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Where The Iris Withered
She grew up drowning in chaos.
Now she’s in the hands of a man who thrives in it.
Iris is barely holding herself together—pitied by a town that knows her mother’s insanity, and slowly broken down by the woman behind closed doors. The verbal abuse. The constant attacks on her character. The twisted need to control every part of who she is.
Her mother’s illness doesn’t just consume her—it poisons everything around her. Especially Iris.
Until one night, something finally snapped .
Sirens. So many sirens.
The first to arrive is Officer Ethan Saunders. A ghost from her past wearing a badge and a look she can’t quite read.
But then she hears a voice—low, smooth, and laced with danger. It makes her blood run cold… and her chest tighten with something she can’t explain.
Dark. Brooding. Untouchable. He doesn’t walk into a room—he takes control of it. Feared by Ravenhill, not just for what he’s capable of, but because no one really knows where his limits lie.
Officer Roman Steele.
And from the moment his eyes meet Iris’s, he doesn’t look away.
He’ll cross lines to keep her safe—no matter who has to bleed for it.
This is a dark romance about inherited trauma, lust, obsession, and the kind of love that doesn’t care who it destroys. Exploring the impact of untreated mental illness, a dangerously possessive man, and an ending written in consequences , not apologies. Please check the content and trigger warnings on the author's website.
Now she’s in the hands of a man who thrives in it.
Iris is barely holding herself together—pitied by a town that knows her mother’s insanity, and slowly broken down by the woman behind closed doors. The verbal abuse. The constant attacks on her character. The twisted need to control every part of who she is.
Her mother’s illness doesn’t just consume her—it poisons everything around her. Especially Iris.
Until one night, something finally snapped .
Sirens. So many sirens.
The first to arrive is Officer Ethan Saunders. A ghost from her past wearing a badge and a look she can’t quite read.
But then she hears a voice—low, smooth, and laced with danger. It makes her blood run cold… and her chest tighten with something she can’t explain.
Dark. Brooding. Untouchable. He doesn’t walk into a room—he takes control of it. Feared by Ravenhill, not just for what he’s capable of, but because no one really knows where his limits lie.
Officer Roman Steele.
And from the moment his eyes meet Iris’s, he doesn’t look away.
He’ll cross lines to keep her safe—no matter who has to bleed for it.
This is a dark romance about inherited trauma, lust, obsession, and the kind of love that doesn’t care who it destroys. Exploring the impact of untreated mental illness, a dangerously possessive man, and an ending written in consequences , not apologies. Please check the content and trigger warnings on the author's website.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2025
7 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 4, 2025
So.... this wasn't a bad story, but it definitely didn't hit the way I was expecting. It was pretty typical dark romance with predictable morally grey MMC behaviors overall. The storyline was entertaining but something about it all just fell kind of flat for me. I struggled with the lack of building of connection between our two main characters and how the obsession started in a way that didn't really have any balance to it. We don't get any back story on Roman and why he is the way he is other than the situation we come to learn about involving his Sister, which although heartbreaking, still didn't give a lot of depth to his character. Iris is clearly an abused and broken young woman, and rightfully so, but Roman deciding she's his in the way that he did after being the responding officer of her latest overdose, came to be in a way that seemed rushed with no real build up.
Iris's mother, our main villian, truly is a grotesque individual and the pain and trauma Iris is navigating because of her behaviors towards her, her entire life are devastating. Roman's need to protect Iris from not only her mother's continued abuse but also protect her from her own hand due to her need to escape the pains of her past, is his only real focus and that quickly becomes the main plotline when a past evil crosses into his new addiction of Iris and provides a means to an end that seemed extreme and unnecessary overall. The way the story deepens when they come together in a choice to handle Roman's past and Iris's future, they can only move forward together in hopes to both survive their pain and come out the otherside more whole than when they started. The choice made seemed so brutal considering other options that could have been taken now that Iris is grown, but once started there was no going back and they end up having to navigate the path they chose laid out in anxiety and fear of being caught. When Roman's partner starts suspecting something, more stress is added to the pot that is already close to boiling over and starts stringing together a web of more past secrets as they walk the fine line of their choices in the attempt at Roman's revenge for his sister and Iris's freedom from her mother.
This story kept a pretty steady momentum in its plotline while sprinkled with several good spicy scenes throughout, until we climaxed at the end with a pretty good twist that saved the story for me. There was a moment between our three leads that did take me off guard closer to the end that didn't really make sense other than for smut value, and left me thinking why we needed the add, but the spice was well done throughout for the most part without taking over everything which I appreciated.
In the end the story was entertaining and had some really good moments, but the entire thing felt very basic in nature for its genre as a whole.
Iris's mother, our main villian, truly is a grotesque individual and the pain and trauma Iris is navigating because of her behaviors towards her, her entire life are devastating. Roman's need to protect Iris from not only her mother's continued abuse but also protect her from her own hand due to her need to escape the pains of her past, is his only real focus and that quickly becomes the main plotline when a past evil crosses into his new addiction of Iris and provides a means to an end that seemed extreme and unnecessary overall. The way the story deepens when they come together in a choice to handle Roman's past and Iris's future, they can only move forward together in hopes to both survive their pain and come out the otherside more whole than when they started. The choice made seemed so brutal considering other options that could have been taken now that Iris is grown, but once started there was no going back and they end up having to navigate the path they chose laid out in anxiety and fear of being caught. When Roman's partner starts suspecting something, more stress is added to the pot that is already close to boiling over and starts stringing together a web of more past secrets as they walk the fine line of their choices in the attempt at Roman's revenge for his sister and Iris's freedom from her mother.
This story kept a pretty steady momentum in its plotline while sprinkled with several good spicy scenes throughout, until we climaxed at the end with a pretty good twist that saved the story for me. There was a moment between our three leads that did take me off guard closer to the end that didn't really make sense other than for smut value, and left me thinking why we needed the add, but the spice was well done throughout for the most part without taking over everything which I appreciated.
In the end the story was entertaining and had some really good moments, but the entire thing felt very basic in nature for its genre as a whole.
August 31, 2025
I loved the story and main characters, and I really appreciated the twists and the crime parts of the book. The only thing that threw me off was the twist at the end because I don’t think that’s how it works with court cases, like the stuff about the films being introduced mid-trial and used as evidence for a case that had nothing to do with the new evidence. That’s really the only reason why I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5. That and I’d maybe like to get to know a little more about some of the side characters, I don’t think we got a full physical description of Ethan, Delaney, Mildred or Thomas and I need to be able to see the characters in my head but I couldn’t picture them because there wasn’t much description. I’m pretty sure this is G.M.s first book so hopefully she sees this and takes it into consideration for future books! Which I really hope we get more.. it kind of leaves on a cliffhanger with the guy in the courtroom so I’m hoping that means we will get a story about Delaney. Maybe we will get more of Mildred’s crazy ass too! I’d like to see them visit her in prison or something. I really loved how GM discussed mental health and she did it in a way that I felt seen. Either she did a lot of research or she also struggles with depression because it’s written in a way that puts the reader into Iris’s head. I also really appreciate that Iris didn’t rely on Roman to “heal” her. She had to address her emotions herself and heal herself, he only offered his support and unconditional love. I still don’t think she’s fully healed though so I’d love to see some more of her journey too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
So let me start off by saying this book was incredible. The twists, the turns. The changes in perspectives. The tramua, & the drama that followed.
Everything was very thought out and had me turning the next page eagerly, ready to read on.
This book was a little more spicy than other books ive read and I think it altered my interest in books as a whole because.. well. I think I liked it? & were just going to leave it at that. 🤭
Mark it as a 'must read' because I couldnt describe it any other way. 🙌 I read it within hours of picking it up.
Everything was very thought out and had me turning the next page eagerly, ready to read on.
This book was a little more spicy than other books ive read and I think it altered my interest in books as a whole because.. well. I think I liked it? & were just going to leave it at that. 🤭
Mark it as a 'must read' because I couldnt describe it any other way. 🙌 I read it within hours of picking it up.
September 2, 2025
I read this book in a day. I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy scenes 🔥🔥
I loved the depth of Iris‘s character and her and her mother‘s relationship. Reading this book makes you feel like there is a ton of sub context in regards to neglect, abuse, mental health and trauma.
I would love to see in the next book a little bit more character development to really be able as a reader to connect to the MMC as well as additional characters like Ethan in the book.
I would’ve loved to know a bit more about Romans story from the beginning of the book so I would feel a little bit more attachment to him as the MMC. I do love how his character interacted with the FMC and gave her the care, love and attention that no one else did
I enjoyed how this book shows you the other side of trauma, and how it can affect you throughout your life and gave the character the ability to speak her truth, be heard and be seen. Not all survivors get that and I appreciate that Iris did.
I can’t wait to read the next book you write. I am excited to see your journey as an author. If this was your first book you are going to do even more great things.
I loved the depth of Iris‘s character and her and her mother‘s relationship. Reading this book makes you feel like there is a ton of sub context in regards to neglect, abuse, mental health and trauma.
I would love to see in the next book a little bit more character development to really be able as a reader to connect to the MMC as well as additional characters like Ethan in the book.
I would’ve loved to know a bit more about Romans story from the beginning of the book so I would feel a little bit more attachment to him as the MMC. I do love how his character interacted with the FMC and gave her the care, love and attention that no one else did
I enjoyed how this book shows you the other side of trauma, and how it can affect you throughout your life and gave the character the ability to speak her truth, be heard and be seen. Not all survivors get that and I appreciate that Iris did.
I can’t wait to read the next book you write. I am excited to see your journey as an author. If this was your first book you are going to do even more great things.
August 27, 2025
I fell down a TikTok rabbit hole looking for an indie dark romance and stumbled across this freshly published book. And holy crap, I’m so glad I did. I pulled an Ethan and did some digging on the author, and from what I can tell this is her first novel (at least under this name). For a debut, this is insanely impressive. The story is complex, layered, and unflinchingly tackles heavy subjects that are written with such care and beauty. It was executed so well that I sometimes had to stop and catch my breath.
The depictions of anxiety in particular gutted me in the best way. They were so raw and authentic that I couldn’t separate Iris from myself. I actually had to take a break from reading at one point, but not for long, because the story is that addictive.
Roman and Iris’s relationship blossoms (pun intended) with such organic pacing and tenderness that it feels real. The author builds a connection that evolves into the kind of deep, imperfect, hopeful love we all secretly want. And then there’s Ethan. Even though he’s technically a side character, I found myself instantly fascinated by him. He’s a young beat cop who wants to do right, clearly drawn to Iris, but then we see his edgier side (chapter 34?!?!?). That’s all I’ll say. The unpredictable, darker edges of his character were such a surprise, and I’m dying to see more of him. With the author confirming this is the first in a series, I’m really hoping Ethan’s story gets explored.
This book is bold, beautifully written, and emotionally immersive. If this is the author’s first outing, I can’t wait to see what she does next.
The depictions of anxiety in particular gutted me in the best way. They were so raw and authentic that I couldn’t separate Iris from myself. I actually had to take a break from reading at one point, but not for long, because the story is that addictive.
Roman and Iris’s relationship blossoms (pun intended) with such organic pacing and tenderness that it feels real. The author builds a connection that evolves into the kind of deep, imperfect, hopeful love we all secretly want. And then there’s Ethan. Even though he’s technically a side character, I found myself instantly fascinated by him. He’s a young beat cop who wants to do right, clearly drawn to Iris, but then we see his edgier side (chapter 34?!?!?). That’s all I’ll say. The unpredictable, darker edges of his character were such a surprise, and I’m dying to see more of him. With the author confirming this is the first in a series, I’m really hoping Ethan’s story gets explored.
This book is bold, beautifully written, and emotionally immersive. If this is the author’s first outing, I can’t wait to see what she does next.
September 3, 2025
A story so compelling you want to finish it on one sitting. I have non stop recommended and reread this story since it came out and am ANXIOUSLY anticipating Book 2. The characters have such complex story lines and depth. I haven’t been this obsessed with a book since I read the Empyrean series. The characters are just as consuming and fulfilling and the *spicy* scenes are sprinkled in just enough that it’s not overwhelming but they give you just enough to look forward too. I recommend this book to EVERY single person I talk to, whether they are avid readers or don’t read at all. Even my children adore the storyline. (I skip the spicy stuff of course.)
This is my new comfort book, comfort characters, a safe space to keep. This book will make you feel seen when it comes to mental health and may even help you cope by indulging in some well written coping mechanisms that you may not have the heart to fulfill yourself.
I will not stop RAVING about this book and this author as she obviously has a unique and interesting perspective and writing style.
This is my new comfort book, comfort characters, a safe space to keep. This book will make you feel seen when it comes to mental health and may even help you cope by indulging in some well written coping mechanisms that you may not have the heart to fulfill yourself.
I will not stop RAVING about this book and this author as she obviously has a unique and interesting perspective and writing style.
September 1, 2025
Worth the read
The trauma, and twists and turns. Had me tearing up, and I so did not see Delaney coming! Impatiently awaiting the 2nd book!
The trauma, and twists and turns. Had me tearing up, and I so did not see Delaney coming! Impatiently awaiting the 2nd book!
September 10, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!! Pacing, twists and spice were great. I really can’t wait to read the next book by this author. Iris and Roman characters were written well I just hope to see more character development from Roman in any future books.
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews