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Descent To Darkness #3
Lay Me Down
Ashia
Dust is gone, but a worse foe has taken over. The city is in chaos, and our world is, too. Sahara has requested our help, but I can’t shake the need to look at them as the enemy. Something is off, and now that my heart is nothing but a black hole, I’ve turned into something malevolent—a Queen worthy of the dark throne I was given. I took my rightful place at his side, but I never thought I would have to use it. Now the space beside me is cold and empty, and everyone is looking to me for answers. I won’t rest until he’s standing tall beside me once again, no matter the cost, and our enemies will fall to my efforts. Call it the hormones, the stress, the exhaustion, it doesn’t really matter. I will do, and be, anything it takes to make this right—to have him at my side again—even if it means this darkness consumes me whole.
Damien
My mind is twisted. I’m seeing things that aren’t there, hearing voices that are long gone, and I can’t turn them off this time. The ethereal plains that once existed separately are melting together, making me question everything around me. I’m calling out and reaching for her, only to grasp onto thin air. She needs me, they both do, and I was stupid enough to fall into the enemies’ clutches. They force me to commit the unthinkable, and just when I thought I couldn’t sink any lower, they prove me wrong. My only salvation seems to be a stranger. One that I don’t trust, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get back to her. I watch through unknowing eyes as she tears the city apart, and I’m forced to watch her chip away pieces of herself to get to me. This will end, and I’ll ensure their safety through it all—even if that means letting myself go.
*Lay Me Down is book 3 in the Descent to Darkness Trilogy, and this series must be read in order. This book is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.*
Dust is gone, but a worse foe has taken over. The city is in chaos, and our world is, too. Sahara has requested our help, but I can’t shake the need to look at them as the enemy. Something is off, and now that my heart is nothing but a black hole, I’ve turned into something malevolent—a Queen worthy of the dark throne I was given. I took my rightful place at his side, but I never thought I would have to use it. Now the space beside me is cold and empty, and everyone is looking to me for answers. I won’t rest until he’s standing tall beside me once again, no matter the cost, and our enemies will fall to my efforts. Call it the hormones, the stress, the exhaustion, it doesn’t really matter. I will do, and be, anything it takes to make this right—to have him at my side again—even if it means this darkness consumes me whole.
Damien
My mind is twisted. I’m seeing things that aren’t there, hearing voices that are long gone, and I can’t turn them off this time. The ethereal plains that once existed separately are melting together, making me question everything around me. I’m calling out and reaching for her, only to grasp onto thin air. She needs me, they both do, and I was stupid enough to fall into the enemies’ clutches. They force me to commit the unthinkable, and just when I thought I couldn’t sink any lower, they prove me wrong. My only salvation seems to be a stranger. One that I don’t trust, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get back to her. I watch through unknowing eyes as she tears the city apart, and I’m forced to watch her chip away pieces of herself to get to me. This will end, and I’ll ensure their safety through it all—even if that means letting myself go.
*Lay Me Down is book 3 in the Descent to Darkness Trilogy, and this series must be read in order. This book is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.*
- GenresDark Romance
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 11, 2026
I eagerly awaited this book as I am addicted to this series! It is outstanding and utter perfection. As always check the triggers as these characters go through thr ringer!
Continuation from book two, chasing the darkness through the city, causing chaos but trying to achieve their goals in helping the people is Damien & now Ashia's goal. Trauma at losing people close to them and introducing new characters as well as past enemy in Satori. This book is dark, lots of action, and suspense making Ashia into the strong female she was born to be , right ny Damiens side. Together they are a powerhouse. I think you really need to pick these books up just for the brilliant concept, let alone the writing of Winnie.
Read all three books in order and buckle up for one heck of a ride! I was lucky to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review, look forward to the next book, I could read these books forever!
Continuation from book two, chasing the darkness through the city, causing chaos but trying to achieve their goals in helping the people is Damien & now Ashia's goal. Trauma at losing people close to them and introducing new characters as well as past enemy in Satori. This book is dark, lots of action, and suspense making Ashia into the strong female she was born to be , right ny Damiens side. Together they are a powerhouse. I think you really need to pick these books up just for the brilliant concept, let alone the writing of Winnie.
Read all three books in order and buckle up for one heck of a ride! I was lucky to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review, look forward to the next book, I could read these books forever!
April 2, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Lay Me Down (book three in Descent to Darkness series by Winnie Brooks). Phew, this one took me through ALL of the feels. This book is a true testament to how far into the darkness you can fall, how far you’re willing to go, how much pain you will suffer through and in turn how much suffering you are willing to cause to save the person you love. This book was gripping, gut wrenching, powerful, and beautiful all wrapped up into one incredible story. As always, check trigger warnings prior to diving in, but this book y’all….. Bravo! An absolute masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 12, 2026
Dust is gone, but a worse foe has taken over. The city is in chaos, and our world is, too.
Sahara has requested their help, but Ashia can’t shake the need to look at them as the enemy. Something is off, and now that her heart is nothing but a black hole, she’s turned into something malevolent—a Queen worthy of the dark throne she was given.
Ashia took her rightful place at Damien’s side, but she never thought she would have to use it. Now the space beside her is cold and empty, and everyone is looking to her for answers.
Ashia won’t rest until Damien’s standing tall beside her once again, no matter the cost, and our enemies will fall to her efforts. Call it the hormones, the stress, the exhaustion, it doesn’t really matter. She will do, and be, anything it takes to make this right—to have him at her side again—even if it means this darkness consumes her whole.
Damien’s mind is twisted. He’s seeing things that aren’t there, hearing voices that are long gone, and he can’t turn them off this time.
The ethereal plains that once existed separately are melting together, making him question everything around him.
Damien’s calling out and reaching for Ashia, only to grasp onto thin air. She needs him, they both do, and he was stupid enough to fall into the enemies’ clutches. They force him to commit the unthinkable, and just when he thought he couldn’t sink any lower, they prove him wrong.
Damien’s only salvation seems to be a stranger. One that he doesn’t trust, but he’ll do whatever it takes to get back to Ashia. He’ll watch through unknowing eyes as she tears the city apart, and he’s forced to watch her chip away pieces of herself to get to him.
This will end, and he’ll ensure their safety through it all—even if that means letting himself go.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Dark Romance, City in Chaos, World in Chaos, Sahara requested Help, FMC turned into Something Malevolent, FMC Queen worthy of the Dark Throne, Missing MMC, Everyone looking at FMC for Answers, FMC won’t Rest till MMC is Again by her Side, No Matter the Cost, Enemies will Fall, MMCs mind is Twisted, Seeing things not There, Hearing Voices Long Gone, Ethereal Plains are Melting Together, MMC questions Everything, Pregnancy, MMC in Enemy Clutches, MMC Forced to Commit the Unthinkable, MMCs only Salvation is A Stranger, MMC watches through the Unknown Eys, FMC tears the City Apart, MMC will Ensure their Safety,
Lay Me Down is the 3rd book in The Decent to Darkness series by Winnie Brooks. This series must be read in order.
I have been addicted to Winnie Brooks Decent to Darkness series since I read the first book “Cut Me Down”. And I have found that with each book the series just keeps getting better and better and it also keeps getting darker as well and I have just been enthralled with it and I look forward to each new installment.
Lay Me Down truly hurt! I honestly don’t know what this series is doing to me? And despite that, I am here for it, and I am always eagerly waiting for the next book to land in my hot little hands.
Before I go on, I have to warn you to really read the trigger warnings and pay attention to each one of them. There are some really very difficult scenes in Lay Me Down and Winnie Brooks really puts our dear characters through the wringer and they go through some really difficult and triggering things.
Now, buckle up buttercups because we are about to dig into this stunning triggering book.
Lay Me Down thankfully picks up right where “Tear Me Down” (Book 2) left off, so if you’re reading each book back-to-back, there’s not going to be any gap, which can make it really very nice for the flow. (I look forward to that on my re-read of the series once it’s complete.)
Winnie didn’t overload us with a lot of new characters, rather she chooses to go on a deeper dive into the characters that she had previously introduced and the characters that were already well established from the first 2 books. I found that having the focus on the well-established characters and only bringing in a few new characters really did help to keep the story feeling balanced and the flow felt so natural and the progression felt organic.
Satori was one of the new characters that we did get the opportunity to meet and I have to admit that I have this desire to know more about him. I want to know and understand who this man truly is and I want to know his whys. I truly have so many questions about him.
I found that “Lay Me Down” isn’t as spicy as the other 2 books. Now, I love a great spicy book and I’m always looking for a great spicy book, that’s 90% of what I read. But this book is so emotional, so intense, I didn’t even notice that there wasn’t a lot of spice in this book. And the spice that is present in this book, as in Winnie Brooks fashion, it’s absolutely perfect.
Ashia and Damien have dealt with the water being poisoned, they have felt things were off with Sahara requesting help, they’ve both tried their best to try and help Zeke through his grief, and they’ve been doing their best trying to keep everything up and running all while trying to get ready for their baby. And then things all go wrong and gets worse when Damien suddenly goes missing.
Everyone around Ashia tries to tell her that Damien just up and left her. But, for those who know Damien the best know that he’s far too obsessed with his wife Ashia and they are far too deeply in love for Damien to just up and leave her like that. They know that someone has taken him, they just don’t know if they will get to him and get him back before it’s too late?
Seriously, if a man had this kind of vibe would he willingly leave his wife?
"You are my f***ing queen, and I will wage wars with the cosmos in your honor to avenge you. The stars in my universe align to the image of you, and by the time I'm done and the war is finished, they will bow to you and only you."
I loved watching Ashia step up and be the Queen that Damien knew she could always be and the Queen Damien knows her to be and she’s the ultimate BA- all I could keep saying to her was – “You go girl!”
Man, Winnie really put Damien through it and I was just amazed by his will to hold on for her. He’s tortured, tested, those who hold him threaten his wife & unborn child, and all the while the voices in Damien’s head keep getting ever louder. All this is just a perfect Chefs kiss.
I refuse to give all the story away as I want you to be on the edge of your seat. I will say there are happy moments, angry moments, heart shattering moments, and sadly I will say that not everyone survives.
I am so thankful that “Lay Me Down” didn’t end with this heart-breaking scene, but it does end with this intense cliffhanger (yes, just like “Cut Me Down”). While the cliffhanger is intense its also mixed with hope and skepticism. (I can’t help but think and wonder if we’re trusting the wrong person) That being said though, the entire book itself was heart shattering and so very intense so maybe that’s why Winnie decided to ease up and not break our hearts yet again at the end. But, even so, the ending did have me pausing, reflecting on everything that I had read and everything that had happened in the book and the previous 2 books. And I thought about everything our dear characters had gone through and I considered what is yet to come for them. Oh and Reaper Protocol has now been initiated, so now we wait for book 4 to be released to see what comes next, to see what happens, to see what happens to our beloved characters next.
If you love dark romances then this is the series that you want to read. Remember you have to read this one in order, you can’t just jump into book 3 without reading books 1 and 2 first. But I highly recommend this series.
My 2 Favorite quotes from this book were:
"I'll be his queen of darkness- just as he's always seen me. I'll never be the same again, but I knew that the moment he disappeared. Damien's little wolf is coming out to play, and if I've learned anything from watching my husband, it's how to cause some damage."
"You are my f***ing queen, and I will wage wars with the cosmos in your honor to avenge you. The stars in my universe align to the image of you, and by the time I'm done and the war is finished, they will bow to you and only you."
Sahara has requested their help, but Ashia can’t shake the need to look at them as the enemy. Something is off, and now that her heart is nothing but a black hole, she’s turned into something malevolent—a Queen worthy of the dark throne she was given.
Ashia took her rightful place at Damien’s side, but she never thought she would have to use it. Now the space beside her is cold and empty, and everyone is looking to her for answers.
Ashia won’t rest until Damien’s standing tall beside her once again, no matter the cost, and our enemies will fall to her efforts. Call it the hormones, the stress, the exhaustion, it doesn’t really matter. She will do, and be, anything it takes to make this right—to have him at her side again—even if it means this darkness consumes her whole.
Damien’s mind is twisted. He’s seeing things that aren’t there, hearing voices that are long gone, and he can’t turn them off this time.
The ethereal plains that once existed separately are melting together, making him question everything around him.
Damien’s calling out and reaching for Ashia, only to grasp onto thin air. She needs him, they both do, and he was stupid enough to fall into the enemies’ clutches. They force him to commit the unthinkable, and just when he thought he couldn’t sink any lower, they prove him wrong.
Damien’s only salvation seems to be a stranger. One that he doesn’t trust, but he’ll do whatever it takes to get back to Ashia. He’ll watch through unknowing eyes as she tears the city apart, and he’s forced to watch her chip away pieces of herself to get to him.
This will end, and he’ll ensure their safety through it all—even if that means letting himself go.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.
Tropes: Dark Romance, City in Chaos, World in Chaos, Sahara requested Help, FMC turned into Something Malevolent, FMC Queen worthy of the Dark Throne, Missing MMC, Everyone looking at FMC for Answers, FMC won’t Rest till MMC is Again by her Side, No Matter the Cost, Enemies will Fall, MMCs mind is Twisted, Seeing things not There, Hearing Voices Long Gone, Ethereal Plains are Melting Together, MMC questions Everything, Pregnancy, MMC in Enemy Clutches, MMC Forced to Commit the Unthinkable, MMCs only Salvation is A Stranger, MMC watches through the Unknown Eys, FMC tears the City Apart, MMC will Ensure their Safety,
Lay Me Down is the 3rd book in The Decent to Darkness series by Winnie Brooks. This series must be read in order.
I have been addicted to Winnie Brooks Decent to Darkness series since I read the first book “Cut Me Down”. And I have found that with each book the series just keeps getting better and better and it also keeps getting darker as well and I have just been enthralled with it and I look forward to each new installment.
