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You Wound Me: A Romantic Tragedy
Young love dies hard.
My high school crush is everything to me. Under normal circumstances, you’re ready to graduate and get away from your overbearing family. I hated leaving her behind to pursue my college career, and honestly, I’ve been lonely as hell since. Missing her smile, her voice, her sharp as hell tongue—everything.
It’s been a few years but I waited like a good boy. Waited for her to turn eighteen, choose to leave her abusive father behind, and run away with me.
Now?
I’m back for her. If I have anything to say about it, she’ll put this damn town in the rear view mirror and never look back.
Unfortunately, some things don’t work out.
WARNING : This is a romantic tragedy.
My high school crush is everything to me. Under normal circumstances, you’re ready to graduate and get away from your overbearing family. I hated leaving her behind to pursue my college career, and honestly, I’ve been lonely as hell since. Missing her smile, her voice, her sharp as hell tongue—everything.
It’s been a few years but I waited like a good boy. Waited for her to turn eighteen, choose to leave her abusive father behind, and run away with me.
Now?
I’m back for her. If I have anything to say about it, she’ll put this damn town in the rear view mirror and never look back.
Unfortunately, some things don’t work out.
WARNING : This is a romantic tragedy.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Review of advance copy
This book had a lot of potential for me, especially with the promise of an obsessive MMC and a romantic tragedy arc, but ultimately it didn’t fully come together :/
From the very first chapter, it was clear the book needed substantial editing. There were frequent technical errors that pulled me out of the story early on, and as I kept reading, the plot itself never really found its footing. The dialogue was hit or miss, and the emotional beats didn’t land as strongly as they should have for a story that’s meant to hurt
That said, the MMC’s obsession with the FMC was apparent right away, which is something I usually love, and the spice was actually decent! Unfortunately, the romance and plot surrounding it felt underdeveloped, so the emotional payoff just wasn’t there
Overall, this needed tighter editing, stronger plotting, and more emotional depth to make the tragic ending feel more powerful. I’m rounding up to 3 stars for the concept and a few elements that worked, but this one didn’t fully deliver for me
Thank you to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
From the very first chapter, it was clear the book needed substantial editing. There were frequent technical errors that pulled me out of the story early on, and as I kept reading, the plot itself never really found its footing. The dialogue was hit or miss, and the emotional beats didn’t land as strongly as they should have for a story that’s meant to hurt
That said, the MMC’s obsession with the FMC was apparent right away, which is something I usually love, and the spice was actually decent! Unfortunately, the romance and plot surrounding it felt underdeveloped, so the emotional payoff just wasn’t there
Overall, this needed tighter editing, stronger plotting, and more emotional depth to make the tragic ending feel more powerful. I’m rounding up to 3 stars for the concept and a few elements that worked, but this one didn’t fully deliver for me
Thank you to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
January 29, 2026
This book sent me into full emotional free-fall! The kind that makes you want to curl up and hide in a human-sized armadillo shell with comfort snacks and a blanket close by. Another masterpiece from Alair Novak! It is a relentless, heart-shredding journey that demands you buckle up for a wild ride of raw emotion. The ending offers a fragile sense of comfort driven by a love so fierce and unwavering that the MMC would do anything and everything for the FMC, their connection feeling achingly natural, unforced, and true, the kind of young love that refuses to die. If you’re craving an emotional read that will break your heart and then carefully piece it back together, pick this up after and I mean after you read Babalon and Judas!!!!!! You will not be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story broke me in so many ways and also in ways I didn't know were possible. Alair has always been able to get me in my feels with her stories. This one was no different it was intense, heartbreaking, and showed me a side I didn't think was possible for the fmc. I am beyond grateful to have picked this up and read it holy hell and amazing job! can't wait for what's next!!!!!! (More heartbreak probably but I'm here for it)
February 24, 2026
I really wanted to love this book especially after how much The Lito Duet completely consumed me and were my favorite books of 2025 but this one was just okay for me.
It’s definitely a romantic tragedy with no HEA and I respect the direction the author took, however, instead of feeling consumed by the story, I felt a bit distant from it. I understood the characters more than I felt them and that made the ending land softer than it probably should have. The story focuses on first love, trauma and the idea that love isn’t always enough to save someone. The connection between the characters is heavy and sad but it never fully pulled me in. I understood what the book was trying to do emotionally, it just didn’t hit me as deeply as I hoped. And it may just be due to how much I loved The Lito Duet.
It’s not a bad read by any means. I still would recommend to others who enjoy romantic tragedies. For me though, I finished it feeling sad but not devastated… and after The Lito Duet my expectations were sky-high and this one simply couldn’t reach them.
3.75/5
It’s definitely a romantic tragedy with no HEA and I respect the direction the author took, however, instead of feeling consumed by the story, I felt a bit distant from it. I understood the characters more than I felt them and that made the ending land softer than it probably should have. The story focuses on first love, trauma and the idea that love isn’t always enough to save someone. The connection between the characters is heavy and sad but it never fully pulled me in. I understood what the book was trying to do emotionally, it just didn’t hit me as deeply as I hoped. And it may just be due to how much I loved The Lito Duet.
It’s not a bad read by any means. I still would recommend to others who enjoy romantic tragedies. For me though, I finished it feeling sad but not devastated… and after The Lito Duet my expectations were sky-high and this one simply couldn’t reach them.
3.75/5
January 24, 2026
**ARC Read: I would strongly recommend reading the Lito Duet before reading this. While it’s promised to NOT have a HEA, after the duet you kinda already know how it ends, just not the leading up to it part. It’s different seeing this side of Nadia, and from Kaleb’s POV. This is their backstory as a couple so it’s a little sped up and some time line jumps but it still makes sense. I can agree with some other reviews about the plot lacking a little and the dialogue being iffy sometimes but I still enjoyed overall. I will say though, everyone is so damn hostile and angry. Like constantly. I think that’s something I wasn’t too into but to each their own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Before you go into this blind you need to know it is a tragedy. It is going to rip out your heart, and if you haven't read Babalon and Judas before it, you really should because it helps so much.
Beautiful tragedy written from the mmc pov almost the entire book and you feel the love he has for the fmc the entire time.
Beautiful tragedy written from the mmc pov almost the entire book and you feel the love he has for the fmc the entire time.
February 8, 2026
Young love dies hard.
Caleb’s high school crush is everything to him. Under normal circumstances, you’re ready to graduate and get away from your overbearing family. He hated leaving her behind to pursue his college career, and honestly, he’s been lonely as hell since. Missing her smile, her voice, her sharp as hell tongue—everything.
It’s been a few years but Caleb’s waited like a good boy. Waited for her to turn eighteen, choose to leave her abusive father behind, and run away with him.
Now?
He’s back for her. If he has anything to say about it, she’ll put this damn town in the rear-view mirror and never look back.
Unfortunately, some things don’t work out.
WARNING: This is a romantic tragedy.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: First Everything, Criminal Mischief, Romantic Tragedy, Friends-to-Lovers, Star-Crossed Lovers, Small Town Romance, High School Sweethearts, Adrenaline Junkie, Emotional Read, Novella, Fierce/Bad-Ass FMC, Protective/Street Racer MMC, Grief & Loss, Heartache, Romantic Tragedy, Emotional Rollercoaster, Sweet Moments, Cliffhanger, No HEA.
You Wound Me is the 1st book in the Darkwater Correctional Institute Universe by Alair Novak.
Honestly, I have to recommend that you read the Lito Duet before you read You Wound Me so you get a good feeling for who Nadia is. This story is going to give you more information on Nadia either before or after you read the Lito duet.
After two years, Caleb is looking forward to finally seeing Nadia again, he hasn’t seen her since graduation. Ever since Caleb dragged Nadia away from a fight back in high school, he knows that he’s lovestruck by the girl that he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since the day that he pulled he out of that fight, he’s also been constantly been daydreaming and dreaming about Nadia. And Caleb knows that tonight he’s going to see the girl of his dreams in person at the race with his mates.
The moment Caleb spots Nadia, Caleb takes her on a drive, only for things to get unexpectedly complicated when they cross gang related activities, and Caleb finds that he’s unable to say no. Petrified, Nadia is desperate to leave, but regrettably nothing is that simple with danger and heartache following….
I will say that Caleb and Nadia are perfectly matched and they are a match made in heaven? Or is it a match made in hell?
I adore Nadia, she’s fierce, intelligent, head-strong, and fearless and at the same time I love how Alair wrote her in such a way that allowed so that at the right moments we got to see Nadia’s vulnerable side. Especially when she grew up in a home that wasn’t supportive and not so safe.
And oh, dear how I feel for Caleb. He’s this bad boy with a protective and possessive streak; he loves car racing like it’s the air he breaths. He also knows that Nadia is his one true love and all he wants to do is protect her and whisk her away. Caleb knows just how unsafe and toxic Nadia’s environment is.
Alair wrote the perfect yearning and its absolutely delicious, you can feel the yearning from both Caleb and Nadia. And the spicy scenes between Caleb and Nadia, Alair did such a stunning job in writing them, they grab you and pull you in and you can feel the magic and chemistry between Caleb and Nadia. And the secondary characters, I really wish that I could have gotten to know them better and then there were those that I thought, nah, not so much. Zap…Zap I want to know everything about him. Please Alair, give me more of Zap and give me more soon.
I am doing my very best to translate all the feelings I have about this novella into words. This is a fast-paced, short, and such a smooth read. And this book once again reminds you just how smooth and beautiful Alair’s writing really is. And when Alair says that this is a romantic tragedy believe me, this is a romantic tragedy.
You Wound Me is this emotional rollercoaster that is full of heartache and is intense. And the emotion, the heartbreak and the heartache, it’s all going to stay with you long after you’ve read the last word and closed the book. And as for the last page? You have to read that for yourself; all I will say is this: keep a firm hold on your heart and soul and keep a box of tissue close by. You’re going to need it. I’m still not OK, I never thought this book was going to hit me or effect me like this.
Just like Babalon and Judas I highly recommend You Wound Me and again I wish I could give this novella more than just 5 stars. Alair’s writing, world creation, character development, it’s all on par and deserves more hype and credit than it’s currently getting.
Caleb’s high school crush is everything to him. Under normal circumstances, you’re ready to graduate and get away from your overbearing family. He hated leaving her behind to pursue his college career, and honestly, he’s been lonely as hell since. Missing her smile, her voice, her sharp as hell tongue—everything.
It’s been a few years but Caleb’s waited like a good boy. Waited for her to turn eighteen, choose to leave her abusive father behind, and run away with him.
Now?
He’s back for her. If he has anything to say about it, she’ll put this damn town in the rear-view mirror and never look back.
Unfortunately, some things don’t work out.
WARNING: This is a romantic tragedy.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: First Everything, Criminal Mischief, Romantic Tragedy, Friends-to-Lovers, Star-Crossed Lovers, Small Town Romance, High School Sweethearts, Adrenaline Junkie, Emotional Read, Novella, Fierce/Bad-Ass FMC, Protective/Street Racer MMC, Grief & Loss, Heartache, Romantic Tragedy, Emotional Rollercoaster, Sweet Moments, Cliffhanger, No HEA.
You Wound Me is the 1st book in the Darkwater Correctional Institute Universe by Alair Novak.
Honestly, I have to recommend that you read the Lito Duet before you read You Wound Me so you get a good feeling for who Nadia is. This story is going to give you more information on Nadia either before or after you read the Lito duet.
After two years, Caleb is looking forward to finally seeing Nadia again, he hasn’t seen her since graduation. Ever since Caleb dragged Nadia away from a fight back in high school, he knows that he’s lovestruck by the girl that he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since the day that he pulled he out of that fight, he’s also been constantly been daydreaming and dreaming about Nadia. And Caleb knows that tonight he’s going to see the girl of his dreams in person at the race with his mates.
The moment Caleb spots Nadia, Caleb takes her on a drive, only for things to get unexpectedly complicated when they cross gang related activities, and Caleb finds that he’s unable to say no. Petrified, Nadia is desperate to leave, but regrettably nothing is that simple with danger and heartache following….
I will say that Caleb and Nadia are perfectly matched and they are a match made in heaven? Or is it a match made in hell?
I adore Nadia, she’s fierce, intelligent, head-strong, and fearless and at the same time I love how Alair wrote her in such a way that allowed so that at the right moments we got to see Nadia’s vulnerable side. Especially when she grew up in a home that wasn’t supportive and not so safe.
And oh, dear how I feel for Caleb. He’s this bad boy with a protective and possessive streak; he loves car racing like it’s the air he breaths. He also knows that Nadia is his one true love and all he wants to do is protect her and whisk her away. Caleb knows just how unsafe and toxic Nadia’s environment is.
Alair wrote the perfect yearning and its absolutely delicious, you can feel the yearning from both Caleb and Nadia. And the spicy scenes between Caleb and Nadia, Alair did such a stunning job in writing them, they grab you and pull you in and you can feel the magic and chemistry between Caleb and Nadia. And the secondary characters, I really wish that I could have gotten to know them better and then there were those that I thought, nah, not so much. Zap…Zap I want to know everything about him. Please Alair, give me more of Zap and give me more soon.
I am doing my very best to translate all the feelings I have about this novella into words. This is a fast-paced, short, and such a smooth read. And this book once again reminds you just how smooth and beautiful Alair’s writing really is. And when Alair says that this is a romantic tragedy believe me, this is a romantic tragedy.
You Wound Me is this emotional rollercoaster that is full of heartache and is intense. And the emotion, the heartbreak and the heartache, it’s all going to stay with you long after you’ve read the last word and closed the book. And as for the last page? You have to read that for yourself; all I will say is this: keep a firm hold on your heart and soul and keep a box of tissue close by. You’re going to need it. I’m still not OK, I never thought this book was going to hit me or effect me like this.
Just like Babalon and Judas I highly recommend You Wound Me and again I wish I could give this novella more than just 5 stars. Alair’s writing, world creation, character development, it’s all on par and deserves more hype and credit than it’s currently getting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Content Warnings; Check your triggers, please.
~I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.~
Tropes;
⋆🪽𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂
⋆🖤𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
⋆🪽𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆/𝑩𝒂𝒅-𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝑭𝑴𝑪
⋆🖤𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆/𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑹𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒓 𝑴𝑴𝑪
⋆🪽𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈
⋆🖤𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒇 & 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒔
⋆🪽𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆
⋆🖤𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒚
⋆🪽𝑪𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇
⋆🖤𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑻𝒐 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔
⋆🪽𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓-𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔
⋆🖤𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔
⋆🪽𝑨𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒆
⋆🖤𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓
⋆🪽𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔
⋆🖤𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇-𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓
⋆🪽𝑵𝒐 𝑯𝑬𝑨
This is book part of the "𝕯𝖆𝖗𝖐𝖜𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕮𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝕴𝖓𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖙𝖚𝖙𝖊" universe. I suggest you read the 𝕷𝖎𝖙𝖔 𝕯𝖚𝖊𝖙 as well to get a good who Nadia is: this story will give you some info about her before those two books. Let's begin.
Caleb is looking forward to finally seeing Nadia, after two years, to be precise, since his graduation. Ever since he drags her away from a fight back in school, he's been completely besotted by her, constantly daydreaming dreaming about her. And tonight is the night he'll see her in person at the race with his mates. When he spots her, he takes her on a drive, only to be unexpectedly complicated in a gang related activities, and he can't exactly say no. Scared, she wants to leave, but unfortunately, things aren't so simple when danger and heartache follows...
First of all, the FMC and MMC are so made for each other. Nadia is our fierce, head-strong, and fearless FMC, albeit there are moments where she shows her vulnerable side, especially growing up in a not so supportive, safe home. Kaleb is our bad-boy, protective, and possessive MMC who loves car racing with a passion. He wants to whisk away his one true love, Nadia, from the unsafe environment as soon as he can. He does genuinely love and care for her. Also, the secret yearning is absolutely delicious. And the spicy scenes between them are written so well: grab your fans! I appreciate the side characters, some not so much. Zap, though, I sure want to know more about him. Oh, yes, I do.
My heart is aching as I do my best to translate my feelings into words. It's a fast-paced, short, and smooth read. Once again, I'm taken aback at Alair Novak's beautiful work, and when she says it's a romantic tragedy, believe me, it is. The emotional rollercoaster and heartache are intense and will stay with you until the end. And how is the last page you say? Read it yourself, and hold onto your heart and soul. Personally, I am not OK. I just didn't expect it to hit me like this... HAVE A BOX OF TISSUES ON STANDBYE. I actually need a silent retreat into the dark void. EVERYONE LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE.
Out of Fives;
⋆🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
⋆🪽𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
⋆🖤𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
⋆🪽𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
⋆🖤𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄:🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀
⋆🪽𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
⋆🖤𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆:💔💔💔💔💔
⋆🪽𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕:🍓🍓🍓🍓
⋆🖤𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
⋆🪽𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓:🎉🎉🎉🎉
⋆🖤𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏:💢💢💢
⋆🪽𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓:⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
⋆🖤𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
⋆🪽𝑵𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝑭𝑴𝑪:💗💗💗💗💗
⋆🖤𝑲𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒃 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
⋆🪽𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
⋆🖤𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
⋆🪽𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
⋆🖤𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
⋆🪽𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
⋆🖤𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒆.
⋆🪽𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 182.
⋆🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 19 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 2 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒔 & 1 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒖𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓.)
⋆🪽𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄, 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
⋆🖤𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 22 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 2026.
⋆🪽𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
⋆🖤𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
~I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.~
Tropes;
⋆🪽𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂
⋆🖤𝑺𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
⋆🪽𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆/𝑩𝒂𝒅-𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝑭𝑴𝑪
⋆🖤𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆/𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑹𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒓 𝑴𝑴𝑪
⋆🪽𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈
⋆🖤𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒇 & 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒔
⋆🪽𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆
⋆🖤𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒚
⋆🪽𝑪𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇
⋆🖤𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑻𝒐 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔
⋆🪽𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓-𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔
⋆🖤𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔
⋆🪽𝑨𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒆
⋆🖤𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓
⋆🪽𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔
⋆🖤𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇-𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓
⋆🪽𝑵𝒐 𝑯𝑬𝑨
This is book part of the "𝕯𝖆𝖗𝖐𝖜𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕮𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝕴𝖓𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖙𝖚𝖙𝖊" universe. I suggest you read the 𝕷𝖎𝖙𝖔 𝕯𝖚𝖊𝖙 as well to get a good who Nadia is: this story will give you some info about her before those two books. Let's begin.
Caleb is looking forward to finally seeing Nadia, after two years, to be precise, since his graduation. Ever since he drags her away from a fight back in school, he's been completely besotted by her, constantly daydreaming dreaming about her. And tonight is the night he'll see her in person at the race with his mates. When he spots her, he takes her on a drive, only to be unexpectedly complicated in a gang related activities, and he can't exactly say no. Scared, she wants to leave, but unfortunately, things aren't so simple when danger and heartache follows...
First of all, the FMC and MMC are so made for each other. Nadia is our fierce, head-strong, and fearless FMC, albeit there are moments where she shows her vulnerable side, especially growing up in a not so supportive, safe home. Kaleb is our bad-boy, protective, and possessive MMC who loves car racing with a passion. He wants to whisk away his one true love, Nadia, from the unsafe environment as soon as he can. He does genuinely love and care for her. Also, the secret yearning is absolutely delicious. And the spicy scenes between them are written so well: grab your fans! I appreciate the side characters, some not so much. Zap, though, I sure want to know more about him. Oh, yes, I do.
My heart is aching as I do my best to translate my feelings into words. It's a fast-paced, short, and smooth read. Once again, I'm taken aback at Alair Novak's beautiful work, and when she says it's a romantic tragedy, believe me, it is. The emotional rollercoaster and heartache are intense and will stay with you until the end. And how is the last page you say? Read it yourself, and hold onto your heart and soul. Personally, I am not OK. I just didn't expect it to hit me like this... HAVE A BOX OF TISSUES ON STANDBYE. I actually need a silent retreat into the dark void. EVERYONE LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE.
Out of Fives;
⋆🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓:✨✨✨✨✨
⋆🪽𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:🔥🔥🔥🔥
⋆🖤𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔:🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
⋆🪽𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆:🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
⋆🖤𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄:🫀🫀🫀🫀🫀
⋆🪽𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔:🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
⋆🖤𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆:💔💔💔💔💔
⋆🪽𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕:🍓🍓🍓🍓
⋆🖤𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚:⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
⋆🪽𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓:🎉🎉🎉🎉
⋆🖤𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏:💢💢💢
⋆🪽𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓:⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
⋆🖤𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
⋆🪽𝑵𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝑭𝑴𝑪:💗💗💗💗💗
⋆🖤𝑲𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒃 𝑴𝑴𝑪:🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
⋆🪽𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆:🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
⋆🖤𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈:⌛⏳⌛⏳⌛
⋆🪽𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
⋆🖤𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈:🌏🌎🌍🌏🌎
⋆🪽𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
⋆🖤𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒆.
⋆🪽𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 182.
⋆🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 19 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 2 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒔 & 1 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒖𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓.)
⋆🪽𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄, 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
⋆🖤𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 22 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 2026.
⋆🪽𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
⋆🖤𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 7, 2026
You Wound Me was not just a read that will wound you, it will destroy you 🩶 Kaleb’s story, though a quick read, is incredibly raw and emotional, and it packs a punch with a bit of spice layered on top. I was already so invested in Kaleb’s character and story from what we knew from Nadia, and this did not disapppoint in delivering the backstory I was looking for! It was very well written with a plot that keeps you wanting to read more, and I loved getting to see Nadia and Kace and their moment too because of how special and emotional it was 🩶
Kaleb is bold, protective, sexy, very caring, and a sweetheart too 🩶 I was so happy to get to learn more about him and his relationship with Nadia, and I especially enjoyed the side of him that was all about racing and his car, Delinquent. It added such good layers to his character, and I thought it was really gripping and interesting to read! I also liked his Mom, and the friendship and dynamic that Zap, Wesley, and Kaleb had 🩶 Kaleb and Nadia had electric banter, share some crazy times with plenty of suspense and buildup, and had some deliciously spicy moments too, showing that they have a really great and dynamic kind of chemistry! He’s protective of her, and his plan for life and the plan he has for the two of them too were just so sweet, thoughtful, and heartwarming 🥺 Kaleb is the kind of man, and has the level of devotion, that every woman dreams of 🩶 I knew that reading about him was going to be heartbreaking. It was only a matter of time, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how perfectly gut wrenching him and Nadia’s story was, they deserved so much more with each other, he deserved so much more 😭
This was a really great, emotional read that hit me hard in the feels and had me hooked from the beginning 🩶 From Babalon I had been wanting to know more about Kaleb and the history there, and I ate up every last bit of that past hungrily. Getting to find out what happened between Nadia and Kaleb, how they met and grew close, and getting that glimpse into a little bit of what came after them as well, were all really interesting to me! The moments that Kaleb has with Nadia, and the one Nadia has with Kace and Kaleb at the end, were filled with real emotion and felt so meaningful 🩶
Kaleb is bold, protective, sexy, very caring, and a sweetheart too 🩶 I was so happy to get to learn more about him and his relationship with Nadia, and I especially enjoyed the side of him that was all about racing and his car, Delinquent. It added such good layers to his character, and I thought it was really gripping and interesting to read! I also liked his Mom, and the friendship and dynamic that Zap, Wesley, and Kaleb had 🩶 Kaleb and Nadia had electric banter, share some crazy times with plenty of suspense and buildup, and had some deliciously spicy moments too, showing that they have a really great and dynamic kind of chemistry! He’s protective of her, and his plan for life and the plan he has for the two of them too were just so sweet, thoughtful, and heartwarming 🥺 Kaleb is the kind of man, and has the level of devotion, that every woman dreams of 🩶 I knew that reading about him was going to be heartbreaking. It was only a matter of time, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how perfectly gut wrenching him and Nadia’s story was, they deserved so much more with each other, he deserved so much more 😭
This was a really great, emotional read that hit me hard in the feels and had me hooked from the beginning 🩶 From Babalon I had been wanting to know more about Kaleb and the history there, and I ate up every last bit of that past hungrily. Getting to find out what happened between Nadia and Kaleb, how they met and grew close, and getting that glimpse into a little bit of what came after them as well, were all really interesting to me! The moments that Kaleb has with Nadia, and the one Nadia has with Kace and Kaleb at the end, were filled with real emotion and felt so meaningful 🩶
April 7, 2026
“You alright, sweetheart?”
Yeah… that line? That was it for me. I was done. Completely gone for Kaleb Reyes before I even had a chance to recover.
Because how does a character completely wreck you in just over 180 pages?? Simple: incredible writing.
You Wound Me isn’t just a romance—it’s a romantic tragedy. And I need you to go into it knowing that, because this story doesn’t promise you peace… it promises you feeling.
If you’ve read Babalon, then you already know Kaleb exists in the shadows of Nadia’s past—the boy who meant everything. This book pulls him out of those shadows and hands you his heart… and then quietly breaks yours with it.
This is a story about first love—the kind that imprints on your soul before you even understand what love really is.
It’s about growing up, circling back, and trying to find the version of yourself you lost along the way.
For Kaleb, that missing piece has always been Nadia.
Their connection? It’s not loud—it’s consuming. The kind of love that lingers, that shapes you, that never really lets you go… even when life does.
And that’s what hurt the most.
Because this book doesn’t just explore what it means to love someone deeply—it explores what it means to not get to keep them.
No matter how much you want it.
No matter how right it feels.
No matter how hard you love.
I went into this already knowing how it would end… and somehow that didn’t make it easier. If anything, it made every moment more fragile. More meaningful. More painful.
Kaleb was everything I hoped he would be—and more.
Soft but intense. Reckless but devoted. The kind of love that feels fast, deep, and forever… even when forever isn’t guaranteed.
By the end? I was completely undone.
This book is beautiful. It’s haunting. It lingers.
It’s the kind of story that doesn’t just make you cry—it stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
And I would feel every second of it all over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You alright Sweetheart?”
If there was anything that would set a tone for Kaleb Reyes, it would be that line, right there. I fell in love hard for this character, all within 180 + pages. That’s the power of damn good writing, when you feel so much in such a short space of time. That’s what Kaleb’s character did for me.
If you’ve read Babalon from the Lito Duet (and if not, what are you doing? Fix that immediately), then you’ll remember Nadia talking about the boy from her past, Kaleb and briefly touches on his importance in her life.
This is where I feel it needs to be reiterated, that this book is a Romantic Tragedy. Meaning, no matter how much I willed the inevitable ending to change, it couldn’t, but Alair wrote the ending in a way that was soothing for the soul….crying floods of tears was never not an option for me.
You need to read this to experience it. It’s about first love. Growing up. Going back to where it all began, to find the missing piece of you. For Kaleb, that’s Nadia. Figuring out that a life without each other, is no life at all and that no matter how broken the present is, the future can be anything you want it to be, as long as you have that one person by your side. But also, it’s about, no matter how much you will it into existence, no matter how much you know someone is your happy ever after, that we don’t always get the life…..and the love we deserve. No matter how much or how hard we love.
By the end of this book, I was a mess. I knew how it would end from reading Babalon, but I wanted to know more about Kaleb and his dynamic with Nadia. And it confirmed what I hoped, Kaleb was everything I hoped he’d be and more.
Fast cars, deep love and no matter what, love that you carry forever, You Wound Me is beautiful, haunting and worth every second of every emotion I felt. I so highly recommend.
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You alright Sweetheart?”
If there was anything that would set a tone for Kaleb Reyes, it would be that line, right there. I fell in love hard for this character, all within 180 + pages. That’s the power of damn good writing, when you feel so much in such a short space of time. That’s what Kaleb’s character did for me.
If you’ve read Babalon from the Lito Duet (and if not, what are you doing? Fix that immediately), then you’ll remember Nadia talking about the boy from her past, Kaleb and briefly touches on his importance in her life.
This is where I feel it needs to be reiterated, that this book is a Romantic Tragedy. Meaning, no matter how much I willed the inevitable ending to change, it couldn’t, but Alair wrote the ending in a way that was soothing for the soul….crying floods of tears was never not an option for me.
You need to read this to experience it. It’s about first love. Growing up. Going back to where it all began, to find the missing piece of you. For Kaleb, that’s Nadia. Figuring out that a life without each other, is no life at all and that no matter how broken the present is, the future can be anything you want it to be, as long as you have that one person by your side. But also, it’s about, no matter how much you will it into existence, no matter how much you know someone is your happy ever after, that we don’t always get the life…..and the love we deserve. No matter how much or how hard we love.
By the end of this book, I was a mess. I knew how it would end from reading Babalon, but I wanted to know more about Kaleb and his dynamic with Nadia. And it confirmed what I hoped, Kaleb was everything I hoped he’d be and more.
Fast cars, deep love and no matter what, love that you carry forever, You Wound Me is beautiful, haunting and worth every second of every emotion I felt. I so highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
This story takes the familiar trope of high school sweethearts and twists it into something far darker and more obsessive.
At first glance, it reads like a second-chance romance—young love interrupted by distance, family pressure, and the ache of growing up. The narrator’s longing feels almost tender in the beginning. He misses her smile, her voice, even her sharp tongue. The loneliness he describes after leaving for college adds a layer of vulnerability that makes you think this might be a story about rekindled love and rescuing the girl he never stopped caring about.
But beneath that nostalgia lies something far more unsettling.
The line about “waiting like a good boy” for her to turn eighteen shifts the tone dramatically. What could have been devotion begins to feel calculated, obsessive—predatory, even. His return isn’t framed as a reunion built on mutual desire; it’s a mission. He’s back for her. The small town becomes a cage he plans to break her out of, positioning himself as savior while quietly claiming ownership over her future.
What makes this premise compelling is that it leans into moral gray (and sometimes pitch black) territory. The tension doesn’t come from whether he still loves her—it’s from whether love and control have blurred into something dangerous. The final line “Unfortunately, some things don’t work out.” promises fallout. Consequences. Perhaps a reckoning.
This is not a soft, swoony romance. It reads like the opening to a dark, obsessive love story where nostalgia curdles into fixation and good intentions mask darker impulses. Readers who enjoy morally ambiguous narrators, small-town tension, and a hero who might not be a hero at all will find this premise gripping—and slightly chilling in the best way.
It’s young love, yes. But it’s the kind that refuses to die quietly.
At first glance, it reads like a second-chance romance—young love interrupted by distance, family pressure, and the ache of growing up. The narrator’s longing feels almost tender in the beginning. He misses her smile, her voice, even her sharp tongue. The loneliness he describes after leaving for college adds a layer of vulnerability that makes you think this might be a story about rekindled love and rescuing the girl he never stopped caring about.
But beneath that nostalgia lies something far more unsettling.
The line about “waiting like a good boy” for her to turn eighteen shifts the tone dramatically. What could have been devotion begins to feel calculated, obsessive—predatory, even. His return isn’t framed as a reunion built on mutual desire; it’s a mission. He’s back for her. The small town becomes a cage he plans to break her out of, positioning himself as savior while quietly claiming ownership over her future.
What makes this premise compelling is that it leans into moral gray (and sometimes pitch black) territory. The tension doesn’t come from whether he still loves her—it’s from whether love and control have blurred into something dangerous. The final line “Unfortunately, some things don’t work out.” promises fallout. Consequences. Perhaps a reckoning.
This is not a soft, swoony romance. It reads like the opening to a dark, obsessive love story where nostalgia curdles into fixation and good intentions mask darker impulses. Readers who enjoy morally ambiguous narrators, small-town tension, and a hero who might not be a hero at all will find this premise gripping—and slightly chilling in the best way.
It’s young love, yes. But it’s the kind that refuses to die quietly.
Read
February 9, 2026This book is an emotional romance that centers on a male main character who falls in love first and never truly lets go. From the moment he sees the female main character in school, she becomes his everything. Even when life pulls them apart and he leaves for college, his love for her never fades. Years later, he returns to his hometown not only to check on his mother, but to fight for the future he has always imagined with the girl he loves.
The story beautifully blends romance with the adrenaline of car racing. The MMC’s passion for cars and racing is more than a hobby, it is his dream and the career he is working toward, even building his own car for a real race that could change his life. Just days before the most important race of his life, he reconnects with the FMC, and their bond quickly reignites. During a meaningful ride together, they decide to choose each other, promising a future filled with love, hope, and new beginnings.
The ending is shocking and deeply emotional, leaving the reader gasping and heartbroken, yet appreciative of the story’s impact. It reinforces the idea that true love exists strong, unwavering, and willing to risk everything. While the book is filled with passion, devotion, and dreams, it also includes heavy themes, making the trigger warnings important to read before starting. Overall, this is a powerful and bittersweet story about love, fate, and the risks we take for the people who mean everything to us.
The story beautifully blends romance with the adrenaline of car racing. The MMC’s passion for cars and racing is more than a hobby, it is his dream and the career he is working toward, even building his own car for a real race that could change his life. Just days before the most important race of his life, he reconnects with the FMC, and their bond quickly reignites. During a meaningful ride together, they decide to choose each other, promising a future filled with love, hope, and new beginnings.
The ending is shocking and deeply emotional, leaving the reader gasping and heartbroken, yet appreciative of the story’s impact. It reinforces the idea that true love exists strong, unwavering, and willing to risk everything. While the book is filled with passion, devotion, and dreams, it also includes heavy themes, making the trigger warnings important to read before starting. Overall, this is a powerful and bittersweet story about love, fate, and the risks we take for the people who mean everything to us.
April 8, 2026
I was so excited to read this prequel to the Lito duet (Babalon and Judas). This is a romantic tragedy that sets up one of our MCs for the story in the duet. Ultimately, I enjoyed it, but I think I wanted it to hit a bit harder than it did.
Nadia is our FMC in the rest of the duet as well, and this is the story of her first love. Kaleb is obsessed with Nadia and will do anything for her - and you can feel their emotional connection throughout the book. You can also see the darkness in Nadia, which is going to be crucial to the rest of the story in the other two books.
Where I felt that this fell short was, it felt like we were dropped into the connection between these two without really feeling it first. I usually don't mention editing especially if I'm writing about an ARC, but the beginning in particular was hard to follow due to so many errors. The pacing was slow at the beginning as well, so it was hard to get started. But we do pick up by the end, and the writing gets tighter as well.
Overall, it was a good read and a good introduction to the Lito duet. But the hard-hitting, devastating writing of the other two books isn't quite there here. The depth of a high school romance is going to be less than that of the complex characters that we see in the other two books, so perhaps it's fitting, but I just felt like we only got a small taste of what's to come here.
Nadia is our FMC in the rest of the duet as well, and this is the story of her first love. Kaleb is obsessed with Nadia and will do anything for her - and you can feel their emotional connection throughout the book. You can also see the darkness in Nadia, which is going to be crucial to the rest of the story in the other two books.
Where I felt that this fell short was, it felt like we were dropped into the connection between these two without really feeling it first. I usually don't mention editing especially if I'm writing about an ARC, but the beginning in particular was hard to follow due to so many errors. The pacing was slow at the beginning as well, so it was hard to get started. But we do pick up by the end, and the writing gets tighter as well.
Overall, it was a good read and a good introduction to the Lito duet. But the hard-hitting, devastating writing of the other two books isn't quite there here. The depth of a high school romance is going to be less than that of the complex characters that we see in the other two books, so perhaps it's fitting, but I just felt like we only got a small taste of what's to come here.
February 6, 2026
I had the opportunity to read this book a few weeks ago and again recently as an ARC.
I was not prepared the first time for how well the title suited this book. I had my heart ripped from my chest (I had looked ahead), put back together, and then ripped apart again. I had tissues ready and was still not prepared for the first time around. I still think about it now. My fiance asked why I was crying and I told him he wouldn’t understand.
The writing was outstanding, just like Alairs other two books (Babalon and Judas), and it took me for quite a spin.
The MFC has got to be one of my favorites from her books, and she puts you on such a Rollercoaster during this book...like you can hold on to the bar but you'll still lose your grip.
The MMC's friends had such different personalities but you just gotta love them and their uniqueness! The second time through I still wasn't expecting to get my heart torn out of my chest.
Friendly heads up.. read the Lito duet before reading You Wound Me so this book makes more sense with the characters and some of the events that take place in this book as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book ^_^
I was not prepared the first time for how well the title suited this book. I had my heart ripped from my chest (I had looked ahead), put back together, and then ripped apart again. I had tissues ready and was still not prepared for the first time around. I still think about it now. My fiance asked why I was crying and I told him he wouldn’t understand.
The writing was outstanding, just like Alairs other two books (Babalon and Judas), and it took me for quite a spin.
The MFC has got to be one of my favorites from her books, and she puts you on such a Rollercoaster during this book...like you can hold on to the bar but you'll still lose your grip.
The MMC's friends had such different personalities but you just gotta love them and their uniqueness! The second time through I still wasn't expecting to get my heart torn out of my chest.
Friendly heads up.. read the Lito duet before reading You Wound Me so this book makes more sense with the characters and some of the events that take place in this book as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book ^_^
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
Emotional roller coaster I haven't recovered from
Panic, that sounds like the most plausible thing really, just fall the hell over and hide in a shell— a human sized armadillo if you will.
Make sure you have your comfort snacks and blanket handy…
Another 5+ star masterpiece from Alair Novak.
Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride of emotions with this one. I still haven't recovered from it
This book tore me up, even just thinking about it and writing this review makes my eyes itchy. The ending brought comfort, but getting there was an emotional roller coaster.
The love the MMC had for the FMC was unmatched, he would do anything and everything for her. I love how natural they are together. Not forced, just young love that dies hard.
If you want an emotional read that'll break your heart and somewhat put it back together read this book after Babalon and Judas. You won't be disappointed
Panic, that sounds like the most plausible thing really, just fall the hell over and hide in a shell— a human sized armadillo if you will.
Make sure you have your comfort snacks and blanket handy…
Another 5+ star masterpiece from Alair Novak.
Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride of emotions with this one. I still haven't recovered from it
This book tore me up, even just thinking about it and writing this review makes my eyes itchy. The ending brought comfort, but getting there was an emotional roller coaster.
The love the MMC had for the FMC was unmatched, he would do anything and everything for her. I love how natural they are together. Not forced, just young love that dies hard.
If you want an emotional read that'll break your heart and somewhat put it back together read this book after Babalon and Judas. You won't be disappointed
January 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ // 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You Wound Me by Alair Novak was... Let's just say, the moment I saw who the two MCs were, I was already so ready to DNF this book to save my heart. If you've read Babalon, then you get a glimpse of the two MCs of this book, Kaleb and Nadia. Listen, from the little glimpse I got of them in Babalon, I had already cried a little, but this... This was brutal.
Alair is a fantastic author, all around. This book made me laugh, made me love the dynamic of Nadia and Kaleb. But most of all, this book made me mourn a character, I had wished was still around in Babalon, granted if he had been... Babalon would have been a totally different story.
I wasn't ready for this book. I wasn't ready to love a character so much, just see the truth behind what really stole him away.
This book is not an HEA. It's a romantic tragedy. Please pay attention to all trigger warnings, and if you're ready to read, grab your tissues, because this Novella was endgame for me.
You Wound Me by Alair Novak was... Let's just say, the moment I saw who the two MCs were, I was already so ready to DNF this book to save my heart. If you've read Babalon, then you get a glimpse of the two MCs of this book, Kaleb and Nadia. Listen, from the little glimpse I got of them in Babalon, I had already cried a little, but this... This was brutal.
Alair is a fantastic author, all around. This book made me laugh, made me love the dynamic of Nadia and Kaleb. But most of all, this book made me mourn a character, I had wished was still around in Babalon, granted if he had been... Babalon would have been a totally different story.
I wasn't ready for this book. I wasn't ready to love a character so much, just see the truth behind what really stole him away.
This book is not an HEA. It's a romantic tragedy. Please pay attention to all trigger warnings, and if you're ready to read, grab your tissues, because this Novella was endgame for me.
July 19, 2026
This is the background leading up to Nadia becoming a prison guard; how her life may have been different if things had panned out for her and Kaleb. Kaleb was her high school sweetheart before he left to go away to college, leaving her behind. Jump ahead, and now Nadia has just graduated, and Kaleb is back to hopefully get back together and take her with him when he goes back to college.
Nadia hasn't had an easy home life; her father is domineering and abusive towards her. Kaleb is determined to get her away from him. Kaleb has poured all his money into his racing car, determined to win the upcoming race and secure sponsorship, so he can look after his love.
The book deals with young love, home life, friendships, and money. But it also shows that sometimes life is unfair; no matter what you do, in a second, all of it can change.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nadia hasn't had an easy home life; her father is domineering and abusive towards her. Kaleb is determined to get her away from him. Kaleb has poured all his money into his racing car, determined to win the upcoming race and secure sponsorship, so he can look after his love.
The book deals with young love, home life, friendships, and money. But it also shows that sometimes life is unfair; no matter what you do, in a second, all of it can change.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2026
Great story even if it brought tears to my eyes.
You Wound Me is not your typical dark romance—it's a heartbreaking romantic tragedy that completely lived up to its warning. Go into this one knowing it will hurt, because Alair Novak doesn't pull any punches.
The connection between the main characters is intense from the very beginning, and watching them fight for a future together while the odds continue stacking against them was emotionally devastating. The chemistry, longing, and hope made every heartbreaking moment hit even harder.
Alair Novak's writing kept me completely invested, and I couldn't put it down. This is one of those books that leaves an ache long after you've finished the final page.
If you enjoy dark romance with emotional depth, heartbreaking twists, and stories that aren't afraid to shatter your heart, please read the trigger warnings first and then prepare yourself for an unforgettable emotional ride.
You Wound Me is not your typical dark romance—it's a heartbreaking romantic tragedy that completely lived up to its warning. Go into this one knowing it will hurt, because Alair Novak doesn't pull any punches.
The connection between the main characters is intense from the very beginning, and watching them fight for a future together while the odds continue stacking against them was emotionally devastating. The chemistry, longing, and hope made every heartbreaking moment hit even harder.
Alair Novak's writing kept me completely invested, and I couldn't put it down. This is one of those books that leaves an ache long after you've finished the final page.
If you enjoy dark romance with emotional depth, heartbreaking twists, and stories that aren't afraid to shatter your heart, please read the trigger warnings first and then prepare yourself for an unforgettable emotional ride.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/ 5
Alair Novak is the ONLY AUTHOR that can make me cry during her books. The is a Romantic Tragedy, so a MC does met their fate unfortunately. I can’t say who the characters are because that will ruin a lot of the story. When I found out who they were?! I lost it and I knew it was going to hurt. I guess when a new book comes out that Alair Novak writes, I will have to prepare to cry and feel all the emotions 😭🖤 The very, very, veeerrrryyyy last page is what ended me 🥲🥲🥲🥲
I loved the side characters! I want to find out more about all of them! I really hope each of them have their own book. Especially Zap. That’s all I’m going to say lol 😆
You must read Babalon and Judas BEFORE reading YWM. Why? Well, I guess you’re going to have to read to find out for yourself damn self. Alright. BRB while I continue to cry my tiny heart out 😭💔❤️🩹
KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK WARDEN 😍😍😍
🌶️/ 5
Alair Novak is the ONLY AUTHOR that can make me cry during her books. The is a Romantic Tragedy, so a MC does met their fate unfortunately. I can’t say who the characters are because that will ruin a lot of the story. When I found out who they were?! I lost it and I knew it was going to hurt. I guess when a new book comes out that Alair Novak writes, I will have to prepare to cry and feel all the emotions 😭🖤 The very, very, veeerrrryyyy last page is what ended me 🥲🥲🥲🥲
I loved the side characters! I want to find out more about all of them! I really hope each of them have their own book. Especially Zap. That’s all I’m going to say lol 😆
You must read Babalon and Judas BEFORE reading YWM. Why? Well, I guess you’re going to have to read to find out for yourself damn self. Alright. BRB while I continue to cry my tiny heart out 😭💔❤️🩹
KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK WARDEN 😍😍😍
January 20, 2026
Alair Novak does it again yet this time it is a beautiful romantic tragedy. I loved everything about this book and it totally wounded me. Such a beautiful love story between the MMC and the FMC. The emotional roller coaster of a book will stay with you. I’m crying as I type this out. It might only be 181 pages long, but it is soooo beautifully written!
Two of my favorite quotes…
“You’re… you’re like me, sweetheart. Adrenaline. Danger. That’s what you are. Craving fear and arousal in one shot of high octane. Typical dates would drive you mad, have you running for the hills just to escape the idea of sitting through another one.”
“Right you are. I like the unknown, things that might hurt me, get me in trouble, and that’s what I’ll have with you. Speed, envious stares, all because I won the bad boy.”
Two of my favorite quotes…
“You’re… you’re like me, sweetheart. Adrenaline. Danger. That’s what you are. Craving fear and arousal in one shot of high octane. Typical dates would drive you mad, have you running for the hills just to escape the idea of sitting through another one.”
“Right you are. I like the unknown, things that might hurt me, get me in trouble, and that’s what I’ll have with you. Speed, envious stares, all because I won the bad boy.”
January 27, 2026
You Wound Me is book one of the Darkwater Correctional Institute Series.
This is a young love story between Kaleb and Nadia, that ends in tragedy. I'm forgetful of names, so I didn't realize Nadia was the Nadia from The Lito Duet until the story had progressed more. But I think that is also because a lot of the story is in Kaleb's perspective. We see such young but all consuming love from Kaleb and I was rooting for him, even though I knew/suspected what was going to happen in the end. We were warned at the start that this was not going to be a happy ending, but I still was not prepared for the loss I felt reading these pages. Kaleb was what Nadia needed for her to be happy, but he leaves before he is able to accomplish this. But all of this sadness leads us to The Lito Duet, where we do see Nadia find some form of happiness. The ending had me in tears.
This is a young love story between Kaleb and Nadia, that ends in tragedy. I'm forgetful of names, so I didn't realize Nadia was the Nadia from The Lito Duet until the story had progressed more. But I think that is also because a lot of the story is in Kaleb's perspective. We see such young but all consuming love from Kaleb and I was rooting for him, even though I knew/suspected what was going to happen in the end. We were warned at the start that this was not going to be a happy ending, but I still was not prepared for the loss I felt reading these pages. Kaleb was what Nadia needed for her to be happy, but he leaves before he is able to accomplish this. But all of this sadness leads us to The Lito Duet, where we do see Nadia find some form of happiness. The ending had me in tears.
January 30, 2026
ARC Review
Kaleb's unwavering devotion to Nadia drives the narrative. After years apart, he returns with a plan to rescue her from her difficult past. The intensity of his feelings and the weight of his longing create a compelling atmosphere that pulls you in.
I appreciated the emotional depth in Kaleb’s character; his reflections on loneliness and love make his journey feel urgent. The tension surrounding their reunion is captivating, keeping you guessing about the outcome
I enjoyed the back story of Nadia and the reason she was the way she was in the duet. I feel like I learned more about her here than I did in Babalon and Judas. Plus the epilogue and bonus chapters were just so sweet and needed especially after that ending.
If you enjoy dark, possessive romance and stories of love that persist against the odds, this book is a must-read.
Kaleb's unwavering devotion to Nadia drives the narrative. After years apart, he returns with a plan to rescue her from her difficult past. The intensity of his feelings and the weight of his longing create a compelling atmosphere that pulls you in.
I appreciated the emotional depth in Kaleb’s character; his reflections on loneliness and love make his journey feel urgent. The tension surrounding their reunion is captivating, keeping you guessing about the outcome
I enjoyed the back story of Nadia and the reason she was the way she was in the duet. I feel like I learned more about her here than I did in Babalon and Judas. Plus the epilogue and bonus chapters were just so sweet and needed especially after that ending.
If you enjoy dark, possessive romance and stories of love that persist against the odds, this book is a must-read.
January 30, 2026
What led Nadia to Darkwater
First off I would suggest you read Judas and Babylon before this book. It is Nadia's story prior to her ending up at Darkwater. However, it does jump in time at the end and gives away the ending to the duet.
I felt like this was kind of weird with the plot. There were things that did not really matter in the story and felt kind of like filler. The dialogue lacked a presence.
The ending before the prologue was predictable but also didn't quite make sense because of the care and control we had throughout everything else. It felt reckless in a way that didn't feel like it fit.
You could definitely skip this one but it is short and shows where Nadia's story started so it depends on if you want more after the duet. The duet is better written and it's strange to see this after that.
First off I would suggest you read Judas and Babylon before this book. It is Nadia's story prior to her ending up at Darkwater. However, it does jump in time at the end and gives away the ending to the duet.
I felt like this was kind of weird with the plot. There were things that did not really matter in the story and felt kind of like filler. The dialogue lacked a presence.
The ending before the prologue was predictable but also didn't quite make sense because of the care and control we had throughout everything else. It felt reckless in a way that didn't feel like it fit.
You could definitely skip this one but it is short and shows where Nadia's story started so it depends on if you want more after the duet. The duet is better written and it's strange to see this after that.
April 5, 2026
Several words came to mind when I read this. First, f*ck you Alair (said with love of course) and secondly EMOTIONAL DAMAGE. Alair's writing is absolutely amazing. She knows how to pull a reader in and keep them hooked til the very end, then leave us on our knees begging and crying for more.
Here's the thing, I went into this book fully prepared for what will happen because I read the Lito Duet (thousand stars for that duet btw), but it still fuxking hurt! A LOT! This woman had me sobbing at like 2am. Like damn I know we said we wanted to be hurt, but didn't think you'd rip our hearts out and run them over!
But despite the emotional PAIN she put me and countless others through, YWM was a FANTASTIC edition to the DWCI series and I highly recommend reading it. AFTER you read the Lito Duet first though!
Cannot wait for whats next!
Here's the thing, I went into this book fully prepared for what will happen because I read the Lito Duet (thousand stars for that duet btw), but it still fuxking hurt! A LOT! This woman had me sobbing at like 2am. Like damn I know we said we wanted to be hurt, but didn't think you'd rip our hearts out and run them over!
But despite the emotional PAIN she put me and countless others through, YWM was a FANTASTIC edition to the DWCI series and I highly recommend reading it. AFTER you read the Lito Duet first though!
Cannot wait for whats next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another amazing book by Alair that I didn't want to finish just for the pure fact I didn't want the book to end. I discovered Alair's Lito duet last year and when I tell you I fell in love with these books so much, so she quickly became one of my favorite authors so when the opportunity to read You Wound Me came about I had to do it and man she doesn't disappoint when she writes a book. Her characters are raw and real and this story and characters were no different. You feel the love the MMC has for the FMC and vice versa and you are so immersed into their love story as tragic as it is. I laughed, held my breath, gasped and cried throughout this book and loved every moment of it!! This will be another book I will be recommending to all of my book besties.
January 22, 2026
My heart hurts finishing this book. Despite knowing Nadia from the Lito Duet, it's like it didn't click in my head. This was a whole different version of her. While almost the whole book is Kaleb'pov, that allowed me to become so wrapped into the plot, his love and devotion for her, and their connection that I didn't make *the* connection to the Lito Duet which I freaking love! It was being transported into a whole different universe and getting answers I didn't know I needed. This is a book that will break your heart as a tragedy should. Whether you read this first or Babalon/Judas, it pulls ut all together beautifully. I am going to go out my heart back together and patiently wait for whatever Alair Novak is going to release next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
Wow... I didnt expect that. But I loved every second of it. It hit close to home for me though, losing someone you love with everything in you like that. It was a beautiful short love story but filled in so many blanks for me. If you know you know. Alair this was beautiful, and that ending *cough cough* I need to know more lol. I cant wait for the next addition in the DCU series! Hopefully we get more info on that ending lol. To experience a love so powerful it changes who you are but also makes you want to keep fighting another day is something we all want and crave, even if it wasnt forever. This boom doesn't have your traditional happy ending and it did make me cry but my tears turned to a big smile thinking of my own love hovering near by watching over me. Its not super dark but still check the warnings in the beginning.
January 31, 2026
So this is a quick read novella and fast paced. It’s labeled as a romantic tragedy, which yes I get, it was sad. But I kept reading to have my tissues ready and I guess I missed that mark because it didn’t gut me that hard. Don’t get me wrong, it’s sad and it’s not the flowery HEA, but I was not destroyed.
I really did enjoy the love story behind the main characters. It gives us the background and history of how they came into one another’s life and their story a bit more.
The MMC was obsessed with the FMC and wanted to take her away from her current life to make it all better. He would do anything for her. He was an adrenaline junkie and she matched his energy. They had a natural connection and chemistry.
3.5 rounded up
I really did enjoy the love story behind the main characters. It gives us the background and history of how they came into one another’s life and their story a bit more.
The MMC was obsessed with the FMC and wanted to take her away from her current life to make it all better. He would do anything for her. He was an adrenaline junkie and she matched his energy. They had a natural connection and chemistry.
3.5 rounded up
February 11, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It completely tore me apart, yet it delivered one of the most touching and emotionally rich love stories between Nadia and Kaleb. The way they entered each other’s lives and formed such deep, unbreakable emotional bonds was truly beautiful to experience.
Their connection is powerful, heartfelt, and unforgettable—and the ending? It will leave your heart in pieces. In the best and worst way.
If you’ve read Babylon and Judas, then You Wound Me is a must-read. It gives you the backstory of Kaleb and Nadia, showing how their relationship began and how deeply intertwined their lives were growing up. It adds so much emotional weight and makes their journey even more devastating and meaningful.
Their connection is powerful, heartfelt, and unforgettable—and the ending? It will leave your heart in pieces. In the best and worst way.
If you’ve read Babylon and Judas, then You Wound Me is a must-read. It gives you the backstory of Kaleb and Nadia, showing how their relationship began and how deeply intertwined their lives were growing up. It adds so much emotional weight and makes their journey even more devastating and meaningful.
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