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Demented
Laurel
Daith was my ruin waiting to happen. The boy with shadows under his skin and violence stitched into his soul.
We were close once—before he went to prison.
Now he’s back, darker than ever, and my soul longs to be his.
But Reaper says I belong to him.
I crave him. His voice, his presence—I feel it. I know it.
They both want me.
Each for their own selfish reasons.
I’m caught in a twisted game.
And lying is my favorite part.
Reaper
I’ve never stopped watching her. Lurking just within the shadows.
Waiting. Hunting.
I don’t want her heart. I want her mind.
To twist. To break. To own.
And soon she won’t know who to run from—me, or the version of herself I created.
She belongs to me—was mine long before she ever called out my name.
Reaper
Demented is a shadow organization, masked men, stalker, dark romance. It contains explicit and graphic content. It is recommended for mature readers.
Daith was my ruin waiting to happen. The boy with shadows under his skin and violence stitched into his soul.
We were close once—before he went to prison.
Now he’s back, darker than ever, and my soul longs to be his.
But Reaper says I belong to him.
I crave him. His voice, his presence—I feel it. I know it.
They both want me.
Each for their own selfish reasons.
I’m caught in a twisted game.
And lying is my favorite part.
Reaper
I’ve never stopped watching her. Lurking just within the shadows.
Waiting. Hunting.
I don’t want her heart. I want her mind.
To twist. To break. To own.
And soon she won’t know who to run from—me, or the version of herself I created.
She belongs to me—was mine long before she ever called out my name.
Reaper
Demented is a shadow organization, masked men, stalker, dark romance. It contains explicit and graphic content. It is recommended for mature readers.
- GenresDark Romance
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2025
37 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Tatum Dire
2 books41 followersTatum Dire writes dark romance—stories that dive into the messy, intense emotions people often keep hidden. She enjoys weaving raw, emotional journeys that push boundaries in the most twisted ways, though she may dabble in a little bit of everything as her career progresses.
What she’s most proud of is her ability to create characters and worlds that feel real and flawed, where readers can see pieces of themselves in the struggles, heartbreaks, and hopes, all while still creating a fictional world that takes you away from this one.
What drives her isn’t just storytelling, but the freedom in it—the chance to weave raw emotion, lived experiences, and even the wildest dreams into something that resonates. For Tatum, the greatest reward is knowing her words have touched, healed, or empowered the readers who give her stories a chance.
Tatum began writing as a way to understand herself, putting shape to feeling, then found, in the silence between the pages, others were listening. For her coming plans… she can only hope that continues.
Make sure you go to tatum-dire-author.square. site to stay updated on all the things!
What she’s most proud of is her ability to create characters and worlds that feel real and flawed, where readers can see pieces of themselves in the struggles, heartbreaks, and hopes, all while still creating a fictional world that takes you away from this one.
What drives her isn’t just storytelling, but the freedom in it—the chance to weave raw emotion, lived experiences, and even the wildest dreams into something that resonates. For Tatum, the greatest reward is knowing her words have touched, healed, or empowered the readers who give her stories a chance.
Tatum began writing as a way to understand herself, putting shape to feeling, then found, in the silence between the pages, others were listening. For her coming plans… she can only hope that continues.
Make sure you go to tatum-dire-author.square. site to stay updated on all the things!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 21, 2025
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I was immediately glued to the storyline and on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down.
The suspense and twists were brilliantly executed. The MMC Daith, was intriguing, alluring and enticing. I loved his dark humor and the banter between him and Laurel was top tier. Their chemistry was unmatched and the push pull tension between them is fierce and unhinged. They had me gripping my kindle from beginning to end.
If you love a pitch black romance with an unhinged MMC, masked men, stalker vibes, WTF moments and an unexpected twist then hold on tight cause you are going on a hell of a ride. Check TW before starting.
4.5/5
The suspense and twists were brilliantly executed. The MMC Daith, was intriguing, alluring and enticing. I loved his dark humor and the banter between him and Laurel was top tier. Their chemistry was unmatched and the push pull tension between them is fierce and unhinged. They had me gripping my kindle from beginning to end.
If you love a pitch black romance with an unhinged MMC, masked men, stalker vibes, WTF moments and an unexpected twist then hold on tight cause you are going on a hell of a ride. Check TW before starting.
4.5/5
September 5, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more by Tatum! Please check trigger warnings because this is absolutely on the dark side.
If you like a pitch black MMC, this is the book for you!! I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this and had quite a few WTF moments! This book will follow Laurel and Daith "Reaper" and their relationship! The twist and turns will have you guessing what will happen next. You won't want to put this book down. The spice is spicing!
I would definitely recommend this book to a dark romance reader.
If you like a pitch black MMC, this is the book for you!! I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this and had quite a few WTF moments! This book will follow Laurel and Daith "Reaper" and their relationship! The twist and turns will have you guessing what will happen next. You won't want to put this book down. The spice is spicing!
I would definitely recommend this book to a dark romance reader.
August 30, 2025
This book was absolutely phenomenal! Tatum takes you on a dark, twisty ride with Laurel and Daith—though calling him Reaper feels far more fitting.
I adored everything about this story: the plot, the dark romance, the spice—but what really stole my heart was Daith’s wicked sense of humor. From the very first scene, where he’s casually singing Pocket Full of Sunshine while handling “business,” I knew I was done for. He had me wrapped around his finger instantly—and trust me, if you read this, that won’t be the only thing you’ll be wanting wrapped around you.
The plot itself was a masterpiece—layered, suspenseful, full of unanswered questions that kept me hooked until the very end, when everything tied together beautifully. And the twists? Absolutely chef’s kiss. I found myself gasping, squirming, even kicking my feet in excitement. From the stalking, the masks, and those deadly little flower deliveries, to the moment he literally wore someone else’s face just to provoke his girl—this book was deliciously dark and utterly unforgettable.
If you’re craving a top-tier dark romance packed with sharp banter, spice that burns in all the right ways, and a storyline that keeps you guessing—this is the one.
I adored everything about this story: the plot, the dark romance, the spice—but what really stole my heart was Daith’s wicked sense of humor. From the very first scene, where he’s casually singing Pocket Full of Sunshine while handling “business,” I knew I was done for. He had me wrapped around his finger instantly—and trust me, if you read this, that won’t be the only thing you’ll be wanting wrapped around you.
The plot itself was a masterpiece—layered, suspenseful, full of unanswered questions that kept me hooked until the very end, when everything tied together beautifully. And the twists? Absolutely chef’s kiss. I found myself gasping, squirming, even kicking my feet in excitement. From the stalking, the masks, and those deadly little flower deliveries, to the moment he literally wore someone else’s face just to provoke his girl—this book was deliciously dark and utterly unforgettable.
If you’re craving a top-tier dark romance packed with sharp banter, spice that burns in all the right ways, and a storyline that keeps you guessing—this is the one.
August 12, 2025
Tatum Dire has done it again! This book was absolutely amazing! She takes you on a dark and twisty ride with the MCs names Laurel & Daith or should I say Reaper👀
I loved everything about this book from the plot, the dark romance aspect, the smut, but my most favorite I would have to say is Daiths dark sense of humor. From the first scene of him singing Pocket Full Of Sunshine while taking care of 'business' I knew he was going to have me wrapped around his finger, but I promise if you read this, that's not going to be the only thing you want to be wrapped around 🤪
This plot was amazing and had you trying to solve unanswered questions the whole way through, but finally end the end everything comes together so lovely! The plot twists in the book were amazing and had me squirming, gasping, kicking my feet! From stalking, masks, sending deadly flowers to his love interest, to wearing someone else's face to get a rise out of his girl, this book was delicious, top tier! If you want a goo dark romance with great banner, spicy spice, and everything else in between, I 10/10 recommend! 5 ⭐️s
I loved everything about this book from the plot, the dark romance aspect, the smut, but my most favorite I would have to say is Daiths dark sense of humor. From the first scene of him singing Pocket Full Of Sunshine while taking care of 'business' I knew he was going to have me wrapped around his finger, but I promise if you read this, that's not going to be the only thing you want to be wrapped around 🤪
This plot was amazing and had you trying to solve unanswered questions the whole way through, but finally end the end everything comes together so lovely! The plot twists in the book were amazing and had me squirming, gasping, kicking my feet! From stalking, masks, sending deadly flowers to his love interest, to wearing someone else's face to get a rise out of his girl, this book was delicious, top tier! If you want a goo dark romance with great banner, spicy spice, and everything else in between, I 10/10 recommend! 5 ⭐️s
August 15, 2025
This is definitely demented! 🤣 (in a good way)
This is a DARK DARK romance, please check the trigger warnings.
You're mental health matters 💚
So we follow Laurel and Daith, both with their own needs, wants and expectations, as we watch their lives unfold in spectacular fashion!
This book had me questioning the plot, narrators and my own sanity every step of the way!
The main characters are extremely well written. The way the author uses their past to shape who they are as adults is very well done and despite certain actions I found myself rooting for their relationship.
The story moves along at a nice pace, not too quick, not too slow and the twists and turns gave me whiplash!!
I'd love to see the side characters explored a bit more given that they contribute quite heavily to the story (past and present)
But all in all I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing more of these characters 😊
This is a DARK DARK romance, please check the trigger warnings.
You're mental health matters 💚
So we follow Laurel and Daith, both with their own needs, wants and expectations, as we watch their lives unfold in spectacular fashion!
This book had me questioning the plot, narrators and my own sanity every step of the way!
The main characters are extremely well written. The way the author uses their past to shape who they are as adults is very well done and despite certain actions I found myself rooting for their relationship.
The story moves along at a nice pace, not too quick, not too slow and the twists and turns gave me whiplash!!
I'd love to see the side characters explored a bit more given that they contribute quite heavily to the story (past and present)
But all in all I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing more of these characters 😊
August 21, 2025
Dark, Twisted, and Deliciously Demented
Ohhhhhh boooooyyyy… Besties!! This one had me clutching my Kindle and whispering “WTF” every other chapter—and I LOVED IT. "Demented" is a total MINDF-CK from page one, and Tatum Dire did not hold back. Laurel as the FMC? Obsessed. Daith and Reaper 😏 as the MMCs? Whew, besties, buckle up, because the energy between them is raw, feral, and absolutely unhinged.
This book is dark, gritty, and psychotic in the best way. It’s twisted suspense mixed with that edge-of-your-seat intensity that makes you question your sanity for rooting for these characters. The sexual chemistry? INSANE. Messy. Chaotic. Obsessive. And so damn addictive.
I want to spill every detail but—spoilers. Just know: it’s unhinged, it’s intense, and yes, it’s gloriously demented (pun 100% intended). Besties, do yourself a favor—READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS first, then dive in. Because once you start, there’s no turning back.
My Ratings:
⭐ 4.5/5 & 🥵 4/5
Ohhhhhh boooooyyyy… Besties!! This one had me clutching my Kindle and whispering “WTF” every other chapter—and I LOVED IT. "Demented" is a total MINDF-CK from page one, and Tatum Dire did not hold back. Laurel as the FMC? Obsessed. Daith and Reaper 😏 as the MMCs? Whew, besties, buckle up, because the energy between them is raw, feral, and absolutely unhinged.
This book is dark, gritty, and psychotic in the best way. It’s twisted suspense mixed with that edge-of-your-seat intensity that makes you question your sanity for rooting for these characters. The sexual chemistry? INSANE. Messy. Chaotic. Obsessive. And so damn addictive.
I want to spill every detail but—spoilers. Just know: it’s unhinged, it’s intense, and yes, it’s gloriously demented (pun 100% intended). Besties, do yourself a favor—READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS first, then dive in. Because once you start, there’s no turning back.
My Ratings:
⭐ 4.5/5 & 🥵 4/5
August 22, 2025
“Why are you fighting me so hard baby? Do you not want me anymore?” he asks, tilting his head toward mine. “Tell me you don’t want me anymore, and I’ll leave you alone.”
Tatum has done it again! She NAILED this pitch black romance. If you love bikers, masked men, secret society, touch her and 💀, obsessed with each other characters than this is for you.
Daith my absolutely fav. He's such a MOOD for sure. From the moment the book starts, to the second it ends, the whole plot sucks you in. You think you know what's coming, you think you know the answers but you don't... not right away.. by the end all your questions are answered.
This book is absolutely delicious and twisted. Please check TWs before reading.
Tatum has done it again! She NAILED this pitch black romance. If you love bikers, masked men, secret society, touch her and 💀, obsessed with each other characters than this is for you.
Daith my absolutely fav. He's such a MOOD for sure. From the moment the book starts, to the second it ends, the whole plot sucks you in. You think you know what's coming, you think you know the answers but you don't... not right away.. by the end all your questions are answered.
This book is absolutely delicious and twisted. Please check TWs before reading.
August 13, 2025
Another masterpiece where the title matches the story PERFECTLY.
Demented this was and demented I am because I was LIVING for every second of this depraved and delicious story. This was such an awesome and unique plot. I freaking loved this. All of this, every conceivable scrap of this.
Daith and Laurel, my god, these two are incredible. This is chemistry is built over YEARS of trauma, deranged obsession and who the fuck knows what else. all I know is I want it bottled and delivered to my door because DAAAAAMN. This is my new standard.
This was a new author for me, and now im off to explore their other works because Im hooked.
Demented this was and demented I am because I was LIVING for every second of this depraved and delicious story. This was such an awesome and unique plot. I freaking loved this. All of this, every conceivable scrap of this.
Daith and Laurel, my god, these two are incredible. This is chemistry is built over YEARS of trauma, deranged obsession and who the fuck knows what else. all I know is I want it bottled and delivered to my door because DAAAAAMN. This is my new standard.
This was a new author for me, and now im off to explore their other works because Im hooked.
August 10, 2025
Welp, I’m pretty sure my brain exploded at about three quarters of the way in… definitely did not see that twist coming!
If you like a pitch black MMC, best friend’s brother, secret identity / shadow organization, masked men, found family, and obsession that crosses all boundaries, then you will enjoy Daith and Laurel’s story.
You will be stressed, emotional, unsure, angry, and shocked and left with an ending that can definitely be classified as happy. Then there’s the bonus epilogue which had me screaming I knew it! LOL
If you like a pitch black MMC, best friend’s brother, secret identity / shadow organization, masked men, found family, and obsession that crosses all boundaries, then you will enjoy Daith and Laurel’s story.
You will be stressed, emotional, unsure, angry, and shocked and left with an ending that can definitely be classified as happy. Then there’s the bonus epilogue which had me screaming I knew it! LOL
August 20, 2025
wow, I could not put this book down! my first dark(er) romance and it did NOT disappoint. our two main characters had TENSION. yearsssss of it. the story started off a bit slow but after the first couple of chapters you’re like “what the fuck” IN A GOOD WAY. loved every second but definitely also had me questioning how darker could I go! as always please check your triggers as there is a lot of dark material! but you will not be disappointed!!! AHHHH I LOVED THEM SOOO MUCH and I miss them already.
August 27, 2025
W•O•W
I was hooked from the first page. Laurel and Daith, both wrapped up with all the trauma, but yesssss, the years of tension between these two and watching their relationship play out, it was written perfectly. I couldn’t help but giggle at the ways Daith tried to win Laurel over; sir are you sure changing her up was the way to go LOL(gotta read the book to find out if it in fact was or wasn’t).
This book had me feeling all the things, and saying wtf more than a few times! The title describes this read to a T. It’s dark and twisted, like dark dark; be sure you’re checking those triggers. The plot was there and not lacking at all, the pace and flow was great! They have a well and hard fought for HEA but man they go through it
Please check your triggers!
I was hooked from the first page. Laurel and Daith, both wrapped up with all the trauma, but yesssss, the years of tension between these two and watching their relationship play out, it was written perfectly. I couldn’t help but giggle at the ways Daith tried to win Laurel over; sir are you sure changing her up was the way to go LOL(gotta read the book to find out if it in fact was or wasn’t).
This book had me feeling all the things, and saying wtf more than a few times! The title describes this read to a T. It’s dark and twisted, like dark dark; be sure you’re checking those triggers. The plot was there and not lacking at all, the pace and flow was great! They have a well and hard fought for HEA but man they go through it
Please check your triggers!
August 28, 2025
Daith (Reaper) and Laurel: This is a stalker, morally black MMC, friends big brother, dark romance, hitman, OOT obsessed MMC, secretly dark FMC, masked MMC, secret identity, childhood crush, dark romance.
Well. This book was completely unhinged. The push pull, mind games, completely obsessive, morally black romance between Daith and Laurel was intense. So much going one and it, up and down rollercoaster storyline that kept you trying to guess what was coming next. This is a dark romance lovers perfect book.
Well. This book was completely unhinged. The push pull, mind games, completely obsessive, morally black romance between Daith and Laurel was intense. So much going one and it, up and down rollercoaster storyline that kept you trying to guess what was coming next. This is a dark romance lovers perfect book.
September 14, 2025
Oh wow, I cannot get over this one! It’s dark, twisted, and the tension is insane like every scene makes your heart race and you’re just sitting there thinking, “oh no, what’s happening now?!” The characters are intense and completely magnetic, and the way they push each other’s buttons… I’m obsessed.
It’s messy, steamy, and just straight up addictive. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t stop turning them, and even now I keep thinking about all the wild moments. If you’re into dark, edgy romances with all the tension and drama you can handle, this one is seriously a must read.
It’s messy, steamy, and just straight up addictive. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t stop turning them, and even now I keep thinking about all the wild moments. If you’re into dark, edgy romances with all the tension and drama you can handle, this one is seriously a must read.
August 21, 2025
Wowowowow. This is an amazingly dark read. Please be in the right headspace before diving in. BUT if you like a man who is not only obsessed but clinically obsessed with his woman, Daith may be the one for you. Don’t be alarmed though, it’s absolutely a mutual obsession, though that obsession is riddled with trauma. Definitely worth your time if you’re looking for a twisty book following an unhinged MMC and a FMC you can be jealous of!
August 28, 2025
I just want to say if Tatum writes it, im reading it.. 🫡
this had no reason to be this good…
omg the roller coaster ride i was on with laurel and daith.
the twist and turns 😮💨 there was not one thing that I didn’t love about this book. The smut, the romance ,the banter,
the first page starting off strong with daith singing pocket full of sunshine 😭I just how laurel and daith were both obsessed with each other.
I highly recommend this to my dark romance girlies. This was amazing.
this had no reason to be this good…
omg the roller coaster ride i was on with laurel and daith.
the twist and turns 😮💨 there was not one thing that I didn’t love about this book. The smut, the romance ,the banter,
the first page starting off strong with daith singing pocket full of sunshine 😭I just how laurel and daith were both obsessed with each other.
I highly recommend this to my dark romance girlies. This was amazing.
August 29, 2025
Honestly I really loved this book! Tatum never ceases to amaze me. The pitch black Male character was everything I've ever wanted and the dynamic between the love interest really got me. Like calls to like is all I have to say when it comes to this book and the characters that love each other.
It you're looking for pitch black crazy plot twist and just a good time with the spice this is the book for you!!! 5 stars for me!!!
It you're looking for pitch black crazy plot twist and just a good time with the spice this is the book for you!!! 5 stars for me!!!
August 30, 2025
I love this book. I love all her books and can't wait for the next one. The unexpected twist with Reaper....
My favorite lines
“Misery is this feeling you give me. You call it love… but a weak spot, a target for my enemies, that is misery. To call it happiness… is demented.”
"Sorry is just a word that people use to cover up the wound of their own selfish actions, hoping that it makes you forget."
My favorite lines
“Misery is this feeling you give me. You call it love… but a weak spot, a target for my enemies, that is misery. To call it happiness… is demented.”
"Sorry is just a word that people use to cover up the wound of their own selfish actions, hoping that it makes you forget."
August 21, 2025
This story was incredibly engaging! I guessed early on what Laurel was likely up to, but I had no idea just how deep her situation really was; she definitely had a lot going on. Daith genuinely believed he was the biggest and baddest psychopath around, although I think a bit more comeuppance for him would have been entertaining. His way of courting Laurel was rather amusing, from giving her deadly flowers to chaining her up. However, Dharma really stole the show. And that ending—go Celeste!
August 22, 2025
Dark, twisted, and completely addictive!! Demented throws the reader into a psychological love triangle where obsession rules. Laurel is no damsel; she's smart, manipulative, and caught between Reaper (a terrifying shadow from her past) and a former flame fresh out of prison. This is not your typical romance-- it's a descent into madness, and it's impossible to put down.
August 28, 2025
Demented for sure and the plot twists… total mind fuck. This book was dark and twisted, it was spicy and sweet in a way with its childhood trauma love. Unhinged and psychotic to the core, it was messy and chaotic and you kept wanting more. If biker, masked, murderous and obsessed is your kinda man, this book is exactly what you’re looking for. Lean into the darkness.
August 30, 2025
L&R dark romance and spicy for sure.
Lots of keeping me wondering and yea i didnt figure it out she got me good . Edge of seat read i was really into the story dynamic and the spice man it delivered. Reaper mmmm I loved my reaper. really love a book that kept me guessing what was gonna happen !!!!
Lots of keeping me wondering and yea i didnt figure it out she got me good . Edge of seat read i was really into the story dynamic and the spice man it delivered. Reaper mmmm I loved my reaper. really love a book that kept me guessing what was gonna happen !!!!
August 30, 2025
Absolutely fabulous! Tatum truly did amazing with this one. It's an intriguing story that is both Demented and delicious. The plot is incredibly unique and wonderfully crafted, the Character and world-building were chef Kiss, I was completely trapped in every single detail. This is a must-read for pitch black romance, masked men, and secret society lovers!
August 30, 2025
This book was delicious! Such a great read. I was hooked from the first page and intrigued where this would go, Tatum delivered a hot, heavy read. I read through it so fast, and i didnt want it to end.
Daith was OH SO HOT. He had me weak, and wanting more. He was so unhinged, so OTT possessive, and absolutely feral for Laurel...
Laurel was a little fire cracker, constantly poking Daith, and i loved her so much. Their chemistry was great, and i was rooting for their HEA. They fought hard to get it, and i ate it up. I could read about them all day, i wasnt ready to say goodbye.
Daith was OH SO HOT. He had me weak, and wanting more. He was so unhinged, so OTT possessive, and absolutely feral for Laurel...
Laurel was a little fire cracker, constantly poking Daith, and i loved her so much. Their chemistry was great, and i was rooting for their HEA. They fought hard to get it, and i ate it up. I could read about them all day, i wasnt ready to say goodbye.
September 23, 2025
The author did it again! Another pitch dark, twisted, absolutely addictive romance that had me hooked from page one. The tension, the obsession, the raw emotion, everything was perfectly unhinged in the best way. And just when I thought there was no way this could end well… that happy ending hit so hard. Beautifully brutal and somehow still heartwarming. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews