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No Mercy In Red
By day, Maxine Pochon is a quiet, unassuming assistant at a law firm that specialises in helping victims of assault. By night, she hunts the men the law refuses to punish-using her charm to lure them in, forcing confessions, and ensuring they never hurt another woman again.
She knows she's on borrowed time. Eventually, someone will catch on.
Connor isn't just someone.
A skilled hacker working alongside the police, he was supposed to help track down the towns infamous serial killer. Instead, he became obsessed with her. Watching her. Studying her. Wanting her.
When their worlds finally collide, it isn't just a game of cat and mouse-it's a dark, twisted desire neither of them can resist.
But secrets don't stay hidden forever.
And when the truth comes out, Connor will have to make a decision. Hand her over, or become the monster at her side.
A dark romance filled with obsession, crime, and passion. No Mercy in Red is perfect for fans of Haunting Adeline and Lights Out.
She knows she's on borrowed time. Eventually, someone will catch on.
Connor isn't just someone.
A skilled hacker working alongside the police, he was supposed to help track down the towns infamous serial killer. Instead, he became obsessed with her. Watching her. Studying her. Wanting her.
When their worlds finally collide, it isn't just a game of cat and mouse-it's a dark, twisted desire neither of them can resist.
But secrets don't stay hidden forever.
And when the truth comes out, Connor will have to make a decision. Hand her over, or become the monster at her side.
A dark romance filled with obsession, crime, and passion. No Mercy in Red is perfect for fans of Haunting Adeline and Lights Out.
- GenresDark RomanceDark
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
About the author
Shannon V. Velzen
3 books40 followersShannon V. Velzen is a dark romance and romantasy author from North Yorkshire, writing stories where love is dangerous, power is intoxicating, and nothing comes without a cost.
A disabled mum of two with a degree in psychology, she weaves emotionally intense narratives filled with morally grey characters, obsession, and the kind of love that borders on ruin.
When she’s not writing, she’s either lost in a dark book, blasting music to sing out of key too, or attempting to keep snacks hidden from her feral children.
She likes to call her readers her freaky f*cks alongside her street team, the chaos demons
Follow her online @ShannonV.VelzenAuthor
A disabled mum of two with a degree in psychology, she weaves emotionally intense narratives filled with morally grey characters, obsession, and the kind of love that borders on ruin.
When she’s not writing, she’s either lost in a dark book, blasting music to sing out of key too, or attempting to keep snacks hidden from her feral children.
She likes to call her readers her freaky f*cks alongside her street team, the chaos demons
Follow her online @ShannonV.VelzenAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 28, 2025
thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of this book!
i think considering this is a debut novel, the author has done a great job. yes there are quite a few spelling mistakes/typos but the author has addressed this and is working to fix them. the premise of the plot was very intriguing and hooked me from the beginning, i love a stabby FMC, especially one who makes it her mission to eliminate evil men and make them pay for their crimes that the justice system has ignored. i'm not a fan of instant love so the romance wasn't 100% for me but i do love me a stalker in a dark romance book so that was fun!
i think considering this is a debut novel, the author has done a great job. yes there are quite a few spelling mistakes/typos but the author has addressed this and is working to fix them. the premise of the plot was very intriguing and hooked me from the beginning, i love a stabby FMC, especially one who makes it her mission to eliminate evil men and make them pay for their crimes that the justice system has ignored. i'm not a fan of instant love so the romance wasn't 100% for me but i do love me a stalker in a dark romance book so that was fun!
May 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book considering it was the authors debut novel. You had a badass fmc who was kind of giving Lana Myers vibes and a crazy hacker stalker who ends up absolutely obsessed with her and vibes unhinged vibes. It had a good amount of smut and and a really good plot and was a quick and fun read! I definitely would recommend if you want a quicker read with a badass fmc!
June 4, 2025
“You’re exactly what I needed. You saved me. Maybe not in the conventional way-but you did.”
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Once I picked this book up, I did not want to put it down, reading a little bit hear and there at every opportunity, before work, on my lunch break and the minute I got home. This is the debut book of Shannon V Velzen and my god, I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next! Congratulations chick!! This was phenomenal!
Max and Connor are perfect together, they have a dark, possessive and infatuated relationship, willing to go to the end of the world together, this book comes with its own trigger warnings (rape, assault,torture, blood, murder and trauma among some). Described as a dark romance filled with obsession, crime and passion - it did not disappoint!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Once I picked this book up, I did not want to put it down, reading a little bit hear and there at every opportunity, before work, on my lunch break and the minute I got home. This is the debut book of Shannon V Velzen and my god, I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next! Congratulations chick!! This was phenomenal!
Max and Connor are perfect together, they have a dark, possessive and infatuated relationship, willing to go to the end of the world together, this book comes with its own trigger warnings (rape, assault,torture, blood, murder and trauma among some). Described as a dark romance filled with obsession, crime and passion - it did not disappoint!
June 6, 2025
Her debut novel, and well done.
Our FMC is like some avenging angel, a body to d!e for and utilise to the detriment of her prey 😈 Until her stalker, turns the tables and she becomes his prey. Max has taken upon her father’s legacy of seeking retribution where the law has failed except there is no jail sentence for them, her methods are final. However, same said law is closing in…will they catch her? Will all she has done come crashing down? A strong female tamed? See now you will just have to read it 😉
The story was well thought out, flows well and engulfs you in their lives. It could do with a proofread, there were quite a few errors but these would be easily sorted and if you can dismiss them then enjoy this female revenge story. There is v!0lence obviously, suspense and spice.
Our FMC is like some avenging angel, a body to d!e for and utilise to the detriment of her prey 😈 Until her stalker, turns the tables and she becomes his prey. Max has taken upon her father’s legacy of seeking retribution where the law has failed except there is no jail sentence for them, her methods are final. However, same said law is closing in…will they catch her? Will all she has done come crashing down? A strong female tamed? See now you will just have to read it 😉
The story was well thought out, flows well and engulfs you in their lives. It could do with a proofread, there were quite a few errors but these would be easily sorted and if you can dismiss them then enjoy this female revenge story. There is v!0lence obviously, suspense and spice.
April 24, 2026
This was a great debut for Shannon. I really enjoyed the story and found it easy to read.
Maxine is strong women who has followed in her father's footsteps of bringing justice for women who have been abused by horrible men when the system let them down. She is a very likeable character. Connor, however, I struggled to like and to be honest about 35% of the way in I was hoping she was going to end up killing him because of his behaviour (which didn't happen because it's a Dark romance duh).
Connor very quickly becomes someone Max trusts and stands by her through everything and I felt that's what Max needed.
The only downfall for me was I felt it was a bit insta love and some of the dialogue between Connor and Max was quite cheesy but that's just something I don't enjoy in dark books personally so not a reflection on the writing.
Great first book - I look forward to reading Shannon's next book very soon!
Maxine is strong women who has followed in her father's footsteps of bringing justice for women who have been abused by horrible men when the system let them down. She is a very likeable character. Connor, however, I struggled to like and to be honest about 35% of the way in I was hoping she was going to end up killing him because of his behaviour (which didn't happen because it's a Dark romance duh).
Connor very quickly becomes someone Max trusts and stands by her through everything and I felt that's what Max needed.
The only downfall for me was I felt it was a bit insta love and some of the dialogue between Connor and Max was quite cheesy but that's just something I don't enjoy in dark books personally so not a reflection on the writing.
Great first book - I look forward to reading Shannon's next book very soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
This was a fun short read! Parts of it really made me wince, I don’t have balls but I was holding on to my imaginary ones thinking of the pain (which they deserved imo). I really loved the banter between the characters, there were some really funny quotes which had me laughing out loud.
I’d have just loved a bit more tension between the FMC and the MMC, esp from Maxine’s perspective. We see Connor building his obsession with Maxine over his weeks of stalking her but don’t get to see her develop her feelings in the same way. This may just be preference on my part, but I think having them have a few conversations would have made me believe and invest in their relationship that bit more.
Overall I did enjoy the plot and I was shocked at what happened with Joe 🤯 I didn’t see that coming at all! Will definitely be reading more from this author.
I’d have just loved a bit more tension between the FMC and the MMC, esp from Maxine’s perspective. We see Connor building his obsession with Maxine over his weeks of stalking her but don’t get to see her develop her feelings in the same way. This may just be preference on my part, but I think having them have a few conversations would have made me believe and invest in their relationship that bit more.
Overall I did enjoy the plot and I was shocked at what happened with Joe 🤯 I didn’t see that coming at all! Will definitely be reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
This book had me gripped from the moment I read the first sentence. Without spoilers, the characters were a 10/10! Max and Connor are the fucking power couple I didn’t think I needed in my life. I could not put my kindle down and I regret nothing. I am usually a slow reader and it takes me at least 2 weeks to read a short story but this. Nah 4 days and it’s finished! Shannon has smashed her debut book and I cannot hype it enough! If you haven’t got yourself a copy then what the heck are you waiting for?
April 26, 2026
A very strong debut from Shannon I think. I really enjoyed Maxine's character and how she carried on her father's "legacy" and that she was a twisted little sadist with a soft side.
Do I wish it had been more dark romance than a HEA? Yes I do. I would have loved to have seen Connor have an unhappy ending and it make Maxine even more twisty and therefore open the door for more Maxine stories. However I can appreciate a happy ending.
Spice was good and Connor is a kinky little so and so which I very much enjoyed. Great, easy short book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Do I wish it had been more dark romance than a HEA? Yes I do. I would have loved to have seen Connor have an unhappy ending and it make Maxine even more twisty and therefore open the door for more Maxine stories. However I can appreciate a happy ending.
Spice was good and Connor is a kinky little so and so which I very much enjoyed. Great, easy short book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
June 1, 2025
a must read!!
Ok so I have honestly LOVED this book from the start! I was HOOKED! I couldn’t put my kindle down and just kept telling myself one more chapter and I’ll go to bed! I don’t want to say any spoilers but you will become addicted to a main character there is no two ways about it! Highly recommend!
Ok so I have honestly LOVED this book from the start! I was HOOKED! I couldn’t put my kindle down and just kept telling myself one more chapter and I’ll go to bed! I don’t want to say any spoilers but you will become addicted to a main character there is no two ways about it! Highly recommend!
June 12, 2025
A great debut novel.
A strong female main character driven with revenge.
The story was a good plot and gripping. Especially the second half, full of action and suspense with a fair bit of spice thrown in, too.
I found that the story flowed well, although it could have done with maybe being proof read abit more as there were quite a few errors in the book. But these would be easily sorted, you could ignore them, and I didn't feel like they took anything anyway from the plot.
A strong female main character driven with revenge.
The story was a good plot and gripping. Especially the second half, full of action and suspense with a fair bit of spice thrown in, too.
I found that the story flowed well, although it could have done with maybe being proof read abit more as there were quite a few errors in the book. But these would be easily sorted, you could ignore them, and I didn't feel like they took anything anyway from the plot.
June 3, 2025
READ IT!!! SERIOUSLY READ IT!!!!!
Oh my goodness this had never wrapped up! Im a slow reader but oh my gosh I couldn't stop Connor and Max yep! 1000/10. You need go get this book now. Writing is amazing, plot is amazing! Love having a FMC. So well done and such a captive read!
Oh my goodness this had never wrapped up! Im a slow reader but oh my gosh I couldn't stop Connor and Max yep! 1000/10. You need go get this book now. Writing is amazing, plot is amazing! Love having a FMC. So well done and such a captive read!
June 8, 2025
Absolutely devoured this in one sitting!! One of the best dark romance books I’ve read!!❤️ ~ I need more!✨
August 24, 2025
It was pretty good, if very predictable but I wish there was a little more to the plot and the spice. Good for a first by the author
April 16, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy of this book.
This dark romance is both beautiful and twisted, making you both cringe at how things happen and also kind of long for a dynamic like the two main characters have. The revenge plotline of the FMC and how the MMC gets brought into it is incredible! I found that I was both saddened by the FMC’s story and also found her to be very strong and vibrant, even though she blatantly embraced red flags 🤣. Ahhh the things we do for love.
Very well done debut novel by Shannon V. Velzen and I’m super grateful to the author for the opportunity to ARC read!
This dark romance is both beautiful and twisted, making you both cringe at how things happen and also kind of long for a dynamic like the two main characters have. The revenge plotline of the FMC and how the MMC gets brought into it is incredible! I found that I was both saddened by the FMC’s story and also found her to be very strong and vibrant, even though she blatantly embraced red flags 🤣. Ahhh the things we do for love.
Very well done debut novel by Shannon V. Velzen and I’m super grateful to the author for the opportunity to ARC read!
June 2, 2025
3.75 stars for me.
I was captivated by the blurb and knew it was going to be a book for me. The plot and characters were amazing, well thought-out and developed. I love the FMC, she was hilarious and deep. The MMC was very self-aware and devoted. I wasn't sure exactly how it was going to end, but the twist and last kill just broke my heart and fit nicely.
My favourite quote is, "If the world wouldn't give us justice, then I would carve it out myself."
The reason for my four-star and not five was that there were simple mistakes in the book, like a capital I and so forth, which through me off. I also don't think the police would just accept the ending and would then look into it in terms of dates and times matching. I wish this had more detail.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was captivated by the blurb and knew it was going to be a book for me. The plot and characters were amazing, well thought-out and developed. I love the FMC, she was hilarious and deep. The MMC was very self-aware and devoted. I wasn't sure exactly how it was going to end, but the twist and last kill just broke my heart and fit nicely.
My favourite quote is, "If the world wouldn't give us justice, then I would carve it out myself."
The reason for my four-star and not five was that there were simple mistakes in the book, like a capital I and so forth, which through me off. I also don't think the police would just accept the ending and would then look into it in terms of dates and times matching. I wish this had more detail.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 6, 2025
I did not realise this was a debut novel which I am pleasantly surprised by! It was a really good plot with some brilliant descriptions that I really enjoyed. Were there some spelling errors and words place incorrectly? Yes but the author has acknowledged this and is working on fixing them so go her!
After reading the Mindf**k series I have definitely decided I love a stabby FMC, especially one who makes it her mission to eliminate evil men and make them pay for their crimes that the justice system has ignored. When you combine that with a man who supports her through it? That's me done and happy 😍 Add in a stalker with a dark romance and this is what I would call a good few hours of entertainment.
I would definitely recommend this is you want a quicker dark read with a badass FMC similar to Lana Myers!
After reading the Mindf**k series I have definitely decided I love a stabby FMC, especially one who makes it her mission to eliminate evil men and make them pay for their crimes that the justice system has ignored. When you combine that with a man who supports her through it? That's me done and happy 😍 Add in a stalker with a dark romance and this is what I would call a good few hours of entertainment.
I would definitely recommend this is you want a quicker dark read with a badass FMC similar to Lana Myers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a debut novel and I really enjoyed it. It’s on the darker side due to the stalking behaviour of the MMC and the FMC being a vigilante serial killer but as the book goes on it gets lighter. Even at the beginning it’s not the darkest and it’s more due to topics rather than how characters are treated etc.
I liked both characters. Connor is a good blend between tortured stalker and golden retriever who just adores the FMC. Max as the FMC is cool. Nice and stabby and we love a character who is giving out justice when the criminal justice system fails.
This is a fast paced book and is relatively short. The author manages to wrap everything up and achieve a happy ending in the time. I would have happily read another 100 pages to give them a little bit more time to delve deeper into characters and tension. Overall a good debut novel which I enjoyed.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a debut novel and I really enjoyed it. It’s on the darker side due to the stalking behaviour of the MMC and the FMC being a vigilante serial killer but as the book goes on it gets lighter. Even at the beginning it’s not the darkest and it’s more due to topics rather than how characters are treated etc.
I liked both characters. Connor is a good blend between tortured stalker and golden retriever who just adores the FMC. Max as the FMC is cool. Nice and stabby and we love a character who is giving out justice when the criminal justice system fails.
This is a fast paced book and is relatively short. The author manages to wrap everything up and achieve a happy ending in the time. I would have happily read another 100 pages to give them a little bit more time to delve deeper into characters and tension. Overall a good debut novel which I enjoyed.
April 12, 2025
I was able to beta read for this project and let me say, it was great. The concept itself was an itch I didn’t know needed scratching. I like the idea of a badass FMC vigilante finding that person to be soft with even though he has issues of his own. The writing itself was really good too and would just need some tweaking in spots to feel more filling as a story. The spice was great, and the characters seemed to develop though I wish the development was more fleshed out so that it seemed more realistic. Overall I’m so excited to read the final publication because I feel that with it being deserving of 4 stars in beta shows that it can only be that much more amazing when it’s ready for the world to read. I definitely found one of my top fave authors with this story.
August 24, 2025
I could not put this book down no matter how hard I tried!
This is a debut novel & my first introduction to a ‘stalker’ dark romance.
I really enjoyed Maxine’s character development & learning about why she does what she does & is who she is. Connor was a whole other story; it was a range of mixed feelings towards him but I definitely appreciated the way he treated her, the way he was her solace from the darkness.
I don’t annotate books when I read as I never know where to start but this was the first book I’ve actually used tabs to mark out some of the most impactful quotes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline & found it almost healing in some ways. A sense of warped justice.
This is a debut novel & my first introduction to a ‘stalker’ dark romance.
I really enjoyed Maxine’s character development & learning about why she does what she does & is who she is. Connor was a whole other story; it was a range of mixed feelings towards him but I definitely appreciated the way he treated her, the way he was her solace from the darkness.
I don’t annotate books when I read as I never know where to start but this was the first book I’ve actually used tabs to mark out some of the most impactful quotes.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline & found it almost healing in some ways. A sense of warped justice.
November 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I wish I could reread this book
You seriously wouldn't think this is the authors debut book! What a book it is. Kick ass female serial killer with a vulnerable side and a male Obsessive honest stalker, what more could you want. I wouldn't say no to Connor.
I loved the character development. The plot was there, and though you could tell where it was going, it kept me hooked. Yes there's difficult scenes but there's a lot of light and funny scenes too.
The smut was there and so good but not too in your face and constant.
Honestly, it's well worth a read. Yes there's so spelling errors and mixed up words, but it didn't stop me from enjoying this book.
🌶🌶🌶
I wish I could reread this book
You seriously wouldn't think this is the authors debut book! What a book it is. Kick ass female serial killer with a vulnerable side and a male Obsessive honest stalker, what more could you want. I wouldn't say no to Connor.
I loved the character development. The plot was there, and though you could tell where it was going, it kept me hooked. Yes there's difficult scenes but there's a lot of light and funny scenes too.
The smut was there and so good but not too in your face and constant.
Honestly, it's well worth a read. Yes there's so spelling errors and mixed up words, but it didn't stop me from enjoying this book.
December 27, 2025
"Do me a favour sweetheart, when you see him, let him know you worship the devil now.” I devoured this the way Connor devoured max. the author is republishing in Jan to remove some issues with double letters but I only spotted two issues and did not affect my reading experience. I hate that max saw it as a duty but also loved how she knew she was fighting for justice in her own way. Connor was obsessive I could of done without the lies and I feel like he should of had some more reactions to a scene but I really enjoyed this.
June 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book however I feel like the romance needed to be developed on more. It was what I would categorise as ‘insta love’. There was no build up of feelings and immediately the FMC and MMC were in love after one round of sex which isn’t my cup of tea. Not a bad read but just felt like more depth was needed, the ending was very quick and the conclusion felt rushed.
January 19, 2026
вроде в целом и нормально но кусками прям жесть
он недостаточно саб это раз
я боюсь что рано или поздно он начнет ее бить это два
и в целом ситуация с тем что «мы всю неделю разговаривали» блин ну покажите хоть о чем а то прям ну не верю честно
еще и реально снеки любимые не посмотрел когда в дом вламывался…
он недостаточно саб это раз
я боюсь что рано или поздно он начнет ее бить это два
и в целом ситуация с тем что «мы всю неделю разговаривали» блин ну покажите хоть о чем а то прям ну не верю честно
еще и реально снеки любимые не посмотрел когда в дом вламывался…
July 7, 2025
Quit not even three pages in. This author should learn how to form readable paragraphs before writing another book ever again.
I am sorry but I am not gonna torture my eyes to make sense of a 40 line paragraph.
Shame.
I am sorry but I am not gonna torture my eyes to make sense of a 40 line paragraph.
Shame.
September 21, 2025
10000000/10 and that's all.
I would happily under go brain reconstructive surgery just to read this for the first time all over again just so I could experience sheer joy again.
I love this girl.
I love her writing more.
RECOMMEND.
I would happily under go brain reconstructive surgery just to read this for the first time all over again just so I could experience sheer joy again.
I love this girl.
I love her writing more.
RECOMMEND.
November 4, 2025
Good Story
It was a good story, although a little slow and I did see many spelling errors I did enjoy it. Connor was hot of course but Max kind of got on my nerves with the way she acted sometimes but it was still a good read
It was a good story, although a little slow and I did see many spelling errors I did enjoy it. Connor was hot of course but Max kind of got on my nerves with the way she acted sometimes but it was still a good read
February 25, 2026
A million 🌟 s if I could give them, the part of me I didn’t know still needed healing is well and truly on its way to being healed after this read. To be seen and to be heard. To be the dianna to his samkiel 🖤
June 10, 2025
I could have very easily given this 5 stars but the spelling mistakes and repetition ruined it a bit
June 12, 2025
I loved this story. Stalkers, torture, female empowerment, and spice. All things I love. I did seriously enjoy this story although it really does need a good edit.
June 13, 2025
Have been waiting for this to be released for over a month but lowkey disappointed. Plot had holes in it and the end felt so rushed... AND THE TYPOS????
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews