── ──────────
Plot & Pacing:
If you’re here for plot, you’ll be disappointed; this is a short, spice-forward read with a lack of story structure. But if you're here for the smut? You're in the right place! :D
The first half is intriguing to read due to the mystery shrouding him, but it quickly dissolves into repetitive erotic scenes.
The pacing is fast which sacrifices development, proper resolution, or any real sense of consequence. (Perhaps we will see more in the second part of the duet?)
────────── ──────────
Characters:
Avery: Seems a bit up herself and is bratty for little reason. Her resentment toward Rowen feels misplaced, especially considering he did not have a choice in the matter, and her rapid emotional turnaround after discovering his identity is hard to buy into after hearing so much of that hate.
Rowen: Beneath everything, he honestly seems pretty grounded. There is the mention of a job, his own place, and he has a moment of showing more vulnerability in regard to her animosity towards him. He can be seen wanting to spend time with her, and overall he doesn't appear to show distain back at her for the way she treats him. On the surface, he is quietly(at first) obsessed with Avery, and is driven by a mix of devotion and dominance. His intensity is consistent, but he doesn’t evolve much beyond desire and fixation, mostly due to the lack of plot.
Side characters?: Outside of the parents, there doesn't seem to be any reoccuring characters in the book (Only others mentioned are the security/club staff right at the beginning). Friends are written off as being dropped/lost due to the obsession of the main characters.
────────── ──────────
Chemistry & Spice:
Heavy on primal play and CNC elements, though consent seemed handled well, checked throughout via eye contact, pauses, and verbal/nonverbal cues. There are forest chases, a couple of toys, binding, praise, and degradation
The chemistry between them appears strong, but interestingly, the chemistry before Avery learns the identity of her 'stalker' feels more authentic and charged than afterward. Once the mystery lifts, the tension does too.
A lot of my favourite scenes were in the first half, before she knew.
────────── ──────────
Writing Style:
This is fast-paced and direct. It prioritises erotic tension. The Scenes are concise, but development and worldbuilding are pretty nonexistent.
────────── ──────────
Overall Impression:
In my views, outside of the stalkerish and masked angles, Bend Her doesn’t fully come across as 'Dark' Romance, it’s more taboo erotica. The obsession and secrecy give it a dark flavor, but without darker elements, emotional development or genuine consequence, it functions best as a quick, spicy taboo novella.
Perfect for those looking for a quick, smutty read.
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆₊⋆ ━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Quotes:
1.
“I should have taken up jogging before signing up for a primal play session.”
2.
“Are you scared, Avery?”
3.
“Party of one. Thank you, Satan.”
4.
“If you were on fire, I'd roast marshmallows”
5.
“Was it crazy to be jealous of my masked self? Knowing he got something I might never have?”
October 27, 2025
Okay, first of all, I loved every second of this book. I have no complaints at all. It was truly incredible from page one, to the very end. Honest to god, from the second I started reading, I physically couldn’t stop, nor did I want to. Rowen was next fucking LEVEL obsessed, in the best way possible.
I have so much to say but I have to be so careful because I don't want to spoil it for you guys, because trust me when I tell you, you're not gonna wanna miss this book. We all know I'm a sucker for a step-sibling romance and s. Lynn fucking nailed it. Rowen and Avery were genuinely perfect together, and the fact it's a duet, so this isn't even the end of them makes it so much fucking better.
This man was a different level of obsessed and I am here for it!! Like, I don't think you understand when I tell you his obsession ran DEEP, to the point, it's undeniable. The scene where she SAW how obsessed he was, I low-key cried a little. No matter what happened, he couldn't not love her and that was so fucking cute. If this man is a red flag, the red is my new favourite colour. Rowen could ruin my life, break me and cover me in marks, but as long as it's all by him. I don't care, I'll thank him.
And I can't not talk about the club, when they 'met' HOLY SHIT, if you love primal, read this fucking book. Nothing hits quite like an "I said run" moment. And this book had plenty of them, and each one was better than the last somehow.
They made so much sense to me. Even though she hated him while he just wanted to sister was not something I expected. And despite it all, no matter how mean she was, he still loved her?! They were everything and more, I loved them so much, she truly killed it with this book. It was written so fucking well, with characters you couldn't help but fall in love with, a story-line that kept you wanting more and a writing style that drew you in. This is my first S. Lynn book, but definitely not my last.
I have so much to say but I have to be so careful because I don't want to spoil it for you guys, because trust me when I tell you, you're not gonna wanna miss this book. We all know I'm a sucker for a step-sibling romance and s. Lynn fucking nailed it. Rowen and Avery were genuinely perfect together, and the fact it's a duet, so this isn't even the end of them makes it so much fucking better.
This man was a different level of obsessed and I am here for it!! Like, I don't think you understand when I tell you his obsession ran DEEP, to the point, it's undeniable. The scene where she SAW how obsessed he was, I low-key cried a little. No matter what happened, he couldn't not love her and that was so fucking cute. If this man is a red flag, the red is my new favourite colour. Rowen could ruin my life, break me and cover me in marks, but as long as it's all by him. I don't care, I'll thank him.
And I can't not talk about the club, when they 'met' HOLY SHIT, if you love primal, read this fucking book. Nothing hits quite like an "I said run" moment. And this book had plenty of them, and each one was better than the last somehow.
They made so much sense to me. Even though she hated him while he just wanted to sister was not something I expected. And despite it all, no matter how mean she was, he still loved her?! They were everything and more, I loved them so much, she truly killed it with this book. It was written so fucking well, with characters you couldn't help but fall in love with, a story-line that kept you wanting more and a writing style that drew you in. This is my first S. Lynn book, but definitely not my last.
October 29, 2025
HOLY HELL. Bend Her by S. Lynn Smith was pure, dark, delicious chaos and I could not put it down for a second. This book grabs you by the throat from page one and doesn’t let go until you’re a trembling, emotionally wrecked mess — and honestly? I loved every damn second of it.
Avery and Rowen literally start with a bang (no pun intended 😂) and it just spirals into this addictive, forbidden, masked-obsession rollercoaster that had me grinning, gasping, and fanning myself all at once. The tension? UNREAL. The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional pull? So strong I could feel it.
Avery is such an incredible heroine — strong but broken, vulnerable yet curious, and the way she unravels under Rowen’s control had me screaming. And Rowen… good lord. He’s every bit the dark, possessive, morally gray man we all secretly love to fall for. The way he battles between guilt and want, hate and obsession — it’s messy, raw, and completely captivating.
The masked scenes? Literal perfection. The mystery, the danger, the surrender — it all builds into this wild, intoxicating dance between them that’s both sinful and beautiful. And when the truth comes out… I felt that punch right in my chest.
This book is not soft or sweet — it’s twisted, passionate, and emotionally charged in the best way. S. Lynn Smith wrote the kind of dark romance that burns slow and leaves scars, and I am absolutely feral for it.
Five stars because I’m still thinking about Avery and Rowen long after finishing. Dark. Addictive. Obsessive. Perfect. 🖤🔥
Avery and Rowen literally start with a bang (no pun intended 😂) and it just spirals into this addictive, forbidden, masked-obsession rollercoaster that had me grinning, gasping, and fanning myself all at once. The tension? UNREAL. The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional pull? So strong I could feel it.
Avery is such an incredible heroine — strong but broken, vulnerable yet curious, and the way she unravels under Rowen’s control had me screaming. And Rowen… good lord. He’s every bit the dark, possessive, morally gray man we all secretly love to fall for. The way he battles between guilt and want, hate and obsession — it’s messy, raw, and completely captivating.
The masked scenes? Literal perfection. The mystery, the danger, the surrender — it all builds into this wild, intoxicating dance between them that’s both sinful and beautiful. And when the truth comes out… I felt that punch right in my chest.
This book is not soft or sweet — it’s twisted, passionate, and emotionally charged in the best way. S. Lynn Smith wrote the kind of dark romance that burns slow and leaves scars, and I am absolutely feral for it.
Five stars because I’m still thinking about Avery and Rowen long after finishing. Dark. Addictive. Obsessive. Perfect. 🖤🔥
October 31, 2025
4⭐️ 5🌶️ Starting off with a bang — quite literally.
A bratty virgin, primal play, masked man, maze, CNC, degradation… sign me the hell up.
The spice hit right from the start and did not let up. These two were going at it like their lives depended on it — in the woods, in the bedroom, in the kitchen, basically everywhere but the neighbor’s backyard (and honestly, give them five more chapters and who knows). But what surprised me was the emotional side too. For all the filth and chaos, they were forming a real connection under it all. Wrong to the world maybe, but right for them.
Avery hates Rowen from the moment she meets him on her 10th birthday when her mom introduces him and his dad, Tom, as her new fiancé. Any tiny hope she had of her parents getting back together? Gone. Insta-hate unlocked. But Rowen? He’s been obsessed with her for years. Like… 100/10 obsessed. It’s so deep it’s borderline dangerous — and I ate it up.
And let’s not pretend the man doesn’t sound like sin himself: muscular, tattoos, panty-melting smile, sharp cheekbones, and a ten-inch schlong. What more could you want?
I loved the dynamic shift between them — the push and pull, the giving in, the chaos that somehow worked.
My gripes: the pet names weren’t my fave, and that ten-inch coke-can situation being thrusted in one foul sweep with no lube or extra foreplay… ouch 😅. A couple chapters felt a bit rushed or ended abruptly, but for a quick, filthy read? I devoured it in basically one sitting.
Thank you for the ARC read, this was great!
A bratty virgin, primal play, masked man, maze, CNC, degradation… sign me the hell up.
The spice hit right from the start and did not let up. These two were going at it like their lives depended on it — in the woods, in the bedroom, in the kitchen, basically everywhere but the neighbor’s backyard (and honestly, give them five more chapters and who knows). But what surprised me was the emotional side too. For all the filth and chaos, they were forming a real connection under it all. Wrong to the world maybe, but right for them.
Avery hates Rowen from the moment she meets him on her 10th birthday when her mom introduces him and his dad, Tom, as her new fiancé. Any tiny hope she had of her parents getting back together? Gone. Insta-hate unlocked. But Rowen? He’s been obsessed with her for years. Like… 100/10 obsessed. It’s so deep it’s borderline dangerous — and I ate it up.
And let’s not pretend the man doesn’t sound like sin himself: muscular, tattoos, panty-melting smile, sharp cheekbones, and a ten-inch schlong. What more could you want?
I loved the dynamic shift between them — the push and pull, the giving in, the chaos that somehow worked.
My gripes: the pet names weren’t my fave, and that ten-inch coke-can situation being thrusted in one foul sweep with no lube or extra foreplay… ouch 😅. A couple chapters felt a bit rushed or ended abruptly, but for a quick, filthy read? I devoured it in basically one sitting.
Thank you for the ARC read, this was great!
November 17, 2025
This book was incredibly intense—primal dynamics, controlled-consent tension, possessive heroes, and step-sibling angst. It hits the ground running and never slows down. The chemistry is explosive from page one and only builds from there.
My one frustration was the heroine’s lack of development. She bordered on whiny at times, especially beside the hero. Rowan was committed from the moment he saw her, while she held onto resentment over something he wasn’t even responsible for. That imbalance made it a bit harder to stay on her side.
I was not prepared for Rowan in Bend Her. This man redefines obsessed—like “I’d burn down my entire world just to be near her” levels of intensity.
But Rowan? I adored him. His focus, his ferocity, the way he fixated on her—he was everything. Truly, if Avery didn’t want him, I’d gladly volunteer. 🔥
Overall, it’s a dark, addictive, high-heat romance that absolutely delivers.
✔️ Stalker undertones
✔️ Forbidden step-sibling romance
✔️ Masked, slightly unhinged MMC
✔️ Possessive obsession
✔️ He falls first (and hard)
✔️ Enemies-to-lovers heat
Always love reading for S. Lynn Smith!
My one frustration was the heroine’s lack of development. She bordered on whiny at times, especially beside the hero. Rowan was committed from the moment he saw her, while she held onto resentment over something he wasn’t even responsible for. That imbalance made it a bit harder to stay on her side.
I was not prepared for Rowan in Bend Her. This man redefines obsessed—like “I’d burn down my entire world just to be near her” levels of intensity.
But Rowan? I adored him. His focus, his ferocity, the way he fixated on her—he was everything. Truly, if Avery didn’t want him, I’d gladly volunteer. 🔥
Overall, it’s a dark, addictive, high-heat romance that absolutely delivers.
✔️ Stalker undertones
✔️ Forbidden step-sibling romance
✔️ Masked, slightly unhinged MMC
✔️ Possessive obsession
✔️ He falls first (and hard)
✔️ Enemies-to-lovers heat
Always love reading for S. Lynn Smith!
November 2, 2025
Dark. Dirty. Deliciously D€rang€d.
Besties… I was NOT ready for Rowen in "Bend Her"! This man redefines obs€ss€d. Like, “I’ll ruin my entire life just to watch her breathe” levels of unhing€d. Lawd Geezus—this was primal, filthy, and absolutely addictive. Avery’s hatred for him? Yeah… understatement of the century. But that hate burns into something way darker and so damn intoxicating that I couldn’t look away.
From the first page, I was hooked: stalking, hidden identities, taboo family ties, and soooo much spice. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The scenes? Oh, they’ll have you clutching your Kindle and fanning yourself.
If you love your romance dark, deviant, and taboo, "Bend Her" needs to be your next obs€ssion. Just… hydrate first. You’re gonna need it.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Besties… I was NOT ready for Rowen in "Bend Her"! This man redefines obs€ss€d. Like, “I’ll ruin my entire life just to watch her breathe” levels of unhing€d. Lawd Geezus—this was primal, filthy, and absolutely addictive. Avery’s hatred for him? Yeah… understatement of the century. But that hate burns into something way darker and so damn intoxicating that I couldn’t look away.
From the first page, I was hooked: stalking, hidden identities, taboo family ties, and soooo much spice. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The scenes? Oh, they’ll have you clutching your Kindle and fanning yourself.
If you love your romance dark, deviant, and taboo, "Bend Her" needs to be your next obs€ssion. Just… hydrate first. You’re gonna need it.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
November 4, 2025
Bend Her
ARC Review
3.5⭐️
This is a very taboo dark romance, you must check your triggers/content warnings.
Rowan has always been obsessed with Avery but thought she was the one he couldn’t have. Until one chase..
Rowan and Avery are step siblings who have been in each others lives from a young age but have never been close. Avery has outright resented him for years and barely acknowledged him.
This is pure smut, if you’re looking for a deep plot you won’t find it here lol
But overall this was a fun and enjoyable read, I would have liked a bit more of the story, which I feel is never a bad thing. I did find the FMC frustrating and really immature at times in her reasonings for ‘hating’ Rowan and how she treated him.
Rowan is an unhinged sweetheart, I am almost as obsessed with him as he is her lol
This is dark and taboo and very unhinged but if you like those flavors, I think you’ll like this.
ARC Review
3.5⭐️
This is a very taboo dark romance, you must check your triggers/content warnings.
Rowan has always been obsessed with Avery but thought she was the one he couldn’t have. Until one chase..
Rowan and Avery are step siblings who have been in each others lives from a young age but have never been close. Avery has outright resented him for years and barely acknowledged him.
This is pure smut, if you’re looking for a deep plot you won’t find it here lol
But overall this was a fun and enjoyable read, I would have liked a bit more of the story, which I feel is never a bad thing. I did find the FMC frustrating and really immature at times in her reasonings for ‘hating’ Rowan and how she treated him.
Rowan is an unhinged sweetheart, I am almost as obsessed with him as he is her lol
This is dark and taboo and very unhinged but if you like those flavors, I think you’ll like this.
November 19, 2025
Deliciously Dark, Spicy, and Taboo
“Bend Her” by S. Lynn Smith is deliciously dark and depraved. It takes off with an explosive, masked, primal chase. What was supposed to be a quick night of k*nk for uninitiated Avery quickly devolves, and she picks up her secret stalker. Rowan has been obsessed with Avery since he was abruptly introduced to his new stepsister. As an adult, he tried to distance himself from his obsession until her mask slips, and everything he’s ever wanted is under him. And Rowan is never letting go, no matter how many lies he has to tell, or rules he has to break. Smith does a fantastic job of delivering the perfect obsessed book boyfriend (great on the page; would be so bad in real life). This spicy novella is full of angst, red flags, high heat, and high stakes. I immediately devoured “Bend Her”, and can’t wait to see what is next in the ‘Deviant Duet’.
“Bend Her” by S. Lynn Smith is deliciously dark and depraved. It takes off with an explosive, masked, primal chase. What was supposed to be a quick night of k*nk for uninitiated Avery quickly devolves, and she picks up her secret stalker. Rowan has been obsessed with Avery since he was abruptly introduced to his new stepsister. As an adult, he tried to distance himself from his obsession until her mask slips, and everything he’s ever wanted is under him. And Rowan is never letting go, no matter how many lies he has to tell, or rules he has to break. Smith does a fantastic job of delivering the perfect obsessed book boyfriend (great on the page; would be so bad in real life). This spicy novella is full of angst, red flags, high heat, and high stakes. I immediately devoured “Bend Her”, and can’t wait to see what is next in the ‘Deviant Duet’.
November 4, 2025
Honestly I will read just about any book if it’s stepbrother! It is literally my favorite genre. Iv read so many stepbrother books and have only disliked maybe 1 or 2. Avery did make me mad when she kept treating Rowen like he was the plague. He seriously worshipped the ground she walked on and loved her fiercely. She seriously couldn’t see it because she was too busy being hateful. He not once treated her like crap when or because she hated and treated him poorly. She turned everything he said or did into something it wasn’t because she blamed him for something he had absolutely NO control over. All he wanted was to love her and prove that she was his everything! Needless to say I LOVED Rowen so much. Avery really did look a gift horse in the mouth almost all of the book! Overall though, this was a good quick read.
November 4, 2025
I loved every second of this incredible book from start to finish. Rowen was obsessively intense but in the best way. I can't spoil it, but trust me, you're going to want to read this. As a sucker for step-sibling romances, S. Lynn nailed it with Rowen and Avery—perfect together, and their story continues in a duet, which is even better. His deep obsession was so touching I almost cried, proving he couldn't help but love her. The scene where she saw his obsession was powerful, and I’d gladly take red flags from him—I'd thank him. The club scenes were primal and intense, especially the 'I said run' moments, each better than the last. Their dynamic was surprising—she hated him while he loved her—yet he still cared, and they were perfect. The story was well-written, with lovable characters, a captivating plot, and engaging style. This was my first S. Lynn book, but definitely not the last.
October 27, 2025
HUGE thank you S. Lynn Smith for providing me the ARC for an honest review!
From page one, it was fast-paced, filthy, and definitely had my attention. I think I read this in a few hours. Primal play, CNC, possessive men, step-sibling taboo… whew!! The chemistry between Rowan and Avery was off the charts and the author gets a bonus for the spice starts instantly!
Having said that I really wanted to slap Avery. She was a whiny little bitch and I was pissed off at her most of the time. But Rowan was chefs kiss... his possessive/obsessive control and intensity was unhinged but also kinda hot!
Overall, this was a dark, sexy, and unputdownable read that kept me hooked the whole way through.
From page one, it was fast-paced, filthy, and definitely had my attention. I think I read this in a few hours. Primal play, CNC, possessive men, step-sibling taboo… whew!! The chemistry between Rowan and Avery was off the charts and the author gets a bonus for the spice starts instantly!
Having said that I really wanted to slap Avery. She was a whiny little bitch and I was pissed off at her most of the time. But Rowan was chefs kiss... his possessive/obsessive control and intensity was unhinged but also kinda hot!
Overall, this was a dark, sexy, and unputdownable read that kept me hooked the whole way through.
November 4, 2025
PRIMAL
This is my first S. Lynn Smith book and Bend Her is as primal as your dark little heart can imagine. From the very first chapter, Avery and Rowan are exuding sexual tension on the page and when her secret is discovered, Rowan leaves nothing to chance. Their masked connection is palpable and S. Lynn Smith leaves nothing untouched or out of bounds. With writing that had me turning the page and discovering I was a third of the way in with out even realising, is testament to how it captured my mind. The characters are naive, despicable in their duplicity and heartbreakingly sweet in the devotion to care. This is book one, I cannot imagine what is in store for book 2, but I am here for it!.
This is my first S. Lynn Smith book and Bend Her is as primal as your dark little heart can imagine. From the very first chapter, Avery and Rowan are exuding sexual tension on the page and when her secret is discovered, Rowan leaves nothing to chance. Their masked connection is palpable and S. Lynn Smith leaves nothing untouched or out of bounds. With writing that had me turning the page and discovering I was a third of the way in with out even realising, is testament to how it captured my mind. The characters are naive, despicable in their duplicity and heartbreakingly sweet in the devotion to care. This is book one, I cannot imagine what is in store for book 2, but I am here for it!.
November 4, 2025
This book grabbed me by the throat from page one and did not let go!🥵 The spice hit immediately and just kept coming; primal, filthy, and absolutely addictive. But beneath all the chaos and lust was something real, a connection that felt as wrong as it did inevitable. For all its darkness, there’s an intensity between these two that’s hard to look away from.
Rowan and Avery’s story is not for the faint of heart. It’s forbidden, unhinged, and dripping with tension. She’s hated him for years and he’s been quietly obsessed since day one. What starts as resentment turns into something explosive, raw, and undeniably wrong in all the best ways. If you love your dark romance dark, this one delivers. Check your triggers and dive in!
Rowan and Avery’s story is not for the faint of heart. It’s forbidden, unhinged, and dripping with tension. She’s hated him for years and he’s been quietly obsessed since day one. What starts as resentment turns into something explosive, raw, and undeniably wrong in all the best ways. If you love your dark romance dark, this one delivers. Check your triggers and dive in!
October 26, 2025
5 ⭐️
5 🌶
*ARC REVIEW*
This was a buffet of forbidden fruits wrapped neatly with a bow and it did NOT disappoint 🍎😈
✔️ Stalker
✔️ Forbidden Stepsibling Romance
✔️ Masked, Unhinged MMC
✔️ Obsession & Possesive
✔️ He falls first (and hard)
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
Smut with a side of plot - YES, please 🤌🏻🥵
Rowen and Avery are the kind of disaster you run toward, it felt absolutely off-limits, forbidden and illegal, but I couldn't help but feast on it 🔥🍴
I think I need holy water, a confessional, and maybe a full-blown exorcism 🤭 But baptize me in this chaos again, because I regret NOTHING 🤌🏻🤌🏻
5 🌶
*ARC REVIEW*
This was a buffet of forbidden fruits wrapped neatly with a bow and it did NOT disappoint 🍎😈
✔️ Stalker
✔️ Forbidden Stepsibling Romance
✔️ Masked, Unhinged MMC
✔️ Obsession & Possesive
✔️ He falls first (and hard)
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
Smut with a side of plot - YES, please 🤌🏻🥵
Rowen and Avery are the kind of disaster you run toward, it felt absolutely off-limits, forbidden and illegal, but I couldn't help but feast on it 🔥🍴
I think I need holy water, a confessional, and maybe a full-blown exorcism 🤭 But baptize me in this chaos again, because I regret NOTHING 🤌🏻🤌🏻
December 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Trying to put into words how this book made me feel is stumping me hard. To start off Avery in the beginning was so unsure of anything, but went against the rules on some things. Then when Rowen comes around she gets annoying and whinny. Slightly petty sometimes. But then before she knows it the games that she's been playing become real and she has to face what she didn't think she was strong enough to. Rowen he's a trip! Mister thinks he's God gift to the world so c*cky and smug. He's only gentle and soft for the one person he's so desperate for! That ending though! The ending left me wide eyes and questioning things but the perfect set up for book 2!
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Trying to put into words how this book made me feel is stumping me hard. To start off Avery in the beginning was so unsure of anything, but went against the rules on some things. Then when Rowen comes around she gets annoying and whinny. Slightly petty sometimes. But then before she knows it the games that she's been playing become real and she has to face what she didn't think she was strong enough to. Rowen he's a trip! Mister thinks he's God gift to the world so c*cky and smug. He's only gentle and soft for the one person he's so desperate for! That ending though! The ending left me wide eyes and questioning things but the perfect set up for book 2!
October 15, 2025
Oh my goodness gracious. I absolutely loved it. This book had me staying up late to finish it. I loved the realistic reactions of the characters. And the reveal and banter!!! Holy mother. Such an amazing book.
The way the FMC character reacted and accepted how she felt, how the author wrote everything made me feel what she was feeling.
The MMC was amazing. I love a good obsessive male and this one did not disappoint.
This was my first book from this author and I can't wait to read more from them.
The way the FMC character reacted and accepted how she felt, how the author wrote everything made me feel what she was feeling.
The MMC was amazing. I love a good obsessive male and this one did not disappoint.
This was my first book from this author and I can't wait to read more from them.
October 16, 2025
✨Received an ARC✨
Spice, spice, and some more spice 🥵
Seriously, the spice starts in the first chapter with Avery going to a sex club to partake in a primal chase scene. That is how she accidentally loses her virginity to her step brother. Of course, she doesn’t know it’s her step brother at the time.
This book is twisted and comes with a host of trigger warnings so please be mindful while reading.
I really enjoyed this book. While every chapter was filled with spice, it did have a bit of plot. I definitely recommend this book.
Spice, spice, and some more spice 🥵
Seriously, the spice starts in the first chapter with Avery going to a sex club to partake in a primal chase scene. That is how she accidentally loses her virginity to her step brother. Of course, she doesn’t know it’s her step brother at the time.
This book is twisted and comes with a host of trigger warnings so please be mindful while reading.
I really enjoyed this book. While every chapter was filled with spice, it did have a bit of plot. I definitely recommend this book.
October 17, 2025
Oh. My. Lord. 🥵
I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this book!
Right off the bat, first page, the spice was there!!
I’m a sucker for a taboo romance! Love them!
It’s raw, primal, and hot!!
Honestly, I want more! I’d love more about Avery and Rowen! Ugh! I need more! I need more of their life!
This book was hot, spicy, raw, and just makes you crave more!
Taboo? Masked MMC? IICYIFU? If you said yes to all those, this book is for you!!
As always my dark little demons, check your triggers! Your mental health is more important!
I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this book!
Right off the bat, first page, the spice was there!!
I’m a sucker for a taboo romance! Love them!
It’s raw, primal, and hot!!
Honestly, I want more! I’d love more about Avery and Rowen! Ugh! I need more! I need more of their life!
This book was hot, spicy, raw, and just makes you crave more!
Taboo? Masked MMC? IICYIFU? If you said yes to all those, this book is for you!!
As always my dark little demons, check your triggers! Your mental health is more important!
October 20, 2025
This book was super sexy — primal play, CNC, possessive men, step-sibling tension… what more could you want? It started off fast and never let up. The chemistry was intense from page one and only got hotter.
That said, I had one gripe: the heroine’s lack of growth. She came off whiny, especially when compared to the hero. Rowan was all in from the moment he met her, while she held onto resentment over something he didn’t even do. That imbalance made it hard to root for her at times.
But Rowan? I loved him. His control, his obsession, his intensity — he was everything. Honestly, I’d take him if Avery didn’t. 🔥
Overall, this was a deliciously dark and addictive read. Definitely worth picking up if you’re into high-heat, high-stakes romance.
That said, I had one gripe: the heroine’s lack of growth. She came off whiny, especially when compared to the hero. Rowan was all in from the moment he met her, while she held onto resentment over something he didn’t even do. That imbalance made it hard to root for her at times.
But Rowan? I loved him. His control, his obsession, his intensity — he was everything. Honestly, I’d take him if Avery didn’t. 🔥
Overall, this was a deliciously dark and addictive read. Definitely worth picking up if you’re into high-heat, high-stakes romance.
November 3, 2025
Spicy, delicious, kink filled and exactly the type of book I love.
It’s 185 pages of steamy spice scenes, character unravelling and drama filled chapters and I loved every minute.
Rowen and Avery met at Avery’s tenth birthday party when their parents got married and introduced them as stepbrother and stepsister. It all began then and there with Rowen’s obsession and Avery’s loathing. The rest is uncovered in the pages of this book.
Stepbrother x Stepsister
Primal Play
Stalker
Shibari
Degradation/Humiliation
CNC/DC
Obsessed MMC
Virgin FMC
Masked man
It’s 185 pages of steamy spice scenes, character unravelling and drama filled chapters and I loved every minute.
Rowen and Avery met at Avery’s tenth birthday party when their parents got married and introduced them as stepbrother and stepsister. It all began then and there with Rowen’s obsession and Avery’s loathing. The rest is uncovered in the pages of this book.
Stepbrother x Stepsister
Primal Play
Stalker
Shibari
Degradation/Humiliation
CNC/DC
Obsessed MMC
Virgin FMC
Masked man
November 4, 2025
yes please
Best words used to describe this book: Obsession, Dark, Dirty, Primal. The obsession is the type that is so deep that it literally burrows in your skin. I don’t blame Rowan for taking full advantage of the opportunity to indulge in his obsession with Avery. Avery has hated her stepbrother since was younger, blaming him for ruining her life. Little does she realize the line between hate and love is very fine. Her masked man is going to show exactly how thin that line really is.
Best words used to describe this book: Obsession, Dark, Dirty, Primal. The obsession is the type that is so deep that it literally burrows in your skin. I don’t blame Rowan for taking full advantage of the opportunity to indulge in his obsession with Avery. Avery has hated her stepbrother since was younger, blaming him for ruining her life. Little does she realize the line between hate and love is very fine. Her masked man is going to show exactly how thin that line really is.
November 13, 2025
What a DELICIOUS book!!!! This book is a taboo step-sibling read. So don't bother if that's not something you like! Avery was looking to have a spicy dark sex life and decided her first time would be just that....little does she know the arrangement that is made involves someone she truly knows except there are masks involved. Hers kinda sorta slips.....oopsy!!! Rowen is HOT as can be and has one obsession....his stepsister. I love how it ended!!!! This book was a page turner and very spicy...great start to a duet!!
December 16, 2025
Well I devoured this book. Incredibly well written and extra spicy. I was blushing and clutching my pearls through every page. I was a bit annoyed with the misplaced anger that coursed through the FMC, but by the end I didn’t mind her as much. Truthfully Rowan really made the book for me, but I love an obsessed MMC with a kink for the forbidden.
This book touches on some darker topics and I for one really enjoyed the darker parts of this story, but it may not be your cup of tea so always check those triggers!
This book touches on some darker topics and I for one really enjoyed the darker parts of this story, but it may not be your cup of tea so always check those triggers!
October 18, 2025
Bend Her is a spicy good time! I had the pleasure of arc reading and I hope you believe me when I say that when you need that perfect spicy weekend read, this will be one of my go to recs. For the primal lovers out there, this book is like a bag of candy. If you’re a fan of Leigh Rivers and Penelope Douglas I think this will give you those same taboo tropes you love with some good storytelling mixed into the delicious smut. I’m so excited for book 2 already!
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