Beautiful Design: A Valentine's MM Dark Romance

by Haven Snow

Genres: M M Romance, Dark

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2026

Reviews

[ya.vl]

DNF 40%
Шось ця книга мене нервує, тим більше тут окрім сексу і нема нічого. «50 відтінків сірого» на мінімалках. Крістіан Грей курить в сторонці🤦🏿‍♀️
І шось мене вже підзадовбало оце «ти мій» «ти моя власніть» чувак ти тільки пару хвилин тому його побачив🗿 Господи прости…
Ну і те шо він його навіть не підготував, а зразу почав пхати в нього свій член, ну це взагалі 🤯
Я ше трошки і здурію з тими сказочніками😡

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

She wants to be invisible, blending into the surroundings.. but he notices her. And set his mind on protecting “read controlling” her.

The interactions and emotions between the main characters are beautifully captured, the author gives us a raw and pure insight in what they are thinking, how they are feeling and experiencing things and what drives them.

This dark romance is one of the best ones I’ve read so far! The author even created a level of depth into it, which made me enjoining this story even more!

It’s a part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was sent to erase a threat. What he found was the one person who made him hesitate.

Landon’s just an accountant until one mistake drops him into a world he was never supposed to see. When a dangerous organization decides he’s a loose end, they send Briar to handle it. Briar is sharp, silent, and always in control. But Landon doesn’t break like he’s supposed to, and Briar doesn’t follow orders like he always has.

Briar takes Landon instead of ending him. What starts as protection quickly turns into something deeper, tangled in control, submission, and emotional tension that neither of them can ignore. Landon learns how to survive in Briar’s world. Briar learns what it means to want something just for himself.

Alone and on the run, they rely on each other when there's no one else left. Violence fades into connection. Obsession shifts into trust. The closer they get, the harder it is to know if what they’ve built is dangerous or real.

Briar starts as a weapon with nothing to lose and ends up fighting for something he was never allowed to want. Landon goes from terrified and trapped to someone who stands his ground and makes his own choices. What begins with imbalance becomes a bond forged by danger, survival, and the quiet power of choosing to stay.

A dark, high heat, MM psychological romance featuring enemies to lovers, forced proximity, protector and protected, hurt comfort, trauma bonding, and morally gray choices. It explores survival, identity, control, trust, vulnerability, obsession, and transformation. It’s about what happens when control gives way to care, when danger becomes devotion, and when two broken men choose each other in the dark.

The Elevator Pitch: A dark and steamy MM romance where danger wraps itself in desire and survival turns into something far more intimate. When a trained killer chooses to protect instead of destroy, obsession, power, and trust collide in ways neither man expects. Twisted, emotional, and electric, it delivers heat, tension, and a love that dares to exist in the shadows.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

if there’s one thing I know for sure about this author, it’s that she writes the most amazing dark twisted romances, but this MM story took it to the next level. I’m all in for high stakes secret society romance with a murderous and very very questionable mmc. At some point I didn’t know whether to feel bad for Landon or to clap because Briar put him through so much shit! First there is a major power imbalance, although in the beginning they were just two people hooking up, it was Landons first time with a man and Briars dominant energy was clear as day. But the next day… it turns out that Landons life hangs off a threat, and the only person saving him from death is Briar… which is when the psychological part of this romance comes in. There is a very strong “erotic psychological manipulation” piece or you could call it conditioning. Did I love the spicy time and the tabooness of it all? Yeah, but please check your triggers before reading. The storyline was great, though it was kind of sidelined by the chemistry and smut between Landon and Briar. I also loved how although Briar could never be redeemable we see his character development throughout the short book. I enjoyed this so much. It was just the perfect dark and depraved read I craved after a long day. I do look forward to seeing more of this new Hollow King series and I give this a 4.5/5

[Lian Carver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have has a way of drawing you on and keeps you captivated start to finish. This MM romance has everything, secret society, angst and spice! The MMC's are written great, and sometimes I didnt know if you wanna scream at them or just high five them.

I just wish it was longer.

highly recommend this book if.you want an MM romance with a dominate MMC.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was good, but the book was too fast 🚴三paced for me. I like my books where I can see the connection building up but in this one it's not there at all, I couldn't feel it.
---------------------------------------------------
Spoiler alert 🚨:

I mean landon and briar just met for the first time at the party where briar is supposed to "handle" Him as briar was snooping around the financial logs of supposed charity which is basically a front for laundering money, because he was paid to do so, and then briar Sees him and next chapter they are fucking like what athe hell!!! Where is the build up man I want it!!! But there isn't any!!!
And next thing they are running for their lives!! Because 'the silent' will not remain silent🤫🤐😶!!
........ ........... ...... ...... ..... . . . . . . . .......,.................
This book had soooooooooo much potential I am not even exaggerating, but alas it is what it is.


All in all the story is like I meet a guy supposed to kill me, he sees me, he and I talk, he asks me to follow him, I follow him, he says either I belong to him and will be under his protection🛡️ if I don't he'll have to dispatch me , so ofc 💁🏻‍♀️I wanna live so I choose to belong to him, then "the silent" Sends people to off us both and now we are running 🏃💨💨for our lives..... And this all happens withing 24 hrs of us meeting like wtffff??????? And this guy just gave up everything to be w me and is now has a bounty on his head too along w me and bro he JUST met me!!!!!!!!!!


See the book was good but yeah it's all like I read a summary of very good book 📚📖
That means it wasn't a bad read but it wasn't something very good either .


📚: ⭐⭐⭐
Plot:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶🌶
Angst: 0️⃣
💏:------------

M/m
Dark
HEA
Secret society
Rich/poor
Power dynamics
Coercion

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

MM Dark Psychological Romance
Power Imbalance
Captor / Protector
Obsession & Possession
Coercion as Choice
Dominant Anti-Hero
Morally Black MMC
Erotic Psychological Manipulation
“Mine” Energy
Forced Proximity
Dual POV, First Person
Valentines MM Romace

Beautiful Design is a standalone MM dark psychological romance set in the Hollow Kings universe.
This book contains dark themes and is intended for mature audiences only.

“You want to know the secret? No matter how hard you fight, the program never leaves you.”

“No one is like the others. That’s the trick. They tell you you’re a monster, but all they want is for you to be useful. The second you’re not, you disappear.”

“I don’t want good. I want the truth.”

This is the first time he’s offered me something he can’t take back… his soul. Then he says, “You could run. You could leave, and I’d let you. I’ll make sure they don’t track you.”
….im staying….why…
“Because you need someone to remind you you’re more than a weapon. And because I want to see what happens if we both stop running.”

“I choose this,” I say. “I choose you. And whatever comes with that.”

“And if given the choice, I’d chose him, a thousand times. Even if it meant making a deal with the beast himself.”

I couldn't put this book down!
Briar and Landon have undeniable chemistry and tension you just can’t ignore! The push and pull. Landon’s curiosity, to know more. And briars was so passionate he wanted to protect Landon, and just fully possess he was a man obsessed. So hot 🔥 from the moment they were first alone together the temptation and desire was palpable! Love that Landon learns so much about himself and briar pushes him to explore his curiosity and gives him the safety to do that love it 🥵I want more of their story and need to know what happens!!
Landon stumbles upon some paperwork he shouldn’t have and Briar is sent to “erase” him from existence. But what’s is messy, intense and chaoticlu unhinged turns into more depth and I loved watching it all unfold! I’m desperate for more! So hooked!
I’d definitely recommend this 🔥

[Questionable Reads and Java Beans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the books by Haven Snow I have read so far Beautiful Design is my favourite. I love the delicious, dark, tense story. I love the characters, Briar and Landon. I love the way the everything comes together to build the story of these characters.

Both Briar and Landon are characters you need in The Silent Reaper. They are prominent side characters for that story playing out and they play a pivotal role in Jace and Elliott's story. Them getting their own story, getting to learn about how they met and how they ended up where they are when you first meet them was perfect for me.

Landon was delightful, in so many ways. I loved the way he calculated things and sought to solve the puzzles around him. I loved the way he wasn't rich and powerful but he still stood strong and determined. Briar was intriguing. He wasn't as harsh or cold or untouchable as some of the characters in this world. He was firm and direct. He was not afraid to determine what he wanted, even if he didn't know why he wanted it, and doing whatever it took to obtain and keep it. But in his own way he was still caring and careful.

This story was dark, though not as dark as some other works by Haven Snow I have read. The content should not be approached lightly. But if dark is something you enjoy, then this story was perfect. Short, easy to read, and a delicious romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Design: A Valentine’s MM Dark Romance by Haven Snow completely caught me off guard in the best way. This is a dark, psychological MM romance with definite trigger warnings, and it leans hard into secret society vibes and a captor/protector dynamic packed with intense mine energy.

Landon is an accountant who ends up tangled in business he never should have touched, and Briar is sent in to erase him. What starts as something that feels chaotic and unhinged quickly turns into a story with way more depth than I expected. There were multiple moments where I literally stopped and thought, wow… what am I reading?—and I mean that as a compliment.

The character development really surprised me. Instead of staying a purely dark, intense romance, the story evolves into something layered and emotional, with both characters growing in ways I didn’t see coming. It’s messy, intense, and gripping, but it’s also thoughtful in how it unfolds.

The ending is more happy-ish than fully happy, and while it left me slightly wrecked, it also left me desperate for more. I’m really hoping future Hollow Kings stories circle back around to these characters and give me the full HEA I’m craving. If you enjoy dark MM romance that goes deeper than expected, I highly recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unapologetically dark MM romance that leans hard into obsession, control and psychological intensity. The relationship between Landon and Briar is deeply unbalanced from the start, and the story never pretends otherwise. What begins as raw attraction quickly twists into something far more dangerous, with desire, fear and dependency tightly interwoven.

Briar is a truly morally black lead – protective, possessive and impossible to redeem – yet his evolution is compelling to watch. Landon’s journey is just as gripping, as he’s forced to confront both the truth of his situation and parts of himself he’d never dared to explore. The chemistry is fierce and often unsettling, with the emotional manipulation as central as the spice.

Dark, addictive and deliberately uncomfortable, this is a gripping read for fans of psychological romance who like their love stories sharp-edged and intense. Definitely check content warnings before diving in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Hollow Kings series and in this one, we are introduced to Landon and Briar. Landon is a quite man. Someone that can easily go unnoticed, except one day, he was indeed noticed by Briar. A beautiful creature made from control, power, and obsession. I recently got into reading some MM romances and I don't know why I wasn't reading them before. This may not make a lot of sense, but reading this made me think of a dark, cool, and humid cave. The two MCs seem to perform a dance of predator and prey. There are parts that were pretty rough to read, so I would suggest reviewing the TWs before starting this jourey. However, the story rounds out with the idea of surrendering to take control. It was well written, well paced with tons of intense spice that will keep you turning the pages. I would definitely recommend it. Overall, a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down!
Briar and Landon are push and pull, temptation and desire from the moment they are first alone together.
I love Landon's curiosity, the need to solve every puzzle, his drive to know more about Briar.
Briar's drive to protect and possess Landon no matter the cost is beyond morally gray by the time it is all said and done but also so HOT!!!
Landon learns so much about himself and his sexuality from Briar but he already had a small idea of what he was interested in (if his internet searches give anything away haha). Briar pushes him in a way he has never been pushed.
I want more of their story! I need to know so badly what happens!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc, thank you for giving me the chance to read it!
This is a Valentine’s Day MM standalone in the Hollow Kings universe. It follows Briar in who is the enforcer, nobody messes with him guy, and a reporter who loves to know the truth Landon. Two people who should not of crossed paths but they do. Briar is immediately intrigued & convinces Landon to come talk to him. The rest is history as they say.
I love Briars immediate possessiveness, and desire to protect. He sees something special, wants it, and will do whatever to have it. Landon also feels like that special connection and it is really beautiful in a way. They compliment each other and just work. I loved this short book! But then everything Haven writes is fantastic!!!

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Design hooked me from the first chapter and refused to let go. What starts as a simple mistake—an accountant in the wrong place at the wrong time—spirals into a tense, atmospheric story about survival, identity, and the complicated ways people can break and rebuild each other.
Landon is an ordinary man thrust into an extraordinary nightmare, and watching him evolve from terrified captive to someone who stands his ground is one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve read in a while. Briar, on the other hand, is a weapon shaped by obedience and violence—until protecting Landon becomes the first choice he’s ever made for himself. Their dynamic is electric: sharp edges, quiet moments, and a slow shift from fear to trust that feels earned and deeply human.
The romance is dark, psychological, and high‑heat, but never gratuitous. It leans into power, vulnerability, and the messy reality of two damaged people learning how to want something real. The forced proximity, enemies‑to‑lovers tension, and protector/protected dynamic are all executed with precision. The emotional beats hit just as hard as the action.

[Lensgirl82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some of everything; action, suspense, drama, romance, and of course spice. Landon is an accountant doing a report on a secret organization who doesn’t like the fact he found some discrepancies in their finances. They invite him to a Valentine’s Day Gala with the intentions of having him killed. Briar is at the Gala and has taken notice of Landon. The chemistry is instant, Briar can’t seem to take his eyes off Landon, which leads him closer to him. Briar decides Landon is worth protecting. I’m not giving anymore away as I’ve already said too much lol. If you like mm dark romance, then this is definitely the book for you. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Hollow Kings books.

[Allicia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4 ⭐
Spice 5 🌶️

Beautiful Design is a dark Valentine's MM romance. The potential trigger list was certainly longer than I have seen in a while, so please be sure to check if needed.

I did enjoy the story itself and the introduction into the Hollow King's world. This is the first book I have read that was a MM only and not a scene or two of MM in a why choose. The MM only part is not really my thing, but I do enjoy Haven Snow's writing, so I still found the rest of the story enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Beautiful Design is a standalone MM dark psychological romance set in the Hollow Kings universe.' Please check your triggers.

The characters were very dark and obsessive and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was reading this before bed and had the weirdest dreams. Literally woke up with a sore jaw and talking in my sleep. This story is a burn that’s bright that’s not ready to be snuffed out. I love the snippets from Westpoint that threads the two series together. The two MMCs have great chemistry and the appeal of them are off the charts. The author has a style of writing that makes it memorable. I look forward to book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment that I started reading this book I knew that I was in for one heck of a read. This book has the perfect flow for the story, not too fast nor too slow, just the right speed for the ups and downs. It has interesting characters that you will love. No matter what they have to do, you find yourself cheering for them and the story. IT does not disappoint. It grabs you and keeps you reading. This book needs to be at the top of your TBR list, no doubt about it.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a grab you and pull you in kind of read. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. It was intense, chaotic, and amazing in all the best ways. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages needing to know. It was dark and tiny delicious. The writing was so well executed with a perfect depth that allowed you to devour every word. I was just so enthralled with this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so many things about this book! I loved that Briar took Landon as his pet to protect him from being killed because he dug a little too deep into the world Landon works in. I love that little snippets of other works are included in this book, like the Feral Boys Of Westpoint Series and the Pineridge Resort from the Stalkers In The Woods Series. I love that Brair is willing to kill the whole world to keep Landon safe! I can't wait to read what happens next!!!!!

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon is just a nobody, an accountant in a world of nobodies until he is noticed by a man, Briar. I was hooked by the end of the second chapter with this book. If anything on the tropes list grabs you, or you’ve read anything by this author before and loved it, then I am sure you will love this new series too. Dark, moody, dominating and more, this one will grab you by the balls and not let go… oh yeah!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J of the Roses · Rating 3 out of 5]

The relationship in this book was not believable. Landon and Briar did not make sense. Landon, who had no previous interest in men, suddenly becomes another man’s willing submissive. There was no build up, just instant action and reaction. I get that their beginning was unconventional, but it still required too much suspended belief.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew what I was going to read from warnings and blurb but this was so much more in the best way. Dark and intense, twists and turns,lots of heat and great characters in Briar and Landon meant that I couldn't put this book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briar is the cousin of Eve from Breaking Eve book.
Landon likes puzzles. He is given a job to find out where the money is going from a charity. He gets on the radar of a secret organization and is invited to a Valentine's ball, where he meets Briar.
This series continues the world of Westpoint Academy.
I enjoyed seeing Briar grow and become more than the weapon the Society made him to be.

[shelbi wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my by the throat 💯. It’s a dark surrender to me or die MM book. He was invisible and he was seen by a very dark minded guy. Now he has to either submit and stay or leave and die. What would you do? Make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading it’s not for everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by Haven Snow and it was a good read.
This book is about Landon who is an accountant who has got offside with a secret society. The secret society sends Briar to kill Landon however he finds someone he wants to be with.
This is a great MM storyline with alot of feelings and spice!

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 27%

Came off like a MM 50 shades of grey. I mean that in the worst way possible.

The story felt unoriginal and the characters were not believable. I found both main characters often contradicted themselves, which was frustrating as a reader.

I bought into the TikTok hype of this book and was extremely disappointed.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon is an accountant whose be targeted for erasing and Briars the man on the job only one invite one challenge and everything changes. Well written engaging steamy power play, dark themes MM romance

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briar and Landon's story was dark manipulation and obsession more than love at first but they do get a little closer as the obsession grows. This author is an instaread for me and with this novella taking less than 3 hrs to read, I DEVOURED it during break from work.