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Pure: A Dark High School Romance
Some boys want to be a girl's first.
I want to be her last.
People call me crazy, insensitive, dead-eyed, unresponsive, blank. An aberration without the capacity to feel human emotion, just like my dad. People say I'd be behind bars if my family's obscene wealth didn't keep buying me out of trouble.
People are right.
I've never cared about anything. Girls. Rules. Boundaries.
Never cared for anyone until her… my beautiful icy angel with the stuttering eyes and the forced smile.
One glance and she's my instant fixation. So vulnerable, I taste blood. So pure.
When I learn her darkest secret, it only intensifies my obsession. And despite her bravado, she's desperate enough to accept help on any terms from anybody.
Even a sociopath.
Even a liar.
Even me.
This is a DARK/BULLY standalone romance and contains graphic scenes, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the content notice in the preface of the book.
I want to be her last.
People call me crazy, insensitive, dead-eyed, unresponsive, blank. An aberration without the capacity to feel human emotion, just like my dad. People say I'd be behind bars if my family's obscene wealth didn't keep buying me out of trouble.
People are right.
I've never cared about anything. Girls. Rules. Boundaries.
Never cared for anyone until her… my beautiful icy angel with the stuttering eyes and the forced smile.
One glance and she's my instant fixation. So vulnerable, I taste blood. So pure.
When I learn her darkest secret, it only intensifies my obsession. And despite her bravado, she's desperate enough to accept help on any terms from anybody.
Even a sociopath.
Even a liar.
Even me.
This is a DARK/BULLY standalone romance and contains graphic scenes, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the content notice in the preface of the book.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2026
49 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 17, 2026
I would like to preface this review with the confirmation that I did in fact, read the trigger warnings for this before I started it. That being said though, this is an EXTREMELY heavy dark romance book. Yes, the trigger warnings listed a lot of things BUT, the amount of sexual assaults alone here (we are talking about: attempted rape, multiple rapes, druggings to enable rape) is actually insane. While they also do say there are suicidal ideations, this isn’t something that’s kind of glossed over. The amount of time spent on this and in depth planning of this is also extremely high.
(I wouldn’t call the above spoilers since it’s in the trigger warnings but I do think people should have fair warning going into it that the prevalence here is sky high.)
There really aren’t very many happy moments in this book. The subject matter is not easy to read and is highly detailed. I have read a lot of dark romance, dark bully romance and enemies to lovers but I would easily put this in the top 5 darkest I have read.
The actual writing was good but I wouldn’t reread this or recommend it to a friend. By the time it is over, you don’t know if you need to stare at a wall, have a full lobotomy, read a rom-com or evaluate all of your life choices that lead you here. That being said, if you like very dark romances, with heavy subject matter and can stomach reading about the above, you’ll probably enjoy this.
All of that said, I did like Ophelia and she will probably need several decades of therapy which I don’t know she will have based on everything that happens by the end.
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
3⭐️
3🌶️
(I wouldn’t call the above spoilers since it’s in the trigger warnings but I do think people should have fair warning going into it that the prevalence here is sky high.)
There really aren’t very many happy moments in this book. The subject matter is not easy to read and is highly detailed. I have read a lot of dark romance, dark bully romance and enemies to lovers but I would easily put this in the top 5 darkest I have read.
The actual writing was good but I wouldn’t reread this or recommend it to a friend. By the time it is over, you don’t know if you need to stare at a wall, have a full lobotomy, read a rom-com or evaluate all of your life choices that lead you here. That being said, if you like very dark romances, with heavy subject matter and can stomach reading about the above, you’ll probably enjoy this.
All of that said, I did like Ophelia and she will probably need several decades of therapy which I don’t know she will have based on everything that happens by the end.
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
3⭐️
3🌶️
February 17, 2026
4.5⭐️/ 3🌶️
It's been a long time since I read a high school bully romance, and Layla. So, I picked it up as soon as I saw it. And that was so worth it.
This book has everything we expect from Layla's book - non-con, bully, feisty but sweet fmc and bully turned obsessed hero. Damien is a selfish alphahole, so if you are expecting a redemption arc, please don't. He is bad from start to end.
And Ophelia! That girl made my heart hurt so much. If you are a reader of dark romance, you will be able to predict what's going on, but it doesn't take away from the story. I had a lot more feelings when it came to her character.
Please read the trigger warning - this book is heavy! 🚨
It's been a long time since I read a high school bully romance, and Layla. So, I picked it up as soon as I saw it. And that was so worth it.
This book has everything we expect from Layla's book - non-con, bully, feisty but sweet fmc and bully turned obsessed hero. Damien is a selfish alphahole, so if you are expecting a redemption arc, please don't. He is bad from start to end.
And Ophelia! That girl made my heart hurt so much. If you are a reader of dark romance, you will be able to predict what's going on, but it doesn't take away from the story. I had a lot more feelings when it came to her character.
Please read the trigger warning - this book is heavy! 🚨
February 19, 2026
This was all over the place. Though for me this not the darkest thing I have read I felt that the rape incidents were too many to count. I’ve read pitch black and devoured those reads since the author took the time to make sure the characters were safe. That didn’t happen here. It was just looked over. Like “oh, she was drugged and raped several times” to “well that kind of sucks but onto the next thing”.
No. This isn’t truly a bully romance either. The guy stepped on her glasses that’s it. The entire storyline is so unrealistic. Both get away with murder. Yes it is fiction but let’s not write scenarios that don’t make any kind of sense even within the story itself.
This was a let down for sure. The tropes and TW’s are there but it just feels like the author said to herself “let’s just throw a bunch of things together and hope for the best.”
No. This isn’t truly a bully romance either. The guy stepped on her glasses that’s it. The entire storyline is so unrealistic. Both get away with murder. Yes it is fiction but let’s not write scenarios that don’t make any kind of sense even within the story itself.
This was a let down for sure. The tropes and TW’s are there but it just feels like the author said to herself “let’s just throw a bunch of things together and hope for the best.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
usually like this trope but this one was too corny, from start to finish.
February 19, 2026
I went back and forth between 3-4 stars. I’ll settle on 3.7 (possible spoilers ahead with recaps) I almost DNF, but I’m glad I kept going. The first half is rough because it’s so depressing.
This book is DARK so definitely read the trigger warnings.
h is albino, blind, and handicapped. She’s also suicidal, and has future plans to unalive herself. She is bullied a lot. It mostly by this OW. The OW used to have a bf, and she caught her bf, Chris, in bed with h. h had been drugged by Chris, and Chris had gRaped h. OW blames h, and makes it her life’s mission to torture h.
h’s mom is 💩, and left h when she move out. So h has been living with mom’s ex. He’s kind of like her guardian.
You’d think this h would be timid, but she’s not. She has some spunk to her.
H has an abusive dad. H is a psychopath- like..he has no emotions or empathy. He’s new to the school and his dad has already told him he needs to hook up with OW so he can close a business deal. Well, H sees h….and immediately knows he wants her. 🤪
H and h have a few run-ins and eventually he breaks into her house. He finds a hidden camera there. He has a buddy tap into the camera and he installs tracking on her phone. He finds that h has been hiding her mental illness pills (she won’t take them anymore but she doesn’t want mom’s ex to know) H finds out that h tried to unalive herself before and plans on doing it again.
H blackmails h into being his smex slave for a month. He also wants to watch her unalive herself at the end of the month. 🙃
Let’s just say the first couple of smexual events, h did not consent. She did not get any pleasure.
It’s clear that H starts to develop some strong possessive feelings towards h. He even hires a bodyguard to follow her around so the bullies can’t hurt her.
Some of their smexual stuff is awkward. One good example, H makes h lick up his release off the floor. 😬😬 But there were also times it was 🔥. I was conflicted
So H is “dating” h in secret, but still going out with OW (H really hates OW, though)
H’s dad finds out about h (because he walked in on them having smex) and H’s dad is a CREEP. He said some nasty things about h. H ☠️ his dad. H knows that was his only option left. H’s dad was an awful person.
OW made plans to do something awful to h at the dance, but H ruined her plans. OW still attacked h, but she got pepper sprayed in the face.
H looks back on a video of h in her home. He sees mom’s ex give h her nightly glass of cocoa. The cocoa is drugged. Mom’s ex has been drugging h for a while. While h is knocked out, he lets men come in and gRape her. Then he gets paid. Both H and h ☠️ him. GOOD! I did appreciate the little bits of humor from h when she told him she needed a lot of therapy.
I really enjoyed the ending and how he proposed. It was fitting for his character. I started this thinking he couldn’t be redeemed, but he was IMO. 🤷♀️
I also liked the epilogue where they have a daughter and she acts like her dad. 😂😂
This book is DARK so definitely read the trigger warnings.
h is albino, blind, and handicapped. She’s also suicidal, and has future plans to unalive herself. She is bullied a lot. It mostly by this OW. The OW used to have a bf, and she caught her bf, Chris, in bed with h. h had been drugged by Chris, and Chris had gRaped h. OW blames h, and makes it her life’s mission to torture h.
h’s mom is 💩, and left h when she move out. So h has been living with mom’s ex. He’s kind of like her guardian.
You’d think this h would be timid, but she’s not. She has some spunk to her.
H has an abusive dad. H is a psychopath- like..he has no emotions or empathy. He’s new to the school and his dad has already told him he needs to hook up with OW so he can close a business deal. Well, H sees h….and immediately knows he wants her. 🤪
H and h have a few run-ins and eventually he breaks into her house. He finds a hidden camera there. He has a buddy tap into the camera and he installs tracking on her phone. He finds that h has been hiding her mental illness pills (she won’t take them anymore but she doesn’t want mom’s ex to know) H finds out that h tried to unalive herself before and plans on doing it again.
H blackmails h into being his smex slave for a month. He also wants to watch her unalive herself at the end of the month. 🙃
Let’s just say the first couple of smexual events, h did not consent. She did not get any pleasure.
It’s clear that H starts to develop some strong possessive feelings towards h. He even hires a bodyguard to follow her around so the bullies can’t hurt her.
Some of their smexual stuff is awkward. One good example, H makes h lick up his release off the floor. 😬😬 But there were also times it was 🔥. I was conflicted
So H is “dating” h in secret, but still going out with OW (H really hates OW, though)
H’s dad finds out about h (because he walked in on them having smex) and H’s dad is a CREEP. He said some nasty things about h. H ☠️ his dad. H knows that was his only option left. H’s dad was an awful person.
OW made plans to do something awful to h at the dance, but H ruined her plans. OW still attacked h, but she got pepper sprayed in the face.
H looks back on a video of h in her home. He sees mom’s ex give h her nightly glass of cocoa. The cocoa is drugged. Mom’s ex has been drugging h for a while. While h is knocked out, he lets men come in and gRape her. Then he gets paid. Both H and h ☠️ him. GOOD! I did appreciate the little bits of humor from h when she told him she needed a lot of therapy.
I really enjoyed the ending and how he proposed. It was fitting for his character. I started this thinking he couldn’t be redeemed, but he was IMO. 🤷♀️
I also liked the epilogue where they have a daughter and she acts like her dad. 😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
Damien's father sent him to a new school to get closer to a student (not the FMC) to secure a business transaction with her father. He agreed to it, but never planned on Ophelia, which ended up complicating things for everyone.
Damien ended up obsessing over her in a dominant, possessive way and he went to great lengths to protect her, even if she didn't realize it at the time. Ophelia had a rough go at life so far and her mental health was effected deeply. I was glad that Damien wasn't really that much of a bully, I felt he was more of a red flag, OTT type of guy, and I was all for that.
I really liked how much Damien actually adored her, but she didn't always see it because of his father's plans for him. But as time went on, Damien's priorities started to shift, and there was no way he was letting her go. The spicy scenes were super hot and detailed (you may need a fan while reading)!
There are very heavy subjects in this book, so please read the warnings! A few things were said that shocked me a little, but it was part of the story, and wasn't triggering for me.
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 4 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Damien & Ophelia
Nickname: Snowflake
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (although the overall story is not that dark for me [I read pitch black books as well], but some themes are very dark, so I gave it 5 dark hearts)
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel
Title: Pure
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*MINE!
*Stalking
*Somno
*Taking advantage of FMC after uncon drugging (not MMC)
*Non/Dub Con
*FMC bullied
*CSA (not MMC)
*Mental Health:
*No sharing
*No cheating (
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
Damien ended up obsessing over her in a dominant, possessive way and he went to great lengths to protect her, even if she didn't realize it at the time. Ophelia had a rough go at life so far and her mental health was effected deeply. I was glad that Damien wasn't really that much of a bully, I felt he was more of a red flag, OTT type of guy, and I was all for that.
I really liked how much Damien actually adored her, but she didn't always see it because of his father's plans for him. But as time went on, Damien's priorities started to shift, and there was no way he was letting her go. The spicy scenes were super hot and detailed (you may need a fan while reading)!
There are very heavy subjects in this book, so please read the warnings! A few things were said that shocked me a little, but it was part of the story, and wasn't triggering for me.
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 4 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Damien & Ophelia
Nickname: Snowflake
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (although the overall story is not that dark for me [I read pitch black books as well], but some themes are very dark, so I gave it 5 dark hearts)
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel
Title: Pure
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*MINE!
*Stalking
*Somno
*Taking advantage of FMC after uncon drugging (not MMC)
*Non/Dub Con
*FMC bullied
*CSA (not MMC)
*Mental Health:
*No sharing
*No cheating (
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.
February 16, 2026
- High school bully dark romance
- Possession and obsession
- He falls first
- Bad boy meets good girl
- Touch her and ☠️
- HEA
Out now 📅
“She’s his new toy and he wants to play”😈
Our FMC Ophelia is a resilient girl who is getting bullied for something under false pretences, getting punished for something that wasn’t in her control. When enough is enough she’s ready to start fighting back, and she does have a feisty side when needed💁🏽♀️
She soon falls into the eyes of our MMC Damien. A new starter to the school but he’s been sent there for a reason, and Ophelia falls into his tracks and she piques his interest. He offers her an agreement which Ophelia accepts when her hand is forced. Feelings and emotions are not programmed into Damien and what he wants is what he gets with no remorse.
This is only supposed to be an agreement for so long and they both get what they want at the end, but will Ophelia surprise Damien in a way he wasn’t expecting? You’ll soon get to know that Damien is her biggest threat and also her protector, no one touches what’s his😏
Will Ophelia help Damien to feel again?
I enjoyed this book and I did enjoy Damien’s bad ways, I think he is misunderstood and puts on a front to protect himself and most times has no choice. He grows on you and is an anti hero. He just needs to find the right person to show him love and care, and bring out a different side to him and will that be Ophelia? Get your copy to find out!🖤
Now personally a bully romance is one of my favourite tropes, but it may not be for everyone. There are some triggering topics in this book so it’s important if you still do, to read the trigger warnings🙏🏼
I don’t read trigger warnings myself but that is a personal preference, and have read a lot of dark romance books, but if you’re new into this genre I would suggest reading them. If not then dive in and enjoy🤪
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
- Possession and obsession
- He falls first
- Bad boy meets good girl
- Touch her and ☠️
- HEA
Out now 📅
“She’s his new toy and he wants to play”😈
Our FMC Ophelia is a resilient girl who is getting bullied for something under false pretences, getting punished for something that wasn’t in her control. When enough is enough she’s ready to start fighting back, and she does have a feisty side when needed💁🏽♀️
She soon falls into the eyes of our MMC Damien. A new starter to the school but he’s been sent there for a reason, and Ophelia falls into his tracks and she piques his interest. He offers her an agreement which Ophelia accepts when her hand is forced. Feelings and emotions are not programmed into Damien and what he wants is what he gets with no remorse.
This is only supposed to be an agreement for so long and they both get what they want at the end, but will Ophelia surprise Damien in a way he wasn’t expecting? You’ll soon get to know that Damien is her biggest threat and also her protector, no one touches what’s his😏
Will Ophelia help Damien to feel again?
I enjoyed this book and I did enjoy Damien’s bad ways, I think he is misunderstood and puts on a front to protect himself and most times has no choice. He grows on you and is an anti hero. He just needs to find the right person to show him love and care, and bring out a different side to him and will that be Ophelia? Get your copy to find out!🖤
Now personally a bully romance is one of my favourite tropes, but it may not be for everyone. There are some triggering topics in this book so it’s important if you still do, to read the trigger warnings🙏🏼
I don’t read trigger warnings myself but that is a personal preference, and have read a lot of dark romance books, but if you’re new into this genre I would suggest reading them. If not then dive in and enjoy🤪
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)
This is pitch black. Not “morally gray.” Not “edgy.”
Pitch. Black.
Read the trigger warnings. Actually read them.
I went back and forth between a 3 and a 4 for this one, and ultimately I rounded up because I like dark. I’m not afraid of ugly, uncomfortable, or psychologically twisted dynamics. But this book does not soften itself for the reader.
If you’ve never read Layla Simon before, you might not expect just how intense this gets. This was one of my first by her, and after looking into her backlist, the darkness here feels very on brand. She doesn’t flirt with taboo — she commits to it.
Ophelia’s life is bleak from the start. Her mother is awful. Her home life is suffocating. There’s no safe space for her. And Damien? He is not a misunderstood cinnamon roll hiding under a rough exterior. He is cruel. Calculated. Self-aware in his detachment. He treats her badly for most of this book.
There are non-con elements. There is manipulation. There is emotional brutality. If you are expecting a traditional redemption arc where Damien grovels and transforms into a morally upright hero… that is not this story.
Does he get revenge for Ophelia? Yes.
Does Ophelia grow some spine by the end? Somewhat.
Does Damien fully redeem himself? In my opinion, no.
And that’s kind of the point.
This is not a soft HEA. It’s a dark, twisted version of one. The ending fits the tone of the story — but the journey there is heavy and uncomfortable by design.
If you like your romance extreme, psychologically dark, and unapologetically messy, you’ll probably appreciate what this book is doing. If you need redemption, healing arcs, or moral balance… this likely won’t work for you.
For me? It was intense, well-executed for what it was trying to be, but definitely not an easy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is pitch black. Not “morally gray.” Not “edgy.”
Pitch. Black.
Read the trigger warnings. Actually read them.
I went back and forth between a 3 and a 4 for this one, and ultimately I rounded up because I like dark. I’m not afraid of ugly, uncomfortable, or psychologically twisted dynamics. But this book does not soften itself for the reader.
If you’ve never read Layla Simon before, you might not expect just how intense this gets. This was one of my first by her, and after looking into her backlist, the darkness here feels very on brand. She doesn’t flirt with taboo — she commits to it.
Ophelia’s life is bleak from the start. Her mother is awful. Her home life is suffocating. There’s no safe space for her. And Damien? He is not a misunderstood cinnamon roll hiding under a rough exterior. He is cruel. Calculated. Self-aware in his detachment. He treats her badly for most of this book.
There are non-con elements. There is manipulation. There is emotional brutality. If you are expecting a traditional redemption arc where Damien grovels and transforms into a morally upright hero… that is not this story.
Does he get revenge for Ophelia? Yes.
Does Ophelia grow some spine by the end? Somewhat.
Does Damien fully redeem himself? In my opinion, no.
And that’s kind of the point.
This is not a soft HEA. It’s a dark, twisted version of one. The ending fits the tone of the story — but the journey there is heavy and uncomfortable by design.
If you like your romance extreme, psychologically dark, and unapologetically messy, you’ll probably appreciate what this book is doing. If you need redemption, healing arcs, or moral balance… this likely won’t work for you.
For me? It was intense, well-executed for what it was trying to be, but definitely not an easy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pure reads more true Bullege (college bully), than high school bully, Layla Simon wrote a h*ll of a good one here. Bullege is in my top three favorite tropes—high school 18+ will have to be included in that category.
Ophelia was being relentlessly bullied by Chelsea, for something she didn’t do. Although she’s always outnumbered, she always fights back. Damien’s father is unimaginably cruel, and forces him to do things that curl his stomach. Damien and Ophelia are two tortured souls. From the very beginning, they both demanded my attention, empathy, and loyalty. Both for different, but heartbreaking reasons. Loved this book.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Damien
FMC:
✨Ophelia
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Tropes:
👉high school bully romance
👉he falls first/harder
👉opposites attract
👉bad boy x good girl
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex: somnophilia, dub-con, primal play, somnophilia, bondage
💥profanity
💥violence: bullying, physical assault, familial violence, physical violence, illicit recording, r ape-off page, verbal abuse, sexual assault
💥death: patricide, murder, attempted suicide, suicidal ideation
💥psychological: manipulation, coercion, parental abandonment, ptsd
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ophelia was being relentlessly bullied by Chelsea, for something she didn’t do. Although she’s always outnumbered, she always fights back. Damien’s father is unimaginably cruel, and forces him to do things that curl his stomach. Damien and Ophelia are two tortured souls. From the very beginning, they both demanded my attention, empathy, and loyalty. Both for different, but heartbreaking reasons. Loved this book.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Damien
FMC:
✨Ophelia
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Tropes:
👉high school bully romance
👉he falls first/harder
👉opposites attract
👉bad boy x good girl
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex: somnophilia, dub-con, primal play, somnophilia, bondage
💥profanity
💥violence: bullying, physical assault, familial violence, physical violence, illicit recording, r ape-off page, verbal abuse, sexual assault
💥death: patricide, murder, attempted suicide, suicidal ideation
💥psychological: manipulation, coercion, parental abandonment, ptsd
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Slow and intense red flag filled start (on page rape(s), attempted suicide and suicidal ideation) begins a temporary dub/non consensual relationship. This story has similarities to stories by Rina Kent, if you are a fan of their work you will probably enjoy this book as well. I strongly recommend checking trigger warnings. The story picks up toward the late middle/end for a stronger finish. Ultimately I really couldn’t get past the MMC Damien being a selfish lover (I almost DNF'd over the first two spicy encounters the MMC and FMC had) on top of all his other red flags. I enjoyed the diversity in this book. I received an advance review copy for free thanks to BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other readers may find relevant: bully, choking, contemporary, crime, dark, fmc-ophelia, high school, mental health, mmc-damien, New Zealand, primal, sexual assault, spanking, stalker, standalone, temporary relationship
Fiction, romance, challenging, dark, slow pace
Plot or Character Driven: character
Strong character development: no
Lovable characters: no
Diverse cast of characters: yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes
Spoilers! Below are the tags I included in my personal tracking that other readers may find relevant: bully, choking, contemporary, crime, dark, fmc-ophelia, high school, mental health, mmc-damien, New Zealand, primal, sexual assault, spanking, stalker, standalone, temporary relationship
Fiction, romance, challenging, dark, slow pace
Plot or Character Driven: character
Strong character development: no
Lovable characters: no
Diverse cast of characters: yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: yes
February 22, 2026
Pure by Layla Simon
This is a gripping and intense read that immediately pulls you in. From the very first chapter, the story wastes no time throwing you into Ophelia’s world, where she’s being targeted by the rich girl at school and her group of followers. The cruelty is sharp and uncomfortable, especially when Damien arrives on his first day and joins in. When he breaks Ophelia’s glasses—the very thing she needs to see—it sets the tone for just how dark and emotional this story is going to be.
I found the book incredibly interesting, with complex characters that made strong impressions—yes, even the mean girls. They all add depth to the story and make the emotional tension feel real. The dynamics between the characters are intense, layered, and sometimes heartbreaking.
If you’re into dark romance, this is definitely one to pick up—but be sure to check the warnings beforehand. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy emotional depth, complicated relationships, and stories that aren’t afraid to go to darker places.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a gripping and intense read that immediately pulls you in. From the very first chapter, the story wastes no time throwing you into Ophelia’s world, where she’s being targeted by the rich girl at school and her group of followers. The cruelty is sharp and uncomfortable, especially when Damien arrives on his first day and joins in. When he breaks Ophelia’s glasses—the very thing she needs to see—it sets the tone for just how dark and emotional this story is going to be.
I found the book incredibly interesting, with complex characters that made strong impressions—yes, even the mean girls. They all add depth to the story and make the emotional tension feel real. The dynamics between the characters are intense, layered, and sometimes heartbreaking.
If you’re into dark romance, this is definitely one to pick up—but be sure to check the warnings beforehand. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy emotional depth, complicated relationships, and stories that aren’t afraid to go to darker places.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2026
Ophelia and Damien's story is dark. Read the trigger warnings please; there are some very heavy themes in this book.
A slow burn romance, if you want to call is that, between Damien (the bully) and Ophelia, who has a lot of challenges. Ophelia has been handed the worst in life; a mother who left her, a step father who is controlling, a whole host of mean girls that take absolute joy in torturing her, and now Damien. The story started out a little slow but picked up as it went along, however I just had a hard time getting into the story. I did love the disability representation in this book however. She really did an amazing job there. While this book wasn't for me, I do know other readers that would love it.
A slow burn romance, if you want to call is that, between Damien (the bully) and Ophelia, who has a lot of challenges. Ophelia has been handed the worst in life; a mother who left her, a step father who is controlling, a whole host of mean girls that take absolute joy in torturing her, and now Damien. The story started out a little slow but picked up as it went along, however I just had a hard time getting into the story. I did love the disability representation in this book however. She really did an amazing job there. While this book wasn't for me, I do know other readers that would love it.
February 20, 2026
Layla Simon has blown my mind with this book! I didn't know if I wanted to hate Damien or love him. It was darker than I expected but I loved it. Ophelia was so strong despite all she was dealing with. I loved the way Damien was instantly drawn to Ophelia but didn't understand it. His struggle with his own life while also trying to handle her issues was such a great story. I really loved that Ophelia wasn't your typical girl that you read about. This is the first book I have read with a main female character like her but I don't want to spoil it so I will just say she is unique! Also not the typical HEA, but it fit their story perfectly! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2026
I had read Freckles a couple of months back. It was my first Layla book, and I really liked it. So when I saw this one, I was like, “ I have to read it.” 😏 Damien had a lot going on with his controlling freak of a dad, and then Ophelia with all the bullying and not having a normal life. The way the story flowed was pretty good. Damien just went all in with poor Ophelia, and she was like, “Dude, get away. I have so much on my plate.” She had so many trust issues because she was never taken care of or given priority. Damien was so protective of his little ghost. I did not expect what all happened towards the end, but I am glad it turned out the way it did.
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 22, 2026
Okay, Okay! Who doesn't love a good Psychopath and Albino legal blind love story? Damien and Ophelia have my heart. He thinks he can't love until he meets Ophelia. She is the legally blind albino girl that is bullied by the local "mean" girls. Damien is tasked by his father to befriend the head bitch, Chelsea. He does not care for her at all, but his father basically black mails him into dating her. All the while he makes a deal with Ophelia that will have you swinging your feet with glee! As time progresses Damien realizes he in fact can fall in love and it is with Ophelia. Their story has so many ingredients: suicide attempts, bullying, and then add a dash of murder and that equals a love for the ages. Take the plunge and you too can enjoy this lovely tale!
February 22, 2026
I don’t know how Layla keeps coming up with these stunning stories that get better every time.
I love Damien. He is a dare devil and pushes barriers. He is on the nose and doesn’t care who he hurts to get what he wants, until Ophelia. I love his recklessness and cool and calm compartmentalisation. Nothing bothers him. He is a great character that helps me get invested.
Ophelia was going through a torrid time and more so than anyone realised, especially with that final twist. I hate her bullies and love her inner reserve and strength. I feel that Damien gave her that extra push she needed.
I like the fact more that this story wasn’t the norm. It had twists and turns and reeled me in. This is a great absorbing read and I read in one day as it was way too good to put down.
I love Damien. He is a dare devil and pushes barriers. He is on the nose and doesn’t care who he hurts to get what he wants, until Ophelia. I love his recklessness and cool and calm compartmentalisation. Nothing bothers him. He is a great character that helps me get invested.
Ophelia was going through a torrid time and more so than anyone realised, especially with that final twist. I hate her bullies and love her inner reserve and strength. I feel that Damien gave her that extra push she needed.
I like the fact more that this story wasn’t the norm. It had twists and turns and reeled me in. This is a great absorbing read and I read in one day as it was way too good to put down.
February 20, 2026
Pure is the tragic lovestory of Ophelia and Damien. Two young adults from vastly different walks of life. Not tragic in the no happily ever after, they get that, but it was hard faught.
Opie has a genetic disorder (Albinism) and all the bullying that comes along with being difficult, was abandoned by her mother. Damien is his rich daddy's whipping boy and pawn in business. There is no love lost there.
These two run into each other at the worst time, but Ophelia is not the wilting flower Damien thinks she is. Ophelia is a badass FMC and she has come a long way to get her HEA.
Lots of triggers so make sure you mind your mental health.
Opie has a genetic disorder (Albinism) and all the bullying that comes along with being difficult, was abandoned by her mother. Damien is his rich daddy's whipping boy and pawn in business. There is no love lost there.
These two run into each other at the worst time, but Ophelia is not the wilting flower Damien thinks she is. Ophelia is a badass FMC and she has come a long way to get her HEA.
Lots of triggers so make sure you mind your mental health.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2026
I definitely flew through this, mind your triggers though this baby is dark! It does read I bit like a mash up between high school and college in some parts, but it somehow seems to fit. The battle these two had both between themselves and against others definitely made the ending that much sweeter though!
February 23, 2026
Pure by Layla Simon unfolds with a measured, slow-burn intensity, where attraction simmers beneath layers of guilt and long-held secrets. The characters feel bruised and real, their choices shaped by a past that keeps intruding at the worst possible moment. A late twist reframes everything, leaving the closing chapters charged with suspense and quietly unforgettable emotion.
February 18, 2026
This was most definitely an obsessive romance… With some trauma. Ophelia is a perfect damaged soul… While Damien is a sociopath who is infactuated with Ophelia from their first sighting. This is a perfect damaged and dark love story.
February 20, 2026
I enjoyed Damian and Ophelia’s story. The plot is dark and gripping. Lots of drama, bullying, and trauma. A great read.
February 23, 2026
I liked the characters, but overall I just wanted more—of everything—explanations, the world building, everything.
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