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Lacrima: A Modern Dark Romance
Alina Klein has spent a decade failing to make it in Hollywood, so when she lands a lead role in the sci-fi epic "Dissolve into the Stars," it feels like her last chance. Cast opposite newcomer Luca Yang, Alina tries to keep things professional while the script pushes her into uncomfortable intimacy.
Luca, a Chinese model-turned-actor, just hopes playing a domineering general will propel him to fame and spare him from doing variety shows and trashy romance dramas. A pretty little co-star is just another perk—as are the scenes that let him break down her boundaries one by one.
Praised for her "authenticity" while she unravels, Alina finds herself isolated, betrayed by those who should protect her, and forced to keep working alongside the man who crossed the line. As Luca's obsession grows while the camera rolls, Alina's conflicted feelings carry them into unknown territory—together.
Luca, a Chinese model-turned-actor, just hopes playing a domineering general will propel him to fame and spare him from doing variety shows and trashy romance dramas. A pretty little co-star is just another perk—as are the scenes that let him break down her boundaries one by one.
Praised for her "authenticity" while she unravels, Alina finds herself isolated, betrayed by those who should protect her, and forced to keep working alongside the man who crossed the line. As Luca's obsession grows while the camera rolls, Alina's conflicted feelings carry them into unknown territory—together.
- GenresDark
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
About the author
E.H. Lee
4 books9 followersIndie author obsessed with writing complicated relationships tinged with darkness
Follow me on instagram @authorehlee
Follow me on instagram @authorehlee
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished this entertaining read about a sexy time between costars (pretty explicit and kinky - which is either a plus or a minus for you, depending on what you are looking for) on a movie set which grows into something more.
This is super fun, solidly written, entertaining, hot bit of a good time. If you like jerk dominant men who catch feelings to their horror and nice good girls who find out they aren't, this one is for you.
PS I would so totally watch the movie they are filming in the novel. Someone make it, please!
(I got an ARC but my review is my own honest feelings etc etc etc.)
This is super fun, solidly written, entertaining, hot bit of a good time. If you like jerk dominant men who catch feelings to their horror and nice good girls who find out they aren't, this one is for you.
PS I would so totally watch the movie they are filming in the novel. Someone make it, please!
(I got an ARC but my review is my own honest feelings etc etc etc.)
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July 1, 2026I'm not going to rate this one yet. I might not at all. I went in with the wrong expectations and currently feel bitterly disappointed, but I don't know if it's just because this didn't at all fit my expectations or if it was more the pacing and relationship building. I was expecting a book where the bad guy stayed bad, not where the bad guy became a lost, obsessed puppy for 50% of the book until the FMC chose to be with him for reasons that still don't seem realistic. I need to sit on it for a bit and see how I feel after a few days.
June 13, 2026
This was delightfully deranged in all the ways you want a dark romance to be.
And I was so happy to have an Asian MMC! I also work with a lot of non-native English speakers and thought the writer did a phenomenal job with Luca’s English. It was stilted enough that you could tell he wasn’t fluent without feeling like a stereotype or being hard to read. And the inclusion of Chinese culture felt seamless and natural.
And I was so happy to have an Asian MMC! I also work with a lot of non-native English speakers and thought the writer did a phenomenal job with Luca’s English. It was stilted enough that you could tell he wasn’t fluent without feeling like a stereotype or being hard to read. And the inclusion of Chinese culture felt seamless and natural.
June 17, 2026
So good, very original which is getting more and more rare. Hope the author writes more. My primary complaint is I wish it was in first person instead of third, but I really did enjoy it.
June 26, 2026
So bad. Zero stars
Wow, what a terrible waste of time. Atrocious writing.
Here’s an example:
“I told you before that you could treat my words like a dog barking. Just treat everything like a dog bit you. Just something bad that happened to you. Not your fault, okay?”
Um what?! Haha
I wanted to dnf as soon as I started.
Wow, what a terrible waste of time. Atrocious writing.
Here’s an example:
“I told you before that you could treat my words like a dog barking. Just treat everything like a dog bit you. Just something bad that happened to you. Not your fault, okay?”
Um what?! Haha
I wanted to dnf as soon as I started.
February 25, 2026
There is a lot of spice in this book and the spicy scenes are hot! The best part of the book, in my opinion, was the spicy scenes. They are written very well. They are original. In comparison to many other romances, or dark romances, that I have read which often use cliches and similar patterns in the spicy scenes that would bore me or make my eyes roll…this book was refreshing and exciting. I found the background world of the acting and film industry setting to be interesting and different.
There were parts of the book in between the spicy scenes that I found harder to keep my interest due to repetition or dragging on with too many details thought in their head (where maybe I prefer more banter and dialog between characters) but that is just my preference. Some of the spicy scenes could have gone on longer, with more detail as I was enjoying them so much. I would have preferred if the book continued on longer once the book concluded, but maybe there will be a sequel? I did like the book enough to read a sequel.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were parts of the book in between the spicy scenes that I found harder to keep my interest due to repetition or dragging on with too many details thought in their head (where maybe I prefer more banter and dialog between characters) but that is just my preference. Some of the spicy scenes could have gone on longer, with more detail as I was enjoying them so much. I would have preferred if the book continued on longer once the book concluded, but maybe there will be a sequel? I did like the book enough to read a sequel.
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First, this is a romance book with plenty of feelings and sex, but it's also rich in memorable characters and, for lack of a better word, worldbuilding. I would gladly know more about Layne, Marcus, Barb, Luca's mom… the main characters move through a world that is three-dimensional and colorful.
The leads were interesting together, the way that coke and Mentos are. They both make sense in their own ways, but are very different people, and it makes for some entertaining interactions.
I felt like the beginning was a little slow -- Alina's bubbly optimism is nothing out of the ordinary for a romance-book heroine, and there's nothing particularly captivating about the MMC at this point either. Where the book really got my attention was when we get into Luca's POV, and let me tell you, that guy is an ASSHOLE. I know it's the premise of the book, but he sucks in ways that I didn't expect, ways that broadened my horizons. I was immediately voraciously curious about him. My annotations for this book are full of me calling him names: asshole, pervert, dumb, jerkass, delusional, yknow what kinda cute, psychopath, wet dog man, bad ideas man, and some other things that are spoilers. You may be able to tell I liked this character a lot. He's also hot.
Alina develops over the course of the story, too. Some of the derogatory things Luca thinks about her seem true at the beginning of the story, but over the course of the book, she reveals her spine and resourcefulness. The more she was pushed against her limits, the more I liked her. As a whole, Alina got her hooks into me less as a character, but that's probably because she was more like a normal person.
The sex walks the line between pleasure and psychological pressure very well. It was also hot; I love me a vocal MMC. As for the romance, I was convinced by the end.
There was one aspect of the beginning that almost made me put the book down. When people are first being introduced, everyone's nationalities and ethnicities are specified in detail in a way that felt awkward and uncomfortable. It's less of an issue after the introductory chapters, though, and I'm glad I gave the rest of the book a chance.
The writing style is mostly unremarkable, but sometimes does get *very* funny.
And at least to someone not in the acting industry, everything about it mentioned in the book seemed extremely well-researched and self-consistent.
Overall, I liked the book and the characters. Some quibbles here and there, but all in all a story I want more of.
First, this is a romance book with plenty of feelings and sex, but it's also rich in memorable characters and, for lack of a better word, worldbuilding. I would gladly know more about Layne, Marcus, Barb, Luca's mom… the main characters move through a world that is three-dimensional and colorful.
The leads were interesting together, the way that coke and Mentos are. They both make sense in their own ways, but are very different people, and it makes for some entertaining interactions.
I felt like the beginning was a little slow -- Alina's bubbly optimism is nothing out of the ordinary for a romance-book heroine, and there's nothing particularly captivating about the MMC at this point either. Where the book really got my attention was when we get into Luca's POV, and let me tell you, that guy is an ASSHOLE. I know it's the premise of the book, but he sucks in ways that I didn't expect, ways that broadened my horizons. I was immediately voraciously curious about him. My annotations for this book are full of me calling him names: asshole, pervert, dumb, jerkass, delusional, yknow what kinda cute, psychopath, wet dog man, bad ideas man, and some other things that are spoilers. You may be able to tell I liked this character a lot. He's also hot.
Alina develops over the course of the story, too. Some of the derogatory things Luca thinks about her seem true at the beginning of the story, but over the course of the book, she reveals her spine and resourcefulness. The more she was pushed against her limits, the more I liked her. As a whole, Alina got her hooks into me less as a character, but that's probably because she was more like a normal person.
The sex walks the line between pleasure and psychological pressure very well. It was also hot; I love me a vocal MMC. As for the romance, I was convinced by the end.
There was one aspect of the beginning that almost made me put the book down. When people are first being introduced, everyone's nationalities and ethnicities are specified in detail in a way that felt awkward and uncomfortable. It's less of an issue after the introductory chapters, though, and I'm glad I gave the rest of the book a chance.
The writing style is mostly unremarkable, but sometimes does get *very* funny.
And at least to someone not in the acting industry, everything about it mentioned in the book seemed extremely well-researched and self-consistent.
Overall, I liked the book and the characters. Some quibbles here and there, but all in all a story I want more of.
June 25, 2026
Luca wasn't your typical brooding dark romance hero, he was a full-blown psychopath who became obsessed with Alina and had absolutely no respect for boundaries. One minute he was giving golden retriever energy, the next I was staring at the page wondering, what is actually wrong with you?
Alina was easily my favorite part of the book. She was sweet, bubbly, and the kind of person who made everyone around her feel comfortable, but she wasn't weak. She had a backbone, pushed back against Luca, and kept rejecting him despite his relentless obsession. Their dynamic was messy, toxic, and intense in a way that kept me reading.
‼️Now for my biggest issue: Luca fucking ow after already crossing into intimate territory with Alina left such a bad taste in my mouth. There was no on page sex with ow but still a mention, I know nothing official existed between them yet, even Alina was not bothered but I absolutely hate when romance heroes are touching or sleeping with ow once that connection with the heroine has started forming. It completely pulled me out of the story‼️
The only reason this wasn't a higher rating for me is because of that. After that point, he was all devoted, desperate, obsessed, and completely focused on Alina. Had that part been removed, this honestly could've been a five-star read.
- no cheating, no ow drama
Alina was easily my favorite part of the book. She was sweet, bubbly, and the kind of person who made everyone around her feel comfortable, but she wasn't weak. She had a backbone, pushed back against Luca, and kept rejecting him despite his relentless obsession. Their dynamic was messy, toxic, and intense in a way that kept me reading.
‼️Now for my biggest issue: Luca fucking ow after already crossing into intimate territory with Alina left such a bad taste in my mouth. There was no on page sex with ow but still a mention, I know nothing official existed between them yet, even Alina was not bothered but I absolutely hate when romance heroes are touching or sleeping with ow once that connection with the heroine has started forming. It completely pulled me out of the story‼️
The only reason this wasn't a higher rating for me is because of that. After that point, he was all devoted, desperate, obsessed, and completely focused on Alina. Had that part been removed, this honestly could've been a five-star read.
- no cheating, no ow drama
June 29, 2026
I'm sorry but what the fuck is the point of this?
TW: heavy non con
Okay so, I knew going in that some non con will happen, when or what or how I wasn't sure because I wanted to go in blind as much as possible. But then, I blinked and got to 50% without anything happening besides him being an asshole who fucks everyone because all women throw themselves at him, BUT not the FMC who is a people pleaser and doesn't "get the memo" that he's hitting on her, so he takes it personally and rapes her to prove the point I suppose. And no, I don't give a shit that he's drunk. The non con is not an issue, sometimes I read it and enjoy it even, it mostly made me wanna skim it, it felt superficially done and terrible.
There's literally nothing between them, no plot, no tension, no chemistry, no BACKSTORY, nothing. Cool.
"There was no denying their compatibility" WHERE? IS IT IN THE ROOM WITH US OR?
The premise sounded so interesting and could've been executed in a great way I'm sure, having two actors on a set of a SciFi movie they shoot together but there's literally nothing happening and frankly the MMC gave me creepy uncle energy and I hate the guy, he's so annoying.
The writing is also off at times, kept pulling me out of it. Lots of sex and not lots of anything else.
Yikes.
TW: heavy non con
Okay so, I knew going in that some non con will happen, when or what or how I wasn't sure because I wanted to go in blind as much as possible. But then, I blinked and got to 50% without anything happening besides him being an asshole who fucks everyone because all women throw themselves at him, BUT not the FMC who is a people pleaser and doesn't "get the memo" that he's hitting on her, so he takes it personally and rapes her to prove the point I suppose. And no, I don't give a shit that he's drunk. The non con is not an issue, sometimes I read it and enjoy it even, it mostly made me wanna skim it, it felt superficially done and terrible.
There's literally nothing between them, no plot, no tension, no chemistry, no BACKSTORY, nothing. Cool.
"There was no denying their compatibility" WHERE? IS IT IN THE ROOM WITH US OR?
The premise sounded so interesting and could've been executed in a great way I'm sure, having two actors on a set of a SciFi movie they shoot together but there's literally nothing happening and frankly the MMC gave me creepy uncle energy and I hate the guy, he's so annoying.
The writing is also off at times, kept pulling me out of it. Lots of sex and not lots of anything else.
Yikes.
June 25, 2026
Lacrima was exactly the kind of dark romance I love. If you're into obsessive, possessive MMCs who blur every line, Luca absolutely delivers. He had me completely hooked from the start. He's unhinged, controlling, and impossible to look away from, but somehow EH Lee makes him ridiculously addictive.
I also loved that Alina wasn't a weak heroine. She had a backbone, challenged Luca when she could, and never felt like she existed just to be pushed around. Their dynamic was messy, toxic, and intense in all the best ways, and the push and pull between them kept me turning the pages.
The noncon elements weren't thrown in for shock value—they fit the dark tone of the story and made the relationship feel even more unsettling and addictive. And the spice? So hot. Every scene between Luca and Alina was packed with tension and chemistry.
That ending has me desperate for the sequel. I need more Luca immediately.
I also loved that Alina wasn't a weak heroine. She had a backbone, challenged Luca when she could, and never felt like she existed just to be pushed around. Their dynamic was messy, toxic, and intense in all the best ways, and the push and pull between them kept me turning the pages.
The noncon elements weren't thrown in for shock value—they fit the dark tone of the story and made the relationship feel even more unsettling and addictive. And the spice? So hot. Every scene between Luca and Alina was packed with tension and chemistry.
That ending has me desperate for the sequel. I need more Luca immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stories within stories — and all of them leave you wanting more. I’m not generally an emotive reader, but I literally cried out when I reached the end — I was not ready for this ride to be over.
And what a ride!
I adored Luca’s character arc. He loses none of his see-you-next-Tuesday energy, but despite the delightfully problematic (only delightful because it’s fiction!) romance, he really has to dig into what he wants from Alina, why he wants it and how to get it.
Alina’s journey is no less compelling, she too needs to interrogate her choices and desires. I’m looking forward to spending more time with her when the next book comes out.
And what a ride!
I adored Luca’s character arc. He loses none of his see-you-next-Tuesday energy, but despite the delightfully problematic (only delightful because it’s fiction!) romance, he really has to dig into what he wants from Alina, why he wants it and how to get it.
Alina’s journey is no less compelling, she too needs to interrogate her choices and desires. I’m looking forward to spending more time with her when the next book comes out.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that dark romance element that I was looking for and enjoyed as a opening chapter in this series. The concept worked well and thought it had that feel that I was wanting from the description. The characters were so well written and thought worked well and worked in the plot of this. E. H. Lee was able to weave a strong storyline and was a strong overall feel and left me wanting more, it had that dark element that I expected and glad I read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2026
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful romance story. This is a darker mafia story that is by an author that is still new for me. I enjoyed not only their use of details but their writing skills as well This is a well written story about Alina and Luca. Their story is one of betrayal and obession. I enjoyed thier attraction and growth throughout. They heat up the pages and this is a story you don't want to miss. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story one that is a great story. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
February 6, 2026
Lacrima is a dark romance which contains several scenes of dubious consent and forced sex. These are listed in the trigger warnings at the start of the book.
I quite enjoyed this book. It was interesting that the MMC was morally grey. He wasn’t a “hero” but also wasn’t a villain. The feelings he evoked in Alina were conflicting and brought depth to the story.
Latina is written quite well and will keep the reader intrigued from start to finish. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I quite enjoyed this book. It was interesting that the MMC was morally grey. He wasn’t a “hero” but also wasn’t a villain. The feelings he evoked in Alina were conflicting and brought depth to the story.
Latina is written quite well and will keep the reader intrigued from start to finish. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
This feels like her last chance at becoming a star so she will do what she needs to. He wants to make sure he gets the fame he wants and when he meets his new partner. He will want so much more than she wants to give. See where his obsession leads too
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant read
January 27, 2026
Holy wow, first please check all CW and TW before reading this one! Luca omg Luca is one of the wildest characters I have read in a while. I no way would I be ok with what happened IRL but here the way he was obsessed with Alina!!! I laughed how Alina was a bit oblivious to Luca's interest. But I need more of them!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2026
The low ratings are by people who don't speak a language other than English and it shows. Don't listen to them. This is a great book and shows Chinese cultural nuance very well, I cannot wait for the second book. Thank you for representing my culture without making it look stereotypical or cringe
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting. The spice was really good. I enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. If you like dark romance this one is definitely for you.
February 6, 2026
Great great book.
February 10, 2026
Yes!! Crazy good book with an interesting storyline and relatable characters. Storyline moved at a good pace, and had exhibiting twists throughout. Read cover to cover. Highly recommend.
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June 24, 2026exatasis sequel release date 04/01/2027
June 25, 2026
This was an AMAZING book. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, but it is original and pulls you in so quickly.
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June 26, 2026omg so low ratings and this was soo good!!!
June 28, 2026
unusual but i liked the mmc, esp how he talked lollll
July 2, 2026
This started out with some fun dark erotica, but then the FMC and the MMC spent like 10% of the story together? One person texting and another person not answering just doesn’t make a riveting romance.
The reality TV show would’ve been fun if the FMC had actually participated. If she isn’t there, what’s the point?
The reality TV show would’ve been fun if the FMC had actually participated. If she isn’t there, what’s the point?
July 1, 2026
I love it soooo much
July 3, 2026
Really good book, fuck the haters
July 10, 2026
disturbing
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews