Burning Darkness

Who We Are #1

by Vera Hollins

Power. Money. Appearances. They are everything. All that matters is being on top, and you don’t get there by playing nice. You play dirty and trample over others. You deceive. Anything else is a sign of weakness. And rich people can’t show any weakness.

That was what my parents had taught me, and that was what I tried to uphold when I bullied Zach Curtis in my freshman year of high school three years ago. I had to show everyone I was at the top of the food chain and what I said went, ignoring my inner voice that told me I was wrong or my feelings for him.

For months, I humiliated him in the worst ways, until the day I inadvertently caused an incident that left him with a burn scar. He never got to hear how sorry I was because he disappeared shortly after, and I never saw him again.

But now he’s back, and he wants revenge.

He doesn’t care that I regret what happened, and he refuses to listen to reason. He won’t stop, no matter how much I try to plead with him. Not until he sees me ruined.

Not until he gets “justice.”

He says that monsters breed monsters.

And I’m afraid I might learn exactly how true that is.

Warning: This book contains sexual content and sensitive themes such as abuse, coercion, dub-con, sexual assault, violence, and strong language. It includes situations some may find triggering, so caution is advised. Please note that Burning Darkness is part one of a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. Book two ends in an HEA.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

Vera Hollins writes emotional, dark, and angsty love stories that deal with heartbreak, mental and social issues, and finding light in darkness.

She’s been writing since she was nine, and before she knew it, it became her passion and life. She particularly likes coffee, bunnies, angsty romance, and anti-heroes. When she’s not writing you can find her reading, plotting her next book with as many twists as possible, and watching YouTube.

Keep up with Vera:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verahollins/
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Website: https://www.verahollins.com/
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Reviews

[Vera Neves (Sinfonia dos Livros) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recebi este livro directamente da autora, à qual agradeço muito pela sua simpatia e amizade ao longo destes anos fazendo parte da Street Team dela. Este livro acabou de ser lançado, dia 06/11, e assim que o acabei de ler tive de vir publicar a minha opinião.
Pessoalmente, ainda estou a processar este livro.
Mais uma vez, a autora volta a provar o seu talento em criar histórias emocionais, intensas e profundamente humanas. Neste livro, o leitor mergulha num enredo repleto de dor, amor e redenção, onde aqs personagens são, de facto, o coração de tudo.
É criada uma narrativa poderosa sobre culpa, perdão e a luta inteior entre a luz e a escuridão. As emoções são reais, com momentos de raiva e desespero, mas também os há de ternura e esperança.
Como sempre, a escrita de Vera Hollins é fluída e envolvente, com aquele toque característico que só esta autora tem, que faz com que o leitor se sinta próximo das personagens.
As personagens são complexas, marcadas por traumas e segredos, mas é mesmo isso que as torna autênticas. No meio de uma vingança intensa o romance nasce e acaba por ser impossível não torcer por eles, mesmo quando tudo parece estar a desabar.
É um livro com uma carga emocional muito forte e acaba por ser uma jornada de cura, de autoconhecimento e de capacidade de amar, não importa o quanto já se sofreu no passado.
É um livro cheio de emoção e profundidade. Vera Hollins dá-nos mais uma história que prende, magoa e encanta na mesma medida.
É, definitivamente, um daqueles livros que ficam na nossa memória muito tempo depois de acabarmos a última página

I received this book directly from the author, whom I thank very much for her kindness and friendship throughout these years being part of her Street Team. This book was just released on November 6th, and as soon as I finished reading it I had to come and post my review.
Personally, I'm still processing this book.
Once again, the author proves her talent in creating emotional, intense, and profoundly human stories. In this book, the reader is immersed in a plot full of pain, love, and redemption, where the characters are, in fact, the heart of everything.
A powerful narrative is created about guilt, forgiveness, and the inner struggle between light and darkness. The emotions are real, with moments of anger and despair, but there are also moments of tenderness and hope. As always, Vera Hollins' writing is fluid and engaging, with that characteristic touch that only this author has, which makes the reader feel close to the characters.
The characters are complex, marked by traumas and secrets, but that's exactly what makes them authentic. In the midst of intense revenge, romance blossoms, and it becomes impossible not to root for them, even when everything seems to be falling apart.
It's a book with a very strong emotional charge and ends up being a journey of healing, self-discovery, and the ability to love, no matter how much you've suffered in the past.
It's a book full of emotion and depth. Vera Hollins gives us another story that captivates, hurts, and enchants in equal measure.
It is definitely one of those books that stay in our memory long after we finish the last page.

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed. Girl bully and revenge plot line. Great dose of spice and passion though I could have done without that whole preamble on birth control and I’m clean prior to their hook up. That litany was so distracting. Mostly one person pov, though I could judge the hero’s thoughts from the writing. Also, there were a few chapters of the hero’s pov to really know his thoughts, motivations. I still think the hero was justified in his feelings and actions. To me, Blair still remained the culprit, the catalyst and primary reason for everything. She deserved what happened to her.

I am quite interested in part two and hope it will not be a grovel novel. Looking for some OW drama where Zach experiences a bit of happiness even if the two ultimately end up together.

[Laur3n_b00km0m Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was soooooo good! I didnt put it down and finished it in less than a day! When is book 2 coming out because I NEEEEEEED to know what's happening next. :)

Must add to your TBR list!!!!!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW burning darkness by @verahollins

-revenge
-Dark romance
-Morley Grey hero

This was my First by Vera and definitely has opened my eyes to reading more into blacklist. This is part of a duet and this is the first book so it does end on a cliff.

From the start of the book Vera puts you into a world by power, money, and it hooks you straight in and I gobbled it up 💕💕

Blair is the typical high school mean girl.
She’s trapped under her parents’ expectations and her friends drama
But incoming is Zach, the boy she hurts returns three years later with vengeance
The story flips between past and present, if anyone knows me I love a dual timeline book
And the book ends on a cliffy, let me pick up my jaw 🥵
I’m already counting down the days to book two because I need to know if redemption is in the cards

Thanks to @verahollins and @greyspromo for an arc of this book can’t wait for the second one ❤️

[Bookworm Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera is one of my fave authors so I was super excited to find out she was coming out with a new bully/revenge duet. This is the first book in that new series, with the second book scheduled to be released in spring of 2026, so this one does end in a cliffhanger.

I absolutely loved the first part of Blair and Zach’s story. I immediately loved both of them, even while Blair was bullying Zach, because of her inner thoughts. When they see each other again after several years, the attraction is still there (even if he doesn’t want to admit it). It’s a really interesting and engaging premise and I can’t wait for the last part of their story. I definitely recommend this story!

[Holly Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start my review by saying this… I’ve been a huge fan of Vera Hollins since I read the Bullied Series when it came out. Those books have become one of my favorite series to reread. So, needless to say, I had pretty high expectations for Burning Darkness. I judge a book by what’s written, not based on who the author is. But I know her writing style, so the bar was really high.

My goodness…as I figured, Vera blew my expectations away with Burning Darkness!!

Holy emotional roller coaster, Batman!!

Burning Darkness is yet another masterpiece from Vera Hollins! Her novels always make sure that my emotions are all over the place. I felt every emotion…happy, sad, concerned, disgusted, angry, embarrassed, steamy, and definitely shocked!! I cried, I laughed, I awwed, I was hyped, and I gasped many times. As I said—emotional roller coaster!!

I was pulled into the novel from the first page. Vera’s writing style flows easily, I didn’t spot any errors (I always look), and she has grown wonderfully as an author. I was able to play the novel like a movie in my mind from the beginning. I like how the chapters jump between past and present. It allows us to get a deeper understanding of the two main characters. I also appreciate how she keeps a good balance between showing vs telling. Her attention to details is incredible.

This novel touches on some very serious topics. Such as abuse (physical, emotional, and mental), rape, bullying, harassment, neglect, homelessness, and shows how different life is for the upper and lower classes. So, before you read this novel make sure that you’re comfortable reading about such topics. Because, as is Vera’s usual style, everything is in great detail!

I love the main and supporting characters and I hate the main and supporting characters! Vera is a queen of making you hate, love, hate again, and love again all of her characters. They’re well built, grow as the novel goes on, and are all different in their own special way.

When we meet Blair she is the snotty queen bee/mean girl in high school. She’s a freshman (so like age 14), but rules over her classmates in school since she is a horrible bully too, along with her two shadows, Lana and Aurora. I actually enjoyed reading about a female character as the one we’re not supposed to like initially. But, as the novel goes on I ended up really liking her. She grows up in many ways, yet she’s despicable in the beginning. I loved reading her journey as she grew up and realized her life isn’t all rainbows and unicorns! However, we also saw her fake and dark side, and exactly why she is that way.

Of course, I loved the main male character Zach…then I didn’t, but then I did again. His character growth is probably my favorite! I can’t give away too much without spoiling the story, so you will have to read to learn about Zach!

The situations in this novel are heartbreaking, yet some are also heartwarming. The details that are in all of Vera’s novels are top-notch, this one included!

The cover is beautifully designed, it’s eye-catching! From the breezy moments to the deeply intense ones, Burning Darkness is an incredible novel, and I absolutely loved it! The ending had me wanting to read part two right away! I was entranced in the novel while my husband was driving us home and suddenly I yelled out, “Whaaaaat?! That’s the cliffhanger?! She can’t end it right there!!” I may have spooked him a bit! 🤭

I probably don’t need to say this, but I highly recommend buying Burning Darkness! The characters are awesome, it’s such a creative novel, and it had me deep in my emotions and feelings. So, add this to your TBR list and buy it immediately! I love Vera’s work, but this might just be my new favorite novel of hers! Get your copy asap!!

🩷🖤🩷

[Catreena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Darkness
Who We Are #1
Vera Hollins
Releasing 6th Nov

#arc #advancedreaderscopy #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #BurningDarkness #VeraHollins #WhoWeAreSeries #preorder #darkromance #enemiestolovers #hatetolove #comingsoon #kindlebooks #newbookalert #angsty #emotional #dubcon

⚠️ TW's - Please see authors' notes: coercion, dub-con, violence, assault, abuse, mental and social issues

POV:DUAL
Zach & Blair

O.M.G!! Dark and angsty! Fast paced read. Nitty gritty stuff. Secrets unravelling. Enemies-to-lovers, push and pull, love-to-hate, will they won't they, will they ever be on the same page? Whiplash, rollercoaster of emotions. At least my Kindle wasn't put in a timeout. It should have, with the way they were behaving. Oh, and guess what?.... this ends in a cliffhanger!
Anyhoo....
It's not often you come across the MFC ( & her posse) being the bully to the MMC.
That's what's happened to poor Zach. He crossed Blair's path when she and her 'friends', Lana & Aurora were bullying a girl, he stepped in trying to help the girl. But that made matters worse for Zach. Hidden deep down, they both liked each other from afar. They'd never stand a chance, with both coming from different backgrounds. With Blair, rich, old money, image is everything, family name to live up to, etc, top-dog, social standing is everything, even though she doesn't agree with what her parents say. She's to do what's asked of her, no arguing.
Zach comes from the wrong side of the tracks, trailer park, ill-fitting clothes, smart, computer wizz. It's just him and his mum, who's checked out looking for her next fix instead of being a parent.
When a bullying haze goes too far, Zach drops out of school and is permanently scarred and traumatised.
Out for revenge, under the ruse of a fake name and a physical change, Zach enters Blair's parents' employ as their gardener. It's taken years for Zach to finally get all the evidence he needs to bring his bullies down. One by one, they fall victim to what it feels like to be trodden on. Oh, how the tables have turned.
Blair tries to tell Zach she's changed and feels totally rotten and sorry for what happened to him. She understands it was wrong, and it should never have happened.

This has opened her eyes to everything that's going on, her parents' are cutting corners, making sleazy deals. Making her feel nauseated in what they're making her do. And what they're doing to the towns people. She's out to make wrongs right.

They've both made mistakes and ruined things between them. Even though, in a way, they've helped one another to right wrongs.

......To be continued......

*Arc provided for review

[Heather Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Darkness completely captivated me from beginning to end. I was literally gripping the pages, desperate to see what would happen next. Vera Hollins has a talent for creating characters who seem shallow at first glance but reveal incredible depth the more you get to know them. That balance of light and dark, cruelty and vulnerability is what makes this story so addictive. She keeps the tension high while still making you feel everything her characters go through.

Blair is such a fascinating protagonist. She starts off as everything you’re meant to dislike. She’s privileged, power driven, and cruel. But what I loved most about this book is how deeply we get to explore her psyche. As the story unfolds, we see layers of vulnerability, regret, and self-discovery emerge, transforming her from someone I initially despised into someone I truly admired. Watching her evolve and confront who she really is was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

And then there’s Zach, he was such a great contrast. From the very beginning, glimpses of his innocent, kind-hearted past made him immediately likable. But after everything he’s endured, especially because of Blair, you can feel how broken he becomes. In the present, he’s hardened by trauma and driven by revenge. His transformation was both heartbreaking and compelling. Even as he seeks vengeance, there’s this emotional tug-of-war inside him that makes you feel his conflict, torn between his pain and his lingering humanity. His internal struggle with Blair and what she represents made their dynamic electric and unpredictable.

At its core, Burning Darkness is a story about growth, redemption, and the blurred line between love and vengeance. It shows that people can change, even when they’re at their lowest, and that sometimes forgiveness (both of others and ourselves) is the hardest but most freeing act of all. Vera Hollins did a phenomenal job making me care about characters I didn’t think I could. I finished it feeling both gutted and hopeful, which is exactly how I know a story has left its mark.
Highly recommend this to anyone who loves dark, character-driven stories with emotional payoff and unforgettable growth arcs.

I can't wait for book 2!!

[Alexia Gauthier · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥 When vengeance meets regret: a Dark Romance that burns deep 🔥

4.25 ⭐️ | 4 🌶️

Vera Hollins’ Burning Darkness is exactly what its title promises: a story that scorches from the inside out. It’s a twisted, emotional, and hauntingly raw exploration of guilt, revenge, and the fragile line between hate and desire.

From the first chapter, Hollins pulls you straight into a world ruled by power, money, and appearances, where being “on top” is worth any cruelty it takes to get there. But beneath the perfect façade lies something far more human, and far more broken.

Blair, the so-called queen bee, is everything we’re taught to hate in a high school mean girl… until you start to see the cracks. She’s trapped in a glittering cage, suffocating under her parents’ expectations and her so-called friends’ toxic influence. Her mask begins to slip when Zach, the boy she once hurt beyond repair, returns three years later with vengeance in his eyes and a heart full of rage.

This isn’t a light enemies-to-lovers tale. It’s dark, emotional, and unflinchingly honest. Hollins doesn’t sugarcoat the damage caused by bullying or the psychological scars it leaves behind. The story flips between past and present, peeling back layers of trauma, guilt, and forbidden attraction until you’re left aching for both characters.

And the cliffhanger? My jaw is still on the floor. I’m already counting down the days to book two because I need answers. Will redemption win out? Or will darkness consume them both?

If you’re looking for a morally gray, emotionally charged dark romance that makes you question every feeling you have for the characters, this is it. Hollins’ writing is gripping, cinematic, and brimming with intensity.

Run, don’t walk, to grab Burning Darkness. You’ll be haunted, breathless, and maybe a little bit scorched but you’ll love every second of it.

Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC and congratulations Vera on your upcoming release (November 6th).

💔 Dark Romance | 🖤 Enemies to Lovers | 🔥 Revenge | 💫 Redemption arc

[Mayra Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmm... I seriously need to stop reading books that don't have the whole series out because what do you mean I have to wait in order to read what happens next!!!??? Like I want to know now, please and thank you.

I could not put this book down. I tried so hard but I wanted to know more about Zach and Blair. Zach is back after disappearing for three years for revenge on Blair and her friends for what they did to him in high school. I was absolutely hooked from the beginning. I am not gonna lie, I am on both of their sides. Like I understand 100000% where Zach is coming from and agree that revenge makes sense but also he is still hurting and in pain because he is trying to get revenge. Like I understand what they did was horrible and unforgiveable but I think he is not healing because he has put himself in the path of revenge. And Blair? She does deserve some of the things he does to her for sure. Like she was a horrible person outwardly (inwardly she knows rights from wrongs but she can't show it). I love her growth throughout the book and how she was able to be herself, consequences be damned.

I hated some of the things Zach did (especially the last thing he did). Like damn dude what the actual heck is wrong with you. I loved how Blair stood up for herself and justice was served. I HATED that it ended in a cliffhanger cause I wasn't expecting it BUT I am so excited to see what is next for Zach and Blair and the connection that they can't seem to shake.

If you are looking for a revenge, enemies (heavy on enemies) to not hating each other as much, dark romance, then this is the book for you. Please check your trigger warning because this one does have some power dynamics, dub-con situations that might trigger some people. Thank you Grey's Promotions and Vera for this digital arc. AND PLEASE SEND ME BOOK 2 ASAP. Thank you. :)

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for the ARC.

Burning Darkness was painful and intense to read in the most gut-wrenching way possible. Vera Hollins doesn’t just write about revenge; she makes you feel it. Every page burns with guilt, anger, heartbreak, and longing.

Blair, raised by awful, absent parents who only care about appearances and their business deals, was taught that power meant cruelty and that weakness had no place in her world. But one reckless choice left Zach Curtis scarred, and now, years later, he’s back to destroy her the way she destroyed him. What begins as vengeance quickly turns into something raw and complicated, a dark, emotional storm neither of them can escape.

This book hurts. It’s vivid, graphic, and unflinchingly honest about the damage bullying causes and how it twists both the victim and the one doing the hurting. Blair’s unraveling broke me. Seeing her face her own demons, stripped of the armor she hid behind, was brutal and beautiful. And Zach… he’s the embodiment of pain and fury, a reminder that trauma doesn’t fade; it festers.

The way he executed revenge against those who bullied him was precise and devastating. He knew exactly where to strike, exactly what would hurt most. It was dark, chilling, and completely gripping to watch unfold.

The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore: volatile, wrong, and heartbreakingly human and I can’t wait for book two.

Even the cover captures it perfectly: the lighter, the flame, that split-second before everything burns. It’s the exact feeling this story leaves behind: dangerous, consuming, unforgettable.

A gripping, emotional dark romance that will stay with me for a long time. Vera Hollins truly outdid herself.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never read this author before I wasn't sure what to expect and I rarely pick books were the Bully is the girl but 14 year old Blair is rotten for sure not very likable and runs her Highschool with her other two mean girl friends or should I say frename's Lana and Aurora and there main target is Zack a smart sweet guy who just happens to be really poor and have a mother with substance abuse problems so things are tuff living on the outside of a world were the rich rule but all that bulling goes to far one day and Zack is left scared and he just disappeared but Blair was changed that day but is Blair the Bully or a victim of circumstance and the evil poison her parents taught her and those parents are vile and disgusting dear old daddy what have you done. Zack revenge it's all he's wanted he's breathed and lived it will it give him the closure he wants or drag him deeper down a path were you hurt the one you love. Zack and Blair are very complicated and not very likable but when Blair starts to turn around I started to like Zack less and you could see just how bad his hate was how his revenge was eating him alive and it would cause him to make some very bad mistakes ones that tear a rift between him and Blair. There is allot of tension, danger and some situations that some may find traumatic. So the question is this is Blair innocent no but neither is Zack can there be redemption and a future for Blair and Zack can the hate be forgiven the painful past overcome can they love each to soon to tell this book ends with a cliffhanger of sorts and it will be interesting to see what happens next for these two. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Shonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: Burning Darkness

AUTHOR: Vera Hollins

SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

RATING: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🅜🅨 🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦-

Burning Darkness is the 1st book in the who we are series.

I absolutely devoured this amazing story. I adore bully romances but it’s not often you come across a bully romance where it’s the fmc doing the bullying. Vera Hollins has really outdone herself with this fantastic story.

Blair is the queen bee in her school. She comes from a wealthy background. All the girls want to be her and all the boys want to date her. Image is important in Blair’s world and she needs to stay on top. Blair along with her friends bully some of the other students in her school when a terrible incident occurs to one of her victims. Blair suffers terrible guilt over what she put Zach through and she always wondered what happened to the boy she ruthlessly bullied.

Zach comes from the wrong side of the tracks but he finds himself at the hands of a terrible bully who makes his life miserable whenever their paths cross. After the incident that left him traumatised Zach left but now he’s back and seeks revenge on those who wronged him. Zach has changed he’s no longer the weak person he used to be and he will get his revenge no matter what.

This book was so incredibly raw. It’s full of angst. Zach and Blair’s chemistry oozed off those pages and I couldn’t get enough of them. This book does end on a cliffhanger I’m now waiting on tenterhooks for the second book in this series. If you’re a fan of bully romances with hate to love vibes then this is definitely the book for you! I can’t recommend this story enough.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[Only.ever.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
✨Burning Darkness✨
Who We Are #1

By Vera Hollins

✨ Dark Romance
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Cliffhanger

⭐ 4/5

Blair and Zach

This story follows Blair and Zach and is not for the faint of heart. Their story is filled with heavy themes and tropes. Two characters who are from different sides of town. Rich vs poor.
Blair is raised in the way that money and image is everything. No matter that she doesn't always agree with her parents, she does what they ask of her.
Zach comes from the opposite. Raised by a single mother who is not the parent a kid would want for. He is smart, caring and nice.
Despite both not really hating each other, Blair and her friends make his life terrible after he crossed their path by helping another girl they treated wrong.
But when they went too far, Zach dropped out of school. He is traumatised. But that also has him changing and being out for revenge.
And a few years later he is back and slowly begins to bring those down who mistreated him.
And Blair is full of feeling bad. She knows what happened was wrong, and she tries to tell him that she has changed.
This romance is about learning to grow, forgiving and changing. Ends in a cliffhanger and waiting for a happy end.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Zach and Blair. This book is full and darkness and angst. Blair has not had a easy life. She was raised by parents who were horrible and really only cared about appearances. I forgot their business deals too. Those were super important to them. Blair leaned from this that power is cruel, and being weak is a big fat no no in their world. However, she made a reckless choice that left Zach scarred and now that years have passed he is back for revenge. He is going to destroy her the same way that she destroyed him. However, things quickly turn into so much more and a storm of emotions that neither of them saw coming. Nor can they escape it. This is a great dark book. There are lessons to be learned in reading this book and I will let you discover them as you read. It's a story of bullying and the revenge that you know you would want if someone had horribly bullied you too. This is a great book that you do not want to miss.

[Miss Elle’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 ARC - Burning Darkness
🖤 Book 1 of the Duet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

True bully romance at its finest. It’s brutal, emotional, and completely addictive. This isn’t your typical enemies-to-lovers; it’s revenge served cold and burning hot all at once.

Zach returns with vengeance in his veins and a plan to destroy the girl who made his life hell. Every cruel word, every humiliation, he’s ready to return it tenfold. But what happens when the lines between hate and desire start to blur, and the one you want to ruin becomes the one you can’t live without?

This story hurts in all the right ways. It’s a dark, twisted journey through regret, redemption, and finding light in the shadows. A true “monsters breed monsters” kind of love story that left me absolutely wrecked and desperate for book two.

If you love:
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Revenge / Bully Trope
🖤 Hate-to-Love
🖤 Morally Gray MMC
🖤 High Angst & Emotional Chaos

You need this one on your TBR.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Monsters breed monsters."

Who We Are Book 1 Duet

I was not prepared for the emotional damage this book would cause me. Consider me wrecked. This dark revenge romance did not play around it was a nail-biter and completely took me by surprise. These bullies were Mean Girls to the extreme.

This is my first Vera Hollins book and I really enjoyed her writing. I was easily pulled into this story and held captivated by these characters and their story.

This book was devastating one moment, then spicy, then shocking, and emotional then next and I was here for this wild ride. I legit had to stifle my screams.

Tropes:
Revenge
Morally gray
Hate to love
Angsty
Dual POV
Cliffhanger

Check TW

I'm so looking forward to the second book! I need their HEA please.
This is absolutely a must if you enjoy a good dark revenge romance.

Thank you Grey's Promotions and Vera Hollins for the opportunity to read this eARC.

[Katrine Ladefoged · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m speechless. I really liked this book, and it’s been a while since I’ve had sooo many emotions going on while reading - wow Vera has outdone herself with this one!
In this book you follow Blair, daughter of the wealthy Everett’s and has to upkeep her social status at ALL costs, and Zack, who goes to school with Blair and isn’t what society deems perfect, he’s nerdy, smart and let’s just say that puberty is good to the kid, and also he’s what they like to refer to trailer trash…
In this book you follow a series of events, some harder than others which leads to Zack wanting revenge against Blair… but… is there something that can stop him from completing the mission or is it all doomed from the start? You must read the book to find out. This book is not HEA, and ends kind of on a cliffhanger, like not really a cliffhanger just the feeling that you reaaaaally wanna read book 2 😉

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first part in a new duet, and this is Zach and Blair’s story.
Blair grew up with despicable parents, where being on top is essential, and playing dirty a must, so she bullied Zach in freshman year, until things went to far and he was left burned, after which he disappeared before she could apologise for her actions. Now Zach is back, fueled by revenge, and he is determined to ruin and humiliate Blair, as she did him.
This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the conclusion!
This is a well written, emotionally charged story, with family dynamics, friendships, tension, angst, drama, regrets, twists and turns, anger, engaging secondary characters, vengeance, and combustible chemistry, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, dark romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚✨ Burning Darkness by Vera Hollins
⭐️4.5/5 | 🌶️2/5

Okay… listen.
This book is heavy. It dives into abuse (physical, emotional, mental), sexual assault, bullying, harassment, neglect, class divides...all of it. So please check your comfort level before going in.

Now that that’s said…

THE WAY THIS BOOK PUT ME THROUGH EVERY EMOTION HUMANLY POSSIBLE?!?!
Pain. Rage. Heartache. Shock. I was gasping, wincing, and just sitting there and staring into the darkness

And the PLOT TWIST???
I actually screamed. Out loud. At 1 AM. So if my neighbors hate me now… they can take it up with Vera Hollins.

This story is messy, raw, and complicated in the most gripping way. It broke my heart and didn’t even apologize for it. I’m going to be thinking about these characters for days.

I need more. I need answers. I need therapy.

🎧 Reading Mood: emotional damage, but you asked for it 🥀

[Lake B · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

Blair and Zach went to school together, until he dropped out because of her. After a horrible encounter, he ended up in the hospital. The story starts a few years later when he’s determined to get revenge on her and the people who wronged him. Zach ends up assuming a new name and working as a gardener at her house. What happens if he sees that she’s changed, or what she goes through at home? I’m not sure I’ve read a book where the characters are as immature and unlikeable than this one, and parts of it were hard to get through (like with all the references to him being the help and the car ride Zach interrupted). This is book that 1 of a duet and does end on a little cliffhanger for the future. Both of them have a long way to grow up. Zach ended up doing exactly what Blair did, but managed to one up her because he knew the cost.

ARC Review 🩵

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceptional. This is the first Vera Hollins book I've read and based on this, I want to read more by her. There ate some definite trigger warnings i.e. various forms of abuse (sexual, physical, mental, etc.). So make sure you know this going into it.

With that said, get prepared for a riller coaster ride of emotions. This book is so well written that you literally feel every emotion that the characters experience. You're going to laugh and scream?You're gonna want to cry and pull your hair out. It literally makes you feel like you're everywhere and know we're all at the same time but that is such a good thing.

Revenge definitely takes on a whole new meaning with this book. This is a duology so be prepared for a cliff hanger. This needs to be added to everyone's must read list and I definitely give it five stars.

[Paige Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO FREAKING GOOD!
Blair and Zach have done awful things to each other, while not ok, were reactive to what the other had done.
Blair was the typical mean girl in school, even though she didn’t want to be, and Zach was unfortunately one of her victims. And something awful happened which left permanent scars.
Unbeknownst to Zach, Blair was also going through hell. Something no one should ever have to go through, much less told to do by your parents.
My heart hurts for both of them, but I also cannot wait to see how things go in book 2. Which I would like asap, but no rush 😂❤️
I first read Vera when she was writing on Wattpad, and was over the moon when she published her work. I have fallen more in love with her writing with each book. Burning Darkness blew me away. Please go give her books a read, and we can rant and rave about them together!

[Peggy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Darkness is the first book in the Who We Are duet by Vera Hollins. It's a new adult, dark bully/revenge romance, and it ends on a cliffhanger, but it was fantastic! The conclusion to this story is scheduled to be released next spring (2026). Vera is one of my all-time favorite authors, and, yet again, she does not disappoint!

Wow! I loved Blair and Zach's story! I was immersed from beginning to end and never wanted to put it down! Vera has done it again with characters you can't help but fall in love with! I can't wait for the conclusion to this amazing story (this one left off so good!), but in the meantime, read this book, you won't regret it! Highly recommended with way more than five stars!

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark, new-adult bully/revenge romance follows Blair, a privileged girl who once bullied Zach to protect her status, causing a traumatic incident that left him scarred. When Zach returns years later, he’s no longer the kind boy she remembers; he’s driven by pain and determined to make her pay. I loved how the story delves into both characters’ emotional turmoil, showcasing Blair’s guilt and growth, as well as Zach’s heartbreaking transformation. Their tension is intense, messy, and addictive, blurring the line between revenge and something deeper. The cliffhanger left me desperate for book two and the promised HEA. A gripping, emotional read, but definitely check the trigger warnings first.

[LolaHa · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G A bully romance where SHE is the bully and what a rollercoaster! Angsty, emotional, slightly dark and a book you can‘t put down.

Blair is a rich girl, who is your typical high school rich girl and bully, but also different from your typical bully in some ways. She set her sights on Zach Curtis — a shy loner and nerd whom she bullies relentlessly. After an incident that changes his life they don‘t see each other for a few years until Zach returns filled with a thirst for vengeance at Blair‘s house as her new gardener. This book is definitely a revenge book with morally gray broken characters. I enjoyed this book so much and couldn‘t put it down! I was intrigued with how Vera used the FMC as a bully instead of the MMC this time and their story is so unique. I can‘t wait for Book 2!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magnificent start to this duet by a new-to-me author!
She captured from the very first chapter.
And I didn't want to put his down!

"A Dark Revenge Romance" with all the angst you expect from the trope!

This is INTENSE!
And not what one my expect from the typical bully romance!

Emotional!
Probably relatable for some! It was a bit for me!

So many red flags in this story, so be sure to read the author's warnings!

If you jump in, know that you are driving toward the highest, scariest cliff ever!
Oh. My. Gawd!

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and umm wow. I absolutely devoured this book. I loved it so much. I didn’t love the cliff hanger but I did love the book.

Vera does such a good job writing and brining you into this world of power and money and I just felt like I was living this life and this book. I felt I was watching a show.


I love a dual timeline and this book goes between past and present so so good.

Can’t wait for the second book. I’ll be just here waiting. Not happy about it lol.

[Siya Khanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.5 stars!

This book was so good! Blair and Zach were so great to read about. There was tension, angst, longing, amazing spice, high emotions, and I literally said “that did not just happen!” out loud so many times.

This is a bullying-to-revenge romance, so the stakes felt high from the start. The boy she once tormented is now back, colder, and determined to make her feel everything he went through. It made the push-pull between them addictive.

I was definitely on the edge of my seat while reading and the cliffhanger ending got me really excited. Can’t wait for book 2!

[ybookie_wanderlust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burning Darkness had me hooked from the very first chapter. Vera Hollins really knows how to pull at your emotions. I was completely torn between whose side to be on. Both Blair and Zach had their reasons, and honestly, I understood them both… but that didn’t make the heartbreak any easier.

The tension, the pain, the choices…everything about this story gripped me. Blair and Zach’s connection felt raw and real, and I found myself fully invested in how things would play out.

I’m definitely ready for the next book because I need more of their story!