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Her Envy: A Kinky Sapphic Why Choose Dark Romance
In loving you, I am betraying her.
Amelie Degard
My father taught me the most important skills in Identifying a person’s drivers & weaknesses and later on how to weaponize them. Early on, I became someone who was needed. A facade. A game. A job. Now that the job is done, I have no idea who I am beyond all the things I had to become.
New York is a new chapter. One that will be entirely my own. No job. No one who tells me what to do. No one who knows me. And what better way is there to explore yourself than studying and meeting new people? So when I enroll for an Undergrad Degree, I know exactly one This will be my time. And I won’t let anyone disrupt me. But the thing with plans is, they rarely turn out as expected. So when I meet my professor in behavioral neurocience and save her from an attack, I do what I have always Pretend to be someone I am not.
Jane McKenzie
Born into a family of renowned doctors, my path was set by them, and I, of course, followed it: I studied hard, researched, focused only on success in life, and became the greatest version of myself, someone my parents can be proud of. Award-winning neuroscientist for my groundbreaking research on developing a predictive model of criminal behavior was only the first step, before I was appointed the youngest professor at an Ivy League University, at the sweet age of thirty-three.
I have clear rules, and those rules are the most important thing in my life, because they ensure my image. The image I built and have to uphold at all costs. I don’t do messy. I don’t do complicated. And least of all, I do students. But when a certain student walks into my class and saves me from a man, everything I hold dearly shatters into pieces. She takes my control. Makes me bend my rules. And worst of all, she makes me lose myself. In her. Something that cannot happen. Ever.
Tropes / TW‘
Professor x StudentControl Freak x BackboneFake Dating StalkingOnly one bed Why Choose (FF & FFF)Age Gap (10 years) Fake IdentityKinkyVery Dubious ConsentBDSMPunishment See the author’s website for the full list of tropes and content warnings.
Amelie Degard
My father taught me the most important skills in Identifying a person’s drivers & weaknesses and later on how to weaponize them. Early on, I became someone who was needed. A facade. A game. A job. Now that the job is done, I have no idea who I am beyond all the things I had to become.
New York is a new chapter. One that will be entirely my own. No job. No one who tells me what to do. No one who knows me. And what better way is there to explore yourself than studying and meeting new people? So when I enroll for an Undergrad Degree, I know exactly one This will be my time. And I won’t let anyone disrupt me. But the thing with plans is, they rarely turn out as expected. So when I meet my professor in behavioral neurocience and save her from an attack, I do what I have always Pretend to be someone I am not.
Jane McKenzie
Born into a family of renowned doctors, my path was set by them, and I, of course, followed it: I studied hard, researched, focused only on success in life, and became the greatest version of myself, someone my parents can be proud of. Award-winning neuroscientist for my groundbreaking research on developing a predictive model of criminal behavior was only the first step, before I was appointed the youngest professor at an Ivy League University, at the sweet age of thirty-three.
I have clear rules, and those rules are the most important thing in my life, because they ensure my image. The image I built and have to uphold at all costs. I don’t do messy. I don’t do complicated. And least of all, I do students. But when a certain student walks into my class and saves me from a man, everything I hold dearly shatters into pieces. She takes my control. Makes me bend my rules. And worst of all, she makes me lose myself. In her. Something that cannot happen. Ever.
Tropes / TW‘
Professor x StudentControl Freak x BackboneFake Dating StalkingOnly one bed Why Choose (FF & FFF)Age Gap (10 years) Fake IdentityKinkyVery Dubious ConsentBDSMPunishment See the author’s website for the full list of tropes and content warnings.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2026
About the author
C. M. Raven
12 books101 followersC. M. Raven is an author of queer books, focusing on dark sapphic love stories with epic connections, spice, smut, contemporary topics, and thrilling plot.
So, when your heart longs for deep connections of all kinds, villains and morally grey characters, the others and lovers, those who walk the fine line between good and bad, then this is your space. A space where you can dive into your own fantasy and experience whatever it is you want, because our minds are, after all, the only place belonging entirely to ourselves—a place where everything is possible and every darkness as much as the light is allowed to just be.
C. M. Raven is based in Hamburg, where she lives with her child, cats and dogs. She enjoys winter and autumn, rain and snow, as much as long walks on a stormy shore.
So, when your heart longs for deep connections of all kinds, villains and morally grey characters, the others and lovers, those who walk the fine line between good and bad, then this is your space. A space where you can dive into your own fantasy and experience whatever it is you want, because our minds are, after all, the only place belonging entirely to ourselves—a place where everything is possible and every darkness as much as the light is allowed to just be.
C. M. Raven is based in Hamburg, where she lives with her child, cats and dogs. She enjoys winter and autumn, rain and snow, as much as long walks on a stormy shore.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 15, 2026
I don't even know what to say... the birthday chapter was cute but everything that happened after that was just horrible. Yes it is a dark romance book, but like damn. So graphic, makes me wonder if authors are okay.
And that chapter 22, I admit, I skipped that one - it should have had a trigger warning right on the top. Coz Jesus. I got A Whisper of Solace deja vu... that stuff messed with my head. I am glad I could avoid this because I saw the emotions leading to exactly that.
And that chapter 22, I admit, I skipped that one - it should have had a trigger warning right on the top. Coz Jesus. I got A Whisper of Solace deja vu... that stuff messed with my head. I am glad I could avoid this because I saw the emotions leading to exactly that.
June 10, 2026
I was honoured to receive an ARC of this book. Here is my honest review:
So much happened in this book. The plot was chaotic, but also a vibe.
There was a lot of spice, and I enjoyed it. The relationships between the characters were really interesting.
The author really wanted to traumatise as many of the main characters as possible.
One thing I did notice was that occasionally the tense felt really awkward (some things from the past were written like they were in the present) and some of the sentences were written awkwardly.
It was a pretty fast read, and it was enjoyable.
So much happened in this book. The plot was chaotic, but also a vibe.
There was a lot of spice, and I enjoyed it. The relationships between the characters were really interesting.
The author really wanted to traumatise as many of the main characters as possible.
One thing I did notice was that occasionally the tense felt really awkward (some things from the past were written like they were in the present) and some of the sentences were written awkwardly.
It was a pretty fast read, and it was enjoyable.
June 15, 2026
Her Envy Book 4 in the Her Sins series by C.M. Raven was incredible. It sits on the previous books in a way that makes me suggest that starting at the beginning of the Her Sins series will make this book so much richer and provides insight that makes it more understandable. I was surprised at the wonderful way the neurodivergent character was depicted and the challenge Amelie walked with to create their dynamic… no spoilers. Please check out the tropes and trigger warnings as they are varied and many. If you like dark, edgy and steamy, this met all those needs for me. I was given an ARC of this book and couldn’t put it down once I started reading. C. M. Raven writes such wonderful dark Sapphic works, and this just adds to that list of enticing books. I encourage you to add this book and if you haven’t read the rest of the series all the others to your TBR list but NSFW is how I would classify this. Read it at home so you can go OMG and Ahhh when so moved and nobody will look at you funny… like they might in the break room or at lunch… Enjoy the adventure.
June 26, 2026
Whew! This was an emotional rollercoaster of a book! I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This, imo, was a different kind of why choose story. I appreciated the discussions between El and Amelie about how we can love differently and one doesn’t diminish another. Their relationship was explosive yet tender and true. Mentioned many times, Amelie was almost a different person when with Jane and their connection was palpable while also tender and true. Both relationships were well developed and distinct. (With one steamy interlude ;)). Both had moments of truths and being seen, truly being seen. I am so thankful for the POV’s that added depth and understanding to the characters.
I only wish there was a bit more in the epilogue, I appreciated the closure but the continuation was left unfinished. I did download the bonus so In looking forward to that!
Recommend! (heed tw)
This, imo, was a different kind of why choose story. I appreciated the discussions between El and Amelie about how we can love differently and one doesn’t diminish another. Their relationship was explosive yet tender and true. Mentioned many times, Amelie was almost a different person when with Jane and their connection was palpable while also tender and true. Both relationships were well developed and distinct. (With one steamy interlude ;)). Both had moments of truths and being seen, truly being seen. I am so thankful for the POV’s that added depth and understanding to the characters.
I only wish there was a bit more in the epilogue, I appreciated the closure but the continuation was left unfinished. I did download the bonus so In looking forward to that!
Recommend! (heed tw)
Read
June 8, 2026wow what a phenomenal story, I loved getting to understand the main characters ,where they struggled and where they blossomed .your portray of an autistic adult was described in brutal honestly making the reader feel apart of their life's .i couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations
June 22, 2026
honestly don’t know how to feel about this book. part of me loved it, and part of me walked away disappointed.
for me, this didn’t really feel like a why choose romance. yes, Amelie loved two people. yes, they all had sex together once. but it never felt fully realized. it felt like she had two separate relationships rather than one shared love story.
my biggest struggle was how Amelie treated Jane during everything she was going through. i know she was dealing with grief and carrying an unimaginable amount of pain, but some of her actions were hard for me to overlook. when you love someone, you don’t keep hurting them the way she hurt Jane. i was getting the ick, truly. and because of that, i constantly felt like El was her great love while Jane would always come second.
that was the vibe i got throughout the entire book, and it broke my heart because Jane deserved so much more. even on Amelie and Jane’s wedding day, it felt like the focus was still on El. we barely got to see Amelie and Jane exist in their happily ever after because everything kept circling back to El and don’t get me wrong, I loved El. i loved the side of Amelie that she brought out, and that goodbye video absolutely destroyed me. i was sobbing. their love was beautiful and unforgettable.
but Jane is human too😭
through everything, she stayed. she was patient. she was understanding. she was perfect and while everyone else was focused on El, i found myself focused on Jane and everything she sacrificed to be by Amelie’s side. my heart ached for her.
that being said though, there were still moments between Jane and Amelie that i loved. their chemistry was undeniable, and the tension between them was so good. what i loved most was how well they understood each other. Jane's autism was never treated as something Amelie needed to "fix", she paid attention to her sensory issues, knew when she was overwhelmed, and always seemed to know exactly how to bring her back during a panic attack. Jane did the same for Amelie. they understood each other on a level that felt incredibly intimate, and those moments are what made me root for them so hard.
“Because you are worth sacrificing everything else for”
^^like i’m crying. Jane is perfect😭🥹
all in all Jane will forever be my girl
and r.i.p beautiful El. i’m pissed i couldn’t get to know you better. i just know the 3 of you together would have ruled the world😭
for me, this didn’t really feel like a why choose romance. yes, Amelie loved two people. yes, they all had sex together once. but it never felt fully realized. it felt like she had two separate relationships rather than one shared love story.
my biggest struggle was how Amelie treated Jane during everything she was going through. i know she was dealing with grief and carrying an unimaginable amount of pain, but some of her actions were hard for me to overlook. when you love someone, you don’t keep hurting them the way she hurt Jane. i was getting the ick, truly. and because of that, i constantly felt like El was her great love while Jane would always come second.
that was the vibe i got throughout the entire book, and it broke my heart because Jane deserved so much more. even on Amelie and Jane’s wedding day, it felt like the focus was still on El. we barely got to see Amelie and Jane exist in their happily ever after because everything kept circling back to El and don’t get me wrong, I loved El. i loved the side of Amelie that she brought out, and that goodbye video absolutely destroyed me. i was sobbing. their love was beautiful and unforgettable.
but Jane is human too😭
through everything, she stayed. she was patient. she was understanding. she was perfect and while everyone else was focused on El, i found myself focused on Jane and everything she sacrificed to be by Amelie’s side. my heart ached for her.
that being said though, there were still moments between Jane and Amelie that i loved. their chemistry was undeniable, and the tension between them was so good. what i loved most was how well they understood each other. Jane's autism was never treated as something Amelie needed to "fix", she paid attention to her sensory issues, knew when she was overwhelmed, and always seemed to know exactly how to bring her back during a panic attack. Jane did the same for Amelie. they understood each other on a level that felt incredibly intimate, and those moments are what made me root for them so hard.
“Because you are worth sacrificing everything else for”
^^like i’m crying. Jane is perfect😭🥹
all in all Jane will forever be my girl
and r.i.p beautiful El. i’m pissed i couldn’t get to know you better. i just know the 3 of you together would have ruled the world😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, if you haven’t read Her wrath yet make sure you do because this book is linked to Her Wrath. It’s not a sequel but does reference Her Wrath. From the dedication being “give ya therapists a heads up, have a pack of tissues at hand, and get your vibrator out” you can already tell it’s gonna be a wild ride.
Immediately there are unexpected twists that draw you in right from the beginning and make you want to keep reading. Don’t have to worry about a slow burn here as right from chapter 1 you get spice you get desire. This girl has freedom for the first time ever and she is exploring her true self for once.
Absolutely love the neurospicy autistic representation of one of the FMC it’s not shown in a belittling way but shows challenges neurospicy people can face in life but still finding ways to work through it. The accurate and precise scientific knowledge too? Oh C.M. Raven has done it again! So much research has gone into this you can tell. What more could you ask for Sapphic, dark romance, positive neurodivergent representation, science, why choose? It’s the perfect book.
Acknowledging that it’s okay to be neurodivergent and that people aren’t a problem for struggling with neurodivergence in a world that was built for the neurotypical, it’s written so well and makes for an incredible read and more positive acknowledgment and representation is needed.
The spice definitely spices in this book my god it’s detailed it’s exquisite it’s a sapphic girlies dream reading it. Well this is definitely a massive emotional rollercoaster straight from spice to trauma. Have the vibe and tissues ready because my god. Keep reading you will hate C.M. Raven but you will also appreciate the beauty in the words that were written and it will heal you in so many glorious ways.
Immediately there are unexpected twists that draw you in right from the beginning and make you want to keep reading. Don’t have to worry about a slow burn here as right from chapter 1 you get spice you get desire. This girl has freedom for the first time ever and she is exploring her true self for once.
Absolutely love the neurospicy autistic representation of one of the FMC it’s not shown in a belittling way but shows challenges neurospicy people can face in life but still finding ways to work through it. The accurate and precise scientific knowledge too? Oh C.M. Raven has done it again! So much research has gone into this you can tell. What more could you ask for Sapphic, dark romance, positive neurodivergent representation, science, why choose? It’s the perfect book.
Acknowledging that it’s okay to be neurodivergent and that people aren’t a problem for struggling with neurodivergence in a world that was built for the neurotypical, it’s written so well and makes for an incredible read and more positive acknowledgment and representation is needed.
The spice definitely spices in this book my god it’s detailed it’s exquisite it’s a sapphic girlies dream reading it. Well this is definitely a massive emotional rollercoaster straight from spice to trauma. Have the vibe and tissues ready because my god. Keep reading you will hate C.M. Raven but you will also appreciate the beauty in the words that were written and it will heal you in so many glorious ways.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Duel 1st Person POV. 5🌟 5🌶️. 274 pages
10 Spicy Scenes
I fell in love with this series as soon as I picked up the first book and simultaneously fell in love with C.M Raven’s work. It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s emotional and it’s spicy, what’s not to love.
While this isn’t the darkest book in the Her Sins series, that title still lays with Her Wrath, I would still highly recommend consulting those trigger warnings.
That’s what I love about C.M Raven’s work, that darkness that seeps through 3 out of 4 of this series thus far, said darkness is often off set with a touch of rawness, vulnerability and so many emotions that will have you sobbing one minute, smiling the next and then having to fan yourself.
This book brings all of those emotions to the forefront and basically slaps you in the face with them. It was a heart warming, heart breaking and knee quivering read. The elements of darkness, the identity crisis and the feelings of grief throughout were phenomenal. They were beautifully handled and the autism rep was such a nice touch. Another solid release from C.M Raven
Her Envy will be released June 15th, do yourself a favour and start with Her Greed and work your way through before release day, you won’t want to miss a single book!
Things to LOVE:
📚Dark Romance
📖4th in Series of Standalones
💕Age Gap
🥸Hidden Identity
👀Stalking
🧠Autism Rep
😈FF/FFF
Duel 1st Person POV. 5🌟 5🌶️. 274 pages
10 Spicy Scenes
I fell in love with this series as soon as I picked up the first book and simultaneously fell in love with C.M Raven’s work. It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s emotional and it’s spicy, what’s not to love.
While this isn’t the darkest book in the Her Sins series, that title still lays with Her Wrath, I would still highly recommend consulting those trigger warnings.
That’s what I love about C.M Raven’s work, that darkness that seeps through 3 out of 4 of this series thus far, said darkness is often off set with a touch of rawness, vulnerability and so many emotions that will have you sobbing one minute, smiling the next and then having to fan yourself.
This book brings all of those emotions to the forefront and basically slaps you in the face with them. It was a heart warming, heart breaking and knee quivering read. The elements of darkness, the identity crisis and the feelings of grief throughout were phenomenal. They were beautifully handled and the autism rep was such a nice touch. Another solid release from C.M Raven
Her Envy will be released June 15th, do yourself a favour and start with Her Greed and work your way through before release day, you won’t want to miss a single book!
Things to LOVE:
📚Dark Romance
📖4th in Series of Standalones
💕Age Gap
🥸Hidden Identity
👀Stalking
🧠Autism Rep
😈FF/FFF
Review of advance copy
This was indeed a rollercoaster of a ride. It seems all the main characters in the series are unhinged, neurotic, deranged, psychopathic and probably have borderline personality disorder. It was a wild ride fosho!
The story itself felt a little sad and tragic and was quite emotional. It was also quite satisfying because of the (sometimes unexpected) positive resolutions.
There's a lot of spicy scenes for those who love it hot with some strong BDSM action. I know sex sells though I'm not a big fan of spice (since I'm sex indifferent) but the scenes I think would be very enjoyable to those who love this sort of thing. What I actually did not like was the extremely violent aspects of the BDSM scenes.
And in conclusion I would definitely recommend reading the whole series and especially this one specifically. The series can be read in any order since most can be taken as standalones but I would suggest reading in order just to get the overall feel of the series and there may be a very thin thread connecting them all. Mayhaps...
And since I enjoyed the overall storyline very much, I'm giving it 5 ⭐ for the drama and trauma! It had great entertainment value!
Thank you very much to the author and Booksirens for the free ARC.
The story itself felt a little sad and tragic and was quite emotional. It was also quite satisfying because of the (sometimes unexpected) positive resolutions.
There's a lot of spicy scenes for those who love it hot with some strong BDSM action. I know sex sells though I'm not a big fan of spice (since I'm sex indifferent) but the scenes I think would be very enjoyable to those who love this sort of thing. What I actually did not like was the extremely violent aspects of the BDSM scenes.
And in conclusion I would definitely recommend reading the whole series and especially this one specifically. The series can be read in any order since most can be taken as standalones but I would suggest reading in order just to get the overall feel of the series and there may be a very thin thread connecting them all. Mayhaps...
And since I enjoyed the overall storyline very much, I'm giving it 5 ⭐ for the drama and trauma! It had great entertainment value!
Thank you very much to the author and Booksirens for the free ARC.
June 15, 2026
Another great story in the series, by C M. Raven, I loved seeing some neurospicy representation and as always some hotttt spice scenes - it's spicy all round 🌶.
I read this in just a few hours on release day, as well as the bonus scene.
It was a difficult decision, however, the only reason for dropping my rating to 4✨️ for this instalment, was the editing. Some passages were really clunky, and some obvious errors and typos. Overall that did not take away from the story, and still 100% recommend reading! 🫶
I read this in just a few hours on release day, as well as the bonus scene.
It was a difficult decision, however, the only reason for dropping my rating to 4✨️ for this instalment, was the editing. Some passages were really clunky, and some obvious errors and typos. Overall that did not take away from the story, and still 100% recommend reading! 🫶
June 28, 2026
This book, it’s chaos but it’s unapologetic in its darkness and its depth. Even for being what it is, it’s hot and heavy and stick to the seedy darkness that Raven is building with this series. It hits some deep topics, it’s one of very few books that have resulted in a few emotions making appearances while I was reading. It’s real tho. And it’s so raw and unfiltered. It’s gonna stay with me for a long time. 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an emotional roller-coaster this was! This series just keeps getting better, and Her Envy takes the top spot for me.
You can never go wrong with a why choose, then add in the positive representation of a neurospicy character - *chefs kiss. The "kneels" and the "good girls" are just a fun little bonus. Another amazing book by C.M Raven and I cannot wait to read more of the Her Sins Universe.
You can never go wrong with a why choose, then add in the positive representation of a neurospicy character - *chefs kiss. The "kneels" and the "good girls" are just a fun little bonus. Another amazing book by C.M Raven and I cannot wait to read more of the Her Sins Universe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh god, this book… it made me feel all the feels. The good, the bad and the ugly as well as the horny ;) What an emotional roller coaster! The story is so beautifully written and I became so attached to the characters that I’ll think about them (and their lives) for a long time after having finished the book 🥹
June 21, 2026
This story was very good. I had all the feels. It was sad, happy and all in between. Amelie and Elise needed each other, but when Amelie met Jane all bets were off. They had sparks off the charts and they could see each other right away. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2026
🧜🏻♀️ARC Review🧜🏻♀️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This sapphic, why choose, StudentxTeacher with dubcon and lots of kink filled a void I didn’t know was missing @authorcmraven ! I honestly flew right through it and can’t wait for more!
#darksapphicromancebookrecs #herenvy #cmraven #arcreader #thesirencallstoyourtbr
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This sapphic, why choose, StudentxTeacher with dubcon and lots of kink filled a void I didn’t know was missing @authorcmraven ! I honestly flew right through it and can’t wait for more!
#darksapphicromancebookrecs #herenvy #cmraven #arcreader #thesirencallstoyourtbr
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was simply amazing. I don’t know how else to adequately describe the journey that this book takes you on, but I’m definitely gonna need a minute after that.
It was simply amazing. I don’t know how else to adequately describe the journey that this book takes you on, but I’m definitely gonna need a minute after that.
June 18, 2026
I cannot even explain how much I loved this story. It was spicy, beautiful and bittersweet all at the same time. This is only the 2nd book to ever make me cry and I absolutely bawled. Definitely won’t ever forget this one.❤️🩹
June 24, 2026
Enjoy
Wow, just wow. I was so invested in this roller coaster ride that I lost sleep over it. It definitely didn’t turn out the way I expected it to.
Read this incredible book, you won’t be disappointed.
Wow, just wow. I was so invested in this roller coaster ride that I lost sleep over it. It definitely didn’t turn out the way I expected it to.
Read this incredible book, you won’t be disappointed.
June 26, 2026
Heartbreaking, but extremely beautiful. The characters are profound and you link with them. Beautiful and intense and spicy smut like we love also. Really interesting neuropathic character. Thank you for this beautiful book.
June 27, 2026
I just could not put this book down
From the start there is a twist which will draw you in.
It's an emotional rollercoaster with spice and trauma.
Well done
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
From the start there is a twist which will draw you in.
It's an emotional rollercoaster with spice and trauma.
Well done
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
June 28, 2026
Epic tear jerker
This was amazing. So in depth on so many layers of different representations. Get the tissues as this is raw on so many levels. Bravo to the author yet again for exceeding my expectations.
This was amazing. So in depth on so many layers of different representations. Get the tissues as this is raw on so many levels. Bravo to the author yet again for exceeding my expectations.
Read
June 18, 2026decent but so many grammar errors and formatting mistakes
June 20, 2026
let me just say the dedication was spot on…
June 21, 2026
Could not put it down! Loved the way the characters progressed and the closure in the end, even though it had me in tears! Absolutely loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews