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Aris Duology #2.5
Suppression
IT OUROBOROS.
THE HEAD
Mary resides as Aris' companion as he overtakes an alien world. He pets her like a dog. Sometimes she thinks of running away; she never will.
THE TAIL
Mary has a perfect life with her boyfriend, Aris. Except things suddenly start to go wrong when she finds a note she appears to have left herself, one she doesn't remember DONT TRUST. NOT REAL.
THE HEAD
Mary resides as Aris' companion as he overtakes an alien world. He pets her like a dog. Sometimes she thinks of running away; she never will.
THE TAIL
Mary has a perfect life with her boyfriend, Aris. Except things suddenly start to go wrong when she finds a note she appears to have left herself, one she doesn't remember DONT TRUST. NOT REAL.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 6, 2025
ARC Read -
Suppression is the mindbending and tragic conclusion to a wild ride of a series. It felt like literary fiction in some places, and I'm surprised it started at how this all started and how it ended. It surprised me that a book can start and end with talking about potato chips and still be sad lol
Suppression is the mindbending and tragic conclusion to a wild ride of a series. It felt like literary fiction in some places, and I'm surprised it started at how this all started and how it ended. It surprised me that a book can start and end with talking about potato chips and still be sad lol
January 3, 2026
My Rating: ★★★★★
Suppression by Lauren Evers is a chilling paranormal horror romance novella that blurs the line between devotion and domination, reality and illusion. As part of the Aris Duology, this installment is unsettling in the most deliberate way, pulling readers into a fractured narrative where love is dangerous, memory is unreliable, and control masquerades as protection.
Told through the haunting duality of The Head and The Tail, the story follows Mary as she exists in two seemingly incompatible realities. In one, she is Aris’ companion as he overtakes an alien world, treated less like a partner and more like something owned; petted, contained, and subdued. In the other, she has a perfect life with her boyfriend… until small cracks begin to form. A note in her own handwriting; DONT TRUST. NOT REAL. becomes the spark that unravels everything she believes to be true.
Evers leans hard into psychological horror, using repetition, disorientation, and emotional unease to keep the reader constantly questioning what is real. The slow burn tension is exquisitely uncomfortable, made even more intense by the bodyguard dynamic and the ever-present touch her and I’ll kill you energy that threads through the story. Protection and abuse sit disturbingly close together here, forcing the reader to confront how easily control can be reframed as care.
What makes Suppression so effective is its restraint. The horror isn’t graphic or overwhelming, rated a lighter 2/5; but it seeps in quietly, lingering in implication and atmosphere rather than shock. The emotional weight, however, hits much harder. There’s a constant sense of dread, of something being fundamentally wrong, even in moments that appear tender or safe.
This story left me unsettled in the best way. It’s the kind of novella that crawls under your skin and stays there, encouraging you to reread passages and question motives, memories, and meaning. There’s no comfort in easy answers, only the slow realisation that suppression doesn’t always look like force. Sometimes, it looks like love.
I don’t have a critique for this one. It does exactly what it sets out to do.
I would absolutely recommend Suppression to readers who enjoy paranormal horror romance, morally ambiguous dynamics, slow-burn tension, and stories that explore abusive relationships through a speculative and psychological lens. If you like narratives that make you uncomfortable on purpose; and reward that discomfort with depth, this is one to pick up.
As someone who was proudly part of the ARC team for Lauren again for book 2.5 of the Aris Duology, this experience was genuinely surreal. Thank you, Lauren, for allowing me to be part of this journey, watching these characters grow and darken has been unforgettable.
Suppression by Lauren Evers is a chilling paranormal horror romance novella that blurs the line between devotion and domination, reality and illusion. As part of the Aris Duology, this installment is unsettling in the most deliberate way, pulling readers into a fractured narrative where love is dangerous, memory is unreliable, and control masquerades as protection.
Told through the haunting duality of The Head and The Tail, the story follows Mary as she exists in two seemingly incompatible realities. In one, she is Aris’ companion as he overtakes an alien world, treated less like a partner and more like something owned; petted, contained, and subdued. In the other, she has a perfect life with her boyfriend… until small cracks begin to form. A note in her own handwriting; DONT TRUST. NOT REAL. becomes the spark that unravels everything she believes to be true.
Evers leans hard into psychological horror, using repetition, disorientation, and emotional unease to keep the reader constantly questioning what is real. The slow burn tension is exquisitely uncomfortable, made even more intense by the bodyguard dynamic and the ever-present touch her and I’ll kill you energy that threads through the story. Protection and abuse sit disturbingly close together here, forcing the reader to confront how easily control can be reframed as care.
What makes Suppression so effective is its restraint. The horror isn’t graphic or overwhelming, rated a lighter 2/5; but it seeps in quietly, lingering in implication and atmosphere rather than shock. The emotional weight, however, hits much harder. There’s a constant sense of dread, of something being fundamentally wrong, even in moments that appear tender or safe.
This story left me unsettled in the best way. It’s the kind of novella that crawls under your skin and stays there, encouraging you to reread passages and question motives, memories, and meaning. There’s no comfort in easy answers, only the slow realisation that suppression doesn’t always look like force. Sometimes, it looks like love.
I don’t have a critique for this one. It does exactly what it sets out to do.
I would absolutely recommend Suppression to readers who enjoy paranormal horror romance, morally ambiguous dynamics, slow-burn tension, and stories that explore abusive relationships through a speculative and psychological lens. If you like narratives that make you uncomfortable on purpose; and reward that discomfort with depth, this is one to pick up.
As someone who was proudly part of the ARC team for Lauren again for book 2.5 of the Aris Duology, this experience was genuinely surreal. Thank you, Lauren, for allowing me to be part of this journey, watching these characters grow and darken has been unforgettable.
January 19, 2026
So weird I love it
December 1, 2025
I’ve read Lauren’s last two books in this duet, and I was so excited to hear there would be a novella. This was a short but extremely addicting read, and I finished it in one sitting. I LOVE a dark story like this where I don’t have to justify the MC’s actions…because as per usual with Aris, there are no justifications for his actions.
This whole story has never really been a love story - but I would say this has the most “romantic” elements of all. I don’t really want to label it as a Pitch Black romance book because I feel that sells the whole plot short, but don’t be fooled - Aris himself IS pitch black. There is no morally grey to be found, the MMC is truly evil and has no redemptive qualities. Even the ones you *think* could be redemptive (ie providing Mary a home with food and comfortable shelter) are always ways of manipulating the FMC. There’s no rooting for the villain here…this guy is evil through and through. I think the second book in the duet showed his true nature the most, but this novella definitely gave a lot more context into how that branches out into his relationship with Mary.
And Mary? Watching her fight her dual nature was addicting, and I didn’t want these heads or tails stories to end!! This whole time she hated and loathes him, but she was literally created to be appeased with being with him, so she’s constantly at war with herself. It’s because of this that I am labeling one of the TWs as dub-con, though there are no explicit sex scenes.
I truly enjoyed this story and it’s one I will come back to. I think it might even be my favorite of the three! If you love pitch black fantasy stories with pitch black romantic elements, this one’s for you.
TWs CONTAIN POSSIBLE SPOILERS ⬇️
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TWs: bodily mutilation, torture, flashbacks and mentions of genocide, mind control, gaslighting, bullying, humiliation, mental abuse, emotional abuse, dub-con, brief mentions of rough sex, cheating done in front of FMC by MMC in order to provoke her, murder, blood, brief suicidal ideation, narcissism, psychopathic and sadistic MMC
This whole story has never really been a love story - but I would say this has the most “romantic” elements of all. I don’t really want to label it as a Pitch Black romance book because I feel that sells the whole plot short, but don’t be fooled - Aris himself IS pitch black. There is no morally grey to be found, the MMC is truly evil and has no redemptive qualities. Even the ones you *think* could be redemptive (ie providing Mary a home with food and comfortable shelter) are always ways of manipulating the FMC. There’s no rooting for the villain here…this guy is evil through and through. I think the second book in the duet showed his true nature the most, but this novella definitely gave a lot more context into how that branches out into his relationship with Mary.
And Mary? Watching her fight her dual nature was addicting, and I didn’t want these heads or tails stories to end!! This whole time she hated and loathes him, but she was literally created to be appeased with being with him, so she’s constantly at war with herself. It’s because of this that I am labeling one of the TWs as dub-con, though there are no explicit sex scenes.
I truly enjoyed this story and it’s one I will come back to. I think it might even be my favorite of the three! If you love pitch black fantasy stories with pitch black romantic elements, this one’s for you.
TWs CONTAIN POSSIBLE SPOILERS ⬇️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TWs: bodily mutilation, torture, flashbacks and mentions of genocide, mind control, gaslighting, bullying, humiliation, mental abuse, emotional abuse, dub-con, brief mentions of rough sex, cheating done in front of FMC by MMC in order to provoke her, murder, blood, brief suicidal ideation, narcissism, psychopathic and sadistic MMC
October 22, 2025
This was haunting and tragic, and shows the chaotic truth that sometimes there is no happy ending.
I absolutely loved returning to these complex characters in this novella. Even though I read Possession and Obsession over a year ago, it's still fresh in my mind, especially the cryptic ending.
This was a perfect addition that dives further into the volatility that is Aris, and the cycles of denial and torment that Mary is trapped in.
It is split into 2 narratives - head and tail, and in the true spirit of the series, you never know what is real.
It's brutal, dark and heartbreaking, and it's a psychological battle for Mary to unpick everything that is happening and remain somewhat sane.
It has strong themes of manipulation, conditioning, jealousy, and betrayal, and adds to the already toxic layers of Aris's personality, which is impressive and dangerous.
Sometimes you can't escape, sometimes love makes you blind, and sometimes the safety of a known villain is a comfort against the unknown.
I devoured this twisted novella, and i'm sad to be leaving these characters again, but glad they got another chance to stir up some chaos and mess with my emotions.
💫I don’t feel crazy, but that’s sort of the whole point of being insane
💫There is a sense that I am falling, have been falling, and there is no bottom to be reached.
💫You aren’t supposed to like me; you’re supposed to entertain me.
(thank you for the arc)
I absolutely loved returning to these complex characters in this novella. Even though I read Possession and Obsession over a year ago, it's still fresh in my mind, especially the cryptic ending.
This was a perfect addition that dives further into the volatility that is Aris, and the cycles of denial and torment that Mary is trapped in.
It is split into 2 narratives - head and tail, and in the true spirit of the series, you never know what is real.
It's brutal, dark and heartbreaking, and it's a psychological battle for Mary to unpick everything that is happening and remain somewhat sane.
It has strong themes of manipulation, conditioning, jealousy, and betrayal, and adds to the already toxic layers of Aris's personality, which is impressive and dangerous.
Sometimes you can't escape, sometimes love makes you blind, and sometimes the safety of a known villain is a comfort against the unknown.
I devoured this twisted novella, and i'm sad to be leaving these characters again, but glad they got another chance to stir up some chaos and mess with my emotions.
💫I don’t feel crazy, but that’s sort of the whole point of being insane
💫There is a sense that I am falling, have been falling, and there is no bottom to be reached.
💫You aren’t supposed to like me; you’re supposed to entertain me.
(thank you for the arc)
October 25, 2025
I mentioned in my Obsession review that I was satisfied with how the story ultimately ended, and I was so set with that. But I am genuinely so overwhelmed by this novella, and the way it so perfectly shows manipulation and narcissism in relationships.
I love the two different sides in this novella. It really works your imagination on how Aris and Mary's relationship continues after the chaos of the first two books. We already know Aris is not redeemable, he is brutal and unforgiving. With Suppression we get a deeper dive into the lengths he will go for the chaos in which he thrives in.
What a somber yet exceptional read this was.
I love the two different sides in this novella. It really works your imagination on how Aris and Mary's relationship continues after the chaos of the first two books. We already know Aris is not redeemable, he is brutal and unforgiving. With Suppression we get a deeper dive into the lengths he will go for the chaos in which he thrives in.
What a somber yet exceptional read this was.
Read
December 1, 2025Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Suppression is a moody, introspective addition to the Aris duology, one that leans fully into psychological tension and the slippery boundary between memory and reality. Lauren Evers creates an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that lingers, especially through the dual “Head” and “Tail” narrative structure. I enjoyed how these two perspectives - mirroring each other in tone but not always in truth - kept me guessing and added to the dreamlike quality of the novella.
Seeing Mary and Aris again offered a deeper look into their complicated dynamic, and the story continues to explore themes of trust, manipulation, and the ways we cling to comfort even when it harms us. The novella is at its strongest when examining Mary’s internal conflict and the cyclical nature of her relationship with Aris; there’s a haunting inevitability to it that fits the tone of the series.
Readers who appreciate character-driven psychological fantasy, ambiguous realities, and dark emotional undercurrents will find Suppression an intriguing, atmospheric complement to the earlier books. It expands the world in unexpected ways while maintaining the series’ signature sense of unease.
Suppression is a moody, introspective addition to the Aris duology, one that leans fully into psychological tension and the slippery boundary between memory and reality. Lauren Evers creates an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that lingers, especially through the dual “Head” and “Tail” narrative structure. I enjoyed how these two perspectives - mirroring each other in tone but not always in truth - kept me guessing and added to the dreamlike quality of the novella.
Seeing Mary and Aris again offered a deeper look into their complicated dynamic, and the story continues to explore themes of trust, manipulation, and the ways we cling to comfort even when it harms us. The novella is at its strongest when examining Mary’s internal conflict and the cyclical nature of her relationship with Aris; there’s a haunting inevitability to it that fits the tone of the series.
Readers who appreciate character-driven psychological fantasy, ambiguous realities, and dark emotional undercurrents will find Suppression an intriguing, atmospheric complement to the earlier books. It expands the world in unexpected ways while maintaining the series’ signature sense of unease.
January 5, 2026
Supression
Aris Duology 2.5
Lauren Evers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• revenge • punishment • toxic relationship •
An unexpected addition to a series I really enjoyed? Count me in!
When Lauren Evers reached out and asked me if I wanted to read/review an ARC copy of this book, I didn’t even have to think about it, my answer was "of course!" 😂.
This book did not disappoint. I love how the connection between Aris and Mary wasn't romanticised. There wasn't any love involved, and instead it showcased a toxic relationship which was based on an imbalance of power.
Once Mary found the hidden messages, the tension really increased and I could feel how nervous and scared she was.
I really liked the dual time lines. I wish the original Mary was aware of what Aris was doing to the other version of herself though.
This was a short read but the world building, the pacing and the character development were all done very well.
Aris Duology 2.5
Lauren Evers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• revenge • punishment • toxic relationship •
An unexpected addition to a series I really enjoyed? Count me in!
When Lauren Evers reached out and asked me if I wanted to read/review an ARC copy of this book, I didn’t even have to think about it, my answer was "of course!" 😂.
This book did not disappoint. I love how the connection between Aris and Mary wasn't romanticised. There wasn't any love involved, and instead it showcased a toxic relationship which was based on an imbalance of power.
Once Mary found the hidden messages, the tension really increased and I could feel how nervous and scared she was.
I really liked the dual time lines. I wish the original Mary was aware of what Aris was doing to the other version of herself though.
This was a short read but the world building, the pacing and the character development were all done very well.
November 19, 2025
Deeply character-driven and psychologically intense.
Evers leans into the emotional and mental trauma Mary experiences.
This split structure works well. It gives two very different angles on Mary’s life — her “head” as Aris’ companion, and “tail” in her alternate reality. This narrative structure adds to the uncertainty of what’s “real” or just in her head.
With the narrative, sometimes it's unclear what is “real” versus what could be imagined or manipulated by Aris. For some, that ambiguity might feel frustrating rather than artistically compelling.
Evers leans into the emotional and mental trauma Mary experiences.
This split structure works well. It gives two very different angles on Mary’s life — her “head” as Aris’ companion, and “tail” in her alternate reality. This narrative structure adds to the uncertainty of what’s “real” or just in her head.
With the narrative, sometimes it's unclear what is “real” versus what could be imagined or manipulated by Aris. For some, that ambiguity might feel frustrating rather than artistically compelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A trippy switch between alternate endings where everything ends the same in a cycle.
The Head and the Tail take us through two realities, one where Aris and Mary are dating in what seems like a regular world (one that is actually twisted/inverted) and one where they continue their toxic dynamic on an alien planet.
Thank you to Lauren for the early read!
The Head and the Tail take us through two realities, one where Aris and Mary are dating in what seems like a regular world (one that is actually twisted/inverted) and one where they continue their toxic dynamic on an alien planet.
Thank you to Lauren for the early read!
January 22, 2026
I LOVED the first two books. I loved Aris and Mary. Now, I only love Mary. And I feel so terrible for her. I DESPISE cheating. Aris cheated on her for a good half of this novella, and I officially hate him. I would have given this 1 star just because of that reason alone. In my head Jaegen gets unleashed and kills Aris. That is my happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked that we got a little more deeper insight to what was happening with Mary and Aries. it was chaotic and at times confusing, but that's exactly how Mary felt.
living with a demon will do that to you. especially one who's obsessed with you...
living with a demon will do that to you. especially one who's obsessed with you...
Want to Read
May 26, 2025The second book destroyed me and I’m sure this will do just the same—or worse. Mercy, please 😭
January 8, 2026
A very satisfying conclusion that had me reading up about operant conditioning
August 3, 2026
This was a much needed novella. It made me see the first two books in a completely different light.
In my opinion this duology is better read as a horror- a more realistic depiction of the increasingly popular all-powerful "shadow daddy" x regular human girl relationship dynamic. It compares to the trending booktok books much like how fairytales compare to their original versions.
It portrays strain and resentment, power imbalances and pointless mind games, making me question how the main couple can tolerate eachother much less like or even love eachother. To be honest it was a very frustrating read.
This duology had it's flaws- the world building not being fully realized, some characters being dreadfully flat, and Aris being a repulsive man-baby (which made narrative sense but still annoyed me to no end), still ultimately it made a lasting impression.
I'm not certain whether I'm vastly misinterpreting this book, whether it has some great meaning or is just another psuedo-romantasy. Either way, as with most art, "the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder".
All in all, an enjoyable, meaningful, gripping, and at times- vexing book.
🔅"Let’s start again and pretend it will be different next time."
In my opinion this duology is better read as a horror- a more realistic depiction of the increasingly popular all-powerful "shadow daddy" x regular human girl relationship dynamic. It compares to the trending booktok books much like how fairytales compare to their original versions.
It portrays strain and resentment, power imbalances and pointless mind games, making me question how the main couple can tolerate eachother much less like or even love eachother. To be honest it was a very frustrating read.
This duology had it's flaws- the world building not being fully realized, some characters being dreadfully flat, and Aris being a repulsive man-baby (which made narrative sense but still annoyed me to no end), still ultimately it made a lasting impression.
I'm not certain whether I'm vastly misinterpreting this book, whether it has some great meaning or is just another psuedo-romantasy. Either way, as with most art, "the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder".
All in all, an enjoyable, meaningful, gripping, and at times- vexing book.
🔅"Let’s start again and pretend it will be different next time."
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews