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Vindicate
Vindicate is a dark romantic thriller with mayhem, murder, mystery, and an MMC who is hellbent on inflicting pain. Please read this story with caution.
Everything has been stripped from me. And it all started the night I decided to let you in. You took from me and left me to deal with my pain and my grief alone, leaving me threaded into the fabrics of this skeletal town. And I’m so close to putting it all behind me. But seeing you again after all this time—shrouded in darkness, dripping with what my fears are made of—doesn’t remind me of the way you used to look at me when I was your entire world. No. Instead, it shows me just how reckless I was for letting you close enough to break me apart in the first place. A mistake I won’t make twice.
Unless you can learn to live up to your promises.
I would have burned the world for you. In fact, I still might. But not without inflicting a little pain in the interim. You see, I made you a promise the night you let me take from If you run, I will find you. Now, as I watch you from the shadows of the forest, teetering the edge of craving my revenge and drowning in my hunger for your soul, I know you’re going to be worth the chase. And I won’t stop until I take back what is mine.
I always keep my promises, love.
Everything has been stripped from me. And it all started the night I decided to let you in. You took from me and left me to deal with my pain and my grief alone, leaving me threaded into the fabrics of this skeletal town. And I’m so close to putting it all behind me. But seeing you again after all this time—shrouded in darkness, dripping with what my fears are made of—doesn’t remind me of the way you used to look at me when I was your entire world. No. Instead, it shows me just how reckless I was for letting you close enough to break me apart in the first place. A mistake I won’t make twice.
Unless you can learn to live up to your promises.
I would have burned the world for you. In fact, I still might. But not without inflicting a little pain in the interim. You see, I made you a promise the night you let me take from If you run, I will find you. Now, as I watch you from the shadows of the forest, teetering the edge of craving my revenge and drowning in my hunger for your soul, I know you’re going to be worth the chase. And I won’t stop until I take back what is mine.
I always keep my promises, love.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
25 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
AJ Nicole
14 books322 followersAJ Nicole is a #1 Best Selling indie author who creates emotional, passionate, and tempting romance stories of many variations including sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, paranormal romance, and young adult romance.
She resides in Colorado with her family and writes best when the rest of the world is asleep.
For more, follow her on her socials: @booksbyajnicole
or visit her website:
www.booksbyajnicole.com
She resides in Colorado with her family and writes best when the rest of the world is asleep.
For more, follow her on her socials: @booksbyajnicole
or visit her website:
www.booksbyajnicole.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 26, 2025
*Check trigger warnings*
I got this book as an ARC but was in a slump when I attempted to start it so it took me a while to finish it ( Longer than I would’ve liked).
However the storyline to me was veryyy interesting. The twist that came from this book I would’ve never saw coming. Once I was invested I was INVESTED and did not want to put it down. If you like thrillers but also like dark romance like myself then absolutely give this a try.
Remember this is dark romance as well so please check TW
Thank you to AJ Nicole for a copy of this ARC. ☺️
I got this book as an ARC but was in a slump when I attempted to start it so it took me a while to finish it ( Longer than I would’ve liked).
However the storyline to me was veryyy interesting. The twist that came from this book I would’ve never saw coming. Once I was invested I was INVESTED and did not want to put it down. If you like thrillers but also like dark romance like myself then absolutely give this a try.
Remember this is dark romance as well so please check TW
Thank you to AJ Nicole for a copy of this ARC. ☺️
October 28, 2025
This book is insane! The plot never stops. The mystery surrounding everything that happens is so tragic.
It is very dark and there are quite a few dark themes throughout the book so please check your triggers.
Olivia's emotional journey through losing those she loves, her memory disappearing after a horrific Halloween evening, and then getting back her memories and finally finding the answers of what happened is gut wrenching, empowering and at times 🌶️🌶️🌶️
It's great! I read it one sitting because my brain needed to know everything!
It is very dark and there are quite a few dark themes throughout the book so please check your triggers.
Olivia's emotional journey through losing those she loves, her memory disappearing after a horrific Halloween evening, and then getting back her memories and finally finding the answers of what happened is gut wrenching, empowering and at times 🌶️🌶️🌶️
It's great! I read it one sitting because my brain needed to know everything!
October 31, 2025
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!
I wish I could to half stars but I can’t!!
I DEVOURED this book. It’s hard not to because you find out little pieces of information that makes you want to keep reading so that you can learn more with the characters as you read. You feel the anger and hurt that the FMC feels while you read, making you WANT to keep reading to dissolve said anger from both you and the FMC. The pull towards this book every time I had to put it down was insane. Even after I finished it I wanted to go back just to be back with the main characters.
The storyline is great, each detail of the story picked and placed carefully to give you just enough information to have a guess as to what will happen next but not too much so that you know every twist and turn throughout the book.
My only complaints are:
- Some parts of the story where some of the trigger warning activities take place, it seems like there’s not enough description on where exactly the main characters are. It seemed to me that sometimes they were right next to the other characters. Maybe this was a me issue only and I just misread but a little more detail on how far away and where in the woods and what would or wouldn’t have been visible to the other characters from where the MCs stand would have helped my brain imagine it all a little better.
- There were some pieces of information that was kind of left unfinished or unexplained. Not to the storyline itself and probably not important to most but to me I was left wondering why this person was involved in this or why that happened between these two characters and why we never touched back on that subject (which maybe this is done on purpose so that we learn in the next book?)
Overall it was an amazing read and I would definitely recommend if you enjoy dark romance or mystery. Just make sure to check those warnings.
I wish I could to half stars but I can’t!!
I DEVOURED this book. It’s hard not to because you find out little pieces of information that makes you want to keep reading so that you can learn more with the characters as you read. You feel the anger and hurt that the FMC feels while you read, making you WANT to keep reading to dissolve said anger from both you and the FMC. The pull towards this book every time I had to put it down was insane. Even after I finished it I wanted to go back just to be back with the main characters.
The storyline is great, each detail of the story picked and placed carefully to give you just enough information to have a guess as to what will happen next but not too much so that you know every twist and turn throughout the book.
My only complaints are:
- Some parts of the story where some of the trigger warning activities take place, it seems like there’s not enough description on where exactly the main characters are. It seemed to me that sometimes they were right next to the other characters. Maybe this was a me issue only and I just misread but a little more detail on how far away and where in the woods and what would or wouldn’t have been visible to the other characters from where the MCs stand would have helped my brain imagine it all a little better.
- There were some pieces of information that was kind of left unfinished or unexplained. Not to the storyline itself and probably not important to most but to me I was left wondering why this person was involved in this or why that happened between these two characters and why we never touched back on that subject (which maybe this is done on purpose so that we learn in the next book?)
Overall it was an amazing read and I would definitely recommend if you enjoy dark romance or mystery. Just make sure to check those warnings.
October 31, 2025
EDIT- after some more thinking on this, I think what I couldn’t put my finger on wasn’t the fmc. It’s just the writing style. Dialogue was a bit cringy to me as well. I think this is another part that was a bit off putting to me. It’s just not for me. I’m giving 2 ⭐️ bc I think the concept is a great one. It just didn’t quite hit the mark. Still, if you think it sounds interesting, give it a go! Just bc it’s not for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you!
I got this as an ARC from an email from AJ Nicole (which thank you for!)
First- check triggers! There’s some dark stuff in this one!
Murder mystery, lost memories, masked man/stalker dark romance… I thought ‘this is right up my alley hunny 🤌🏻’
It took me a good minute to get into this book. The beginning was a bit…wordy? Idk how else to describe it. The descriptions were very long and the internal dialogue was very tedious. I also had a hard time with the fmc. I tried hard to be empathetic bc of what she had gone thru and continued to work thru. But it was a challenge for me. I’m not sure why. I still can’t put my finger on it 🤔
The mmc… whew 😮💨 all I will say about it is skeleton tattoos and hand necklaces 🥴🤭
I got this as an ARC from an email from AJ Nicole (which thank you for!)
First- check triggers! There’s some dark stuff in this one!
Murder mystery, lost memories, masked man/stalker dark romance… I thought ‘this is right up my alley hunny 🤌🏻’
It took me a good minute to get into this book. The beginning was a bit…wordy? Idk how else to describe it. The descriptions were very long and the internal dialogue was very tedious. I also had a hard time with the fmc. I tried hard to be empathetic bc of what she had gone thru and continued to work thru. But it was a challenge for me. I’m not sure why. I still can’t put my finger on it 🤔
The mmc… whew 😮💨 all I will say about it is skeleton tattoos and hand necklaces 🥴🤭
November 5, 2025
I recently read an ARC of *Vindicate* by Nichole, and let me tell you, this book grabs you from the very beginning. You’re immediately drawn into the mystery of what happened that night, hoping the protagonist will remember and reconnect with her first love. The storyline is engaging, with a perfect blend of romance and suspense.
Both the mystery and the romance score a solid ten out of ten, and the characters are incredibly captivating. The plot twists kept me on my toes, and I enjoyed every single minute of it. I also shared this experience with my best friend, which made it even more special.
The dynamics between the characters, especially with Olivia falling for her best friend's brother, add an interesting layer to the story. Watching Trace and Olivia find their happiness together was heartwarming. I’d rate this book five stars without hesitation. If you’re looking for a gripping read, definitely check this one out—you won’t be disappointed!
Both the mystery and the romance score a solid ten out of ten, and the characters are incredibly captivating. The plot twists kept me on my toes, and I enjoyed every single minute of it. I also shared this experience with my best friend, which made it even more special.
The dynamics between the characters, especially with Olivia falling for her best friend's brother, add an interesting layer to the story. Watching Trace and Olivia find their happiness together was heartwarming. I’d rate this book five stars without hesitation. If you’re looking for a gripping read, definitely check this one out—you won’t be disappointed!
November 4, 2025
Holy crap!!! what a book!!! i waa lucky enougj to revieve this as an ARC copy and i devoured it
Gives you just enough every chapter to stop you putting it down. Just when I thought i had it figured out, I was wrong.
Thoroughly enjoyed this spicy, thrilling, dark wee book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Gives you just enough every chapter to stop you putting it down. Just when I thought i had it figured out, I was wrong.
Thoroughly enjoyed this spicy, thrilling, dark wee book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
October 31, 2025
I got an Arc copy of this and Holy airballs, that was amazing. It had me from the first chapter. It follows Olivia and Trace and their past to present. I felt her emotions as she worked through everything and then when I got to his point of view I felt his anger and the betrayal he felt. I wanted to smack some of the people he was mad at cause I was mad at them too. Then the twists start to show up and the last few chapter I tried to figure it out but it was not what I expected at all. So worth staying up to 1:30 in the morning reading
November 30, 2025
Dark romance meets thriller. AJ Nicole has delivered a spicy new triller to her library of reads. What happens when you finally face something your mind has been trying to forget? What if you try by going away with the same people present four years prior during the death of four friends? AJ Nicole uses the number four several times in this dark romance novel. The story also takes place over four days around Halloween.
The amount of detail that AJ Nicole is able to give the reader by limiting the timeline helps to create an ery environment for the reader. The story is full of twists, turns, mystery, and leaves the reader guessing around every page what will happen next. This book is for anyone that leans into triggers, embraces dark romance and open door detailed romance.
This book is not for you if you read the triggers and feel any hesitation. AJ does not hold back. I am still a little new to dark romance and there was only one trigger that I realized may have been too much for me. That being said... AJ Nicole is an excellent writer and I continued reading. I am glad I did. The ending wraps the mystery up in a tiny bow of drama and passion.
I was given a copy of this book from the author and I am leaving my review voluntarily. I consider it a great honor to get the chance to read the work of fellow indie authors.
For those who love dark romance, buckle up... you won't be sorry.
The amount of detail that AJ Nicole is able to give the reader by limiting the timeline helps to create an ery environment for the reader. The story is full of twists, turns, mystery, and leaves the reader guessing around every page what will happen next. This book is for anyone that leans into triggers, embraces dark romance and open door detailed romance.
This book is not for you if you read the triggers and feel any hesitation. AJ does not hold back. I am still a little new to dark romance and there was only one trigger that I realized may have been too much for me. That being said... AJ Nicole is an excellent writer and I continued reading. I am glad I did. The ending wraps the mystery up in a tiny bow of drama and passion.
I was given a copy of this book from the author and I am leaving my review voluntarily. I consider it a great honor to get the chance to read the work of fellow indie authors.
For those who love dark romance, buckle up... you won't be sorry.
November 7, 2025
Vindicate by AJ Nicole
Dark thriller romance with a mystery
I was so glad to recieve an arc because this book sounded amazing.
If you need plot with your spice this is for you. This one hooked me from page 1.
There was some dark themes so check the triggers - for the rest of you, this menu is long and tasty.
I needed to solve the mystery, but also didn't complain when it was put on hold for a certain someone's POV chapter.
The author gives a heads up in the beginning about the timeframes that book takes place and even is personal sharing it sometimes can be confusing in their own experience reading other books, which was really appreicated and helpful.
I loved how each chapter had a quote from a classic scary movie! So fun. Did I mention it comes with a playlist too?!
5 stars!
Celebrate the life and loss of the Final Four by joining in on the tradition in the forest, will you survive this thriller weekend?
Best friends brother
Second chance
Black cat FMC
Masked stalker MMC
Murder mystery
Touch her and 💀
Small town
Revenge
Hide and seek
Thank you to AJ Nicole for trusting me to read and review this beauty 💜📚
Dark thriller romance with a mystery
I was so glad to recieve an arc because this book sounded amazing.
If you need plot with your spice this is for you. This one hooked me from page 1.
There was some dark themes so check the triggers - for the rest of you, this menu is long and tasty.
I needed to solve the mystery, but also didn't complain when it was put on hold for a certain someone's POV chapter.
The author gives a heads up in the beginning about the timeframes that book takes place and even is personal sharing it sometimes can be confusing in their own experience reading other books, which was really appreicated and helpful.
I loved how each chapter had a quote from a classic scary movie! So fun. Did I mention it comes with a playlist too?!
5 stars!
Celebrate the life and loss of the Final Four by joining in on the tradition in the forest, will you survive this thriller weekend?
Best friends brother
Second chance
Black cat FMC
Masked stalker MMC
Murder mystery
Touch her and 💀
Small town
Revenge
Hide and seek
Thank you to AJ Nicole for trusting me to read and review this beauty 💜📚
November 11, 2025
arc reader but this was so goood omg this man wtf if you want a best friend’s brother second chance sadist & masochist vibes prey & predator vibes come find me stalker masked men murder mystery enemies to lovers a dark thriller romance this is for you this man is everything and the fact this man tattoo her lips on him like hello and aI will say about it is skeleton tattoos and hand necklaces 😮💨😮💨 this really caught my attention in the beginning and it makes you think who the killer since there a killer around there who killed the fmc brother and her friend and the fmc Olivia I love her she was a badasss she really said people loves a bitch who can do something they expect her not to do and oh boy jaw dropped like damn girl and honestly the the guys who ruin seren fuck yall then I didn’t like them one bit they were uhhhhh omg I wanted to kill them too but the ending omg hello never expected that but overall without really spoiling this was amazing 🤩 and you never fail
November 4, 2025
Wow — this book completely surprised me in the best way. I went in blind, only knowing it had a Halloween theme, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a more perfect pick for spooky season.
Four years ago, Olivia’s brother, best friend, and two others were murdered during a Halloween party. Traumatized, she lost all memory of that weekend… until now. When she returns to the place where it all happened, everything she thought she knew begins to unravel. Will she recover her memories — or uncover something even darker?
The tension between Trace and Olivia was chef’s kiss. I love an unhinged, obsessed man 😏 and Trace delivered. The plot had me guessing the whole way through, packed with suspense, danger, and just enough spice to keep things deliciously tense.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you love twisty thrillers with a dark romance edge — Vindicate is an absolute must-read.
Four years ago, Olivia’s brother, best friend, and two others were murdered during a Halloween party. Traumatized, she lost all memory of that weekend… until now. When she returns to the place where it all happened, everything she thought she knew begins to unravel. Will she recover her memories — or uncover something even darker?
The tension between Trace and Olivia was chef’s kiss. I love an unhinged, obsessed man 😏 and Trace delivered. The plot had me guessing the whole way through, packed with suspense, danger, and just enough spice to keep things deliciously tense.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you love twisty thrillers with a dark romance edge — Vindicate is an absolute must-read.
November 16, 2025
Murder mystery, masked men, lost memories, best friends’ brother, dark romance, yes please!! A lot of my favorite tropes rolled into one book ❤️
The beginning of the book was a bit hard for me to get into, but once it got going, I didn’t want to put it down! You start to find pieces about what happened, and you just want to put the puzzle back together, and by the time you realize you’re almost finished with the book. There were times that I thought there was too much description; it got a bit wordy, and times when I didn’t feel like there was enough.
Olivia, you are a strong woman because after losing so much, I don’t know how you kept going. Trace, same to you, and to know all the secrets you had to keep hidden 😭
All in all, it was a good book, and I’d definitely recommend it if you like any of the tropes I mentioned ❤️
The beginning of the book was a bit hard for me to get into, but once it got going, I didn’t want to put it down! You start to find pieces about what happened, and you just want to put the puzzle back together, and by the time you realize you’re almost finished with the book. There were times that I thought there was too much description; it got a bit wordy, and times when I didn’t feel like there was enough.
Olivia, you are a strong woman because after losing so much, I don’t know how you kept going. Trace, same to you, and to know all the secrets you had to keep hidden 😭
All in all, it was a good book, and I’d definitely recommend it if you like any of the tropes I mentioned ❤️
November 17, 2025
The story line was interesting. The romantic side was a bit off the wall. A Holloween weekend goes wrong people found dead. One has amnesia, her brother and bestfriend are dead. The rest must not have been talking. So this goes on as an unsolved case. Three years later they decide same group to reunite on Holloween again same place. One decides to go to possible rekindle her memory and meet the guy she was and still is in love with. Possible also find out what really happened to her bestfriend and brother. And the guy although trying to avenge his sisters death, is intangled in a love cat and mouse game with the woman he has been in love with. As I say the story line the Characters aside from the x part was really interesting to me. If you like more spice than Theiller this is for you.
November 8, 2025
I received this as an ARC copy.
At first, Vindicate had a bit of a slow start — the kind that leaves you wondering if it’s going to pick up or not. But let me tell you… man, did it get better! Once it hit its stride, I couldn’t put it down.
Filled with mystery, suspense, and a touch of dark romance, this book keeps you guessing at every turn. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, A.J. Nicole throws in a twist that completely changes everything. It had me on my toes the entire time, trying to piece together what would happen next.
And that ending? Let’s just say I’m so glad it didn’t end the way I thought it was going to. A perfect mix of tension, emotion, and surprise — definitely worth sticking through the slow start for this one!
At first, Vindicate had a bit of a slow start — the kind that leaves you wondering if it’s going to pick up or not. But let me tell you… man, did it get better! Once it hit its stride, I couldn’t put it down.
Filled with mystery, suspense, and a touch of dark romance, this book keeps you guessing at every turn. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, A.J. Nicole throws in a twist that completely changes everything. It had me on my toes the entire time, trying to piece together what would happen next.
And that ending? Let’s just say I’m so glad it didn’t end the way I thought it was going to. A perfect mix of tension, emotion, and surprise — definitely worth sticking through the slow start for this one!
November 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, the MMC, 😳 (in a good way).
I like how the plot unfolded and made you feel the need to keep going “just one more chapter” for every chapter. Oliva is a little meh at some points, but I feel like that makes it more real, because sometimes dealing with people going through stuff can be hard to relate too, nothing against the character at all, and I personally think it added too the story, made you feel the frustration. If that makes any sense. Read the warnings, I personally treat them as a menu, but if you have triggers for stories PLEASE read the warnings and listen to them. It gets dark in a lot of the plot. Overall I absolutely can not wait for Aj’s next book!
I like how the plot unfolded and made you feel the need to keep going “just one more chapter” for every chapter. Oliva is a little meh at some points, but I feel like that makes it more real, because sometimes dealing with people going through stuff can be hard to relate too, nothing against the character at all, and I personally think it added too the story, made you feel the frustration. If that makes any sense. Read the warnings, I personally treat them as a menu, but if you have triggers for stories PLEASE read the warnings and listen to them. It gets dark in a lot of the plot. Overall I absolutely can not wait for Aj’s next book!
December 9, 2025
*** ARC review ***
If your favorite tropes are second chance, murder mystery, whodunnit, thriller, it’s always been you then add this to your list!
This book is just so good! It’ll keep you guessing on who did what and why. As I was reading it, everyone was a suspect and the ones that I thought were innocent weren’t at the end! This is a page turner, but it is also heavy so I read it slowly. The story happens on Halloween weekend, there’s unsolved murders, there’s a killer at large, there’s a lot of running in the woods being chased, there are masked men and a lot of answers at the end! This makes the perfect book to read in October, but don’t let that stop you from reading it anytime of the year!
If your favorite tropes are second chance, murder mystery, whodunnit, thriller, it’s always been you then add this to your list!
This book is just so good! It’ll keep you guessing on who did what and why. As I was reading it, everyone was a suspect and the ones that I thought were innocent weren’t at the end! This is a page turner, but it is also heavy so I read it slowly. The story happens on Halloween weekend, there’s unsolved murders, there’s a killer at large, there’s a lot of running in the woods being chased, there are masked men and a lot of answers at the end! This makes the perfect book to read in October, but don’t let that stop you from reading it anytime of the year!
November 17, 2025
ARC Review
AJ!! You did the damn thing!!! Vindicate is thrilling, mysterious, spicy, and romantic.
If you read any of my reviews you know I love a who-done-it and in this story it literally could have been anyone!
Vindicate is a slow lead up to an explosive resolution.
I really love the chemistry between Trace and Livie and I found myself full of anxiety waiting to see how everything would turn out. There is so much push and pull but the equal footing of our main characters makes it a fun show down.
There's mental health representation that is so raw and relatable it broke my heart. I haven't stopped thinking about this story since I finished it.
AJ!! You did the damn thing!!! Vindicate is thrilling, mysterious, spicy, and romantic.
If you read any of my reviews you know I love a who-done-it and in this story it literally could have been anyone!
Vindicate is a slow lead up to an explosive resolution.
I really love the chemistry between Trace and Livie and I found myself full of anxiety waiting to see how everything would turn out. There is so much push and pull but the equal footing of our main characters makes it a fun show down.
There's mental health representation that is so raw and relatable it broke my heart. I haven't stopped thinking about this story since I finished it.
December 1, 2025
Check your triggers!
I got this as an ARC, but had to finish another book before I dived in, and am I glad I did! Was up till 4:30 am because I had to finish this book!
Olivia’s memory about what happened four years ago is gone! Pretty much all she knows is that her brother, best friend, and two other football players were un-alived at the Pines, the weekend of Halloween! This year, she goes back to the Pines to get some closure, and to hopefully get her memories back, while finding out who un-alived these four people!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I need this as a book trophy, for sure!
I got this as an ARC, but had to finish another book before I dived in, and am I glad I did! Was up till 4:30 am because I had to finish this book!
Olivia’s memory about what happened four years ago is gone! Pretty much all she knows is that her brother, best friend, and two other football players were un-alived at the Pines, the weekend of Halloween! This year, she goes back to the Pines to get some closure, and to hopefully get her memories back, while finding out who un-alived these four people!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I need this as a book trophy, for sure!
December 2, 2025
I received this book as an arc and while it took me a while to get into it because I was in a reading slump, I absolutely devoured it once I was fully immersed in it! This is my first AJ Nicole book I’ve fully read and I honestly loved it. I found myself staying up late on some days because I couldn’t stop reading. Although some of the chapters are pretty long, sometimes they felt way too short. I like that we knew as much as Olivia, so we were kind of figuring everything out together. When we were introduced to Trace, I loved him immediately! I really enjoyed this book and the thriller/mystery aspect of it.
4.5/5 ⭐️
4.5/5 ⭐️
October 29, 2025
Please check trigger warnings before reading!
This book is a good read, a mystery dark romance that pulls you in from page one.
The emotional journey that the FMC goes through and the torture of losing someone close and her memories has you hoping she finally finds the answers she has been looking for and craves!
This will literally have you forgetting the world while you finish this book as you NEED to know what happens. Oh, and the spice helps.
I would highly recommend to anyone who loves dark romance with a side of mystery and spice... also a good read for a cold chilly night...
This book is a good read, a mystery dark romance that pulls you in from page one.
The emotional journey that the FMC goes through and the torture of losing someone close and her memories has you hoping she finally finds the answers she has been looking for and craves!
This will literally have you forgetting the world while you finish this book as you NEED to know what happens. Oh, and the spice helps.
I would highly recommend to anyone who loves dark romance with a side of mystery and spice... also a good read for a cold chilly night...
November 7, 2025
Wowwww.....⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Firstly Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC copy of Vindicate. This was my first book by A.J Nicole and let me tell you it was fk'g Amazing!!!
I was hooked from page one and every page after. The suspense, mystery and yearning on every page made a perfect storyline that kept giving more and more .
I'm so glad I picked this up and can't wait one day to have physical copy for my shelf. Was definitely one of the best reads of the year for me for sure! (Loved the quotes on every chapter also!)
Need me a Trace😍
Firstly Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC copy of Vindicate. This was my first book by A.J Nicole and let me tell you it was fk'g Amazing!!!
I was hooked from page one and every page after. The suspense, mystery and yearning on every page made a perfect storyline that kept giving more and more .
I'm so glad I picked this up and can't wait one day to have physical copy for my shelf. Was definitely one of the best reads of the year for me for sure! (Loved the quotes on every chapter also!)
Need me a Trace😍
November 14, 2025
4.5 stars
Dark romance. Check
Murder mystery. Check
Masked men. Check
A plot that has so many twists and turns im dizzy. Check
This book is insanely good, while there is a lot of internal dialogue, mental health issues and some gory moments, this book had my undivided attention and I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what the FMC Olivia didn’t know. I needed to know why the MMC Trace abandoned Olivia after people they both loved were killed.
This book is written as a duel pov and it gives the book a dimension that would have been missing without that second voice.
Dark romance. Check
Murder mystery. Check
Masked men. Check
A plot that has so many twists and turns im dizzy. Check
This book is insanely good, while there is a lot of internal dialogue, mental health issues and some gory moments, this book had my undivided attention and I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what the FMC Olivia didn’t know. I needed to know why the MMC Trace abandoned Olivia after people they both loved were killed.
This book is written as a duel pov and it gives the book a dimension that would have been missing without that second voice.
November 15, 2025
This was an arc book. Olivia went to a weekend get away with her brother and 4 people are killed and Olivia is left without her memories. Trace was her best friend’s brother who she was secretly dating and who she lost contact with after that weekend.
This book had great twists and the suspense was amazing! The spicy scenes were nice! I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery dark romance book.
This book had great twists and the suspense was amazing! The spicy scenes were nice! I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery dark romance book.
November 2, 2025
Absolutely devoured this book in it had just the right mix of dark romance, thriller and murder mystery all wrapped up into one. There was nothing about this book I didn’t love. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen to just be proven wrong over and over again! What a ride this book took me through!! It is a must read.
November 2, 2025
This book held me captive from start to finish. The characters and plot was very well developed. This is definitely a dark romance so please check trigger warnings before reading. The mystery aspect had me in a chokehold trying to solve and I thought I had it figured out but no I was wrong and it was definitely not predictable. Absolutely love trace and Olivia!
November 14, 2025
Vindicate is a dark thriller romance. Please check the triggers before reading!
I took a chance joining AJ’s hype team for this release without having read anything of hers before but I’m so glad I did! We got a sneak peek of the first two chapters and I didn’t stop thinking about those chapters till I got my ARC in my hands.
I devoured this book and to no one’s surprise, I’m continuing to chase the high that is masked men. 👹
I feel so much for Olivia, Trace, and their siblings and what they have gone through. If you think you know what’s going to happen while reading, I assure you that you don’t. The plot twist had me shook. 🫨
I don’t want to give too much away but I think if you love thrillers, masked men, strong FMCs and emotional journeys, you need to read this next!
Thank you to AJ Nicole for getting the chance to review a copy.
I took a chance joining AJ’s hype team for this release without having read anything of hers before but I’m so glad I did! We got a sneak peek of the first two chapters and I didn’t stop thinking about those chapters till I got my ARC in my hands.
I devoured this book and to no one’s surprise, I’m continuing to chase the high that is masked men. 👹
I feel so much for Olivia, Trace, and their siblings and what they have gone through. If you think you know what’s going to happen while reading, I assure you that you don’t. The plot twist had me shook. 🫨
I don’t want to give too much away but I think if you love thrillers, masked men, strong FMCs and emotional journeys, you need to read this next!
Thank you to AJ Nicole for getting the chance to review a copy.
December 16, 2025
AJ has done it again, I couldn't put this down. It was such a unique story and had all the horror mystery I needed.
I love the banter between our fmc and mmc. Their relationship is unique. I quickly was rooting for them to have a HEA.
There were plenty of times when I was left sitting in the edge of my chair. I was guessing things until the very end.
I love the banter between our fmc and mmc. Their relationship is unique. I quickly was rooting for them to have a HEA.
There were plenty of times when I was left sitting in the edge of my chair. I was guessing things until the very end.
October 29, 2025
3.5 rounded
I really wanted to like this more.
I received an email from the author and downloaded the copy as an 'ARC'
Finding the first little bit a choppy read, for me, it didn't get better.
As always, check warnings before going in blind!
I really wanted to like this more.
I received an email from the author and downloaded the copy as an 'ARC'
Finding the first little bit a choppy read, for me, it didn't get better.
As always, check warnings before going in blind!
November 2, 2025
Oh this book was so good! I didn’t see the ending coming at all! The way this author set the story up and arranged the twists was freaking perfect! It may be set on Halloween but it’s a read for any season. I loved it.
November 6, 2025
Plot twist plot twist plot twist. Just as I thought I had it figured out. Nope I was way wrong. The story? Amazing. The spice? Perfect. And the suspension was out of this world. Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading, but I 10/10 recommend
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