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Saint View Murder Squad #1
X's and O's: Alternate Cover
One minute I’m cleaning toilets for minimum wage.
The next, I’m waking up from a drug-induced nap with a monster staring down at me.
Kidnapped and seconds from death, I think I’m done for…
Until masked men burst in, murder my attacker, and turn my world upside down.
They call themselves Murder Squad.
A secret brotherhood of broken men who only kill the worst of the worst.
And one of them thinks I’m his wife.
X is unhinged, obsessed, and deadly. A psychopath who hides behind bad jokes and bloodstained fingers.
Whip’s older, grumpy, and used to women paying him to worship them. But when he finds out I’m a virgin, he can’t keep his hands off my plus-size curves.
And Levi? One year of handwritten letters was all it took to fall in love with a man I’d never met. My prison pen pal turned killer, fighting his darkness for a second chance.
But they aren’t the only psychopaths in Saint View.
Someone’s playing a twisted game, leaving rhyming threats and promising to end us all if we don’t stop them first.
With every lie we uncover, every secret we expose, the danger mounts.
Until there’s only one thing we know for sure.
There’s a killer out there.
And this time, he’s hunting us.
X’s and O’s is a dark rom com. It’s an adult, why choose romance, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. You can expect a plus size, tall heroine, psycho heroes, a murder mystery, and a spicy club. This book contains romantic suspense and triggering themes. It is the first book in an ongoing trilogy.
The next, I’m waking up from a drug-induced nap with a monster staring down at me.
Kidnapped and seconds from death, I think I’m done for…
Until masked men burst in, murder my attacker, and turn my world upside down.
They call themselves Murder Squad.
A secret brotherhood of broken men who only kill the worst of the worst.
And one of them thinks I’m his wife.
X is unhinged, obsessed, and deadly. A psychopath who hides behind bad jokes and bloodstained fingers.
Whip’s older, grumpy, and used to women paying him to worship them. But when he finds out I’m a virgin, he can’t keep his hands off my plus-size curves.
And Levi? One year of handwritten letters was all it took to fall in love with a man I’d never met. My prison pen pal turned killer, fighting his darkness for a second chance.
But they aren’t the only psychopaths in Saint View.
Someone’s playing a twisted game, leaving rhyming threats and promising to end us all if we don’t stop them first.
With every lie we uncover, every secret we expose, the danger mounts.
Until there’s only one thing we know for sure.
There’s a killer out there.
And this time, he’s hunting us.
X’s and O’s is a dark rom com. It’s an adult, why choose romance, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. You can expect a plus size, tall heroine, psycho heroes, a murder mystery, and a spicy club. This book contains romantic suspense and triggering themes. It is the first book in an ongoing trilogy.
428 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2025
5719 people are currently reading
6177 people want to read
About the author
Elle Thorpe
57 books4,600 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Elle Thorpe is the author of over thirty romance titles, including Amazon top ten books, Start a War and Locked Up Liars. She is best known for her dark reverse harems, and sexy small town romances.
When she's not writing, she's probably out on her family's alpaca farm in rural Australia.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellethorpebooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellethorpebooks
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellethorpebooks
When she's not writing, she's probably out on her family's alpaca farm in rural Australia.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellethorpebooks
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellethorpebooks
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellethorpebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 883 reviews
September 7, 2025
Why does this have such high ratings?! I was so excited when I saw we would get a plus sized FMC. Man this let me down though. She was extremely unlikable and just unbelievable to be honest. Obsessing the entire time about her poor self esteem. Girl you have 3 hot men after you, I think at some point you would start believing in yourself a bit. And the way she treated Levi when he had just gotten out, didn’t give him a chance to explain even though she claims she loved him?! Make it make sense?
It was too much comedy and silliness for me when it should have been serious. The spice was meh and the plot was a hot mess. All over the place, and I’m sorry but there are cliffhangers and then there is the way the author literally just didn’t finish this book. Wtf was that? I won’t be continuing. There was just so much wrong with this book. I could go on but I’ve wasted enough time on this already.
It was too much comedy and silliness for me when it should have been serious. The spice was meh and the plot was a hot mess. All over the place, and I’m sorry but there are cliffhangers and then there is the way the author literally just didn’t finish this book. Wtf was that? I won’t be continuing. There was just so much wrong with this book. I could go on but I’ve wasted enough time on this already.
August 18, 2025
Every time i go back to Saint View, i feel like im coming home.
Seriously, this is becoming my favorite Saint View series & I’ve loved them all. They just keep getting better & better.
Paul is the creepiest creep whoever creeped.
SEEING ROWE AGAINNNNN 😭❤️ god, i love my Saint View people. Seeing Bliss & baby Ridge, my heart is happy right now.
I’ve loved every single Saint View series I’ve read from Elle, but X’s & O’s has had me laughing my ass off from start to finish.
“This is so ridiculous. I have a psychopath in love with me, don’t I?” 🤣🤣🤣🤣
X is exactly the batshit crazy MMC everyone needs.
“I challenge you to a duel, sir.”
Whip squinted. “What the fuck for?”
“For her hand, of course!”
The banter is top tier. 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
Everyone needs to read this book immediately because it’s just the best. I’ve laughed the whole time….until the end, ofc.
THAT CLIFFHANGER THO WHYYY 😭😭😭
#teamCrazyPants
Seriously, this is becoming my favorite Saint View series & I’ve loved them all. They just keep getting better & better.
Paul is the creepiest creep whoever creeped.
SEEING ROWE AGAINNNNN 😭❤️ god, i love my Saint View people. Seeing Bliss & baby Ridge, my heart is happy right now.
I’ve loved every single Saint View series I’ve read from Elle, but X’s & O’s has had me laughing my ass off from start to finish.
“This is so ridiculous. I have a psychopath in love with me, don’t I?” 🤣🤣🤣🤣
X is exactly the batshit crazy MMC everyone needs.
“I challenge you to a duel, sir.”
Whip squinted. “What the fuck for?”
“For her hand, of course!”
The banter is top tier. 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
Everyone needs to read this book immediately because it’s just the best. I’ve laughed the whole time….until the end, ofc.
THAT CLIFFHANGER THO WHYYY 😭😭😭
#teamCrazyPants
August 18, 2025
“𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒂 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.” “𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑾𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑾.”
New obsession unlocked! I am completely invested and hooked by these men, especially X. The way he made me actually laugh out loud with his craziness was insane. The humor in this book is top-tier. Elle did it again, another amazing Saint View trilogy, and wow, I was mentally prepared and expecting the cliffhanger, but it still wrecked me. This book did not disappoint, I loved every second of it, and now I’ll be anxiously counting the days for book two, Whips and Chains.
Now, about the characters. Violet and her 3 obsessed men, X, Whip, and Levi. She was just a simple cleaner, surviving every day until these three men came and turned her world upside down. First, Levi, who spent six years in prison, connected with Violet through a pen pal program, but what started as a fun activity turned into so much more. Then there’s X, the wild card she met on possibly the worst day of her life, who refused to leave her alone afterward, and Whip, the unexpected silver fox that had a lot more to offer her than she thought.
𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒔. “𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒕, 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆. 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆.”
🖤 plus size, tall heroine
🦆 dark rom com
🖤 why choose
😈 twisted games
🦆 so much banter
🌶 sěx club
🔪 murder mystery
😈 k!ller psŷcho heroes
🖤 Fang’s sister
🦆 Scythe’s bestie
New obsession unlocked! I am completely invested and hooked by these men, especially X. The way he made me actually laugh out loud with his craziness was insane. The humor in this book is top-tier. Elle did it again, another amazing Saint View trilogy, and wow, I was mentally prepared and expecting the cliffhanger, but it still wrecked me. This book did not disappoint, I loved every second of it, and now I’ll be anxiously counting the days for book two, Whips and Chains.
Now, about the characters. Violet and her 3 obsessed men, X, Whip, and Levi. She was just a simple cleaner, surviving every day until these three men came and turned her world upside down. First, Levi, who spent six years in prison, connected with Violet through a pen pal program, but what started as a fun activity turned into so much more. Then there’s X, the wild card she met on possibly the worst day of her life, who refused to leave her alone afterward, and Whip, the unexpected silver fox that had a lot more to offer her than she thought.
𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒔. “𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒕, 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆. 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒔𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆.”
🖤 plus size, tall heroine
🦆 dark rom com
🖤 why choose
😈 twisted games
🦆 so much banter
🌶 sěx club
🔪 murder mystery
😈 k!ller psŷcho heroes
🖤 Fang’s sister
🦆 Scythe’s bestie
August 15, 2025
If you read Elle Thorpe’s Saint View Psychos series and fell under Scythe’s magnetic spell, then don’t miss out on X’s and O’s! This first book in the Saint View Murder Squad trilogy features X who could be Scythe 2.0 if you made him a murder puppy on a sugar high (in the best way!)
In addition to X, there are two other MMCs vying for the FMC’s attention (this is a why-choose romance). Violet is yet another example of the author’s ability to create female characters who feel like real people. Violet is a loyal friend, a hard worker, and struggles with self-esteem issues, despite being a beautiful statuesque goddess. Through no fault of her own, she gets drawn into a terrifying situation that drops her right in the middle of these three dangerous(ly attractive) men.
This was a wild ride from beginning to end, and I could not put it down for anything. It does end on a cliffhanger (and it hurts!) but we only have to wait a month in between releases! There is dark content so mind the triggers, but I can’t recommend this book enough!
In addition to X, there are two other MMCs vying for the FMC’s attention (this is a why-choose romance). Violet is yet another example of the author’s ability to create female characters who feel like real people. Violet is a loyal friend, a hard worker, and struggles with self-esteem issues, despite being a beautiful statuesque goddess. Through no fault of her own, she gets drawn into a terrifying situation that drops her right in the middle of these three dangerous(ly attractive) men.
This was a wild ride from beginning to end, and I could not put it down for anything. It does end on a cliffhanger (and it hurts!) but we only have to wait a month in between releases! There is dark content so mind the triggers, but I can’t recommend this book enough!
August 29, 2025
dislike main fc
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
.
.
For me personally I would have rated the book lower. But it’s well written and I’m assuming others would enjoy. I just couldn’t after the main fc who was so self conscious that her insecurities were pushed onto Levi. And like everyone else was blaming him as well as himself. Dude just got out of prison… and only her feelings matter? Nah. And then I tried to carry on only to get to the part where she’s telling him he has issues and to not to take it out on others when it’s him that has the issues. Hypocritical much? Then the other gals saying make him grovel. After that I had to bounce.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
.
.
For me personally I would have rated the book lower. But it’s well written and I’m assuming others would enjoy. I just couldn’t after the main fc who was so self conscious that her insecurities were pushed onto Levi. And like everyone else was blaming him as well as himself. Dude just got out of prison… and only her feelings matter? Nah. And then I tried to carry on only to get to the part where she’s telling him he has issues and to not to take it out on others when it’s him that has the issues. Hypocritical much? Then the other gals saying make him grovel. After that I had to bounce.
August 21, 2025
BAG OF FLYING DICKS 🍆🪽
hello, now that I have your attention I would like to tell you about a sweet little love story.
