Blood-Stained Kisses

by L. Renee Richard

By day, Victor Flores is the perfect student—quiet, focused, and determined to escape the violence at home. At night, he faces the monster made from bruises and a life he can’t control. Until Daniella Andrade moves in next door. She becomes his light, his anchor, and worst of all, his obsession.

Together, they dream of medical school, of freedom, of a future untouched by Vic’s toxic past and a secret they swore to bury. But when Dani disappears, she leaves behind only broken promises and shattered dreams.

Years later, Vic has become a brilliant surgeon, saving lives by day and hiding behind the scalpel by night. Beneath his calm façade lies a darker urge for control and vengeance. When Dani finally returns with secrets of her own, she realizes the boy she loved has become a man split in two. But what if the monster is exactly what she needs?

Love like theirs doesn’t heal. It kills.

Genres: Dark Romance, Fantasy

Paperback

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

L. Renee Richard is a Hispanic author who lives in rural New England with her family. She’s a born and raised South Texan girl who implements BIPOC characters into her books, imbued with her cherished Hispanic culture. She is an avid reader, complete with her never-ending TBR, and a romantic at heart who appreciates a strong female main character and a good book boyfriend in the books she reads or writes. She loves summers in New England, sitting on the beach with a book, driving with the windows down through rural roads on cool autumn nights, and iced matcha lattes. Her books promise angsty romance where the journey to a happily ever after isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the trip. 

Reviews

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced dark romance was the perfectly twisted intense read. In my opinion, this was on the sweeter side and more of a lighter dark romance. Both MCs Victor and Daniella are morally-grey their second-chance romance is full of trauma bonding and both characters are messy and flawed but perfect for each other. Their romance pulls you in and keeps you captive full of delicious longing and intense obsession. I really enjoyed the "it's only ever been you" strong connection they had. I was happy with the pacing and dual POV spanning from age 16, jumps through their 20's then finally to their 30's. I was very happy with how things worked out and the ending was very satisfying leaving my black little heart very happy.

Tropes:
Gothic
Second chance
Morally grey
Vigilante
Touch her and ☠️
Obssession
Found family
Neighbors to lovers
Dual POV

Check TW

Thank you TAA and L. Renee Richard for the opportunity to read this book.

[Nikki Ramey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodstained Kisses is a dark romance rooted in obsession, secrecy, and the kind of love that never truly loosens its grip. Dani and Vic are BOTH morally gray in ways that make them feel fated but ruinous for each other, and their connection has been haunting them since their teenage years.

As neighbors, they grow up infatuated with one another, drawn together by intensity and understanding. Vic’s life is shaped by an abusive father and the darkness that follows him into adulthood, while Dani becomes his anchor, the one person capable of keeping the beast inside him at bay. When Dani’s mother receives a terrible diagnosis, everything fractures. In an attempt to protect Vic’s future and not derail his dreams of becoming a surgeon, Dani makes a devastating choice to lie, setting off years of silence, misunderstandings, and emotional distance.

Despite the separation, the obsession never fades. Their story spans time, absence, and unresolved pain, with secrets on both sides slowly poisoning what could have been. The tension is heavy and constant, and the vigilante justice woven throughout adds a sharp, unsettling edge that fits Vic’s descent and Dani’s complicity beautifully.

The emotional core and character dynamics are so compelling and addictive. Dani and Vic’s story is dark, intense, and memorable, and fans of morally gray romance and obsessive love will absolutely find something to sink their teeth into here.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect little quick read. Second chance romance where they lost contact till one day they finally find each other again.

[Meghan Zillmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I had a good time reading this book. The dual point of view throughout the years was done super well. You could clearly tell that they both really loved each other and were meant to be together. Their experiences throughout the past really added do much depth and emotion to this story. I do wish that we had a little bit more time in this book of the present instead of a vast majority of this book being in the past.

Thank you to L Renée Richard for the ARC copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

By day, Victor Flores is the perfect student—quiet, focused, and determined to escape the violence at home. At night, he faces the monster made from bruises and a life he can’t control. Until Daniella Andrade moves in next door. She becomes his light, his anchor, and worst of all, his obsession.

Together, they dream of medical school, of freedom, of a future untouched by Vic’s toxic past and a secret they swore to bury. But when Dani disappears, she leaves behind only broken promises and shattered dreams.

Years later, Vic has become a brilliant surgeon, saving lives by day and hiding behind the scalpel by night. Beneath his calm façade lies a darker urge for control and vengeance. When Dani finally returns with secrets of her own, she realizes the boy she loved has become a man split in two. But what if the monster is exactly what she needs?

Love like theirs doesn’t heal. It kills.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.

Tropes: Dark Romance, Neighbors-to-Lovers, Morally Grey Characters, Vigilante Justice, Spice, Gothic Romance, Obsession, Dark, Dangerous, Steamy, Med Student, Doctor, Quiet/Focused MMC, Toxic Past, Secrets, Broken Promises, Shattered Dreams, Brilliant Surgeon MMC, Control/Vengeance MMC, Dr. Jekel/Mr. Hyde MMC,

Blood-Stained Kisses by L. Renee Richard.

I fell in love with L. Renee Richard when I read their novel “The Cruelest Truth”. L. Renee has an amazing way with words and I just fell in love with their writing style, character development, and storytelling.

Blood-Stained Kisses is a masterful dark romance that has been rooted in obsession, secrecy, and this kind of love that you find not only never dies but also never really loosens its grip on those it digs its claws into.

This book follows Danielle and Victor who are honestly both morally grey in not only their own ways but also different ways. This honestly makes them feel fated in so many ways but it also makes them feel like they are cataclysmic for each other. And ever since their first meeting up till they were teenagers their connection has been haunting them.

They grew up as neighbors, and from the get go they were captivated with each other, they were pulled together by this invisible tether, with an intensity and an understanding of each other and of the other’s past.

Victor’s life has been shaped by his abusive father and a darkness that has not only wrapped itself around him but has also followed him into his adulthood. From the day that they met, Danielle became his anchor, the only one who truly knew him and had the ability to the keep the monster inside of him at bay.

After Danielle’s mother receives a horrific diagnosis, everything around both Danielle and Victor shatters. Danielle, wanting to try and protect Victor’s future and in a desperate attempt to prevent her family’s disaster from derailing his dreams of becoming a surgeon, Danielle makes the gut-wrenching decision to lie, thus setting off years of silence between Danielle and Victor, misunderstandings, and a torturous emotional distance.

In spite of the separation between Danielle and Victor, the obsession between them never fades. Danielle and Victor’s story is one the spans years, an absence that is felt daily, and a pain that goes unresolved. They each hold onto their own secrets that slowly poisons what could have been a beautiful and special relationship. You can feel the tension that is heavy and constant, and the vigilante justice that’s woven throughout this story adds this sharp and unsettling edge that actually perfectly fits Victor decent into darkness and Danielle’s complicity beautifully.

At the emotional core of the story next to the character dynamics makes this story both compelling and exceptionally addictive. Danielle and Victor’s story is this lush and rich dark, intense, yet remarkably memorable story that fans of morally gray romances and obsessive love with absolutely find to be something you can perfectly sink into and get lost in.

And then you get to the epilogue, that epilogue was perfect, it was like the icing on the cake it was just perfect. It was the perfect ending to this book.

I highly recommend this book. I just love L. Renee Richard’s writing and character development. This was just such a wonderful book to read and I wish I could read it again for the first time.

Two of my favorite quotes from this book were:

"I will always be your alibi. Your accomplice in the life. You partner in crime."

"It's only been you, baby. My angel. Only ever you."

[Dani-Lynn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮
🌶️🌶️- 𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🔥🔥🔥🔥 - 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽
🩸- 𝓰𝓸𝓻𝓮

🖤 𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼🖤
Vic & Dani

🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼🖤
📕gothic romance
📕neighbors to lovers
📕obsession
📕vigilante justice
📕terminal illness

🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤
Are you looking for a gothic romance with more plot than smut, with a touch of darkness? BLOOD-STAINED KISSES is that book that will satisfy all those cravings in one. From the start, it pulls you in with these two characters that already know they are made for each other, even after situations arise that pull each other apart. The chemistry bonded between them is extremely strong and I love how they can never get each other off their mind, even as life continues to move forward.

*spoilers*

Victor and Dani have been inseparable for years, allowing their unrelenting love for each other become stronger than intended. They even have their whole future set in stone for each other, destined to be happy for the rest of their lives. But one incident can change all that. One that will completely devastate Dani for the rest of her life. After this illness corrupts her future plans of attending the same university, Vic is moving forward knowing it’s his one chance to make a life for the both of them. She even goes so far to hide the fact she did get accepted to the same school but stayed behind to care for her sick mother.

Well, turns out she doesn’t want to tell him the truth so he doesn’t make the mistake of staying behind for her. But the distance is the true test between them. And after many of those tests go unresolved at first, causing tension and silence from both ends, their lives continue as they attempt to erase their memories of each other. Even after years of moving forward, somehow they still think about each other often.

Years later, they finally reunite and let me not spoil anymore for you because the way they meet us is so cute and I absolutely love the reunion. Richard did not hold back on the emotional appeal or the hardships with this novel, including the dark secrets they both hide. I also want to note that I absolutely love Dani’s new found family that helped her feel more comfortable after her mother’s untimely demise. I was drawn into this story that I found myself in the rabbit hole until I reached the end. Would totally love to hear more about Dani and Victor’s life after they became a family, but the ending was absolutely perfect as is.

[Mandy Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Only a few paragraphs in and I was already swooning for the MMC—which honestly says everything. The FMC kissing his blood-stained hands after he gives into his darkness to reassure him that everything is okay is objectively dark and twisted… but dark-romance logic kicked in and I found myself thinking, awh. Touch-her-and-die energy? Absolutely. Immediate yes.

I love that this story is a duet, and the time skip worked so well for the plot. It becomes this emotionally charged will-they-won’t-they where you’re torn between wanting them to break apart for their own survival and desperately needing them to find each other again for the same reason. The trauma bonds between the characters are heavy, messy, and painfully human. The under tone is exactly that feeling when you’re watching a show and yelling at the characters to do something—and they do the opposite. The dramatic irony is delicious and kept me on my toes. This book lures you in.

There’s something intoxicating about how the FMC’s darkness blends with his darkness. I genuinely couldn’t predict where the story was headed, and I loved surrendering to the plot. Years later, when they’re finally almost crossing paths again, I was internally screaming. The slow burn feels almost reversed—aching, edged, and intentional.

The masquerade ball tension? Criminal. When they finally meet again—and he has to chase her down—it was everything. The entire vibe screamed Beyoncé’s Haunted, especially during that spicy 🌶️ scene.

And that ending… perfection. A full, beautiful circle that felt intentional and deeply earned. Seeing the little girl find her way back to them years later, healed and changed but still tethered to their story, absolutely wrecked me. The fact that she may one day end up with their son? Full-circle in the most poetic way. It tied the past, present, and future together so seamlessly that I just sat there after the last page, stunned, squealing in excitement and awe

This is a fantastic recommendation for readers new to dark romance—it leans more dark-violet than pitch black, with emotional intensity, obsession, and longing driving the story rather than shock value. An absolutely captivating read, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read this phenomenal ARC 🖤✨

[darkreadswithnalieee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Stained Kisses is a dark, gripping romance that dives into the raw, twisted depths of love, trauma, and obsession. From the very first pages, the chemistry between Vic and Dani is electric—quiet, stolen moments turn into a bubbling madness that neither of them can resist. Vic’s life is shaped by fear and abuse; his father’s violence leaves him feeling powerless, and he learns to absorb the blows meant for his mother. Dani, seeing his vulnerability, becomes his anchor, his confidante, and eventually his partner in both love and vengeance.
What sets this story apart is its unflinching portrayal of survival and loyalty. When tragedy strikes, and Vic’s father is killed, Dani doesn’t hesitate to step in and protect him, becoming his alibi and accomplice. Their connection is intense, primal, and consuming, blending desire with the desperation of two people forged in fire. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the darkness—they are scarred, imperfect, and deeply human, which makes every tender or violent moment feel earned and heartbreaking.
Even when years pass, and life forces them apart, the pull between Vic and Dani remains unbroken. Dani sacrifices her dreams to care for her terminally ill mother, while Vic moves on with his medical career—but the bond they share refuses to fade. Time jumps show how both characters evolve: Dani becomes a fearless protector, seeking justice against predators, while Vic wrestles with rage, guilt, and longing. Their eventual reunion is charged with tension, unresolved feelings, and the undeniable fact that their love, though tested and twisted, endures.
Blood Stained Kisses is not a light romance. It’s intense, emotional, and often heart-wrenching, exploring themes of grief, obsession, and survival alongside a fierce, sometimes dangerous love. L. Renee Richard’s storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat, alternating between tender vulnerability and high-stakes tension. By the end, you’re left breathless, invested in both the characters’ emotional healing and the inevitable pull they have toward each other.

[Alicia (weird.reads.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark romance scratched the itch for a quick, bingeable read without dropping me into something super heavy. Dani and Vic are tangled up in the kind of dark secrets that weld themselves into an unbreakable bond. It’s neighbors-to-lovers with a second chance vibe that stretches across about 12 years, told in three parts with roughly four-year time jumps. We basically watch them live separate lives then collide again.

Dani’s early choice was frustrating, but it also made sense for who she is and what she’s trying to survive. This book doesn’t shy away from heavier topics. It handled grief/loss of losing a loved one and the aftermath of a home touched by domestic violence genuinely, and that resonated with me.

And as a Latina, I loved seeing Latine representation in a dark romance. Seeing people who reflect my culture is something I want to seek out more intentionally (and share and promote louder), so I’m grateful Richard created BIPOC main characters. It gave me that reminder to be a better advocate.

The chemistry was electric. When the spice hits, it hits. There’s a masquerade moment that’s just delicious. *chef’s kiss*

That said, a few things weren’t for me. The miscommunication trope is doing a lot of heavy lifting here, and it drives most of the conflict. I also would’ve loved to see more of Vic’s darker edge beyond him being described as cold and closed off once he becomes a doctor. And the reunion doesn’t fully address the elephant in the room of not communicating, so if the miscommunication trope is a hard no for you, definitely go in with caution. I honestly think some of the clunkier beats would’ve smoothed out if the book had been a bit longer.

Overall, I had a good time with this one. The chemistry, the fun side characters, and the little hit of vigilante justicereally worked for me. If you want a lighter dark romance that reads fast and keeps the tension high, pick this up.

Thank you to The Author Agency and L. Renee Richard for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sydney Santillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Stained Kisses by L. Renee Richard immediately stood out to me because of how confidently it launches into the story. There’s no long warm-up period — the opening events are fast, purposeful, and impossible to ignore. Part one does a great job setting the tone and pulling you straight into the world, and from there the story randomly becomes predictable.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its ability to balance intensity with emotional depth. While it falls within the dark romance genre, it never feels excessive. Instead, the darkness is used to strengthen the emotional connection to the characters rather than overshadow it. I found myself genuinely invested not only in the main couple, but also in several side characters that became their found family, which added weight to the story as a whole.
The structure of the book deserves special mention. The story is clearly divided into three parts, making the timeline easy to follow and allowing the characters’ journeys to unfold in a way that feels intentional and well-paced. That clarity helped the emotional beats land even harder.
Another highlight for me was the strong sense of found family. The close friendships surrounding the main characters added warmth and contrast to the darker elements of the story, creating a more well-rounded reading experience.
By the time I reached the end, the resolution felt earned. Seeing the happily ever after on the page made the journey feel complete and satisfying.
This was a compelling and emotionally engaging ARC, and while it sits closer to a 4.5-star read for me, I’m rounding up to five stars because of how much it held my attention and how thoughtfully the story was executed. I would recommend this to readers looking for a dark romance that prioritizes connection, pacing, and emotional payoff.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5

I liked this idea but in the end I felt like this ended up being more of the bones of what could've been a deeper, and meatier story. It's actually not that dark, and I from the blurb I was expecting Vic to be more morally grey with his actions. We never really see these two supposed, two sides to him. We are told he's lost his caring nature from his first time k1lling and his break from Dani, but I don't see any difference to him.

There's not enough scenes to show his dark urges. In fact, we never hear of him doing anything other than being a doctor and helping at a soup kitchen...so what darkness had there been (other than in the prologue and final act)? And supposedly Dani shares a darkness too, to right the wrongs of evil men...but there's just one instance of showing that and the handling of it felt too nonchalant and unexplained since it's never mentioned she does it again. So this is a lighter read than one thinks based on the blurb.

The story just moves to fast, as if told.in highlights. I wanted more angst...to see how he's become cold and then how her presence would bring a piece of him that lay dormant back to life....but amidst it all, still love his darkness too.

They rekindle so fast...it's been 12 years and they fell back into it as if only a year has passed. Things forgiven so easily and the the whole miscommunication trope was irksome and may bother some.

So it fell kind of flat for me unfortunately which is a shame because it has the makings for a compelling drama!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review

This is a first from L. Renee Richard read by me. This is an honest review but also no spoiling. I will put forth questions to ponder in regards to the read.

Daniela - Dani a mesmerising young woman at first to Victor - Vic. Her childhood neighbour.

The start was quite an emotional entry. Devastating on how some figures always use power to rule the weak. 🙁. Unforeseen circumstances, does one need an alibi? Is one an accomplice or partner in a crime? Survival for a youth is traumatic, especially when losing a parent to abuse. What people do to save another from a future of despair.

Roll on time, dreams do come true for some, but at what cost? Going to Dartmouth College is a dream for them both, will it be a dream or reality?
Timing is an issue for us all. Do we ever know when it’s the right time to tell someone how you feel/are? This is what both Dani & Vic struggled with. A burden, a road gone, standing alone. Tragedy comes not once but twice, but for whom?
Time is fading away, another 4 years added but love never dies. 2 souls always in sync.

The storyline was an emotional one. We face abuse, a topic that is always forefront in many lives. Both Vic & Dani had first hand experience. What they also had was a bond even over a distance that never died. First love, first everything. Uniting only brought forth what was always there. It was what happened during, present and future that one needs to know.

There was a deepens to the read. May have trigger points for some but also an insight to reality.

Beautiful artwork also present.

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood-Stained Kisses is dark, emotional, and haunting in the best way. This story is not a love story meant to comfort, it’s meant to consume.

Victor and Dani’s connection starts as a lifeline. Two broken kids clinging to dreams of escape, medicine, and a future far away from the violence and secrets surrounding them. But when Dani disappears, everything fractures. Years later, Vic has achieved the life they once dreamed of, but only on the surface. Beneath it, he’s something much darker, shaped by trauma, obsession, and unresolved pain.

This book is not short on emotional intensity. The bond between Vic and Dani is deep, twisted, and unsettling, and the story doesn’t shy away from showing how love can become destructive when trauma is left to fester. Vic is not a soft or redeemable character in the traditional sense, and that’s what makes this book so fascinating. Dani’s return forces both of them to confront who they’ve become, and whether love like theirs was ever meant to save anyone.

This is a gripping, morally dark read that explores obsession, control, trauma, and the kind of love that scars rather than heals. If you enjoy dark romance with psychological depth and flawed characters, this one will stick with you long after you finish.

I felt this book deep in my heart. I love L. Renee Richard’s writing and I cannot wait to read more of her books.

As always, be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like, you may not.

Happy Reading! 🖤📖✨

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Stained Kisses is a short story where true love prevails. Both characters, Dani and Vic, are accepted into the school of their dreams to get medical degrees. Ever since they were kids, Dani would see Vic, covered in bruises by his abusive father, pushing them into a friendship of comfort and care. They've stuck together ever since, even through secrets of darkness. But Dani can't go to the school with Vic. Her mother is sick and needs her. But she doesn't want to tell Vic because she knows he would stay with her and she doesn't want to hold him back from his dreams. So she lies. She tells him that she wasn't accepted and pushes him to go. But with the distance between them, they start drifting apart. A lot of the story was them just longing for each other but not being able to reconnect, which, after a while, did a get a little boring. However, both characters are morally gray and do dark things, keeping my interest in the story. I loved their reconnection. I think they are a great couple together. Their chemistry is great. Dani really finds herself a wonderful group of friends that become more like family to her, which I loved for her.
I recommend giving this one a read. It is quick, entertaining, and well written.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloodstained Kisses by L. Renee Richard is a dual POV, dark romance rooted in obsession, secrecy, and the kind of love that won't let go.

Dani and Vic’s story is dark and intense- great for fans of morally gray romance and obsessive love.

Dani and Vic are both morally gray promoting their dynamic which is compelling and addictive. Their connection has been haunting them since their teenage years promoting the idea that they are both fated and ruinous for one another.

As neighbors, they grow up completely infatuated with one another and drawn together intensity. Vic’s life is shaped by an abusive father and the darkness that etched itself to him all through adulthood. While Dani becomes his "anchor" and fully capable of keeping the beast inside dormant.

When Dani’s mother receives a terrible diagnosis the world shifts. In an attempt to protect Vic’s future and not deflate him life dream- Dani decides to lie- initiating years of silence, and emotional distance guised as misunderstandings.

The obsession never fades regardless of the time spent apart. The tension is heavy and constant.

Thanks to the author L. Renee Richard for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Stained Kisses by L Renée Richard is a dark romance dual POV journey of the relationship between Victor Flores and Danielle Andrade in a past, present and future timeline. The author's prose beautifully captures the exploration of the heavy emotional impact of living through childhood abuse and trauma and how that can shape someone's sense of self, outlook on the world and interpersonal skills. It wasn't the easiest of reads on an emotional level with the tough topics, raw realities of the world and struggles that tore the characters apart and then brought them back together again. The obsession and understanding between Vic and Dani in needing to cling to each other to be able to cope with the things they had endured growing up and the morally grey vigilante choices by taking justice into their own hands added to the depth of this character driven story. They were truly the definition of ride or die for each other.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes 🥀

dark romance 🖤
neighbors-to-lovers 🏠+🏠
morally grey characters 🩶
vigilante justice 🔪🩸
spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to be emotionally wrecked by providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. @l.renee.richard

[Amy Melendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s quick, engaging read that pulls you in without dragging. I especially appreciated the way the story unfolded across different timelines — moving between the past, present, and future added depth and made the journey feel more meaningful.

Vic and Dani’s relationship really stood out to me. Dani is the steady presence in Vic’s life — his source of comfort and strength when everything around him starts to unravel. At the same time, she makes incredibly hard choices out of love, even when those choices cost her personally. Their bond feels rooted in wanting the absolute best for each other, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness for a season.

Watching their story come full circle was satisfying. When they reconnect, there’s an undeniable sense that what they shared never truly faded. Some moments felt a bit idealized, but depending on how you see it, that can also reflect the idea that some connections are simply meant to be. The ending was beautifully done — it closed their story in a way that felt earned and emotionally fulfilling.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I will always be your alibi. Your accomplice in this life. Your partner in crime."

Holy cow on a fucking bicycle! Wow just wow. In so blown away by this book, im speachless. The psychology depth in this is unreal, the way the author portrays the characters flaws, obsessions, trauma and pain is so fucking beautiful.

This story isn't all rainbow and sunshine, that gives you all the butterflies. It's deep, dark, emotional, angsty, gritty, painful and has trauma and twistedness.

They have known each other for a long time but loads of stuffs happen, missed opportunities, miscommunication, misunderstandings lead to making certain choices that separate them for a long time. But opportunity arises that makes them come back together. And it's fucking beautiful. They are meant for each, and love each other deeply. They show each other the love that they only know how too.

I just couldn't get enough of them, I didn't want it to end. What a phenomenal read. Highly recommend.

"It's only been you, baby. My angel. Only ever you."

[Book Behavior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Stained Kisses had me reading through blurry tears on more than one chapter. 🥺 This story explores the past, present, and future of Victor Flores and Danielle Andrade.
​Victor has never had an easy life. He was dealt a hand that most wouldn't recover from, but with Dani in his orbit, the future doesn't seem quite so bleak. Together, they’ve built endless dreams of what life beyond their neighboring windows could look like, but as always, the universe seems to have a different plan ahead.
​Blood Stained Kisses will drown you in your feelings when exploring the dark, raw realities of this world. While the topics are heavy, L. Renee Richard brings a touch of justice and peace to her characters. She writes with such emotion and detail that she'll have you pausing - in the best of ways!
​5☆'s — phenomenal!
​If you like:
🥀 Gothic Romance
🔪 Vigilante Justice
🏠 Neighbors-to-Lovers
🩶 Morally Grey Characters

*ARC Review. this was an exchange for my honest review.*

[Nikki Bogard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the concept of this book, even more than the execution itself. The foundation is there for something darker, deeper, and emotionally intense, but the story never quite leans all the way into that potential.

Both main characters are described as carrying darkness shaped by loss and trauma, yet much of that is told rather than fully explored on the page. Because of that, the overall tone felt lighter than expected, especially compared to the blurb.

The pacing moves quickly, which made some emotional moments feel a bit rushed. After years apart, their reconnection and forgiveness came more easily than I anticipated, and I found myself wishing we had spent more time sitting in the tension and unresolved feelings.

Ultimately, this felt like a story with a lot of promise and strong ideas, even if it didn’t fully deliver the emotional depth I was hoping for. Still, readers looking for a lighter take on these themes may enjoy it more than I did 🤍📖

[Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ

- Obsessive
- Neighbors to Lovers
- Morally Grey
- Vigilante Justice

This is my first read from L. Renée Richard. I enjoyed this book. It didn’t take long to read. I like that it told the story from past, present, and future. I was longing for the main characters to finally be together.
Vic had Dani as his bright light in his life. When everything falls apart, she’s there to help him through everything. Dani is also selfless by doing what was best for Vic’s future. They both love each other so much that they’d do anything to make sure the other person succeeds in life. Even if that means their relationship suffers from it.
They find their way back to each other and it’s like things never stops between them. Although some parts I thought was maybe unrealistic, others could perceive it as fate and that true love can be like that. I love the ending! I am so happy that it wrapped up in the way that it did!

[Ashley Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raise your hand if you cried while reading this book…I’ll go first.

You never forget your first love…Vic and Dani are that and more to each other. They’re each other’s lifelines.

Vic comes from an abusive household and has a very hard upbringing. People are scared of him because he chooses the hard exterior that only Dani can break through.

Dani is starting over with her mom after her parents divorce - Vic is her neighbor and they’re just drawn to each other.

More than love ties them together and they build dreams together but Dani lies through omission of facts and life goes on - she doesn’t want to hold Vic back.

I love Dani’s found family - like I feel like Emma needs a book of her own to know the back story there! Through years of being away from each other, Dani and Vic find each other again - I don’t want to give too much away but I really enjoyed reading this book. I cried through a few bits, laughed and wanted to yell at them to just find each other already!!! Did it need to take 10 years!?!?

Thank you @l.renee.richard and @theauthor.agency for the early read! I definitely understand the title now (read to figure it out)! All opinions are my own.

[Hayley Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh right from the first chapter my heart is breaking for Vic. I feel for him so much. This book was so heartbreaking at times but it was so very good. Poor Dani goes through something so rough I couldn’t even imagine. She doesn’t tell Vic which leads to a lot of mis communication and assumptions. There is so much tension along the way. They never loose hope that one day fate will bring them back to each other again. Seeing the way neither one of them have given up on thinking fate will bring them back to each other was so heartwarming. Watching them grow and live their lives apart was agonizing but also so sweet. I love the found family Dani finds. Makes me so happy for her. When Vic finally realizes why she did what she did had me in tears it just broke my heart. The masquerade ball was beautiful. It had me all teary eyed but it was also so hot! Dani and Vic’s chemistry was off the freaking charts! This was such an amazing book.

[Jani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so incredibly grateful and thankful to the author for the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this book. From the very beginning, I was completely invested in Dani and Vic’s relationship. Watching their journey unfold through the different POVs made the story feel even more emotional and real. You truly get to see how both of them grow, change, and mature as they grow up, yet no matter how much time passes or how much life challenges them, their love for each other never wavers.This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster. There were moments that had me in tears, moments that made me gasp and think OMG, and moments that left me smiling and full of happiness. The emotions felt raw, genuine, and beautifully written. I loved how the story balanced heartbreak, growth, love, and hope all in one.

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hit the ground running from the first page. I loved how it just jumped right into the story. And the words they flowed smoothly from one page to the next. I was thoroughly engaged and captivated by this fantastic story. It's a little different from what I'm used to reading but the way the author wrote this and set it up, it worked well for this particular book. And those time jumps I feel like led to some missed opportunities and some miscommunication between the main characters but I also feel like it really built up that moment for when they would reunite. Overall, I liked this read. In fact I read it in one sitting and loved every bit of it. So if you like books with characters that are obsessed with a touch of vigilante justice, neighbors to lovers and morally gray-ish characters, then grab yourself a copy of this book.

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Blood Stained Kisses in one sitting. This beautifully written, fast-paced gothic romance had me hooked from the very first page. It’s raw, intense, and genuinely heartbreaking in the best way.

The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the twists kept me on edge the entire time. I was completely invested, constantly guessing what would happen next, and unable to put it down. Each chapter pulled me deeper into the darkness of Vic and Dani’s world.

Dani and Vic’s journey—through obsession, love, trauma, and secrets—felt painfully real and unforgettable. Their connection is intense, messy, and impossible to forget.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves morally grey characters, obsession, and dark romance that doesn’t shy away from the complicated, messy side of love.

Thank you to L. Renee Richard and The Author Agency for the ARC!

[Aida Rivero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood-Stained Kisses by L. Renée Richard is an intense and gripping read that I would comfortably rate 4 stars. The author does a fantastic job of blending dark themes with high-stakes emotion, keeping the momentum steady from start to finish. While the atmosphere is heavy and the tension is palpable, the character development remains the strongest point, making it easy to stay invested in the outcome even during the more unsettling moments.
Though some plot points may be more polarizing for certain readers depending on their preference for dark romance or thrillers, I found it to be a thoroughly engaging experience. It is a well-crafted story that I think many readers in this genre will truly enjoy. If you are looking for a book that isn't afraid to push boundaries while maintaining a solid narrative heart, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️
I was expecting this book to be a lot darker and for Vic to be quite a morally grey character but that wasn’t the case. I was waiting to see these two sides of Vic, the good doctor and then the killer but apart from the prologue we had nothing else.

This story moves very quickly, we basically get their relationship highlights. It skips over a lot and the next moment they’ve reconnected and all is forgiven.

I also didn’t understand Dani killing that guy, she supposedly kills bad men but it came out of nowhere and then was never mentioned/ she never kills again. It was just super random and didn’t add anything to the story.

This felt like the beginning of a story just not fully executed.

If you don’t like the miscommunication trope then skip this book.

Thank you for the ARC.

[Syd Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an emotional, character-driven romance that focused on love shaped by trauma, time, and second chances. Following Victor and Daniella from childhood neighbors to adults reunited by fate, the story unfolds across multiple timelines and dual POVs, which allowed me to fully experience their growth, pain, and undeniable connection.
The chemistry between Vic and Dani is intense and heartfelt, serving as the emotional anchor of book. The darkness is more implied than graphic. The pacing keeps the story moving, and the found-family elements and supporting characters help balance the heavier themes.
At times, the story leans into familiar romance tropes, and there were moments where I wished certain emotional beats had been explored more deeply. Still, the strength of the characters and the enduring bond between them made this a compelling and engaging read.

[Catherine Norselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love like theirs doesn’t heal. It kills.

By day, Victor Flores is the perfect student. By night, he’s shaped by the violence he can’t escape. When Daniella Andrade moves in next door, she becomes his light—and his obsession.

Years later, Vic is a brilliant surgeon with a darker hunger beneath his calm exterior. When Dani returns, carrying secrets of her own, she must face the truth: the boy she loved has become a monster… or exactly what she needs.

I loved the slow-burn yearning in this one, especially the dual POV (which I always love). While I don’t usually enjoy a miscommunication trope, it was handled really well and kept me fully invested. This is a darker romance that also dives into domestic abuse and its lasting effects, adding real emotional weight. Spicy, intense, and the perfect read to heat things up during this cold winter weather.