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Kept: A Dark Stepbrother Romance
KEPT
A Dark Stepbrother Romance
by Ardis Thorne
Some people survive what breaks them.
Others become something worse.
Ashton never expected to be wanted.
Not like this.
Not by him.
Laith doesn’t love gently. He doesn’t offer comfort or safety or anything that resembles mercy. What he offers is control—unyielding, absolute, and impossible to escape. The kind that strips away choice until there’s nothing left but obedience.
And Ashton takes it.
Because what Laith gives him is certainty.
In a world that has taken everything from him—his family, his safety, his sense of control—Laith is the only constant that remains. The only thing that feels real.
But control comes with a cost.
When violence bleeds into every corner of their lives and the past refuses to stay buried, Ashton is forced to confront a truth he’s been avoiding from the
Laith isn’t protecting him.
He’s keeping him.
This is not a story about healing.
This is not a story about redemption.
This is a story about obsession, control, and the thin line between devotion and destruction.
Content
This book contains explicit material and dark themes, including violence, kidnapping, coercion, power imbalance, non-consensual and dubious-consent situations, and psychological trauma. Intended for mature readers only.
A Dark Stepbrother Romance
by Ardis Thorne
Some people survive what breaks them.
Others become something worse.
Ashton never expected to be wanted.
Not like this.
Not by him.
Laith doesn’t love gently. He doesn’t offer comfort or safety or anything that resembles mercy. What he offers is control—unyielding, absolute, and impossible to escape. The kind that strips away choice until there’s nothing left but obedience.
And Ashton takes it.
Because what Laith gives him is certainty.
In a world that has taken everything from him—his family, his safety, his sense of control—Laith is the only constant that remains. The only thing that feels real.
But control comes with a cost.
When violence bleeds into every corner of their lives and the past refuses to stay buried, Ashton is forced to confront a truth he’s been avoiding from the
Laith isn’t protecting him.
He’s keeping him.
This is not a story about healing.
This is not a story about redemption.
This is a story about obsession, control, and the thin line between devotion and destruction.
Content
This book contains explicit material and dark themes, including violence, kidnapping, coercion, power imbalance, non-consensual and dubious-consent situations, and psychological trauma. Intended for mature readers only.
- GenresM M Romance
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 22, 2026
For 2 years I bullied my crush now I want him
Ash as grown up with just his mom and they struggled in many ways but it o my made them closer and grateful for the little treats in life .Laughter up with just his dad ur his childhood cold and lonely .laugh is captivated with Asher from the very first time he sees him . ash is beautiful and his choice brown eyes are kind and hopeful, Laiith turns I to a school yard bully and his buddies follow suit and treat ash the same way .Laugh has watched ash from a distance for long enough he takes ash by force to his remote cabin and the way things happen you are left thinking what the Hell! ,you can't imagine how this is going to turn out will you hate laith ?will you be ok ? When you recover from the extreme turn of events and are assuming you know what's going to happen next boom your wrong!! This story will show true loving relationships - torture - Happiness Sadness - abuse - Fear - kidnapping-Grief and Friendships that twist and turn . Laith is very dominant and likes to push ash to Be submissive to him but it will have you wondering if he is going to go to far . Will Asher ever say all of this is to much I can't take anymore?you will just have to read this spicy bully to lover story and find out - BUT check your triggers because its a TRUE DARK romance ,this story is not a fluffy cozy romance but if you like a twisted spicy book you have got the right one !!!
Ash as grown up with just his mom and they struggled in many ways but it o my made them closer and grateful for the little treats in life .Laughter up with just his dad ur his childhood cold and lonely .laugh is captivated with Asher from the very first time he sees him . ash is beautiful and his choice brown eyes are kind and hopeful, Laiith turns I to a school yard bully and his buddies follow suit and treat ash the same way .Laugh has watched ash from a distance for long enough he takes ash by force to his remote cabin and the way things happen you are left thinking what the Hell! ,you can't imagine how this is going to turn out will you hate laith ?will you be ok ? When you recover from the extreme turn of events and are assuming you know what's going to happen next boom your wrong!! This story will show true loving relationships - torture - Happiness Sadness - abuse - Fear - kidnapping-Grief and Friendships that twist and turn . Laith is very dominant and likes to push ash to Be submissive to him but it will have you wondering if he is going to go to far . Will Asher ever say all of this is to much I can't take anymore?you will just have to read this spicy bully to lover story and find out - BUT check your triggers because its a TRUE DARK romance ,this story is not a fluffy cozy romance but if you like a twisted spicy book you have got the right one !!!
April 9, 2026
I'm not crying you are.......love it
Kept is a dark, emotional read that stuck with me for days. Ardis Thore writes simply but so effectively—nothing flashy, just honest sentences that get under your skin. The story isn’t driven by big plot twists; it’s more about the small moments and how the main character carries pain and memory. That made it feel real and raw.
Kept is a dark, emotional read that stuck with me for days. Ardis Thore writes simply but so effectively—nothing flashy, just honest sentences that get under your skin. The story isn’t driven by big plot twists; it’s more about the small moments and how the main character carries pain and memory. That made it feel real and raw.
April 9, 2026
this book had me gripped. in its dark and twisted / forced relationship had you guessing what's going to happen next. I love the fact it ended happily after all the trauma they went through with looseing the first lot of parents to the last parents to even kidnaping and sa. if anyone wanted to delve into step brothers mm/ mm I would definitely recommend this book to them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2026
As much as I like dark taboo romances, this book just wasn’t for me.
The book starts and there’s a small time jump almost immediately, just a few weeks, but I think what happened during those few weeks was really important in shaping the relationship between Laith and Ashton - but that part gets ‘skipped’. Because of that, Ashton’s behavior towards Laith was a little confusing sometimes for me. He tried to evade Laith as much as possible for two whole years but is then very easily persuaded into starting a relationship with him - despite everything Laith supposedly did to him in those few weeks. It gave me a little bit of a Stockholm Syndrome vibe if I’m honest. They go from Laith being a mean bully and Ashton being afraid of him to basically boyfriends in the span of twenty pages or so. Because of that, the first part of the book felt a little bit rushed.
Even beyond that, their relationship kept giving me whiplash. Laith is… well, mean. And I didn’t think his ‘villain origin story’ was strong enough to fully explain his behavior. But he can be really sweet and protective too. As for Ashton, I had no idea if he actually wanted to be with Laith or not. He could also be sweet and initiate, but on the other hand he always seemed to be on edge and cautious around him.
Around 50% of the book something major happens and their world comes tumbling down, but it makes the relationship feel more like trauma bonding instead of actual love - for both of them but especially for Ashton.
On top of that, just when you think there’s character growth for Laith, he falls back into the same patterns as in the beginning of the book whenever things don’t go the way he wants - regardless of how it makes Ashton feel. This, again, makes it feel like whatever Laith feels for Ashton is more some sort of possessive obsession instead of love.
For a four hundred page book I expected a bit more… depth, maybe? Like I said, I felt like the relationship between the MMCs was a bit rushed and I had a hard time convincing myself that they actually loved each other.
That said, the writing itself is smooth and easy to read, and I can absolutely see why this would work for other readers - it just didn’t work for me personally.
The book starts and there’s a small time jump almost immediately, just a few weeks, but I think what happened during those few weeks was really important in shaping the relationship between Laith and Ashton - but that part gets ‘skipped’. Because of that, Ashton’s behavior towards Laith was a little confusing sometimes for me. He tried to evade Laith as much as possible for two whole years but is then very easily persuaded into starting a relationship with him - despite everything Laith supposedly did to him in those few weeks. It gave me a little bit of a Stockholm Syndrome vibe if I’m honest. They go from Laith being a mean bully and Ashton being afraid of him to basically boyfriends in the span of twenty pages or so. Because of that, the first part of the book felt a little bit rushed.
Even beyond that, their relationship kept giving me whiplash. Laith is… well, mean. And I didn’t think his ‘villain origin story’ was strong enough to fully explain his behavior. But he can be really sweet and protective too. As for Ashton, I had no idea if he actually wanted to be with Laith or not. He could also be sweet and initiate, but on the other hand he always seemed to be on edge and cautious around him.
Around 50% of the book something major happens and their world comes tumbling down, but it makes the relationship feel more like trauma bonding instead of actual love - for both of them but especially for Ashton.
On top of that, just when you think there’s character growth for Laith, he falls back into the same patterns as in the beginning of the book whenever things don’t go the way he wants - regardless of how it makes Ashton feel. This, again, makes it feel like whatever Laith feels for Ashton is more some sort of possessive obsession instead of love.
For a four hundred page book I expected a bit more… depth, maybe? Like I said, I felt like the relationship between the MMCs was a bit rushed and I had a hard time convincing myself that they actually loved each other.
That said, the writing itself is smooth and easy to read, and I can absolutely see why this would work for other readers - it just didn’t work for me personally.
April 21, 2026
Kept is absolutely a dark stepbrother romance.
I go into books without regard to triggers and reviews. I go after tropes and keywords. I didn’t even read the “dark stepbrother romance” part of the title- I read this as an ARC when described as a dark heavy theme MM. That said, I did enjoy the book and all the unfolds. It wasn’t at all the college bully taboo dark romance that is out there.
It started with Ashton, the soft “cinnamon roll” MMC who is shy, introvert and a momma’s boy that tries like hell to stay away from the other MMC, Laith- the hard dom with daddy issues and an obsessive control complex.
Laith is a complex character- he was hardened thanks to his upbringing- his lack of emotions father after his mom passed. He couldn’t regulate his emotions and he only knew pain and control. He wasn’t ready to talk about emotions and feelings, he didn’t want to like his new stepmom when she did all the things a mother would do. He didn’t want to deal with the emotions when something happens and his world turns upside down and the one person he needs to lean on wants time and space on his own. Aston is his complete opposite: soft, he is open with emotions and tears flow as much as his mouth runs about his feelings. He is quiet, kept to himself but somehow manages to see the depth of Laith and becomes the comfort and tether Laith needs and will do anything to keep.
The twist of stepbrothers wasn’t seen right away, then it hits and you roll with it. So it’s not the typical step sibling taboo trope. There was extreme toxicity, trauma, twists and degradation, devastating twists and emotional trauma throughout. While the story develops, so does the relationship of the characters, then the dependency also grows.
I go into books without regard to triggers and reviews. I go after tropes and keywords. I didn’t even read the “dark stepbrother romance” part of the title- I read this as an ARC when described as a dark heavy theme MM. That said, I did enjoy the book and all the unfolds. It wasn’t at all the college bully taboo dark romance that is out there.
It started with Ashton, the soft “cinnamon roll” MMC who is shy, introvert and a momma’s boy that tries like hell to stay away from the other MMC, Laith- the hard dom with daddy issues and an obsessive control complex.
Laith is a complex character- he was hardened thanks to his upbringing- his lack of emotions father after his mom passed. He couldn’t regulate his emotions and he only knew pain and control. He wasn’t ready to talk about emotions and feelings, he didn’t want to like his new stepmom when she did all the things a mother would do. He didn’t want to deal with the emotions when something happens and his world turns upside down and the one person he needs to lean on wants time and space on his own. Aston is his complete opposite: soft, he is open with emotions and tears flow as much as his mouth runs about his feelings. He is quiet, kept to himself but somehow manages to see the depth of Laith and becomes the comfort and tether Laith needs and will do anything to keep.
The twist of stepbrothers wasn’t seen right away, then it hits and you roll with it. So it’s not the typical step sibling taboo trope. There was extreme toxicity, trauma, twists and degradation, devastating twists and emotional trauma throughout. While the story develops, so does the relationship of the characters, then the dependency also grows.
April 19, 2026
Review of _Kept_ by Ardis Thorne
My First impression
I expected the worst when I read the content warnings, and I was almost right. But when I tell you I was physically unable to put this book down — lord save my soul. This book is a piece of art.
What the books about
"Kept" follows two male leads: one possessive, controlling Dom with daddy issues and a temper, and one ultra-soft cinnamon roll who really loves his mom. The bully becomes the hunter and the victim becomes the prey. This novel contains morally complex characters and relationships that do not, under any circumstances, reflect healthy real-world dynamics.
What worked / What didn’t
The tension cuts deep, both sexual and non-sexual. The emotional stakes are relentless and the chemistry is brutal in the best way. My main critique is character development. While the author does touch on it and our cinnamon roll has an epiphany, about two-thirds into the book the plot accelerates and overshadows the character arcs. The healing also feels slightly rushed. I would have liked more time with how our sub heals, both physically and emotionally, before being thrown into the next disaster.
Who would like it
If you like possessive/controlling Doms, forced proximity, heart-wrenching plot twists, and ‘hurt him and you die’ energy, then this book is for you.
Check warnings: kidnapping, dubious consent, threats of violence, death of family members (off-page), grief and trauma, harassment/intimidation ect.
My Rating
4/5 – Dark, addictive, and emotionally brutal in the best way. It took me 6 hours to read because it was so captivating.
Yours sincerely
Asha
My First impression
I expected the worst when I read the content warnings, and I was almost right. But when I tell you I was physically unable to put this book down — lord save my soul. This book is a piece of art.
What the books about
"Kept" follows two male leads: one possessive, controlling Dom with daddy issues and a temper, and one ultra-soft cinnamon roll who really loves his mom. The bully becomes the hunter and the victim becomes the prey. This novel contains morally complex characters and relationships that do not, under any circumstances, reflect healthy real-world dynamics.
What worked / What didn’t
The tension cuts deep, both sexual and non-sexual. The emotional stakes are relentless and the chemistry is brutal in the best way. My main critique is character development. While the author does touch on it and our cinnamon roll has an epiphany, about two-thirds into the book the plot accelerates and overshadows the character arcs. The healing also feels slightly rushed. I would have liked more time with how our sub heals, both physically and emotionally, before being thrown into the next disaster.
Who would like it
If you like possessive/controlling Doms, forced proximity, heart-wrenching plot twists, and ‘hurt him and you die’ energy, then this book is for you.
Check warnings: kidnapping, dubious consent, threats of violence, death of family members (off-page), grief and trauma, harassment/intimidation ect.
My Rating
4/5 – Dark, addictive, and emotionally brutal in the best way. It took me 6 hours to read because it was so captivating.
Yours sincerely
Asha
May 28, 2026
I received this as an ARC, and if you're picking this up expecting a romance with a few dark elements sprinkled on top, you're reading the wrong book. This is dark, not as in pitch black but more as in high bully with extra trauma, punishing of sorts. The warnings are there for a reason, and the story doesn't try to soften its edges or make its characters more palatable than they are.
What I enjoyed most was that the book commits fully to its premise. Laith isn't written as a misunderstood sweetheart pretending to be dangerous, and Ashton isn't magically equipped to fix everything. Their relationship is obsessive, messy, uncomfortable at times, and honestly that's what made it work for me. It constantly walks that line between devotion and destruction, and I found myself unable to look away.
I will say that some parts felt a little rushed, particularly early on when the story throws you straight into the chaos, but once I settled into the dynamic between the characters, I was hooked. There were several moments where I found myself thinking, "Well, this is completely unhealthy"... and then immediately turning the page anyway.
Overall, a strong 4.5★ from me. Dark, toxic, emotional, and absolutely not for everyone—but if morally questionable characters, obsession, and relationships that blur every line are your thing, this one delivers.
What I enjoyed most was that the book commits fully to its premise. Laith isn't written as a misunderstood sweetheart pretending to be dangerous, and Ashton isn't magically equipped to fix everything. Their relationship is obsessive, messy, uncomfortable at times, and honestly that's what made it work for me. It constantly walks that line between devotion and destruction, and I found myself unable to look away.
I will say that some parts felt a little rushed, particularly early on when the story throws you straight into the chaos, but once I settled into the dynamic between the characters, I was hooked. There were several moments where I found myself thinking, "Well, this is completely unhealthy"... and then immediately turning the page anyway.
Overall, a strong 4.5★ from me. Dark, toxic, emotional, and absolutely not for everyone—but if morally questionable characters, obsession, and relationships that blur every line are your thing, this one delivers.
April 30, 2026
I don't feel saying I loved this book is appropriate given that parts of this book is dark and uncomfortable but this book made me feel a wide range of emotions but ultimately despite the darkness of Laith I was still wanting him and Ashton to be together.
Laith struggled with his feelings. He could not regulate his anger and he did not know how to properly show he cared. He is a Dom through and through and Ashton is a sub however there were no safe word practices as once Laith lost his temper he very rarely could be brought back.
Laith loved Ashton the best he can and he also loved Ashton's mum the best he could. If you try and see the relationship through each character's eyes you will understand the depth of this books writing as the writing of this book really makes you feel it.
I would recommend you check the trigger warnings and also don't go in expecting this to be a regular romance I am sure you will enjoy the feeling this book gives you and see what Laith and Ashton are together.
** I received my copy of this as an ARC and I’m happily leaving my review voluntarily **
Laith struggled with his feelings. He could not regulate his anger and he did not know how to properly show he cared. He is a Dom through and through and Ashton is a sub however there were no safe word practices as once Laith lost his temper he very rarely could be brought back.
Laith loved Ashton the best he can and he also loved Ashton's mum the best he could. If you try and see the relationship through each character's eyes you will understand the depth of this books writing as the writing of this book really makes you feel it.
I would recommend you check the trigger warnings and also don't go in expecting this to be a regular romance I am sure you will enjoy the feeling this book gives you and see what Laith and Ashton are together.
** I received my copy of this as an ARC and I’m happily leaving my review voluntarily **
April 8, 2026
It not the darkest book I have read but it was really good.
Ashton has been avoid Laith like the plague, Laith is obsessed with Ashton to the point he kidnaps him so he can break him into being with him. I would have loved to have learned a little more about why Ashton was avoiding Laith but I would also have loved a little more to why Laith was obsessed with Ashton.
I loved the close relationship between Ashton and his mum Holly. I did get why Laith seemed standoffish with his dad Darak with they way he spoke about what it was like after his mum died. But I loved that Holly wasn't put off by him and was determined to try and fix things.
Was their tears in my eyes when the boys got the news from France yes, yes I did. More so when Ashton seemed to abandon Laith the way Laith dad did with his mum.
It is a good story just remember to read those triggers as Laith likes to take more than Ashton is willing to give at times. But at the same time Laith dom side to Ashton sub side works.
Ashton has been avoid Laith like the plague, Laith is obsessed with Ashton to the point he kidnaps him so he can break him into being with him. I would have loved to have learned a little more about why Ashton was avoiding Laith but I would also have loved a little more to why Laith was obsessed with Ashton.
I loved the close relationship between Ashton and his mum Holly. I did get why Laith seemed standoffish with his dad Darak with they way he spoke about what it was like after his mum died. But I loved that Holly wasn't put off by him and was determined to try and fix things.
Was their tears in my eyes when the boys got the news from France yes, yes I did. More so when Ashton seemed to abandon Laith the way Laith dad did with his mum.
It is a good story just remember to read those triggers as Laith likes to take more than Ashton is willing to give at times. But at the same time Laith dom side to Ashton sub side works.
April 28, 2026
If you love dark romance, forced proximity, bully, enemies to lovers then this book will be right up your alley! However, I strongly encourage you to check your triggers before proceeding. This book tore at my heartstrings. We have one very strong emotions MMC and one Golden Retriever MMC. Two complete opposites. Laith must have complete control, extremely dominating, obsessive, can be cruel, protective, but has a small place in his heart for love. We also have another MMC Ashton that is submissive, gentle, loving, cares and loves very deeply for who he loves. But when they come together opposites attract. Both men have been through hell and have lost their loved ones. They have endured a lot of deep pain.
I really liked this book. At the same time, it was an emotional read for me. I struggled with Laith, and his cruelness and abuse at times. My heart went out to Ashton. I felt it hard to like him. I do have strong feelings that Ashton is the one that can break down Laith’s very strong walls! But since I don’t think their story is over I will be for sure picking up the next one!
I really liked this book. At the same time, it was an emotional read for me. I struggled with Laith, and his cruelness and abuse at times. My heart went out to Ashton. I felt it hard to like him. I do have strong feelings that Ashton is the one that can break down Laith’s very strong walls! But since I don’t think their story is over I will be for sure picking up the next one!
April 16, 2026
I went into Kept by Ardis Thorne wanting to enjoy it, but ultimately, it just wasn’t for me. The relationship between Laith and Ashton felt confusing and rushed. It seemed to shift quckly from abusive to romantic, which made the dynamic hard to fully understand or believe.
Throughout the story, I struggled to tell whether Ashton genuinely wanted to be with Laith. He often came across as tense and cautious, which made the relationship feel uncertain rather than emotionally grounded. After a later tragic event, the connection between them seemed to lean heavily on shared trauma, which made it even harder for me to genuinely see their bond.
I really wanted to like Laith because there were moments where he showed a softer, more protective side, but those were often overshadowed by possessive and abusive behavior that made it difficult to root for him.
This was not a terrible book, it just didn’t quite work for me personally.
Throughout the story, I struggled to tell whether Ashton genuinely wanted to be with Laith. He often came across as tense and cautious, which made the relationship feel uncertain rather than emotionally grounded. After a later tragic event, the connection between them seemed to lean heavily on shared trauma, which made it even harder for me to genuinely see their bond.
I really wanted to like Laith because there were moments where he showed a softer, more protective side, but those were often overshadowed by possessive and abusive behavior that made it difficult to root for him.
This was not a terrible book, it just didn’t quite work for me personally.
May 27, 2026
I’ll say it plainly: I devoured this book. It’s dark, disturbing, and incredibly good. I had a hard time putting it down long enough to work or get through daily chores. I honestly wished there were an audiobook version so I could stay immersed in it all day.
This is a dark psychological romance centered around school enemies turned stepbrothers, both carrying heavy emotional baggage. The two MMCs are twisted in their own strangely endearing ways, each navigating trauma and the tragedies life throws at them. Reading this felt like being on a roller coaster — I never knew what was coming next. The pacing, tone, emotional depth… everything worked perfectly for me.
Definitely check the trigger warnings at the beginning, because this book dives into some heavy material. But if you’re comfortable with darker themes, it’s absolutely worth jumping into.
This is a dark psychological romance centered around school enemies turned stepbrothers, both carrying heavy emotional baggage. The two MMCs are twisted in their own strangely endearing ways, each navigating trauma and the tragedies life throws at them. Reading this felt like being on a roller coaster — I never knew what was coming next. The pacing, tone, emotional depth… everything worked perfectly for me.
Definitely check the trigger warnings at the beginning, because this book dives into some heavy material. But if you’re comfortable with darker themes, it’s absolutely worth jumping into.
March 31, 2026
Kept by Ardis Thorne
This book had me on the edge. At first I thought this was hazing at its finest but no. It goes so much deeper than that! The action starts right away in the first few chapters which had me hooked and made it difficult to put down! There were twists I didn’t see coming. I found myself cursing the author, “No, you didn’t!”
This is a story about violence, control, grief, and love but not all in the best ways. Definitely worth the read. Ardis Thorne writes in a believable relatable way that can leave you feeling devastated yet fulfilled.
I received a copy of Kept as an ARC reader. This is my independent and voluntary review. I’d like to thank Ardis Thorne for allowing me to come along on the journey. It’s been quite a ride!
This book had me on the edge. At first I thought this was hazing at its finest but no. It goes so much deeper than that! The action starts right away in the first few chapters which had me hooked and made it difficult to put down! There were twists I didn’t see coming. I found myself cursing the author, “No, you didn’t!”
This is a story about violence, control, grief, and love but not all in the best ways. Definitely worth the read. Ardis Thorne writes in a believable relatable way that can leave you feeling devastated yet fulfilled.
I received a copy of Kept as an ARC reader. This is my independent and voluntary review. I’d like to thank Ardis Thorne for allowing me to come along on the journey. It’s been quite a ride!
April 5, 2026
Talk about a book that has you captivated by the first page. Reading the synopsis i was under the impression this was a college hazing story, but Ardis took that thought and ran the opposite direction with it.
Laith is all Alpha male, dominating, assertive, and protective. Ashton is the pleaser, docile, and submissive. Together they find their own path and they don't care who or what gets in their way.
This book had me all in my feels, I think Ardis was able to extract every one of them from me. The ability to connect with the characters was so well done and twists and turns leave you questioning what you've read while leaving you begging for more.
Although I am all for this type of literature if you have triggers please review the trigger warnings before reading.
Laith is all Alpha male, dominating, assertive, and protective. Ashton is the pleaser, docile, and submissive. Together they find their own path and they don't care who or what gets in their way.
This book had me all in my feels, I think Ardis was able to extract every one of them from me. The ability to connect with the characters was so well done and twists and turns leave you questioning what you've read while leaving you begging for more.
Although I am all for this type of literature if you have triggers please review the trigger warnings before reading.
April 21, 2026
"He is a nightmare, but he's my nightmare"
4.5 stars! ⭐
1st person POV Dual
MM
Plot 4/5😲😳😭😅
Spice 3.5/5🔥
Non con
Dub con
Abuse
Manipulation
Death of Parents
What a freaking ride! My goodness! I didn't know what to expect going into this book but let me tell you it wasn't that! The emotions this story takes you on is a damn roller coaster of toxicity, manipulation and possessiveness! And just when I think Laith will have some big change of heart or redeeming quality come out, something else happens!
My only "issue" would be that I wish there was more backstory at the beginning of this book, you really jump starting into the drama and it doesn't stop!
4.5 stars! ⭐
1st person POV Dual
MM
Plot 4/5😲😳😭😅
Spice 3.5/5🔥
Non con
Dub con
Abuse
Manipulation
Death of Parents
What a freaking ride! My goodness! I didn't know what to expect going into this book but let me tell you it wasn't that! The emotions this story takes you on is a damn roller coaster of toxicity, manipulation and possessiveness! And just when I think Laith will have some big change of heart or redeeming quality come out, something else happens!
My only "issue" would be that I wish there was more backstory at the beginning of this book, you really jump starting into the drama and it doesn't stop!
May 24, 2026
I knew going into this that it would be a dark read. I’ll admit that, in the beginning, a lot of the scenes felt very violent and uncomfortable to read — particularly the non-con at the start.
That said, I have to give Ms. Thorne credit for the character development. The characters didn’t feel like they were there purely for smut value; they had genuine growth and emotional depth.
I did find Ash a little weak in places, and I struggled to like Laith at first, but both improved for me as the story went on.
All in all, four stars.
I received this as an advanced copy from the author.
That said, I have to give Ms. Thorne credit for the character development. The characters didn’t feel like they were there purely for smut value; they had genuine growth and emotional depth.
I did find Ash a little weak in places, and I struggled to like Laith at first, but both improved for me as the story went on.
All in all, four stars.
I received this as an advanced copy from the author.
April 7, 2026
Dark romance for sure
So well written but definitely dark. What starts out as a bullying situation becomes an uncomfortable relationship between two guys. Ashton is in it out of fear while Laith is severely dominant over Ashton. As the story progresses a lot happens to our main men which morphs their relationship to one where they both love and need one another. Unfortunately, someone is out to hurt them. This was a great book with lots of passion, lots of pain, lots of spice.
So well written but definitely dark. What starts out as a bullying situation becomes an uncomfortable relationship between two guys. Ashton is in it out of fear while Laith is severely dominant over Ashton. As the story progresses a lot happens to our main men which morphs their relationship to one where they both love and need one another. Unfortunately, someone is out to hurt them. This was a great book with lots of passion, lots of pain, lots of spice.
May 29, 2026
Be prepared. This author doesn’t play and it gets dark in a hurry. I was biting my nails only minutes in. It does level out a bit in the middle then drags you back down. Full of actions, moments that will bring tears to your eyes and even a few that will have you saying awe. This is technically a step brother romance but it more of an after the fact. Does this fact take away from the story? No it’s a really good dark read that had me hanging on every page but it doesn’t come with the typical step brother vibe. Highly recommend this is you love a dark and dirty read.
April 3, 2026
Kept is unlike most dark romance I’ve read previously. Ash the sweet lovable pushover falls prey to bullies. Somewhere in there one of his bullies Laith really falls head over heels for Ash but in his brooding controlling way. Ash experiences violence and loss, all while trying to navigate his relationship with Laith, who ends up becoming his stepbrother and secret lover. This taboo relationship has its twists and the book is phenomenal.
April 25, 2026
ARC REVIEW. This book was dark and I immensely enjoyed it. Do I think it should have been a romance? Probably not, maybe more of an erotic horror, BUT I enjoy darker and sadder themes so I personally would not deduct stars for thag. It made me cry and parts took me by surprise. I really appreciate getting this as an ARC. I do which there was an epilogue set a few years into the future simply because I wanted more of the MMC’s. Highly recommend if you enjoy a morally grey/black mmc!
May 26, 2026
Dark stepbrother romance
Check your triggers. This book starts out heavy and continues to he heavy. When she says dark she means it. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this book. Once I started I couldn't put this book down I finished it in 14 hours. Would of been sooner but kids lol. I am recommending this book to all of my friends, everyone NEEDS to read this book.
Check your triggers. This book starts out heavy and continues to he heavy. When she says dark she means it. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this book. Once I started I couldn't put this book down I finished it in 14 hours. Would of been sooner but kids lol. I am recommending this book to all of my friends, everyone NEEDS to read this book.
May 30, 2026
Trigger warning! ⚠️ This book was an amazing read with a captivating plot that kept me hooked from beginning to end. While it started off dark, I'm so glad I stuck with it. Even though I don't usually read M/M romances, the author's beautiful writing and emotional depth truly impressed me. The characters evoked such strong feelings, and I found myself on a rollercoaster of emotions with them. I highly recommend this story and can't wait to read more from this author! 💖
April 2, 2026
Ash has the best and worst luck, depending on your point of view. While you might want to put Laith on the rack, save your judgment—there are far better candidates for that punishment. This isn't your typical stepbrother story; it's darker, twisted, and utterly addictive. Ardis Thorne is officially the new dark queen of romance.
I read this book in one sitting, of 3h and 34m.
I read this book in one sitting, of 3h and 34m.
April 21, 2026
It took me a while to get into it as wasn't keen on laith from the beginning but my feelings towards him soon turned and I really started to like the story. Poor ash never got a break tho and my heart hurt for him but 1 thing laith would protect him with his life.
Really enjoyed the story and it kept me gripped
Really enjoyed the story and it kept me gripped
May 17, 2026
This is a really interesting and very dark stepbrother MM story. Laith is the tougher hardened stepbrother and Ashton is softer and innocent. There’s lots of coercion on Laith’s part to get Ashton to do what he wants. Very psychologically driven story. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to more from this author.
May 24, 2026
Ooooooh I am conflicted!!! I want to hate Laith…. I should hate Laith….But….. 😬 Make sure you read the triggers, this is not a gentle love story. It absolutely sucked me in… twists and turns, plenty of plot and angst. I just want to give Ashton a massive hug. If you want a gritty, dark, taboo, MM story then I definitely recommend.
May 27, 2026
Wow this book was amazing. I started reading and I couldn't put it down. It had me on an emotional roller-coaster there were tears and anger sweet moments and moments where eveything went still when I read it. I love the relationship between Ashton and Laith and watching it bloom. So good I really enjoyed it.
May 27, 2026
This book took me on a ride I wasn't prepared for but I'm so glad I took it. Laith's darkness built from his difficult past was hard to take at first. But each redeeming moment made me fall in love with him. If youre looking for a dark emotional roller coaster with a perfectly satisfying ending then look no further than this book! 🌶 3/5, Dual POV, MM, Dark, Forbidden
April 21, 2026
I loved this book!! The book starts out "rough". The passion and obsession that grows between Laith and Ashton is absolutly beautiful. The heartache they go through together makes them grow and it is a perfect story if you love MM.
April 24, 2026
Wow! Intense , emotional , traumatic and beautiful . Sensitively and beautifully written with many twists and turns . Ashton and Laith were perfect for each other, . Can't wait to read more from Ardis .
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