X’s and O’s by daddy @ellethorpebooks 📚
And my sweet little story, I mean a delicious little story about a squad of murderers, their foul mouths, they’re totally ripped bodies, their affliction to make everyone in their vicinity cüm, and a sweet little tale about a plus size FMC who is LIVING MY FUCKING DREAM.
Anybody who knows me know that I am down bad for anything Saint View. And anybody who knows that also knows that daddy Scythe owns my literal nipples. THEN HER COMES X.. aye aye aye aye. the romantic he is. sprinkle my silver foxxy Whip & a totally butt naked Levi and BAM, my favorite Saint View book so far (sorry daddy Scythe, feel free to torture me extremely sexually tho).
binged this baby like it was my whole job.
if elle thorpe has a million fans, i am one of them
if elle thorpe has one fan, it is me
if elle thorpe has no fans, i am DED.. just like my b.o.b.
roses are red
my vibrator is green
Whip, Levi & X could run a train
if you know what i mean 😝
hello, now that I have your attention I would like to tell you about a sweet little love story.
X’s and O’s by daddy @ellethorpebooks 📚
And my sweet little story, I mean a delicious little story about a squad of murderers, their foul mouths, they’re totally ripped bodies, their affliction to make everyone in their vicinity cüm, and a sweet little tale about a plus size FMC who is LIVING MY FUCKING DREAM.
Anybody who knows me know that I am down bad for anything Saint View. And anybody who knows that also knows that daddy Scythe owns my literal nipples. THEN HER COMES X.. aye aye aye aye. the romantic he is. sprinkle my silver foxxy Whip & a totally butt naked Levi and BAM, my favorite Saint View book so far (sorry daddy Scythe, feel free to torture me extremely sexually tho).
binged this baby like it was my whole job.
if elle thorpe has a million fans, i am one of them
if elle thorpe has one fan, it is me
if elle thorpe has no fans, i am DED.. just like my b.o.b.
roses are red
my vibrator is green
Whip, Levi & X could run a train
if you know what i mean 😝
August 23, 2025
Oh god the voices are so bad. Some sound like AI and one has a really bad lisp that should never say “suck on your sweet” anything. The female voice ends every single phrase with almost a valley girl drawn out word at the end and it’s grating on my nerves. I’m paying more attention to that than the story. Violet has fat trauma and it’s so unrealistic in this scenario. She’s obviously hot and 30, not like still 15 and doesn’t yet know how people see her. She’s weak and naive I can’t relate. And 30…30! and still a virgin?. I’m a big girl too, but if someone told me they loved me, my first reaction wouldn’t be “but…but I’m fat” Levi can’t just say “Sorry but I need to fix myself first”? How hard is that!? I feel like all other reviews read a different book. I can’t finish it, I tried so hard.
August 24, 2025
• Dark Romcom
• Reverse harem
• Romantic suspense
• UNHINGED MMCs
• Prison Penpals
• High angst in the best way
• Saint View world
• Hilarious banter
• Neurodivergent MMC
• Tall and Curvy FMC
• MC romance
• Book 1 out of 3
“Your kn*fe pose is really coming along nicely,” I said sarcastically.
He brought his hands together and bowed his head. “Namastab.”
Brace yourselves because my review is long! And full of soooo much love for this book!
When I found Elle's books a few years ago I immediately became hooked on her writing. And through every book I become more and more of a fan of her writing. Honestly didn’t even know it was possible! This book had me feel all kinds of feels. From the beginning she had me hooked.
And what a way to open the book! If you have read the previous trilogy you kind of have an idea where she opens this book, but we got way more context! And I will never be over X and Scythe together. They are seriously my dream team!
My obsession for Scythe has run so deep. Whenever asked who my favorite book boyfriend is I can immediately say without hesitation Vincent/Scythe Atwood! BUT X, sweet sweet X, is giving my love for Scythe a run for its money!
• X is EVERYTHING!
There is something about the way Elle writes these completely unhinged MMCs that just makes you wanna hug them. X instantly had me cracking up!
I loved his character in the previous series, so getting to be in his head!! I’m in love! The way he instantly became so infatuated with Violet, even though she was hurling kitchen utensils at him had me cracking up! And every time he referred to her as his wife... even to Whip and Levi. Ahh! I loved it!
His character could not have been better written. We needed this MMC from Elle. And boy did she deliver the best of the best!
"I leaned back on them and watched the only woman who’d ever made me feel anything, other than chaos, sleep. That lasted all of three minutes before I got bored."
• Whip. Daddy Whip.
This grumpy man! Oh how Violet needed this man in her life. These two are the ultimate age gap, giving the sweetest caretaking vibe. I LOVE the dynamic Elle created between their characters. Heavy angst with INSANE chemistry!!
And the way he handles X? I was cracking up! They’re absolutely hilarious together! The sarcasm that came every time X would call him his best friend, or ex best friend, was gold!! I can’t wait for more of X and Whip. Especially their m**der squad scenes! 🤣
“You calling her ‘my Violet’ does not help my rage issues. I’m also revoking our best friend status.”
“I’m devastated,” Whip deadpanned. “However will I go on?”
• Levi.
I can’t wait to get to know Levi more! Elle always does such an amazing job of giving one of the men a spotlight for each of her books. But that means that one MMC is usually left in the shadows… until it’s finally his time to shine.
I absolutely LOVE that she does this! It gives you a chance to slowly fall more and more in love with each of the characters. Because I’m not sure my heart could take all the intensity at once! Elle always saves something special for the ones we’ve been waiting on.
I am thoroughly enjoying the angst between him and Violet. And the chemistry between him and Whip? Dare I say there might be something brewing between these two! 🔥
"I was getting on the straight and narrow. And then I was getting my girl."
• Violet.
Did I save the best for last... I sure did. Violet’s character was absolute perfection! As good as Elle is at writing unhinged MMCs, she is equally as good at writing vulnerable FMCs with those little touches of insecurity that make them feel so real. And they’re always so relatable!
Seeing these men have a “friendly” competition over Violet was so well done. This woman deserved all the love! Violet had this beautiful mix of strength and softness that made her impossible not to root for. I’m looking forward to getting to see her get the HEA she deserves!
• Cliffhanger reaction:
OH MY HEART!!!!!!! What an ending! How the heck am I going to go on without book two! When I tell you I’m feral for its release, I MEAN IT! Elle has given us some brutal cliffhangers before, but I think this one might just have topped them all!!
I can’t wait to see where Elle takes this series. I’m so hooked!
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Duet multi-cast narration with sound effects.
Performance by:
Kelsey Navarro-Foster as Violet
Gregory Salinas as X
Sean Crisden as Whip
Theo Sinclair as Levi
The perfect cast does exist and somehow Elle always finds it! I am so obsessed with this cast. Each of them did such an incredible job bringing these characters to life! Every performance fit so perfectly!! All the emotion, tension, and banter couldn’t have been delivered any better.
Kelsey’s performance for Violet was so tender. She did such an incredible job bringing out both her soft and feisty side.
Gregory gave us THE PERFECT X! Gosh, where do I even begin. His performance as X was INSANE. I can't tell you how many times I didnt even feel like I was listening. Hands down one of my favorite performances of all time!
Sean’s voice fit Daddy Whip’s character so well! He brought out those mature and professional vibes Whip has so perfectly. And when Whip was annoyed with X, the tone of his voice was absolutely spot on!
This was my first time listening to Theo and I have already gone through a list of books he’s narrated and added them to my TBL! His performance as Levi was so well done. Out of all the characters, I think Levi was the most vulnerable, and Theo captured that side of him beautifully.
Also… Elle ending the book with sound effects in the last chapter!!! AHHH! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This audiobook was already a top performance for me, and then she threw in that!
I can’t recommend this book enough. But do yourself a favor and listen to it as an audiobook. Heck, immersive read it like I did, you won’t regret it!!
• Reverse harem
• Romantic suspense
• UNHINGED MMCs
• Prison Penpals
• High angst in the best way
• Saint View world
• Hilarious banter
• Neurodivergent MMC
• Tall and Curvy FMC
• MC romance
• Book 1 out of 3
“Your kn*fe pose is really coming along nicely,” I said sarcastically.
He brought his hands together and bowed his head. “Namastab.”
Brace yourselves because my review is long! And full of soooo much love for this book!
When I found Elle's books a few years ago I immediately became hooked on her writing. And through every book I become more and more of a fan of her writing. Honestly didn’t even know it was possible! This book had me feel all kinds of feels. From the beginning she had me hooked.
And what a way to open the book! If you have read the previous trilogy you kind of have an idea where she opens this book, but we got way more context! And I will never be over X and Scythe together. They are seriously my dream team!
My obsession for Scythe has run so deep. Whenever asked who my favorite book boyfriend is I can immediately say without hesitation Vincent/Scythe Atwood! BUT X, sweet sweet X, is giving my love for Scythe a run for its money!
• X is EVERYTHING!
There is something about the way Elle writes these completely unhinged MMCs that just makes you wanna hug them. X instantly had me cracking up!
I loved his character in the previous series, so getting to be in his head!! I’m in love! The way he instantly became so infatuated with Violet, even though she was hurling kitchen utensils at him had me cracking up! And every time he referred to her as his wife... even to Whip and Levi. Ahh! I loved it!
His character could not have been better written. We needed this MMC from Elle. And boy did she deliver the best of the best!
"I leaned back on them and watched the only woman who’d ever made me feel anything, other than chaos, sleep. That lasted all of three minutes before I got bored."
• Whip. Daddy Whip.
This grumpy man! Oh how Violet needed this man in her life. These two are the ultimate age gap, giving the sweetest caretaking vibe. I LOVE the dynamic Elle created between their characters. Heavy angst with INSANE chemistry!!
And the way he handles X? I was cracking up! They’re absolutely hilarious together! The sarcasm that came every time X would call him his best friend, or ex best friend, was gold!! I can’t wait for more of X and Whip. Especially their m**der squad scenes! 🤣
“You calling her ‘my Violet’ does not help my rage issues. I’m also revoking our best friend status.”
“I’m devastated,” Whip deadpanned. “However will I go on?”
• Levi.
I can’t wait to get to know Levi more! Elle always does such an amazing job of giving one of the men a spotlight for each of her books. But that means that one MMC is usually left in the shadows… until it’s finally his time to shine.
I absolutely LOVE that she does this! It gives you a chance to slowly fall more and more in love with each of the characters. Because I’m not sure my heart could take all the intensity at once! Elle always saves something special for the ones we’ve been waiting on.
I am thoroughly enjoying the angst between him and Violet. And the chemistry between him and Whip? Dare I say there might be something brewing between these two! 🔥
"I was getting on the straight and narrow. And then I was getting my girl."
• Violet.
Did I save the best for last... I sure did. Violet’s character was absolute perfection! As good as Elle is at writing unhinged MMCs, she is equally as good at writing vulnerable FMCs with those little touches of insecurity that make them feel so real. And they’re always so relatable!
Seeing these men have a “friendly” competition over Violet was so well done. This woman deserved all the love! Violet had this beautiful mix of strength and softness that made her impossible not to root for. I’m looking forward to getting to see her get the HEA she deserves!
• Cliffhanger reaction:
OH MY HEART!!!!!!! What an ending! How the heck am I going to go on without book two! When I tell you I’m feral for its release, I MEAN IT! Elle has given us some brutal cliffhangers before, but I think this one might just have topped them all!!
I can’t wait to see where Elle takes this series. I’m so hooked!
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Duet multi-cast narration with sound effects.
Performance by:
Kelsey Navarro-Foster as Violet
Gregory Salinas as X
Sean Crisden as Whip
Theo Sinclair as Levi
The perfect cast does exist and somehow Elle always finds it! I am so obsessed with this cast. Each of them did such an incredible job bringing these characters to life! Every performance fit so perfectly!! All the emotion, tension, and banter couldn’t have been delivered any better.
Kelsey’s performance for Violet was so tender. She did such an incredible job bringing out both her soft and feisty side.
Gregory gave us THE PERFECT X! Gosh, where do I even begin. His performance as X was INSANE. I can't tell you how many times I didnt even feel like I was listening. Hands down one of my favorite performances of all time!
Sean’s voice fit Daddy Whip’s character so well! He brought out those mature and professional vibes Whip has so perfectly. And when Whip was annoyed with X, the tone of his voice was absolutely spot on!
This was my first time listening to Theo and I have already gone through a list of books he’s narrated and added them to my TBL! His performance as Levi was so well done. Out of all the characters, I think Levi was the most vulnerable, and Theo captured that side of him beautifully.
Also… Elle ending the book with sound effects in the last chapter!!! AHHH! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This audiobook was already a top performance for me, and then she threw in that!
I can’t recommend this book enough. But do yourself a favor and listen to it as an audiobook. Heck, immersive read it like I did, you won’t regret it!!
November 29, 2025
WTF. This is one hot mess, across several chapters and definitely not in a good way. We've got an insecure, self-doubting FMC, who'd love the miscommunication trope if she in fact did communicate and not flee every single interaction. We've got way too many love interests that "fight" over her like petulant children, each in their own very off-putting way. We've got some overarching plot, that does not even make the slightest bit of sense at the end of book one and to top it all off: we've got a cliffhanger that doesn't let you hang onto the cliff, but shout "yeet" and dive headfirst just to be done with the book.
Honestly, I thought cliffhangers were supposed to keep the reader intrigued, hyped for the next book ... I closed this book, deleted all subsequent books of this series from my kindle and reconsidered my reading choices.
The quest searching for well-written, balanced, dark romance continues.
Honestly, I thought cliffhangers were supposed to keep the reader intrigued, hyped for the next book ... I closed this book, deleted all subsequent books of this series from my kindle and reconsidered my reading choices.
The quest searching for well-written, balanced, dark romance continues.
October 27, 2025
this was a fun slump buster but probs won't continue
August 21, 2025
don’t even know where to start…
Elle Thorpe has once again created characters with such detail and care you literally can’t help but keep reading to see how they grown and accidentally fall in love while doing it.
Violet, our plus-size queen (she just doesn’t know it yet), gets a rude awakening to the darker, more ✨m*rderous✨ side of Saint View.
Enter Whip, Levi, and X, chaos in human form. These men crash into her life bringing mayhem, mystery, and just enough emotional damage to keep things interesting. With only one thing they can agree on : Violet is worth fighting for!
The amount of times I CACKLED while reading this book is actually insane. The one-liners?? Top. Tier.
Violet is given one week to choose between these highly questionable men:
* Team Daddy
* Team Jailbird
* Team Crazy Pants
But honestly? Thank god it’s a reverse harem and I don’t have to choose 😘
I loved EVERYTHING about this. Pure chaos. Unhinged humor. Spicy disaster men. A plus-size heroine finally getting her moment. 10/10, I NEED book 2 IMMEDIATELY.
Elle Thorpe has once again created characters with such detail and care you literally can’t help but keep reading to see how they grown and accidentally fall in love while doing it.
Violet, our plus-size queen (she just doesn’t know it yet), gets a rude awakening to the darker, more ✨m*rderous✨ side of Saint View.
Enter Whip, Levi, and X, chaos in human form. These men crash into her life bringing mayhem, mystery, and just enough emotional damage to keep things interesting. With only one thing they can agree on : Violet is worth fighting for!
The amount of times I CACKLED while reading this book is actually insane. The one-liners?? Top. Tier.
Violet is given one week to choose between these highly questionable men:
* Team Daddy
* Team Jailbird
* Team Crazy Pants
But honestly? Thank god it’s a reverse harem and I don’t have to choose 😘
I loved EVERYTHING about this. Pure chaos. Unhinged humor. Spicy disaster men. A plus-size heroine finally getting her moment. 10/10, I NEED book 2 IMMEDIATELY.
August 20, 2025
“Don’t you know you have all the power, Violet? I couldn’t hurt you even if I wanted to. “
Omg the ending for this one! I can’t even handle waiting for the next installment for this trilogy.
Can I pick a favorite? X is tooo good, a golden retriever serial killer? Uhm yes please. I always fall for the broken boy and X with all his hilarious witty banter and uncontrollable blood thirst is too good.
Then there’s whip, sexy older man who is very skilled in more than one way
And Levi ex prisoner, pen pal sweetheart who has poured out his heart and soul but just can’t get himself fully sorted out. I love the Saint view world and the bits of bliss and rebel, scythe/Vincent, fang and the other mc guys.
This read was excellent, a lot of plot building leading to a major pivotal scene that we end on. Luckily it’s not long for the next installment but ahhhhhhh I need to know!! There was even a fun name drop of one of my favorite authors Jolie vines and her book Arrans obsession! Loved every bit of there in there! This story was so fun, dark, emotional, and unexpected. If you like why choose, dark romance, light stalking, and suspense then this is for you!
“Your knife pose is really coming along nicely,” I said sarcastically. He brought his hands together and bowed his head. “Namastab.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Omg the ending for this one! I can’t even handle waiting for the next installment for this trilogy.
Can I pick a favorite? X is tooo good, a golden retriever serial killer? Uhm yes please. I always fall for the broken boy and X with all his hilarious witty banter and uncontrollable blood thirst is too good.
Then there’s whip, sexy older man who is very skilled in more than one way
And Levi ex prisoner, pen pal sweetheart who has poured out his heart and soul but just can’t get himself fully sorted out. I love the Saint view world and the bits of bliss and rebel, scythe/Vincent, fang and the other mc guys.
This read was excellent, a lot of plot building leading to a major pivotal scene that we end on. Luckily it’s not long for the next installment but ahhhhhhh I need to know!! There was even a fun name drop of one of my favorite authors Jolie vines and her book Arrans obsession! Loved every bit of there in there! This story was so fun, dark, emotional, and unexpected. If you like why choose, dark romance, light stalking, and suspense then this is for you!
“Your knife pose is really coming along nicely,” I said sarcastically. He brought his hands together and bowed his head. “Namastab.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 8, 2025
Did I binge this in a day….yes I did!!
Violet arrives at a location due to her working as a cleaner and she gets kidnapped by her client. A Client who is also in the crosshairs of men who are wanting to get rid of bad people. Violet is rescued by said men and it’s a rollercoaster that involves her pen pal inmate who’s in love with her and men who went her for themselves.
Ate this book up… so good!!
Violet arrives at a location due to her working as a cleaner and she gets kidnapped by her client. A Client who is also in the crosshairs of men who are wanting to get rid of bad people. Violet is rescued by said men and it’s a rollercoaster that involves her pen pal inmate who’s in love with her and men who went her for themselves.
Ate this book up… so good!!
October 12, 2025
This was my first book by Elle, and I was hooked right away. I can’t believe she actually made me love psycho killers! Book one of the Murder Squad trilogy follows X, Whip, Levi, and Violet in a dark romcom that’s as funny as it is twisted. The banter is hilarious, and you can’t help but root for this chaotic group to get their happy ending.
Audiobook
Audiobook
August 15, 2025
This dark romcom delivers laughs, spice, and a good dose of suspense. Violet, a super relatable plus size FMC, ends up caught between three totally different guys, one a protective stalker, her long time prison pen pal, and a confidence coach. All the while someone’s sending creepy poems to people in her circle. Cue the vigilante chaos, sharp banter, and twist after twist. It’s wild, it’s funny, and you’ll definitely laugh along the way.
The narrators are amazing with each one giving their character such a distinct vibe, and it really takes the story to another level. It does end on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for book two.
Thank you, Elle Thorpe for the ARC/ALC.
The narrators are amazing with each one giving their character such a distinct vibe, and it really takes the story to another level. It does end on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for book two.
Thank you, Elle Thorpe for the ARC/ALC.
August 20, 2025
Listen, I only finished book 1 and I can tell you this is going to be my favorite Saint View trilogy yet, and I didn’t think anyone could beat Saint View Rebels.
Violet is absolutely awesome, I have never read a book with an FMC with my body type. This is the first one, and the way her men worship her? 😍
There were some hilarious moments in this book, usually having to do with X. I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here.
Typical Elle fashion we have a major cliffy. Idk how much longer I can wait. 😆
Violet is absolutely awesome, I have never read a book with an FMC with my body type. This is the first one, and the way her men worship her? 😍
There were some hilarious moments in this book, usually having to do with X. I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here.
Typical Elle fashion we have a major cliffy. Idk how much longer I can wait. 😆
September 17, 2025
I love the dark romcom genre. Elle Thorpe is a great writer, but I do think a book needs more than great prose to carry it through. I get that things have to be drawn out and there has to be some tension, but the plot was mid at best, trending on boring and silly in some parts. Sometimes Violet could be realistic, but at other times she was annoying, juvenile, and selfish. Sure, it’s her first real relationship, but she’s old enough to not act like a child. Her repeated self esteem issues got old, and the way she treated some of the men was appalling at times, especially Levi. This kind of reminds me of Rebel’s books, which I disliked. Bliss’ were so much better, and this had some of those elements, but there was so much lacking and a lot to be desired. Trying to balance a storyline between four people isn’t easy. I get that. I just wish there were less times I wanted to throw this book across the room (my phone I guess, since I read the kindle version). I’m not feeling the love between any of the guys the way I have in some of the other books. It feels forced. And why are they so obsessed with Violet? The way she acts is a massive turnoff at least half the time.
August 7, 2025
Scythe maybe the OG psycho in Saint View but I think his humour and lovable nature maybe be usurped with the arrival of X. I did not stop laughing at his phrases and displays of affection towards Violet throughout and was definitely the highlight of this book.
Daddy Whip was the decadence I wasn’t expecting at all, even after we had met him previously, Elles choice of character development for him definitely went in the right direction.
Levi, such a sweety but can’t catch a break bless him. We are used to our Saint View heroines being self critical and lacking confidence but to also see it in one of the story MCs worked really well and added to the drama.
The normal murder mystery that runs through each individual series in Saint View has ramped up this time round, the clues are harder to work out and that cliffhanger ending… I’ve got to admit I screamed with annoyance, but only because I’ve got to wait a month to read book two.
Daddy Whip was the decadence I wasn’t expecting at all, even after we had met him previously, Elles choice of character development for him definitely went in the right direction.
Levi, such a sweety but can’t catch a break bless him. We are used to our Saint View heroines being self critical and lacking confidence but to also see it in one of the story MCs worked really well and added to the drama.
The normal murder mystery that runs through each individual series in Saint View has ramped up this time round, the clues are harder to work out and that cliffhanger ending… I’ve got to admit I screamed with annoyance, but only because I’ve got to wait a month to read book two.
August 30, 2025
Author’s Greed Ruins Story
This author has a terrible habit of publishing half a story and pretending it’s a whole book. Save yourself the trouble and wait until the last book releases then only read them if they’re free on Kindle.
Then you’ll see that all three books could easily have been published as one book.
This author has a terrible habit of publishing half a story and pretending it’s a whole book. Save yourself the trouble and wait until the last book releases then only read them if they’re free on Kindle.
Then you’ll see that all three books could easily have been published as one book.
October 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 3🌶️
Why choose indeeeddddd!!!
* loses .5 because I don't quite feel the chemistry yet and when someone says they love you why would you say basically 'but I'm fat?'
Ummm WOW I thought I enjoyed Kara, Hawk, Hayden and Gray, but the murder squad takes the freaking cake.
I haven't personally done the rest of the Saint View universe but I feel like I'm in too deep now to go back now I know the rest of the characters and their poly relationships so well.
This was so good, I can't get over X 😂 what an absolutely hoot.
I HIGHLY recommend listening to it as it's almost dramatised but it's so much better with all the characters having their own voices.
Listened to it in under 24 hours which says a lot because my audio books are usually just to get me to work for the next few weeks. My drive to work is 9 minutes....
Our story starts with Violet cleaning a house, a house of a murderer. During which time our murder squad is on their way to kill said murderer.
When X sees Violet he decides she must be his wife.
Violet employs a sex worker to teacher her how to be confident in the bedroom, she hires X's best friend Whip.
X didn't know this was Whips job as they don't know each others real names or job or anything person, becauseee murder squad.
Violet has been a pen pal with a prisoner who just got people, Levi. Levi is in the MC club, the Slayers who we all know and love.
Levi's friends and club members all know and love X and Whip. X doesn't love Levi because it's his 'wife' Levi's been writing to.
Be aware that this is a series where the story will continue across all 3 so we don't get our HEA just yet!!
“Scale of one to ten. How mad would you be if I licked this thing like a lollipop?”
“Just think of him as a puppy. One that needs training.” “A murder puppy,” I muttered. She laughed. “I like that. Seems pretty fitting for X.”
👏🏼👏🏼 Elle Thorpe👏🏼👏🏼
Why choose indeeeddddd!!!
* loses .5 because I don't quite feel the chemistry yet and when someone says they love you why would you say basically 'but I'm fat?'
Ummm WOW I thought I enjoyed Kara, Hawk, Hayden and Gray, but the murder squad takes the freaking cake.
I haven't personally done the rest of the Saint View universe but I feel like I'm in too deep now to go back now I know the rest of the characters and their poly relationships so well.
This was so good, I can't get over X 😂 what an absolutely hoot.
I HIGHLY recommend listening to it as it's almost dramatised but it's so much better with all the characters having their own voices.
Listened to it in under 24 hours which says a lot because my audio books are usually just to get me to work for the next few weeks. My drive to work is 9 minutes....
Our story starts with Violet cleaning a house, a house of a murderer. During which time our murder squad is on their way to kill said murderer.
When X sees Violet he decides she must be his wife.
Violet employs a sex worker to teacher her how to be confident in the bedroom, she hires X's best friend Whip.
X didn't know this was Whips job as they don't know each others real names or job or anything person, becauseee murder squad.
Violet has been a pen pal with a prisoner who just got people, Levi. Levi is in the MC club, the Slayers who we all know and love.
Levi's friends and club members all know and love X and Whip. X doesn't love Levi because it's his 'wife' Levi's been writing to.
Be aware that this is a series where the story will continue across all 3 so we don't get our HEA just yet!!
“Scale of one to ten. How mad would you be if I licked this thing like a lollipop?”
“Just think of him as a puppy. One that needs training.” “A murder puppy,” I muttered. She laughed. “I like that. Seems pretty fitting for X.”
👏🏼👏🏼 Elle Thorpe👏🏼👏🏼
September 12, 2025
This is the absolute definition of a dark romcom. X is beyond unhinged but has an absolutely hilariously dry sense of humor. He without a doubt carries this book. I love stuff about all of the characters, even though I could do without another "fat" FMC who is a virgin. It makes sense with the story line, but I wish she had a bit more confidence. She is probably my least favorite FMC in the Saint View universe.
Whip is a surprising character- his job is absolutely insane in the best way and I can't wait to see how that factors into the story as the characters relationships grow. Levi seems to be a bit of an outlier in most of the story, even though he starts off as the first love interest. I am interested to see how he redeems himself.
Excellent writing, as usual. Mysterious story line and perfect banter. Unhinged and obviously spicy. Exactly what I expect from a Saint View series. And that ending? Yikes. How is she gonna get out of THAT!?
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Whip is a surprising character- his job is absolutely insane in the best way and I can't wait to see how that factors into the story as the characters relationships grow. Levi seems to be a bit of an outlier in most of the story, even though he starts off as the first love interest. I am interested to see how he redeems himself.
Excellent writing, as usual. Mysterious story line and perfect banter. Unhinged and obviously spicy. Exactly what I expect from a Saint View series. And that ending? Yikes. How is she gonna get out of THAT!?
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 10, 2025
4.25⭐️’s - the plot starts if kinda slow, partially to get to know the main characters but I also feel like it was also to start to build up the suspense. I was almost thinking “if it keeps going at this pace I’m gonna get bored”.
Well, needless to say, as of the ending I surely wasn’t bored. In all honesty, I am more annoyed with myself for getting so knee deep into this book without looking to see if there were any follow-up books that have or have not been completed (via audiobook).
I HATE when I get so invested into characters and wanting to know what happens next, only to realize I can’t satiate that curiosity until a later date.
Which means I’ll likely forget about this series until much later than usual, and have to re-read all over again, which isn’t ideal. But it is what it is.
Well, needless to say, as of the ending I surely wasn’t bored. In all honesty, I am more annoyed with myself for getting so knee deep into this book without looking to see if there were any follow-up books that have or have not been completed (via audiobook).
I HATE when I get so invested into characters and wanting to know what happens next, only to realize I can’t satiate that curiosity until a later date.
Which means I’ll likely forget about this series until much later than usual, and have to re-read all over again, which isn’t ideal. But it is what it is.
October 24, 2025
4.5⭐️
THaT Ending!!!! Running to the next book
I loved every minute of this book, the humor, plot and characters 💋 X is 100% my favourite he up there with Scythe!
couldn’t stop laughing, didn’t want to put the book down! Honestly up there for one of my favourite book this year- the spice was okay but I expected it as the author imo is more plot written than smut- the whole duck scene was one of my favourites 😂
But the ending 🫠🫠🫠 I’m glad I waited for all the books to come out as I know this author is BAD for cliffhanger 😂
THaT Ending!!!! Running to the next book
I loved every minute of this book, the humor, plot and characters 💋 X is 100% my favourite he up there with Scythe!
couldn’t stop laughing, didn’t want to put the book down! Honestly up there for one of my favourite book this year- the spice was okay but I expected it as the author imo is more plot written than smut- the whole duck scene was one of my favourites 😂
But the ending 🫠🫠🫠 I’m glad I waited for all the books to come out as I know this author is BAD for cliffhanger 😂
August 8, 2025
If there is an author who can get me so hooked to each book they write to the point I refuse to put it down unless needed to, Elle Thorpe is that author, the queen of dark reverse harems and obsessed men.
This is a universe of books that I never want to end! Just put me in Saint View or hell in one of these books and I would be happier than I could ever be!! Ever since we met X and the murder squad I have been very intrigued with all of the characters, particularly X and Whip, the banter they have is quite funny and the way they interact with each other keeps me amused.
For this series our FMC is Violet and all I can say off the bat is I love this girl, I will be honest and say I see so much of myself in her with the insecurities shown and her general personality, so for this star of a woman to end up having 3 men pining for her... go girl!!
I would like to say that in this book I am warming up to all the guys; Levi (Violet's prison pen pal who was just released), X (seriously fallen for Violet right off the bat), and Whip (was simply there for Violet's pleasure but didn't go as planned).
As per all of Elle's books, nothing goes as smoothly, so much happens in the book not only with our 4 main characters but also with outside characters whom we have met in their books previously. I love the fact that Elle includes as many of them as she can, I love seeing where they all are in their relationships. I will just say prepare for quite the shocking cliff hanger, I can't believe I have to wait a month to even see what happens next, and then a further month to get to the end of the trilogy, I NEED THEM NOW!!
This is a universe of books that I never want to end! Just put me in Saint View or hell in one of these books and I would be happier than I could ever be!! Ever since we met X and the murder squad I have been very intrigued with all of the characters, particularly X and Whip, the banter they have is quite funny and the way they interact with each other keeps me amused.
For this series our FMC is Violet and all I can say off the bat is I love this girl, I will be honest and say I see so much of myself in her with the insecurities shown and her general personality, so for this star of a woman to end up having 3 men pining for her... go girl!!
I would like to say that in this book I am warming up to all the guys; Levi (Violet's prison pen pal who was just released), X (seriously fallen for Violet right off the bat), and Whip (was simply there for Violet's pleasure but didn't go as planned).
As per all of Elle's books, nothing goes as smoothly, so much happens in the book not only with our 4 main characters but also with outside characters whom we have met in their books previously. I love the fact that Elle includes as many of them as she can, I love seeing where they all are in their relationships. I will just say prepare for quite the shocking cliff hanger, I can't believe I have to wait a month to even see what happens next, and then a further month to get to the end of the trilogy, I NEED THEM NOW!!
October 15, 2025
The story is meh. The FMC is tragic, fat, 30, a virgin. So there are already a few things about the that just aren't my thing. Age gap, virgin, fat and insecure. Give me voluptuous and confident, fat and sassy, bigger but learning to love their body.
X made the entire book. I will the next just for him.
X made the entire book. I will the next just for him.
December 1, 2025
´I´m going to crush you.´
´Your weight isn´t the reason I can´t breathe right now, Violet.'
I must admit, I judged this book by its cover...hard! But it was actually a very fun read. I laughed out loud, I got the feels because I really recognised Violet´s inner dialogue and after that ending...the suspense is killing me!
´Your weight isn´t the reason I can´t breathe right now, Violet.'
I must admit, I judged this book by its cover...hard! But it was actually a very fun read. I laughed out loud, I got the feels because I really recognised Violet´s inner dialogue and after that ending...the suspense is killing me!
did-not-finish
December 22, 2025The beginning of this book had the MFC in a scary situation that ended up quite comical and had me laughing-hard. Several MC's are introduced, and I thought it was going to be fun, but.........sadly the story just couldn't keep my interest enough to finish it.
November 26, 2025
I loved it! A dark romance, reverse harem, without a 2-page list of trigger warnings! The writing style was normal and easy to follow, the main character making pretty decent decisions. Definitely going to read the rest of the Saint View books.
December 18, 2025
really 4.5 ⭐
Read
December 19, 2025X is so chaotic, I adore him 🤣 Such a messy situation, so many men. The ending? WTF Thorpe. Not cool. I want to take it down to 1 star bc fuck cliffhangers 😭
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