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Devil Owned
I stole from the Devil. Now I belong to him.
I thought I was invisible. Quiet, shy, a nobody with sticky fingers and a terrible secret. Until I stole the one thing I shouldn’t have. Now I’m locked away, captive to an obsessive man.
Damien Wells is the CEO of the Devil corporation, and he rules the state. He rules me too, and somehow, I’m beginning to crave his cruel possession.
I guess after all these years of being invisible, I’ve grown lonely. Terribly lonely. It’s a sickness, and Damien Wells is the only man who can cure me. If he doesn’t kill me first.
A high-steam dark forced-proximity romance featuring a morally grey alpha anti-hero and a quiet, broken heroine.
high-steam dark romance, captor/captive, forced proximity, BDSM, power imbalance, possessive obsession, morally grey MMC, age gap, crime, psychological tension, suspense
This is a very dark romance. Please read the content note at the beginning of the book. Your mental health matters.
I thought I was invisible. Quiet, shy, a nobody with sticky fingers and a terrible secret. Until I stole the one thing I shouldn’t have. Now I’m locked away, captive to an obsessive man.
Damien Wells is the CEO of the Devil corporation, and he rules the state. He rules me too, and somehow, I’m beginning to crave his cruel possession.
I guess after all these years of being invisible, I’ve grown lonely. Terribly lonely. It’s a sickness, and Damien Wells is the only man who can cure me. If he doesn’t kill me first.
A high-steam dark forced-proximity romance featuring a morally grey alpha anti-hero and a quiet, broken heroine.
high-steam dark romance, captor/captive, forced proximity, BDSM, power imbalance, possessive obsession, morally grey MMC, age gap, crime, psychological tension, suspense
This is a very dark romance. Please read the content note at the beginning of the book. Your mental health matters.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
January 6, 2026
Title: Devil Owned by A.V. Blackmoor
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Victory Editing
Expected Release Date: 01|29|2026
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Seraphina + Damian
Main Tropes: Captor/Captive, Stockholm Syndrome
This books main theme is the captor/captive trope. While I don’t read many books with this type of trope, this was well written. It dives in fast and doesn’t stop once it hits the mid plot points. I did get slightly bored because of the way Seraphina was just locked into a room with nothing to do and it lasted for a while in the book.
You get multiple opportunities to dig deep into her past and how she was raised, and doing so builds her character so well. She has been through a very rough life and her part in this book as an adult only got worse.
For Damian, his character was done well. We don’t see his back story but we do get his current dominant/captor side. He goes back and forth to wanting Seraphina and not. We do get a glimpse into his crime side and the things he’s involved in.
Overall, this was a great read that highlights captor/captive & stockholm syndrome very well. I’ll definitely be reading the next book.
✨ T r o p e s + T r i g g e r s ✨
Abusive Boyfriend
Force Feeding
Captor | Captive
Possessive | Dominant MMC
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Power Imbalance
Crime
Kidnapping
Stockholm Syndrome
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Victory Editing
Expected Release Date: 01|29|2026
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Seraphina + Damian
Main Tropes: Captor/Captive, Stockholm Syndrome
This books main theme is the captor/captive trope. While I don’t read many books with this type of trope, this was well written. It dives in fast and doesn’t stop once it hits the mid plot points. I did get slightly bored because of the way Seraphina was just locked into a room with nothing to do and it lasted for a while in the book.
You get multiple opportunities to dig deep into her past and how she was raised, and doing so builds her character so well. She has been through a very rough life and her part in this book as an adult only got worse.
For Damian, his character was done well. We don’t see his back story but we do get his current dominant/captor side. He goes back and forth to wanting Seraphina and not. We do get a glimpse into his crime side and the things he’s involved in.
Overall, this was a great read that highlights captor/captive & stockholm syndrome very well. I’ll definitely be reading the next book.
✨ T r o p e s + T r i g g e r s ✨
Abusive Boyfriend
Force Feeding
Captor | Captive
Possessive | Dominant MMC
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Power Imbalance
Crime
Kidnapping
Stockholm Syndrome
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If Stockholm Syndrome is your trope this book is for you.
Seraphina Connor goes from having a horrible childhood, invisible to the world, to an even worse adult hood. This poor girl cannot catch a break. After one impulsive steal at the wrong place wrong time, she finds herself abducted by the DEVIL organization.
Damien Wells is the head of the DEVIL organization. A childhood gang of 5 boys who started up a multimillion dollar company. When the girl he has been secretly obsessing over, unknowingly steals a nanochip that could bring down his whole organization, he has no other choice than to abduct her.
*Abduction
*Punishment
*Obsession
*Morally Grey MMC
*Age-gap
*Forced Proximity
*Dark Romance
This is a very intense story. A whole lot of trigger warnings in this one! I love that! It is very descriptive writing and I could really put myself in Seraphinas shoes. Some of the choices she makes i would probably do a lot of the same things as her, but at some points, I questioned her thought process. The jellyfish scene in question.
I can't figure out if I love Damien or hate him. He is super obsessive, and infatuated with this girl, but definitely has an abusive way of showing it. This has a lot of edging with its spice. Completely forgot it was a duet until the ending cliffhanger.
I am looking forward to book 2.
**Thank you to Netgallery for providing the ARC
Seraphina Connor goes from having a horrible childhood, invisible to the world, to an even worse adult hood. This poor girl cannot catch a break. After one impulsive steal at the wrong place wrong time, she finds herself abducted by the DEVIL organization.
Damien Wells is the head of the DEVIL organization. A childhood gang of 5 boys who started up a multimillion dollar company. When the girl he has been secretly obsessing over, unknowingly steals a nanochip that could bring down his whole organization, he has no other choice than to abduct her.
*Abduction
*Punishment
*Obsession
*Morally Grey MMC
*Age-gap
*Forced Proximity
*Dark Romance
This is a very intense story. A whole lot of trigger warnings in this one! I love that! It is very descriptive writing and I could really put myself in Seraphinas shoes. Some of the choices she makes i would probably do a lot of the same things as her, but at some points, I questioned her thought process. The jellyfish scene in question.
I can't figure out if I love Damien or hate him. He is super obsessive, and infatuated with this girl, but definitely has an abusive way of showing it. This has a lot of edging with its spice. Completely forgot it was a duet until the ending cliffhanger.
I am looking forward to book 2.
**Thank you to Netgallery for providing the ARC
December 31, 2025
What a ride this story is. From start to finish I never knew what to expect. She is definitely dark and unhinged so check those triggers.
You know the story is good when you can simultaneously love and hate a character. Damian is that man- like man is he all the red flags that we love but also, like don't do our girl dirty. He is obsessive and possessive (we love to see it) but maybe goes about it less than ideally. But it's ok, he will redeem himself.
And the end- that cliffhanger (I always go into books blind so I had no idea there would be a cliffhanger) and the way I was SHOOK. I can't wait for the next book
You know the story is good when you can simultaneously love and hate a character. Damian is that man- like man is he all the red flags that we love but also, like don't do our girl dirty. He is obsessive and possessive (we love to see it) but maybe goes about it less than ideally. But it's ok, he will redeem himself.
And the end- that cliffhanger (I always go into books blind so I had no idea there would be a cliffhanger) and the way I was SHOOK. I can't wait for the next book
February 24, 2026
Listen y’all, I don’t normally rate books below 3. I can count on one hand out of the 600 books I have read on here below 3 stars. This book was so bad. Terrible.
This poor woman. Her whole life, men have treated her like shit. And yknow what the MMC does? Abuses her, humiliates her, the works. His friends do it too. Try to kill her multiple times behind MMC’s back. She is a pawn in everybody’s game. And at the end (I know it’s a duet but still), the man STILL treats her like absolute garbage. He has no respect for her. He has like no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
I love dark romances a whole lot, but this didn’t read as romance at all. He saw her only as a possession, nothing more. So sad for her. She deserved much better than him. :(
This poor woman. Her whole life, men have treated her like shit. And yknow what the MMC does? Abuses her, humiliates her, the works. His friends do it too. Try to kill her multiple times behind MMC’s back. She is a pawn in everybody’s game. And at the end (I know it’s a duet but still), the man STILL treats her like absolute garbage. He has no respect for her. He has like no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
I love dark romances a whole lot, but this didn’t read as romance at all. He saw her only as a possession, nothing more. So sad for her. She deserved much better than him. :(
January 23, 2026
Omg this book was so good, it drew me in immediately!! FMC raised in a horrible world that just kept getting worse. MMC sooo obsessed with her, but struggled to show he cared while trying not to disappoint his brother. The plot was well thought out and kept me captivated! Loved!!!
January 15, 2026
Absolutely thrilling! I loved the twist and turns the author took me on in this book. Damien is the man we all want to figure out and then you have his obsession… I’ve never felt so much for a female main character she called to me and I felt like I was bonding with her through the whole book.. I promise just when you think you know how this story goes you will be surprised at just how wrong you are!
February 21, 2026
Beyond frustrating. ***SPOILERS***
I can't for the life of me figure out how this generated such high ratings. I'm no stranger to the notion of suspended disbelief, but I've read books about Imortal, Shifter, Space Alien, Vampires, that were more believable, than this. I understand the need to display a bit of contrasting thoughts or actions to create a character with conflicted feelings, but at some point, things need to align, in order to make sense. This never does. Even when it gets close, its done in such a childish way I just rolled my eyes. The MMC, Damien, is supposed to lead this all powerful, criminal brotherhood, refered to as DEVIL, (for the 1st letter of the 5 members names), but it's an absolute joke. They're just a band of high school dropout, misfits, that swing from ride or die, to wanting to undermine, beat, or kill each other. Their dialogue is childish, and so conflicting, that I had to reread passages to make sure I didn't misunderstand anything. Damien didn't ever seem to hold any confidence from the group, and visa versa, except when it tried to reestablish solidarity, that just wasn't there. Damien's obsession with our sad little doormat of a MFC, (Seraphina), was all over the place also. It begins with some kind of altruistic scenario where he allows her to shoplift from DEVIL's high end, grocery/luxery department store. LOL. When she unknowingly snatches a perfume , that supposedly holds an incriminating microchip, she's captured by DEVIL, and is labeled "pet" by them. This flips Damiens switch, and she is now his property. He acts as if he's just trying to prove he's not distracted by his obsession with her, by inflicting harsh punishment, but his inner dialogue shows he really gets off on the cruelty. Of course Seraphina is instantly drawn to him. Way too soon for Stockholm syndrome, which is the only plausible explanation, given her lifelong history of chronic abuse. Everything ranges from improbable to impossible repeatedly. Actions and words often contrast character establishment. Damien holds back having actual genital to genital sex because he wants consent, but performs every other kind of invasive sexual act upon her in the form of punishment? Actually his favorite form of punishment, most often, is to simply leave her in isolation. For someone so over the top obsessed, he seems to prefer watching her stare at blank walls, over being in her presence. He is in my top 5 most disliked MMC's of all-time, and she is right up there with the least liked MFC. DEVIL suspects a traitor in the inner circle, but even when its the most obvious to the reader, Damien dismisses them immediately. He just never comes off as competent, or confident. There are also placement and time jumps that are confusing, and took me out of the story often. Just one example is repeatedly referencing to be careful of stitches, six months after the injury. Stitches either dissolve or are removed 10 to 14 days. After six months you would have a well healed scar. Oh...and that whole waiting for sex thing? Just casually referenced to in the end that they have it all the time now. WHAT? Everything is so jarring and perplexing. This was constantly a DNF for me. This book was an exercise in frustration, because it had such great storyline possibility. Sadly it was just so poorly executed., that it's potential was wasted. Even more than frustrating is, that it's very specifically, one of my favorite genres. Dark, non-con, romance/ crime novel. When done well like Anna Zairs, Shantel Tessier, and Natasha Night, just to name a few, I can't get enough. After rereading this, I know this sounds harsh but it really was a big disappointment. I struggled through to the end, but won't put myself through the slog of reading the next in series. I couldn't care less what happens to these characters, and that right there says it all.
I can't for the life of me figure out how this generated such high ratings. I'm no stranger to the notion of suspended disbelief, but I've read books about Imortal, Shifter, Space Alien, Vampires, that were more believable, than this. I understand the need to display a bit of contrasting thoughts or actions to create a character with conflicted feelings, but at some point, things need to align, in order to make sense. This never does. Even when it gets close, its done in such a childish way I just rolled my eyes. The MMC, Damien, is supposed to lead this all powerful, criminal brotherhood, refered to as DEVIL, (for the 1st letter of the 5 members names), but it's an absolute joke. They're just a band of high school dropout, misfits, that swing from ride or die, to wanting to undermine, beat, or kill each other. Their dialogue is childish, and so conflicting, that I had to reread passages to make sure I didn't misunderstand anything. Damien didn't ever seem to hold any confidence from the group, and visa versa, except when it tried to reestablish solidarity, that just wasn't there. Damien's obsession with our sad little doormat of a MFC, (Seraphina), was all over the place also. It begins with some kind of altruistic scenario where he allows her to shoplift from DEVIL's high end, grocery/luxery department store. LOL. When she unknowingly snatches a perfume , that supposedly holds an incriminating microchip, she's captured by DEVIL, and is labeled "pet" by them. This flips Damiens switch, and she is now his property. He acts as if he's just trying to prove he's not distracted by his obsession with her, by inflicting harsh punishment, but his inner dialogue shows he really gets off on the cruelty. Of course Seraphina is instantly drawn to him. Way too soon for Stockholm syndrome, which is the only plausible explanation, given her lifelong history of chronic abuse. Everything ranges from improbable to impossible repeatedly. Actions and words often contrast character establishment. Damien holds back having actual genital to genital sex because he wants consent, but performs every other kind of invasive sexual act upon her in the form of punishment? Actually his favorite form of punishment, most often, is to simply leave her in isolation. For someone so over the top obsessed, he seems to prefer watching her stare at blank walls, over being in her presence. He is in my top 5 most disliked MMC's of all-time, and she is right up there with the least liked MFC. DEVIL suspects a traitor in the inner circle, but even when its the most obvious to the reader, Damien dismisses them immediately. He just never comes off as competent, or confident. There are also placement and time jumps that are confusing, and took me out of the story often. Just one example is repeatedly referencing to be careful of stitches, six months after the injury. Stitches either dissolve or are removed 10 to 14 days. After six months you would have a well healed scar. Oh...and that whole waiting for sex thing? Just casually referenced to in the end that they have it all the time now. WHAT? Everything is so jarring and perplexing. This was constantly a DNF for me. This book was an exercise in frustration, because it had such great storyline possibility. Sadly it was just so poorly executed., that it's potential was wasted. Even more than frustrating is, that it's very specifically, one of my favorite genres. Dark, non-con, romance/ crime novel. When done well like Anna Zairs, Shantel Tessier, and Natasha Night, just to name a few, I can't get enough. After rereading this, I know this sounds harsh but it really was a big disappointment. I struggled through to the end, but won't put myself through the slog of reading the next in series. I couldn't care less what happens to these characters, and that right there says it all.
January 3, 2026
Arc review!!!!
Wow!! I have read some dark romance this book though is extreme. I don’t think I have read anything like this. I did enjoy the book fully! The story is great the characters you find who you love and who you hate. Damien and Seraphina are a crazy fucked up dynamic. The highs and lows of this book keep you reading the Stockholm Syndrome is incredible and well written. Girl touched starved and just melts for her captor! Does not end on a HEA and ends on a cliffhanger can not wait to read book 2
Wow!! I have read some dark romance this book though is extreme. I don’t think I have read anything like this. I did enjoy the book fully! The story is great the characters you find who you love and who you hate. Damien and Seraphina are a crazy fucked up dynamic. The highs and lows of this book keep you reading the Stockholm Syndrome is incredible and well written. Girl touched starved and just melts for her captor! Does not end on a HEA and ends on a cliffhanger can not wait to read book 2
Review of advance copy received from Author
my goodness so good 💯😊✨✨💯 and the end ???? !! loved it
December 29, 2025
Hooked from page one. Poor broken Seraphina. Of course hooked and will definitely be reading the next one to find out what happens.
February 10, 2026
devil owened by A.V blackmoor
ARC provided by A.V blackmoor
spice 🌶🌶🌶( my opinion as BDSM isnt for every one)
4 hours to devour this!!!!
so much prolonged spice,
torture with a thriller twist, which i really enjoyed not read much that was bdsm mixed with prolonged suffering and then with all the drama of gangs and kidnapping and then never knowing who the bad guy was kept me on edge and once they get the happy ending another massive twist!!!!!! i dont want to wait for the next book, i need to read it NOW!!!
Everest is a sweetie
logan is trying his hardest to do the best thing if not little misguided
Igor is just straight up there for the vibes
Damien I wish we need more about him and got to see more of his bonding time with his pet instead of just thr straight BDSM but for this book I think the personality separation was well done
PET- serephina, I hope to see more of her with a fight in this next book, I think shes done being the invisible girl and I wanna see her burn the world!!!
Vale... well hes just a straight up C**t nothing but vile from the first sentence I hated and wish his death was more prolonged but maybe thats just me 🤷🏼♀️🤣
next book can't come soon enough!!!!!
ARC provided by A.V blackmoor
spice 🌶🌶🌶( my opinion as BDSM isnt for every one)
4 hours to devour this!!!!
so much prolonged spice,
torture with a thriller twist, which i really enjoyed not read much that was bdsm mixed with prolonged suffering and then with all the drama of gangs and kidnapping and then never knowing who the bad guy was kept me on edge and once they get the happy ending another massive twist!!!!!! i dont want to wait for the next book, i need to read it NOW!!!
Everest is a sweetie
logan is trying his hardest to do the best thing if not little misguided
Igor is just straight up there for the vibes
Damien I wish we need more about him and got to see more of his bonding time with his pet instead of just thr straight BDSM but for this book I think the personality separation was well done
PET- serephina, I hope to see more of her with a fight in this next book, I think shes done being the invisible girl and I wanna see her burn the world!!!
Vale... well hes just a straight up C**t nothing but vile from the first sentence I hated and wish his death was more prolonged but maybe thats just me 🤷🏼♀️🤣
next book can't come soon enough!!!!!
May 11, 2026
Devil Owned by A.V. Blackmoor was one of those books that completely pulled me into the dark and obsessive atmosphere right from the beginning. The story is intense, emotional, and honestly a little disturbing at times, but that’s what made it so addictive to read. The captor/captive dynamic between Damien and Seraphina created so much tension throughout the book, and every interaction between them felt heavy with danger, obsession, and toxic attraction. The novel leans hard into dark romance themes like forced proximity, power imbalance, and psychological tension.
One thing I really liked was how broken and emotionally damaged the characters were. Seraphina came across as quiet, lonely, and vulnerable, while Damien was controlling, morally grey, and honestly terrifying at times. Even though some of his actions made me angry, I still found myself wanting to understand him more, which made the story hard to put down. Their relationship is definitely unhealthy, but the author writes their emotional connection in a way that keeps you invested in what will happen next.
The writing style also made the suspense feel very intense. There were moments where I felt uncomfortable, shocked, and emotional all at once because the story constantly blurred the line between fear and attraction. The darker scenes were written in a very raw way, which added to the overall mood of the book. I also liked how the story kept building tension instead of rushing everything too quickly.
At the same time, this book absolutely is not for everyone. It contains very dark themes, controlling behavior, and emotional manipulation, so readers definitely need to pay attention to the trigger warnings before reading. But for people who enjoy dark romance with obsessive characters, suspense, and morally grey love interests, this book delivers exactly that kind of experience.
Overall, I thought Devil Owned was dark, dramatic, emotionally intense, and impossible to stop reading once I got into it. It made me feel uncomfortable in some scenes, but it also kept me completely hooked because I needed to know how everything would unfold between the characters.
Quotes from the book I liked-
"Delivering a eulogy at a family's wake".
"Most powerful man in the state, the CEO of Devil".
"Damien Wells has always fascinated me. I'm not exactly attracted to him, though he's certainly conventionally handsome".
"But there's something about his eyes."
"Always unsettled me. Especially when he raises his head, staring straight at the TV camera, like he does now, his mouth curling into the smallest of smirks."
"Luxury department store, with it's aisles full of pricey perfume packages that I spend my mornings stuffing"
"Fifteen minutes is all it took for him to shoot up the meth I got for him."
"His fist connects with my jaw. For a drug- addled loser, he hits hard, though his punches are not s bad as they used to be."
"Grown sick of going through life unnoticed, a sad helpless jellyfish."
"A week later, I had dropped out of school and moved into his basement apartment."
The five friends whose names make up acronym of Devil. Damien, Everest, Vale, Igor and Logan."
"Work Hard, kid. Maybe one day, you too can leave all this behind."
"My eyes? I know they freak people out. They're some weird shade of purple, and about three times too big for my face."
"I'm Seraphina Connor, you fuckers! I exist! Now say something! But it's useless. sighing, I zip."
"Dreams will always stay-out-of-reach."
"With the passing years, fear is a concept that has grown more and more abstract. I'm not scared. I'm angry."
One thing I really liked was how broken and emotionally damaged the characters were. Seraphina came across as quiet, lonely, and vulnerable, while Damien was controlling, morally grey, and honestly terrifying at times. Even though some of his actions made me angry, I still found myself wanting to understand him more, which made the story hard to put down. Their relationship is definitely unhealthy, but the author writes their emotional connection in a way that keeps you invested in what will happen next.
The writing style also made the suspense feel very intense. There were moments where I felt uncomfortable, shocked, and emotional all at once because the story constantly blurred the line between fear and attraction. The darker scenes were written in a very raw way, which added to the overall mood of the book. I also liked how the story kept building tension instead of rushing everything too quickly.
At the same time, this book absolutely is not for everyone. It contains very dark themes, controlling behavior, and emotional manipulation, so readers definitely need to pay attention to the trigger warnings before reading. But for people who enjoy dark romance with obsessive characters, suspense, and morally grey love interests, this book delivers exactly that kind of experience.
Overall, I thought Devil Owned was dark, dramatic, emotionally intense, and impossible to stop reading once I got into it. It made me feel uncomfortable in some scenes, but it also kept me completely hooked because I needed to know how everything would unfold between the characters.
Quotes from the book I liked-
"Delivering a eulogy at a family's wake".
"Most powerful man in the state, the CEO of Devil".
"Damien Wells has always fascinated me. I'm not exactly attracted to him, though he's certainly conventionally handsome".
"But there's something about his eyes."
"Always unsettled me. Especially when he raises his head, staring straight at the TV camera, like he does now, his mouth curling into the smallest of smirks."
"Luxury department store, with it's aisles full of pricey perfume packages that I spend my mornings stuffing"
"Fifteen minutes is all it took for him to shoot up the meth I got for him."
"His fist connects with my jaw. For a drug- addled loser, he hits hard, though his punches are not s bad as they used to be."
"Grown sick of going through life unnoticed, a sad helpless jellyfish."
"A week later, I had dropped out of school and moved into his basement apartment."
The five friends whose names make up acronym of Devil. Damien, Everest, Vale, Igor and Logan."
"Work Hard, kid. Maybe one day, you too can leave all this behind."
"My eyes? I know they freak people out. They're some weird shade of purple, and about three times too big for my face."
"I'm Seraphina Connor, you fuckers! I exist! Now say something! But it's useless. sighing, I zip."
"Dreams will always stay-out-of-reach."
"With the passing years, fear is a concept that has grown more and more abstract. I'm not scared. I'm angry."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
Devil Owned — A.V. Blackmoor
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶🌶
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Captor/Captive, Stockholm Syndrome, Obsession,
Morally Grey MMC, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Power Imbalance.
If Stockholm Syndrome is your trope, this book will absolutely work for you.
Seraphina Connor has had a brutal life—neglected as a child and barely surviving adulthood. One impulsive theft at the wrong place and wrong time lands her in the hands of the DEVIL organisation. Enter Damien Wells: obsessive, controlling, morally grey to the core, and the head of a powerful criminal empire. When Seraphina unknowingly steals something that could destroy everything he’s built, abduction becomes his solution.
This is an intense read with a lot of triggers. The writing is very descriptive, and it’s easy to put yourself in Seraphina’s head—her touch-starved vulnerability is portrayed well, and at times her reactions made complete sense. Other times… I questioned her choices (the jellyfish scene still lives rent-free in my head).
Damien is a difficult MMC to pin down. I genuinely couldn’t decide whether I loved or hated him—and honestly, that’s kind of the point. His obsession borders on terrifying, and his version of “care” is undeniably abusive. The spice leans more toward edging and tension than payoff, which worked for the story but may frustrate some readers.
My main drawback was pacing—there were moments that dragged, particularly when Seraphina’s confinement felt repetitive. That said, the psychological elements and emotional highs and lows kept me invested.
I completely forgot this was a duet until that cliffhanger ending. No HEA here—but I am curious enough to continue.
Overall: Dark, uncomfortable, obsessive, and psychologically charged. Not perfect for me, but compelling enough that I’ll be picking up book two.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶🌶
Genre: Dark Romance
Tropes: Captor/Captive, Stockholm Syndrome, Obsession,
Morally Grey MMC, Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Power Imbalance.
If Stockholm Syndrome is your trope, this book will absolutely work for you.
Seraphina Connor has had a brutal life—neglected as a child and barely surviving adulthood. One impulsive theft at the wrong place and wrong time lands her in the hands of the DEVIL organisation. Enter Damien Wells: obsessive, controlling, morally grey to the core, and the head of a powerful criminal empire. When Seraphina unknowingly steals something that could destroy everything he’s built, abduction becomes his solution.
This is an intense read with a lot of triggers. The writing is very descriptive, and it’s easy to put yourself in Seraphina’s head—her touch-starved vulnerability is portrayed well, and at times her reactions made complete sense. Other times… I questioned her choices (the jellyfish scene still lives rent-free in my head).
Damien is a difficult MMC to pin down. I genuinely couldn’t decide whether I loved or hated him—and honestly, that’s kind of the point. His obsession borders on terrifying, and his version of “care” is undeniably abusive. The spice leans more toward edging and tension than payoff, which worked for the story but may frustrate some readers.
My main drawback was pacing—there were moments that dragged, particularly when Seraphina’s confinement felt repetitive. That said, the psychological elements and emotional highs and lows kept me invested.
I completely forgot this was a duet until that cliffhanger ending. No HEA here—but I am curious enough to continue.
Overall: Dark, uncomfortable, obsessive, and psychologically charged. Not perfect for me, but compelling enough that I’ll be picking up book two.
February 3, 2026
Plot: 3.5/5 • Spice: 2.5/5 ————> Poor little orphan girl, Seraphina. She steals to trade for her boyfriend’s meth addiction. Until one day she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets caught shoplifting. The DEVILS grabbed her.
Damien, the D, of the Devils has been watching her on the camera for some time. Already obsessed with her before they even take her. The think she snatched a nanochip they need for covering up a murder. She has no idea wtf they’re talking about, but they don’t believe her. She’s held captive for 7 days before Damien moves her into an apartment.
She’s has lived a lonely life. She seeks companionship and is craving touch. Which is why she so easily falls for the crumbs of attention that Damien gives her. Very stockholm syndrome-y.
A rival tricks her into escaping the apartment she’s been trapped in. They take her under a warehouse and ultimately make her seem like the one who stole the nanochip. Thankfully Damien comes to her rescue, but doesn’t believe she had nothing to do with it.
There’s a lot of the same back and forth for a while. Did she take? is she innocent? blah blah blah. This ends on a huge cliffy. And there’s a sneak peak chapter into the next book @ the end. 👀👀👀👀 can’t wait to snatch that up and continue.
Damien, the D, of the Devils has been watching her on the camera for some time. Already obsessed with her before they even take her. The think she snatched a nanochip they need for covering up a murder. She has no idea wtf they’re talking about, but they don’t believe her. She’s held captive for 7 days before Damien moves her into an apartment.
She’s has lived a lonely life. She seeks companionship and is craving touch. Which is why she so easily falls for the crumbs of attention that Damien gives her. Very stockholm syndrome-y.
A rival tricks her into escaping the apartment she’s been trapped in. They take her under a warehouse and ultimately make her seem like the one who stole the nanochip. Thankfully Damien comes to her rescue, but doesn’t believe she had nothing to do with it.
There’s a lot of the same back and forth for a while. Did she take? is she innocent? blah blah blah. This ends on a huge cliffy. And there’s a sneak peak chapter into the next book @ the end. 👀👀👀👀 can’t wait to snatch that up and continue.
March 7, 2026
This book was an intense ride from beginning to end. Devil Owned dives deep into dark romance with a captor/captive dynamic that isn’t afraid to push boundaries. If you enjoy morally gray (or completely unhinged) characters and obsessive love interests, this one definitely delivers.
Seraphina is a complex heroine whose past shapes so much of who she is, and watching pieces of her story unfold throughout the book added a lot of depth. Her life has been anything but easy, and the way the author slowly reveals her history made me feel more connected to her as the story progressed.
Damian, on the other hand, is the definition of dangerous obsession. He’s ruthless, controlling, and the kind of character you know you probably shouldn’t like—but somehow still do. His fixation on Seraphina creates a tense push-and-pull dynamic that keeps the story moving quickly. Their relationship is messy, toxic, and chaotic in the way dark romance fans tend to crave.
The plot kept me hooked with twists and escalating tension, and once things really start unfolding it’s hard to put down. Just when you think you understand the direction of the story, something shifts.
And that ending… definitely leaves you wanting the next book immediately.
If you like:
• Dark romance with heavy themes
• Obsessive, morally gray heroes
• Captor/captive dynamics
• Emotional tension and cliffhangers
…then this one is worth picking up. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Seraphina is a complex heroine whose past shapes so much of who she is, and watching pieces of her story unfold throughout the book added a lot of depth. Her life has been anything but easy, and the way the author slowly reveals her history made me feel more connected to her as the story progressed.
Damian, on the other hand, is the definition of dangerous obsession. He’s ruthless, controlling, and the kind of character you know you probably shouldn’t like—but somehow still do. His fixation on Seraphina creates a tense push-and-pull dynamic that keeps the story moving quickly. Their relationship is messy, toxic, and chaotic in the way dark romance fans tend to crave.
The plot kept me hooked with twists and escalating tension, and once things really start unfolding it’s hard to put down. Just when you think you understand the direction of the story, something shifts.
And that ending… definitely leaves you wanting the next book immediately.
If you like:
• Dark romance with heavy themes
• Obsessive, morally gray heroes
• Captor/captive dynamics
• Emotional tension and cliffhangers
…then this one is worth picking up. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Read
January 15, 2026I love a good dark captive romance and I was very excited to read this book when I read the blurb about it, however I will warn you that it's not for the faint of heart. The FMC has an incredibly heartbreaking backstory and the way she is treated throughout the majority of the book will only break your heart more. Another thing worth mentioning is that there is miscommunication/lack of communication between the MMC and FMC for 75% of the book and I found it beyoooonnnddd frustrating. It's clear that there are strong feelings between them and though it is obvious in their actions regarding each other, it's not said outright which just leads to more heartache and confusion in an already heartbreaking story (and I'm a sensitive empathic individual and can only feel so sad and helpless for our FMC for so long.) HOWEVER! The last 25% of the story definitely makes up for it and even though it ends on a cliffhanger I look forward to reading the sequel when it comes out.
May 23, 2026
I throughly enjoyed this book. If you like mafia style, captor-captive, age-gap romance then I think you’ll like this.
This book definitely makes you question what you think you know. It also gives you just enough information to draw your own conclusions but it leaves enough out that’s there’s definitely more going on underneath.
It also gives you a false sense of security. I forgot there was a book two until I couldn’t forget. I am starting book 2 immediately.
The FMC is so deeply abused by everyone and it’s very sad. The part of her being a virgin though seemed out of place for what her background is. It also didn’t come into play at all like that trope usually does. That was really the only part of the book that didn’t make sense compared to everything else. The storyline would have been darker without it, but it could have also never been mentioned at all and the book would have been exactly the same.
This book definitely makes you question what you think you know. It also gives you just enough information to draw your own conclusions but it leaves enough out that’s there’s definitely more going on underneath.
It also gives you a false sense of security. I forgot there was a book two until I couldn’t forget. I am starting book 2 immediately.
The FMC is so deeply abused by everyone and it’s very sad. The part of her being a virgin though seemed out of place for what her background is. It also didn’t come into play at all like that trope usually does. That was really the only part of the book that didn’t make sense compared to everything else. The storyline would have been darker without it, but it could have also never been mentioned at all and the book would have been exactly the same.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! What a book! This was my very first ARC and I was not disappointed.
Marketed as a dark romance (which it absolutely was), I was pleasantly surprised at my own thoughts on the genre - a dark romance thriller.
I loved the suspense and twists in this book. It kept me on edge throughout. With a good level of spice to boot, this book was a captivating and fantastic read.
I loved the back story of the FMC and it helped to understand her distrust in men however, it would have been good to have a bit more back story about the MMC. That being said, the lack of back story did not take away from my love of the character.
Leaving a cliffhanger ending which made me want to rage (as I was sooo invested!), the preview of the second book of the duet left an exciting taster of what's to come.
The only thing I'm left wondering about is...Lucy?! Is she as loyal as Damien thinks??
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one in the duet. I will be waiting!
⭐: 4.5
🌶️: 3
Marketed as a dark romance (which it absolutely was), I was pleasantly surprised at my own thoughts on the genre - a dark romance thriller.
I loved the suspense and twists in this book. It kept me on edge throughout. With a good level of spice to boot, this book was a captivating and fantastic read.
I loved the back story of the FMC and it helped to understand her distrust in men however, it would have been good to have a bit more back story about the MMC. That being said, the lack of back story did not take away from my love of the character.
Leaving a cliffhanger ending which made me want to rage (as I was sooo invested!), the preview of the second book of the duet left an exciting taster of what's to come.
The only thing I'm left wondering about is...Lucy?! Is she as loyal as Damien thinks??
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one in the duet. I will be waiting!
⭐: 4.5
🌶️: 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2026
Get your red flag blinders on...
This book was an intense captor/captive romance. It messed with my emotions big time. This is not a "light" dark romance read. Damien the MMC is morally black and absolutely unhinged. The FMC Seraphina is the ultimate definition of Stockholm syndrome. I had a love/hate relationship with these MCs.
Things started pretty fast at the beginning of the book then it slowed down building up in intensity once he holds her captive and he gradually gets more unhinged. Damien is obsessed and OTT possessive over Seraphina. She's young and naive about a lot of things considering she hasn't led the easiest life and is big-time starved for affection. Their dynamic is beyond intense. I was not expecting where this book went and loved being surprised in the end.
This is book 1 in the Devil duet but I wasn't expecting how that cliffhanger would shake me making me eager for book 2. I'm going to need some redemption in the next book.
Tropes:
Captor/Captive
Stockholm syndrome
Billionare
Morally grey alpha MMC
Possessive/Obsessed
Forced proximity
Slow-burn
Age-gap
Explicit
BDSM
Check TW
Thank you NetGalley and A.V. Blackmoor for the opportunity to read this book.
This book was an intense captor/captive romance. It messed with my emotions big time. This is not a "light" dark romance read. Damien the MMC is morally black and absolutely unhinged. The FMC Seraphina is the ultimate definition of Stockholm syndrome. I had a love/hate relationship with these MCs.
Things started pretty fast at the beginning of the book then it slowed down building up in intensity once he holds her captive and he gradually gets more unhinged. Damien is obsessed and OTT possessive over Seraphina. She's young and naive about a lot of things considering she hasn't led the easiest life and is big-time starved for affection. Their dynamic is beyond intense. I was not expecting where this book went and loved being surprised in the end.
This is book 1 in the Devil duet but I wasn't expecting how that cliffhanger would shake me making me eager for book 2. I'm going to need some redemption in the next book.
Tropes:
Captor/Captive
Stockholm syndrome
Billionare
Morally grey alpha MMC
Possessive/Obsessed
Forced proximity
Slow-burn
Age-gap
Explicit
BDSM
Check TW
Thank you NetGalley and A.V. Blackmoor for the opportunity to read this book.
January 24, 2026
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for sharing an ARC of this book with me !!!
Spicy, fifty shades like. Very very very dark. Very complicated. You should definitely check the trigger warnings before diving into this kind of book. But I enjoyed every single second of it. Every moment. Every intense emotion. It was a lot. And it was hot. It was passionate and it was wrong. And it was addicting !!! I really enjoyed it !!! And I honestly cannot wait for the next one !!
Spicy, fifty shades like. Very very very dark. Very complicated. You should definitely check the trigger warnings before diving into this kind of book. But I enjoyed every single second of it. Every moment. Every intense emotion. It was a lot. And it was hot. It was passionate and it was wrong. And it was addicting !!! I really enjoyed it !!! And I honestly cannot wait for the next one !!
January 1, 2026
I admit I started this slightly sceptical but was won over by about a third of the way in. On face value it’s a young vulnerable girl being held against her will but falling fast for her captor. Hmm I couldn’t really decide between stupid or Stockholm syndrome but gave that one the benefit of the doubt.
The number of trigger moments is quite impressive but sensitively handled and worked well into the storyline fairly seamlessly. There is domestic abuse, murder, rape, gangland wars to name but a few topics but the darkness feels authentic rather than gratuitous. Same goes for the racier scenes, the right number and definitely part of the storyline rather than just because. I quite warmed to Seraphina and her increasingly tragic backstory and personal strength of character and feistiness.
I was suitably engaged enough to be eager to read the next chapter and see what happens next with the characters, especially given the cliffhanger ending. Read as an ARC and grateful for the opportunity, happy to recommend.
The number of trigger moments is quite impressive but sensitively handled and worked well into the storyline fairly seamlessly. There is domestic abuse, murder, rape, gangland wars to name but a few topics but the darkness feels authentic rather than gratuitous. Same goes for the racier scenes, the right number and definitely part of the storyline rather than just because. I quite warmed to Seraphina and her increasingly tragic backstory and personal strength of character and feistiness.
I was suitably engaged enough to be eager to read the next chapter and see what happens next with the characters, especially given the cliffhanger ending. Read as an ARC and grateful for the opportunity, happy to recommend.
April 4, 2026
I loved this shit, ate it up in 24 hours, however it's so fucked up so search up your trigger warnings
February 20, 2026
Intense, dark and sexy mafia romance! I received this as an early read and am freely giving my opinion. Seraphina is smart, sassy and destined for trouble. Damien is obsessed with her willing to destroy partnerships and the world to keep her safe. Such an exciting read! Loved it! Running to get book 2!
February 7, 2026
5 Stars for Devil Owned
Devil Owned by A.V. Blackmoor starts with an intriguing and terrifying prologue that leaves our hearts racing and immediately feeling sympathy for the FMC, Seraphina, while setting the MMC, Damien, up for dislike.
Opening line: “I hit the ground running.”
We’ve immediately been thrown into a primal chase but it’s for Seraphina’s life, not for desire, and she’s terrified as she runs from her pursuer.
“I don’t know what he’ll do to me when he catches me. I don’t want to find out. I can still feel the cold steel of his gun against my temple.”
The prologue ends with her pursuer finding her hiding and then we are plunged into the story where Seraphina is a shoplifter for her meth-head boyfriend, living in an abusive relationship, in a town where people are lucky to make it out alive.
Through a rather random set of circumstances (wrong place, wrong time, which is par for the course for someone from the wrong side of the tracks), she finds herself kidnapped and being held by the leader of the Devil corporation — Damien. The corporation, made up of Damien, Everest, Vale, Igor, and Logan, looks clean cut and shiny on the outside but on the inside they are a criminal organization that rivals gangs and mafias, with political connections that would make it next to impossible to bring them down.
What follows is a story of a psychological manipulation and abuse for Seraphina at the hands of Damien, whether he realizes what he’s doing or not, actual light torture by members of the Devil cooperation in an attempt to get information out of an innocent girl, and isolation that causes Seraphina to start to crack and see Damien as her savior.
“ What’s the fun in being a predator if you don’t even frighten your prey?” - Damien
“ That’s right. No one is allowed to spoil her except me. And I have no intention of doing that anyway. I’m more interested in… hurting her.” - Damien
“ I can’t keep myself in an iron grip anymore, the way I’ve done my whole life. Control is an illusion. He’s taken it away from me, and all I can do is submit.” - Seraphina
“I would have found a way to possess you anyway. You’re mine, and you always have been.” - Logan
But is Damien her savior, or is he the puppeteer pulling the strings on her nightmares?
Read this if you like;
⛓️ Captive Romance
🖤 Protective/Possessive MMC
⛓️ Innocent/Naive FMC
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
⛓️ Stockholm Syndrome
🖤 Morally Grey Captor
⛓️ FMC with traumatic past
🖤 Criminal Organization
⛓️ Touch Her & ☠️
This is a DARK ROMANCE so please check your content/trigger warnings! Cannot wait for the second book of this duet to release!!
Devil Owned by A.V. Blackmoor starts with an intriguing and terrifying prologue that leaves our hearts racing and immediately feeling sympathy for the FMC, Seraphina, while setting the MMC, Damien, up for dislike.
Opening line: “I hit the ground running.”
We’ve immediately been thrown into a primal chase but it’s for Seraphina’s life, not for desire, and she’s terrified as she runs from her pursuer.
“I don’t know what he’ll do to me when he catches me. I don’t want to find out. I can still feel the cold steel of his gun against my temple.”
The prologue ends with her pursuer finding her hiding and then we are plunged into the story where Seraphina is a shoplifter for her meth-head boyfriend, living in an abusive relationship, in a town where people are lucky to make it out alive.
Through a rather random set of circumstances (wrong place, wrong time, which is par for the course for someone from the wrong side of the tracks), she finds herself kidnapped and being held by the leader of the Devil corporation — Damien. The corporation, made up of Damien, Everest, Vale, Igor, and Logan, looks clean cut and shiny on the outside but on the inside they are a criminal organization that rivals gangs and mafias, with political connections that would make it next to impossible to bring them down.
What follows is a story of a psychological manipulation and abuse for Seraphina at the hands of Damien, whether he realizes what he’s doing or not, actual light torture by members of the Devil cooperation in an attempt to get information out of an innocent girl, and isolation that causes Seraphina to start to crack and see Damien as her savior.
“ What’s the fun in being a predator if you don’t even frighten your prey?” - Damien
“ That’s right. No one is allowed to spoil her except me. And I have no intention of doing that anyway. I’m more interested in… hurting her.” - Damien
“ I can’t keep myself in an iron grip anymore, the way I’ve done my whole life. Control is an illusion. He’s taken it away from me, and all I can do is submit.” - Seraphina
“I would have found a way to possess you anyway. You’re mine, and you always have been.” - Logan
But is Damien her savior, or is he the puppeteer pulling the strings on her nightmares?
Read this if you like;
⛓️ Captive Romance
🖤 Protective/Possessive MMC
⛓️ Innocent/Naive FMC
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
⛓️ Stockholm Syndrome
🖤 Morally Grey Captor
⛓️ FMC with traumatic past
🖤 Criminal Organization
⛓️ Touch Her & ☠️
This is a DARK ROMANCE so please check your content/trigger warnings! Cannot wait for the second book of this duet to release!!
October 6, 2026
The story began with the FMC
Living with her addict boyfriend
She steal so she can support his meth addiction
Then accidentally she steals something valuable from these crazy guys and end up being taken by these boys?!
She manages to attack the MMC to escape
He strips her apparently to look for their stolen chip
Which he doesn't find
But then decides he wants to throw her in a cell so other boys think she has been sufficiently punished?
For what ?
I don't know
Seems like the only thing they are concerned is to quickly kill her ! Like she is a cat !
And no one thus far even questions if she has a family?
Anyone looking for her if she goes missing or dead?
Then she just meekly walks with the MMC she has just met to go to her cell ?
What the hell type of doormat is this fmc?
Yeah? Which one?” spits out Vale. “If we don’t kill her, Angelwill.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Tell them not to, then, since you seem to be so close to them.”
Are you kidding me?!!
The big dangerous MMC
Says
Tell them not to kill her?!!!
That's his protection ?
Vale ignores him, instead directing his attention to me. “Kill the girl.”
“She’s innocent,” I growl. “I won’t kill her.”
So they think she works for another criminal and stole their chip
But they don't even want to interrogate her
Just quickly kill her ?
What stupid logic is that ?
Vale laughs bitterly. “Right, and if we keep her in captivity, she’ll go straight to the police the minute she’s freed. If she’s innocent,” he adds. “Otherwise, we’re only delaying catastrophe.”
And they apparently don't kill innocent people!
But they were so ready to kill a girl
Just in the start...
Please.” I’m on the floor, crawling after him. I can’t even stand anymore, I’m too dizzy. “Please. How long have I been locked in here?”
“Four days.” He pauses a beat. “Only three more days, my pet.”
Okay i ve read lots of dark romance but this is just sick...This is just downright disturbing....
He keeps her in a bare cell
Because he is afraid of losing his credibility in front of his friends?!!
Okay I correct myself
It's not just the FMC thats a doormat
It's also the MMC
No backbone...
I’ll make things a little easier for you, pet,” he murmurs. “These last few days won’t be nearly as hard.”
And she doesnt even ask
Why he is doing this?!!
Now, when the tray comes, it’s laden with good things. Chicken, pasta, pie. I’m still not hungry, but some of the boredom is alleviated by wondering what my next meal will be. None of it feels like breakfast, so time remains meaningless. I do my best to calculate, try to count the meals, but my mind is so foggy I keep forgetting. I make scratches in the wall, but they’re lost amongst those of past prisoners. After a while, I give up trying.
So he was just plain torturing her the first days with bad food
When he could at least improve her feeding situation ?
This is perhaps the worst
Obssessive MMC i have known
look up at him, equally surprised that he knows my name and that he apparently didn’t know it before. It feels a little absurd that someone would abduct me without knowing the first thing about me, but even more unbelievable is the thought that he’s named me.
He has been watching her steal things from his store
And had ordered everyone not to bother her and just send her videos
But he learns her name after one week
Which is no surprise since he or his stupid team did t even once question
If she had any family
What will happen if they kill her,?
He was taking care of her in the cell, no?” she clarifies.
I snort. “I’d hardly call what he was doing taking care of her. Giving her shitty food three times a day and forgetting to give her the most basic things. She went four days without washing. Shelost weight, and she didn’t have much to begin with.”
I think im hating the mmc more and more as we go.
So you couldn't have at least the decency to look after your prisoner yourself and just gave her to some other crazy boy
Knowing they wanted to kill her and still want?
I don't really write reviews like this
Knowing authors put lots of energy and love into their stories
But God this is awful....
Her nervous look doesn’t go away, but I can’t read her. I drum my fingers impatiently on my knee. This is really starting to tick me off. I’m the boss. I’ve voiced things politely, but it’s not a request. It’s an order. Since when are my words not taken seriously? What’s going on this year? First Vale, then Lucy. My authority is constantly getting undermined.
Yeah mate
Of course you have no authority !
It's obvious.
If you had authority your girl didnt have to be in a filthy cell for one whole week with no food and shower
And you begging your crew not to kill her.
I know i should just stop reading this book at this point
But I cant
I hate unfinished books
shrug. “I guess. I don’t see how else you’d bring her food and necessities. And you’ll have to clean the apartment once a day. Does it matter?”
Just hire a cook and get it over with
Seriously, what is wrong with me? I thought I was stronger than this. One week of being locked in a cell is all it took for me to become obsessed with my kidnapper.
Probably the quickest case of Stockholm.syndrom in the entire history of the mankind.
Suddenly, I remember Damien mentioning he’d send him to me. I feel a wave of bitterness rise up in me. He doesn’t want to bother himself with me, so he sends his minion to look after me in his place.
Exactly sweetie
He just doesn't bother.
It seems the MMC
Is only good for one thing
Watching her videos !
would be easier to text Lucy, but I don’t use my phone for anything other than keeping an eye on my pet and communicating with the other Devils. I don’t want my number getting out. As the leader of Devil, I’m a target.
He doesn't want lucy to have his number?
🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
He’s force-feeding me.
The moment I’ve swallowed the food, he pries open my mouth again, and shoves another heaping forkful of potato and turkey into me.
The one thing I don’t expect is what happens next.
His body tightens around me, one hand finding my wrists and pinning them together, the other fisting my hair, pulling on it, angling my face back. Then his burning lips claim mine, his tongue forcing its way in, his breath hot against my cheek.
Yeah
Me too
I couldnz guess that there is a stupid assohole who watches his captive depressed and crying
As he force feed her
And the next moment he decides its a good idea to just have sex with her !!
Come on, man. She’s lonely. Dirt-poor all her life, and now locked away, probably bored to death—”
“I said, fuck off,” I growl.
Thank heaven at least someone with a bit of common sense🙄🙄
want it. I want him. I want him to come see me.” The words break out of me, and I regret them the moment I see Everest’s confused expression. I suddenly realize how crazy it is to think that Damien was the least bit affected by my inability to kiss him back. He kidnapped me, after all. It’s far more likely he regrets the kiss itself.
Okay the FMC has to be the most pathetic captive i have ever read about.
No, no I won’t! I won’t, sir!”
The last word makes me smirk.Sir. No one’s ever called me that, and I don’t hate it.
We are not even half way through story and she is calling him sir
All by herself...
We’re going to have to cut your nails shorter,” I grunt. “I saw what you were up to, my pet.”
She is literally like a true pet dog....
Not sure what's caused this
So many abusive people in her life? ...
But she is less and less like an actual person and more like a very depressed prisoner dog
Logan is the first one to break the silence.
Everest glowers at him.
“The pet.”
“Oh, right.” He shifts in his seat, visibly uncomfortable. “Well, whatever Damien says.”
Is he serious?
He fucking doesn't know her name by now?
Living with her addict boyfriend
She steal so she can support his meth addiction
Then accidentally she steals something valuable from these crazy guys and end up being taken by these boys?!
She manages to attack the MMC to escape
He strips her apparently to look for their stolen chip
Which he doesn't find
But then decides he wants to throw her in a cell so other boys think she has been sufficiently punished?
For what ?
I don't know
Seems like the only thing they are concerned is to quickly kill her ! Like she is a cat !
And no one thus far even questions if she has a family?
Anyone looking for her if she goes missing or dead?
Then she just meekly walks with the MMC she has just met to go to her cell ?
What the hell type of doormat is this fmc?
Yeah? Which one?” spits out Vale. “If we don’t kill her, Angelwill.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Tell them not to, then, since you seem to be so close to them.”
Are you kidding me?!!
The big dangerous MMC
Says
Tell them not to kill her?!!!
That's his protection ?
Vale ignores him, instead directing his attention to me. “Kill the girl.”
“She’s innocent,” I growl. “I won’t kill her.”
So they think she works for another criminal and stole their chip
But they don't even want to interrogate her
Just quickly kill her ?
What stupid logic is that ?
Vale laughs bitterly. “Right, and if we keep her in captivity, she’ll go straight to the police the minute she’s freed. If she’s innocent,” he adds. “Otherwise, we’re only delaying catastrophe.”
And they apparently don't kill innocent people!
But they were so ready to kill a girl
Just in the start...
Please.” I’m on the floor, crawling after him. I can’t even stand anymore, I’m too dizzy. “Please. How long have I been locked in here?”
“Four days.” He pauses a beat. “Only three more days, my pet.”
Okay i ve read lots of dark romance but this is just sick...This is just downright disturbing....
He keeps her in a bare cell
Because he is afraid of losing his credibility in front of his friends?!!
Okay I correct myself
It's not just the FMC thats a doormat
It's also the MMC
No backbone...
I’ll make things a little easier for you, pet,” he murmurs. “These last few days won’t be nearly as hard.”
And she doesnt even ask
Why he is doing this?!!
Now, when the tray comes, it’s laden with good things. Chicken, pasta, pie. I’m still not hungry, but some of the boredom is alleviated by wondering what my next meal will be. None of it feels like breakfast, so time remains meaningless. I do my best to calculate, try to count the meals, but my mind is so foggy I keep forgetting. I make scratches in the wall, but they’re lost amongst those of past prisoners. After a while, I give up trying.
So he was just plain torturing her the first days with bad food
When he could at least improve her feeding situation ?
This is perhaps the worst
Obssessive MMC i have known
look up at him, equally surprised that he knows my name and that he apparently didn’t know it before. It feels a little absurd that someone would abduct me without knowing the first thing about me, but even more unbelievable is the thought that he’s named me.
He has been watching her steal things from his store
And had ordered everyone not to bother her and just send her videos
But he learns her name after one week
Which is no surprise since he or his stupid team did t even once question
If she had any family
What will happen if they kill her,?
He was taking care of her in the cell, no?” she clarifies.
I snort. “I’d hardly call what he was doing taking care of her. Giving her shitty food three times a day and forgetting to give her the most basic things. She went four days without washing. Shelost weight, and she didn’t have much to begin with.”
I think im hating the mmc more and more as we go.
So you couldn't have at least the decency to look after your prisoner yourself and just gave her to some other crazy boy
Knowing they wanted to kill her and still want?
I don't really write reviews like this
Knowing authors put lots of energy and love into their stories
But God this is awful....
Her nervous look doesn’t go away, but I can’t read her. I drum my fingers impatiently on my knee. This is really starting to tick me off. I’m the boss. I’ve voiced things politely, but it’s not a request. It’s an order. Since when are my words not taken seriously? What’s going on this year? First Vale, then Lucy. My authority is constantly getting undermined.
Yeah mate
Of course you have no authority !
It's obvious.
If you had authority your girl didnt have to be in a filthy cell for one whole week with no food and shower
And you begging your crew not to kill her.
I know i should just stop reading this book at this point
But I cant
I hate unfinished books
shrug. “I guess. I don’t see how else you’d bring her food and necessities. And you’ll have to clean the apartment once a day. Does it matter?”
Just hire a cook and get it over with
Seriously, what is wrong with me? I thought I was stronger than this. One week of being locked in a cell is all it took for me to become obsessed with my kidnapper.
Probably the quickest case of Stockholm.syndrom in the entire history of the mankind.
Suddenly, I remember Damien mentioning he’d send him to me. I feel a wave of bitterness rise up in me. He doesn’t want to bother himself with me, so he sends his minion to look after me in his place.
Exactly sweetie
He just doesn't bother.
It seems the MMC
Is only good for one thing
Watching her videos !
would be easier to text Lucy, but I don’t use my phone for anything other than keeping an eye on my pet and communicating with the other Devils. I don’t want my number getting out. As the leader of Devil, I’m a target.
He doesn't want lucy to have his number?
🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
He’s force-feeding me.
The moment I’ve swallowed the food, he pries open my mouth again, and shoves another heaping forkful of potato and turkey into me.
The one thing I don’t expect is what happens next.
His body tightens around me, one hand finding my wrists and pinning them together, the other fisting my hair, pulling on it, angling my face back. Then his burning lips claim mine, his tongue forcing its way in, his breath hot against my cheek.
Yeah
Me too
I couldnz guess that there is a stupid assohole who watches his captive depressed and crying
As he force feed her
And the next moment he decides its a good idea to just have sex with her !!
Come on, man. She’s lonely. Dirt-poor all her life, and now locked away, probably bored to death—”
“I said, fuck off,” I growl.
Thank heaven at least someone with a bit of common sense🙄🙄
want it. I want him. I want him to come see me.” The words break out of me, and I regret them the moment I see Everest’s confused expression. I suddenly realize how crazy it is to think that Damien was the least bit affected by my inability to kiss him back. He kidnapped me, after all. It’s far more likely he regrets the kiss itself.
Okay the FMC has to be the most pathetic captive i have ever read about.
No, no I won’t! I won’t, sir!”
The last word makes me smirk.Sir. No one’s ever called me that, and I don’t hate it.
We are not even half way through story and she is calling him sir
All by herself...
We’re going to have to cut your nails shorter,” I grunt. “I saw what you were up to, my pet.”
She is literally like a true pet dog....
Not sure what's caused this
So many abusive people in her life? ...
But she is less and less like an actual person and more like a very depressed prisoner dog
Logan is the first one to break the silence.
Everest glowers at him.
“The pet.”
“Oh, right.” He shifts in his seat, visibly uncomfortable. “Well, whatever Damien says.”
Is he serious?
He fucking doesn't know her name by now?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
I couldn't put this book down, but it was so frustrating. The characters felt inconsistent, no one knew how to communicate, and not much really happened. I can't help but keep reading because I want to know what happens to Seraphina, but I don't feel the romance between her and Damien.
Damien is supposed to be a strong, successful man who is obsessed with her, but he leaves her alone most of the time. I get that part of the isolation is a psychological mind game but he seems more worried about what the other guys think and if he appears weak to them than doing what he actually wants, which is to be with his pet. Him being so concerned about others' opinions is what makes him feel weak.
Seraphina is supposed to be a weak and quiet girl, but at least she rebels against Damien several times and has had to defend herself against other men in her life. She fights back when she needs to even though the odds are against her. Seraphina's biggest flaw is her insecurity. She is constantly second-guessing herself and other people's intentions.
Damien is supposed to be a strong, successful man who is obsessed with her, but he leaves her alone most of the time. I get that part of the isolation is a psychological mind game but he seems more worried about what the other guys think and if he appears weak to them than doing what he actually wants, which is to be with his pet. Him being so concerned about others' opinions is what makes him feel weak.
Seraphina is supposed to be a weak and quiet girl, but at least she rebels against Damien several times and has had to defend herself against other men in her life. She fights back when she needs to even though the odds are against her. Seraphina's biggest flaw is her insecurity. She is constantly second-guessing herself and other people's intentions.
February 8, 2026
So good that I finished this in a day! At the beginning (first few chapters), I wasn't sure about this book but I kept going and I am glad I did. The storyline picks up pretty fast and interesting back story for the heroine. Interesting side characters. Not as dark as some books I've seen but definitely a good captive romance. Love how the emotions, heroine's uncertainties and strength are captured throughout this book.
August 1, 2026
I don’t know about this one. I never like leaving a bad review but this book just didn’t do it for me. There were a lot of inconsistencies, contradictions, and farfetched plot lines that only increased in frequency the further I got in the book. I also found it hard to relate to any of the characters. They were all pretty unlikeable.
Damien is a complete dick to everyone except Lucy when she’s obviously shady AF. I smelled that rat from a mile away. I can’t figure out how he inspires anyone’s loyalty based on how he treats his “friends.” Igor is somehow a major player in the corporation and team, yet he has zero presence and is often described as stupid. What value could he bring at a top level of a billion dollar corporation? Literally all he does is brood and glare menacingly. Everest, the savior complex Ken doll, is gung-ho about saving Seraphina for like two seconds. He gives that up quickly. Damien said “no way.” And Everest just shrugged and went on with his life. He’s painted as this decent individual yet he tolerates Devil’s dirty business deals. Why would this man be in business with these criminals? Then you have Logan who is a complete simp and is all about Damien and Damien could give less of a shit about anything other than torturing this waif of a girl. A girl that seems to have few redeeming qualities herself. Shes hauntingly pretty and loyal… that’s it. I get the feeling she may have a severe learning disability and Damien is like “she’s hot though so Imma just keep her. She can be my pet.” Sir. You are a 37 year old grown ass man. She is mentally unwell and is an abused woman who is borderline special needs at best. She does not need to be a pet. She needs to be heavily medicated in a stable environment preferably with a guardian who won’t treat her like dog shit. Vale is constantly trying to kill her because he’s convinced she will be their downfall? Again, she literally stares at a wall all day everyday but yeah, she can be your criminal mastermind scapegoat while she eats her crayons in the corner.
Feds get involved and somehow they figure out Seraphina killed her dad at like 14 but got away with it? Again I am reminded of her learning disability. How did she get away with murder? She blatantly killed two men in the heat of the moment and somehow the cops just turned a blind eye? Worst cops ever.
She talks about being strong like a polar bear and soft like a jellyfish… my girl… you are a doormat at best. Get yourself a backbone and a therapist. Prior to her abduction, she lives with her drug addicted long-term boyfriend. High school sweethearts who have managed to never fuck the entire time they’ve been together and now live together. She steals perfume for drug money… because apparently there is a huge black market for stolen bottles of Eau De Bullshit. Maybe stolen perfume is a hot item. I don’t know. I’m not a secret crime boss. It just feels a little… off. Anyway, she steals some Kohl’s brand perfume so she can buy her asexual boyfriend drugs but doesn’t seem to care about him in the least. Get this. She dates him in high school. Doesn’t have sex with him. Moves into his mom’s basement where he does meth and she doesn’t. No one works. No one fucks. She spends her days walking 8 miles everyday to a fucking Macy’s to steal perfume to resell in the slums for her boyfriend’s meth? Jewelry. Designer bags. Shoes. Clothing items. Watches. Maybe even makeup, I don’t know, anything that could be universally valuable. But perfume? Fuck off with that. Then… THEN this nanochip is hidden in a box of perfume left out on a counter where a girl that is watched constantly and known to shoplift perfume daily just happens to be there? GTFO.
Girl gets kidnapped and is just “ok” with knowing she won’t see him again, which good riddance, but it just seems so odd to me. Why go through all this trouble for this turd only to decide “ok, it’s been like five years of this. Today is the day. I’m out of here!”
Then saying they dredged the lake for a nanochip? That a federal agent had on his person as the sole piece of evidence in a major case? That he was going to blackmail an emotionally unstable woman suspected of killing her father all by himself? No partner? Just gonna go in there and rationalize with an irrational person? OK. Come on.
Also, I’ve seen someone lose their whole ass tackle box right off the dock and never saw it again. Dredging the lake for a NANOchip? That thing is GONE. Like GONE gone… But that was still a dumb way to dispose of it. At least break it in half or something.
I’m confused by the whole plot. Angel wants to take down Devil so Vale suggests Angel commit a murder to cover up their criminal empire but Vale is working with Angel so he’s incriminating himself and everyone involved. Then Angel purposefully botches the job, that they are also on the hook for, and the only evidence is a nanochip that Devil had of Angel and instead of destroying it, or hell, I don’t know, handing it off in a completely normal transaction, decide to do this weird deal that involves confidential information to be transferred within the grasp of the general public. Then Angel kidnaps Seraphina to lure out Devil and to set up Seraphina so they can expose Devil to the world that they hired Angel to botch a political murder? And all that Damien can think about is this girl… a girl he hasn’t even spent any time with or know anything about… the man is about to lose his business and go to prison for life (or get the death penalty. I don’t know. The book really pushed the death penalty. Seems like that wouldn’t be on the table but I’m also not a criminal attorney.) The whole thing is completely ridiculous. I should have just DNF’d it… but just like I’m not a criminal mastermind or attorney, I’m also not a quitter, only this time that was my downfall.
Sigh. I didn’t even know I had this many feelings about the book until I started writing this review and firing myself up. I guess this rant means I’m not reading the sequel.
Damien is a complete dick to everyone except Lucy when she’s obviously shady AF. I smelled that rat from a mile away. I can’t figure out how he inspires anyone’s loyalty based on how he treats his “friends.” Igor is somehow a major player in the corporation and team, yet he has zero presence and is often described as stupid. What value could he bring at a top level of a billion dollar corporation? Literally all he does is brood and glare menacingly. Everest, the savior complex Ken doll, is gung-ho about saving Seraphina for like two seconds. He gives that up quickly. Damien said “no way.” And Everest just shrugged and went on with his life. He’s painted as this decent individual yet he tolerates Devil’s dirty business deals. Why would this man be in business with these criminals? Then you have Logan who is a complete simp and is all about Damien and Damien could give less of a shit about anything other than torturing this waif of a girl. A girl that seems to have few redeeming qualities herself. Shes hauntingly pretty and loyal… that’s it. I get the feeling she may have a severe learning disability and Damien is like “she’s hot though so Imma just keep her. She can be my pet.” Sir. You are a 37 year old grown ass man. She is mentally unwell and is an abused woman who is borderline special needs at best. She does not need to be a pet. She needs to be heavily medicated in a stable environment preferably with a guardian who won’t treat her like dog shit. Vale is constantly trying to kill her because he’s convinced she will be their downfall? Again, she literally stares at a wall all day everyday but yeah, she can be your criminal mastermind scapegoat while she eats her crayons in the corner.
Feds get involved and somehow they figure out Seraphina killed her dad at like 14 but got away with it? Again I am reminded of her learning disability. How did she get away with murder? She blatantly killed two men in the heat of the moment and somehow the cops just turned a blind eye? Worst cops ever.
She talks about being strong like a polar bear and soft like a jellyfish… my girl… you are a doormat at best. Get yourself a backbone and a therapist. Prior to her abduction, she lives with her drug addicted long-term boyfriend. High school sweethearts who have managed to never fuck the entire time they’ve been together and now live together. She steals perfume for drug money… because apparently there is a huge black market for stolen bottles of Eau De Bullshit. Maybe stolen perfume is a hot item. I don’t know. I’m not a secret crime boss. It just feels a little… off. Anyway, she steals some Kohl’s brand perfume so she can buy her asexual boyfriend drugs but doesn’t seem to care about him in the least. Get this. She dates him in high school. Doesn’t have sex with him. Moves into his mom’s basement where he does meth and she doesn’t. No one works. No one fucks. She spends her days walking 8 miles everyday to a fucking Macy’s to steal perfume to resell in the slums for her boyfriend’s meth? Jewelry. Designer bags. Shoes. Clothing items. Watches. Maybe even makeup, I don’t know, anything that could be universally valuable. But perfume? Fuck off with that. Then… THEN this nanochip is hidden in a box of perfume left out on a counter where a girl that is watched constantly and known to shoplift perfume daily just happens to be there? GTFO.
Girl gets kidnapped and is just “ok” with knowing she won’t see him again, which good riddance, but it just seems so odd to me. Why go through all this trouble for this turd only to decide “ok, it’s been like five years of this. Today is the day. I’m out of here!”
Then saying they dredged the lake for a nanochip? That a federal agent had on his person as the sole piece of evidence in a major case? That he was going to blackmail an emotionally unstable woman suspected of killing her father all by himself? No partner? Just gonna go in there and rationalize with an irrational person? OK. Come on.
Also, I’ve seen someone lose their whole ass tackle box right off the dock and never saw it again. Dredging the lake for a NANOchip? That thing is GONE. Like GONE gone… But that was still a dumb way to dispose of it. At least break it in half or something.
I’m confused by the whole plot. Angel wants to take down Devil so Vale suggests Angel commit a murder to cover up their criminal empire but Vale is working with Angel so he’s incriminating himself and everyone involved. Then Angel purposefully botches the job, that they are also on the hook for, and the only evidence is a nanochip that Devil had of Angel and instead of destroying it, or hell, I don’t know, handing it off in a completely normal transaction, decide to do this weird deal that involves confidential information to be transferred within the grasp of the general public. Then Angel kidnaps Seraphina to lure out Devil and to set up Seraphina so they can expose Devil to the world that they hired Angel to botch a political murder? And all that Damien can think about is this girl… a girl he hasn’t even spent any time with or know anything about… the man is about to lose his business and go to prison for life (or get the death penalty. I don’t know. The book really pushed the death penalty. Seems like that wouldn’t be on the table but I’m also not a criminal attorney.) The whole thing is completely ridiculous. I should have just DNF’d it… but just like I’m not a criminal mastermind or attorney, I’m also not a quitter, only this time that was my downfall.
Sigh. I didn’t even know I had this many feelings about the book until I started writing this review and firing myself up. I guess this rant means I’m not reading the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2026
Devil Owned by A.V. Blackmoor was one of those books that completely pulled me into the dark and obsessive atmosphere right from the beginning. The story is intense, emotional, and honestly a little disturbing at times, but that’s what made it so addictive to read. The captor/captive dynamic between Damien and Seraphina created so much tension throughout the book, and every interaction between them felt heavy with danger, obsession, and toxic attraction. The novel leans hard into dark romance themes like forced proximity, power imbalance, and psychological tension.
One thing I really liked was how broken and emotionally damaged the characters were. Seraphina came across as quiet, lonely, and vulnerable, while Damien was controlling, morally grey, and honestly terrifying at times. Even though some of his actions made me angry, I still found myself wanting to understand him more, which made the story hard to put down. Their relationship is definitely unhealthy, but the author writes their emotional connection in a way that keeps you invested in what will happen next.
The writing style also made the suspense feel very intense. There were moments where I felt uncomfortable, shocked, and emotional all at once because the story constantly blurred the line between fear and attraction. The darker scenes were written in a very raw way, which added to the overall mood of the book. I also liked how the story kept building tension instead of rushing everything too quickly.
At the same time, this book absolutely is not for everyone. It contains very dark themes, controlling behavior, and emotional manipulation, so readers definitely need to pay attention to the trigger warnings before reading. But for people who enjoy dark romance with obsessive characters, suspense, and morally grey love interests, this book delivers exactly that kind of experience.
Overall, I thought Devil Owned was dark, dramatic, emotionally intense, and impossible to stop reading once I got into it. It made me feel uncomfortable in some scenes, but it also kept me completely hooked because I needed to know how everything would unfold between the characters.
Quotes from the book I liked-
"Delivering a eulogy at a family's wake".
"Most powerful man in the state, the CEO of Devil".
"Damien Wells has always fascinated me. I'm not exactly attracted to him, though he's certainly conventionally handsome".
"But there's something about his eyes."
"Always unsettled me. Especially when he raises his head, staring straight at the TV camera, like he does now, his mouth curling into the smallest of smirks."
"Luxury department store, with it's aisles full of pricey perfume packages that I spend my mornings stuffing"
"Fifteen minutes is all it took for him to shoot up the meth I got for him."
"His fist connects with my jaw. For a drug- addled loser, he hits hard, though his punches are not s bad as they used to be."
"Grown sick of going through life unnoticed, a sad helpless jellyfish."
"A week later, I had dropped out of school and moved into his basement apartment."
The five friends whose names make up acronym of Devil. Damien, Everest, Vale, Igor and Logan."
"Work Hard, kid. Maybe one day, you too can leave all this behind."
"My eyes? I know they freak people out. They're some weird shade of purple, and about three times too big for my face."
"I'm Seraphina Connor, you fuckers! I exist! Now say something! But it's useless. sighing, I zip."
"Dreams will always stay-out-of-reach."
"With the passing years, fear is a concept that has grown more and more abstract. I'm not scared. I'm angry."
One thing I really liked was how broken and emotionally damaged the characters were. Seraphina came across as quiet, lonely, and vulnerable, while Damien was controlling, morally grey, and honestly terrifying at times. Even though some of his actions made me angry, I still found myself wanting to understand him more, which made the story hard to put down. Their relationship is definitely unhealthy, but the author writes their emotional connection in a way that keeps you invested in what will happen next.
The writing style also made the suspense feel very intense. There were moments where I felt uncomfortable, shocked, and emotional all at once because the story constantly blurred the line between fear and attraction. The darker scenes were written in a very raw way, which added to the overall mood of the book. I also liked how the story kept building tension instead of rushing everything too quickly.
At the same time, this book absolutely is not for everyone. It contains very dark themes, controlling behavior, and emotional manipulation, so readers definitely need to pay attention to the trigger warnings before reading. But for people who enjoy dark romance with obsessive characters, suspense, and morally grey love interests, this book delivers exactly that kind of experience.
Overall, I thought Devil Owned was dark, dramatic, emotionally intense, and impossible to stop reading once I got into it. It made me feel uncomfortable in some scenes, but it also kept me completely hooked because I needed to know how everything would unfold between the characters.
Quotes from the book I liked-
"Delivering a eulogy at a family's wake".
"Most powerful man in the state, the CEO of Devil".
"Damien Wells has always fascinated me. I'm not exactly attracted to him, though he's certainly conventionally handsome".
"But there's something about his eyes."
"Always unsettled me. Especially when he raises his head, staring straight at the TV camera, like he does now, his mouth curling into the smallest of smirks."
"Luxury department store, with it's aisles full of pricey perfume packages that I spend my mornings stuffing"
"Fifteen minutes is all it took for him to shoot up the meth I got for him."
"His fist connects with my jaw. For a drug- addled loser, he hits hard, though his punches are not s bad as they used to be."
"Grown sick of going through life unnoticed, a sad helpless jellyfish."
"A week later, I had dropped out of school and moved into his basement apartment."
The five friends whose names make up acronym of Devil. Damien, Everest, Vale, Igor and Logan."
"Work Hard, kid. Maybe one day, you too can leave all this behind."
"My eyes? I know they freak people out. They're some weird shade of purple, and about three times too big for my face."
"I'm Seraphina Connor, you fuckers! I exist! Now say something! But it's useless. sighing, I zip."
"Dreams will always stay-out-of-reach."
"With the passing years, fear is a concept that has grown more and more abstract. I'm not scared. I'm angry."
February 21, 2026
Very dark and disturbing
Necessary spoilers if you want an honest review.
Difficult to finish. Strange and disturbing It is different and I'm not sure how I feel about it the writing is really good intensive and it keeps you glued to the book. However the poor MFC has never had anything but abuse. She is emotionally starved 19 years old. The MFC is 37 he kidnaps her punishes her sexually and beats her her with a belt quiet often. She's so starved for attention that she begins to fall for him. Even though she gets punished for the slightest, even accidental infraction. Towards the end of this book there was so much abuse towards the MFC by so many characters in the book that it became really hard to finish. I wished I had never started this book. I got invested in the book hoping it would get better but it got worse. I wish I could find an author that could understand that abuse is not foreplay it's abuse. If you like an MMC who beats a woman he supposedly loves with a belt and leaves open broken skin and unconscious you might not mind this book I prefer an MMC who protects not abuses women I would have given this book a five but for every time the MFC was stripped beaten and stabbed I took a point away. So it should be a minus 5. Also it ends in a
This book was very different, and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. The writing itself is intense and compelling—it definitely keeps you turning the pages. Unfortunately, the content made it incredibly hard to finish.
The heroine is only 19 years old and has known nothing but abuse her entire life. She is emotionally starved and desperate for connection. The hero, who is 37, kidnaps her, repeatedly punishes her sexually, and beats her with a belt—often for the slightest, even accidental, infractions. Despite this, she begins to fall for him, largely because she craves any form of attention or affection.
As the story progresses, the abuse escalates—not just from the hero but from multiple characters. By the end, it became overwhelming and deeply disturbing. I kept reading, hoping things would improve, but instead, they only became more brutal. I genuinely wish I had stopped sooner.
I understand dark romance isn’t meant to be light, but for me, abuse is not foreplay—it’s abuse. I prefer a male lead who protects the woman he claims to love, not one who repeatedly harms her to the point of broken skin and unconsciousness.
I would have rated this much higher for the quality of the writing alone, but every time the heroine was stripped, beaten, or stabbed, it cost the book another point in my eyes. By the end, my rating felt like it had dropped well below zero. The author did the trigger warnings which I appreciate but I had no idea that the abuse would go on until the end. Therefore I would not recommend this book.
Also worth noting: the book ends on a cliffhanger and I will not be reading the next one.
Necessary spoilers if you want an honest review.
Difficult to finish. Strange and disturbing It is different and I'm not sure how I feel about it the writing is really good intensive and it keeps you glued to the book. However the poor MFC has never had anything but abuse. She is emotionally starved 19 years old. The MFC is 37 he kidnaps her punishes her sexually and beats her her with a belt quiet often. She's so starved for attention that she begins to fall for him. Even though she gets punished for the slightest, even accidental infraction. Towards the end of this book there was so much abuse towards the MFC by so many characters in the book that it became really hard to finish. I wished I had never started this book. I got invested in the book hoping it would get better but it got worse. I wish I could find an author that could understand that abuse is not foreplay it's abuse. If you like an MMC who beats a woman he supposedly loves with a belt and leaves open broken skin and unconscious you might not mind this book I prefer an MMC who protects not abuses women I would have given this book a five but for every time the MFC was stripped beaten and stabbed I took a point away. So it should be a minus 5. Also it ends in a
This book was very different, and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. The writing itself is intense and compelling—it definitely keeps you turning the pages. Unfortunately, the content made it incredibly hard to finish.
The heroine is only 19 years old and has known nothing but abuse her entire life. She is emotionally starved and desperate for connection. The hero, who is 37, kidnaps her, repeatedly punishes her sexually, and beats her with a belt—often for the slightest, even accidental, infractions. Despite this, she begins to fall for him, largely because she craves any form of attention or affection.
As the story progresses, the abuse escalates—not just from the hero but from multiple characters. By the end, it became overwhelming and deeply disturbing. I kept reading, hoping things would improve, but instead, they only became more brutal. I genuinely wish I had stopped sooner.
I understand dark romance isn’t meant to be light, but for me, abuse is not foreplay—it’s abuse. I prefer a male lead who protects the woman he claims to love, not one who repeatedly harms her to the point of broken skin and unconsciousness.
I would have rated this much higher for the quality of the writing alone, but every time the heroine was stripped, beaten, or stabbed, it cost the book another point in my eyes. By the end, my rating felt like it had dropped well below zero. The author did the trigger warnings which I appreciate but I had no idea that the abuse would go on until the end. Therefore I would not recommend this book.
Also worth noting: the book ends on a cliffhanger and I will not be reading the next one.
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