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Somewhere in the Dark
There are much worse things than dying.
Growing up, I had always expected to find my escape outside of that trailer. Away from the screams that echo through the halls, away from the covered up bruises and hollow apologies. But life had other plans, dragging me back into the nightmare of my childhood home. And now I find myself torn between keeping my mother safe from the monster who haunts the house and finding freedom in the arms of a long lost childhood friend who is fighting his own ghosts.
My name is Nova Harper, and I promise you there are much worse things than dying.
Growing up, I had always expected to find my escape outside of that trailer. Away from the screams that echo through the halls, away from the covered up bruises and hollow apologies. But life had other plans, dragging me back into the nightmare of my childhood home. And now I find myself torn between keeping my mother safe from the monster who haunts the house and finding freedom in the arms of a long lost childhood friend who is fighting his own ghosts.
My name is Nova Harper, and I promise you there are much worse things than dying.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
I went in blind after seeing one review.
Around 80% into the book I was like... I have a feeling this isn't going to be a HEA.
Well, I expected one thing, but not THAT 😭 Tears unwillingly fell because what!
This book had a great grasp on mental health, addiction and trauma.
Her dad. The drunk. Ugh, that hurt.
All the characters deserved better, every single one.
If you're looking for a quick, engaging, real read, then do yourself a favor and pick this book up.
I went in blind after seeing one review.
Around 80% into the book I was like... I have a feeling this isn't going to be a HEA.
Well, I expected one thing, but not THAT 😭 Tears unwillingly fell because what!
This book had a great grasp on mental health, addiction and trauma.
Her dad. The drunk. Ugh, that hurt.
All the characters deserved better, every single one.
If you're looking for a quick, engaging, real read, then do yourself a favor and pick this book up.
November 9, 2025
FIVE FUCKING STARS.
This one got me good 😭💔
It was so good from the start and I literally couldn’t put it down today! I’m so beyond proud of O.D Emma. This one was incredible 🖤
Do yourself a favor and read it when it’s out, but just be aware that you WILL cry.
This one got me good 😭💔
It was so good from the start and I literally couldn’t put it down today! I’m so beyond proud of O.D Emma. This one was incredible 🖤
Do yourself a favor and read it when it’s out, but just be aware that you WILL cry.
March 27, 2026
I am not okay 💔
This book was so raw, real, and deeply emotional. The writing was absolutely beautiful, definitely one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish.
Honestly, it could have been another 300 pages and I still would have devoured every second.
This book was so raw, real, and deeply emotional. The writing was absolutely beautiful, definitely one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish.
Honestly, it could have been another 300 pages and I still would have devoured every second.
November 1, 2025
i'm at a loss for words.
this book. is something unlike anything else. i can't quite believe that i got to read this and work on it as a collaborative venture of sorts and i can't quite put my whole feelings into a review i don't think.
to have read this from page 1 until the end,multiple times. i was in tears, every. single. time. i'm at a loss for words every time i go back over my highlights,this story means the most to me than anything i have ever read i think,in more ways than one,not only is the author my best friend but the personal touches i was able to leave behind as a reader will mean more to me than anything.
from my notes,through to the final copies and the readers who come after me,i hope you feel as touched as i did.
a story following a trio of main characters,but side characters just as important a like,from saint,to abigail,to jackson,to luke & to our special girl nova,they all played out in a way i'll never be able to explain and touched my heart in more ways than one,nova reminds me of myself,saint reminds me of my partner,luke reminds me of the toxic one that never seems to leave,abigail reminds me of olivia.. and im lucky to have my own version of abigail in olivia,how crazy she basically wrote a version of herself for me hey without even realising? and jackson, the best friend i wish i had, the ever so supportive,the special one,the one that is ride or die. the one we all wish to have. they grow together as a group & the. tragically get torn apart in the worst way.. this is the epitome of a romantic tradgey. it broke my heart,time and time again.
a plot line so strong i don't think i have ever read elsewhere,a story that isn't smut,that isn't spicy or gore, the plot line that defines all plot lines for me. because it's personal. it feels like a replay of my life and all the worst parts but hey somehow it is healing me,in every way. i read it as myself going through it and it made me realise my end was not meant to be the same, the out i was searching for was not the same as this story and reading it honestly made me realise this. it healed younger me,it showed me a story that could've been mine and most of all. it introduced me to a best friend i am ever so lucky to call my own. and this. is enough of a reason for me to never ever let go of this story.
i found my friend in olivia, i found myself in nova. and i hope you finding this story, you find your saint. and you remember, you are special,you are worthy, the world is better because of you. i love you.
i never rate in my personal reviews because i just couldn't, this one is a special one. but an easy ♾️⭐️ none the less.
life is special because of you,and i promise you... there is so much worse things than dying❤️🩹
this book. is something unlike anything else. i can't quite believe that i got to read this and work on it as a collaborative venture of sorts and i can't quite put my whole feelings into a review i don't think.
to have read this from page 1 until the end,multiple times. i was in tears, every. single. time. i'm at a loss for words every time i go back over my highlights,this story means the most to me than anything i have ever read i think,in more ways than one,not only is the author my best friend but the personal touches i was able to leave behind as a reader will mean more to me than anything.
from my notes,through to the final copies and the readers who come after me,i hope you feel as touched as i did.
a story following a trio of main characters,but side characters just as important a like,from saint,to abigail,to jackson,to luke & to our special girl nova,they all played out in a way i'll never be able to explain and touched my heart in more ways than one,nova reminds me of myself,saint reminds me of my partner,luke reminds me of the toxic one that never seems to leave,abigail reminds me of olivia.. and im lucky to have my own version of abigail in olivia,how crazy she basically wrote a version of herself for me hey without even realising? and jackson, the best friend i wish i had, the ever so supportive,the special one,the one that is ride or die. the one we all wish to have. they grow together as a group & the. tragically get torn apart in the worst way.. this is the epitome of a romantic tradgey. it broke my heart,time and time again.
a plot line so strong i don't think i have ever read elsewhere,a story that isn't smut,that isn't spicy or gore, the plot line that defines all plot lines for me. because it's personal. it feels like a replay of my life and all the worst parts but hey somehow it is healing me,in every way. i read it as myself going through it and it made me realise my end was not meant to be the same, the out i was searching for was not the same as this story and reading it honestly made me realise this. it healed younger me,it showed me a story that could've been mine and most of all. it introduced me to a best friend i am ever so lucky to call my own. and this. is enough of a reason for me to never ever let go of this story.
i found my friend in olivia, i found myself in nova. and i hope you finding this story, you find your saint. and you remember, you are special,you are worthy, the world is better because of you. i love you.
i never rate in my personal reviews because i just couldn't, this one is a special one. but an easy ♾️⭐️ none the less.
life is special because of you,and i promise you... there is so much worse things than dying❤️🩹
November 1, 2025
early arc review 🖤
♾️☆
“𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔥𝔞𝔱𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯𝔰𝔢𝔩𝔣 𝔰𝔬 𝔡𝔢𝔢𝔭𝔩𝔶, 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔡𝔬𝔫’𝔱 𝔩𝔢𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔯𝔬𝔬𝔪 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞𝔫𝔶𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔱𝔬 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲.”
this book is so real it hurts. i don’t think i will ever have the right words to describe how much i love this story. it is so full of pain, heartache, healing, breaking and suffocating, it was hard to breathe through some of these pages.
being inside this story felt like i was in the mind of our main character nova, and it was PAINFUL. everything she experienced and witnessed felt like i could see it right in front of me.
every character in this story is so human, so raw, and so broken, seeing them come together to form their little found family stitched up my broken pieces and left me lying in a pool of my own tears.
nova, my little dying star, you are enough. nothing you ever did warranted what you went through and i will love you until my dying breath. your soul is so bright, so loving and so beautiful.
and a little note for my baby luke, who burrowed his way into my heart deeper than the rest for some reason, i love you deeply 😭🖤
thank you so much, o.d emma, for sharing this story with me. i hope when the rest of the world gets their hands on it, they will hold these characters gently with the love they and you deserve. i am so beyond proud of you today and always. i love you 🖤
♾️☆
“𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔥𝔞𝔱𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯𝔰𝔢𝔩𝔣 𝔰𝔬 𝔡𝔢𝔢𝔭𝔩𝔶, 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔡𝔬𝔫’𝔱 𝔩𝔢𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔯𝔬𝔬𝔪 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞𝔫𝔶𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔱𝔬 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲.”
this book is so real it hurts. i don’t think i will ever have the right words to describe how much i love this story. it is so full of pain, heartache, healing, breaking and suffocating, it was hard to breathe through some of these pages.
being inside this story felt like i was in the mind of our main character nova, and it was PAINFUL. everything she experienced and witnessed felt like i could see it right in front of me.
every character in this story is so human, so raw, and so broken, seeing them come together to form their little found family stitched up my broken pieces and left me lying in a pool of my own tears.
nova, my little dying star, you are enough. nothing you ever did warranted what you went through and i will love you until my dying breath. your soul is so bright, so loving and so beautiful.
and a little note for my baby luke, who burrowed his way into my heart deeper than the rest for some reason, i love you deeply 😭🖤
thank you so much, o.d emma, for sharing this story with me. i hope when the rest of the world gets their hands on it, they will hold these characters gently with the love they and you deserve. i am so beyond proud of you today and always. i love you 🖤
January 31, 2026
OMG, I cried so much while reading this book. It was emotional, raw, powerful, and absolutely heartbreaking. I honestly don’t even have the words to describe everything this story brought to the surface for me.
O. D. Emma has written a 10-star novel — truly magnificent.
This book delivers a deep, gripping plot filled with complex, unforgettable characters whose lives and painful histories will completely pull you in. It feels like you’re not just reading the story… you’re living it alongside them.
The character development is incredible, the emotional depth is intense, and the twists in the narrative are simply exquisite.
I fell in love with Saint… and at the same time, I hated him a little too. Spoiler alert without actually spoiling anything: this is not a book for the faint of heart.
I loved every second of this read from beginning to end, and it has easily become one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time.
O. D. Emma has written a 10-star novel — truly magnificent.
This book delivers a deep, gripping plot filled with complex, unforgettable characters whose lives and painful histories will completely pull you in. It feels like you’re not just reading the story… you’re living it alongside them.
The character development is incredible, the emotional depth is intense, and the twists in the narrative are simply exquisite.
I fell in love with Saint… and at the same time, I hated him a little too. Spoiler alert without actually spoiling anything: this is not a book for the faint of heart.
I loved every second of this read from beginning to end, and it has easily become one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time.
January 9, 2026
I went into this book knowing only one thing… no HEA.
This is the 2nd book ever to have me SOBBING at the end😭 This was BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, it was poetic, emotional, realistic and overall PHENOMENAL. The ending took a turn I did NOT see coming😩 I DEVOURED THIS.
The book touches up on heavy topics such as suicide, addiction, domestic violence etc. so this is definitely not for everyone. Make sure you read the triggers before picking up this read
I don’t have any recollection applying for this ARC but it was the BEST surprise ARC EVER. I absolutely
This is the 2nd book ever to have me SOBBING at the end😭 This was BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, it was poetic, emotional, realistic and overall PHENOMENAL. The ending took a turn I did NOT see coming😩 I DEVOURED THIS.
The book touches up on heavy topics such as suicide, addiction, domestic violence etc. so this is definitely not for everyone. Make sure you read the triggers before picking up this read
I don’t have any recollection applying for this ARC but it was the BEST surprise ARC EVER. I absolutely
November 9, 2025
i feel robbed of my chest. this was so raw and real and everyone in this book deserves their moment. mental health is truly so important and it goes to show you don’t know someone is struggling with behind closed doors. beautifully written. if you need to feel something, this is it 😭💔
February 3, 2026
A heavy story line for sure with abuse and addiction.
I just feel like the backstory was missing some depth.
Was not expecting that ending.
I just feel like the backstory was missing some depth.
Was not expecting that ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Talk about a whirlwind of emotions.. we start off straight jump into harsh reality... old saying it takes a person 7 times to leave an abusive relationship but we never hear about the trauma or issues out does to the children in those relationships... but today you will when reading!!
You learn the consequences for the children and so many others we see so many different sides of battles of so many forms! As always CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!.!!!!
You learn the consequences for the children and so many others we see so many different sides of battles of so many forms! As always CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!.!!!!
January 26, 2026
One wants to die and the others always chasing a high.
I wanted to not like this as it starts out with the MMC (spirit) cheating on his girlfriend to be with our MFC (Nova) I don’t like it but i kind of understood it and even his girlfriend excepted it. Also there’s a few spelling and grammar mistakes, but if a book is good that really doesn’t bother me.
I know a lot of people can’t look past it. This is short and fast paced it had the potential to be so much more. We got alot of Novas background and pov but not really much of saints and his pov. I would have liked more of him and his story. I’m sure the Author wrote this for her own personal reasons and that’s ok.
However i enjoyed it, because i really understood the FMC and could connect with this friend group. I know there are a lot of young adults who have been through what these characters have because of that it made it feel real and almost not fiction even tho it is. I would only probably recommend this to people who i know will understand the plot and could relate to one of these characters.
I’m glad i picked this up this was poignant and one i will probably remember.
I’m gave this book a 4 star because i could connect and understand it, not the writing it’s self. Also Spirits mouth! 🤤
•Suicide
•Grief
•Substance abuse
•Abuse from a parent
•Childhood friend’s
•Rueful
•Cheating
•Virgin FMC
•Not a HEA
•Spicy
“You’re my dying star and everything you do is perfect.”
I wanted to not like this as it starts out with the MMC (spirit) cheating on his girlfriend to be with our MFC (Nova) I don’t like it but i kind of understood it and even his girlfriend excepted it. Also there’s a few spelling and grammar mistakes, but if a book is good that really doesn’t bother me.
I know a lot of people can’t look past it. This is short and fast paced it had the potential to be so much more. We got alot of Novas background and pov but not really much of saints and his pov. I would have liked more of him and his story. I’m sure the Author wrote this for her own personal reasons and that’s ok.
However i enjoyed it, because i really understood the FMC and could connect with this friend group. I know there are a lot of young adults who have been through what these characters have because of that it made it feel real and almost not fiction even tho it is. I would only probably recommend this to people who i know will understand the plot and could relate to one of these characters.
I’m glad i picked this up this was poignant and one i will probably remember.
I’m gave this book a 4 star because i could connect and understand it, not the writing it’s self. Also Spirits mouth! 🤤
•Suicide
•Grief
•Substance abuse
•Abuse from a parent
•Childhood friend’s
•Rueful
•Cheating
•Virgin FMC
•Not a HEA
•Spicy
“You’re my dying star and everything you do is perfect.”
February 4, 2026
“She called someone to pick me up. Me. Not him.”
The way this line captured little me. This line broke me. Many parts of this book hit too close to home for me.
I have a story all too similar to this one. I have that struggle with my mom constantly picking someone else over me. But another line from the book describes so well where I am with her now.
“It was her first time living too”
And I remind myself of that every time I go to the dark places in my mind.
The mental POV of the FMC was so raw. I could feel the author in this book and in that character it hurt. 😢 and reminded me so much of myself.
The best friend deserves an award. And we l deserve someone like her in our lives. The grace. The understanding. And her character stating the world had not harden her yet and she hopes it never will. Devastated. Beautiful.
Everything a friend should be.
The only things I did not understand in this book was love triangle sort of? And that we didn’t get more from the MMC side. I rarely wish for books to be longer but I could have used another 100 pages or so from both characters. And their traumas. And the love.
The ending took me out and I stared at the wall for a long time.
This is one of my top reads of the year for emotional reads. It was beautiful.
The way this line captured little me. This line broke me. Many parts of this book hit too close to home for me.
I have a story all too similar to this one. I have that struggle with my mom constantly picking someone else over me. But another line from the book describes so well where I am with her now.
“It was her first time living too”
And I remind myself of that every time I go to the dark places in my mind.
The mental POV of the FMC was so raw. I could feel the author in this book and in that character it hurt. 😢 and reminded me so much of myself.
The best friend deserves an award. And we l deserve someone like her in our lives. The grace. The understanding. And her character stating the world had not harden her yet and she hopes it never will. Devastated. Beautiful.
Everything a friend should be.
The only things I did not understand in this book was love triangle sort of? And that we didn’t get more from the MMC side. I rarely wish for books to be longer but I could have used another 100 pages or so from both characters. And their traumas. And the love.
The ending took me out and I stared at the wall for a long time.
This is one of my top reads of the year for emotional reads. It was beautiful.
November 24, 2025
“You hate yourself so deeply, you don’t leave room for anyone to love you.” - Somewhere in the Dark by O.D Emma
✨Mental Health Rep
🖤Found Family
✨Virgin FMC
🖤Sharing is Caring Scene
✨Trauma
🖤Everyone Can See Their Love But Them
✨”you came?” “You called”
🖤He Eats Like it’s Hid Job
✨Childhood BFFS x Enemies x Lovers
🖤Pierced 🍆
Firstly I’d like to thank O.D Emma for writing this devastatingly beautiful story, for writing something so real and raw that will now forever be one of my favourite books of all time! As someone who has experienced a lot of the things our FMC Nova experiences, I felt this on a whole new level. Somewhere in the Dark connected with me on a soul deep level and for that I’m so grateful to you Olivia for writing a book that has helped heal parts of me that I didn’t think could be 🖤
O.D Emma transported me into Nova’s world, I truly felt like I was there with her, experiencing all the good and bad things that happened throughout this book and paired with the killer playlist, it all added to the emotional rollercoaster i went on while reading.
“My perfect dying star.”
Nova and Saint have my entire heart, I fell head over heels in love with both our MCs from the moment we meet them and I’ll definitely be thinking about them for a long time. Their love for each other was sometimes messy but the pure love they shared was unlike anything else.
For me a truly amazing book is one that can make me feel a lot emotions and best believe me, this one did. I went from kicking my feet and screaming to happy crying to full blown breakdown. I don’t think my heart will ever been the same again but I’m ok with that because it means I got to experience this true masterpiece of a book!
I truly believe that O.D. Emma went above and beyond with this story.
Im so incredibly proud of you Olivia for writing this book, you wrote from your heart and I felt it. This book means so much to me and I know it’s going to mean so much to so many people 🫂
Please remember to check TWs before reading as Somewhere in the Dark touches on some dark topics. Your mental health matters.
And to anyone who has/ is struggling with mental health, you are not alone, you are loved and your are strong. You got this 🫶🏼
✨Mental Health Rep
🖤Found Family
✨Virgin FMC
🖤Sharing is Caring Scene
✨Trauma
🖤Everyone Can See Their Love But Them
✨”you came?” “You called”
🖤He Eats Like it’s Hid Job
✨Childhood BFFS x Enemies x Lovers
🖤Pierced 🍆
Firstly I’d like to thank O.D Emma for writing this devastatingly beautiful story, for writing something so real and raw that will now forever be one of my favourite books of all time! As someone who has experienced a lot of the things our FMC Nova experiences, I felt this on a whole new level. Somewhere in the Dark connected with me on a soul deep level and for that I’m so grateful to you Olivia for writing a book that has helped heal parts of me that I didn’t think could be 🖤
O.D Emma transported me into Nova’s world, I truly felt like I was there with her, experiencing all the good and bad things that happened throughout this book and paired with the killer playlist, it all added to the emotional rollercoaster i went on while reading.
“My perfect dying star.”
Nova and Saint have my entire heart, I fell head over heels in love with both our MCs from the moment we meet them and I’ll definitely be thinking about them for a long time. Their love for each other was sometimes messy but the pure love they shared was unlike anything else.
For me a truly amazing book is one that can make me feel a lot emotions and best believe me, this one did. I went from kicking my feet and screaming to happy crying to full blown breakdown. I don’t think my heart will ever been the same again but I’m ok with that because it means I got to experience this true masterpiece of a book!
I truly believe that O.D. Emma went above and beyond with this story.
Im so incredibly proud of you Olivia for writing this book, you wrote from your heart and I felt it. This book means so much to me and I know it’s going to mean so much to so many people 🫂
Please remember to check TWs before reading as Somewhere in the Dark touches on some dark topics. Your mental health matters.
And to anyone who has/ is struggling with mental health, you are not alone, you are loved and your are strong. You got this 🫶🏼
November 6, 2025
I am sobbing at this book. I loved every minute of reading this. It does hit some hard topics, I was loving following Novas story and the ending had me sobbing. It's a beautifully written book, the characters are all wonderful and it really does hit you right in the feels.
I'd highly recommend this book, but remember to check trigger warnings before reading!
I'd highly recommend this book, but remember to check trigger warnings before reading!
February 19, 2026
I am actually a sobbing hot mess of a broken disaster right now. I’ve cried so much over this book. This book felt real. Full of raw trauma and struggles With addiction.
My heart is aching. What a beautiful disaster of a story. The way everything came full circle has my jaw on the ground.
This book had me locked in from the start and I’m going to be stuck with a broken heart for a while.
My heart is aching. What a beautiful disaster of a story. The way everything came full circle has my jaw on the ground.
This book had me locked in from the start and I’m going to be stuck with a broken heart for a while.
March 4, 2026
This book was written extremely well! It hits on such hard topics both emotional and physical. This is a no HEA and had me sobbing at the end. I strongly suggest going into this book blind to get the full effect. The twist at the end had my jaw dropping. Just read it! Go in blind! Maybe you’ll thank me later…?
April 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ this book covered addiction and mental health issues so well. Very relatable for those of us who have also struggled with these issues
April 22, 2026
I AM SO ANGRY!!!
This book was criminal!! Every character here deserved better!!! Its also the cruel reality that a lot of people live. So much loss and heart break!!
This book was criminal!! Every character here deserved better!!! Its also the cruel reality that a lot of people live. So much loss and heart break!!
April 11, 2026
Just sitting here, crying.
November 30, 2025
ARC BOOK REVIEW
I'm in literal sobbing mode right now. Excuse me while my heart rips open.
But no seriously, I will recommend this book to absolutely everyone in the world!!!
Let me point out the triggers first before getting into the ARC read for this book.
- Dr*g involvement / overdosing references
- Alcoholi$m
- Ex best friends to enemies to lovers
- Physical abu$e
- Intimate encounters in details
- Mental health struggles
So let me get into this book now along with my personal connections. @o.d.emma captured everything I said with the triggers as perfectly clear as anyone could and brought so much emotion for her characters involved. I've got personal lived life experiences with several of these triggers as named above and I work in the mental health field along with being the Opioid Response and Harm Reduction Specialist for my agency; I literally could not put this read down. It sucked me in and I was entirely there for the ride. The world we live in is scary now with all of these things OD Emma incorporates into this book and I'm beyond proud that she was not afraid to take this full force. I feel like this book will touch lives, force more stigma out, and change perspectives. I personally feel seen now and like I'm not alone. This does not end in HEA and you are warned about that, but you should know that if you miss out on this book, you're missing out on an amazing book written by an amazing indie author.
I'm in literal sobbing mode right now. Excuse me while my heart rips open.
But no seriously, I will recommend this book to absolutely everyone in the world!!!
Let me point out the triggers first before getting into the ARC read for this book.
- Dr*g involvement / overdosing references
- Alcoholi$m
- Ex best friends to enemies to lovers
- Physical abu$e
- Intimate encounters in details
- Mental health struggles
So let me get into this book now along with my personal connections. @o.d.emma captured everything I said with the triggers as perfectly clear as anyone could and brought so much emotion for her characters involved. I've got personal lived life experiences with several of these triggers as named above and I work in the mental health field along with being the Opioid Response and Harm Reduction Specialist for my agency; I literally could not put this read down. It sucked me in and I was entirely there for the ride. The world we live in is scary now with all of these things OD Emma incorporates into this book and I'm beyond proud that she was not afraid to take this full force. I feel like this book will touch lives, force more stigma out, and change perspectives. I personally feel seen now and like I'm not alone. This does not end in HEA and you are warned about that, but you should know that if you miss out on this book, you're missing out on an amazing book written by an amazing indie author.
May 31, 2026
Okay so imagine taking a bite out of a pizza that just got out the oven, then being punched, then stepped on with a metal cleat, and then getting ran over by a bus.
Thats how I feel rn😃
Thats how I feel rn😃
February 10, 2026
First thank you for the ARC opportunity!
But OMG 😭😭
I loved it so much! But the way MY HEART got ripped put and punched! I was not ready!
Read this if you want all the feels and want to just sit there staring at the wall 🥲
But OMG 😭😭
I loved it so much! But the way MY HEART got ripped put and punched! I was not ready!
Read this if you want all the feels and want to just sit there staring at the wall 🥲
November 30, 2025
"You breathe life into what I thought was nothing more than a dull existence.”
This book is as hauntingly tragic as it is breathtakingly beautiful. I basically devoured it in one sitting, and it absolutely destroyed me in the best - and worst - way.
Nova has survived a childhood no one should ever endure. The weight of her past presses hard against her present, and all she wants is a moment of peace. After a devastating event, she returns to the place she once called home - a place where the monster still lingers. Surrounded by the ruins of her past, she’s forced to navigate a present filled with pain, choices, and consequences that cut deep.
I lost count of how many times I wanted to reach through the pages and wrap Nova (and everyone around her) in the biggest hug. The emotions in this story are raw and relentless. One minute I was sobbing, the next I was kicking my feet, laughing, tearing up with joy, and then suddenly feeling very hot and flustered.
The found family element is woven so beautifully throughout. Abbey and Jackson truly shine, bringing warmth and hope to the darker scenes. And Saint and Luke? My heart bleeds for them both.
The pacing, the plot, and everything in between was perfection. Six heart-breaking stars 🌟
The ending left me in a state of emotional ruin. And the epilogue? Absolutely shattering ❤️🩹
If you're craving a dark, tragic love story...brace yourself! It may be a shorter read, but it will take you on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster and your heart will pay the price. There is no HEA but this book will live rent free in my heart forever.
"But sometimes bad things just happen. They linger around us, a stark reminder of how truly out of control our lives are." ......
"All that we can do is grasp onto the moment while it’s in front of us, and cherish it while we can."
Very grateful that I had the privilege of ARC reading this masterpiece. Thank you O.D. Emma 🫶🏻
This book is as hauntingly tragic as it is breathtakingly beautiful. I basically devoured it in one sitting, and it absolutely destroyed me in the best - and worst - way.
Nova has survived a childhood no one should ever endure. The weight of her past presses hard against her present, and all she wants is a moment of peace. After a devastating event, she returns to the place she once called home - a place where the monster still lingers. Surrounded by the ruins of her past, she’s forced to navigate a present filled with pain, choices, and consequences that cut deep.
I lost count of how many times I wanted to reach through the pages and wrap Nova (and everyone around her) in the biggest hug. The emotions in this story are raw and relentless. One minute I was sobbing, the next I was kicking my feet, laughing, tearing up with joy, and then suddenly feeling very hot and flustered.
The found family element is woven so beautifully throughout. Abbey and Jackson truly shine, bringing warmth and hope to the darker scenes. And Saint and Luke? My heart bleeds for them both.
The pacing, the plot, and everything in between was perfection. Six heart-breaking stars 🌟
The ending left me in a state of emotional ruin. And the epilogue? Absolutely shattering ❤️🩹
If you're craving a dark, tragic love story...brace yourself! It may be a shorter read, but it will take you on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster and your heart will pay the price. There is no HEA but this book will live rent free in my heart forever.
"But sometimes bad things just happen. They linger around us, a stark reminder of how truly out of control our lives are." ......
"All that we can do is grasp onto the moment while it’s in front of us, and cherish it while we can."
Very grateful that I had the privilege of ARC reading this masterpiece. Thank you O.D. Emma 🫶🏻
December 22, 2025
A Shattering, Hauntingly Beautiful Masterpiece
First, I have to thank Olivia Emma for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing story. I related to this book on a deeply personal level, and I can say with certainty that Olivia is an amazing talent. Please, never stop writing!
Somewhere in the Dark is as hauntingly tragic as it is breathtakingly beautiful. This one "got me good"—it was so gripping from the start that I literally couldn’t put it down. This book is so real it hurts; it is so full of pain, heartache, healing, and breaking that it was actually hard to breathe through some of these pages.
Reading this felt like being inside the mind of our main character, Nova. It was painful, raw, and vivid—everything she witnessed felt like it was happening right in front of me. Every character in this story is so human and so broken. Seeing them come together to form their "found family"—with Abbey and Jackson truly shining—stitched up my own broken pieces, only to leave me lying in a pool of my own tears by the end.
Nova and Saint have my entire heart. I fell head over heels for them the moment we met, and their messy, pure, and deep love will stay with me for a long time. This story is a vital reminder that mental health is so important and that you never truly know what someone is carrying behind closed doors.
The ending left me in a state of emotional ruin, and the epilogue was absolutely shattering. I loved every minute of this journey, even the parts that broke me.
Love this:
“You hate yourself so deeply, you don’t leave room for anyone to love you.” - Somewhere in the Dark by O.D Emma
Note: Please remember to check the trigger warnings before reading, as this story touches on some very dark topics.
First, I have to thank Olivia Emma for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing story. I related to this book on a deeply personal level, and I can say with certainty that Olivia is an amazing talent. Please, never stop writing!
Somewhere in the Dark is as hauntingly tragic as it is breathtakingly beautiful. This one "got me good"—it was so gripping from the start that I literally couldn’t put it down. This book is so real it hurts; it is so full of pain, heartache, healing, and breaking that it was actually hard to breathe through some of these pages.
Reading this felt like being inside the mind of our main character, Nova. It was painful, raw, and vivid—everything she witnessed felt like it was happening right in front of me. Every character in this story is so human and so broken. Seeing them come together to form their "found family"—with Abbey and Jackson truly shining—stitched up my own broken pieces, only to leave me lying in a pool of my own tears by the end.
Nova and Saint have my entire heart. I fell head over heels for them the moment we met, and their messy, pure, and deep love will stay with me for a long time. This story is a vital reminder that mental health is so important and that you never truly know what someone is carrying behind closed doors.
The ending left me in a state of emotional ruin, and the epilogue was absolutely shattering. I loved every minute of this journey, even the parts that broke me.
Love this:
“You hate yourself so deeply, you don’t leave room for anyone to love you.” - Somewhere in the Dark by O.D Emma
Note: Please remember to check the trigger warnings before reading, as this story touches on some very dark topics.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
I just finished reading this and I’m in tears. This is my first time reading O.D Emma and honestly, it’s one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful books I’ve ever read. It’s written beautifully about tragic everyday, real life situations…..and I haven’t read anything quite like it.
Nova is a girl who’s struggled with depression, so much that a bottle of pills may be the answer. The result is a hospital stay and her mother picking her up to take her back home. But taking Nova home is taking her back to her father, an alcoholic, whose violence has always found a place with Nova and her mother. From one bad situation into another, life is like walking on eggshells, trying not to anger the monster living under the same roof.
Surrounding herself with new friends, Nova reconnects with Saint, the boy who was her best friend, who grew into everything she’s ever wanted. But life can be cruel, and Saint has demons of his own that emphasize with great care by the author, the real and dark side of drug addiction.
This story tells the twists of fate that can be damming, constantly asking what if I’d done this differently, or what if I’d done that differently, how something can be taken away only to realize the fairytale was just on the other side after all and that love is always a risk, but your choices are your own and if you choose to love, love endlessly.
This book deals with DV and drug addiction, its honest, its real and it’s a book I’ll remember and recommend for a long time.
And thank you Mum, for knowing when it was enough and getting us out xx
I just finished reading this and I’m in tears. This is my first time reading O.D Emma and honestly, it’s one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful books I’ve ever read. It’s written beautifully about tragic everyday, real life situations…..and I haven’t read anything quite like it.
Nova is a girl who’s struggled with depression, so much that a bottle of pills may be the answer. The result is a hospital stay and her mother picking her up to take her back home. But taking Nova home is taking her back to her father, an alcoholic, whose violence has always found a place with Nova and her mother. From one bad situation into another, life is like walking on eggshells, trying not to anger the monster living under the same roof.
Surrounding herself with new friends, Nova reconnects with Saint, the boy who was her best friend, who grew into everything she’s ever wanted. But life can be cruel, and Saint has demons of his own that emphasize with great care by the author, the real and dark side of drug addiction.
This story tells the twists of fate that can be damming, constantly asking what if I’d done this differently, or what if I’d done that differently, how something can be taken away only to realize the fairytale was just on the other side after all and that love is always a risk, but your choices are your own and if you choose to love, love endlessly.
This book deals with DV and drug addiction, its honest, its real and it’s a book I’ll remember and recommend for a long time.
And thank you Mum, for knowing when it was enough and getting us out xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2026
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: 4.5🌟
𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄: 3/5
This was the story of Nova and Saint…childhood best friends to first love to kinda enemies to lovers. Both with their own trauma, both with the own personal demons, both with mental health struggles, both NEEDED each other to survive. Their story was unlike anything I’ve read and will stay with me. The author included her playlist woven in the book…literally chapters and sections said PLAY ‘this song’. As a huge music lover I thought this was perfection!
The pure rawness of this book cut me deep. I connected with Nova in so many ways, from her mental health and feeling like she’s not good enough to growing up with an alcoholic father (I was lucky that mine was never abusive) but nevertheless her story is very familiar.
At first I wanted to throat punch Saint but the farther I got into the book and learning a little bit of how he was hurt by Nova and his own personal demons he struggled with I ended up wanting to just hug him. The spice was perfect…not too much not too little and the chemistry between them was beautiful. The side characters stood out and added some depth to the story.
My only complaints were that a little seemed rushed and I desperately needed more…I wanted a backstory on them…I wanted flashbacks of them…I wanted more of Nova’s struggles before returning home…I wanted more of Saints backstory. She did such an amazing job writing this that I just NEEDED more! This is a new to me author and her writing is so brutally raw, real and emotional that I will definitely be picking up more of her books! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
‼️PLEASE CHECK TRIGGERS!!! NOTE THIS A ROMANTIC TRAGEDY!!‼️
𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄: 3/5
This was the story of Nova and Saint…childhood best friends to first love to kinda enemies to lovers. Both with their own trauma, both with the own personal demons, both with mental health struggles, both NEEDED each other to survive. Their story was unlike anything I’ve read and will stay with me. The author included her playlist woven in the book…literally chapters and sections said PLAY ‘this song’. As a huge music lover I thought this was perfection!
The pure rawness of this book cut me deep. I connected with Nova in so many ways, from her mental health and feeling like she’s not good enough to growing up with an alcoholic father (I was lucky that mine was never abusive) but nevertheless her story is very familiar.
At first I wanted to throat punch Saint but the farther I got into the book and learning a little bit of how he was hurt by Nova and his own personal demons he struggled with I ended up wanting to just hug him. The spice was perfect…not too much not too little and the chemistry between them was beautiful. The side characters stood out and added some depth to the story.
My only complaints were that a little seemed rushed and I desperately needed more…I wanted a backstory on them…I wanted flashbacks of them…I wanted more of Nova’s struggles before returning home…I wanted more of Saints backstory. She did such an amazing job writing this that I just NEEDED more! This is a new to me author and her writing is so brutally raw, real and emotional that I will definitely be picking up more of her books! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
‼️PLEASE CHECK TRIGGERS!!! NOTE THIS A ROMANTIC TRAGEDY!!‼️
Read
December 28, 2025Absolutely Chilling and Unputdownable – 5 Stars
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for "Something in the Dark".
O.D. Emma has officially solidified herself as a queen of the "dark and gritty." I went into Something in the Dark expecting a standard thriller, but what I got was an atmospheric masterpiece that felt like it was wrapping its fingers around my throat from the very first chapter. If you are looking for a "safe" read, keep moving—but if you want a book that pushes boundaries and leaves you breathless, this is it!
O.D. Emma clearly has mastered the art of showing and not just telling. So many times I paused to sit with all the feelings and actions Nova was battling. I can not even remember how many times I was caught in a spiral of emotions that just paused and cried.
I ABSOLUTELY, 100% needed to read this book and let each page settle where it needed to. Having read her novellas, I believe this is the most emotionally driven book I've read all year and that along with the novella, O.D Emma proves she can shift her talents of showing not just telling in multiple genres. At the end of the day, what impressed me the most was I WANTED to hold Nova close because too much of her felt so utterly real that I didn't want my heart broken. But, this isn't a happy love story, and you could almost feel the path beneath your feet leading you into that darkness.
One hell of a novel that will live rent free in my head, and although heartbreaking I'll never forget how Nova rattled my heart to its core.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I must read.
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for "Something in the Dark".
O.D. Emma has officially solidified herself as a queen of the "dark and gritty." I went into Something in the Dark expecting a standard thriller, but what I got was an atmospheric masterpiece that felt like it was wrapping its fingers around my throat from the very first chapter. If you are looking for a "safe" read, keep moving—but if you want a book that pushes boundaries and leaves you breathless, this is it!
O.D. Emma clearly has mastered the art of showing and not just telling. So many times I paused to sit with all the feelings and actions Nova was battling. I can not even remember how many times I was caught in a spiral of emotions that just paused and cried.
I ABSOLUTELY, 100% needed to read this book and let each page settle where it needed to. Having read her novellas, I believe this is the most emotionally driven book I've read all year and that along with the novella, O.D Emma proves she can shift her talents of showing not just telling in multiple genres. At the end of the day, what impressed me the most was I WANTED to hold Nova close because too much of her felt so utterly real that I didn't want my heart broken. But, this isn't a happy love story, and you could almost feel the path beneath your feet leading you into that darkness.
One hell of a novel that will live rent free in my head, and although heartbreaking I'll never forget how Nova rattled my heart to its core.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I must read.
January 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️.5
“But whenever the dark moments of your life cloud your thoughts, it’s hard to remember when the sun shined. “
“You hate yourself so deeply, you don’t leave room for anyone to love you.”
I love when a book makes me feel something, and this one did just that. It was so real, emotional, and raw. O.D Emma’s writing was amazing. I felt like I was in the mind of our FMC and it was gut wrenching. I connected with her on so many levels, it hit very close to home. This poor soul had so much trauma. This book made me feel angry and devastated. It healed me and broke me.
Nova returns to her childhood home after trying to take her own life, she is met with the ghosts of her past. Saint her childhood best friend is still resentful that she left all those years ago. He tries to hold on to that anger but the two are drawn together. She is battling her childhood trauma and he is fighting his own demons. They soon find themselves clinging to each, but will their darkness swallow them?
Now Luke.. The side character that was somehow my favorite character. He deserved better and I truly will never recover. 😭😭😭
It’s been a while since a book made me sob. This was so beautifully raw. I still haven’t recovered and I’m not sure I will.
It gave mental health rep, virgin FMC, pierced MMC, found family, trauma, childhood best friend’s x enemies x lovers, and you came? You called.
Please check your triggers and if you or someone you know is struggling with mental help please seek help.
Suicide and Crisis hotline dial 988
November 1, 2025
* NO SPOILERS*
-There is always something better. I promise you, don’t lose hope.-
✷ I cried so much with this story. Not only is it beautifully dark but it’s something I can relate to. Unfortunately I have my own dark past and this book made me proud that I left an abusive household before IT WAS too late. Just my daughter and I. It was always for her. ✷
I don’t even know where to start and I don’t think there will be enough words to express how traumatic and psychologically heart wrenching this story is.
Nova (FMC) goes through many life experiences that you can’t even imagine, starting from a young child into adulthood.
Saint (MMC) was suppose to be her childhood best friend but had to deal with the separation from Nova.
She had to escape the abuse in her home no matter what!
Time goes by and Saint hears nothing from her.
But when she finally returns after years of her own turmoil, she finds Saint being happy.
Can he keep his mental walls up?
Can he ignore Nova?
Throughout this story friendships are formed, drugs are used to subside pain, sexual activity is performed but at the end is it enough once happiness is finally formed….. does the Death Moth finally come to collect?
.
.
🏵️Thank you IG: @o.d.emma for giving me the opportunity to read your stories. 🏵️
.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ✷Domestic Violence please call: 1-800-799-7233
✷Suicide & Crisis Hotline
988
-There is always something better. I promise you, don’t lose hope.-
✷ I cried so much with this story. Not only is it beautifully dark but it’s something I can relate to. Unfortunately I have my own dark past and this book made me proud that I left an abusive household before IT WAS too late. Just my daughter and I. It was always for her. ✷
I don’t even know where to start and I don’t think there will be enough words to express how traumatic and psychologically heart wrenching this story is.
Nova (FMC) goes through many life experiences that you can’t even imagine, starting from a young child into adulthood.
Saint (MMC) was suppose to be her childhood best friend but had to deal with the separation from Nova.
She had to escape the abuse in her home no matter what!
Time goes by and Saint hears nothing from her.
But when she finally returns after years of her own turmoil, she finds Saint being happy.
Can he keep his mental walls up?
Can he ignore Nova?
Throughout this story friendships are formed, drugs are used to subside pain, sexual activity is performed but at the end is it enough once happiness is finally formed….. does the Death Moth finally come to collect?
.
.
🏵️Thank you IG: @o.d.emma for giving me the opportunity to read your stories. 🏵️
.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ✷Domestic Violence please call: 1-800-799-7233
✷Suicide & Crisis Hotline
988
December 5, 2025
Check your trigger warnings!
I've read some dark reads that beautifully broke me, but Somewhere in the Dark left me speechless!
Nova was raised in a household with domestic violence and an alcoholic father. Her mother never chose to leave and Nova had a hard time trying to comprehend why. She left home, homeless for a year from being kicked out and never wanted to return. She became suicidal and when she tried to unalive herself, thats when she returned home.
Saint has been her bestfriend since childhood. When she left he tried to hate her buy couldn't. Even though he had a girlfriend, Abby, he always wanted to be with Nova,his true love.
His bestfriend Luke is a drug dealer and the town is having issues with over dosing. Their other friend is Jackson. They are like a small family. Saint and Nova finally get together trying to have their happy ending.
Nova and Saint has their demons that they fight everyday. Nova can't help herself from hearing the voices telling her she doesn't deserve happiness. She is always waiting for destruction.
This read destroyed me, leaving me speechless. The twist of learning Saint's demons and the epilougue was so heartbreaking. More than 5 ⭐️'s! Yes, there is spice, but it's the storyline that makes this a must-read! O.D Emma you did a phenomenal job! This read deserves a standing ovation! Thank you for including the domestic and suicidal/crisis hotline.
I've read some dark reads that beautifully broke me, but Somewhere in the Dark left me speechless!
Nova was raised in a household with domestic violence and an alcoholic father. Her mother never chose to leave and Nova had a hard time trying to comprehend why. She left home, homeless for a year from being kicked out and never wanted to return. She became suicidal and when she tried to unalive herself, thats when she returned home.
Saint has been her bestfriend since childhood. When she left he tried to hate her buy couldn't. Even though he had a girlfriend, Abby, he always wanted to be with Nova,his true love.
His bestfriend Luke is a drug dealer and the town is having issues with over dosing. Their other friend is Jackson. They are like a small family. Saint and Nova finally get together trying to have their happy ending.
Nova and Saint has their demons that they fight everyday. Nova can't help herself from hearing the voices telling her she doesn't deserve happiness. She is always waiting for destruction.
This read destroyed me, leaving me speechless. The twist of learning Saint's demons and the epilougue was so heartbreaking. More than 5 ⭐️'s! Yes, there is spice, but it's the storyline that makes this a must-read! O.D Emma you did a phenomenal job! This read deserves a standing ovation! Thank you for including the domestic and suicidal/crisis hotline.
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