Lay Me Down truly hurt! I honestly don’t know what this series is doing to me? And despite that, I am here for it, and I am always eagerly waiting for the next book to land in my hot little hands.
Before I go on, I have to warn you to really read the trigger warnings and pay attention to each one of them. There are some really very difficult scenes in Lay Me Down and Winnie Brooks really puts our dear characters through the wringer and they go through some really difficult and triggering things.
Now, buckle up buttercups because we are about to dig into this stunning triggering book.
Lay Me Down thankfully picks up right where “Tear Me Down” (Book 2) left off, so if you’re reading each book back-to-back, there’s not going to be any gap, which can make it really very nice for the flow. (I look forward to that on my re-read of the series once it’s complete.)
Winnie didn’t overload us with a lot of new characters, rather she chooses to go on a deeper dive into the characters that she had previously introduced and the characters that were already well established from the first 2 books. I found that having the focus on the well-established characters and only bringing in a few new characters really did help to keep the story feeling balanced and the flow felt so natural and the progression felt organic.
Satori was one of the new characters that we did get the opportunity to meet and I have to admit that I have this desire to know more about him. I want to know and understand who this man truly is and I want to know his whys. I truly have so many questions about him.
I found that “Lay Me Down” isn’t as spicy as the other 2 books. Now, I love a great spicy book and I’m always looking for a great spicy book, that’s 90% of what I read. But this book is so emotional, so intense, I didn’t even notice that there wasn’t a lot of spice in this book. And the spice that is present in this book, as in Winnie Brooks fashion, it’s absolutely perfect.
Ashia and Damien have dealt with the water being poisoned, they have felt things were off with Sahara requesting help, they’ve both tried their best to try and help Zeke through his grief, and they’ve been doing their best trying to keep everything up and running all while trying to get ready for their baby. And then things all go wrong and gets worse when Damien suddenly goes missing.
Everyone around Ashia tries to tell her that Damien just up and left her. But, for those who know Damien the best know that he’s far too obsessed with his wife Ashia and they are far too deeply in love for Damien to just up and leave her like that. They know that someone has taken him, they just don’t know if they will get to him and get him back before it’s too late?
Seriously, if a man had this kind of vibe would he willingly leave his wife?
"You are my f***ing queen, and I will wage wars with the cosmos in your honor to avenge you. The stars in my universe align to the image of you, and by the time I'm done and the war is finished, they will bow to you and only you."
I loved watching Ashia step up and be the Queen that Damien knew she could always be and the Queen Damien knows her to be and she’s the ultimate BA- all I could keep saying to her was – “You go girl!”
Man, Winnie really put Damien through it and I was just amazed by his will to hold on for her. He’s tortured, tested, those who hold him threaten his wife & unborn child, and all the while the voices in Damien’s head keep getting ever louder. All this is just a perfect Chefs kiss.
I refuse to give all the story away as I want you to be on the edge of your seat. I will say there are happy moments, angry moments, heart shattering moments, and sadly I will say that not everyone survives.
I am so thankful that “Lay Me Down” didn’t end with this heart-breaking scene, but it does end with this intense cliffhanger (yes, just like “Cut Me Down”). While the cliffhanger is intense its also mixed with hope and skepticism. (I can’t help but think and wonder if we’re trusting the wrong person) That being said though, the entire book itself was heart shattering and so very intense so maybe that’s why Winnie decided to ease up and not break our hearts yet again at the end. But, even so, the ending did have me pausing, reflecting on everything that I had read and everything that had happened in the book and the previous 2 books. And I thought about everything our dear characters had gone through and I considered what is yet to come for them. Oh and Reaper Protocol has now been initiated, so now we wait for book 4 to be released to see what comes next, to see what happens, to see what happens to our beloved characters next.
If you love dark romances then this is the series that you want to read. Remember you have to read this one in order, you can’t just jump into book 3 without reading books 1 and 2 first. But I highly recommend this series.
My 2 Favorite quotes from this book were:
"I'll be his queen of darkness- just as he's always seen me. I'll never be the same again, but I knew that the moment he disappeared. Damien's little wolf is coming out to play, and if I've learned anything from watching my husband, it's how to cause some damage."
"You are my f***ing queen, and I will wage wars with the cosmos in your honor to avenge you. The stars in my universe align to the image of you, and by the time I'm done and the war is finished, they will bow to you and only you."
April 9, 2026
This book hurt! What is this series doing to me? And yet I am 100% here for it and need more!
Be warned, this book has some difficult scenes. These characters really go through some things.
This story picks up right where book two (Tear Me Down) left off so if you are reading all the books together there is no gap, which is really nice for the flow.
This book also didn't overload with many new characters, the author choosing to dive deeper into already introduced and established characters. Having this focus and only bringing in a couple of new faces really helped the story feel balanced and the flow felt like a natural progression.
Of the new characters we did meet I need to know more about Satori. I need to understand who this man is and his whys. I have so many questions!
Favourite character? Hands down, still Daisy. That girl is phenomenal and I love her so much!
Thankfully Lay Me Down didn't end with a heart breaking scene or an intense cliff hanger (*cough cough* looking at you, Cut Me Down) but the entire book was heart breaking and intense so I guess Winnie decided to ease up on us readers just a little for the ending. Even so the ending made me pause and reflect on everything that has happened over all three books. Everything the characters have already gone through and what lies ahead for them.
One thing I haven't mentioned in reviews for the previous books in this series is the playlist. Listen to it! Winnie Brooks curates perfect playlists to accompany her books. It really helps get into the vibes for each chapter and the book as a whole.
Lay Me Down wasn't as spicy as the other books in the series. As someone who looks for good spice in the majority of what I read this would normally be a mark against a book for me but trust me, while reading everything was so intense I didn't even notice until the end. And what spice is present, perfect, as always!
Just like the two previous books in this series, Cut Me Down and Tear Me Down, Lay Me Down is a dark romance. Please read the trigger warnings and proceed appropriately for you. The menu of triggers is delicious, but this book is intense.
(I am just now noticing I said intense a lot during this review. I contemplated editing it to change that but in truth, that is the word that feels most right for the ride this book was).
Book four can't come out soon enough! I need to know how Damien and Ashia's story ends!!
Be warned, this book has some difficult scenes. These characters really go through some things.
This story picks up right where book two (Tear Me Down) left off so if you are reading all the books together there is no gap, which is really nice for the flow.
This book also didn't overload with many new characters, the author choosing to dive deeper into already introduced and established characters. Having this focus and only bringing in a couple of new faces really helped the story feel balanced and the flow felt like a natural progression.
Of the new characters we did meet I need to know more about Satori. I need to understand who this man is and his whys. I have so many questions!
Favourite character? Hands down, still Daisy. That girl is phenomenal and I love her so much!
Thankfully Lay Me Down didn't end with a heart breaking scene or an intense cliff hanger (*cough cough* looking at you, Cut Me Down) but the entire book was heart breaking and intense so I guess Winnie decided to ease up on us readers just a little for the ending. Even so the ending made me pause and reflect on everything that has happened over all three books. Everything the characters have already gone through and what lies ahead for them.
One thing I haven't mentioned in reviews for the previous books in this series is the playlist. Listen to it! Winnie Brooks curates perfect playlists to accompany her books. It really helps get into the vibes for each chapter and the book as a whole.
Lay Me Down wasn't as spicy as the other books in the series. As someone who looks for good spice in the majority of what I read this would normally be a mark against a book for me but trust me, while reading everything was so intense I didn't even notice until the end. And what spice is present, perfect, as always!
Just like the two previous books in this series, Cut Me Down and Tear Me Down, Lay Me Down is a dark romance. Please read the trigger warnings and proceed appropriately for you. The menu of triggers is delicious, but this book is intense.
(I am just now noticing I said intense a lot during this review. I contemplated editing it to change that but in truth, that is the word that feels most right for the ride this book was).
Book four can't come out soon enough! I need to know how Damien and Ashia's story ends!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First thing first: Check your trigger warnings.
Second thing: This is book 3, no you cannot skip 1 and 2.
Ashia & Damien. Seriously?!?!
Queue the dramatic pause. Not but seriously I love them.
Book 3 picks up right where books 2 ends. Did I cry early into the book and earlyyy? Maybe... a little...
After dealing with the water being poisoned, &
feeling off with Sahara requesting help, trying to help Zeke through his grief, keeping everything up & running, while preparing for a baby it gets even worse when Damien goes missing.
They try and convince Ashia that Damien up and left her but those close to Damien know he's too far obsessed with his wife to do that. Someone has him, but will they get to him too late?
I mean would a man willingly leave if this is his vibe?
"You are my f***ing queen, and I will wage wars with the cosmos in your honor to avenge you. The stars in my universe align to the image of you, and by the time I'm done and the war is finished, they will bow to you and only you."
Seeing Ashia step in the queen Damien knows her to her to be and the ultimate BA- I just kept going you go girl.
"I'll be his queen of darkness- just as he's always seen me. I'll never be the same again, but I knew that the moment he disappeared. Damien's little wolf is coming out to play, and if I've learned anything from watching my husband, it's how to cause some damage."
Damien is *chefs kiss* they are putting this man through the ringer & he is holding on for her. They are torturing him, testing him, threatening his wife & unborn child, and the voices in his head are getting louder.
I'm not giving it all away cause I want everyone to be on the edge of their seats like I was. There's happy moments, there's angry, sad, heartbreaking moments, not everyone survives.
We're left on a cliffhanger...
A cliffhanger mixed with hope but skepticism, (my brain wonders if we're mistrusting the wrong person) and the unknown.
Reaper Protocol has been initiated so now we wait.
Second thing: This is book 3, no you cannot skip 1 and 2.
Ashia & Damien. Seriously?!?!
Queue the dramatic pause. Not but seriously I love them.
Book 3 picks up right where books 2 ends. Did I cry early into the book and earlyyy? Maybe... a little...
After dealing with the water being poisoned, &
feeling off with Sahara requesting help, trying to help Zeke through his grief, keeping everything up & running, while preparing for a baby it gets even worse when Damien goes missing.
They try and convince Ashia that Damien up and left her but those close to Damien know he's too far obsessed with his wife to do that. Someone has him, but will they get to him too late?
I mean would a man willingly leave if this is his vibe?
"You are my f***ing queen, and I will wage wars with the cosmos in your honor to avenge you. The stars in my universe align to the image of you, and by the time I'm done and the war is finished, they will bow to you and only you."
Seeing Ashia step in the queen Damien knows her to her to be and the ultimate BA- I just kept going you go girl.
"I'll be his queen of darkness- just as he's always seen me. I'll never be the same again, but I knew that the moment he disappeared. Damien's little wolf is coming out to play, and if I've learned anything from watching my husband, it's how to cause some damage."
Damien is *chefs kiss* they are putting this man through the ringer & he is holding on for her. They are torturing him, testing him, threatening his wife & unborn child, and the voices in his head are getting louder.
I'm not giving it all away cause I want everyone to be on the edge of their seats like I was. There's happy moments, there's angry, sad, heartbreaking moments, not everyone survives.
We're left on a cliffhanger...
A cliffhanger mixed with hope but skepticism, (my brain wonders if we're mistrusting the wrong person) and the unknown.
Reaper Protocol has been initiated so now we wait.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
Another Gut punch Suspenseful Read!!
Wow this author continues to amaze me with how she's can weave such a suspense filled romance between Ashia & Damien that keeps you hooked and rooting for them to find a HEA hopefully!!. Make sure to check TW beforehand and read responsibly.
This is book three of the series which is a continuation so you must read these books in order because this one picks right back up where book two ended. Let me say this one brings out a full array of emotions including a lot of darkness for these characters. You will see Ashia find her inner strength to unleash her own brand of darkness proving she is the perfect match for Damien. Get ready for some seriously emotional moments that will twist you at times with Damien in this book. He proves why we love him so much as this story unfolds. These two endure a lot of heartache and pain but show why they are a force to be reckoned with together because its not just him being the one to burn the world down it becomes them together fighting for one another and their family/friends.
This is a whirlwind of emotions, spice, dark themes, twists & turns, suspense, and another epic cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what the next book will bring because this one had me in a chokehold and needing more!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Wow this author continues to amaze me with how she's can weave such a suspense filled romance between Ashia & Damien that keeps you hooked and rooting for them to find a HEA hopefully!!. Make sure to check TW beforehand and read responsibly.
This is book three of the series which is a continuation so you must read these books in order because this one picks right back up where book two ended. Let me say this one brings out a full array of emotions including a lot of darkness for these characters. You will see Ashia find her inner strength to unleash her own brand of darkness proving she is the perfect match for Damien. Get ready for some seriously emotional moments that will twist you at times with Damien in this book. He proves why we love him so much as this story unfolds. These two endure a lot of heartache and pain but show why they are a force to be reckoned with together because its not just him being the one to burn the world down it becomes them together fighting for one another and their family/friends.
This is a whirlwind of emotions, spice, dark themes, twists & turns, suspense, and another epic cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what the next book will bring because this one had me in a chokehold and needing more!!
Overall: 5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
April 7, 2026
That Ending Should Be Illegal
Okay besties… buckle up because this one? This is where things go from dark to what did I just emotionally survive?! 😳
"Lay Me Down" is the darkest installment so far, compared to the first 2 books. Ashia is fully stepping into her unhinged, ruthless era, and honestly? I was obsessed. Watching her spiral while still being driven by love and desperation had me glued to every page. And Damien? Baby is going THROUGH it. The torment, the manipulation, the absolute mind games… UGH!
This book is a suspenseful chaos spiral: kidnapping, power struggles, unexpected alliances... and the emotional damage? Yep, there. The tension between them while they’re apart had me stressed and low-key yelling at my Kindle.
Also… can we talk about that ending?! Because why are we STILL suffering?! This being labeled a trilogy while clearly setting up more pain is criminal! 😩
Bottom line: you must read this series in order, and you must check TWs because this one does not hold back. So, add this to your TBR because the next book is right around the corner!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Okay besties… buckle up because this one? This is where things go from dark to what did I just emotionally survive?! 😳
"Lay Me Down" is the darkest installment so far, compared to the first 2 books. Ashia is fully stepping into her unhinged, ruthless era, and honestly? I was obsessed. Watching her spiral while still being driven by love and desperation had me glued to every page. And Damien? Baby is going THROUGH it. The torment, the manipulation, the absolute mind games… UGH!
This book is a suspenseful chaos spiral: kidnapping, power struggles, unexpected alliances... and the emotional damage? Yep, there. The tension between them while they’re apart had me stressed and low-key yelling at my Kindle.
Also… can we talk about that ending?! Because why are we STILL suffering?! This being labeled a trilogy while clearly setting up more pain is criminal! 😩
Bottom line: you must read this series in order, and you must check TWs because this one does not hold back. So, add this to your TBR because the next book is right around the corner!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Once again I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading! I love this series. These two just keep going and I don’t know how it will all end. I do t know that I want it to end!
Ashia and Damon have a love like no other. They complete one another. They calm each other, protect one another, silence their own demons, help to heal some of their own guilt. They try to hide some of the same things from each other at the same time to each own detriment.
The pain suffered by each of them in this book is raw and real. The crusade and revenge is so powerful. No holds barrred!
I can’t wait for book 4! I don’t want it to end but want to know what happens next!
Ashia and Damon have a love like no other. They complete one another. They calm each other, protect one another, silence their own demons, help to heal some of their own guilt. They try to hide some of the same things from each other at the same time to each own detriment.
The pain suffered by each of them in this book is raw and real. The crusade and revenge is so powerful. No holds barrred!
I can’t wait for book 4! I don’t want it to end but want to know what happens next!
April 2, 2026
What an emotional roller coaster. I’ve loved these characters since book 1 and it’s grown through each book. The amount of detail and character depth Winnie puts into this world are perfection. I’m an empath through and through so even though I don’t have trigger warnings necessarily, some dark romances are harder for me to get through. But just like the other 2 in this series, I think she does such a great job delivering darker themes (that people struggle with everyday) in a way that’s sensitive but still raw and real. You can feel the agony and love that each of these characters experience throughout.
April 2, 2026
WHOA! What is Ms. Brooks doing to her readers?!
You must read this series!
This will tear you apart!
Will it put you back together?
That's the question!
It will be an intense, raw, gripping journey!
This is dark.
So leave the lights on while reading!
Definitely check your trigger warnings. A
shia and Damien's story will pull you in and probably have you wearing your emotions on your sleeve!
AHHHH! So Good!
You must read this series!
This will tear you apart!
Will it put you back together?
That's the question!
It will be an intense, raw, gripping journey!
This is dark.
So leave the lights on while reading!
Definitely check your trigger warnings. A
shia and Damien's story will pull you in and probably have you wearing your emotions on your sleeve!
AHHHH! So Good!
April 4, 2026
Ahh this book!! I was sucked in from the moment it began from the aftermath from the previous book. I loved to see the amount of time feeling this group has developed for each other as they made it through it all. Zeke! Ugh I just wanted to cradle him though most of it. There was sooo much that happens that I’m still trying to unpack it all but I loved every minute of what I did! I wanna just stay in this world. Also love my boy Carter so much! I definitely want more of him too.
April 4, 2026
This was an EPIC read! Very emotional and grabbed me by the front of my shirt, dragged me into the book, and didn't let go until I was finished! I have a hard time reading more than 2 pov's but this was well executed and I could follow along wonderfully! This has been an amazing series from the start and had continued to be so.
April 19, 2026
What can I say, this series gets better and better with each book. I can’t wait to get the last installment. Winnie Brooks is incredible. Ashia and Damien are one of my absolute favorite couples. An intense read as all of Winnie‘s books are. Highly recommend, but start with the first book. You won’t be disappointed.
April 9, 2026
Gripping suspense drives this story, made even more compelling by watching Ashia come into her own. It explores how far someone might go for love—and the profound, lasting impact those choices can leave behind.
But most importantly - play a song with a f@#$%*^ beat!
But most importantly - play a song with a f@#$%*^ beat!
May 1, 2026
Holy Crap! These books just keep getting me! Ashia really comes into herself even more in this one and Damien.. I don’t even know what to say about everything with Damien. Definitely waiting for the last book. SERIOUSLY MIND YOUR TRIGGERS!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The ups and downs that they have been through. They deserve everything nice from here on out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
They deserve a happy ending so so so bad from what they’ve been through and still love each other regardless I love that they’re stronger together ! I can’t wait to see what happens !!!
April 4, 2026
Loved reading every single bit of this. Couldn't stop even if you paid me too. It's was beautiful and intoxicating.
April 5, 2026
This is another good book for the series. Couldn't put it down. These two go through so much not sure how this will all end. I can't wait for the next and final book
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this is becoming one of my all-time favourite romantic suspense series. This was so hard to put down. I had to go back and re read parts of book 2, but once I was in, I was sucked in.
The cliffhanger is brutal, granted nowhere near as bad as book 2. Prepare for every 15 to 20 percent to get punched in the guts, and please read your triggers. One actually caught me off guard as I am terrible and skip them. Excellent, excellent read, I can't recommend this enough. The last and final installment is coming, but don't delay the cliffhangers are worth it!
The cliffhanger is brutal, granted nowhere near as bad as book 2. Prepare for every 15 to 20 percent to get punched in the guts, and please read your triggers. One actually caught me off guard as I am terrible and skip them. Excellent, excellent read, I can't recommend this enough. The last and final installment is coming, but don't delay the cliffhangers are worth it!
April 21, 2026
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. This is your reminder to *always* check trigger warnings—this story is DARK and doesn’t hold back.
Ashia and Damien’s love is the kind that consumes you… the once-in-a-lifetime, soul-deep kind. But it doesn’t come easy. Their journey is filled with heartbreak, intense trials, and moments that will leave you holding your breath. I felt every ounce of their pain, passion, and devotion.
This book pulled me in, broke me apart, and somehow made me crave more. And that ending?! That cliffhanger got me GOOD—I’m still reeling.
I seriously cannot wait to see what happens next.
Ashia and Damien’s love is the kind that consumes you… the once-in-a-lifetime, soul-deep kind. But it doesn’t come easy. Their journey is filled with heartbreak, intense trials, and moments that will leave you holding your breath. I felt every ounce of their pain, passion, and devotion.
This book pulled me in, broke me apart, and somehow made me crave more. And that ending?! That cliffhanger got me GOOD—I’m still reeling.
I seriously cannot wait to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
first and foremost CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS! This book has some dark themes that may not be suitable for everyone.
with that said. LMD is book 3 in the series, and let me just say it will take you on an emotional roller-coaster starting in chapter 1. it will be a fun but emotional roller-coaster.
the attention to detail that Winnie puts in all her books is phenomenal. the story line is amazing and the twist you dont see coming.
I simply can not put into words how much I love this series and cannot wait for book 4 in June!
with that said. LMD is book 3 in the series, and let me just say it will take you on an emotional roller-coaster starting in chapter 1. it will be a fun but emotional roller-coaster.
the attention to detail that Winnie puts in all her books is phenomenal. the story line is amazing and the twist you dont see coming.
I simply can not put into words how much I love this series and cannot wait for book 4 in June!
April 9, 2026
I loved seeing Ashia’s dark side come out to play, proving exactly how far she’ll go for the man who would burn the world for her. Damien’s reliance on his visions of Ashia to survive his ordeal was heartbreaking and beautiful. In true Winnie Brooks fashion, that cliffhanger left me breathless and begging for the next book!"
June 7, 2026
A contemporary dark romance with the main characters of Ashia and Damien. This is the third book following the couple in the series and it picks up right where it left off when Damien is kidnapped.
Ashia’s brother Zeke and the rest of Damien‘s crew are frantically searching for him everywhere. Damien suffers the worst kind of mental and physical torment during his time apart from his friends and family. Towards the end of the book, Damien is rescued and reunited with his team and the love of his life.
The couple have been through a roller coaster of experiences and emotions during the course of these three books. I am so looking forward to the next book and finding some peace and salvation for this strong and loving couple.
The main characters continue to show enormous growth and willpower during the storyline and the supporting characters of their friends and family are truly fabulous.
Highly recommend 👍🏻
Ashia’s brother Zeke and the rest of Damien‘s crew are frantically searching for him everywhere. Damien suffers the worst kind of mental and physical torment during his time apart from his friends and family. Towards the end of the book, Damien is rescued and reunited with his team and the love of his life.
The couple have been through a roller coaster of experiences and emotions during the course of these three books. I am so looking forward to the next book and finding some peace and salvation for this strong and loving couple.
The main characters continue to show enormous growth and willpower during the storyline and the supporting characters of their friends and family are truly fabulous.
Highly recommend 👍🏻
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