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Vines & Venom #1
Nights of Obedience
The Bookish Box Exclusive Luxe Edition of Nights of Obedience by Rachel Mays
Concept and Direction by Stephanie Brown
Front Dust Jacket and Endpapers Artwork by Natalie Bernard
Reverse Dust Jacket by Charlotte Slegers
Hard Case and Edges Artwork by Abi Salvesen
When Emilie’s parents offer her hand in marriage to the king of the neighboring realm, she’s determined to make the best of her situation. Her parents may expect her to be a pawn in their play for power but she has ambitions of her own.
To her delight, King Cyrus isn’t so bad. He’s handsome, a gentleman, and even charming. His brother Ladon, however, is a completely different story. He’s broody, sarcastic, and determined to make her life miserable. To him, she’s little more than a gold-digger.
Their rivalry grows amidst hurled insults—and sometimes knives—and Emilie begins to wonder if Ladon will ever accept her the way the rest of his family has.
While on a mission to one of the military outposts, they stumble into a vicious trap—one that ends with Emilie and Ladon being kidnapped and held hostage in enemy territory.
Their captor puts them through unspeakable atrocities, forcing them together emotionally and physically. Through endless suffering and torture, hatred dissolves into respect, admiration, and maybe something more. Working together is the only way for Emilie and Ladon to survive.
Concept and Direction by Stephanie Brown
Front Dust Jacket and Endpapers Artwork by Natalie Bernard
Reverse Dust Jacket by Charlotte Slegers
Hard Case and Edges Artwork by Abi Salvesen
When Emilie’s parents offer her hand in marriage to the king of the neighboring realm, she’s determined to make the best of her situation. Her parents may expect her to be a pawn in their play for power but she has ambitions of her own.
To her delight, King Cyrus isn’t so bad. He’s handsome, a gentleman, and even charming. His brother Ladon, however, is a completely different story. He’s broody, sarcastic, and determined to make her life miserable. To him, she’s little more than a gold-digger.
Their rivalry grows amidst hurled insults—and sometimes knives—and Emilie begins to wonder if Ladon will ever accept her the way the rest of his family has.
While on a mission to one of the military outposts, they stumble into a vicious trap—one that ends with Emilie and Ladon being kidnapped and held hostage in enemy territory.
Their captor puts them through unspeakable atrocities, forcing them together emotionally and physically. Through endless suffering and torture, hatred dissolves into respect, admiration, and maybe something more. Working together is the only way for Emilie and Ladon to survive.
345 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2024
2160 people are currently reading
26539 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Mays
5 books340 followersRachel Mays is a daydreamer and a hopeless romantic. She'd rather spend her time immersed in a fictional world than the real one. Her fantasy romance novels are filled with vivid scenery, relatable characters and love stories that will have your heart melting. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves to play cozy games and hang out with her cat, Daryl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 878 reviews
June 15, 2024
This was dark in a ‘shatter my heart into a million pieces’ kind of way and not in a ‘uses shock value to romanticise sh*tty behaviour’ way. My experience with dark romances has not always been positive, but this book was exactly what I needed.
I was initially a little confused when this was set, as it has a modern yet historical crossover. They had sinks, running water and sliding doors, but they also travelled via carriages and had marriage agreements. It's a fantasy though so I don't really need to rationalise it 😅
The FMC was conscious of her actions, yet headstrong and opinionated. She knew when to adapt her personality to different circumstances. I would also say the same about the MMC. Whereas he was more opinionated at the start and not at the end, she was the other way around. This was due to different situations that occurred.
To me, it felt like a true ‘enemies to lovers’. They both have contempt for each other and a tiny bit of attraction, but their hatred outweighed this. It was pushed down deep. I was a bit apprehensive to see where this would go, as I didn't see much chemistry right off the bat.
This was until the FMC said the famous Lexie Grey (RIP🩺) ‘Teach me’ line and I knew a shift had occurred. I was so ready for it. This line was said when teaching her to fight, but it had the desired effect.
The same as when the characters would say ‘Tell me something honest’ and they would divulge more about themselves. I knew every time that line was said that their relationship was progressing and I was potentially going to cry.
A friend told me the triggers are similar to Still Beating, as the characters are in a similar situation. The characters in this book are bonded through trauma, but I don't think that was what their relationship was based on. They are in such close proximity and have to start relying on each other to get through the day. From this, they start to see traits that they admire in the other. They both seem to handle their trauma in their own way even if they have had similar experiences. I can't say if it's the correct way to handle it, as I don't know how I would handle it.
Triggers….
I personally like to spoil it for myself, as I'm a little touchy about triggers. It doesn't mean I wouldn’t read something, I just like a have a lot more detail prior to reading (if possible). I'm not a surprise kind of person.
If you want a more detailed overview of the triggers, they are at the bottom. Way down at the bottom.
I personally really enjoyed this book!! It wasn't overly fantasy, so I wasn't lost in the world-building. It also didn't try to glorify moments for dramatic effect. It had triggers that weren't always comfortable to read, but they felt raw and necessary to include.
The cliffhanger wasn't a rip your heart out and serve it back to you kind of moment, but it was enough to make me aware that sh*t is going down in the next book and I need to be there.
Can't wait to read book 2 !!
—————————————————————————
Triggers (Spoilers)👇
1 Suggested r*pe of the MMC by the female captor. Any mention of this kind of assault happened off-page.
2 SA of the MMC by the Female captor also occurred in front of the FMC
3 The FMC & MMC are SA’ed by male and female guests at a party
4 The FMC was made to SA the MMC and vice versa. However, they were both kind of aroused. So it was by force, but they weren't...forced. It was a difficult situation…
5 The main characters were displayed (forced to penetrate each other) in front of guests for several hours.
Now that sounds like a lot, but these mentions/instances were not long drawn-out moments. They were mostly used to show the characters after the fact and how these experiences influenced how they evolved throughout the book.
I was initially a little confused when this was set, as it has a modern yet historical crossover. They had sinks, running water and sliding doors, but they also travelled via carriages and had marriage agreements. It's a fantasy though so I don't really need to rationalise it 😅
The FMC was conscious of her actions, yet headstrong and opinionated. She knew when to adapt her personality to different circumstances. I would also say the same about the MMC. Whereas he was more opinionated at the start and not at the end, she was the other way around. This was due to different situations that occurred.
To me, it felt like a true ‘enemies to lovers’. They both have contempt for each other and a tiny bit of attraction, but their hatred outweighed this. It was pushed down deep. I was a bit apprehensive to see where this would go, as I didn't see much chemistry right off the bat.
This was until the FMC said the famous Lexie Grey (RIP🩺) ‘Teach me’ line and I knew a shift had occurred. I was so ready for it. This line was said when teaching her to fight, but it had the desired effect.
The same as when the characters would say ‘Tell me something honest’ and they would divulge more about themselves. I knew every time that line was said that their relationship was progressing and I was potentially going to cry.
A friend told me the triggers are similar to Still Beating, as the characters are in a similar situation. The characters in this book are bonded through trauma, but I don't think that was what their relationship was based on. They are in such close proximity and have to start relying on each other to get through the day. From this, they start to see traits that they admire in the other. They both seem to handle their trauma in their own way even if they have had similar experiences. I can't say if it's the correct way to handle it, as I don't know how I would handle it.
Triggers….
I personally like to spoil it for myself, as I'm a little touchy about triggers. It doesn't mean I wouldn’t read something, I just like a have a lot more detail prior to reading (if possible). I'm not a surprise kind of person.
If you want a more detailed overview of the triggers, they are at the bottom. Way down at the bottom.
I personally really enjoyed this book!! It wasn't overly fantasy, so I wasn't lost in the world-building. It also didn't try to glorify moments for dramatic effect. It had triggers that weren't always comfortable to read, but they felt raw and necessary to include.
The cliffhanger wasn't a rip your heart out and serve it back to you kind of moment, but it was enough to make me aware that sh*t is going down in the next book and I need to be there.
Can't wait to read book 2 !!
—————————————————————————
Triggers (Spoilers)👇
1 Suggested r*pe of the MMC by the female captor. Any mention of this kind of assault happened off-page.
2 SA of the MMC by the Female captor also occurred in front of the FMC
3 The FMC & MMC are SA’ed by male and female guests at a party
4 The FMC was made to SA the MMC and vice versa. However, they were both kind of aroused. So it was by force, but they weren't...forced. It was a difficult situation…
5 The main characters were displayed (forced to penetrate each other) in front of guests for several hours.
Now that sounds like a lot, but these mentions/instances were not long drawn-out moments. They were mostly used to show the characters after the fact and how these experiences influenced how they evolved throughout the book.
March 21, 2024
ARC generously provided by Rachel for my honest review.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Troupes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Arranged marriage
- One bed
- Dual POV
Emilie (great name, just saying) is set to marry King Cyrus of another Kingdom, all arranged by her royal parents to secure alliances and help their own kingdom. The king’s brother, Landon, thinks Emilie is simply a stuck up princess looking for an extravagant and cushy life and instantly hates her. Unfortunately for Emilie and Landon, things go completely sideways they end up getting taken hostage by an enemy ruler for months. Along the way, hate turns to companionship, and companionship turns into more for these two enemies just trying to survive.
This book. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this absolute roller coaster I went on while reading this. I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I was on the edge of my figurative chair the whole time. This book was DARK. Despite the dark nature, the dub con/non con was written extremely well, possibly some of the best I’ve read in a while. This slow burn was full of tension. The spice wasn’t super frequent but boy was it extra spicy when it was happening. Don’t even get me started on the cliff hanger!! I NEED to know what happens next.
Please check your trigger warnings prior to diving into this book.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Troupes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Arranged marriage
- One bed
- Dual POV
Emilie (great name, just saying) is set to marry King Cyrus of another Kingdom, all arranged by her royal parents to secure alliances and help their own kingdom. The king’s brother, Landon, thinks Emilie is simply a stuck up princess looking for an extravagant and cushy life and instantly hates her. Unfortunately for Emilie and Landon, things go completely sideways they end up getting taken hostage by an enemy ruler for months. Along the way, hate turns to companionship, and companionship turns into more for these two enemies just trying to survive.
This book. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this absolute roller coaster I went on while reading this. I didn’t know what was going to happen next and I was on the edge of my figurative chair the whole time. This book was DARK. Despite the dark nature, the dub con/non con was written extremely well, possibly some of the best I’ve read in a while. This slow burn was full of tension. The spice wasn’t super frequent but boy was it extra spicy when it was happening. Don’t even get me started on the cliff hanger!! I NEED to know what happens next.
Please check your trigger warnings prior to diving into this book.
October 31, 2025
listen... this was dark for me. I'm not sure what to rate this, because I'm not a HUGE fan of dark romance, so I think this just wasn't 100% the book for me. That being said, it definitely wasn't bad and made me feel all sorts of feelings for the poor FMC and MMC.
The FMC is supposed to marry the king (the MMC’s brother). Before they can get married, the FMC and MMC are kidnapped by just the worst person in the whole world. This happens at like 15-ish% and then the rest of the book is just them at her mercy in captivity. It's a lot of non-con. Normally, I don't like reading that at all, but here it was somehow tolerable because the MCs weren't that affected by what was happening to them (they were, but the focus of the book wasn't their inner turmoil/trauma). At least that wasn't the focus of the book; we didn't get a lot of the MCs dealing with the trauma of what was happening to them, but I'm assuming that's going to be a big part of book 2.
The scene I saw on Tikytoky was where the FMC and MMC have to serve as a table centerpiece for a dinner party. During the whole dinner, they have remain *ahem* connected without moving. Was that scene juicy? Yes. Would I recommend reading the whole book for it? Mmmm maybe not.
preread
I'm reading this whole book, because I heard about one scene (👀) I'm very interested in reading
The FMC is supposed to marry the king (the MMC’s brother). Before they can get married, the FMC and MMC are kidnapped by just the worst person in the whole world. This happens at like 15-ish% and then the rest of the book is just them at her mercy in captivity. It's a lot of non-con. Normally, I don't like reading that at all, but here it was somehow tolerable because the MCs weren't that affected by what was happening to them (they were, but the focus of the book wasn't their inner turmoil/trauma). At least that wasn't the focus of the book; we didn't get a lot of the MCs dealing with the trauma of what was happening to them, but I'm assuming that's going to be a big part of book 2.
The scene I saw on Tikytoky was where the FMC and MMC have to serve as a table centerpiece for a dinner party. During the whole dinner, they have remain *ahem* connected without moving. Was that scene juicy? Yes. Would I recommend reading the whole book for it? Mmmm maybe not.
preread
I'm reading this whole book, because I heard about one scene (👀) I'm very interested in reading
January 2, 2025
4.75/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
— DARK fantasy romance
— Brother’s betrothed/arranged marriage
— Forced proximity
— Enemies to lovers
— Captives
— One bed
— Elemental magic
— HE TRAINS HER
— Dual POV
OH MY GODDDDD. RTC. THIS WAS DARK AS FCK.
2.5/5 🌶️
— DARK fantasy romance
— Brother’s betrothed/arranged marriage
— Forced proximity
— Enemies to lovers
— Captives
— One bed
— Elemental magic
— HE TRAINS HER
— Dual POV
OH MY GODDDDD. RTC. THIS WAS DARK AS FCK.
May 21, 2024
This reads like something I would have read on wattpad in 2014
June 1, 2024
Look, I love dark fantasy. I love horror. I read a lot of fucked up stuff. But I don’t like to read about rape, which is about what 60% of this book is. Rape is not synonymous with spice. There are several consensual encounters amidst all of the assault, but they’re overshadowed.
Even when the FMC and MMC are engaging sexually, it’s 80% forced and that’s not spicy. That’s not sexy. That’s rape.
This just did not do it for me
Even when the FMC and MMC are engaging sexually, it’s 80% forced and that’s not spicy. That’s not sexy. That’s rape.
This just did not do it for me
June 2, 2024
All the torture with none of the trauma?
Months and months of constant rape but none of the real world aftermath of what that would do to a person mentally?
It made more sense to me when I read the afterword by the author where she talks about writing fanfic - because it’s reads as such in all the worst ways 🤷♀️
Months and months of constant rape but none of the real world aftermath of what that would do to a person mentally?
It made more sense to me when I read the afterword by the author where she talks about writing fanfic - because it’s reads as such in all the worst ways 🤷♀️
November 7, 2024
DNF at 10%. Writing was sloppy and amateurish. Not my type.
September 22, 2024
I could not get into the story because the writing felt so...off.
It read more like a fanfic
It read more like a fanfic
February 3, 2025
Yep, pretty much what everyone else has said... Very strange and gratuitous, trigger filled, porn.
I mean, it wasn't all bad, the romance (amongst the gratuitous dark porn) was quite sweet. That's literally the only time I will ever write that sentence! (I hope)
Will I read any further in this series? No.
But if I ever need some red flags for home decorations or a party, I know where to find them - I'll just go knocking on Rachel Mays door. That woman is a veritable red flag vending machine!
I mean, it wasn't all bad, the romance (amongst the gratuitous dark porn) was quite sweet. That's literally the only time I will ever write that sentence! (I hope)
Will I read any further in this series? No.
But if I ever need some red flags for home decorations or a party, I know where to find them - I'll just go knocking on Rachel Mays door. That woman is a veritable red flag vending machine!
June 6, 2024
i love dark and this is not an enjoyable type of dark, (personally) A LOT of r*pe. i mean constant r*pe for like 75% of this book. i don’t know why i didn’t DNF this book. i’m giving it 2 stars for keeping me reading till the end to see if they got out.
May 31, 2024
“If I don’t get captured with my future husband’s brother and be made to share a cell together. I don’t want it."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Series: Vines & Venom #1
Series Type: Duology
Genre: Fantasy
Sub Genre: Dark Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy
Tropes:
-Age gap
-Arranged marriage
-Brooding MMC
-Captured
-Enemies to Lovers (TRUE)
-Forbidden romance
-Forced Proximity
-She doesn’t need weapons to be a bad ass
-Trauma bonding
Micro Tropes
-He Trains her
-Oops I fell ontop of you
-One bed
-Body Warmth for "Survival"
-Non Con & Dub Con
Other:
-Check trigger warnings
-Fantasy Species: Human magic users, Mages
-Format: Kindle Unlimited
-Plot/Character Driven: Character
-Pacing: Medium
-POV: Duel POV
-Narration type: 1st person
-Magic Type: Alchemical magic, Blood Magic, Elemental, Healing Magic, Random, Shadow Magic
💥 Synopsis
Emily—shipped off to marry King Cyrus, who’s basically the human equivalent of a cozy blanket. He’s older, sure, but age is just a number, especially when kindness is the currency. But then there’s his brother, who’s about as welcoming as a porcupine in a balloon factory, trying to boot her out of the palace.
Cue the drama: Emily and the brother, Landon, get nabbed by their foes and end up playing house as slaves. Talk about a bonding experience! Landon used to think Emily was a royal pain, but now? Let’s just say captivity has a way of changing your ‘enemy status’ to ‘it’s complicated.’
👨👧 Characters
The ‘enemies to lovers’ trope? Nailed it. It’s like watching two hedgehogs realize they’re actually perfect cuddle buddies. And Chris—what a breath of fresh air! It’s a love triangle where everyone’s so darn nice, you almost want them all to win.
🌎 World Building & Magic for Fantasy
The magic system is like a Swiss Army knife—versatile and always there when you need it. Sure, it pops up conveniently, but it’s like the best kind of background music—there when it matters, but never stealing the show.
♥️ What I Loved
The non-con and dub-con elements? Chef’s kiss. It’s like watching a phoenix rise from the ashes—dark, intense, but oh-so-beautiful. The slow burn of their love story had me hooked, and yes, I’m living for the spicy mess-ups. It’s like dark chocolate—bitter, sweet, and addictive.
💔 What I Didn’t Like
Sometimes the plot devices felt like they had a ‘plot convenience’ sticker slapped on them. The harpy and the magic system were a bit like, “Abracadabra, problem solved!” But hey, I’m not here for a TED Talk on magic—I’m here for the feels.
📝 Overall Thoughts
I probably shouldn’t adore this dark romance as much as I do, but here we are. It’s like a haunted house—you know you might get spooked, but you just can’t stay away. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and I’m strapped in, waiting for book two like it’s the next season of my favorite show.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Series: Vines & Venom #1
Series Type: Duology
Genre: Fantasy
Sub Genre: Dark Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy
Tropes:
-Age gap
-Arranged marriage
-Brooding MMC
-Captured
-Enemies to Lovers (TRUE)
-Forbidden romance
-Forced Proximity
-She doesn’t need weapons to be a bad ass
-Trauma bonding
Micro Tropes
-He Trains her
-Oops I fell ontop of you
-One bed
-Body Warmth for "Survival"
-Non Con & Dub Con
Other:
-Check trigger warnings
-Fantasy Species: Human magic users, Mages
-Format: Kindle Unlimited
-Plot/Character Driven: Character
-Pacing: Medium
-POV: Duel POV
-Narration type: 1st person
-Magic Type: Alchemical magic, Blood Magic, Elemental, Healing Magic, Random, Shadow Magic
💥 Synopsis
Emily—shipped off to marry King Cyrus, who’s basically the human equivalent of a cozy blanket. He’s older, sure, but age is just a number, especially when kindness is the currency. But then there’s his brother, who’s about as welcoming as a porcupine in a balloon factory, trying to boot her out of the palace.
Cue the drama: Emily and the brother, Landon, get nabbed by their foes and end up playing house as slaves. Talk about a bonding experience! Landon used to think Emily was a royal pain, but now? Let’s just say captivity has a way of changing your ‘enemy status’ to ‘it’s complicated.’
👨👧 Characters
The ‘enemies to lovers’ trope? Nailed it. It’s like watching two hedgehogs realize they’re actually perfect cuddle buddies. And Chris—what a breath of fresh air! It’s a love triangle where everyone’s so darn nice, you almost want them all to win.
🌎 World Building & Magic for Fantasy
The magic system is like a Swiss Army knife—versatile and always there when you need it. Sure, it pops up conveniently, but it’s like the best kind of background music—there when it matters, but never stealing the show.
♥️ What I Loved
The non-con and dub-con elements? Chef’s kiss. It’s like watching a phoenix rise from the ashes—dark, intense, but oh-so-beautiful. The slow burn of their love story had me hooked, and yes, I’m living for the spicy mess-ups. It’s like dark chocolate—bitter, sweet, and addictive.
💔 What I Didn’t Like
Sometimes the plot devices felt like they had a ‘plot convenience’ sticker slapped on them. The harpy and the magic system were a bit like, “Abracadabra, problem solved!” But hey, I’m not here for a TED Talk on magic—I’m here for the feels.
📝 Overall Thoughts
I probably shouldn’t adore this dark romance as much as I do, but here we are. It’s like a haunted house—you know you might get spooked, but you just can’t stay away. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and I’m strapped in, waiting for book two like it’s the next season of my favorite show.
February 26, 2024
This book is going to give me THE biggest book hangover. It gave everything I ever wanted and everything I never knew I needed. Once I got into it I could not put it down. True enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn romantasy. Tasteful dub con/non con and great spice. I really enjoyed the world building and character development of the MMC and FMC. The ending left me positively bereft, and I hope it isn’t the end of their story because I need more! I absolutely cannot wait for this to come out in print so I can add it to my favorites shelf.
April 28, 2024
This book made me wish I could pour bleach in my eyes.
January 13, 2025
✨3.5 stars✨
February 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
What a story! I honestly didn't know what to expect. All I knew was it was enemies to lovers and it was definitely that !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
We get duel pov of Emilie and Ladon who cross paths when she's arranged to marry Cyrus, the king of Ostavian. Ladons brother.
Things go completely sideways and Emilie finds herself imprisoned alongside Ladon.
Who absolutely despises her.
The things they endure throughout this story, omg it was devastating. Heartbreaking.
I absolutely recommend checking tw.
I couldn't get enough of this, devouring it in 2 days.
The ending though!!!
Omg, I can't wait for the 2nd book because that ending was both 🥵 and 😲
What a story! I honestly didn't know what to expect. All I knew was it was enemies to lovers and it was definitely that !!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
We get duel pov of Emilie and Ladon who cross paths when she's arranged to marry Cyrus, the king of Ostavian. Ladons brother.
Things go completely sideways and Emilie finds herself imprisoned alongside Ladon.
Who absolutely despises her.
The things they endure throughout this story, omg it was devastating. Heartbreaking.
I absolutely recommend checking tw.
I couldn't get enough of this, devouring it in 2 days.
The ending though!!!
Omg, I can't wait for the 2nd book because that ending was both 🥵 and 😲
December 8, 2024
The question is not "HOW did this get published?" but rather "WHY did this get published?"
November 30, 2024
A Very HIGH 3.5⭐️ - this book was different and disturbing but boy was I sucked in.
The perfect combination of Underthemountain 🤝 still beating.
The perfect combination of Underthemountain 🤝 still beating.
October 12, 2024
4-4.5 SPOILERS
I liked the book if you take all the SA out, I liked the tension between the different kingdoms, the apparent opinion Ladon had about her etc.
I would have maybe liked one or two chapters in Cyrus’ pov just to see what they were doing or what their reactions were after the two of them got kidnapped and something like how they found out they were INSIDE the mountain (etc)
There was a big opportunity to write something that could’ve made the story more like a fantasy than a smut filled work, but unfortunately the author didn’t choose to take it.
I will be reading the second book when it comes out, but I don’t see how she can make it as smutty as the first one… so I have good hopes for it lol
I liked the book if you take all the SA out, I liked the tension between the different kingdoms, the apparent opinion Ladon had about her etc.
I would have maybe liked one or two chapters in Cyrus’ pov just to see what they were doing or what their reactions were after the two of them got kidnapped and something like how they found out they were INSIDE the mountain (etc)
There was a big opportunity to write something that could’ve made the story more like a fantasy than a smut filled work, but unfortunately the author didn’t choose to take it.
I will be reading the second book when it comes out, but I don’t see how she can make it as smutty as the first one… so I have good hopes for it lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 17, 20254.5 ⭐️
This book was SO ADDICTING. I need more already! For the first book of a brand new series, I was hooked. I will always be a sucker for enemies to lovers/marriage of convenience/forced proximity, but I absolutely LOVE the way it was done in this. The magic and world building was easy to follow, but the main focus was definitely what the two main characters have to survive. This was definitely a dark romantasy (check content warnings before reading this) and the author did a really good job at showcasing the emotions that Emelie and Ladon go through. Ahhh I’m so sad this just came out because I already NEED book 2!
This book was SO ADDICTING. I need more already! For the first book of a brand new series, I was hooked. I will always be a sucker for enemies to lovers/marriage of convenience/forced proximity, but I absolutely LOVE the way it was done in this. The magic and world building was easy to follow, but the main focus was definitely what the two main characters have to survive. This was definitely a dark romantasy (check content warnings before reading this) and the author did a really good job at showcasing the emotions that Emelie and Ladon go through. Ahhh I’m so sad this just came out because I already NEED book 2!
July 12, 2025
⭐ 1.5/5 stars | 🌶️ 4/5 chili peppers
This book is dark—not in the way that many dark romances are—but in the sense that both the FMC and MMC are victims of disturbing, traumatic experiences. It’s not a romance wrapped in darkness; it’s just trauma, front and center. If you are sensitive to SA or similar related content, I urge you to prioritize your mental health and steer clear of this one.
While the book includes trigger warnings, I personally don’t think they were nearly adequate for the level of intensity and specificity of what’s portrayed. Readers deserve better clarity when it comes to protecting their boundaries.
I’m honestly frustrated that BookTok recommended this. I’m giving it 1.5 stars rather than the minimum only because the author did include an important point—through the MMC—that men can be victims of SA and that physiological responses do not equal consent. That’s a nuance many books overlook, and it was good to see it acknowledged.
Now, for the rest…
This book reads like a fanfic (though not a strong one) of the “Under the Mountain” arc in ACOTAR—when Tamlin, Feyre, and Rhysand are caught under Amarantha’s control. The difference is, ACOTAR handled those traumatic situations with more sensitivity and psychological realism. Nights of Obedience, in contrast, throws readers headfirst into the trauma with graphic detail and little emotional payoff. The MMC’s reactions felt somewhat believable, but the FMC’s choices and behaviors often felt implausible and disconnected from her trauma.
World-building was weak, characters lacked depth, and overall, I didn’t care enough about them to be invested. I’ve read other dark romantasy books of a similar length that managed to create immersive, emotionally complex worlds—this one just didn’t.
I won’t be continuing the series.
This book is dark—not in the way that many dark romances are—but in the sense that both the FMC and MMC are victims of disturbing, traumatic experiences. It’s not a romance wrapped in darkness; it’s just trauma, front and center. If you are sensitive to SA or similar related content, I urge you to prioritize your mental health and steer clear of this one.
While the book includes trigger warnings, I personally don’t think they were nearly adequate for the level of intensity and specificity of what’s portrayed. Readers deserve better clarity when it comes to protecting their boundaries.
I’m honestly frustrated that BookTok recommended this. I’m giving it 1.5 stars rather than the minimum only because the author did include an important point—through the MMC—that men can be victims of SA and that physiological responses do not equal consent. That’s a nuance many books overlook, and it was good to see it acknowledged.
Now, for the rest…
This book reads like a fanfic (though not a strong one) of the “Under the Mountain” arc in ACOTAR—when Tamlin, Feyre, and Rhysand are caught under Amarantha’s control. The difference is, ACOTAR handled those traumatic situations with more sensitivity and psychological realism. Nights of Obedience, in contrast, throws readers headfirst into the trauma with graphic detail and little emotional payoff. The MMC’s reactions felt somewhat believable, but the FMC’s choices and behaviors often felt implausible and disconnected from her trauma.
World-building was weak, characters lacked depth, and overall, I didn’t care enough about them to be invested. I’ve read other dark romantasy books of a similar length that managed to create immersive, emotionally complex worlds—this one just didn’t.
I won’t be continuing the series.
March 21, 2024
Nights of Obedience is dark, twisted, f’d up and so good. This book is not for the faint of heart, you’d do well to read the trigger warnings. But for those of us who relish in reading trigger warnings, this book is a doozy! Non-con, voyeurism, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, torture, exploitation, virginity, and so much more. Caution: it is imperative to read trigger warnings for this book – many of these things I just listed are detailed out in the scenes.
Emilie and Ladon are such good characters, the quintessential enemies to lovers pairing. What happens to them is horrible, horrifying, and terrible, and also steamy at the same time? I felt like the worst sort of person reading this book and loving it, but honestly worth it. Nights of Obedience is the dark twisted book I didn’t know I needed. I am SO glad I read it!
I always love when one character is completely closed off from everyone else, and the ‘enemy’ character manages to squeeze them out of their antisocial shell and pry their smiles from them. It is so endearing and makes me happy every time. Emilie desperately wants to be accepted by her new family, and Ladon is bound and determined to push her out before she even settles in. Then, they are forced to work together to get themselves out of this terrible situation.
Honorable mentions to the Harpy, I can’t wait to see more from her in book 2!
Overall, Nights of Obedience by Rachel Mays was so dark and twisted, but oh so steamy and good. I devoured this book in 1 day, finishing it at 1:30am. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the darker side of things.
Emilie and Ladon are such good characters, the quintessential enemies to lovers pairing. What happens to them is horrible, horrifying, and terrible, and also steamy at the same time? I felt like the worst sort of person reading this book and loving it, but honestly worth it. Nights of Obedience is the dark twisted book I didn’t know I needed. I am SO glad I read it!
I always love when one character is completely closed off from everyone else, and the ‘enemy’ character manages to squeeze them out of their antisocial shell and pry their smiles from them. It is so endearing and makes me happy every time. Emilie desperately wants to be accepted by her new family, and Ladon is bound and determined to push her out before she even settles in. Then, they are forced to work together to get themselves out of this terrible situation.
Honorable mentions to the Harpy, I can’t wait to see more from her in book 2!
Overall, Nights of Obedience by Rachel Mays was so dark and twisted, but oh so steamy and good. I devoured this book in 1 day, finishing it at 1:30am. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the darker side of things.
October 6, 2024
Fellow millenials, save yourself, don't pick this up.
This is Draco Malfoy / Hermione Granger fanfiction that somehow got published. The author pretty much states this herself. So if you want to imagine getting down and dirty with a tween boy, please do read this. For me, this was such an ick factor that every spicy scene in this book gave me shivers. No thank you.
And there are a lot of spicy scenes. Half the book is spicy scenes. Hell, the plot plays second fiddle to the spicy scenes. Our heroine, Emilie (I don't know why but I HATE the naming convention in this book) is a princess set to marry a king. Somehow, Cyrus isn't a catch. He's nice, handsome, tries to make her feel at home and do everything at her pace. But he's 20 years older so icky. Girl ??? That's a catch. No, the love interest is his brother, Ladon (Which I keep reading as Landon because Ladon is not a name). He's short tempered, arrogant, quippy. AKA six red flags wrapped up in a trenchcoat.
The romance really picks up about a third in when Emilie and Ladon get kidnapped by Reyna and locked in her castle. When talking about this book with my bookclub I've definitely referred to this part as the Rape Train. Because that's what it is, different instances of rape. All the way for Ladon, and only sexual assault in the case of Emilie, but still. Maybe I've outaged the demographic, but rape is not sexy to me. And the way it's kinda glossed over for Ladon? Did not like that.
So yeah, it's a rapey Draco Malfoy fanfic. And I feel like I've read every scene out of this novel for free as a 14 year old on some fanfiction website.
This is Draco Malfoy / Hermione Granger fanfiction that somehow got published. The author pretty much states this herself. So if you want to imagine getting down and dirty with a tween boy, please do read this. For me, this was such an ick factor that every spicy scene in this book gave me shivers. No thank you.
And there are a lot of spicy scenes. Half the book is spicy scenes. Hell, the plot plays second fiddle to the spicy scenes. Our heroine, Emilie (I don't know why but I HATE the naming convention in this book) is a princess set to marry a king. Somehow, Cyrus isn't a catch. He's nice, handsome, tries to make her feel at home and do everything at her pace. But he's 20 years older so icky. Girl ??? That's a catch. No, the love interest is his brother, Ladon (Which I keep reading as Landon because Ladon is not a name). He's short tempered, arrogant, quippy. AKA six red flags wrapped up in a trenchcoat.
The romance really picks up about a third in when Emilie and Ladon get kidnapped by Reyna and locked in her castle. When talking about this book with my bookclub I've definitely referred to this part as the Rape Train. Because that's what it is, different instances of rape. All the way for Ladon, and only sexual assault in the case of Emilie, but still. Maybe I've outaged the demographic, but rape is not sexy to me. And the way it's kinda glossed over for Ladon? Did not like that.
So yeah, it's a rapey Draco Malfoy fanfic. And I feel like I've read every scene out of this novel for free as a 14 year old on some fanfiction website.
Read
June 25, 2025Okay, so I went in blind and this book was way darker than I anticipated, but I'm not mad about it. It's dark in a heartbreaking way, not in a "masked daddy" dark romance way yk? If you've read Still Beating I think you'll enjoy this!
The ending?? So cruel!! I need the next book ASAP 😩
What to Expect:
💔 Enemies to Lovers
⛓️ Forced Proximity
💔 Non-con & Dub-Con (a lot of it)
⛓️ Torture & Violence
The ending?? So cruel!! I need the next book ASAP 😩
What to Expect:
💔 Enemies to Lovers
⛓️ Forced Proximity
💔 Non-con & Dub-Con (a lot of it)
⛓️ Torture & Violence
April 6, 2025
If you’ve ever thought “I wish we had a prequel about Rhysand’s time under the mountain with Amarantha” then this book is what you’re looking for.
Other reviews did miss sell this book to me so it ended up being not what I expect but I enjoyed it.
The story gets going straight away, it takes a little time before we get to the main event but the time spent at the castle with Cyrus and Logan helps to build believable enemies to lovers.
Heavy on the check your triggers for this book.
Really looking forward to the second book to see where this goes and I will absolutely riot if everyone doesn’t end up happy.
Tropes
- enemies to lovers
- love triangle
- arranged marriage
- protective MMC
- one bed
Other reviews did miss sell this book to me so it ended up being not what I expect but I enjoyed it.
The story gets going straight away, it takes a little time before we get to the main event but the time spent at the castle with Cyrus and Logan helps to build believable enemies to lovers.
Heavy on the check your triggers for this book.
Really looking forward to the second book to see where this goes and I will absolutely riot if everyone doesn’t end up happy.
Tropes
- enemies to lovers
- love triangle
- arranged marriage
- protective MMC
- one bed
June 28, 2025
Plot: 5/5 • Smut: 3/5 ———-> An arraigned marriage set up between Emilie and Cyrus. Ladon, Cyrus’ brother doesn’t approve. He thinks she’s just a gold digger. But When Emilie, Ladon and Cyrus go on a visit to a “friend”. Kidnapped, Ladon and Emilie have to come together and get over their disdain for each other. More Ladon than Emilie. Words can not express what they go through while captive. They’re raped. Assaulted. Put on display. Tortured. It’s rough. All the while Ladon and Emilie are getting closer and closer to each other.
The smut is a little finicky here. The connection between Ladon and Emilie is perfection. Love every minute of it. Love all the passion and the scenes they have. The scenes with Reyna and Ladon, no thanks.
The smut is a little finicky here. The connection between Ladon and Emilie is perfection. Love every minute of it. Love all the passion and the scenes they have. The scenes with Reyna and Ladon, no thanks.
September 21, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4
Readers: this is a DARK Romantasy. Read the warning before starting.
Readers: this is a DARK Romantasy. Read the warning before starting.
October 6, 2025
That was intense
Yeah. Woah. That was an intense story. Definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone triggered easily. Not what I was expecting at all either. So devastating and beautiful as are the best of things. I don't even know what could possibly happen next honestly but I'm going to find out.
Yeah. Woah. That was an intense story. Definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone triggered easily. Not what I was expecting at all either. So devastating and beautiful as are the best of things. I don't even know what could possibly happen next honestly but I'm going to find out.
March 4, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down. The plot had me in a chokehold and I was SO invested in these characters!
Adding Ladon to the list of book boyfriends I’ll daydream about for the foreseeable future 🥰
“What is your favorite part of him?” “His hands.” OK Emilie 😂
Thank you, Rachel Mays for the ARC! Now please write book 2 ASAP
Adding Ladon to the list of book boyfriends I’ll daydream about for the foreseeable future 🥰
“What is your favorite part of him?” “His hands.” OK Emilie 😂
Thank you, Rachel Mays for the ARC! Now please write book 2 ASAP
November 20, 2025
Clutching my pearls reading it
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