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Crimson #1

Crimson Chaos

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At the University of Velmorin, only hatred is born, nurtured, and set loose to thrive.

But to call it hatred would be an injustice to what it truly was.

An obsession.


There's something about Him that I can't quite shake. An unexplainable obsession that consumes my thoughts, driving me to extremes I never thought possible. He's become more than just a rival; he's an enigma I'm determined to unravel.

As my obsession with him intensifies, so does my vow to destroy him. I'll tear down everything he holds dear, leaving him broken and defeated. When our rivalry reaches its climax, I'll emerge victorious, owning him in every sense of the word.

This is the first book of the Crimson series.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2025

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S.M. Tist

2 books27 followers

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5 stars
40 (43%)
4 stars
21 (23%)
3 stars
19 (20%)
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6 (6%)
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5 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
223 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2026
So I didn’t think this was terrible. I think there was only a 1 star review on Amazon saying this was a rip off of Rina Kent, and I see that as a semi reoccurring theme here.

******I don’t think I have major spoilers but be mindful






I think the two biggest similarities here are Caiden and Kian? Which resemble Lan and Bran noticeably and by that I mean Kian is the inverted brother who scolds Caiden for his inflammatory behaviors and apologizes on his behalf. Literally some word and “I apologize on my brother’s behalf” or “on behalf of my brother” which is pretty direct and within the same context. Kian is a side character who obviously has something going on with another character. Caiden is our sort of psychopath who needles his brother for attention because Kian had started treating him poorly and scorning his behaviors.

Another would be Caiden speaking to a cousin who says “will you cry at my funeral?” This is another direct statement but it’s said by a different character and the context is different. Caiden is a sculptor and views Ace has his “muse”, Caiden has some kind of “void” he sees, there’s a fight ring where the sectors fight each other.

I don’t want to justify anything, but I felt like this wasn’t the center of THIS story at all and these things (generally) got sprinkled in. The issue this author is going to have is with Kian and Daire and whatever she has planned there(if anything). That’s where I saw the most eyebrow raising similarities to Bran and Niko.

The rest I felt were generalized stereotypes that a lot of authors use regarding Russian mafia figures and other gangs.

ANYWAYS

The actual story I gave 3 stars because it was alright. It checked a lot of my boxes, it just didn’t check them super well. The relationship between Ace and Caiden - and the subsequent change into something more was lackluster and came out of nowhere. One moment they’re enemies and the next Caiden is sexually fluid and wants Ace. By the end of the book a lot of events happened but I felt the relationship was nearly exactly the same as it was when the book started. There wasn’t enough build up for me or yearning but there is some tension.

There are some sex acts, there is no penetrative sex.

The writing was okay, there was some parts I got majorly hung up on though - the lack of conjunctions in some of the dialogue/ the choice not to use them in certain areas.

“Oh. I am glad.” Whereas “Oh, I’m glad.” would’ve flowed a lot better especially considering the context. This is in response to hearing someone’s mom is feeling better. It didn’t need to be separated.

This happens at random in this story and not appropriately. There’s no emphasis on any of the words for them to be separated. It read robotically/clunky.

Hopefully some things will come together as the series continues and the author’s writing grows a bit.
1 review1 follower
December 20, 2025
I dont have the ability to give a short and precise review when it comes to a good write-up. my review is gonna be very messy and raw. I have always eaten up every kind of genres out there and dare I say that I always thought dark romance isnt something thats gonna make me cheese, daydream, kick my fit in the air all at the same time, damn I was a hard boiled egg hehe. but then I found out the read through an insta comment, I started reading it, the worldbuilding and wording instantly hit and I was like okay so its gonna be a pretty interesting read, buckle up. I was hooked and finished the whole thing within two days (well I could have finished it wayy early but at that time I had day long classes and all). and I am a fast reader by nature but sometimes when you read a good read you slow down in middle just to savour the fiction more. I did it, still somehow finished it like I was in a haze. a fever dream. thats the opinion of me and its without spoiler. now I am gonna describe my opinion and feeling about the character
Profile Image for paris.
63 reviews
May 22, 2026
⭐ - 5/5

⊹ | 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨 by S.M. Tist is a dark M/M college romance. It is the first book in the 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘰𝘯 series and follows students and sector leaders Caiden Alistair and Ace Rykov. This story explores themes that some readers may find triggering. Again, this is a dark romance novel, so be prepared for a messy, toxic relationship between two crazy rivals who are low-key obsessed with each other.

Boy oh boy, where do I even start? This book was dark, unhinged, and I loved every second of it. Honestly, if loving this book is wrong, then I guess I'm just going to be wrong. The complexity of Caiden and Ace's dynamic was intense at times, and their desire for one another was so freaking palpable... and, who am I kidding, HOT AF!

Caiden Alistair is a manipulative artist known for his psychopathic tendencies. He is the leader of Sector One, craves chaos, and has a twisted idea of what a muse is. Caiden's obsession with destroying everything is only the beginning of his deep-rooted fixation on the leader of Sector Four, Ace Rykov. Caiden is determined to break Ace and then claim him for himself. What starts off as a toxic rivalry soon turns into something heated and dangerous when Caiden begins to blur the lines between animosity and desire.

Ace Rykov is a powerful and calculated mafia prince. He is the leader of Sector Four and is known for holding complete authority over his members. Ace is used to being in control—except when it comes to Caiden's shenanigans. What Ace doesn't expect is for Caiden and his snake-like personality to slowly start breaking down every wall Ace has up. As time goes on, Ace slowly starts to see the boy underneath the mask he wears. Soon, he finds himself questioning where his loyalties truly lie and if defending his enemy is really worth the risk.

I went into this book blind. It was on my TBR and then a friend on Instagram recommended it. I thought, "Why not? What's the harm in giving it a shot?" Oh baby, I was not prepared for the rollercoaster that was Caiden and Ace. They were both so unhinged in their own ways, but their fierce protectiveness over one another and "I hate you" tension were just what I was craving.

Not only was I completely obsessed with the main characters, but the side characters were all so interesting too. I personally think breaking the students up into sectors was a super interesting aspect of this book and added to the overall intense rivalry that they all had with each other. Additionally, if my assumptions are correct, Kian and Daire have something going on? If I'm right, then I NEED A BOOK ON THEM ASAP!! I was desperately eating up the little snippets between them, but I was also just genuinely curious about Kian's character and story.

Overall, if you're looking for a dark romance book that doesn't have the characters on the verge of literally committing sexual assault against each other, then look no further—Crimson Chaos is the book for you. I loved the characters, the storyline was explosive, and the cliffhanger?? Just yes! Best believe I'm starting the next book right now :).

*𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿:
You are such a beautiful and kind soul!! I stepped out of my comfort zone, messaged you, and now you'll never get rid of me, hehehe. You keep on writing, girl, because I'm definitely going to read it.
~ Love, P


— 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒚 𝑷.𝑹.
Profile Image for MiKs.
240 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2026
I have no idea how I found this book as there are only 30 reviews and it looks like it’s the only thing this author has published but wow am I happy I found it! There were a few typos and some parts were confusing with how much time had passed and who was talking. But the overall plot was really good! Also, this had all the components I like in a dark romance. I need the 2nd book now because so much is still unresolved!
Profile Image for Neisha † The Poet †.
1,435 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2025
N/a. 4.7. No sex which I liked. But still found a way to thrill with intimacy. Will I read the next book in the series following Ace and Caiden? Yes. Did I enjoy this story? Yes. Am I feening for the follow-up? No, not really. I will read it, but I’m not edge of my seat anticipating. I wanted to finish their story and move on to Daire+Kian. As my progress in the book got higher and I saw they were not together yet (the MCs) I realized this might be a trilogy/duet, before or even if Daire and Kian get their own story.
Profile Image for ki.
56 reviews
March 21, 2026
im glad i decided to open insta to see a reel about this book and start it
Profile Image for Peyton :D.
253 reviews
February 23, 2026
i started this book after i caught up with the original fanfic on wattpad and realised omg they have their own book?!?!? so i bought it on kindle unlimited immediately after 🙌 and honestly it didn’t disappoint, maybe im biased because i absolutely ate up the original fanfic but who cares. i read it in one sitting because i couldn’t put it down 😃 the relationship between caiden and ace is amazing i love the development and the enemies to lovers aspect is always a win for me 🤭 i just know how smitten ace is going to be and it makes me so excited for the next book!!!! i also love the plot and how it is building im very intrigued (even though i kind of know what’s going to happen thanks to wattpad🤷‍♀️) and the university setting with the four sectors is such a cool idea🙌🙌

the only thing is i wish there was more interactions between ace and his family/friends, and between caiden and his family/friends. their bonds are written as if they’re really close and rely on each other (especially ace and his friends) but we don’t really get to see that so i hope there is more of them in the next books to come🙏🙏🙏
Profile Image for wonder ᥫ᭡..
149 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2025
The only thing I'm mad about this book is that it's already finished. What am I supposed to do with my life now??

From the first chapter of the fanfiction I dreamed of having it as an actual book and rating it here. AND IT'S HERE😍.

This is book is the perfect blend of mafia, college and dark academia romance. If you even thought that Landon and Jeremy should have ended up together, this one is for you.

It was so twisted, dark, full of tension that makes your heart race. The mind games and confusion mysteries. The chemistry between the two mmcs was so damn amazing. They definitely despise each other as much as they're obsessed with each other. The push and pull game keeps you on the edge of your bed.

Ace and Caiden don't hold back from hurting/harming one another. It's kinda book that all songs in your dark romance playlist will go amazing with it.

Caiden my favoriteee!! He's a psychopath with a snake like mind. He can make people kill themselves with his manipulation skills and have Ace only for himself. He is unable of feeling, but apparently his rival doesn't know the meaning of the word.

Ace the mafia prince, who is in control of everything he does, but his attraction towards Caiden. He loses all sense of control when the leader of sector 1 is around. He's such a sweetheart. The way he takes care of Caiden even though they're are rivals is so precious. The way he tries to protect him when his friends wants to revenge for the things Caiden did.

Their cute moments had my heart(not that there were more than 1 or 2).

You should add to your TBR in no time!!

Thank you so much dear Tist for sending me the book directly. You did a really great job with this book and keep doing it in the future. Hope you to be successful with your works. Now I can say I was there before her books got popular. Love ya🫂❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥.
Profile Image for Giorgine.
7 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2025
It's totally worth it, don't miss the opportunity to read it. Great writing. I loved the journey I had while reading it. ✨✨
2 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2025
Outstanding! Probably the best book of this type of genre I’ve read in a long long time. Now for the hard part… waiting for the her next books to release..
Profile Image for Gabi.
47 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2026
6 starsssssss! I’m kinda shocked. I wasnt expecting being so obsesed and hooked with this book as I became. THIS is what I want when I start an ENEMIES TO LOVERS romance book. THIS IS IT. All the tension, and hate between Caiden and Ace is everything. They truly hate each other but something pull them together everytime they’re in the same room. Both characters are so interesting and together they are so good. The plot is very developed and it makes you want to understand what the hell is really happening and what IS GOING TO HAPPEN between Ace and Caiden. The feelings are there but they try to pretend they don’t feel nothing but hate about each other and this is so good damn. The writting is also top tier (I don’t even like reading in 3th POV but I’m obssessed with this two) wow.

Fav lines:

“Velmorin existed as a reminder that power was never inherited cleanly—it was carved out, one betrayal at a time.”

“The university was run by the Alistairs. And who would question an Alistair? This country and its people worshiped and feared that name all in the same breath. The entire system was in their palms. So the illegal part was hardly a bother.”

“Ace. The leader of Sector 4, Caiden's arch nemesis.
Even without actually seeing, Caiden could see it the clench of his jaw, the tension coiling through his body like a storm barely restrained. Not frustration. Not irritation. Rage. Unfiltered maddening rage. And oh, how Caiden thrived in it.”

“Ace tilted his head, eyes dark and narrowed. "And you think you're untouchable, don't you?""Isn't that why you hate me?" Caiden's voice dropped to a near whisper, the mockery curling around the words like smoke. "Because no matter what you do, I don't break." His gaze flickered upward, something glinting behind it
taunting, knowing. "Isn't that what your father always wanted you to be, Rykov?"

“Caiden actually wanted Ace as his muse. He wanted to study every little dip on Ace's skin until he could sculpt him with his eyes closed. Caiden wanted to see the deepest corners of Ace's soul. And if he didn't give that up voluntarily, Caiden was going to force it out of him.”

“I don't care if I have to fucking kidnap you from your bloody estate," Caiden murmured words dripping with determination and desire. "One. Time. Isn't.
Enough."
Profile Image for Hiba.
20 reviews
March 28, 2026
Love love love the storyline and that they are still enemies! Can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for E..
10 reviews
April 6, 2026
been here since the wattpad fanfic, and i absolutely loved all the glimpses of the fanfic underneath the new world-building!
Profile Image for riw.☘︎ ݁˖.
31 reviews
March 26, 2026
Gave me the fill of mafia prince x elite that i so desperately crave (like at all times. it's not even funny anymore). And well it is no secret how much i love russian nicknames...

a solid 3.75/5
2 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2025
Outstanding! One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Keep writing girl. You’re smashing it!
1 review
October 15, 2025
Absolutely in love this book!!!

Not to much this is- or was- my first MM book. To watch my favorite book getting published is like a dream come true. I get to have this piece on my book shelf, yayyyaya!!

Okay, back to the book.

First things first, My man-soon to be husband!- Caiden. (You all will know why he is my soon to be husband.) God, he is such a snake!! Truly deserves to be in the Sector he is. He was obsessed from get go. Like from the first chapter itself. And he is such a character who would be obsessed and wouldn't want to acknowledge it. A true psychopath.
You all will see him as such. But my man know boundaries!
No one can deny that!

Ace, he is such a pookie!! (Never in my life i have used this word)
He deserves the universe and beyond. And not the weight of responsibilities and the mental stress Caiden is putting him through. But its fun to watch him melt so quickly in front of Caiden.
He is ball of emotions, lemme tell y'all! You will feel every emotion he is feeling because of the writing.

I read this book while I was in a reading slump. It was so refreshing to read a book that was soo mentally stimulating!

Also, it felt awesome to read a dark romance where SA wasn't present and was not normalized.
Kudos to the author!

Bottom line is, you must have this book in your shelf. Physical or digital, doesn't really matter.
The plot is best, the characters are well-written, the universe is well setup, and the smut- for my smut girls (and boys)- is BEST!!

I am happy that I followed a comment on Instagram and read this book.

Thank you B for writing this. Because it lead me to you!

And for the readers, trust me, don't miss this out. DON'T MISS THIS OUT!!!!
Profile Image for Lajauna.
88 reviews
May 27, 2026
A bit similar.

I think this book could have had a lot of potential, but it had so many similar characteristics from Rina Kent's books The God series. Basically you had Vaughn, Landon and a little bit of Nikolai all rolled into these characters. The stories were similar and I felt even if you know they had different factions and all of that that was fine but they didn't it was so similar to her series. The book was somewhat dark I've actually read darker, the writing is good there's no spice except for maybe two scenes it's basically just angst and tension and that's it.
Profile Image for Isha.
6 reviews
April 7, 2026
absolutely favourite book. I'm sure you are going to fall for both mmc as much as I did...there is so much yearning and longing if you enjoy that trope. this is my favourite book because why not. it has everything that readers like in the book. good writing, great sense of humour, fabulous storyline and crazy MMC.
1 review2 followers
October 9, 2025
I am in love with this book. The journey with it was so beautiful that I wish I could loose my memory to read this book all over again.
Profile Image for Mauu.
10 reviews
April 10, 2026
I feel like it’s Landon, Jeremy, and Nikolai’s story copy-pasted with slight changes. The similarities are too obvious—it comes across as a cheap imitation of Rina Kent’s second generation series.
Profile Image for dontask.
100 reviews
April 28, 2026
rushed, meaningless petnames, plot was all over the place, lwk had no plot, not enemies, sexual attraction happens at around 150 pages in, ends on a ‘cliff hanger’. though this is the authors first published book so i mean..? but still the vulnerability and everything was so empty and random. ✌ absolutely shit overall. she should’ve just stuck to wattpad
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews