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Men of the Wilds #1
Crucible
From bestselling author B.B. Reid comes a wicked retelling of your favorite fairytale.
America’s sweetheart has been canceled.
From teen star to international phenom to the biggest celebrity in the world, Aurelia George has suddenly found herself on the other side of adoration. The public thinks they hate her when they never really knew her. The saddest tragedy of all is that she doesn’t know herself.
Done with the fame, glitz, and glam—the whole doe-eyed princess charade—Aurelia decides she’s taking back her life, even if it costs her everything.
But her uncle has other plans.
Shipped far away until the heat dies, Aurelia finds herself in the one place where her name means nothing. When a blizzard causes her plane to crash, she becomes stranded in the wilds of Northern Canada, a sole survivor with no one to turn to.
No one except them.
The misanthropic mountain men who’ve shut themselves away.
It’s their cabin Aurelia finds in the icy wilderness and their obsession she ignites when they discover her sleeping in one of their beds. Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel (and all of his personalities) have only longed for one thing in nine long years...a woman to warm their beds.
Surviving a plane crash, wolves, avalanches, frozen lakes, and a harsh winter with three feral men is nothing compared to Aurelia’s hardest trial of all—finding herself.
Crucible is dark why-choose romance. Please refer to the trigger warnings before reading.
America’s sweetheart has been canceled.
From teen star to international phenom to the biggest celebrity in the world, Aurelia George has suddenly found herself on the other side of adoration. The public thinks they hate her when they never really knew her. The saddest tragedy of all is that she doesn’t know herself.
Done with the fame, glitz, and glam—the whole doe-eyed princess charade—Aurelia decides she’s taking back her life, even if it costs her everything.
But her uncle has other plans.
Shipped far away until the heat dies, Aurelia finds herself in the one place where her name means nothing. When a blizzard causes her plane to crash, she becomes stranded in the wilds of Northern Canada, a sole survivor with no one to turn to.
No one except them.
The misanthropic mountain men who’ve shut themselves away.
It’s their cabin Aurelia finds in the icy wilderness and their obsession she ignites when they discover her sleeping in one of their beds. Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel (and all of his personalities) have only longed for one thing in nine long years...a woman to warm their beds.
Surviving a plane crash, wolves, avalanches, frozen lakes, and a harsh winter with three feral men is nothing compared to Aurelia’s hardest trial of all—finding herself.
Crucible is dark why-choose romance. Please refer to the trigger warnings before reading.
496 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
1577 people are currently reading
5591 people want to read
About the author
B.B. Reid
26 books7,995 followersB.B. Reid is a bestselling author of several romances, including Crucible, the imaginative retelling of Goldilocks. She’s most known for her dark, diverse, and contemporary romances but began her career writing new adult. B.B. grew up in North Carolina but currently resides in Atlanta with Ivan, her moody tuxedo cat. When she’s not being a nomad, she enjoys gaming, home decor, and retail therapy.
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Reiderville https://www.facebook.com/groups/reide...
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bbreid
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Website www.bbreid.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
December 9, 2024
🌸 𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂 🌸 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤K𝐈T𝐓Y K𝐀T𝐒 𝐂R𝐀Z𝐘 𝐀B𝐎U𝐓 𝐁O𝐎K𝐒
'𝐂R𝐔C𝐈B𝐋E' Is a full length dark why-choose romance book by author B.B. Reid. Spoken in multiple POV's and ends on a cliffy so we will be going back to this world.
When Aurelia George, the superstar singer is exiled to sort her shit out by her uncle on her way to her destination with her bodyguards and crew their plane crashes during a frightening blizzard leaving her in an unknown world trying to survive, by all accounts the only survivor, cold, hungry and scared after walking for what feels like miles she stumbles across a secluded cabin in the middle of nowhere. It's here where she encounters three gorgeous mountain men. friends or foes??
Let me tell you these men aren't in a hurry to show her the way to civilisation, no these guys decide to keep her as their own..Their own to use..
God this one had me feeling all the ways someone can feel in certain situations, from uncomfortable, (Please check your triggers before jumping into this one) to hot and bothered, goldilocks and her 3 OTT alpha men pushed and pulled me in every which way they could. Check your triggers before jumping into this one, because these hungry sex starved men push the boundaries with their captive.
Twists and turns which held me captive as they all unfolded and revealed themselves, this held me clasped within its grip from start to finish, right up to that cliffy I stumbled over.
2025 can not come fast enough..
February 26, 2026
Why the fuck I can’t get lost in some remote mountains and find 3 WILDLY HOT BIG FERAL MEN to devour me and take care of me ? (Well 5 men if you consider the fact that one of them has DID and has 2 alterego)
I am bitter about life now ……
I’ll patiently wait for the second book !
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I am bitter about life now ……
I’ll patiently wait for the second book !
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 18, 2024
Imagine reading 600 pages and then finding out IT'S A DUET.
Read
December 19, 2025DNF.
I’m sorry this just was not for me, AT ALL. But the premise is SO INTRIGUING (because what a cool idea with three mountain men and one woman) so I’m actually so sad about this. Maybe I’ll try another time but for now, no.
I’m sorry this just was not for me, AT ALL. But the premise is SO INTRIGUING (because what a cool idea with three mountain men and one woman) so I’m actually so sad about this. Maybe I’ll try another time but for now, no.
December 9, 2024
I don’t even know where to start with this review. The cliffhanger, the characters, the spice? Everything was so freaking good. I was on the edge of my seat from the very beginning of this book. I was so invested that every time I had to put it down all I could think about was when I would be able to pick it up again. I was so intrigued with all of the different personalities of each character. I was blushing at some of the spice. I literally couldn’t get enough and now I’m so sad I have to wait for the next one.
Aurelia has been America’s Sweetheart for a long time but not anymore because she’s been cancelled. With everything circulating, Aurelia’s uncle thinks Aurelia should spend some time away. On the plane ride away, everything comes crashing down… literally. When Aurelia finds that she is the only one alive all she can do is try her best to survive. She finds a cabin along the way to rest. When she wakes up, she finds three men who own the cabin. What she doesn’t realize is, these three men are feral and haven’t been around a woman in nine years. AND they’re ready for her.
Let me be real for a quick second, I loved Aurelia. At the beginning of the book, I had mixed emotions because of the way she acted but by the end of the book she was my favorite. She never backed down and she always loved putting up a fight. As the pages went on you got to see her open up and I loved that she was able to grow so much.
Khalil, Thorin, and Ezekiel had me in a chokehold. I wanted to punch them. I wanted to love them. And I wanted to comfort them. Honestly, they were the reason I went through so many different emotions.
I am so ready for the next book to come out because I need to know what happens next. I’m so ready to see Zeke and Bane. I honestly can’t wait! This was such a good retelling and I definitely recommend checking it out. Make sure to check the list before reading!
Aurelia has been America’s Sweetheart for a long time but not anymore because she’s been cancelled. With everything circulating, Aurelia’s uncle thinks Aurelia should spend some time away. On the plane ride away, everything comes crashing down… literally. When Aurelia finds that she is the only one alive all she can do is try her best to survive. She finds a cabin along the way to rest. When she wakes up, she finds three men who own the cabin. What she doesn’t realize is, these three men are feral and haven’t been around a woman in nine years. AND they’re ready for her.
Let me be real for a quick second, I loved Aurelia. At the beginning of the book, I had mixed emotions because of the way she acted but by the end of the book she was my favorite. She never backed down and she always loved putting up a fight. As the pages went on you got to see her open up and I loved that she was able to grow so much.
Khalil, Thorin, and Ezekiel had me in a chokehold. I wanted to punch them. I wanted to love them. And I wanted to comfort them. Honestly, they were the reason I went through so many different emotions.
I am so ready for the next book to come out because I need to know what happens next. I’m so ready to see Zeke and Bane. I honestly can’t wait! This was such a good retelling and I definitely recommend checking it out. Make sure to check the list before reading!
December 15, 2024
I had high hopes for this book, especially after seeing B.B. Reid’s enticing teasers on social media. The premise—three mountain men and one woman—promised heat and plenty of kinky potential. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
For starters, the Zeke/Seth/Bane storyline felt unnecessary. Most of the focus was on Seth, with Bane only looming as a vague threat, which made Zeke and Bane’s involvement feel underdeveloped. I also felt like key parts of Aurelia’s backstory were either missing or glossed over, leaving the reader to fill in too many blanks.
The pacing was another issue. Aurelia’s constant running became repetitive and frustrating. At some point, it felt like the story was stuck in a loop of her leaving and being found, which dragged down the momentum.
The book’s length—over 600 pages—was excessive. Much of the content could have been condensed without losing the essence of the story. Add to that some noticeable grammatical errors, and it became harder to stay immersed. And after all that, the book ends on a cliffhanger!
For starters, the Zeke/Seth/Bane storyline felt unnecessary. Most of the focus was on Seth, with Bane only looming as a vague threat, which made Zeke and Bane’s involvement feel underdeveloped. I also felt like key parts of Aurelia’s backstory were either missing or glossed over, leaving the reader to fill in too many blanks.
The pacing was another issue. Aurelia’s constant running became repetitive and frustrating. At some point, it felt like the story was stuck in a loop of her leaving and being found, which dragged down the momentum.
The book’s length—over 600 pages—was excessive. Much of the content could have been condensed without losing the essence of the story. Add to that some noticeable grammatical errors, and it became harder to stay immersed. And after all that, the book ends on a cliffhanger!
February 26, 2026
Dark Romance Girlies SPEECHLESS.
A modern Goldilocks retelling? Say less.
This book? Wow. Just wow. I thought I knew dark romance. I was wrong. This is dark romance served exactly how it’s meant to be intense, obsessive, possessive, and completely unhinged in the best way.
From the first page, I should have known I wasn’t ready. But I jumped in anyway. I strapped myself in and went on the wildest ride.
Auriela an R&B singer lost in the woods stumbles into a cabin… and finds three dangerously hot men.
Seth.
Thorin.
Khalil.
What is a girl supposed to do?The tension. The obsession. The forbidden desire. The raw, consuming need. What makes it even better? The development. This wasn’t just dark for shock value. You actually watch the story evolve from chaos and darkness into something deeper, something that feels earned.
Some authors attempt dark romance. But B.B. Reid did not come to play. She delivered.
I was literally shaking my fist like, YES. THIS is how you write dark romance.
Verdict:
I am ruined. Ruined by Auriela. Ruined by Seth. Then ruined by Thorin. Then ruined all over again by Khalil. I was left destroyed and that cliffhanger? Absolutely left me wanting more.
Book two cannot come fast enough. Dark romance girlies… this is what you need in your life. 😈🔥📖
And please check your triggers. The author clearly warns readers: if you can’t handle her books, don’t read them. This is true dark romance. It’s dark, it’s intense, it pushes boundaries. If that’s not your thing, this won’t be for you.
A modern Goldilocks retelling? Say less.
This book? Wow. Just wow. I thought I knew dark romance. I was wrong. This is dark romance served exactly how it’s meant to be intense, obsessive, possessive, and completely unhinged in the best way.
From the first page, I should have known I wasn’t ready. But I jumped in anyway. I strapped myself in and went on the wildest ride.
Auriela an R&B singer lost in the woods stumbles into a cabin… and finds three dangerously hot men.
Seth.
Thorin.
Khalil.
What is a girl supposed to do?The tension. The obsession. The forbidden desire. The raw, consuming need. What makes it even better? The development. This wasn’t just dark for shock value. You actually watch the story evolve from chaos and darkness into something deeper, something that feels earned.
Some authors attempt dark romance. But B.B. Reid did not come to play. She delivered.
I was literally shaking my fist like, YES. THIS is how you write dark romance.
Verdict:
I am ruined. Ruined by Auriela. Ruined by Seth. Then ruined by Thorin. Then ruined all over again by Khalil. I was left destroyed and that cliffhanger? Absolutely left me wanting more.
Book two cannot come fast enough. Dark romance girlies… this is what you need in your life. 😈🔥📖
And please check your triggers. The author clearly warns readers: if you can’t handle her books, don’t read them. This is true dark romance. It’s dark, it’s intense, it pushes boundaries. If that’s not your thing, this won’t be for you.
Read
January 18, 2026Dnf at chapter 6.
December 11, 2024
Basically Grape to Love….Stockholm
I’m so upset with this book and reviewers. If you like sexual humiliation and forced…not coerced but forced then this is the book for you….there were no redeeming qualities in any other MCs, the FC wasn’t like-able either. There was another way to play this but this leaned fully into delusional.
I’m so upset with this book and reviewers. If you like sexual humiliation and forced…not coerced but forced then this is the book for you….there were no redeeming qualities in any other MCs, the FC wasn’t like-able either. There was another way to play this but this leaned fully into delusional.
December 11, 2024
ARC Review
what the actual fuck. okay it took me a minute to get into it but i loved. Does that mean something is wrong with me? probably. do i care ? not really.
i am SO upset with the ending and now i have to wait forever for the next one? that’s def not fair.
The names were unique for the most part in the story and i loved. There’s a reason my fav song is Stockholm syndrome by one direction and this story is IT.
it was a little long for my liking because i have like zero time but was really good.
“There is no before you because there’s only you. Our story starts and ends with you and me.”
STOPP why did i actually giggle reading this. Anyways, if you like reverse harem, CONTROLLING men, pop star, remote area this is for you. Make sure you read the TW’s
what the actual fuck. okay it took me a minute to get into it but i loved. Does that mean something is wrong with me? probably. do i care ? not really.
i am SO upset with the ending and now i have to wait forever for the next one? that’s def not fair.
The names were unique for the most part in the story and i loved. There’s a reason my fav song is Stockholm syndrome by one direction and this story is IT.
it was a little long for my liking because i have like zero time but was really good.
“There is no before you because there’s only you. Our story starts and ends with you and me.”
STOPP why did i actually giggle reading this. Anyways, if you like reverse harem, CONTROLLING men, pop star, remote area this is for you. Make sure you read the TW’s
Read
October 29, 2025dnf at 28% — I cannot begin to describe how god awful this is. I don’t know where I thought it could get better. It is all sexual assault and it is on me for reading a trigger warning of misogyny and thinking I could get past it because it has such high reviews. Were we all reading the same words??
I think this book might actually put me back into a reading slump because I have no reason to subject my eyes to anything else.
I think this book might actually put me back into a reading slump because I have no reason to subject my eyes to anything else.
September 3, 2025
FREAKKKKKY GOOD TIME!
3 guys living in a cabin on a mountain and one girl stranded in the crest after her plane crashes.
DO I NEED TO SAY MORE?
3 guys living in a cabin on a mountain and one girl stranded in the crest after her plane crashes.
DO I NEED TO SAY MORE?
April 30, 2025
This was, without a doubt, the worst book I have ever read.
My fault for not noticing the author though. I gave her most recent book 2 stars too.
I feel like I need to squirt holy water in my eyes and pray (I don’t believe in god). BB Reid- you need therapy. And to stop writing. And more therapy. What the fuck was this.
I’m blocking the person who recommended this to me. Consider yourself unfriended.
Spoilers to why this was the worst:
- it’s rape. And then Stockholm syndrome. And more rape.
- as if that wasn’t bad enough, all of the characters suck. And kill people too. And are just bad people. I hated all of them. Even the fmc.
- as if THAT wasn’t bad enough, there were grammatical errors *shudders*
I’m tired. I seriously have never wanted to write a public complaint about an author before but I feel like writing this stuff should put you on a watch list
My fault for not noticing the author though. I gave her most recent book 2 stars too.
I feel like I need to squirt holy water in my eyes and pray (I don’t believe in god). BB Reid- you need therapy. And to stop writing. And more therapy. What the fuck was this.
I’m blocking the person who recommended this to me. Consider yourself unfriended.
Spoilers to why this was the worst:
- it’s rape. And then Stockholm syndrome. And more rape.
- as if that wasn’t bad enough, all of the characters suck. And kill people too. And are just bad people. I hated all of them. Even the fmc.
- as if THAT wasn’t bad enough, there were grammatical errors *shudders*
I’m tired. I seriously have never wanted to write a public complaint about an author before but I feel like writing this stuff should put you on a watch list
Read
December 15, 2024DNF at 33%. I really tried, but I'm just not feeling it. It doesn't feel dark or emotional, just a bunch of horny people one of whom is pretending not to want it but really does. There's a lot of telling but no showing and I have no connection to these characters. It just all reads hollow to me. Even the smut is just meh. Maybe it's just my mood, Idk...
January 5, 2025
Wow this book was good 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
Seth is my favorite character out of everyone 🤭 That’s my baby !
Book 2 , ima need that asap
Seth is my favorite character out of everyone 🤭 That’s my baby !
Book 2 , ima need that asap
December 11, 2024
The Crucible by B.B. Reid is one of those books that’ll make you squirm, second-guess everything you thought you knew about love, power, and survival—and shake you to your core. If you’re like me and enjoy stories that challenge your boundaries, you’re in the right place. This book will make you think twice about your own moral compass—but then again, any seasoned dark romance reader has been there a time or ten. It’s uncomfortable, gritty, and pushes boundaries in ways that will have you questioning what’s right and wrong. But that’s exactly why it works. This isn’t your typical romance—it’s a raw, unrelenting story that forces you to confront power, trust, survival, and the blurred line between obsession and love. While it’s messy, intense, and at times downright shocking, Reid masterfully builds the tension, leaving you desperate for the next installment.
Aurelia George is no stranger to the world of high society, but when a scandal ruins her life, she’s sent to a remote Canadian ranch to "lie low." But things don’t go according to plan. After a plane crash leaves her stranded in the wilderness, she stumbles upon a secluded cabin—and three dangerous men: Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel. What begins as a standoff turns into a psychological game of survival and submission, where Aurelia’s fate—and heart—are anything but her own.
As always, Reid doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable. And I’ve learned to trust her, even when it feels like the book might push me too far. The Crucible isn’t just about surviving the wilderness; it’s about surviving the suffocating, dangerous power dynamics these men impose on Aurelia. Every scene is heavy with meaning, layered with tension, and laced with complexity. There were moments where I wasn't sure if I was ready for what was next, but Reid never lets go of the tension long enough for you to catch your breath.
Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel are the epitome of complex, morally ambiguous characters. Thorin is the gruff protector, Khalil is the tough but tender soul, and Ezekiel… Ezekiel is the dark, tortured enigma whose secrets unfold as the story progresses. Each of these men brings a unique dynamic to the narrative, but it’s the push and pull between them—and with Aurelia—that makes this book impossible to put down. The chemistry is palpable, and not just physical; it’s emotional, psychological, and completely unrelenting.
Aurelia’s evolution is something else entirely. She starts off guarded, defensive, and unwilling to trust anyone. But as the story unfolds, her journey becomes one of emotional survival. It's not just about surviving in the wilderness; it’s about surviving the darkness these men bring into her life. I was rooting for her every step of the way, not just because of her strength, but because of her vulnerability. She’s not perfect, but that’s what makes her such a compelling heroine.
Reid’s writing shines as always. She handles dark themes like manipulation, obsession, and power with an unflinching honesty that can be difficult to stomach, but it never feels gratuitous. Reid doesn't shy away from the darker elements of power dynamics—every instance of manipulation or control is necessary to the plot, and she ensures that we feel the psychological weight of those moments. It’s disturbing, yes, but it’s also what makes the book so gripping. The tension she creates between obsession and trust, between domination and connection, had me hooked from start to finish.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s raw, intense, and will challenge you on every level. If you’re a fan of dark romance that doesn’t shy away from hard themes and complex characters, The Crucible is an unforgettable ride. And just when you think you know where it’s headed, Reid pulls the rug out from under you with a cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next book.
In conclusion, The Crucible is one hell of a ride. Dark, emotional, and twisted, it’s a perfect example of why B.B. Reid remains one of my absolute favorite authors. Her characters, her writing, and her ability to pull you into the darkest corners of the human psyche and enjoy it are unparalleled. I can’t wait to see where Reid takes us next—this journey is just getting started, and I’m already on the edge of my seat.
Rating: 5 stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre:
♥Dark Romance
Tropes:
♥Why Choose
♥Anti-Hero
♥City Girl/Country Boy
♥Enemies-to-Lovers
♥Fairytale Retelling
♥Forced Proximity
♥Heroine in Danger
♥Interracial/Multicultural
♥Superstar/Celebrity
♥Tragic Past
♥Trigger Warnings
Aurelia George is no stranger to the world of high society, but when a scandal ruins her life, she’s sent to a remote Canadian ranch to "lie low." But things don’t go according to plan. After a plane crash leaves her stranded in the wilderness, she stumbles upon a secluded cabin—and three dangerous men: Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel. What begins as a standoff turns into a psychological game of survival and submission, where Aurelia’s fate—and heart—are anything but her own.
As always, Reid doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable. And I’ve learned to trust her, even when it feels like the book might push me too far. The Crucible isn’t just about surviving the wilderness; it’s about surviving the suffocating, dangerous power dynamics these men impose on Aurelia. Every scene is heavy with meaning, layered with tension, and laced with complexity. There were moments where I wasn't sure if I was ready for what was next, but Reid never lets go of the tension long enough for you to catch your breath.
Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel are the epitome of complex, morally ambiguous characters. Thorin is the gruff protector, Khalil is the tough but tender soul, and Ezekiel… Ezekiel is the dark, tortured enigma whose secrets unfold as the story progresses. Each of these men brings a unique dynamic to the narrative, but it’s the push and pull between them—and with Aurelia—that makes this book impossible to put down. The chemistry is palpable, and not just physical; it’s emotional, psychological, and completely unrelenting.
Aurelia’s evolution is something else entirely. She starts off guarded, defensive, and unwilling to trust anyone. But as the story unfolds, her journey becomes one of emotional survival. It's not just about surviving in the wilderness; it’s about surviving the darkness these men bring into her life. I was rooting for her every step of the way, not just because of her strength, but because of her vulnerability. She’s not perfect, but that’s what makes her such a compelling heroine.
Reid’s writing shines as always. She handles dark themes like manipulation, obsession, and power with an unflinching honesty that can be difficult to stomach, but it never feels gratuitous. Reid doesn't shy away from the darker elements of power dynamics—every instance of manipulation or control is necessary to the plot, and she ensures that we feel the psychological weight of those moments. It’s disturbing, yes, but it’s also what makes the book so gripping. The tension she creates between obsession and trust, between domination and connection, had me hooked from start to finish.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s raw, intense, and will challenge you on every level. If you’re a fan of dark romance that doesn’t shy away from hard themes and complex characters, The Crucible is an unforgettable ride. And just when you think you know where it’s headed, Reid pulls the rug out from under you with a cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next book.
In conclusion, The Crucible is one hell of a ride. Dark, emotional, and twisted, it’s a perfect example of why B.B. Reid remains one of my absolute favorite authors. Her characters, her writing, and her ability to pull you into the darkest corners of the human psyche and enjoy it are unparalleled. I can’t wait to see where Reid takes us next—this journey is just getting started, and I’m already on the edge of my seat.
Rating: 5 stars
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Genre:
♥Dark Romance
Tropes:
♥Why Choose
♥Anti-Hero
♥City Girl/Country Boy
♥Enemies-to-Lovers
♥Fairytale Retelling
♥Forced Proximity
♥Heroine in Danger
♥Interracial/Multicultural
♥Superstar/Celebrity
♥Tragic Past
♥Trigger Warnings
February 12, 2025
The beginning was foul and I’ve read a lot of messed up things. I do not understand why anyone would like any of these characters. I kept hoping they would all kill each other or themselves but alas to no such luck.
July 26, 2025
Incredible
B.B. does it again and emotional captivating and riveting why choose. Now I mostly saw the cliffhanger coming from the beginning but the ways it played out made it absolutely devastating. I really enjoy a romance that doesn’t spend the whole time with the characters acknowledging what they feel. It always feels more interesting to be when they come to it fairly early and then you spend the rest of the time working through the ups and downs of it or basking in the love. This one is clearly ups and downs and I enjoyed every moment. I think for some readers there are parts they probably could or would do without but I loved the way real time was giving to what the day to day of maintaining a relationship that starts out so tumultuous would be like. Not to mention Aurelia’s character development. I can see why someone may not like her but I absolutely loved her from the job. I’m so glad though that I don’t have to wait to long for book 2 cause seriously I’m dying to know how things will be and getting to know the new arrival.
B.B. does it again and emotional captivating and riveting why choose. Now I mostly saw the cliffhanger coming from the beginning but the ways it played out made it absolutely devastating. I really enjoy a romance that doesn’t spend the whole time with the characters acknowledging what they feel. It always feels more interesting to be when they come to it fairly early and then you spend the rest of the time working through the ups and downs of it or basking in the love. This one is clearly ups and downs and I enjoyed every moment. I think for some readers there are parts they probably could or would do without but I loved the way real time was giving to what the day to day of maintaining a relationship that starts out so tumultuous would be like. Not to mention Aurelia’s character development. I can see why someone may not like her but I absolutely loved her from the job. I’m so glad though that I don’t have to wait to long for book 2 cause seriously I’m dying to know how things will be and getting to know the new arrival.
August 29, 2025
DNF at 42%
I decided to give this book a chance because it was on a few lists of recommendations for lovers of Credence by Penelope Douglas.
Let the record show that this book is literally nothing at all like Credence and it’s insulting to even suggest it.
The pacing was all over the place, the plot was unorganized and incomplete, and there were way too many grammatical errors that were impossible to ignore. I’m not the kind of reader that needs a deep, life changing story to earn 5 stars from me, but the characters do have to be likable and the romance has to be actually romantic, not literal r*pe over and over.
I wish I DNF sooner, but hopefully I can save someone else the disappointment.
I decided to give this book a chance because it was on a few lists of recommendations for lovers of Credence by Penelope Douglas.
Let the record show that this book is literally nothing at all like Credence and it’s insulting to even suggest it.
The pacing was all over the place, the plot was unorganized and incomplete, and there were way too many grammatical errors that were impossible to ignore. I’m not the kind of reader that needs a deep, life changing story to earn 5 stars from me, but the characters do have to be likable and the romance has to be actually romantic, not literal r*pe over and over.
I wish I DNF sooner, but hopefully I can save someone else the disappointment.
February 21, 2026
This is not for the faint of heart, and it IS DARK with TW listed, so check them.
It took me a bit, beacause I said dark with TW which pushed my limits of what I am comfortable with, but I a huge BB fan, so I was going to continue reading, and I really enjoyed how the heroine grew into herself, checked her feelings for the guys, and the little group they created.
The ending. That cliffhanger. I will need book 2 immediately.
It took me a bit, beacause I said dark with TW which pushed my limits of what I am comfortable with, but I a huge BB fan, so I was going to continue reading, and I really enjoyed how the heroine grew into herself, checked her feelings for the guys, and the little group they created.
The ending. That cliffhanger. I will need book 2 immediately.
December 15, 2024
FUCK OFF WHERES THE REST OF MY BOOK 😭😭😭
I loved Aurelia her Stockholm syndrome’d ass 🫶🏽❤️ I’ve been trying to guage who my favourite is and everytime I think it’s Seth…Khalil charms me…my family…
Also Thorin being blonde just don’t make no damn sense he’s meant to be a brunette 😭 but it’s whatever I’ll accept it 😒
If you love kidnapping, RH, DC/NC sorta then this is the book for yew!
I loved Aurelia her Stockholm syndrome’d ass 🫶🏽❤️ I’ve been trying to guage who my favourite is and everytime I think it’s Seth…Khalil charms me…my family…
Also Thorin being blonde just don’t make no damn sense he’s meant to be a brunette 😭 but it’s whatever I’ll accept it 😒
If you love kidnapping, RH, DC/NC sorta then this is the book for yew!
December 7, 2024
Holy smokes another absolute banger by queen BB reid 👌🥵 as this is a dark romance please read triggers before starting. Your mental health matters
January 3, 2025
wow…
I want to start by saying that B.B Reid had me by my edges with this book. This dark goddie locks retelling had me questioning everything. Aurelia George was such a complex character because at times I was so upset with her and other times I couldn’t wait until she leave the mountain. I had a soft spot for Seth because of what happened in his past. Aurelia uncle is Low down and I hope he gets what is coming next book. Overall this book push me because I don’t normal read dark romances like this one. Overall good read.
I want to start by saying that B.B Reid had me by my edges with this book. This dark goddie locks retelling had me questioning everything. Aurelia George was such a complex character because at times I was so upset with her and other times I couldn’t wait until she leave the mountain. I had a soft spot for Seth because of what happened in his past. Aurelia uncle is Low down and I hope he gets what is coming next book. Overall this book push me because I don’t normal read dark romances like this one. Overall good read.
December 16, 2025
Spectacular 👏🏾
This book is not for the weak or those easily triggered at all! The guys are majorly fucked up and are way past morally grey, just completely pitch black. This is Stockholm Syndrome at its finest but I ain’t mad about it lol. It’ll pain me to have to wait to April to finish this duet 🥲 but it’ll be so worth it.
This book is not for the weak or those easily triggered at all! The guys are majorly fucked up and are way past morally grey, just completely pitch black. This is Stockholm Syndrome at its finest but I ain’t mad about it lol. It’ll pain me to have to wait to April to finish this duet 🥲 but it’ll be so worth it.
August 28, 2025
4,25⭐
Are you freaking kidding me .duuuuuude . First i thought it has Wattpad vibes and then the fucker kept growing on me i couldn't stop . It was my cop of tea i was so invested. Yesss please be published i want to know . Noooooo.
Are you freaking kidding me .duuuuuude . First i thought it has Wattpad vibes and then the fucker kept growing on me i couldn't stop . It was my cop of tea i was so invested. Yesss please be published i want to know . Noooooo.
August 28, 2025
I read it so you don’t have to!!!
February 21, 2026
When I tell you, I had the TIME of my life reading this masterpiece… this is my first BB Reid read and I am now a fan for life.
Crucible is book one in a duet that follows Auriella, Pop Princess getting away from for some forced solitude and ends up crashing into the mountains in Canada. She’s survived, and ends up making her way to the one cabin on this isolated cabin…. And decides to break in, and take a nap… and then she is found by the three burly men who live there, also hiding from the world, and they decide to keep her… very lady nappingish. Very Goldilocks and the three bears. Very the best thing I’ve read!
P.S. I cannot get enough of Zeth!
Crucible is book one in a duet that follows Auriella, Pop Princess getting away from for some forced solitude and ends up crashing into the mountains in Canada. She’s survived, and ends up making her way to the one cabin on this isolated cabin…. And decides to break in, and take a nap… and then she is found by the three burly men who live there, also hiding from the world, and they decide to keep her… very lady nappingish. Very Goldilocks and the three bears. Very the best thing I’ve read!
P.S. I cannot get enough of Zeth!
Read
February 28, 2026The Crucible is not a comfortable read. It is meant to unsettle you. It digs into power, obsession, control, and survival, then dares you to decide where your own limits are. If you read dark romance to be challenged, this delivers.
Aurelia George goes from high society scandal to stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Cold, alone, and desperate, she finds refuge in a remote cabin occupied by three men who are anything but safe. Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel are isolated, morally gray, and used to being in control. What follows is not a simple captivity story. It is a psychological battle where dominance, vulnerability, and desire blur in ways that are deeply uncomfortable and completely compelling.
B.B. Reid does not soften the edges. The themes are heavy. The dynamics are suffocating at times. There were moments that pushed my comfort zone, and that is exactly the point. The tension never lets up. Every interaction feels loaded. Nothing is gratuitous, even when it is hard to read. The manipulation, the shifting power, the emotional whiplash all serve the story.
Aurelia is bold, sharp tongued, and often reckless. She is not always likable, but she is fascinating. Watching her evolve from guarded and defiant to someone forced to confront her own identity and desires was gripping. She is not just surviving the wilderness. She is surviving the men, and in some ways, herself.
The three heroes are distinct and layered. Thorin is the hardened protector. Khalil carries a quiet intensity. Ezekiel is the most enigmatic and unsettling of them all. Together, their dynamic is volatile and magnetic. The chemistry is not just physical. It is psychological and emotionally charged.
This book is raw, messy, and intentionally provocative. It will not work for everyone. Check the triggers. Go in prepared. But if you trust B.B. Reid’s ability to walk the line between darkness and depth, the payoff is worth it.
And that ending. The cliffhanger is ruthless. I closed the book stunned and more than a little furious in the best way. The Crucible is intense, twisted, and unforgettable, and I am already bracing myself for what comes next.
Aurelia George goes from high society scandal to stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Cold, alone, and desperate, she finds refuge in a remote cabin occupied by three men who are anything but safe. Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel are isolated, morally gray, and used to being in control. What follows is not a simple captivity story. It is a psychological battle where dominance, vulnerability, and desire blur in ways that are deeply uncomfortable and completely compelling.
B.B. Reid does not soften the edges. The themes are heavy. The dynamics are suffocating at times. There were moments that pushed my comfort zone, and that is exactly the point. The tension never lets up. Every interaction feels loaded. Nothing is gratuitous, even when it is hard to read. The manipulation, the shifting power, the emotional whiplash all serve the story.
Aurelia is bold, sharp tongued, and often reckless. She is not always likable, but she is fascinating. Watching her evolve from guarded and defiant to someone forced to confront her own identity and desires was gripping. She is not just surviving the wilderness. She is surviving the men, and in some ways, herself.
The three heroes are distinct and layered. Thorin is the hardened protector. Khalil carries a quiet intensity. Ezekiel is the most enigmatic and unsettling of them all. Together, their dynamic is volatile and magnetic. The chemistry is not just physical. It is psychological and emotionally charged.
This book is raw, messy, and intentionally provocative. It will not work for everyone. Check the triggers. Go in prepared. But if you trust B.B. Reid’s ability to walk the line between darkness and depth, the payoff is worth it.
And that ending. The cliffhanger is ruthless. I closed the book stunned and more than a little furious in the best way. The Crucible is intense, twisted, and unforgettable, and I am already bracing myself for what comes next.
did-not-finish
February 14, 2026DID NOT FINISH: 29%
Well, that was cringy and annoying. The premise was there—fmc is in a plane crash that lands her in a remote cabin where three mountain men reside. I was ready for things to be hot and intriguing... It didn't deliver. The fmc annoyed me, the men were a little all over the place, the plot was nonexistent, and the little of smut this far into the book was lackluster and weird, if I'm being honest.
I cannot believe this book is 500+ pages, and it's part of a duet. It's a no for me.
I received an ARC for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Well, that was cringy and annoying. The premise was there—fmc is in a plane crash that lands her in a remote cabin where three mountain men reside. I was ready for things to be hot and intriguing... It didn't deliver. The fmc annoyed me, the men were a little all over the place, the plot was nonexistent, and the little of smut this far into the book was lackluster and weird, if I'm being honest.
I cannot believe this book is 500+ pages, and it's part of a duet. It's a no for me.
I received an ARC for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FOLLOW ME
Instagram • Pagebound • Cozy Chapters Book Club • Substack • Fable • StoryGraph • Romantasy Romantics Book Club
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