Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Captive 1

Rate this book
I, Vanesa, was born into a world built on power, obsession, and carefully crafted lies. Then I was kidnapped by a man twice my age who refused to let me go. Jake.

What began as captivity and power games evolved into something far more devotion.

I became his Queen.

Some love stories save you. This one crowns you first.

CW and TW are available on the author's website.

Previously published as A Queen for the A Dark Stalker Romance by Olivo, Llianne (AUTHOR)

ebook

Published August 16, 2025

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Llianne Olivo

17 books62 followers
Llianne Olivo is a Dominican-American author of dark, emotionally charged romance, known for stories of obsession, dangerous possession, and multicultural characters who rarely make the safe choice.

Beyond writing, she works in indie publishing and supports fellow authors as they pursue their publishing dreams.

When she isn’t writing, she’s usually designing 100 covers at 3 am, singing, foraging, or dreaming about the end of the world.

Subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
30 (46%)
4 stars
19 (29%)
3 stars
12 (18%)
2 stars
3 (4%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Cantrell.
Author 3 books60 followers
Review of advance copy
June 24, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I hate giving 3 stars to indie authors, but I just can't justify a higher rating.

The biggest issue for me was the writing style. The prose felt extremely fragmented, with constant use of one-word sentences, short phrases, metaphors, and cliches. After a while, it felt more like reading a collection of one-liners than a cohesive story.

Despite the amount of descriptive words on the page, I never really developed a strong sense of place, time, or plot progression. Rather than drawing me into the story, the writing often left me feeling confused about what was actually happening.

I was also surprised by the disconnect between the extensive trigger warnings and the book's actual content. It was presented as a high-spice, dark romance, but the execution didn't match those expectations for me. While there are references to sex and dark themes throughout, the on-page spice felt relatively limited given the marketing, premise, and content warnings. If I had known the spice level was lower than advertised, I probably wouldn't have picked it up.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn't the right fit for me.
Profile Image for Twinkle.butt.reads.
498 reviews28 followers
September 10, 2026
Captive is not your sweet little romance where everyone communicates their feelings, drinks coffee, and lives happily ever after.

Oh no.

This is PITCH-BLACK romance, and Llianne Olivo wastes absolutely no time dragging us straight into the darkness.

At the center of this beautifully twisted mess is Vanessa Wesley, a wealthy heiress who has spent her entire life being exactly what everyone expects her to be.

Perfect daughter.

Perfect image.

Perfect little doll.

Except Vanessa is SO DAMN TIRED OF BEING PERFECT.

And honestly?

Girl.

Same.

The Perfect Little Doll

Vanessa has been molded by her family into something that looks beautiful from the outside but feels completely suffocating on the inside.

Her entire existence is controlled by expectations.

Her family’s reputation.

Their business.

Their image.

Their idea of who Vanessa is supposed to be.

She’s basically living inside a gorgeous glass cage.

But underneath that polished exterior is a woman who wants something completely different.

She doesn’t want polite.

She doesn’t want safe.

She doesn’t want predictable.

She wants to discover the parts of herself that everyone else has spent her entire life telling her to hide.

And THAT is where things get interesting.

Then we meet Jake.

Tattooed.

Mysterious.

Cynical.

A photographer with a warehouse that feels like it exists somewhere between reality and hell.

Because apparently Vanessa needed a photographer…

and fate said:

“Nope. Here’s a morally questionable devil instead.”


Jake sees something in Vanessa that other people don’t.

He doesn’t just see the heiress.

He doesn’t see the whiskey brand.

He doesn’t see the perfectly manufactured image.

He sees her.

And for Vanessa, that becomes intoxicating.

Because sometimes being truly seen is more dangerous than being desired.

When the Mask Comes Off

What I really loved about this story is the way it plays with identity.

Vanessa has spent so long being a version of herself created by other people that she barely knows what exists underneath.

Jake becomes the catalyst for her transformation.

But this isn’t some wholesome self-discovery journey with inspirational music playing in the background.

Oh no.

Vanessa discovers herself by stepping directly into the darkness.

The darker parts.

The forbidden parts.

The parts society tells her she should be ashamed of.

And instead of running from them…

she embraces them.
Profile Image for CarterReads.
16 reviews
June 23, 2026
I received an Advanced Review Copy of A Queen for the Devil and I am so happy I can give an honest review!

I knew going in that this story was 102 pages so in terms of plot, I knew it would be short. I feel like this book was almost like a quick Novella which was perfect for me and my reading needs! The pacing felt good and there never seemed to be a low point in the story that dragged which is always something I look out for.

This was my first time reading Llianne Olivo’s work and boy does this girl have some twist! Definitely a darker setting and heavier themes so If you are like me and love that in writing this is perfect for you!

If you love an age gap, with a dark twist and characters that are complex…this book is right up your alley!
Profile Image for Minnie Kay.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 25, 2026
A Queen for the Devil was a surprisingly enjoyable read.
I initially struggled with the beginning of the book. The first few chapters were extremely descriptive, and the prose occasionally slowed the pacing to the point where I considered putting the book down. However, everything changed around Chapter 7. From that point onward, I became fully invested in the story and couldn't stop reading.
This is definitely a dark stalker erotic romance, so readers should expect dark themes, violence, explicit scenes, BDSM elements, and morally grey characters. Despite its darkness, the story never crossed the line into something that felt excessive or unreadable for me.
Vanessa and Jack's relationship was intense, addictive, twisted, and complicated. Although I initially struggled with how quickly Vanessa gave in considering everything she had experienced, I eventually came to appreciate their connection and the way they helped each other find happiness, even in unconventional ways.
I also have to admit that I was initially hesitant about Jack because of his age. However, the author's portrayal of him completely changed my perspective. His dominance, personality, and presence made him a compelling love interest.
My biggest criticism would be the beginning of the novel and aspects of the emotional progression. Given the significant trauma both Vanessa and Jack carried, I would have preferred a slower and more gradual emotional development, particularly on Vanessa's part.
Overall, once the story found its rhythm, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending left me satisfied while also leaving me eager for more. As the first book in the Captive Trilogy, it successfully drew me into the series and left me looking forward to the next installment.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark stalker romances, intense chemistry, morally grey characters, and soulmate-like connections.
Three words to describe this book: Hidden. Desire. Darkness.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sarjxx.
276 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2026
5 DARK SPICY STARS ✨️

I got the incredible oppurtunity to read this dark stalker romance book called A Queen For The Devil by Llianne Olivio and this book is chaos in cinematic form.🤌🏼🎥

I don’t even think “read” is the right word for this.

I think it was more of an experience. 👏🏼

Our FMC Vanessa is unfiltered, emotionally reactive and has this bold energy about her.

The MMC Jake is controlling, observant and intense. He's deeply self aware in a way that somehow feels both dangerous and reflective.

This is one of those books that feels like it rearranges something in your brain while you’re reading it, not through shock value, but through the atmosphere, the tone, and the psychology.

This book is messy in feeling, but executed so well! The controlled chaos is told beautifully, considering the story being this UNHINGED!

And YES, for the record I could not put the book down.

This read is BRUTAL in the best way for us Dark Romance readers. Did I question my moral compass!? ABSOLUTELY. But that just means the author did what she was meant to do, and executed it perfectly! 🤌🏼🖤

If you enjoy a dark erotic romance, that deals with obsessive romance, controlling dynamics, and captor verse captive energy than "A Queen For The Devil' is the book for you.

SIDENOTE: I need to point out that I really enjoyed the (seen verse being seen obsession)

♡Sneaky Little Quote ;

•“London never loved me, but it taught me how to love like a weapon.”

•"I felt sorry for the girl who’d never be the same.”

And yes, I am def looking forward to the second book in the Captive Series.

This book in Emoji's:

📸👀🏭🎥🥃👑⛓️💋
Profile Image for Soha Amer.
761 reviews12 followers
July 12, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A dark, twisted obsession that will leave you questioning everything…

A Queen for the Devil is not a love story that follows the rules — it’s a dangerous dance between power, obsession, captivity, and a connection neither Jake nor Vanessa can escape.

Jake is a man shaped by ambition, secrets, and the ability to become whoever the world needs him to be. Vanessa enters his life as someone he was never supposed to keep… but she becomes the one person who sees beyond the empire, the control, and the Devil he has created himself to be.

Vanessa’s journey is intense. Watching her navigate fear, power struggles, and her own emotions makes this story impossible to put down. The dynamic between her and Jake is complicated, dark, and filled with tension — the kind of relationship that keeps you turning pages even when you know you should look away.

This book explores obsession, possession, and a love that grows in the most unexpected and dangerous places. It’s not meant to be a traditional romance; it’s a dark fantasy of devotion, where the lines between enemy and lover become dangerously blurred.

🔥 Dark. Addictive. Unpredictable.

🔥 A morally grey hero who will make you question your feelings.

🔥 A heroine discovering her own power in a world built on control.

The warning is real — this series is not for everyone. Check your triggers before reading.

Jake may be the Devil… but Vanessa proves she was always destined to wear the crown. 👑🖤

Can’t wait to see where The Captive Trilogy takes this dangerous obsession next.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
22 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2026
I received an advanced copy of A Queen for the Devil (The Captive Trilogy: Book 1) from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review, and I have to say, I was completely hooked from the very beginning. This is a solid 4-star read that kept me turning pages late into the night.

The plot of this book is incredible. Without giving anything away, the storyline is super engaging and has so many twists and turns that kept me guessing. The author does an amazing job of building tension and keeping the stakes high, which made it almost impossible to put down. I loved how unique the concept felt, and the pacing was just right to keep the momentum going from start to finish.

If I had one minor critique, it is that some elements of the world and the characters felt a bit vague at times. I found myself wanting just a little more detail and depth to fully ground me in the setting and help me understand some of the character motivations better. But honestly, being left with a few questions didn’t take away from how much fun this was to read.

Overall, it is a fantastic start to a trilogy and a highly addictive read. It does a great job setting the stage for what is to come, and I am definitely excited to see where the story goes in the next book. If you are looking for a story that will grab your attention and not let go, I highly recommend checking this one out.
Profile Image for Sammyll.
419 reviews21 followers
July 28, 2026
3.5 *** I found the writing a bit choppy, flitting from one emotion to the next. It was descriptive but lacking the emotional depth I needed to fully enjoy it to give it four stars.

A quick read that introduces Vanessa, the Wesley showpiece. The daughter of the Whiskey empire, who doesn't really want the life her parents chose for her. Preening her to be a typical society girl who was the pretty face fot their brand. She leads a different life, one that holds secrets of sleeping around and living a life that she wants.

A photoshoot with an older man Jake, takes her to new heights, she wants him, but wakes up drugged in his warehouse. She is shocked, unsure of what has happened. But soon enjpy's her time with him. Things get hot and heavy, Vanessa finds out things about Jake that open up new avenues for her, becoming Jake's queen.

Dark and depraved this is full on heat, the story is good but I just felt the execution missed somethimg that would have gripped me more.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Darkromancearabia Jin.
602 reviews47 followers
August 16, 2025
I received this first part of the book through BookFunnel, along with the author’s note and trigger warnings. From the start, Llianne made it clear: this story is very dark, meant for readers who can handle the intensity. She wasn’t exaggerating. However, for me, that’s exactly what made it work.

Normally, I dislike age-gap romances, but here it didn’t feel like the focus. Vanessa gave as much as she took, and Jake wasn’t the one in full control. In many ways, she dominated him, experiencing a raw, unapologetic sexual awakening that felt both dangerous and liberating.

I may not share these urges personally, but I can recognize when an author writes them with authenticity. And Llianne did. The writing is bold, unflinching, and it doesn’t try to soften the edges.

I’ll definitely be waiting for Part 2. Dark romance readers: you’ve been warned; but if you’re truly “pitch-black dark” like me, you might end up loving it too.
Profile Image for Melissa Mejia.
575 reviews72 followers
August 1, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This is a quick read novella. It was phenomenal it was dark with a twist!! If that is your ham then you will live this one!!

“JAKE
I came to America from Colombia with nothing but ambition and a talent for becoming whomever people needed me to be. I built a career in front of the camera, behind the lens, and inside an empire that blurred the line between fantasy and reality. Then I met Vanessa. Kidnapping her was supposed to be a moment of weakness. Loving her became the decision that changed everything.
I became her Devil.

VANESSA
I was born into a world built on power, obsession, and carefully crafted lies.
Then I was kidnapped by a man twice my age who refused to let me go.
What began as captivity and power games evolved into something far more perilous: devotion.
I became his Queen.

Some love stories save you. This one crowns you first.”
Profile Image for Trisha Kane.
132 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2026
This is a poem to the desire of sex. The beginning buildup is descriptive in the way that fourplay leads you to the heat of the act. It's self care, exploring, and need. Then the passion starts. You're in the flow of it by the time you realize that he may not be a "good guy", but he makes you feel things you never knew you wanted. Now the end of the poem drops you into the climax with a little aftercare and pillow talk. I fell in love with these characters in such a short time. The exploration is not for the faint of heart. Be aware of your triggers.

I do feel like it goes from 0 to 100 in just a couple of pages, but it is also a short book. It is immersive in that way that the surroundings are described to let you feel like you're there and moving around in the same space. A quick read if you dare.
Profile Image for Hannah Irene.
91 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)

A Queen for the Devil was a quick read that helped fill the gap while I worked my way through another book. Since it's so short, I expected the plot to be a little underdeveloped, and that ended up being the case. The story itself was entertaining enough, but one thing really pulled me out of it.

Vanessa's reaction to being kidnapped and assaulted by Jake felt incredibly unrealistic to me. I kept waiting for some kind of emotional breakdown, anger, or fight for survival, but instead there was almost immediate acceptance. That made it difficult for me to connect with the story because such a significant trauma deserved more emotional weight.

Overall, it was a decent, fast read that kept me turning the pages, even if it didn't fully deliver on the emotional side. I ended up giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Cheyenne  Cheyenne   .
572 reviews16 followers
August 17, 2025
Captive 1 - Llianne Olivo

I’m so glad I got to see more Vanessa and Jake! I loved the original version of this story, but I love the new version so much more. I love how fierce Vanessa was in the original book and it’s just amplified more here. I love that we get more details on her and her life as well as with Jake. The writing is still so incredible. I adored and highly recommended the original and it’s the same for the newest version as well. I highly recommend this series and this author! I’m so glad to have been gifted a copy of the book.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 Captive, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ captive romance, kidnapper romance, BDSM, erotica, novella, billionaire romance, age gaps, polyamory
Profile Image for Bisma Shahbaz.
162 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW⭐⭐⭐(3.5/5)

"A Queen for the Devil" surprised me with how much I enjoyed it, despite a slow start due to heavy descriptions. The story really picked up in the middle, drawing me in. It’s a dark, stalker erotic romance featuring intense relationships and morally complex characters.

Vanessa and Jack’s connection was captivating, though I found Vanessa opening up to Jack a bit too fast. Jack's character turned out to be more compelling than I anticipated.

Overall, once it hit its stride, the story was engaging, and I loved the ending. I recommend it to fans of dark romances with complex chemistry.

I received an advance review copy and wanted to share my thoughts!
Profile Image for Que.
61 reviews
July 11, 2026
If you’re seeking a romance that’s not overly sweet and predictable, this dark romance is a must-read. The story is intense, emotionally charged, and filled with suspense that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, and their intricate relationship makes each chapter more captivating than the last.

The darker themes add depth to the narrative, so be sure to review the content warnings before diving in. Overall, it’s a gripping read that delivers strong emotions, unforgettable characters, and plenty of twists. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to readers who appreciate morally ambiguous characters and intense romance.
Profile Image for Nuggies Notes.
15 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2026
I hate to do this, but I have to give this 3 stars.

I felt quite lost throughout the book. There is descriptive writing, but I still couldn't quite understand exactly where I was. I tried to imagine, but I found it quite difficult to make sense of every scene. I feel like the spiciness of this book was presented as an extreme, "brace yourself" vibe, but I was not at all shown that. I did eventually find it a bit decent as time went on.
I did enjoy the MMC, Jake.
The book is a short read that can be read in one sitting.
Profile Image for Tina.
91 reviews8 followers
July 20, 2026
A Queen for the Devil is a dark stalker romance, told from a dual POV, as Jake and Vanessa are damaged souls looking for acceptance and a place to belong. Dark and gritty. Check those trigger warnings!

Super quick read and recommend to all my dark romance girlies!

Thank you to the author (Llianne Olivo) and Book Sirens for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC, and I'm providing my honest review!
Profile Image for L. P. Koski.
3 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2025
This book surprised me. First I thought it wasn’t for me. I like dark romance and morally grey characters, but this with its list of content warnings felt almost intimidating. Still, my curiousity kept me reading, page after page. It captivated me (pun intended). The ending was kind of unexpected, and I loved it.
What first felt like it’d be too much ended up being not enough. Now I want more.
Profile Image for EvermoreReadsandReviews.
107 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2025
This was a very good read. It took something tortured and dark and made it beautiful. The story left you wondering more about the characters and where their story was going to go. I can't wait to read part 2 and see how the rest of their story unfolds.
Profile Image for Darkromancearabia Jin.
602 reviews47 followers
August 20, 2025
I received this first part of the book through BookFunnel, along with the author’s note and trigger warnings. From the start, Llianne made it clear: this story is very dark, meant for readers who can handle the intensity. She wasn’t exaggerating. However, for me, that’s exactly what made it work.

Normally, I dislike age-gap romances, but here it didn’t feel like the focus. Vanessa gave as much as she took, and Jake wasn’t the one in full control. In many ways, she dominated him, experiencing a raw, unapologetic sexual awakening that felt both dangerous and liberating.

I may not share these urges personally, but I can recognize when an author writes them with authenticity. And Llianne did. The writing is bold, unflinching, and it doesn’t try to soften the edges.

I’ll definitely be waiting for Part 2. Dark romance readers: you’ve been warned; but if you’re truly “pitch-black dark” like me, you might end up loving it too.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Cheyenne  Cheyenne   .
572 reviews16 followers
August 19, 2025
Captive 1 - Llianne Olivo

I’m so glad I got to see more Vanessa and Jake! I loved the original version of this story, but I love the new version so much more. I love how fierce Vanessa was in the original book and it’s just amplified more here. I love that we get more details on her and her life as well as with Jake. The writing is still so incredible. I adored and highly recommended the original and it’s the same for the newest version as well. I highly recommend this series and this author! I’m so glad to have been gifted a copy of the book.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 Devils Dynasty, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ captive romance, kidnapper romance, BDSM, erotica, novella, billionaire romance, age gaps, polyamory
Profile Image for Ladenia27.
154 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2025
Captive part 1 is a very, very dark romance, not for the faint hearted, consider yourself warned.

Check trigger warnings before even thinking about reading this.

Ok, you want to advance?

This will be a deep dive into a very graphic, sinful, depraved and taboo world, where you will not be safe, but where you might find yourself side by side with the characters, stripped of shame, preconceived ideas and notions. Or at the very least you’ll enjoy on hell of a ride!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
57 reviews
December 17, 2025
I just can't get past the double point of view, every other chapter a copy of the one before, just a different point of view. It is just making the book twice as long without adding anything to the storyline. I quit about 15% into the story. I think it would be a good story without it.
Profile Image for Shelbi Holt.
117 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2026
This was such a fun and wild read! I wish it was a little longer but now that I know there are more books I’m excited to dive in deeper! This was raw and so spicy, but in an achingly beautiful way. Letting go and being with someone who sees the real you. Loved it!
Profile Image for Helena Overend.
29 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was dark, intense, obsessive and I loved it!!

It was fast paced not once was I left wondering or bored. From the very first chapter I was all in!

Vanessa had spent her entire life being controlled. Controlled by her parents. Controlled by the family business. Controlled by expectations. She was never really allowed to be herself… more pawn than daughter, more asset than person. She had been so conditioned to obey that she no longer knew what she wanted, who she was, or what it meant to truly value herself.

Then came Jake.

Jake knew Vanessa. He understood exactly how she had been shaped.

Their relationship is intense, complicated and definitely not your conventional love story. There are moments that made me uncomfortable, moments that had me questioning everything, and moments where I found myself completely caught up in the pull between these two.

Vanessa’s journey of discovering herself, her worth and what she actually wants and the acceptance of her true self, unfolded beautifully.

And Jake… well, I was kinda drawn to him, dark depravity and all!

This is dark, obsessive, possessive and comes with plenty of content warnings.

A dangerous love story. A complicated obsession.

I can’t wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for Tei Past Midnight.
30 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2026
A Queen for the Devil (The Captive Trilogy #1), Llianne Olivo
🤭Review of advanced readers copy

⭐Rating: 3/5
🔥Spice: 4/5
🖼️Cover: 3/5
😭Tears Shed: 0/5

⚠️ Contains Pitch black/ Dark/BDSM themes and relationship conflict. Check content warnings before reading.
Vanessa has spent her life being moulded into the perfect heiress of her family's whiskey empire. Returning home after years abroad, her future seems mapped out—until a chance encounter with photographer Jake changes everything. After she's drugged and taken to his secluded warehouse, Vanessa finds herself caught in a world built on control, obsession, and desire. As their connection deepens, the lines between captor and willing partner begin to blur, leading Vanessa to question whether she's truly a prisoner... or if she's finally found where she belongs.
This was an interesting start to the trilogy. The opening chapters were a little slow for me, and it took a while before I felt invested in the story. Once the relationship between Jake and Vanessa started developing, though, the pacing picked up and I found myself finishing the novella over a couple of days.
Jake is very much a morally grey character. While his actions are unquestionably dark, the story gradually shifts its focus from kidnapping to the unconventional relationship the two build together. I also appreciated that the BDSM elements felt well researched and naturally incorporated into the story rather than simply being there for shock value.
My biggest criticism is that I expected the book to feel darker than it ultimately did. Based on the premise and content warnings, I was anticipating something far more confronting. Instead, I found it leaned more into the psychological relationship between the characters than outright brutality. That's not necessarily a bad thing—it just wasn't quite what I expected going in.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but I also felt there was room to push both the emotional tension and the storyline further. I'm still curious enough to continue the trilogy and see where the series goes next.

Fave Quotes:


📚 Recommended for readers who enjoy:
• Dark romance
• Captive/captor dynamics
• Age gap BDSM themes
• Possessive MMC
• BDSM themes
• Kidnapping / Captivity Themes
• Novella

Profile Image for LucyFaeBae.
42 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2026
Unapologetic Darkness & Obsession

~ She wears her crown in lace and blood.
I wear my damnation in ink and bone.


I started this book at 11:30pm, finished it around 2am. I absolutely devoured this book! It's a short read but doesn't lack substance or spice. I won't even talk about the spice scenes, but they sure do get your heart racing… 😏

I will say, this story isn't for everyone, it's a Pitch-black romance for a reason. So check those trigger warnings. There are times I felt unsettled for sure! I decided to go in blind, and saying this book was dark and twisted is definitely an understatement. There were parts of this book that were morally wrong, the MMC Jake isn't much of a hero (more like an obsessed c@pt0r) but the tone shifts eventually. When it does?! Hold the f**k on.

Within the pitch-black darkness? Dare I say there was such beauty in the depravity between Vanessa and Jake that had me craving more. This book was shameless, had atmospheric storytelling and explored all aspects of the BD$M culture. Llianne Olivo is such an unapologetic author, and I am so here for it!!! I can't wait to read book two!
Profile Image for Twisted Bookworm.
71 reviews8 followers
July 15, 2026
This isn't a romance you pick up expecting redemption, healing, or a deeply layered plot. It's an obsession-driven dark romance that fully commits to its premise, and I appreciated that it never pretended to be anything else.

Jake is a morally black hero who embraces the monster he believes himself to be, often referring to himself as the devil throughout the story. The recurring religious imagery adds to the atmosphere without overshadowing the relationship itself.

What kept me invested wasn't the plot—it was the dynamic between Jake and Vanessa. She doesn't simply accept her circumstances. She fights back, challenges him, and creates a constant push and pull that made their interactions far more engaging.

I do wish we had more character development and backstory for both of them, as well as a little more external conflict. Still, if you're looking for an intense, psychologically charged dark romance that prioritizes obsession and atmosphere over plot, this delivers.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading.

⭐ 4.25/5
Profile Image for Kelly Martini.
95 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please check your triggers before reading as this took me by suprise.

I enjoyed this book although the writing style may not be for some it was very discriptive and made you think about the charictor. It definatly helped you get into thier headspaces and how they processed the world around them. This while confusing at first was easy for me to get into letting me understand how they felt. The dark themes where done well and quite detailed with good explanations of whats happaning. I deeply enjoyed it however I will say I was not expecting it to go the way it did.
This author is good at the writing that I have read and I will deffinatly look up more of her work.

The charictors are well voiced and thought about with how they are written and how they come across, The plot worked with the story and it all felt like everything clicked well with this story.
11 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2026
This was my first book by Llianne Olivo, and I wasn't expecting so many twists. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, something changed. It definitely kept me hooked from beginning to end.

What stood out the most was the relationshipbetween Jake and Vanessa. It isn't a sweet or traditional romance. It's dark, complicated, and full of tension. Their dynamic constantly made me question what would happen next.

I also liked that the story explores themes like obsession, control, and power instead of trying to make everything feel romantic. The morally grey characters made the story even more interesting because their choices aren't always easy to agree with.

Even though it's only around 100 pages, it still manages to build suspense and leave you wanting more. If you enjoy dark romances with obsessive characters, unexpected twists, and morally grey leads, this is definitely worth checking out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews