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Fallen to Thievery

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"Looking back, it was fate all along. I was destined to cross paths with the devil—the devil who had the face of an angel, and the cunning of a god.
Or perhaps I'm still a little delirious.
For all I know, our fated meeting had killed me.
Or maybe...
It had brought me to life."


Ava is the kind of woman you would find dancing for the moon and laughing with the trees. The kind of soul whose compassion shine's bright and colour the world around her in brilliant hues.

Grayson detest humanity and has already lost his sense of wonder at the young age of ten. His cunning is unmatched, marvelled at, and feared. Crowned king of the underworld, he is the monster that other monsters cower from.

And his eyes are set on Ava.

Follow Ava, as she navigates the tumultuous underworld of thieves, revenge, and unholy bonds in Fallen to Thievery.

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

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M.J. Winters

2 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Déirdre.
89 reviews6 followers
February 10, 2026
Fallen to Thievery  by MJ Winters
✨️ARC Review✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

✔️Morally Grey MMC
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️One bed
✔️Found family
✔️Cat and Mouse

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fallen to Thievery started off strong with Ava being kidnapped during a bank robbery and held captive in the woods. During her time in captivity she tries to escape but ends up realising there are worse things out there than Grayson and his friends. Somewhere along the way she begins to fall for her captor. The mental dialogue lost me a little bit around this point as the story began to shift away from the kidnapping bank robbers situation. Then at the 75% mark the book returns to the good stuff! And wow what an ending!! Im definitely going to read book two. So if you're finding yourself a little confused or struggling midway through, keep going! It is worth it.  That ending was soooooooo good. I have a feeling that book two is the real story, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
Profile Image for AfterDarkReviews.
81 reviews8 followers
January 7, 2026
I am reeling!!!!

This book grabbed me by the throat from the first page and never let go. It starts fierce and consuming, edge-of-your-seat intense… then somehow melts into friendship, feisty cuteness, warming love, and finally absolute, soul-crushing devastation. The emotional arc in this story is unreal 😭

The forest setting is everything. The FMC’s bond with the woods and the plants is pure perfection, and the way the author builds that connection feels intimate and alive. It’s refreshing, different, and so vividly written that I could see every leaf, every shadow, every moment. The aesthetics the author shares match the story exactly, this world feels real, and I adore it!

I’m not usually a slow-burn girl, but the forced proximity + slow burn here? 🥵 Completely worth it. The tension builds naturally, the connection feels earned, and when things finally shift… primal. Absolutely feral in the best way.
Ava is the kind of FMC I instantly love. Fierce, unhinged in the right ways, deeply emotional, and honestly? If I kidnapped someone, I’d hope I’d do it with her exact energy haha!

The subtle Hades and Persephone parallels had me smiling. The love that grows here is warm and consuming, and then the devastation hits like a truck.

And that ending.
WHAT. HOW DARE YOU.
I’m furious. I’m obsessed. I need the next book immediately.
The ending alone makes this a six-star read, even though it emotionally destroyed me.
This is how I want to be kidnapped. Period.
Profile Image for NatalieSreads.
23 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2026
First initial thoughts while reading: who the HELL likes this kind of morally grey?
107 pages in and I was questioning myself who the HELL I am and if I’m okay, because I can definitely see the allure. Check your triggers though, because it did get intense at times. (I’ve also sniggered and cackled, a lot)

I want to say a big thank you to the author MJ Winters for sending me an ARC to read and review, all thoughts are my own.

📖 Ava is leading a quiet life in her quiet hometown. She lives with her best friend and runs a herbal shop and is sort of known as the town witch. One day she steps into a bank robbery and everything goes sideways. They kidnap Ava and bring her to a cabin in the forest. From there it’s a slippery slope within Ava’s inner self.
She goes through a couple attempts at fleeing, but can’t seem to escape Grayson, the muscle and the brain of the group..📖

What to expect:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Yearning
🖤 Plot twists
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Spicy scenes 🫦
🖤 Spooky forests
🖤 Real life witch-vibe
🖤 Cliffhanger ending 😮‍💨

Right after finishing I sent an e-mail to the author starting it off like this: HOLY SHIT MJ!!

I for sure need more of Ava and Grayson and am looking forward to book 2, Lost to Thievery when it releases. This was a wild ride 😮‍💨🖤
Profile Image for Mandy Stafford.
59 reviews
January 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC Review

My heart has been kidnapped right along with the FMC—and I am not asking to be released.

This book is a roller coaster of a plot with juicy, unhinged twists that had me screaming, swooning, flinching, and side-eyeing myself for rooting for the villain. 🚩 The MMC is walking red flags stacked so high they somehow cancel each other out—and yes… you will end up rooting for him. Gods help us. It’s like he planned for it—hehe, a man that plans 🫠

The author had me hooked immediately with the inclusion of witchcraft and a deliciously twisted dynamic that gives Haunting Adeline vibes—so please read the trigger warnings and take care of your mental health.
“Little witch” instead of “little mouse”? I’m screaming.

There’s also a Hades and Persephone retelling vibe that is ICONIC, with a hunter/hunted dynamic that had me absolutely feral.

Some moments that absolutely ruined me (in the best way):
• Death brushing her hair back with a gun?? Butterflies. Illegal butterflies.
• “You think I want to f**k you? Darling, I would break you.” — I screamed… break me 😈
• “I don’t f**k someone without their consent. I’m a monster. Just not that kind.” EXCUSE ME??? 🤗
• He’s holding her hostage but feeding her?? Smut logic says that’s romantic and I stand by it.😏

This is a slow burn, and when I say slow, I mean agonizingly, sizzling, delicious. The banter and humor nearly had me choking on my water.

When the burn finally ignites, it IGNITES. Begging. Aftercare. A longing, soul-grabbing kiss.

The twists do not stop. Just when you think you know where the plot is going—NOPE. Multiple twists had me shook, my emotional support kitties working overtime, and my jaw on the floor.

THAT FINAL TWIST… I am foaming at the mouth for book two.

This book is twisted, playful, dark, romantic, and somehow… cute??? I loved every unhinged second of it. Is Stockholm syndrome contagious? 😷😂

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Obsessed. Ruined. Counting down for the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley.
187 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2026
Fallen to Thievery is a hauntingly beautiful entry into the dark romance genre. M.J. Winters weaves a story that is as much about the thrill of the heist as it is about the internal struggle of the heart.

The atmosphere isn't just dark—it’s heavy. There is a constant sense of claustrophobia, even in open spaces, because the danger feels omnipresent. The setting functions like a character itself, a gritty criminal underworld that feels slick with rain and shadow, where every luxury comes at a steep, often bloody, price.

This isn't a romance built on soft words; it’s a relationship forged in fire and friction. The dynamic between Ava and her captor is a constant chess match. Every moment of vulnerability feels earned because it’s preceded by a battle of wills. Their chemistry is a slow-burn fuse that eventually explodes, blurring the lines between hatred and an obsessive kind of need. The 'devil' here isn't a hero in disguise—he is genuinely dangerous, cunning, and manipulative, which makes his eventual obsession with Ava feel all the more intense.

Winters pushes the boundaries of the 'captive' trope, diving into the psychological gray areas of Stockholm Syndrome. The book explores the terrifying reality of finding comfort in the person who holds the key to your cage. It forces the reader to question: Is this love, or is it a survival mechanism? It’s a dark, unsettling exploration of how trauma can twist affection into something unrecognizable and all-consuming.

🍵 Final Verdict
What sets Fallen to Thievery apart is its unapologetic dive into the psychology of captivity. The relationship is a masterful study in power dynamics; it’s dark, it’s messy, and it leans heavily into the blurred lines of Stockholm Syndrome. Ava’s journey isn't just about escaping a thief—it’s about navigating the terrifying realization that she might be falling for the very person who stripped away her freedom. Winters’ writing is atmospheric and sharp, painting a vivid picture of a criminal underworld where nothing is as it seems. It’s a high-stakes, seductive game where the heart is the ultimate loot. I can’t wait for the conclusion of the duology!
Profile Image for Chantell Reilly.
27 reviews
February 19, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

ARC Review — Thank you to MJ Winters for the advanced copy!

Fallen to Thievery by MJ Winters is the first book in a dark romance duet that leans heavily into morally grey characters, high-stakes tension, and an emotional tug-of-war that keeps you slightly off balance in the best way.

At the heart of the story is Ava, a naive small town FMC who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her dynamic with her captor is very much a cat-and-mouse game and layered with simmering tension. Their relationship is a constant push and pull, the forced proximity and one-bed tropes are woven in naturally, heightening the intimacy and blurring emotional lines in ways that feel intentional and, at times, unsettling.

One of the more compelling elements of the story is how it explores attraction in captivity. The emotional evolution between Ava and her captor tiptoes along the edge of Stockholm syndrome, and that ambiguity adds depth to the romance. In my opinion I think MJ Winters wanted us to question it and feel conflicted.

The found family aspect adds warmth to an otherwise shadowy world. It balances some of the darker themes and gives the story emotional grounding beyond just the central relationship.

That said, the world-building, while detailed and clearly well thought out, can feel dense at times. Personally, I found myself occasionally wanting to move more quickly back to the central plot and character dynamics. The depth is there, but it slightly slowed the pacing for me in certain sections.

Overall, I thought this was a strong start to the duet. It delivers tension, morally complex characters, and a romance that thrives in grey areas. And that ending? Absolutely brutal in the best way. I’m very much looking forward to seeing where MJ Winters takes Ava’s story in book two.

If you enjoy dark romance with power plays, emotional conflict, this one is worth picking up.
Profile Image for Elika Ferdowsi.
9 reviews
February 17, 2026
ARC Review for "Fallen to Thievery" by MJ Winters ✨
First, thank you so much MJ Winters for sending me this book to read and review, I’m so grateful I got to experience this story!

WOW! I am so shocked! This book is the definition of "I was not expecting that." I am still thinking about it.

From the first chapter, I felt like I was watching a dark fantasy series unfold on Netflix, it was that cinematic. The worldbuilding is immersive, the pacing keeps you hooked, and the characters? Absolutely unforgettable ✨️.

Ava is unstoppable and total High Priestess energy. She’s powerful, sharp, resilient, and watching her grow while navigating secrets and forbidden feelings was everything. And Grayson… morally grey, dangerous, protective, he has my whole heart 💖. The tension between them? Immaculate.

This amazing book has dark, obsessive, enemies-to-lovers energy that keeps you turning pages way past bedtime.

The tropes include:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Morally grey MMC
✨ Witches/witchcraft
✨ Secrets & betrayals
✨ Major plot twists
✨ LOTS of spice 🔥

And let me just say… the spice scenes? SO good. Intense, emotional, and absolutely worth the build-up 🥺. The chemistry between Ava and Grayson is unreal.

I also adored the found family elements. Gemma becoming like a sister to Ava was so beautiful, and Hunter welcoming her into the family added so much heart to the story.

And that ending?? I’m speechless. I need book two immediately. I am completely hooked. 🖤✨

Profile Image for MJ | fortheloveofbooks01.
74 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2026
"I wanted him to ruin me, to break me, like he had once warned ... I wanted him to ruin me for any other man that might come after him, because I already knew in the deepest crevices of my soul, they would never compare."


This book absolutely consumed me. I am floored by the roller coaster of emotions this story took me on. The exploration of the depth of human emotion in this story is mind blowing and thought provoking. It left me reeling, completely unsure how I felt by the end.

This is the type of book you should go into blind. If I had known too much about this book prior to reading it, I don't think my experience would have been as transformative as it was.

Future readers, here's all you need to know:

🖤 This book is deliciously dark, and likely unsettling for some. It is filled with tension, yearning, fear, rage, doubt, love, loss, confusion, and definitely has aspects of a psychological thriller. You will rage. You may cry. Your heart will swell with warmth and deflate with disbelief. And you will likely be left questioning everything you thought you knew about this story and the intricacies of what it means to love another person.

If you love dark romance, an adrenaline rush, emotional destruction, and physiological twists, this book is 100% for you.

Thank you for sharing an ARC with me, M.J.! I loved everything about this book, and I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for book 2 🙏
Profile Image for Nina (bookishmomentswithnina).
23 reviews
February 28, 2026
ARC Review — I received an advance reader copy of this book directly from the author. All thoughts are my own.

Fallen to Thievery is a fast-paced, beautifully written dark romance filled with unexpected plot twists that I devoured in just a couple of sittings. The story gripped me from the very first page and refused to let go.

The FMC, Ava, is a smart and strong woman who unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of a bank robbery. She is kidnapped by the robbers and taken to a cottage deep in the woods. Fearing for her life, Ava is prepared to do anything to survive.

Grayson is the villain of the story — Ava’s captor. He is a morally very gray MMC, known as the “King of the Underworld.” His humanity is questionable, but soon he finds himself caring for Ava in a way he never has for anyone else before.

The story was completely addictive and made me feel a plethora of emotions toward Ava and Gray.

The book ends on a massive cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book of this duology to see how Ava’s story unfolds.

Fallen to Thievery is book one in the Thievery Duology. Book two is coming in March 2026.

Be sure to check the content warnings before reading this book. But if you love dark romance with a delicious amount of spice, you’ll definitely enjoy reading Fallen to Thievery.
Profile Image for Jess Winton.
18 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2026
Ava is a small town naive girl who runs an alternative medicine shop. She ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time.. Grayson the extremely morally grey man kidnaps Ava and takes her to a secluded location, At first Ava hates Grayson (understandably) but after a frightful incident and Graysons change in behaviour.. Ava starts to see him in. a different light and attractions grow...

I really enjoyed the plot of this book and even with the Stockholm syndrome I loved how Ava and Graysons relationship developed. I feel like Grayson brought out the real Ava that she had buried deep down. There were moments I laughed and moments that really touched me. However there were at times where I didn't feel the story flowed in the way it was intended as it felt very sudden. that being said, I still ate the story up and it did keep my interest.

The spice of the book was also very well balanced which I enjoyed and appreciated. Glad to see the focus was more on the plot than the spice.

One thing I didn't see coming? THE ENDING! That was such a 180!! I was sat there reading it thinking no... this isn't happening.. the author is messing with us... and because of that ending? I know it’s got its hooks in me and I will be reading the next book to see how it pans out and Ava kick some ass.
Profile Image for Saff.
4 reviews
February 23, 2026
This was dark, obsessive, and completely addictive.

If you love a kidnapping trope done right — where the tension is thick, the power dynamics are sharp, and the chemistry feels dangerous — Fallen to Thievery absolutely delivers. From the very beginning, there’s an atmosphere of control and inevitability that makes every interaction feel charged.

What I loved most is that the darkness isn’t just for shock value. The emotional layers underneath the captivity dynamic add depth, making the connection between the characters feel intense rather than surface-level. The possessiveness, the psychological push and pull, the slow unraveling of resistance — it’s all written in a way that keeps you hooked.

This is very much a morally gray romance. The hero is not soft. The situation is not safe. But that tension is exactly what makes it compelling.

If you’re into dark romance with:
• Kidnapping trope
• Possessive, dominant MMC
• Power imbalance
• Obsession over affection
• High emotional tension

You’ll eat this up.

Definitely check content warnings before diving in — but if dark romance is your lane, this one hits.
Profile Image for Christina Di Maria.
26 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2026
⭐️ 5/5 ⭐️
🌶 3/5 🌶

*** GENRE ***
Dark Romance

*** TROPES ***
- Captive
- Close Proximity
- One Bed
- Morally Grey MMC
- Cat and Mouse
- Found Family
- Enemies to Lovers

*** QUOTES ***
"Are you a witch?"
I turn to look at him. "If I was, you would've been dragged away by hellhounds the moments you touched me."
Gayson's eyes lighted up. "You underestimate my rank in hell, darling. There isn't a force in this world that could've stopped me."

*** SPEED/PACING ***
I found it was fast paced through most of it. I never knew what what going to happen next. It was a real page turner.

*** OVERALL THOUGHTS ***
Wow. Just wow. It dragged me in immediately and I was just as Captive as Ava was. This book was an emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns. I couldn't put it down and stayed up WAY to late reading it. The plot twists were devastating! I cannot wait for Book 2 to find out what happens next.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for The bookish life .
308 reviews
March 1, 2026
Lectura ARC

Wow .

La interacción de estos personajes , toda esta tensión entre ellos durante todo el libro me encantó.

No tenía idea de lo que estaba leyendo hasta que llegué al final y me dejó en shock .

Pensé que era un dark romance como otros pero no , ese plot twist no lo vi venir en ningún momento

Ese final le dio todo un giro a la historia que no me esperaba .

Me va a tener pensando en si todo lo que creía mientras leía era lo correcto.

Definitivamente quiero leer el siguiente y lo súper recomiendo .


———-

ARC Read

Wow.
I loved the interaction of these characters, all this tension between them throughout the book.

I had no idea what I was reading until I got to the end and it left me in shock.

I thought it was a dark romance like others but no, that plot twist I didn't see coming at all.

That ending gave the whole story a twist I wasn't expecting.

It's going to have me thinking if everything I believed while reading was right.

Definitely want to read the next one and I super recommend it 😊
Profile Image for And So She Reads.
15 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2026
Grayson is dark, broody, and dangerous — the kind of man who leads his family with a loyalty so fierce he’d die for them. A true bad guy. And then there’s Ava.

Ava has no idea just how deeply Grayson is about to destroy her. What begins as sharp enemies-to-lovers tension quickly turns into something intense, consuming, and impossible to ignore. Even when he warns her, she never truly believes he’ll follow through.

But he does!!! 😱

This story delivers the adrenaline of a high-stakes heist alongside a relentless, gut-wrenching battle of the heart. The twists do not stop — just when you think you know where the plot is heading, it proves you wrong. And the final twist?

Completely blindsiding. I was not prepared.

Dark, emotional, and addictive, Fallen to Thievery is packed with betrayal, obsession, and morally grey choices. If you love enemies-to-lovers, high tension, and twists that hurt in the best way, this one is absolutely worth the ride.
Profile Image for Noir Grimoire.
22 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2026
The story opens to chaos—
a bank heist unraveled, a plan gone wrong, and a girl taken when she was never meant to be part of the fallout.

But she is no fragile thing.

Ava is sharp, calculating, and relentlessly determined to escape. She studies, adapts, waits. Every attempt is deliberate. Every failure fuels the next move. Watching her fight for her freedom—again and again—was as compelling as it was tense.

And yet… something shifts in the dark.

What grows between her and her captor is not soft, not safe, and certainly not simple. It’s tangled in power, proximity, and something far more dangerous than either of them seem willing to name.

I had a constant love–hate relationship with the MMC, Grayson—morally grey in the most unforgiving way. Obsessive. Controlled. The kind of man you shouldn’t trust… but the story tempts you to question that instinct.

Is it connection?

Or something shaped by survival?

Witchy undertones thread through a story packed with sharp twists, emotional devastation, and tension that coils tighter with every page. And just when you think you understand the game—it ends on a cliffhanger that feels like the ground giving way beneath you.

Dark. Addictive. Unsettling.
And yes—very spicy. 🌶️
Profile Image for Aria .
326 reviews
February 20, 2026
Fallen to Thievery delivers a dark, fated romance premise: Ava crosses paths with a devilishly handsome thief whose angelic face hides cunning and danger.
Their “fated meeting” pulls her into an underworld of thievery, revenge, and unholy bonds, with enemies-to-lovers tension and the classic “it killed me… or brought me to life” vibe.
The concept intrigued me—the thief underworld and Ava’s descent into this world had potential for gritty drama and moral grayness. Certain spicy moments and the push-pull dynamic delivered on the dark romance promise.However, the execution felt uneven. The pacing dragged in places, character motivations were sometimes unclear, and I struggled to connect emotionally with Ava or fully buy into the stakes. Some plot beats felt predictable, and tighter editing would have helped streamline the narrative. Three stars—a dark romance debut with room to grow. Thank you for the ARC!
Profile Image for Sarah Ann (Aldora Reads).
59 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

I finished Fallen to Thievery tonight and I’m still sitting here processing it.

I went into this book completely blind, and somehow it slowly pulled me in without me even realising how deep I was. Ava’s softness, Grayson’s morally grey edges, and the quiet intensity between them created this atmosphere that just stayed with me the entire time.

But what I didn’t expect was how personal it would feel.

There was a nickname used in the book, and it hit something in me I wasn’t prepared for. Suddenly I wasn’t just reading anymore, I was remembering. Missing someone who was never mine to begin with. And that kind of emotional reaction doesn’t happen often.

That’s when you know a book has truly gotten under your skin.

And that ending… I didn’t see it coming at all. It left me needing more, needing answers, and honestly not ready to let go of these characters yet.

Some books entertain you.
Some books stay with you.
This one did both.
Profile Image for Brett Morley.
22 reviews9 followers
January 7, 2026
This book was good, but the last 1/3 made it great.

It truly takes you for a ride and will throw you for a loop.

The setting, the plot, and the MMC are all equally dark. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, you don’t.

The FMC, Ava, was kind, loyal, and sweet. But, not in a naive, annoying way. She is also fierce and exhibits strength within that she wasn’t even aware of.

The found family element, despite their flaws is impossible to not love.

This book was frustrating, but captivating and keeps you hooked in all the best ways!

I CANNOT wait for the sequel, because I know for a fact this one will be in the back of my mind until it comes out! Definitely recommend reading!
Profile Image for Jiban Khan.
40 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2026
This one slowly crept up on me. I didn’t expect to get as pulled in as I did, but once I was in, I was in!!! Ava feels very soft and emotional, which makes the situation she’s thrown into even more unsettling, and I liked that she didn’t suddenly turn fearless or overly bold. Her reactions felt real and conflicted.
Grayson is cold, dangerous, and very much not a good guy, and the book doesn’t try to excuse that. Their dynamic is uncomfortable at times, but that’s kind of the point, and it worked for me. The middle slowed a bit, but the atmosphere kept me reading. And the ending….I honestly didn’t see that coming at all. That alone made me want to pick up the next book. Can't wait for it!!!!
Profile Image for Ana Davies.
27 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2026
Listen to your instincts. Scratch that, don’t listen to anything your mind tells you about this book. You are thrown from one emotion to another so fast you end up with whiplash!

The cabin in the woods? A morally grey tall, dark and handsome lead who tells you exactly who he is but you, like Ava, refuse to believe it until the betrayal at the end of the book. That hurt.

Ava is no damsel in distress and her fierce energy left me waiting for her to punch him. However, her descent into the underworld was riveting and the push pull element of the dark romance was exciting to witness as a reader.

Overall, the vibes gave me Harley Quinn and Joker. If this dynamic is for you, then this book is one you need to read!

Thank you MJ Winters for allowing me to read the ARC for this.
Profile Image for Kcee.
56 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2026
That ENDING!!!
Whaaaat??
If I could give this book more than a 5 star rating, I would!
This story is phenomenally written! An intense, captor/captive dynamic with a Hades & Persephone undertone. Well paced and told from the FMCs perspective, I was totally immersed in her journey, not once falling out of the story!
The twists and turns kept me guessing as to what was gonna happen next and when I thought I had it figured out... NOPE... wrong!
I am currently staring at the wall, trying to process all the feelings this story made me feel...
And after that ending... I NEED TO KNOW what happens next and am definitely going to devour book two with a fiery passion!
Good show! 10/10 recommend!

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC read this masterpiece!
Profile Image for Laura B.
21 reviews
March 6, 2026
I just want to say how brilliant of an author MJ Winters is! I was hooked within the first few pages and although I don't normally read Dark romance... I am now a fan because of the brilliant mind of MJ. There were times I felt a bit uncomfortable but nothing that I haven't been exposed to in other books or movies/tv series on certain subject matters, if anything it added to the suspense. Feeling that way could also be that I'm just not use to reading Dark (thriller style) Romance. Honestly all the FMC had endured were for specific reasons and it makes sense towards the end of the book and will continue with the second (I hope *fingers crossed* ). But my gosh my heart! I can't wait to read book two!!!
You have a fan for life MJ Winters!
Profile Image for jenny is reading again.
25 reviews
March 7, 2026
If you’re into dark romance with heavy Stockholm syndrome vibes, this one is highly recommended!

The dynamic between Ava and Grayson is intense and unsettling. There’s something almost witchy woven through the story, not in an obvious spell-casting way, but in the atmosphere.

Ava feels ethereal like she was born from moonlight and forest whispers, which makes the contrast with Grayson’s cold and calculated darkness. The mood is haunting, seductive and just a little dangerous. This is not a light love story. It leans hard into morally gray (honestly, morally black) territory. The power imbalance, the manipulation, the psychological tension, it’s all there.

And the twist? Completely unexpected.
Also that cliffhanger. Absolutely criminal! Book 2, coming out soon.

Spice level: 4/5 🌶️
Profile Image for Catie Cheeseman.
65 reviews
January 11, 2026
Firstly, MJ Winters what was that? Why would you crush my soul so casually?
From the moment I picked up this book, it had me in a chokehold. Ava, our FMC, has such a kind and gentle soul, and the way she respects and connects with nature carved out a very special place in my heart. Then there’s Grayson, the morally grey MMC who gave me emotional whiplash. My feelings for him were all over the place, and I should’ve known better than to sprint straight toward that particular red flag.
Fallen to Thievery is the kind of book that keeps you guessing, and every time I thought I had it figured out… nope. Wrong again.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. I am filthy about that cliffhanger.
Profile Image for So Not Mary.
33 reviews
February 17, 2026
Okay okay okay, so: last thing first. The finale? Seriously? Can I please have my soul back so I can pick up the pieces?

This book starts with your usual, comforting, go‑to recipe for a romantasy book: sweet FMC, morally grey MMC, slow burn, forced proximity and all the shebang — but oh, how the author stirs it up!

The forest setting is so involving it kinda becomes a third main character, and Grayson has all the most toe‑curling red flags you can think of.
Ava… Ava is about wonder, and about being able to feel the wonder all around you.

But still, I would like my soul back, so I hope the 2nd part will be available soon!
Profile Image for Carmen.
79 reviews
November 27, 2025
It was dark and twisted. But, oh my goodness, this was so darn good.

I was hooked from the start to the end.. And speaking of endings.. What!!!

The plots were twisting and turning, and you just won't see any of it coming.

I loved Eva. She is fierce, brave and so strong with a hidden dark side that she never knew was in her.
Grey.. This man will have you hating him while falling in love with him. Expect mixed emotions with this one.

Thank you M.J for the opportunity to be an arc reader. I am really looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Sammlxlibrary .
39 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2026
Well what a start to a brilliant duology, from the first couple of chapters I was hooked.  The thrill I got from reading Fallen to Thievery was intense and the slow burn tension, just wow.  It is for sure a page turner always second guessing myself. I finished the book so quickly because I couldn't put it down.  

I absolutely loved the characters and the way it is carefully constructed to make you feel you are in the mixed of it all. 

I need to read more and find out what happens!

Please go read this book to support MJ Winters, absolutely fantastic read. 
Profile Image for Makayla.
144 reviews
March 1, 2026
Holy hotness Batman, what did I just read!? I’m not sure if I’m okay…I mean I’m wrecked. I’m haunted. I feel like I might need therapy. Because this was the absolute most deliciously dark and wicked book I’ve read in a very long time. Did I mention that if was twisted? Yeah, it was that too. And I was on board for all of it. This had me in a chokehold. I’m not sure where my fantasy ended and this book started. I mean, yes please! I devoured this book. It ate, I ate. Everyone was satisfied. Except for that ending…not I have to wait…I’ll be waiting.
1 review
November 20, 2025
This was one of those, i cant put down, carry it with me to the kitchen when i make coffee books, read it in the bath books, recommend it to friends books. I could not stop reading. I will not give any spoilers, because this is a MUST read for me, but it kept me guessing and read easily. I fell in love with the characters and still feel conflicted about how i feel about the ending. Highly recommend!
4 reviews
January 17, 2026
A Captivating Read!!

The character development of Ava throughout the book was amazing. I really felt like I went on the journey with her. I was obsessed with the ever changing dynamic between her and Grayson over the course of the book.

This book ends in a cliffhanger that has me highly anticipating the sequel.

All of the twists and turns made it a captivating read and I highly recommend to anyone wanting a book that’s passionate, suspenseful and takes you on a journey.
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