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The Ink Beneath
Lucas doesn’t fit the usual serial killer profile. At fifteen he took his first life, and now, twenty years later, he’s perfected the art of control. Solitary. Precise. Untouchable… Until her.
Jas is light, laughter, and mischief wrapped around quiet strength. The water loving Barista never expected danger to come knocking… let alone a man who turns her body and mind inside out.
When a masked stranger crashes into her life in the most unexpected, life-saving way, everything shifts. What should terrify her instead ignites something deeper — something she can’t explain and can’t ignore.
He can’t stay away.
She can’t forget him.
But as the truth edges closer to the surface, the line between protector and predator begins to blur.
Because some monsters don’t hide in the dark.
Some are the ones you trust.
And when the truth is finally exposed —
will she run…
or will she fall?
Jas is light, laughter, and mischief wrapped around quiet strength. The water loving Barista never expected danger to come knocking… let alone a man who turns her body and mind inside out.
When a masked stranger crashes into her life in the most unexpected, life-saving way, everything shifts. What should terrify her instead ignites something deeper — something she can’t explain and can’t ignore.
He can’t stay away.
She can’t forget him.
But as the truth edges closer to the surface, the line between protector and predator begins to blur.
Because some monsters don’t hide in the dark.
Some are the ones you trust.
And when the truth is finally exposed —
will she run…
or will she fall?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
About the author
Elenor Pountain
4 books26 followersII'm Em, AKA Elenor Pountain [pon-tain].
I'm an avid reader who loves devouring books in her spare time. I'm a hopeless romantic with a dark, sarcastic humour. I'm a mum of 2 energetic daughters and 2 lively dogs as well as a wife to a very supportive husband.
I write steamy romances where the characters are relatable. I enjoy making my characters come to life in my stories. In 2026 there'll be a new series coming out that I'm so excited about!
I absolutely love COFFEE ☕️, Spooky shinanigans 👻, Reading 🌶️, Psychology 🧠, Writing 👩🏼💻... what's on your list?
Falling Series
Falling for the CEO - Available now
Falling with Kiera - Available now
Falling for Red - Available now
Shadows of London Series
The Ink Beneath - Available June 2026
Book 2 - Coming soon
Book 3 - Coming soon
Book 4 - Coming soon
I'm an avid reader who loves devouring books in her spare time. I'm a hopeless romantic with a dark, sarcastic humour. I'm a mum of 2 energetic daughters and 2 lively dogs as well as a wife to a very supportive husband.
I write steamy romances where the characters are relatable. I enjoy making my characters come to life in my stories. In 2026 there'll be a new series coming out that I'm so excited about!
I absolutely love COFFEE ☕️, Spooky shinanigans 👻, Reading 🌶️, Psychology 🧠, Writing 👩🏼💻... what's on your list?
Falling Series
Falling for the CEO - Available now
Falling with Kiera - Available now
Falling for Red - Available now
Shadows of London Series
The Ink Beneath - Available June 2026
Book 2 - Coming soon
Book 3 - Coming soon
Book 4 - Coming soon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 13, 2026
A tense, dark romantic thriller that flips expectations. Lucas doesn’t fit the typical serial killer mold—methodical, isolated, and in total control until he meets Jas, a bright, spirited barista who awakens feelings he never imagined.
After a dramatic, life-saving encounter, their intense connection pulls them together, even as secrets loom.
Sharp, suspenseful, and charged with dangerous chemistry, it explores the blurred line between predator and protector.
A gripping read for those who love morally grey heroes and high-stakes tension. Dark, compelling, and full of twists.
After a dramatic, life-saving encounter, their intense connection pulls them together, even as secrets loom.
Sharp, suspenseful, and charged with dangerous chemistry, it explores the blurred line between predator and protector.
A gripping read for those who love morally grey heroes and high-stakes tension. Dark, compelling, and full of twists.
Review of advance copy received from Author
'The Ink Beneath' wasn't a book I would typically pick up based on genre alone, however Im beyond pleased I was sent an ARC copy to read otherwise I would have missed out on such a stunning book.
From the very first line I knew I was in for something different. Those very memorable, "stick-in-your-mind" opening words made me laugh out loud and totally hooked me into the story.
Elenor Pountain's writing is just exceptional.
Every character is developed brilliantly - they have such realistic layers to them, all of which are explored in detail making each character incredibly easy to invest in.
Both lead characters - kickass Jas and morally grey Lucas - undergo such significant growth throughout the story and one of my favourite aspects was watching them gradually bring out each other's true selves.
Jas fully embraces and explores her darker side without shame or judgement, while Lucas learns to trust, to open up and to allow himself to be vulnerable.
They complement each other perfectly, and by the end of the story they do feel different to the characters we initially meet.
And this development felt so natural and authentic every step of the way.
I genuinely couldn't put this book down!
Every chapter left me desperate to know what would happen next. There was a constant sense of tension running through the story too - but tension in the best possible way.
I found myself desperately hoping Lucas wouldn't be discovered, and that kept me both completely engrossed and page-turning but also slightly on edge that it was going to happen with every one of those page turns (no spoilers here people!!)
The story has such real depth and isn't afraid to explore some darker, heavier themes - I'd definitely recommend paying attention to the trigger warnings before diving in.
These elements are handled thoughtfully though, and they add real weight and emotional complexity to the plot.
I loved the dual, first-person perspective of the book too. The alternating chapters between Jas and Lucas allowed for a much deeper understanding of both characters and made their relationship and individual journeys even more compelling.
Being able to view events unfold from both of their perspectives added so much richness to the story.
I also really enjoyed the supporting characters within this story - secondary characters can sometimes feel underdeveloped, but that certainly wasn't the case here.
They were memorable, likeable, and added another layer of realness to the world.
And finally, for those wondering - yes, there is spice. Plenty of spice. And it IS spicy too!!
The chemistry between Jas and Lucas is undeniable and the romantic tension throughout the story is wonderfully written.
The Ink Beneath is fantastic.
It delivers compelling characters, emotional depth, gripping tension, and a romance I couldn't stop rooting for.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you turning pages late into the night, this is one I highly recommend.
From the very first line I knew I was in for something different. Those very memorable, "stick-in-your-mind" opening words made me laugh out loud and totally hooked me into the story.
Elenor Pountain's writing is just exceptional.
Every character is developed brilliantly - they have such realistic layers to them, all of which are explored in detail making each character incredibly easy to invest in.
Both lead characters - kickass Jas and morally grey Lucas - undergo such significant growth throughout the story and one of my favourite aspects was watching them gradually bring out each other's true selves.
Jas fully embraces and explores her darker side without shame or judgement, while Lucas learns to trust, to open up and to allow himself to be vulnerable.
They complement each other perfectly, and by the end of the story they do feel different to the characters we initially meet.
And this development felt so natural and authentic every step of the way.
I genuinely couldn't put this book down!
Every chapter left me desperate to know what would happen next. There was a constant sense of tension running through the story too - but tension in the best possible way.
I found myself desperately hoping Lucas wouldn't be discovered, and that kept me both completely engrossed and page-turning but also slightly on edge that it was going to happen with every one of those page turns (no spoilers here people!!)
The story has such real depth and isn't afraid to explore some darker, heavier themes - I'd definitely recommend paying attention to the trigger warnings before diving in.
These elements are handled thoughtfully though, and they add real weight and emotional complexity to the plot.
I loved the dual, first-person perspective of the book too. The alternating chapters between Jas and Lucas allowed for a much deeper understanding of both characters and made their relationship and individual journeys even more compelling.
Being able to view events unfold from both of their perspectives added so much richness to the story.
I also really enjoyed the supporting characters within this story - secondary characters can sometimes feel underdeveloped, but that certainly wasn't the case here.
They were memorable, likeable, and added another layer of realness to the world.
And finally, for those wondering - yes, there is spice. Plenty of spice. And it IS spicy too!!
The chemistry between Jas and Lucas is undeniable and the romantic tension throughout the story is wonderfully written.
The Ink Beneath is fantastic.
It delivers compelling characters, emotional depth, gripping tension, and a romance I couldn't stop rooting for.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you turning pages late into the night, this is one I highly recommend.
June 7, 2026
Thank you to IndieReader and the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Ink Beneath hooked me from the very first chapter. Lucas isn’t your typical hero, but from the outset I found myself completely invested in his story. The book definitely gave me Dexter vibes, with a morally grey main character whose actions constantly challenge the line between right and wrong.
One of my favourite aspects of the novel was the structure. The short chapters and multiple points of view kept the story moving at a great pace and made it incredibly easy to keep reading. Every chapter seemed to end with me wanting just one more.
Jas was a standout character for me. Her introduction had me laughing immediately, and the humour she brings to the story was one of the highlights of the book. In fact, both Jas and Lucas provide moments of humour that perfectly balance the darker themes running throughout the novel. Even during some intense scenes, the lighter moments felt natural and made the characters feel authentic and relatable.
I also appreciated the sensitivity shown towards victims and their families. Given some of the darker subject matter explored in the story, it would have been easy to overlook the wider impact of events, but that human element remains present throughout.
The tension was excellent from beginning to end. There were several moments where I found myself holding my breath in anticipation, desperate to see what would happen next. The emotional depth builds steadily as the story progresses, adding extra layers to both the characters and the plot.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. The characters felt realistic, flawed, and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. Watching relationships evolve throughout the story added an emotional dimension that complemented the darker themes well.
Personally, I found myself more drawn to the darker, morally grey aspects of Luca’s character. I also felt there were a couple of areas I would have liked to see explored in a little more detail by the end.
Despite dealing with some dark subject matter, I wouldn’t personally classify this as a dark romance. For me, it sits more comfortably in the morally grey category, blending suspense, emotion, humour, and character development into a compelling and entertaining read.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Ink Beneath. It’s an engaging, fast-paced story with strong characters, plenty of tension, and moments of humour that shine through the darkness. If you enjoy morally grey protagonists, vigilante justice themes, and character-driven stories with a touch of romance, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
★★★★☆
The Ink Beneath hooked me from the very first chapter. Lucas isn’t your typical hero, but from the outset I found myself completely invested in his story. The book definitely gave me Dexter vibes, with a morally grey main character whose actions constantly challenge the line between right and wrong.
One of my favourite aspects of the novel was the structure. The short chapters and multiple points of view kept the story moving at a great pace and made it incredibly easy to keep reading. Every chapter seemed to end with me wanting just one more.
Jas was a standout character for me. Her introduction had me laughing immediately, and the humour she brings to the story was one of the highlights of the book. In fact, both Jas and Lucas provide moments of humour that perfectly balance the darker themes running throughout the novel. Even during some intense scenes, the lighter moments felt natural and made the characters feel authentic and relatable.
I also appreciated the sensitivity shown towards victims and their families. Given some of the darker subject matter explored in the story, it would have been easy to overlook the wider impact of events, but that human element remains present throughout.
The tension was excellent from beginning to end. There were several moments where I found myself holding my breath in anticipation, desperate to see what would happen next. The emotional depth builds steadily as the story progresses, adding extra layers to both the characters and the plot.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. The characters felt realistic, flawed, and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. Watching relationships evolve throughout the story added an emotional dimension that complemented the darker themes well.
Personally, I found myself more drawn to the darker, morally grey aspects of Luca’s character. I also felt there were a couple of areas I would have liked to see explored in a little more detail by the end.
Despite dealing with some dark subject matter, I wouldn’t personally classify this as a dark romance. For me, it sits more comfortably in the morally grey category, blending suspense, emotion, humour, and character development into a compelling and entertaining read.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Ink Beneath. It’s an engaging, fast-paced story with strong characters, plenty of tension, and moments of humour that shine through the darkness. If you enjoy morally grey protagonists, vigilante justice themes, and character-driven stories with a touch of romance, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
★★★★☆
June 11, 2026
Recieved as an Arc copy and very grateful for it.
I first of all want to say I did really like the story, but feel somethings were lacking in the Dark aspect.
The initial Stalker/Masked rescue felt over before it started i feel like that interaction should have had some more action and detail. Although we did get some darkness from Lucas individually it felt a bit muted, I wanted details and gore for what is described as a Dark romance it needed more of that especially between the couple.
The detective confronting him needed to go somewhere it just felt very flat and ominous when they talked about it at dinner, think we needed a bit more confrontation and more evidence behind the accusation which would have made it believable that just a name landed him in shit was disappointing and undermined how well kept his secret is.
I think Jas needed to see more of Lucas Darkness, yes they had some kinky sex but I feel his world needed to be witnessed by her even if it was just stumbling on him doing something to someone, because all she really sees is a masked man carrying a guy out her house (hence why I think more should have happened here) maybe he could have slipped when a man approaches her to flirt or something, just for her to experience that danger first hand and give us her juicy reactions to what is the real him, also she never really gets a hint about the abduction and dispearamces even from news or gossip this should have maybe come into it for her to again experience that world.
I like the fact he opened up and was portrayed as a tortured soul, but I feel his whole character shifted too much he didnt quite hold the shadow daddy obsessed persona toward the end it felt more lovey dovey, which is fine between them but not to outside world?
The spice was good, chapters short and easy to get through, I liked the shared POV between the 2 characters.
I did unfortunately find a few typos and things that didnt quite sit right for the moment as well as some repetition of words or sentences describing things, which I can can happen in the whole book but sometimes it was very close together which meant I picked up on it alot. which i would have thought beta and editing would have caught especially by arc reader release, but those things didnt pull much from the story, thankfully just little niggles.
All in all quite enjoyable just needed more of that darkness within the romance because for me its just more of a kinky romance with a serial killer in the background.
If I could rate 3.5 I would but I dont think its quite at a 4.
I first of all want to say I did really like the story, but feel somethings were lacking in the Dark aspect.
The initial Stalker/Masked rescue felt over before it started i feel like that interaction should have had some more action and detail. Although we did get some darkness from Lucas individually it felt a bit muted, I wanted details and gore for what is described as a Dark romance it needed more of that especially between the couple.
The detective confronting him needed to go somewhere it just felt very flat and ominous when they talked about it at dinner, think we needed a bit more confrontation and more evidence behind the accusation which would have made it believable that just a name landed him in shit was disappointing and undermined how well kept his secret is.
I think Jas needed to see more of Lucas Darkness, yes they had some kinky sex but I feel his world needed to be witnessed by her even if it was just stumbling on him doing something to someone, because all she really sees is a masked man carrying a guy out her house (hence why I think more should have happened here) maybe he could have slipped when a man approaches her to flirt or something, just for her to experience that danger first hand and give us her juicy reactions to what is the real him, also she never really gets a hint about the abduction and dispearamces even from news or gossip this should have maybe come into it for her to again experience that world.
I like the fact he opened up and was portrayed as a tortured soul, but I feel his whole character shifted too much he didnt quite hold the shadow daddy obsessed persona toward the end it felt more lovey dovey, which is fine between them but not to outside world?
The spice was good, chapters short and easy to get through, I liked the shared POV between the 2 characters.
I did unfortunately find a few typos and things that didnt quite sit right for the moment as well as some repetition of words or sentences describing things, which I can can happen in the whole book but sometimes it was very close together which meant I picked up on it alot. which i would have thought beta and editing would have caught especially by arc reader release, but those things didnt pull much from the story, thankfully just little niggles.
All in all quite enjoyable just needed more of that darkness within the romance because for me its just more of a kinky romance with a serial killer in the background.
If I could rate 3.5 I would but I dont think its quite at a 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2026
4.5⭐️
First off, a huge thank you to Eleanor for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book!
If you're a fan of dark romance, masked men, morally grey vigilantes, and a hero who's completely obsessed with his woman, then this one is definitely worth picking up.
Lucas is the kind of MMC I can't resist—a masked vigilante who delivers his own brand of justice to those who prey on women and children. After saving Jas from a dangerous stalker, his fixation on her quickly turns into something much deeper. And honestly? Who doesn't love a morally grey man with a saviour complex?
Jas, our curvy barista FMC, was such a fun character. She's witty, relatable, and felt genuinely real. One of my favourite things about this book was how easy it was to read. The writing was straightforward, engaging, and packed with humour without being bogged down by unnecessary filler. It had just the right balance of quirky moments, plot progression, and spice.
Speaking of spice—it definitely delivered. The romance and chemistry were hot, but the spice never overshadowed the storyline, which I always appreciate.
My only small complaint is that a few loose ends weren't fully tied up, leaving me with some unanswered questions. Unfortunately, it looks like Lucas and Jas's story ends here, with the next book moving on to a why-choose romance (which I am absolutely here for!). Still, it's a little bittersweet knowing some of my questions may never get answered.
- What happened with Ethan? Did he start investigating Lucas?
-Are Ethan and Sienna still together?
-What happened with the Judge, did Lucas take him out?
-The last person Lucas nabbed, what was the movement in the shadows?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to dark romance lovers looking for a fun, addictive read with plenty of tension, swoon-worthy moments, and a deliciously possessive hero.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Romance
🎭 Masked Man
👥 Dual POV
🔪 Vigilante Hero
👀 Stalker
🏃♂️ He Chases Her
💞 Hidden Identity
👨👩👧 Found Family
🔥 Light Bondage
🌶️ Spicy
☕ Curvy Barista FMC
First off, a huge thank you to Eleanor for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book!
If you're a fan of dark romance, masked men, morally grey vigilantes, and a hero who's completely obsessed with his woman, then this one is definitely worth picking up.
Lucas is the kind of MMC I can't resist—a masked vigilante who delivers his own brand of justice to those who prey on women and children. After saving Jas from a dangerous stalker, his fixation on her quickly turns into something much deeper. And honestly? Who doesn't love a morally grey man with a saviour complex?
Jas, our curvy barista FMC, was such a fun character. She's witty, relatable, and felt genuinely real. One of my favourite things about this book was how easy it was to read. The writing was straightforward, engaging, and packed with humour without being bogged down by unnecessary filler. It had just the right balance of quirky moments, plot progression, and spice.
Speaking of spice—it definitely delivered. The romance and chemistry were hot, but the spice never overshadowed the storyline, which I always appreciate.
My only small complaint is that a few loose ends weren't fully tied up, leaving me with some unanswered questions. Unfortunately, it looks like Lucas and Jas's story ends here, with the next book moving on to a why-choose romance (which I am absolutely here for!). Still, it's a little bittersweet knowing some of my questions may never get answered.
- What happened with Ethan? Did he start investigating Lucas?
-Are Ethan and Sienna still together?
-What happened with the Judge, did Lucas take him out?
-The last person Lucas nabbed, what was the movement in the shadows?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to dark romance lovers looking for a fun, addictive read with plenty of tension, swoon-worthy moments, and a deliciously possessive hero.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Romance
🎭 Masked Man
👥 Dual POV
🔪 Vigilante Hero
👀 Stalker
🏃♂️ He Chases Her
💞 Hidden Identity
👨👩👧 Found Family
🔥 Light Bondage
🌶️ Spicy
☕ Curvy Barista FMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2026
The Ink Beneath completely surprised me with how much time it took to build its characters before throwing them together. Twenty percent into the book and Lucas and Jas hadn't even met yet, but I wasn't bored for a second. Every chapter added another layer to who they were, what they feared, and what drove them.
Lucas is such an interesting MMC. Yes, he's a serial killer, but he's also incredibly empathetic and genuinely passionate about his work as a newspaper editor. His moral compass isn't exactly conventional, but it makes him fascinating to read about. I found myself constantly wanting to know what was going on inside his head.
Jas was equally compelling. She's smart, joyful, and has that rare ability to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at her. Her intuition was one of my favorite things about her character, and I loved her attitude of basically saying "screw it" and living her life anyway.
What really worked for me was how neither character spent chapters running away from their feelings. They were scared, sure, but they didn't let that stop them from pursuing what they wanted.
That made the romance feel refreshing and genuine.
I have to mention the fact that Jas reads dark romance. The way Lucas recreates scenes she highlights? Absolutely insane in the best way. That's the kind of fictional behavior that has readers kicking their feet and questioning their standards.
Lucas's possessiveness also hit exactly the way it was supposed to. Every time he referred to Jas as "mine," I understood why people love morally gray men.
My only lingering wish is that Seinna and Ethan had gotten a happier ending. Their story stayed with me long after I finished the book.
Overall, this was a dark romance with strong character development, emotional depth, and a romance that felt earned. If you enjoy possessive MMCs, morally gray characters, and relationships where both people fully commit despite the risks, this one is worth picking up.
Lucas is such an interesting MMC. Yes, he's a serial killer, but he's also incredibly empathetic and genuinely passionate about his work as a newspaper editor. His moral compass isn't exactly conventional, but it makes him fascinating to read about. I found myself constantly wanting to know what was going on inside his head.
Jas was equally compelling. She's smart, joyful, and has that rare ability to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at her. Her intuition was one of my favorite things about her character, and I loved her attitude of basically saying "screw it" and living her life anyway.
What really worked for me was how neither character spent chapters running away from their feelings. They were scared, sure, but they didn't let that stop them from pursuing what they wanted.
That made the romance feel refreshing and genuine.
I have to mention the fact that Jas reads dark romance. The way Lucas recreates scenes she highlights? Absolutely insane in the best way. That's the kind of fictional behavior that has readers kicking their feet and questioning their standards.
Lucas's possessiveness also hit exactly the way it was supposed to. Every time he referred to Jas as "mine," I understood why people love morally gray men.
My only lingering wish is that Seinna and Ethan had gotten a happier ending. Their story stayed with me long after I finished the book.
Overall, this was a dark romance with strong character development, emotional depth, and a romance that felt earned. If you enjoy possessive MMCs, morally gray characters, and relationships where both people fully commit despite the risks, this one is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ink Beneath is a dark romance story that I really enjoyed and got completely absorbed in right away.
The story is very gripping and really hooked me from page 1! I read the book in 2.5 days because it was so exciting and I just couldn’t put it down. The vibe was great, and the structure of the story was fantastic too! I loved the short chapters and the shifting POVs! I was able to get into the story easily, and it was also well-written, simple, and easy to understand! Sometimes the pacing wasn’t perfect, but that didn’t bother me too much. This book is really great for a weekend read because it’s very addictive and you can easily get lost in it!
The story also has some depth, as it deals with moral questions and, in a certain way, with vigilante justice. There are also some heavy themes and dark elements, so please be sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings!
The characters were also very well-developed and intriguing, and they felt very authentic to me. The tension was definitely 100% there, and there was also some really good spice.
In addition to the main characters, there were also some great supporting characters, like the group of friends, whom I found really interesting and really liked! The story also touched on a lot of themes like friendship, trust, opening up to one another, and love, which added a lot of depth to the story and the characters, and I really liked the ending. Overall, I’d classify the book more as a romance with dark elements than as dark romance. I can definitely recommend this book to all fans of Lights Out and I’m already looking forward to Book 2!
The story is very gripping and really hooked me from page 1! I read the book in 2.5 days because it was so exciting and I just couldn’t put it down. The vibe was great, and the structure of the story was fantastic too! I loved the short chapters and the shifting POVs! I was able to get into the story easily, and it was also well-written, simple, and easy to understand! Sometimes the pacing wasn’t perfect, but that didn’t bother me too much. This book is really great for a weekend read because it’s very addictive and you can easily get lost in it!
The story also has some depth, as it deals with moral questions and, in a certain way, with vigilante justice. There are also some heavy themes and dark elements, so please be sure to pay attention to the trigger warnings!
The characters were also very well-developed and intriguing, and they felt very authentic to me. The tension was definitely 100% there, and there was also some really good spice.
In addition to the main characters, there were also some great supporting characters, like the group of friends, whom I found really interesting and really liked! The story also touched on a lot of themes like friendship, trust, opening up to one another, and love, which added a lot of depth to the story and the characters, and I really liked the ending. Overall, I’d classify the book more as a romance with dark elements than as dark romance. I can definitely recommend this book to all fans of Lights Out and I’m already looking forward to Book 2!
June 21, 2026
this is the 1st book I have read by this author and WOW! this is a amazing story where the storyline just flows and it really gives you the one more page energy! I read it in 24 hours!its fast paced with juat the right amount of humour.
Jas the main FMC - i loved the fact that she is a plus size woman! she is sassy, brave I love her inner monologues when shes talking to her self it just really brought her character to life that little bit more, I love the connection she has with all of her friends its so nice to see a beautiful friendship and this one is so warming!
Lucas The main MMC - i love the way lucas is portrayed, he is a good man with a secret which doesnt consume him. he tries to do the right thing always, hes a seriel killer but he isnt a phycopath or over bearing and thats really refreshing for me latley!!
i loved everything about this story, i loved that it wasnt your generic one which I was waiting for the pin to drop and it never did ( fmc always gets kidnapped at the end and he has to burn down the world to save her - he gets found out by police) u get what i mean!! .. it was beautiful how this story didnt focus on the fact of what he did it focused on them and there story,
i would have liked a little bit more from Lucas epilogue I felt like it wasnt quite enough like something was missing hence the 4 star.
over all this is a amazing read and I highly reccomend it!
if you like butcher and blackbird, X and O'S, a little bit obsessed then this is right up your street
thank you for allowing me to read this as a arc I cannot wait for book 2 bring on a bit of why choose!!!
*I have been given this as a arc and my review is voluntary *
Jas the main FMC - i loved the fact that she is a plus size woman! she is sassy, brave I love her inner monologues when shes talking to her self it just really brought her character to life that little bit more, I love the connection she has with all of her friends its so nice to see a beautiful friendship and this one is so warming!
Lucas The main MMC - i love the way lucas is portrayed, he is a good man with a secret which doesnt consume him. he tries to do the right thing always, hes a seriel killer but he isnt a phycopath or over bearing and thats really refreshing for me latley!!
i loved everything about this story, i loved that it wasnt your generic one which I was waiting for the pin to drop and it never did ( fmc always gets kidnapped at the end and he has to burn down the world to save her - he gets found out by police) u get what i mean!! .. it was beautiful how this story didnt focus on the fact of what he did it focused on them and there story,
i would have liked a little bit more from Lucas epilogue I felt like it wasnt quite enough like something was missing hence the 4 star.
over all this is a amazing read and I highly reccomend it!
if you like butcher and blackbird, X and O'S, a little bit obsessed then this is right up your street
thank you for allowing me to read this as a arc I cannot wait for book 2 bring on a bit of why choose!!!
*I have been given this as a arc and my review is voluntary *
June 12, 2026
WOW, this is the 1st book I've read from this author & I absolutely loved it! The writing style flowed seamlessly. It is fast paced so you really just need to sit back & enjoy the wild ride, especially if you like morally grey masked men!
Jas (MFC), is so relatable not just because she is a plus size women with self doubts in her body shape but also her loves, likes & passions that are outlined in a quirky, fun way. Whilst Lucas (MMC) is absolutely the perfect 'morally grey' man, he's protective yet possessive & completely obsessed but try's to control it which strikes a cord in his own conscious.
The humour & one-liners in this book where just fantastic - but I do like the bizarre, unhinged humour! This book had me physically laughing out loud, but be prepared as it also will hit you in the emotional solar plexus, & it most definitely has a punch!
Tropes:
Plus size rep
Obsession
Secret Identity
Touch her you die
Revenge
Stalker
He falls first
Slow-burn
Morally Grey
Overall, If you loved the stalker elements of Lights out, the serial killer vibes of Butcher & Blackbird & the unhinged comical timing of the 'Slay-cation' series then you will absolutely devour this book, with it's added suspense element - 100% recommend you add this book to your TBR.
** Thank you to the author for sending me a free e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily **
Jas (MFC), is so relatable not just because she is a plus size women with self doubts in her body shape but also her loves, likes & passions that are outlined in a quirky, fun way. Whilst Lucas (MMC) is absolutely the perfect 'morally grey' man, he's protective yet possessive & completely obsessed but try's to control it which strikes a cord in his own conscious.
The humour & one-liners in this book where just fantastic - but I do like the bizarre, unhinged humour! This book had me physically laughing out loud, but be prepared as it also will hit you in the emotional solar plexus, & it most definitely has a punch!
Tropes:
Plus size rep
Obsession
Secret Identity
Touch her you die
Revenge
Stalker
He falls first
Slow-burn
Morally Grey
Overall, If you loved the stalker elements of Lights out, the serial killer vibes of Butcher & Blackbird & the unhinged comical timing of the 'Slay-cation' series then you will absolutely devour this book, with it's added suspense element - 100% recommend you add this book to your TBR.
** Thank you to the author for sending me a free e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily **
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited to receive an ARC of The Ink Beneath, and it completely lived up to my expectations.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Lucas is the perfect morally grey protagonist—protective, possessive, and impossible not to root for, despite constantly blurring the lines between right and wrong. The short chapters and multiple POVs kept the pace moving, making it incredibly difficult to put down.
Jas was an instant favourite. Her humour brought so much light to the story and balanced the darker themes perfectly. The banter throughout had me laughing out loud, while the slow-burn romance kept me invested from start to finish.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth. I came for the masked vigilante and stayed for the emotional damage. Alongside the suspense and romance, the story handles its darker subject matter with sensitivity, never losing sight of the impact on victims and their families.
Despite the dark themes, I wouldn’t personally classify this as a dark romance. For me, it’s a compelling morally grey romantic suspense with strong character development, plenty of tension, humour, and heart.
If you love morally grey heroes, masked vigilantes, “he falls first”, slow-burn romance, and stories that keep you turning pages late into the night, The Ink Beneath is definitely one to add to your TBR.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Lucas is the perfect morally grey protagonist—protective, possessive, and impossible not to root for, despite constantly blurring the lines between right and wrong. The short chapters and multiple POVs kept the pace moving, making it incredibly difficult to put down.
Jas was an instant favourite. Her humour brought so much light to the story and balanced the darker themes perfectly. The banter throughout had me laughing out loud, while the slow-burn romance kept me invested from start to finish.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth. I came for the masked vigilante and stayed for the emotional damage. Alongside the suspense and romance, the story handles its darker subject matter with sensitivity, never losing sight of the impact on victims and their families.
Despite the dark themes, I wouldn’t personally classify this as a dark romance. For me, it’s a compelling morally grey romantic suspense with strong character development, plenty of tension, humour, and heart.
If you love morally grey heroes, masked vigilantes, “he falls first”, slow-burn romance, and stories that keep you turning pages late into the night, The Ink Beneath is definitely one to add to your TBR.
June 12, 2026
I am very grateful to the author for providing me with this arc, a very new to me author who I look forward to reading more from. I feel that pointing out all the positives aspects of this book will allow me to make a slightly niggling negative comment too. First of all when a book begins with “ My balls are sweating” then you know you’re in for a good time! I enjoyed getting to know Lucas the morally grey MMC,how his mind works and why he does what he does which in hindsight is ridding the world of vermin, his methods though, leaves a lot to be desired!lol But I really liked him. Jas the FMC is just a delight, one of the best fmcs I’ve come across for a while. She was strong, loveable and real. Loved that we got both characters povs, enjoyed their chemistry and attraction and the steamy scenes are always a bonus. As well as darkness (ish)there was humour, great network of side characters who added to the story and of course the steam. The reason why I gave 4 stars rather than 5 is because the characters are English but there were some words that were Americanised( being English myself it’s just my little peeve) but it really doesn’t take away the enjoyment at all! also some spelling errors, Praying on women as opposed to Preying on women, light dark romance is the perfect description. Hand on heart though I truly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The ink beneath brings something unique and exciting to the dark romance genre that I didn't realise I needed. The slow burn between the main characters is so intense and when it finally happens well damn it happens! I truly felt like one of Jas' friends whilst reading like I was part of the crew and was along for the ride from the first chapter. The characters were written in a way that you felt like you knew them personally and the emotions they were going through, you literally felt everything. The plot twist was brilliant and somehow made me fully supportive of Lucas life decisions. I felt the miscarriage storyline was done perfectly. I've been there myself and the emotions and feelings were portrayed in a realistic way and with a true understanding on the topic and what it can do to a relationship and person. The emotions and humour throughout this story were fantastic. I can't wait to read the next book in the series with the cliff hanger we were left on in this one I'm super excited to see what happens next. The balance of plot and spice was perfect. The storyline was perfect. The ink beneath was just perfection!
A massive thank you to Elenor pountain and paperwild publishing for the arc.
A massive thank you to Elenor pountain and paperwild publishing for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me this as an ARC.
I personally wouldn't class this as a dark romance and I thought that there should had been a list detailing all the trigger warnings instead of just a very brief overview and then a link to click on since this book dealt with sensitive topics that I think should had been detailed before hand.
My first thoughts of this book was that admittedly this book doesn't seem like it was ready to be published it felt like it was still in the editing or beta process.
My second thoughts were on how things were described which isn't how I would expect them to be since we don't get much detail of the FMC or the MMC and that we don't properly know what the MMC looks like until a few chapters after their first proper meeting in the café where you would had expected a bit more detail than we were given.
Some of plot points I also felt could had been expanded on but was left making the ending feel unfinished and that writing in some parts where admittedly adolescent in nature meaning that I thought at some points it gave the feeling of a younger person maybe a late teen was writing it.
I can understand why someone would like or even enjoy this book but for me this wasn't something I would consider to reread.
I personally wouldn't class this as a dark romance and I thought that there should had been a list detailing all the trigger warnings instead of just a very brief overview and then a link to click on since this book dealt with sensitive topics that I think should had been detailed before hand.
My first thoughts of this book was that admittedly this book doesn't seem like it was ready to be published it felt like it was still in the editing or beta process.
My second thoughts were on how things were described which isn't how I would expect them to be since we don't get much detail of the FMC or the MMC and that we don't properly know what the MMC looks like until a few chapters after their first proper meeting in the café where you would had expected a bit more detail than we were given.
Some of plot points I also felt could had been expanded on but was left making the ending feel unfinished and that writing in some parts where admittedly adolescent in nature meaning that I thought at some points it gave the feeling of a younger person maybe a late teen was writing it.
I can understand why someone would like or even enjoy this book but for me this wasn't something I would consider to reread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by Elenor Pountain and I loved it.
From the beginning I was hooked, the story flowed so well that before I knew it I was halfway through the book.
Jas is such a lovely relatable character, witty and full of goodness. She has a great network of friends and from the beginning she is fun and easy to like.
Lucas is a morally grey guy who does bad things with good intentions. He has the dark side for a reason and you can't help but justify everything he does.
These two meet in an unexpected way, but the attraction is instant. Their story is beautifully written. Nice and spicy at times and I loved the dark side of Lucas, how controlled, methodical and menacing he could be, but then how loving and soft he became for Jas.
I also loved the element of the "fear of being found out" and the consequences of that happening.
In summary, this is a well-written book that keeps you invested in the characters and the storyline. You feel the attraction and heat from the characters and it questions what you justify as right and wrong, good or bad.
If you like: Masked men, Serial killer vibes,
Instant attraction, Morally grey men, you will love this book.
Thank you to the author and Paperwild publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
From the beginning I was hooked, the story flowed so well that before I knew it I was halfway through the book.
Jas is such a lovely relatable character, witty and full of goodness. She has a great network of friends and from the beginning she is fun and easy to like.
Lucas is a morally grey guy who does bad things with good intentions. He has the dark side for a reason and you can't help but justify everything he does.
These two meet in an unexpected way, but the attraction is instant. Their story is beautifully written. Nice and spicy at times and I loved the dark side of Lucas, how controlled, methodical and menacing he could be, but then how loving and soft he became for Jas.
I also loved the element of the "fear of being found out" and the consequences of that happening.
In summary, this is a well-written book that keeps you invested in the characters and the storyline. You feel the attraction and heat from the characters and it questions what you justify as right and wrong, good or bad.
If you like: Masked men, Serial killer vibes,
Instant attraction, Morally grey men, you will love this book.
Thank you to the author and Paperwild publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
June 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The concept immediately hooked me, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how everything unfolded.
The idea of the masked man being a serial killer who hunts other killers was one of my favorite parts. It’s such an interesting twist on the typical serial killer story, and I think it was executed in a way that kept me invested.
That said, I did feel like something was missing. I wanted a deeper look into Jas as a character. While the romance and the relationship were well developed, I found myself wishing for more of her personal backstory. I wanted to know more about who she was outside of the relationship, which would have made me feel even more connected to her.
I’m also really curious about Lucas’s best friend. It felt like there was more to his story, and I was left wondering what happens to him after everything that unfolded. Hopefully that’s something we’ll get to see in a future book.
Overall, I had a great time reading this. The unique premise, the suspense, and the chemistry between the characters kept me engaged from beginning to end. Even though I wanted more depth in certain areas, it was still a very enjoyable read, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a vigilante serial killer twist.
The idea of the masked man being a serial killer who hunts other killers was one of my favorite parts. It’s such an interesting twist on the typical serial killer story, and I think it was executed in a way that kept me invested.
That said, I did feel like something was missing. I wanted a deeper look into Jas as a character. While the romance and the relationship were well developed, I found myself wishing for more of her personal backstory. I wanted to know more about who she was outside of the relationship, which would have made me feel even more connected to her.
I’m also really curious about Lucas’s best friend. It felt like there was more to his story, and I was left wondering what happens to him after everything that unfolded. Hopefully that’s something we’ll get to see in a future book.
Overall, I had a great time reading this. The unique premise, the suspense, and the chemistry between the characters kept me engaged from beginning to end. Even though I wanted more depth in certain areas, it was still a very enjoyable read, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a vigilante serial killer twist.
June 14, 2026
Review of advanced copy received by author
3,75⭐️
It’s the first book i’ve read from the author.
I got to know her book via TikTok, saw she needed Arc readers and tried my luck. Guess what?!
Considering it was dark themed i found it a light read.
I mean that in words of fluent writing, and Words you don’t have to look up what they truly mean kinda light.
It started of as a normal story with two POV’s.
The barista & the press-guy
The moment they locked in, at her house, when he was wearing the mask, for a guy who knew himself all too well, knew at that moment that she was gonna disrupt it all.
Fun interactions with both parties’ friends/families.
After the article from Elijah about all the dissapearances got printed, his friend Ethan “the detective” 🕵️♂️ got suspich.
I won’t spoil anything here, but that yearlong connection dissapeared in those few minutes of interrogation.
Unfortunately we don’t get the lovely update that they are back together, that bond is still severed even in the epilogues, you heard that right, you get two epilogues!
This will not be the last book i read of hers!
Enjoy reading!
3,75⭐️
It’s the first book i’ve read from the author.
I got to know her book via TikTok, saw she needed Arc readers and tried my luck. Guess what?!
Considering it was dark themed i found it a light read.
I mean that in words of fluent writing, and Words you don’t have to look up what they truly mean kinda light.
It started of as a normal story with two POV’s.
The barista & the press-guy
The moment they locked in, at her house, when he was wearing the mask, for a guy who knew himself all too well, knew at that moment that she was gonna disrupt it all.
Fun interactions with both parties’ friends/families.
After the article from Elijah about all the dissapearances got printed, his friend Ethan “the detective” 🕵️♂️ got suspich.
I won’t spoil anything here, but that yearlong connection dissapeared in those few minutes of interrogation.
Unfortunately we don’t get the lovely update that they are back together, that bond is still severed even in the epilogues, you heard that right, you get two epilogues!
This will not be the last book i read of hers!
Enjoy reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ink Beneath is one book that is definitely memorable.
This story gripped me from start to finish; the short chapters, different POVs and suspence left me not wanting to put this book down!
I adore Jas as a FMC. Her description is so honest, raw and relatable while her humour gave a lighter tone to aspects of the story. Her character development kept me hooked and showed true human emotions to the situations she found herself in.
Lucas isn't your typical bad boy MMC although that hard exterior with a hidden soft side makes him lovable. I enjoyed reading his POV, the expression behind how he feels had me tearing up!
The darker storyline and the spice is just 🤌🤌as much as the spice wasn't as dark as some other books I enjoyed how this was entwined in the story and the exploration of Jas's naughty side
The only thing I'd say is I wish the darker side of Lucas was shown more and I hope the spice is just the tip of the iceberg for the rest of the series ahead.
Overall, I absolutely loved this read.
Will I recommend this? Yes!
Will I be getting a physical copy? Also yes!
Am I excited for the rest of this series? Absolutely yes!
This story gripped me from start to finish; the short chapters, different POVs and suspence left me not wanting to put this book down!
I adore Jas as a FMC. Her description is so honest, raw and relatable while her humour gave a lighter tone to aspects of the story. Her character development kept me hooked and showed true human emotions to the situations she found herself in.
Lucas isn't your typical bad boy MMC although that hard exterior with a hidden soft side makes him lovable. I enjoyed reading his POV, the expression behind how he feels had me tearing up!
The darker storyline and the spice is just 🤌🤌as much as the spice wasn't as dark as some other books I enjoyed how this was entwined in the story and the exploration of Jas's naughty side
The only thing I'd say is I wish the darker side of Lucas was shown more and I hope the spice is just the tip of the iceberg for the rest of the series ahead.
Overall, I absolutely loved this read.
Will I recommend this? Yes!
Will I be getting a physical copy? Also yes!
Am I excited for the rest of this series? Absolutely yes!
June 12, 2026
Funny, Sexy, Dark & Delicious
I received this book as an ARC from the author, having not read any of their work before I didnt know what to expect but I was in for a treat.
I read this book over 3 evenings, and if I had the time I probably would read it in one sitting.
It has the perfect mix of, dark and sweet, spice and romance.
Jas is a beautiful curvy gal working in a coffee shop when her life is turned upside down.
Lucas works as an editor for a newspaper, tall, dark and mysterious. He crosses paths with Jas whilst doing his secret job and from then on cannot get her out of his head even though he knows his obsession may be his downfall.
The character development plays out very well and believable in this story and even the side characters are totally believable and feel very well written, I love Blair
I love the humor is this one, it felt very natural and unforced and spice....well I didnt expect how good it would.
If you love a morally grey man who is a sexy British Dexter type. You will love this one.
I received this book as an ARC from the author, having not read any of their work before I didnt know what to expect but I was in for a treat.
I read this book over 3 evenings, and if I had the time I probably would read it in one sitting.
It has the perfect mix of, dark and sweet, spice and romance.
Jas is a beautiful curvy gal working in a coffee shop when her life is turned upside down.
Lucas works as an editor for a newspaper, tall, dark and mysterious. He crosses paths with Jas whilst doing his secret job and from then on cannot get her out of his head even though he knows his obsession may be his downfall.
The character development plays out very well and believable in this story and even the side characters are totally believable and feel very well written, I love Blair
I love the humor is this one, it felt very natural and unforced and spice....well I didnt expect how good it would.
If you love a morally grey man who is a sexy British Dexter type. You will love this one.
June 13, 2026
I give it 4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was so easy to read and the pages just flew by.
What kept me hooked was Lucas and his identity. Especially how close Jas keeps getting to the truth without realising it. I was just waiting for that moment where everything would fall apart, and that made it hard to stop reading.
Jas was a big part of why I liked this. She had a lot of humour and personality, and I liked how she lightened the darker parts. Her friendships also made the story feel more alive.
Lucas was interesting to follow. I found myself way more invested in him than I expected, especially with how he is with her and how much he tries to keep control.
I also didn’t expect the emotional parts to hit the way they did. Even with the humour and romance, there were moments that felt heavier than I thought they would.
It was suspenseful, funny at times, and had a darker edge that worked really well together. I never got bored.
I’m looking forward to the next books in the series.
Thank you so much Elenor for letting me be a part of your team. ♥️🌺
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was so easy to read and the pages just flew by.
What kept me hooked was Lucas and his identity. Especially how close Jas keeps getting to the truth without realising it. I was just waiting for that moment where everything would fall apart, and that made it hard to stop reading.
Jas was a big part of why I liked this. She had a lot of humour and personality, and I liked how she lightened the darker parts. Her friendships also made the story feel more alive.
Lucas was interesting to follow. I found myself way more invested in him than I expected, especially with how he is with her and how much he tries to keep control.
I also didn’t expect the emotional parts to hit the way they did. Even with the humour and romance, there were moments that felt heavier than I thought they would.
It was suspenseful, funny at times, and had a darker edge that worked really well together. I never got bored.
I’m looking forward to the next books in the series.
Thank you so much Elenor for letting me be a part of your team. ♥️🌺
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.✨️
A huge thanks to the author for sending me this copy. When I read the blurb I instantly knew that this was right up my alley.
And boy was I right.
I was invested from the very first chapter. The shorter chapters, different povs and the writing style made it so easy to keep on going.
Every chapter ended with me wanting more. I started this before going to bed and finished almost 75% in one breath🫣
Lucas is the perfect possessive morally grey MMC, who despite his extracurricular activities is just a normal hot guy...
Jas, I love Jas. She is funny, a bit psychotic and she is into masked men. I mean, who isn't? 🤣
The slow burn is just slow enough, and when the 🌶 hits, it hits🔥
It's an easy 5⭐️ read for me!
A huge thanks to the author for sending me this copy. When I read the blurb I instantly knew that this was right up my alley.
And boy was I right.
I was invested from the very first chapter. The shorter chapters, different povs and the writing style made it so easy to keep on going.
Every chapter ended with me wanting more. I started this before going to bed and finished almost 75% in one breath🫣
Lucas is the perfect possessive morally grey MMC, who despite his extracurricular activities is just a normal hot guy...
Jas, I love Jas. She is funny, a bit psychotic and she is into masked men. I mean, who isn't? 🤣
The slow burn is just slow enough, and when the 🌶 hits, it hits🔥
It's an easy 5⭐️ read for me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This hits the spot that only a likeable serial killer and Gomez worthy devotion can scratch. The spicy scenes are also exceptionally well written and do not scrimp on detail... This book could also double up as an instruction manual that would provide far better results than 99.9% of all the porn out there...
The format and writing style is very easily consumable and addictive. Even for those with the attention span of a squirrel!
It's rare to read romance, even dark romance, that also manages not to slide into toxic relationship patterns and tropes. This not only manages that but it also raises the bar.
It is beautifully layered. Yes it is a dark romance, but I also see it as a love story celebrating female friendships too. I love that!
I cannot wait for the next in the series!
The format and writing style is very easily consumable and addictive. Even for those with the attention span of a squirrel!
It's rare to read romance, even dark romance, that also manages not to slide into toxic relationship patterns and tropes. This not only manages that but it also raises the bar.
It is beautifully layered. Yes it is a dark romance, but I also see it as a love story celebrating female friendships too. I love that!
I cannot wait for the next in the series!
June 7, 2026
I thought the dedication at the beginning was a lovely touch
The blurb being right at the start was great. I like that I could refresh my memory of what the story is about
The first line in chapter 2 made me laugh, it’s a saying I often say
Not sure if I’m meant to find parts of this book funny but I did laugh at a few words used
This book gives off Dexter vibes (the tv series) which I enjoyed. There is much less about the darker side of the book but I don’t really mind that because the rest of if book was enjoyable
Thrilling, keeps you wanting to know more. Sort of had me on the edge of my seat wanting to read it faster. I devoured this book in only 2 days
Absolutely can’t wait to read the next book
The blurb being right at the start was great. I like that I could refresh my memory of what the story is about
The first line in chapter 2 made me laugh, it’s a saying I often say
Not sure if I’m meant to find parts of this book funny but I did laugh at a few words used
This book gives off Dexter vibes (the tv series) which I enjoyed. There is much less about the darker side of the book but I don’t really mind that because the rest of if book was enjoyable
Thrilling, keeps you wanting to know more. Sort of had me on the edge of my seat wanting to read it faster. I devoured this book in only 2 days
Absolutely can’t wait to read the next book
June 8, 2026
Absolutely devoured this masterpiece!
Lucas is the unhinged morally grey man of dreams and Jas is just as crazy as him. The perfect pair, a captivating story with a clear path and it all flowed so well together.
The characters here had so much depth and I love it when a morally grey man is a vigilante and owns it.
The plot didn’t get lost throughout the book at all and it was definitely SPICY…… and none of the scenes felt repetitive which I find with dark romances, this made me want to be Jas for every wild ride.
I was addicted from chapter one and read this in less than 24 hours.
Elenor if this is how you write dark, please never stop and I’ll take the full series as soon as they’re ready!🥵
Lucas is the unhinged morally grey man of dreams and Jas is just as crazy as him. The perfect pair, a captivating story with a clear path and it all flowed so well together.
The characters here had so much depth and I love it when a morally grey man is a vigilante and owns it.
The plot didn’t get lost throughout the book at all and it was definitely SPICY…… and none of the scenes felt repetitive which I find with dark romances, this made me want to be Jas for every wild ride.
I was addicted from chapter one and read this in less than 24 hours.
Elenor if this is how you write dark, please never stop and I’ll take the full series as soon as they’re ready!🥵
June 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of The Ink Beneath.
This dark romance, set on the streets of London, completely pulled me in. The storyline was fantastic, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing right until the end. The characters had great depth, and even the side characters felt interesting and well-developed.
One of my favourite lines in the book was:
"Bloody hell, remind me why we do this again."
"Because we are mentally unstable."
I absolutely loved that exchange—I felt it in my soul!
Overall, this was a great read with an engaging plot, memorable characters, and enough surprises to keep the pages turning. I can't wait to see what happens next and will definitely be picking up the next book when it's released.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of The Ink Beneath.
This dark romance, set on the streets of London, completely pulled me in. The storyline was fantastic, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing right until the end. The characters had great depth, and even the side characters felt interesting and well-developed.
One of my favourite lines in the book was:
"Bloody hell, remind me why we do this again."
"Because we are mentally unstable."
I absolutely loved that exchange—I felt it in my soul!
Overall, this was a great read with an engaging plot, memorable characters, and enough surprises to keep the pages turning. I can't wait to see what happens next and will definitely be picking up the next book when it's released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My actual rating is 4.95
This dark romance had me invested from page one and moving between both pov's gives a deeper connection to both characters.
I just loved the story telling and yes there was spice and it was spicy but it was never too much just the right amount (no cringe words)
The depth of the characters is so well rounded it had me routing for them.
A barista and a serial killer find a deep connection
Wild swimming
Found family
One of my favourite lines is ......... He huffs a quiet laugh. "Son, you just let me hit you in the head with a squash ball. Something's going on."
New to dark romance than this is the perfect book to enter the genre
Now to wait for book two which can't come soon enough
This dark romance had me invested from page one and moving between both pov's gives a deeper connection to both characters.
I just loved the story telling and yes there was spice and it was spicy but it was never too much just the right amount (no cringe words)
The depth of the characters is so well rounded it had me routing for them.
A barista and a serial killer find a deep connection
Wild swimming
Found family
One of my favourite lines is ......... He huffs a quiet laugh. "Son, you just let me hit you in the head with a squash ball. Something's going on."
New to dark romance than this is the perfect book to enter the genre
Now to wait for book two which can't come soon enough
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced read copy review-
This book was such an easy flowing book however I defiantly think this book is more of a romance but if the book had more of a background on Lucas and his “late working nights” then it would’ve been a dark romance.
Throughout the book i genuinely couldn’t put it down as it always kept me interested, the timeline wasn’t rushed at all and my favourite thing about the book was the POV’s in each chapter were following on from each other. Whether it was the same situation and just different perspectives or a couple days later you always kept up with this story. I loved the character development with Lucas and Jas, they are such fun characters and easy to fall in love with them.
This book was such an easy flowing book however I defiantly think this book is more of a romance but if the book had more of a background on Lucas and his “late working nights” then it would’ve been a dark romance.
Throughout the book i genuinely couldn’t put it down as it always kept me interested, the timeline wasn’t rushed at all and my favourite thing about the book was the POV’s in each chapter were following on from each other. Whether it was the same situation and just different perspectives or a couple days later you always kept up with this story. I loved the character development with Lucas and Jas, they are such fun characters and easy to fall in love with them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was sooo happy to receive this ARC – everything from the cover to the blurb had me needing to read it immediately.
From the opening chapter of this book, I was in. Fully in.
Lucas is the epitome of the perfect morally grey man. Protective, possessive, and completely obsessed once he lets someone in. And Jas? Into masked men... just like me. 😂
"Fanny-phylactic shock" had me laughing to myself at my office desk.
There is just something ridiculously hot about a masked, morally grey vigilante who can't let go of the girl he saved. And when this man falls? He falls HARD.
The slow burn was absolutely delicious, building the tension chapter after chapter. But when the spice finally hits...
DAMN. 🌶️🔥
What I wasn't expecting was the emotional punch this book packed. I genuinely didn't think this book would make me cry, but then that scene happened.
And if you've read it... you know. 😭
I came for the masked vigilante. I stayed for the emotional damage.
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, blushing, and then suddenly staring at the wall questioning my entire existence.
BookTok made me believe I wanted a masked morally grey man, and this book only confirmed it. 🫠
If you love: 🖤 Morally grey heroes
🎭 Masked vigilantes
❤️ He falls first and falls hard
🔥 Slow burn spice
😭 Emotional damage disguised as romance
Then move this one to the top of your TBR immediately.
5⭐️ | New obsession unlocked 📚✨🖤🔥😭 #BookTokMadeMeDoIt #ARCReader #BookReview #MorallyGreyBookBoyfriend #MaskedManEra
From the opening chapter of this book, I was in. Fully in.
Lucas is the epitome of the perfect morally grey man. Protective, possessive, and completely obsessed once he lets someone in. And Jas? Into masked men... just like me. 😂
"Fanny-phylactic shock" had me laughing to myself at my office desk.
There is just something ridiculously hot about a masked, morally grey vigilante who can't let go of the girl he saved. And when this man falls? He falls HARD.
The slow burn was absolutely delicious, building the tension chapter after chapter. But when the spice finally hits...
DAMN. 🌶️🔥
What I wasn't expecting was the emotional punch this book packed. I genuinely didn't think this book would make me cry, but then that scene happened.
And if you've read it... you know. 😭
I came for the masked vigilante. I stayed for the emotional damage.
This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, blushing, and then suddenly staring at the wall questioning my entire existence.
BookTok made me believe I wanted a masked morally grey man, and this book only confirmed it. 🫠
If you love: 🖤 Morally grey heroes
🎭 Masked vigilantes
❤️ He falls first and falls hard
🔥 Slow burn spice
😭 Emotional damage disguised as romance
Then move this one to the top of your TBR immediately.
5⭐️ | New obsession unlocked 📚✨🖤🔥😭 #BookTokMadeMeDoIt #ARCReader #BookReview #MorallyGreyBookBoyfriend #MaskedManEra
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bumping up from a 3.5 star!
Overall a really good book. It definitely felt more of just a romance with a couple of dark elements in there instead of a fully fledged dark romance, but that definitely wasn't a bad thing for me. The story was very easy to get into. The characters were also super easy to understand. The timeline didn't feel rushed, but the pacing would definitely change here and there throughout the book, but that was also in development with their relationship. I do wish there were more dark elements throughout the book, but it was a shorter book. Overall, a book I'd recommend for someone looking for a quick and easy read in the dark romance category!
Overall a really good book. It definitely felt more of just a romance with a couple of dark elements in there instead of a fully fledged dark romance, but that definitely wasn't a bad thing for me. The story was very easy to get into. The characters were also super easy to understand. The timeline didn't feel rushed, but the pacing would definitely change here and there throughout the book, but that was also in development with their relationship. I do wish there were more dark elements throughout the book, but it was a shorter book. Overall, a book I'd recommend for someone looking for a quick and easy read in the dark romance category!
June 11, 2026
I was so lucky to have received an ARC copy of this book from the author and it was so exciting. The plot was full of suspense and I struggled to put it down as soon as I started it. The character development was great and the writing so enjoyable. The plot was something different for me and I would recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving in.
The chemistry between the characters is intriguing and I think the story will stay with me for quite some time. If you want something intense and impossible to stop reading, then this is the one to read. I’m definitely going to read more by this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
The chemistry between the characters is intriguing and I think the story will stay with me for quite some time. If you want something intense and impossible to stop reading, then this is the one to read. I’m definitely going to read more by this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
Review of advance copy
Review from an ARC reader…
Im rating this 3 stars, I love the story line. the lord knows we all love a morally grey man, I just felt like it missed out on a lot of detail and that things were mentioned and just skimmed over.
There were a few bits where I felt that the trigger warning should have been put on a page at the start of the book instead of telling people to visit a link. Some hard subjects were written about with little warning, when reading a book I don’t tend to be going on my phone checking links as I like to zone out from the world.
Im rating this 3 stars, I love the story line. the lord knows we all love a morally grey man, I just felt like it missed out on a lot of detail and that things were mentioned and just skimmed over.
There were a few bits where I felt that the trigger warning should have been put on a page at the start of the book instead of telling people to visit a link. Some hard subjects were written about with little warning, when reading a book I don’t tend to be going on my phone checking links as I like to zone out from the world.
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