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Tainted
Dark Soul
What if the man who owns your future is the one who destroys your present?
Vera Calloway is the woman you admire in boardrooms—the one who has it all together. Brilliant, driven, untouchable.
But beneath that flawless exterior is a woman shackled by a past she keeps buried... until it all comes crashing down.
Someone wants her ruined—photos, fabricated scandals, lies crafted to break her.
They make one thing either she walks away, or she burns.
But when her world unravels, there’s only one man who can fix it.
Only one man who’s been waiting in the shadows, watching her every move before she even makes it.
Lucian Dane doesn’t ask for permission.
He doesn’t need it.
He takes what he wants.
And what he wants… is her.
In a world where power is currency and reputation is everything, Lucian’s influence is unrivaled.
But what if he’s been the one pulling the strings all along, silently shaping her rise, controlling her every step?
She’s never known the man behind the curtain—until now.
As Vera’s life falls apart, Lucian makes his presence known.
But his help comes with a price.
He doesn’t just protect her—he owns her. Every decision, every move, every breath... has been orchestrated by him.
He doesn’t apologize.
He doesn’t lie.
He simply takes.
“You think you’re in control of your life,” he tells her, “but I’ve been fixing it all along. I never touched you... until now.”
The more she uncovers, the more the truth claws at her.
Lucian has always been there—behind every success, every promotion, every single moment of her life.
He’s been watching, waiting, calculating.
But what happens when Vera realizes his obsession runs deeper than anything she’s prepared for?
His need for control is darker than she could have ever imagined.
With each secret he reveals, she’s pulled deeper into his world—a world where control is everything, and love is nothing but a game he gets to play.
Lucian is no hero.
But when he looks at her, when he makes her his, she realizes something she wants him too.
The question is no longer whether she can escape him... it’s whether she even wants to.
Trigger Dark themes, emotional manipulation, obsession, stalking, power imbalance, explicit sexual content, dominance/submission dynamics, psychological intensity, reputation manipulation.
18+ mature content. Not suitable for younger readers.
Vera Calloway is the woman you admire in boardrooms—the one who has it all together. Brilliant, driven, untouchable.
But beneath that flawless exterior is a woman shackled by a past she keeps buried... until it all comes crashing down.
Someone wants her ruined—photos, fabricated scandals, lies crafted to break her.
They make one thing either she walks away, or she burns.
But when her world unravels, there’s only one man who can fix it.
Only one man who’s been waiting in the shadows, watching her every move before she even makes it.
Lucian Dane doesn’t ask for permission.
He doesn’t need it.
He takes what he wants.
And what he wants… is her.
In a world where power is currency and reputation is everything, Lucian’s influence is unrivaled.
But what if he’s been the one pulling the strings all along, silently shaping her rise, controlling her every step?
She’s never known the man behind the curtain—until now.
As Vera’s life falls apart, Lucian makes his presence known.
But his help comes with a price.
He doesn’t just protect her—he owns her. Every decision, every move, every breath... has been orchestrated by him.
He doesn’t apologize.
He doesn’t lie.
He simply takes.
“You think you’re in control of your life,” he tells her, “but I’ve been fixing it all along. I never touched you... until now.”
The more she uncovers, the more the truth claws at her.
Lucian has always been there—behind every success, every promotion, every single moment of her life.
He’s been watching, waiting, calculating.
But what happens when Vera realizes his obsession runs deeper than anything she’s prepared for?
His need for control is darker than she could have ever imagined.
With each secret he reveals, she’s pulled deeper into his world—a world where control is everything, and love is nothing but a game he gets to play.
Lucian is no hero.
But when he looks at her, when he makes her his, she realizes something she wants him too.
The question is no longer whether she can escape him... it’s whether she even wants to.
Trigger Dark themes, emotional manipulation, obsession, stalking, power imbalance, explicit sexual content, dominance/submission dynamics, psychological intensity, reputation manipulation.
18+ mature content. Not suitable for younger readers.
- GenresDark RomanceContemporary
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Did Not Finish
October 28, 2025I tried so hard to finish this book, but only made it to 30% and even that was painful. Way too repetitive, slow and boring.
November 29, 2025
So good.
I could not put this down. It so good, I can not wait to start the next one in the series.
I could not put this down. It so good, I can not wait to start the next one in the series.
February 15, 2026
Obsession, possession, yet on the side of boring. Kind of shocked that this book could be boring, but unfortunately it was. Just too long, dense, and repetitive
October 30, 2025
This book was definitely a very dark romance! But if you like the stalker, dark and broody kind of men then i think this is your book!
It’s a well written and thought out book!
It’s a well written and thought out book!
Did Not Finish
January 11, 2026The most agonizingly slow and fucking boring book I have ever read in my fucking life. I could have walked to Rome and back before he ever even fucking showed his face.
November 20, 2025
This book was free with Audible subscription so I’m having a hard time rating it, as far as a freebie goes I’d give it 3 stars but I just can’t. It has SO MUCH POTENTIAL and is so disappointing.
“A dark stalker romance” I guess, I mean it has all the elements but it’s missing all the emotion.
The MMC is… well I’m actually not even sure?! Some kind of spook with all this computer knowledge and it’s written with way too many of those details. So instead of the stalker emotion energy you’re given what reads as lines of code.
I’d pass it unless you’re in need of something to read desperately. But I did finish it so it kept my interest, just frustrating af.
“A dark stalker romance” I guess, I mean it has all the elements but it’s missing all the emotion.
The MMC is… well I’m actually not even sure?! Some kind of spook with all this computer knowledge and it’s written with way too many of those details. So instead of the stalker emotion energy you’re given what reads as lines of code.
I’d pass it unless you’re in need of something to read desperately. But I did finish it so it kept my interest, just frustrating af.
November 2, 2025
I just couldn’t do it. I got to about 46% of the book and it just dragged on. There were some big editing issues that bothered me. I can get over words being used incorrectly but this was like the scene setting was wrong. Same scene from two character view points but it was completely different. One page your in the room. Next page your in the kitchen. Like, I just felt like it was all over the place. It’s a pretty long book and to get almost halfway through and nothing is grabbing me. Unfortunately this one is a fail for me.
November 26, 2025
didn’t love it
I really wanted to like this book. But, there was just too much tech jargon that was hard to follow, and it felt like the author was trying too hard with all the endless similes and metaphors. I will probably read the second one because the story stops so abruptly and it was just interesting enough to keep me hanging on, but I was glad when this book was finally over.
I really wanted to like this book. But, there was just too much tech jargon that was hard to follow, and it felt like the author was trying too hard with all the endless similes and metaphors. I will probably read the second one because the story stops so abruptly and it was just interesting enough to keep me hanging on, but I was glad when this book was finally over.
March 19, 2026
I was so excited with high hopes for this book. A dark, obsessive stalker romance with psychological depth? Say less!
And honestly… it started out strong enough to make me think I was in for something special.
Lucien had that eerie, possessive presence; watching, lurking, inserting himself into Vera’s life like he’d already decided her story belonged to him. The manipulation, the shadowy control, the quiet intensity? It had potential. It felt like we were building toward something dark and consuming.
Then the layers of the past started unfolding, and I thought this is where it gets even better!
But… bless its heart.
The story didn’t build, it became insanity. It was the same thing Over. And over.And over again. But still expected a different result.
What should’ve felt like a descent into obsession ended up feeling like being stuck in the world’s most toxic merry-go-round. The same conflicts, the same emotional beats, the same cycles, just dressed up slightly differently each time, hoping we wouldn’t notice.
At some point, it stopped being intense and started being… exhausting. Not in a gripping, can’t look away kind of way either. By the end, I wasn’t on edge for this story, I was just ready for it to end.
I finished it purely out of stubbornness (and a sliver of hope that the next book might finally deliver the punch this one kept promising but never quite thrown at you).
Final thoughts: A strong premise and intriguing start that slowly unravels into repetition. It had all the ingredients for something dark and addictive… but somewhere along the way, it just kept stirring the same pot.
And honestly… it started out strong enough to make me think I was in for something special.
Lucien had that eerie, possessive presence; watching, lurking, inserting himself into Vera’s life like he’d already decided her story belonged to him. The manipulation, the shadowy control, the quiet intensity? It had potential. It felt like we were building toward something dark and consuming.
Then the layers of the past started unfolding, and I thought this is where it gets even better!
But… bless its heart.
The story didn’t build, it became insanity. It was the same thing Over. And over.And over again. But still expected a different result.
What should’ve felt like a descent into obsession ended up feeling like being stuck in the world’s most toxic merry-go-round. The same conflicts, the same emotional beats, the same cycles, just dressed up slightly differently each time, hoping we wouldn’t notice.
At some point, it stopped being intense and started being… exhausting. Not in a gripping, can’t look away kind of way either. By the end, I wasn’t on edge for this story, I was just ready for it to end.
I finished it purely out of stubbornness (and a sliver of hope that the next book might finally deliver the punch this one kept promising but never quite thrown at you).
Final thoughts: A strong premise and intriguing start that slowly unravels into repetition. It had all the ingredients for something dark and addictive… but somewhere along the way, it just kept stirring the same pot.
August 31, 2025
Take Her. Rule Her. Consume Her.
A deliciously dark emotionally charged romance full of psychological intensity that had me on edge and turning pages. Full of heart-pounding moments this story took me on quite the rollercoaster ride of emotions. Though the book is lengthy it didn't feel that way once I started reading I was flying through the pages like a person starved.
Check your TW
Tropes:
Stalker
Bad Boy
Steamy
Obsessed/Possessive
Manipulation
Dom/Sub
Horror/Gothic vibes
And more...
Dual POV Lucian and Vera have chemistry and intensity in their relationship that is full of steam and contradiction. These characters are multilayered and interesting. With a heroin that is both intelligent and self-reliant and her anti-hero that despite all his red flags I couldn't help but become obsessed with myself, this book will easily live rent-free in my mind for a long time.
“You’ve always belonged to me,” I whisper. “You just don’t remember yet.”
I can't wait for book 2 in this thrilling series and the conclusion to Lucian and Vera's addicting story.
A deliciously dark emotionally charged romance full of psychological intensity that had me on edge and turning pages. Full of heart-pounding moments this story took me on quite the rollercoaster ride of emotions. Though the book is lengthy it didn't feel that way once I started reading I was flying through the pages like a person starved.
Check your TW
Tropes:
Stalker
Bad Boy
Steamy
Obsessed/Possessive
Manipulation
Dom/Sub
Horror/Gothic vibes
And more...
Dual POV Lucian and Vera have chemistry and intensity in their relationship that is full of steam and contradiction. These characters are multilayered and interesting. With a heroin that is both intelligent and self-reliant and her anti-hero that despite all his red flags I couldn't help but become obsessed with myself, this book will easily live rent-free in my mind for a long time.
“You’ve always belonged to me,” I whisper. “You just don’t remember yet.”
I can't wait for book 2 in this thrilling series and the conclusion to Lucian and Vera's addicting story.
December 1, 2025
What starts off feeling like a simple descent into darkness turns into an emotional, twisted character-driven spiral — and honestly, I was hooked.
We follow Vera, who is practically drowning in grief and ghosts of her past. She’s raw, damaged, angry, and so painfully human. Then there’s Lucian — dangerous, magnetic, impossible to look away from. He’s the kind of character who makes you constantly question whether you should want him near… or want to run the other way. Their connection is messy, intense, and somehow exactly what they both need even if it’s the last thing that should make sense.
What I loved most is that this story doesn’t shy away from trauma, morality, or the ugly parts of healing. It’s violent and tender at the same time. Some moments genuinely made my stomach twist, while others hit so deep I had to stop for a breath. I love when a book leaves me a little wrecked, and this one did exactly that.
If you’re into dark romance built on damaged souls, flawed choices, and two characters clawing toward each other even when it hurts — absolutely pick this up.
We follow Vera, who is practically drowning in grief and ghosts of her past. She’s raw, damaged, angry, and so painfully human. Then there’s Lucian — dangerous, magnetic, impossible to look away from. He’s the kind of character who makes you constantly question whether you should want him near… or want to run the other way. Their connection is messy, intense, and somehow exactly what they both need even if it’s the last thing that should make sense.
What I loved most is that this story doesn’t shy away from trauma, morality, or the ugly parts of healing. It’s violent and tender at the same time. Some moments genuinely made my stomach twist, while others hit so deep I had to stop for a breath. I love when a book leaves me a little wrecked, and this one did exactly that.
If you’re into dark romance built on damaged souls, flawed choices, and two characters clawing toward each other even when it hurts — absolutely pick this up.
December 5, 2025
This book had so much potential, but it just didn't do it for me.
First, this book needed at least one more round of edits. An entire scene was duplicated within a chapter, nearly word for word, probably because no one caught it and trimmed it. There were continuity issues—one minute someone is there, then they're gone, then they're there again. Or they're in one room and then another. Also, the word repetition got really old. How many times can you describe something as surgical, or talk about the "hum" of the city or the server room?
I also didn't like how we never truly get an explanation of what either Vera or Lucian do for a living. She has a rough past. He's got all this fancy tech and a ton of control/access. And...what else? Every chapter ends on some ominous note, but the questions are never really answered, and then the book just ends.
I'm not sure if the intention was for the whole plot to hinge on the dark, morally gray MMC and a bit of spice, like that would be enough. But the story was lacking, for my taste.
First, this book needed at least one more round of edits. An entire scene was duplicated within a chapter, nearly word for word, probably because no one caught it and trimmed it. There were continuity issues—one minute someone is there, then they're gone, then they're there again. Or they're in one room and then another. Also, the word repetition got really old. How many times can you describe something as surgical, or talk about the "hum" of the city or the server room?
I also didn't like how we never truly get an explanation of what either Vera or Lucian do for a living. She has a rough past. He's got all this fancy tech and a ton of control/access. And...what else? Every chapter ends on some ominous note, but the questions are never really answered, and then the book just ends.
I'm not sure if the intention was for the whole plot to hinge on the dark, morally gray MMC and a bit of spice, like that would be enough. But the story was lacking, for my taste.
March 25, 2026
This book truly had so much potential but I literally had the hardest time following 90% of the plot because there was SO MUCH unnecessary tech jargon and excessive use of metaphors. The first 200 pages, there’s this big build up to them meeting and when they finally do it’s the most anticlimactic part of the story. Then next thing you know Vera “fell for him” even though he spoke maybe 20 words to her in that time period? There are a lot of plot holes. Vera says she’s “playing the long game” and being deceitful so she can win the game but then in the next chapter she’s saying that she fell for him and wants him to let her in like what is happening. Also how many times are we going to use the word reckoning. Please ✋🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
What an interesting plot. I went in blind expecting one thing based on the blurb and the story took a whole other turn. Most books handle these topic with surface level points but this books takes a unique standpoint with how involved the MCs are. I felt some parts were a bit dry and it was labeled as a popular TikTok romance so I guess I was expecting a bit..more. Idk. It was ok. Probably won’t continue the series. I just didn’t feel connected to the characters, even with the sensitive subject matter, and the alpha MMC, I just don’t care to find out what happens next. It was ok for what it was. Maybe I’ll try and read it again some other time but I doubt it.
January 21, 2026
This book starts off really strong and thrilling. I appreciate the switched perspectives throughout the story and the sentence structure carries the story nicely. I felt like the character descriptions were very vague throughout the story and you never truly get a sense of who these people are. The major thing that bothers me is when Vera finds out who’s been stalking her she reacts in such a lackluster way, completely unlike any normal human would behave and then just starts being intimate with her stalker?? Truly wild. The stalker has no depth to his character and feels like a character that a 14 year old would come up with on Wattpad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2026
It's possibly one of the worst books I've read in a VERY VERY long time.
It felt as though the book was written in sentences and never proof read.
The lack of character building, the repetitive paragraphs that went on and on forever with no actual progress to the story.
Then, all of a sudden, a hackers plot comes along about laundering, and then all of a sudden, it's about trafficking. Absolutely bizarre structure - well, there was none....
it just lacked a LOT. It had the potential to be great but, in my opinion was rushed and not thought out properly.
The title also doesn't go with the book whatsoever nor does the book cover. misleading.
It felt as though the book was written in sentences and never proof read.
The lack of character building, the repetitive paragraphs that went on and on forever with no actual progress to the story.
Then, all of a sudden, a hackers plot comes along about laundering, and then all of a sudden, it's about trafficking. Absolutely bizarre structure - well, there was none....
it just lacked a LOT. It had the potential to be great but, in my opinion was rushed and not thought out properly.
The title also doesn't go with the book whatsoever nor does the book cover. misleading.
August 31, 2025
Intricate plot with characters so complex it’s mind-bending…but in the best of ways. When obsession, possession and secrets collide there’s only one possible outcome…scorched earth!
Vera Calloway and Lucian Dane are on a collision course with the truth: Lucian has been orchestrating Vera’s life from the shadows. Every. Single. Moment. And when she discovers the depth of his obsession…well, hell hath no fury…
Cannot wait for ‘The Monster You Made’!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vera Calloway and Lucian Dane are on a collision course with the truth: Lucian has been orchestrating Vera’s life from the shadows. Every. Single. Moment. And when she discovers the depth of his obsession…well, hell hath no fury…
Cannot wait for ‘The Monster You Made’!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2025
This story was kinda tense. It does drag on in places. I like the characters. There is a bit of technical jibber jabber that us non techy folks might get hung up on.. but pushing past that... I did enjoy it though struggled to get through it. I have and plan to read the companion book since this one has an open ending and I need to know what follows. I just hope its a smoother read.
April 5, 2026
I read it straight thru but…
Biiig book and the hot stuff doesn’t start until about halfway thru.
A lot of loose plot points. A lot of repeat phrases all thru, especially on the sex scenes. A lot of things that don’t make sense and points that just go cold.
If I had to guess it took the author a long time to finish this book.
Pretty decent writing.
Biiig book and the hot stuff doesn’t start until about halfway thru.
A lot of loose plot points. A lot of repeat phrases all thru, especially on the sex scenes. A lot of things that don’t make sense and points that just go cold.
If I had to guess it took the author a long time to finish this book.
Pretty decent writing.
September 2, 2025
My first book by this author and it really captivated me. This was definitely dark and intense. I loved the chemistry between the characters, who how in depth the story was, cannot wait for book two!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2025
First time reading this author.
DNF’d this book at 55%. This story was tortuously boring. Way too much tech stalking of a FMC that I didn’t care about, a MMC puppetmaster manipulating her life, and barely any physical interaction to make it interesting.
DNF’d this book at 55%. This story was tortuously boring. Way too much tech stalking of a FMC that I didn’t care about, a MMC puppetmaster manipulating her life, and barely any physical interaction to make it interesting.
December 22, 2025
3.0⭐️⭐️⭐️
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
It was satisfactory, though I found it to be somewhat repetitive.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
It was satisfactory, though I found it to be somewhat repetitive.
March 31, 2026
Not so great
This book was confusing and inconsistent. I read it through thinking that it would all catch up and make since, reread parts trying to comprehend the story line. Even after finishing the book I'm still confused.
This book was confusing and inconsistent. I read it through thinking that it would all catch up and make since, reread parts trying to comprehend the story line. Even after finishing the book I'm still confused.
May 14, 2026
I tried so so hard to get into this book. I pushed myself to chapter 7. But it came to a point where I'd find other things to do before reading so I'm putting it down for now and I'll try again at a later time.
October 17, 2025
Story 5 ⭐️
Spice 4 🌶️
Spice 4 🌶️
October 18, 2025
I didn’t love this nor did I dislike it. Mixed feelings about it.
Read
November 20, 2025Review Coming Soon
Read
November 20, 2025Review Coming soon
December 13, 2025
I think honestly the plot was there but the over use of the words power and control just hurt my soul.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews