In A Bubble

by Karina Wistera

The god-forsaken Ilion was buried in shadows of obscurity.

The old university still hinged on the money coughed up by the well-off families of the students coming and going to study there. I used to be one of them. Zoe Torn, Philosophy major on the verge of dropping out.

Then one day they showed up.

No demands. No negotiations. They killed for kicks.

I escaped, hiding in the woods. But they came after me. And when there was nowhere left to run, I faced the darkness. Faced the man in a black cloak with eyes of obsidian. I knew this was the end for me.

But the reaper... saved me.

Was this really an escape?

Saviors don't keep you in a cage. They don't threaten you. Don't take future away from you. They don't break your spirit.
I am no longer living, merely surviving.

I have to escape. I have to save my family.
Even if my body is no longer mine.
My soul is mine alone. Right?


Tropes:
• Slow burn
• Enemies to lovers
• Kidnapping
• Age gap
• Opposites
• Mafia
• Forced proximity

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Mafia Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers

391 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2025

About the author

Book updates and personal — https://www.instagram.com/karinawistera/


Step into the Shadow — https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1...


For obsessed people — https://kwistera.com/

Reviews

[⋆Mehreen⋆ [In a slump] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wtf did I just read!? (in a good way)

After recovering from a HUGE slump, I came to a conclusion that I didn't want my next read to be a happy ever after. EW. And after inspecting a lot of books to find what I was looking for, I came across this one. Next, I read the reviews, and before I knew it, I had my nose under the pages!

The book starts off at a slower pace, BUT it gets better, trust me. You guys probably have read the synopsis, so let's directly jump to the spoiler-filled part.

Overall
This book was the definition of enemies to lovers. Oh wait, they were never lovers, *sighs*. Don't even get me started on the tension. It was so thick that you could easily cut it with...anything. 🌶 4.5/5
The next book isn't even a want; it's a NEED. Also, check the TW before reading!

Let me rant about the characters, because why not?

Eric: Eric, baby, you were one hell of a man throughout the book, viz, a gentleman. You BATHED her when she wasn't feeling well, and you ALWAYS put her shoe on for her and what not, and then you HAD to plunge a knife into her stomach—no, wait—her heart because she had feelings for you!

Zoe: What the actual fu—hell was wrong with you in the last 10 pages, huh?! Where did your headaches go, and what's with that folder (with a pink bow) you were talking about? GIMME ANSWERS.

Bell: WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DIE? I thought you guys would be saved. The bus was right there. AGHHHH, THIS WISTERA!

P. S. yeah I'm aware that i use a lot of punctuations and it is NOT ChatGpt-ed. If i hear one more comment on this issue, I'm gonna tweak outz(pun intended)

[Yasmin Taha · Rating 1 out of 5]

what did I just read? I didn't understand anything!!! what happened? why???

[Ushna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was traumatizeddddd....I was waiting for the male lead aka Eric to drop the manipulation for a bit . he was changing colors like a sky ,it was enemies to enemies lover word don't exist in this novel . He is soooo manipulative . TBH he is twisted ,overpowering and I don't like the novel . I've read dark romance books but this one is twisted in a darkest way possible . Even zade loved Adeline but this man didn't show an ounce of love . I was foolish to thought he likes or loves her secretly when he was washing her or when he's on his knee to put on her shoe but nahhhhh I was wrong . I spent all night reading that novel but broo.. never mind . need something to cleanse my memory 😭 ( no hate to author )

[Bronte Readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowwwww Karina you really did me dirty with that cliff hanger idk why I thought this was gonna be a standalone and then BAMN that fkn cliffhanger like 😧😧😧

Eric is literally the definition of morally pitch black.... we didn't even get to the lovers part, just pure enemies (well I know damn well he's obsessed but he ain't admitting it)

I have so many unanswered questions that I cannot wait for the second book to answer!

[Peyt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot of In A Bubble is there, but the execution is not in my opinion. I’m not a huge fan of the writing style here, but I do think that this book has potential.

[Fufu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wtf is this writing man.. DNF

[WhippedStitchReads (J.A.Y) SEMI-HIATUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4⭐
Spice 🪢🔫🩸🐕

ARC Review

Oh. My. Gosh. This book was a wholleeee lot of clusterfucks!!! I had no idea what was going on. AND THE CLIFFHANGER THAT DAMN CLIFFHANGER. Oh boy, I legit spiraled at 2am at night. I had soo many theories that lead up to the the ending, but I'm not sure.

I will say though, it did take me awhile to get into it, but once shit, and I mean shit went down. IT WAS CRAZYYYY. People dying left and right. Mafia involvement.

We got more questions than answers, but what I gather is. Zoey is 10000000% unreliable narrator amd this has/needs to be intentional. At the start of the book, she is known having constant headaches, but as the book progresses they are somehow gone. From what we know now from the ending, this has to be the reason why she even has headaches. We are missing vast information and only know what Zoey is allowing us (the readers) to know what is happening.

And surprisingly, we didn't get Eric POV which I think it was nice that we didn't so we don't know what he is plotting. But we have gathered Eric and Zoey have met before. The real question is where and how? Is this all real or is everything a figment of Zoey's imagination.

I honestly neeed Book 2 to come because I must know what Karina has in store for us. I must know what Eric is plotting and what Zoey isn't telling us.

I received the ARC from the author. This review is my true and honest thoughts

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, whoa whoa! This cannot be Ms. Wistera's debut novel! Crazy!

It was so totally captivating!
So dark!
So entrancing!
So gripping!

Do you love morally gray?
Then be careful because this little baby has morally black!

If you're ready for a twisted path with our mains, Zoe and Eric, jump on in!
But, let me also share that this end on a cliff-hanger that well...let's just say, I was not prepared for, but knew it was coming as the percentage read got closer and closer to 100.

I will definitely be back! I have to find out where Ms. Wistera takes this!

[Jessica Penley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about In A Bubble (Dark Bubble #1) well…..
Each and every word is exquisitely crafted, leaving me speechless. While morally ambiguous characters are familiar, this story introduces a character with a morally black disposition - a truly dark soul. Zoe faces severe turmoil with individuals intent on destroying her. The question remains: will the Reaper prove to be her salvation? Eic exemplifies a morally pitch-black persona, a dark soul of unimaginable depths. Zoe and Eric's story is characterized by moral ambiguity, darkness, and captivating complexity. To be candid, this book will embark on an emotionally charged, thought-provoking, and darkly intense journey, often prompting the reader to wonder, 'What am I reading?' only to continue voraciously. The cliffhanger ending is nothing short of stunning. I highly recommend this read; it will be well worth your time. *TRIGGER WARNINGS*. I would like to extend my gratitude to Karina Wistera for inviting me to join her ARC team. I eagerly anticipate In A Bubble (Dark Bubble #2). Book Siren ARC Reading.

[harshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT THE HELL WAS THIS BOOK???? I'M SWOOONEDDDDD. XOXOO RECOMMENDING THIS TO 69 OTHER PEOPLE CAUSE AHHHHHHHHHHJHHH

[Lucy ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁·ꕤ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wtf even happened in this book? I’m so confused !!!! I really wanted to like this book it’s pitch black and Stockholm syndrome trope which I LOVE 😳 I DNF at 40%

[Tamanna Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
4.5 stars
Wtf was that ending????Why did you have to do us dirty 😭😭
When I started this book I was so confused with where it was going ( i almost thought of dnfing it ,grateful that I didn't) but then I skipped to a further page and skimmed till there and read it and fell in love with Zoe and Eric
The tension ✨✨🥹
I am still confused of the start though like why was that needed???
Can't wait for the next book ( I will die of anticipation 😃)
Also this is what I mean when I say enemies to lovers 🤌

[Lit Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll give it more than 5 stars if I could.
I know some of you didn't like the ending, but can we please talk about the plot twist and the way the author made us hooked through the whole book.

I was so high on emotions while reading it.
I was on the last chapter when i noticed wait!? is it ending? they didn't even confessed.

And boom!! he pierced a knife, right above her heart he says, I was shook to me core.

TRAUMATIZED.
BETRAYED.
ROBBED FROM HEA.

But in the I also fell in love with it.
I will gladly wait for the next part.
❤️❤️

[November Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

just wow. like this was it for me. I don't think any book this year can top this.

can't wait for the next book and hopefully atleast a few chapters in Eric's POV.

also can we talk about how sweet and gentle he was throughout the book, also ahem we don't talk about the ending.

I like delusion, thanks very much.

so yeah, it's a damn good read. kept me hooked.

[Leasbookspam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Plot twist!!! Not a HEA !!

The book had so many twists and turns, but was so thrilling and gripping that I couldn’t put it down!

The suspense was honestly killing me on how the plots will be plotting and it still surprise me at the end ! 🙀

For a debut novel great work!

It was a mix of the purge, beauty and the beast, mafia kidnapper romance. A WILD RIDE !!

Please check TW !! Because it does contain many dark topics!

🖤💍🩼💸🥀

[Dorcas Eduk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ability for this author to keep me till the very end is why this book is getting this rating
But what exactly happened here
I'm so lost

[Megan LeeAnn Sporleder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading In a Bubble felt like slipping into a dream—one tinted with golden light, quiet ache, and the kind of introspection that lingers long after the last page. I didn’t expect it to hit me so emotionally, but wow… this book cracked something open in me.

It’s not just the writing (which is gorgeous, by the way—like poetry without trying too hard). It’s the way the story holds space for vulnerability. There’s this quiet tension throughout, like you’re watching someone balance on a wire between hope and heartbreak. And somehow, it made me reflect on my own life—how we protect ourselves, how we connect, how we sometimes float through moments without realizing their weight.

I won’t spoil anything, but there’s a scene involving a window and a late-night conversation that absolutely wrecked me—in the best way. It’s subtle, but it says so much about longing and the things we don’t say out loud.

If you’re into stories that feel intimate and a little melancholic, but still warm and human, this one’s for you. It’s not flashy or fast-paced, but it’s deeply felt. I finished it with a lump in my throat and a strange sense of peace.

Also, the aesthetic? Total cozy-core meets emotional realism. I wanted to light a candle and journal afterward.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
I am beyond frustrated right now it’s not even funny lol
Where do i begin.
What was this book? No like actually what was it?
The beginning had me thinking it was something, the middle had me thinking it was something else, and the end was something else entirely.
I was hooked to it i’m not gonna lie, but after a while it repetitive, and without anything being answered.
I understand there’s a second book coming at some point, but it should’ve at least answered some questions, cleared some things, because it has so much potential.
I think i liked the middle more than anything, the push and pull, the banter and tension and manipulation.
I’ll be waiting for the second book.

[Uldanov Jegor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy plot. Really dark romance.
This book is so dark and intense I had to stop and make myself a cup of tea just to catch my breath. The MMC left me absolutely speechless, and the tension had me on edge the entire time. The FMC doesn’t annoy. You feel her pain and can’t help but hope for something better for her. And their hate… oh, it’s brutal. They’re really enemies to enemies. It truly brought back that classic dark romance vibe I’ve been missing. I need the 2nd book NOW.

[Emily Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐ 3- 4🌶️ In A bubble

In a bubble will leave you wondering what you just read and wanting book 2 at the same time. There are soooo many plot twist and the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers but if you love dark romance books check your trigger warnings and go get this book because the story of Zoe and Eric just starting out is great and I can't wait to see where Karina Wisteria takes this!!

- Dark Romance
- enemies to lovers
- mafia

Thank you Karina Wisteria and Netgalley for ARC opportunity!

[Jo MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll start with add this to your TBR, if you like dark romances that leave you feeling like you need to immediately read the book again, because it’s always better the second time.
It’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel, it’s extraordinarily written. Which is why I rated it 5 stars. You will definitely be left wanting the second book ASAP! Hopefully the wait won’t be long.

[livblovesbooks]

This book was a DNF for me at only 14%. I was not a big fan of the writing style and was confused by who was talking since there was just conversation going on with no "who said what" and it was hard to keep up.

I went into this excited based off the tropes but unfortunately it was not for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Karina Wistera for this ARC.

[Varsha Parghi13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completed this book in one night. That’s how i know it got me real good. Im just confused asf bout the ending. My brain stopped working towards the end because wtf🥲 5.5 it kept me hooked till the v end. Cnt wait for the next book

[marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a bit for me to get into it because it’s a slow burn but once I was in I was hooked! And then BAM the ending with a cliff hanger! I can’t wait to read the second one as always with dark romances check your trigger warnings as for the spice it was spicing.

[Shravani Rajpurkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was phenomenal according to me
enjoyed the book till the end tho I couldn't understand what happened in last 20 pages The cliffhanger got me confused

[readwithcharlotteb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a mind F*ck
All im going to say is at first you may want to dnf but hold out until you get to the action. The ending leaves on a cliffhanger that will have your mind confused af

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story. Wat better than five stars. Action paced scenes with multi layered relatable characters. Read in one sitting, it was that good. Dark, intense, detailed storyline.

[Sunfl0wer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt like a fanfic — which isn’t a bad thing — but in some parts it got kind of muddled and hard to follow the thread. The first part was going in one direction and had me hooked, and then suddenly there was a 180° turn. It’s like she accepts and processes what’s happening way too quickly.
Honestly, I didn’t understand the ending, so if anyone can help me make sense of the whole coma and six months thing, you’re welcome to help!
Either way, I still want to know what happens next.

[Tushonki · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d at around the 19th page, I simply couldn’t keep going with the wattpad-ish writing style.

[Why Choose Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Bubble opens with a dying town, a failing university, and a philosophy major who is already questioning her life choices before masked killers descend for sport.

If you’re looking for comfort, this is not it.
If you’re looking for morally grey obsession wrapped in captivity, psychological tension, and “is he the villain or the only thing keeping her alive?” welcome.

This book is dark. Not decorative dark. Actual dark.

Zoe Torn is not written as a helpless heroine. She’s intelligent, observant, and painfully aware of what’s being taken from her. She doesn’t romanticise her situation. She endures it. Strategically.

Then there’s Eric, the man in black. Cloaked, lethal, unreadable. He arrives as part of the slaughter… and then doesn’t follow through. He saves her.

Which would be romantic if he didn’t then proceed to cage her.

Eric isn’t chaotic evil. He’s controlled. Calculated. Possessive in a way that feels deliberate, not impulsive. And that control is what makes him dangerous.

Ilion is already decaying when violence erupts. A group arrives without warning and begins killing without motive or negotiation. Zoe escapes into the woods, not because she’s reckless, but because she refuses to die passively.

Eric finds her.

She expects death. Instead, she gets claimed.

What follows is not rescue. It’s confinement. Protection that feels indistinguishable from imprisonment. Zoe is kept alive, but not free. And the book never pretends those are the same thing.

The tension isn’t just physical captivity. It’s psychological. Zoe is constantly calculating: how to survive, how to protect her family, how to preserve some sense of autonomy when her body is no longer fully her own.

And Eric? He operates in that infuriating grey space where his actions both endanger and shield her. His obsession simmers beneath restraint. He threatens. He controls. He watches. But he also eliminates external threats without hesitation.

The question running through the entire book is simple and uncomfortable:

Is survival enough if it costs you yourself?

This is a dark romance that commits to its premise. There is captivity. There is coercion. There is violence. And the dynamic between Zoe and Eric is intentionally unbalanced.

But what makes it compelling is Zoe’s internal resistance. She doesn’t dissolve. She doesn’t immediately fold. Her mind remains sharp even when her circumstances narrow.

Eric, meanwhile, is written with just enough restraint and mystery to keep you reading instead of throwing the book across the room.

If you enjoy morally grey antiheroes, psychological tension, captivity dynamics, and romance that leans heavily into obsession and power imbalance, this will likely work for you.

If you need healthy communication and mutual autonomy from page one, this is not your book.