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Asphalt Grave
Ten years ago, she left town believing the past would stay buried.
Now she’s back—wrapped in wealth, beauty, and the illusion that time erased everything.
It didn’t.
They remember every second. And they’ve spent years deciding what they’ll do when she returns.
What’s waiting for her isn’t justice. It’s something far worse—colder, darker, and far more personal.
And somewhere in the wreckage of it all, desire begins to breathe against her skin.
The more they drag her under, the less she knows if she wants to escape… or sink deeper.
Asphalt Grave is a pitch-black dark romance novella exploring revenge, obsession, cruelty, and emotional destruction. This book contains morally black characters and a non-HEA ending.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
Now she’s back—wrapped in wealth, beauty, and the illusion that time erased everything.
It didn’t.
They remember every second. And they’ve spent years deciding what they’ll do when she returns.
What’s waiting for her isn’t justice. It’s something far worse—colder, darker, and far more personal.
And somewhere in the wreckage of it all, desire begins to breathe against her skin.
The more they drag her under, the less she knows if she wants to escape… or sink deeper.
Asphalt Grave is a pitch-black dark romance novella exploring revenge, obsession, cruelty, and emotional destruction. This book contains morally black characters and a non-HEA ending.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
- GenresDark Romance
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 26, 2026
**Review of Advanced Copy received from Author.**
This book completely consumed me from the very first chapter. The writing was so addictive and immersive that I finished it in one sitting. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and the tension never let up for a second.
Around the halfway mark, this book genuinely had me sitting there like “WHAT just happened?!” and somehow it only got darker and more intense from there. The twists, shock factor, and atmosphere kept escalating until the very end.
And that ending?? I literally tried to go to the next chapter because my brain refused to accept that it was over. I just sat there staring at my screen in disbelief.
This is definitely a VERY dark read, so please check trigger warnings beforehand — but if you love intense, gripping stories that leave you shocked and fully invested, this one absolutely delivers.
This book completely consumed me from the very first chapter. The writing was so addictive and immersive that I finished it in one sitting. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the story, and the tension never let up for a second.
Around the halfway mark, this book genuinely had me sitting there like “WHAT just happened?!” and somehow it only got darker and more intense from there. The twists, shock factor, and atmosphere kept escalating until the very end.
And that ending?? I literally tried to go to the next chapter because my brain refused to accept that it was over. I just sat there staring at my screen in disbelief.
This is definitely a VERY dark read, so please check trigger warnings beforehand — but if you love intense, gripping stories that leave you shocked and fully invested, this one absolutely delivers.
June 12, 2026
Asphalt Grave is one of the most depraved pitch-black romances I've read to this day. This book contains revenge, obsession, mental abuse, and physical abuse. This book is so intense, dark, and depraved to honestly be in the horror erotica genre. The plot twist in this book will have you like " What" you'll never see it coming and it's one for the decades. This doesn't contain an hea in fact this progressively gets more unhinged the deeper into it you get. If you can handle scenes so twisted that it'll make you doubt your sanity for reading them and want a book to make you feel exactly like this then this is the book for you. Highly recommend! I received this arc via the author and this is my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Rating: ★★★★★
Asphalt Grave by Nina Knox is an unapologetically pitch-black dark romance novella that explores revenge, obsession, cruelty, and emotional destruction without offering readers any comfort or redemption. Dark, disturbing, and relentlessly intense, this is the kind of story that demands readers surrender themselves to the chaos and trust the author to take them somewhere deeply unsettling.
What makes this novella so compelling is its ability to balance shock value with genuine narrative addiction. From the very first pages, there is an overwhelming sense of dread hanging over the story as the FMC returns to a town she believed she had escaped, only to discover that the past has been waiting for her all along. The atmosphere feels oppressive and claustrophobic, with every interaction carrying an undercurrent of menace that keeps the tension steadily escalating.
The characters themselves are intentionally difficult to love. Morally black, cruel, and driven by vengeance, they embody the darkness at the heart of the story. Rather than softening these characters or offering easy justifications for their actions, the narrative embraces their flaws completely. The result is a reading experience that feels uncomfortable, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.
Despite being a novella, the pacing is remarkably effective. The story moves quickly, yet never feels rushed, pulling readers deeper into its web of manipulation, obsession, and emotional devastation with every chapter. If I had not spent several days being distracted by appointments, I could have easily finished this in a single sitting. Even when I managed to get breaks in my day-to-day, I found myself constantly thinking about the story and needing to know what would happen next.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its willingness to commit fully to its darkness. This is not a romance designed to make readers feel safe, and it certainly does not offer a traditional happily-ever-after. Instead, it delivers exactly what it promises: a brutal exploration of revenge and destruction that lingers long after the final page. Readers should absolutely pay close attention to the extensive trigger warnings, as many of the themes and scenes presented throughout the novella may be confronting or distressing for some audiences.
I would strongly recommend Asphalt Grave to experienced dark romance readers who enjoy morally black characters, psychological manipulation, revenge-driven storylines, and books that push emotional and moral boundaries. Those seeking comfort, redemption arcs, or traditional romance conventions may find this difficult to enjoy, but readers who appreciate the darkest corners of the genre will likely find it unforgettable.
Overall, Asphalt Grave is a disturbing, addictive, and emotionally brutal read that fully embraces its darkness without compromise. Equal parts shocking and captivating, it is the kind of novella that leaves you staring at the final page wondering, "What the fuck did I just read?"... and somehow still wanting more.
Asphalt Grave by Nina Knox is an unapologetically pitch-black dark romance novella that explores revenge, obsession, cruelty, and emotional destruction without offering readers any comfort or redemption. Dark, disturbing, and relentlessly intense, this is the kind of story that demands readers surrender themselves to the chaos and trust the author to take them somewhere deeply unsettling.
What makes this novella so compelling is its ability to balance shock value with genuine narrative addiction. From the very first pages, there is an overwhelming sense of dread hanging over the story as the FMC returns to a town she believed she had escaped, only to discover that the past has been waiting for her all along. The atmosphere feels oppressive and claustrophobic, with every interaction carrying an undercurrent of menace that keeps the tension steadily escalating.
The characters themselves are intentionally difficult to love. Morally black, cruel, and driven by vengeance, they embody the darkness at the heart of the story. Rather than softening these characters or offering easy justifications for their actions, the narrative embraces their flaws completely. The result is a reading experience that feels uncomfortable, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore.
Despite being a novella, the pacing is remarkably effective. The story moves quickly, yet never feels rushed, pulling readers deeper into its web of manipulation, obsession, and emotional devastation with every chapter. If I had not spent several days being distracted by appointments, I could have easily finished this in a single sitting. Even when I managed to get breaks in my day-to-day, I found myself constantly thinking about the story and needing to know what would happen next.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its willingness to commit fully to its darkness. This is not a romance designed to make readers feel safe, and it certainly does not offer a traditional happily-ever-after. Instead, it delivers exactly what it promises: a brutal exploration of revenge and destruction that lingers long after the final page. Readers should absolutely pay close attention to the extensive trigger warnings, as many of the themes and scenes presented throughout the novella may be confronting or distressing for some audiences.
I would strongly recommend Asphalt Grave to experienced dark romance readers who enjoy morally black characters, psychological manipulation, revenge-driven storylines, and books that push emotional and moral boundaries. Those seeking comfort, redemption arcs, or traditional romance conventions may find this difficult to enjoy, but readers who appreciate the darkest corners of the genre will likely find it unforgettable.
Overall, Asphalt Grave is a disturbing, addictive, and emotionally brutal read that fully embraces its darkness without compromise. Equal parts shocking and captivating, it is the kind of novella that leaves you staring at the final page wondering, "What the fuck did I just read?"... and somehow still wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 🖤🏍️🔥
I am honestly flattered that I was chosen to read this as an ARC reader! I’m rating this a solid 3.5stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found myself struggling to stay engaged through the first quarter of the book. Around the 27% mark, I finally encountered story developments that sparked my curiosity & made me eager to continue! At this point, the mystery is introduced with heightened stakes & a clue of background information regarding the FMC. Looking back, I think the earlier chapters could benefit from a stronger hook, more intrigue, or earlier hints of the larger conflict so readers become invested sooner.
One area I struggled with was character connection. At this stage in the story, I don’t feel like I have a strong understanding of or emotional investment in the characters yet. For example, Tess’s introduction left me somewhat confused about her relationship with Sierra. Early descriptions made it seem as though she merely tolerated Sierra because they were cousins, but as the story progresses their bond appears much closer. Because of that, I wondered if some of the introductory information could be adjusted to better reflect the dynamic the reader later sees.
For example…
“She hesitates, staring off to the side like she’s weighing the answer carefully before finally saying, almost too casually, “Cain.”
I glance at her, one brow lifting at how quickly the answer comes out, because something about it feels off, like she had it prepared, but I don’t bother to look deeply into it.”
Chapter 9, page 52 — I was left confused from this interaction. The sentence beforehand establishes that she hesitates & carefully chooses her answer, but the narrator then notes how quickly the answer came out. The hesitation vs the quick response seems contradictory, so I’m unsure what the narrator was actually reacting to.
I also found myself with unanswered questions within the opening chapters. While I learned information about several characters, I didn’t encounter a central mystery, conflict, or reveal that made me eager to keep turning the pages until a quarter of the way in 🫣 As a result, the pacing felt slower than I expected despite the book’s shorter length — the neurospicy in my brain tends to require a quicker, punchier hook. 💭
Additionally, I think some of the intimate scenes would have had a stronger impact for me if they occurred after I had a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. Don’t get me wrong though, the spicy scenes were well written & veryyy creative! 🥵 Building that emotional connection earlier on, however, might make those chapters feel more impactful & engaging!
Overall, I see a lot of potential in the premise and the direction of the story! My main takeaway is that strengthening the character introductions & giving readers a stronger hook earlier on could make the opening chapters much more compelling. Once the ball gets rolling in the story, it’s very compelling to keep reading & the plot twist in the ending was unforeseen! So once again, thank you to Nina for the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader! 🏍️🖤⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am honestly flattered that I was chosen to read this as an ARC reader! I’m rating this a solid 3.5stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I found myself struggling to stay engaged through the first quarter of the book. Around the 27% mark, I finally encountered story developments that sparked my curiosity & made me eager to continue! At this point, the mystery is introduced with heightened stakes & a clue of background information regarding the FMC. Looking back, I think the earlier chapters could benefit from a stronger hook, more intrigue, or earlier hints of the larger conflict so readers become invested sooner.
One area I struggled with was character connection. At this stage in the story, I don’t feel like I have a strong understanding of or emotional investment in the characters yet. For example, Tess’s introduction left me somewhat confused about her relationship with Sierra. Early descriptions made it seem as though she merely tolerated Sierra because they were cousins, but as the story progresses their bond appears much closer. Because of that, I wondered if some of the introductory information could be adjusted to better reflect the dynamic the reader later sees.
For example…
“She hesitates, staring off to the side like she’s weighing the answer carefully before finally saying, almost too casually, “Cain.”
I glance at her, one brow lifting at how quickly the answer comes out, because something about it feels off, like she had it prepared, but I don’t bother to look deeply into it.”
Chapter 9, page 52 — I was left confused from this interaction. The sentence beforehand establishes that she hesitates & carefully chooses her answer, but the narrator then notes how quickly the answer came out. The hesitation vs the quick response seems contradictory, so I’m unsure what the narrator was actually reacting to.
I also found myself with unanswered questions within the opening chapters. While I learned information about several characters, I didn’t encounter a central mystery, conflict, or reveal that made me eager to keep turning the pages until a quarter of the way in 🫣 As a result, the pacing felt slower than I expected despite the book’s shorter length — the neurospicy in my brain tends to require a quicker, punchier hook. 💭
Additionally, I think some of the intimate scenes would have had a stronger impact for me if they occurred after I had a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. Don’t get me wrong though, the spicy scenes were well written & veryyy creative! 🥵 Building that emotional connection earlier on, however, might make those chapters feel more impactful & engaging!
Overall, I see a lot of potential in the premise and the direction of the story! My main takeaway is that strengthening the character introductions & giving readers a stronger hook earlier on could make the opening chapters much more compelling. Once the ball gets rolling in the story, it’s very compelling to keep reading & the plot twist in the ending was unforeseen! So once again, thank you to Nina for the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader! 🏍️🖤⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
We're gonna talk about it first and get it out if the way, so we can move on... This book is definitely not a dark romance, even though it's listed as one. There are some hints of it and as you're reading you might even think there could be some romance coming, but there's not. This is a revenge story. And as far as said revenge goes, if you want to know if it gets served, you're gonna have to read the book. Tryst me, it's worth the read. I love books with revenge plots and this one was excellent, in my opinion.
Asphalt Grave is a quick, pitch black read centered around our FMC, Sierra. Who is an absolute pill. She irritated the life out of me, right away. The second she opened her mouth for the first time it was an instant dislike. But we're meant to dislike her. Sierra is a spoiled, self centered brat, who's own family is hard pressed to like her. I found myself immediately agreeing that she needed revenge served to her on a big, cold, silver platter. I didn't even know or care why she did or what for. Just that I really wanted someone to duct tape her mouth shut. And there's others who want her to shut up, as well. Permanently. Will she be, though? Like I said earlier, guess you better snag a copy and find out. 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
Some of the things you'll be reading about as you discover if Sierra gets revenge served upon her, and why she should, are...
🩸 Masked Men
🩸 Motorcycles
🩸 Dub-Con
🩸 Non-Con
🩸 Drowning/Near Drowning
🩸 Extreme Violence, Blood & Gore
🩸 Irredeemable Characters
🩸 Car 'Games'/Unsafe Driving
🩸 Questionable Use of Unalived Body Parts
...and so much more. Did I mention this one is pitch black? 'Cause it's seriously one of the darker ones I've read. And anyone that actually reads my reviews knows that's gotta be a LOT for me. So, as always, I must insist that read all trigger warning and content lists to be absolutely sure this book will be suitable for you. Your mental health and well-being are vastly more important than any book. And I know Nina agrees with me. Do not read this book if you are squeamish or sensitive. If you do pick it up, but find yourself needing a break, then put it down. Take a breather, it's ok.
Now, all THAT said, I really enjoyed this book! One of the better revenge plots I've read. Nina really knows how to make her readers gasp as they're clutching their pearls. Not much makes me cringe or feel squeamish these day, I'm pretty desensitized to a lot of what I read now, but there were a few things here that made even me squirm a bit. For that I highly recommend it to those of you who, like me, enjoy twisted reads. So, what are you waiting for??
Story - ✔️✔️✔️✔️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
Gore - 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Overall - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*I received this as an unpaid ARC. The above is my true and honest opinion.
Asphalt Grave is a quick, pitch black read centered around our FMC, Sierra. Who is an absolute pill. She irritated the life out of me, right away. The second she opened her mouth for the first time it was an instant dislike. But we're meant to dislike her. Sierra is a spoiled, self centered brat, who's own family is hard pressed to like her. I found myself immediately agreeing that she needed revenge served to her on a big, cold, silver platter. I didn't even know or care why she did or what for. Just that I really wanted someone to duct tape her mouth shut. And there's others who want her to shut up, as well. Permanently. Will she be, though? Like I said earlier, guess you better snag a copy and find out. 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
Some of the things you'll be reading about as you discover if Sierra gets revenge served upon her, and why she should, are...
🩸 Masked Men
🩸 Motorcycles
🩸 Dub-Con
🩸 Non-Con
🩸 Drowning/Near Drowning
🩸 Extreme Violence, Blood & Gore
🩸 Irredeemable Characters
🩸 Car 'Games'/Unsafe Driving
🩸 Questionable Use of Unalived Body Parts
...and so much more. Did I mention this one is pitch black? 'Cause it's seriously one of the darker ones I've read. And anyone that actually reads my reviews knows that's gotta be a LOT for me. So, as always, I must insist that read all trigger warning and content lists to be absolutely sure this book will be suitable for you. Your mental health and well-being are vastly more important than any book. And I know Nina agrees with me. Do not read this book if you are squeamish or sensitive. If you do pick it up, but find yourself needing a break, then put it down. Take a breather, it's ok.
Now, all THAT said, I really enjoyed this book! One of the better revenge plots I've read. Nina really knows how to make her readers gasp as they're clutching their pearls. Not much makes me cringe or feel squeamish these day, I'm pretty desensitized to a lot of what I read now, but there were a few things here that made even me squirm a bit. For that I highly recommend it to those of you who, like me, enjoy twisted reads. So, what are you waiting for??
Story - ✔️✔️✔️✔️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
Gore - 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Overall - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*I received this as an unpaid ARC. The above is my true and honest opinion.
June 12, 2026
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 🖤
Before I say anything else: read the trigger warnings. And then read them again.
This novella is not morally grey. It is pitch black from the very first page and somehow gets even darker as the story progresses.
The hook had me invested immediately. There was no slow buildup, no waiting for things to get interesting. The story throws you straight into the chaos and refuses to let go. Every chapter had me thinking, “What the actual fuck?" because the twists just kept coming.
The plot, the masks, the suspense, the tension, the mind games, and the constant feeling that everyone was hiding something had me completely hooked. Every character seemed shady, and if you think anyone in this book is innocent, think again.
The MMCs? Morally black. Toxic. Unhinged. They don't just cross boundaries, they erase them. And yet, somehow, I still found myself sympathising with them. Not excusing them, but understanding them enough that I couldn't completely hate them. Maybe I'm just incapable of being objective when biker MMCs are involved.
The FMC had me equally conflicted. There were moments where I should have felt sorry for her, but instead I found myself thinking,
"Girl... actions have consequences."
The tension throughout this novella was incredible. Add in the gruesome scenes, psychological manipulation, shocking twists, and the constant feeling that something terrible was about to happen, and I genuinely could not put it down.
And then there's the ending. THERE IS NO HEA. I finished this book side-eyeing my Kindle because HOW do you end a story there?! I needed answers. I needed closure. I needed MORE.
If you love your dark romance pitch black, twisted, disturbing, suspenseful, and completely unhinged, Asphalt Grave is absolutely worth the ride.
Before I say anything else: read the trigger warnings. And then read them again.
This novella is not morally grey. It is pitch black from the very first page and somehow gets even darker as the story progresses.
The hook had me invested immediately. There was no slow buildup, no waiting for things to get interesting. The story throws you straight into the chaos and refuses to let go. Every chapter had me thinking, “What the actual fuck?" because the twists just kept coming.
The plot, the masks, the suspense, the tension, the mind games, and the constant feeling that everyone was hiding something had me completely hooked. Every character seemed shady, and if you think anyone in this book is innocent, think again.
The MMCs? Morally black. Toxic. Unhinged. They don't just cross boundaries, they erase them. And yet, somehow, I still found myself sympathising with them. Not excusing them, but understanding them enough that I couldn't completely hate them. Maybe I'm just incapable of being objective when biker MMCs are involved.
The FMC had me equally conflicted. There were moments where I should have felt sorry for her, but instead I found myself thinking,
"Girl... actions have consequences."
The tension throughout this novella was incredible. Add in the gruesome scenes, psychological manipulation, shocking twists, and the constant feeling that something terrible was about to happen, and I genuinely could not put it down.
And then there's the ending. THERE IS NO HEA. I finished this book side-eyeing my Kindle because HOW do you end a story there?! I needed answers. I needed closure. I needed MORE.
If you love your dark romance pitch black, twisted, disturbing, suspenseful, and completely unhinged, Asphalt Grave is absolutely worth the ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Asphalt Grave 4.5
FIRST thing to know about this book is that it's labeled as pitch black!
And there is no HEA either.
The other thing to know is that it's not a big book. It's a novella so it's actually a pretty quick read.
With that said, I couldn't put it down. I sometimes wonder what that says about me, BUT, I'm too busy reading books to actually care.
I was in the middle of reading this and I was thinking, this is an author who writes really well. And I mean if you take the plot, the characters and put those to the side, Nina Knox knows how to describe situations and emotions REALLY well. There wasn't a break in flow, or an error to be had. She did really good on the actual construction of the book.
As for the story itself, it was like a fight you know is bad but you just can't look away. Yeah, this was dark and gruesome and I couldn't quit "looking".
You might be looking at this review and wondering, well what the heck is the book about? Because I've yet to say WHAT it is. For the most part, I think you should go into it with no clue.
What I will say is, it's a story of revenge. And sometimes, I think we need to see people pay for the damage they cause. (To this extreme, yeesh, maybe not?) But it was good. And I ended up really liking this book.
*Thank you @nina.knox.author for letting me arc read for you. Through it all, you've been nothing but the kindest and that is what I appreciate more than anything. I will say, I was scared and worried before I started this, but it was great. I was fine for most of it. There was one time where I was mentally gagging. All I'm gonna say is.......Vince. (internally shuddering). What a ride! Thank you, thank you!
#bookstagram #readersofinsta #newmonthnewbooks #2026reading
#asphaltgrav
FIRST thing to know about this book is that it's labeled as pitch black!
And there is no HEA either.
The other thing to know is that it's not a big book. It's a novella so it's actually a pretty quick read.
With that said, I couldn't put it down. I sometimes wonder what that says about me, BUT, I'm too busy reading books to actually care.
I was in the middle of reading this and I was thinking, this is an author who writes really well. And I mean if you take the plot, the characters and put those to the side, Nina Knox knows how to describe situations and emotions REALLY well. There wasn't a break in flow, or an error to be had. She did really good on the actual construction of the book.
As for the story itself, it was like a fight you know is bad but you just can't look away. Yeah, this was dark and gruesome and I couldn't quit "looking".
You might be looking at this review and wondering, well what the heck is the book about? Because I've yet to say WHAT it is. For the most part, I think you should go into it with no clue.
What I will say is, it's a story of revenge. And sometimes, I think we need to see people pay for the damage they cause. (To this extreme, yeesh, maybe not?) But it was good. And I ended up really liking this book.
*Thank you @nina.knox.author for letting me arc read for you. Through it all, you've been nothing but the kindest and that is what I appreciate more than anything. I will say, I was scared and worried before I started this, but it was great. I was fine for most of it. There was one time where I was mentally gagging. All I'm gonna say is.......Vince. (internally shuddering). What a ride! Thank you, thank you!
#bookstagram #readersofinsta #newmonthnewbooks #2026reading
#asphaltgrav
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mind blown 🤯 for sure. The book didn’t go in the direction I thought it might go. Definitely not a bad thing at all. Please make sure if you have ANY triggers you read those first BEFORE reading Asphalt Grave.
By the time I finished I felt this book was definitely pitch black, revenge by torture, stalking and no there’s no HEA. To me left with a cliffhanger 😂.
Sierra the FMC is rich and does have a secret for sure.
Cain the MMC ( one of them ) isn’t who Sierra thinks he is…
Tessa is Sierras “best friend” which towards the end Sierra finds a few things out.
Dom ( Dominic ) is Cains brother - hates Sierra for a good reason
Kage - I’m putting him in a hunter type category just with how it goes at the end.
Reed-Cain and Doms dead brother that gets mentioned a few times which he’s a key reason for certain events.
If you like thriller/horror type books that’s PITCH BLACK you might enjoy this book. It reminds me of certain horror movies I’ve watched with how the characters act and what they do. Nina Knox did such a great job with descriptions that while I was reading I could picture every part of this story. I could even imagine the smells described as well.
One of my lines I laughed at was “We may be psychos kitten, but we are not f*cking savages.”
I wish it didn’t end where it did because I wanted to read further on what exactly happens to Sierra.
I am stating this one more time…BEFORE you read this book READ warnings if you have ANY triggers.
Tropes & Themes
Revenge
Morally black characters
Psychological manipulation
Toxic relationships
Small town secrets
Bully dynamics
Obsession
Grief and guilt
Violence
Captivity
Emotional degradation
Twisted power dynamics
Thank you to author Nina Knox for an advance copy. This has been an honest and voluntary review.
By the time I finished I felt this book was definitely pitch black, revenge by torture, stalking and no there’s no HEA. To me left with a cliffhanger 😂.
Sierra the FMC is rich and does have a secret for sure.
Cain the MMC ( one of them ) isn’t who Sierra thinks he is…
Tessa is Sierras “best friend” which towards the end Sierra finds a few things out.
Dom ( Dominic ) is Cains brother - hates Sierra for a good reason
Kage - I’m putting him in a hunter type category just with how it goes at the end.
Reed-Cain and Doms dead brother that gets mentioned a few times which he’s a key reason for certain events.
If you like thriller/horror type books that’s PITCH BLACK you might enjoy this book. It reminds me of certain horror movies I’ve watched with how the characters act and what they do. Nina Knox did such a great job with descriptions that while I was reading I could picture every part of this story. I could even imagine the smells described as well.
One of my lines I laughed at was “We may be psychos kitten, but we are not f*cking savages.”
I wish it didn’t end where it did because I wanted to read further on what exactly happens to Sierra.
I am stating this one more time…BEFORE you read this book READ warnings if you have ANY triggers.
Tropes & Themes
Revenge
Morally black characters
Psychological manipulation
Toxic relationships
Small town secrets
Bully dynamics
Obsession
Grief and guilt
Violence
Captivity
Emotional degradation
Twisted power dynamics
Thank you to author Nina Knox for an advance copy. This has been an honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Asphalt Grave by Nina Knox is marketed as dark romance… but honestly, only about 50% of that label feels accurate.
What the two MMCs—Cain and Dom—do to Sierra is not romantic in any sense of the word.
This book is unhinged. It’s dark, violent, and at times brutally graphic. Definitely not a fluffy read—this is psychological trauma on page, and you’ll want to check the trigger warnings before going in.
At its core, the story revolves around revenge, carried out by men who are clearly unbalanced. And by the end, I wasn’t sure who concerned me more—the author who wrote it or the readers who might enjoy it, myself included.
That said, Nina Knox does an incredible job bringing her characters to life. Sierra starts off as a spoiled rich girl who slowly realises that money can’t save her from everything. She’s self-absorbed, yes—but did she deserve that level of punishment? Personally, I’d say no.
As for Cain and Dom, they’re exactly the kind of men you never want to cross. They’ve been hurt, but what they do doesn’t fix the past—it just shows how much they enjoy inflicting pain.
There’s no real breathing room in this book. It’s dark from the start and only gets darker with each chapter.
My only real issue was the ending. It felt unresolved—like we never got a clear conclusion. Did Sierra escape? Is there going to be a second book? I ended up deducting a star for that, which is a shame because the rest of the writing was genuinely strong.
What the two MMCs—Cain and Dom—do to Sierra is not romantic in any sense of the word.
This book is unhinged. It’s dark, violent, and at times brutally graphic. Definitely not a fluffy read—this is psychological trauma on page, and you’ll want to check the trigger warnings before going in.
At its core, the story revolves around revenge, carried out by men who are clearly unbalanced. And by the end, I wasn’t sure who concerned me more—the author who wrote it or the readers who might enjoy it, myself included.
That said, Nina Knox does an incredible job bringing her characters to life. Sierra starts off as a spoiled rich girl who slowly realises that money can’t save her from everything. She’s self-absorbed, yes—but did she deserve that level of punishment? Personally, I’d say no.
As for Cain and Dom, they’re exactly the kind of men you never want to cross. They’ve been hurt, but what they do doesn’t fix the past—it just shows how much they enjoy inflicting pain.
There’s no real breathing room in this book. It’s dark from the start and only gets darker with each chapter.
My only real issue was the ending. It felt unresolved—like we never got a clear conclusion. Did Sierra escape? Is there going to be a second book? I ended up deducting a star for that, which is a shame because the rest of the writing was genuinely strong.
June 14, 2026
Still Wondering WTH Did I Just Devour 😳
OMG Besties... please read the trigger warnings before diving into "Asphalt Grave" because Nina Knox was not playing around.
Soooooo... this is one of those books that grabs you by the throat from the beginning and refuses to let go. Sierra returns to town believing the past is long buried, but what awaits her is a brutal reckoning years in the making. Cain, Dom, and Kage are the definition of morally black characters, and their obsession, cruelty, and need for revenge create a story that feels dark, suffocating, and impossible to look away from.
This isn't a romance for readers looking for redemption or a happily-ever-after. Uhhhhh NOPE... not here! It's a descent into psychological manipulation, toxic relationships, emotional destruction, and twisted power dynamics that left me questioning everything. The tension is relentless, the atmosphere is heavy, and every chapter had me wondering just how much darker things could get. 😬
What impressed me most was how completely committed this story was to its darkness. There are no easy answers, no softened edges, and definitely no HEA. Just raw revenge, obsession, and consequences.
⚠️ Again, read the TWs!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties... please read the trigger warnings before diving into "Asphalt Grave" because Nina Knox was not playing around.
Soooooo... this is one of those books that grabs you by the throat from the beginning and refuses to let go. Sierra returns to town believing the past is long buried, but what awaits her is a brutal reckoning years in the making. Cain, Dom, and Kage are the definition of morally black characters, and their obsession, cruelty, and need for revenge create a story that feels dark, suffocating, and impossible to look away from.
This isn't a romance for readers looking for redemption or a happily-ever-after. Uhhhhh NOPE... not here! It's a descent into psychological manipulation, toxic relationships, emotional destruction, and twisted power dynamics that left me questioning everything. The tension is relentless, the atmosphere is heavy, and every chapter had me wondering just how much darker things could get. 😬
What impressed me most was how completely committed this story was to its darkness. There are no easy answers, no softened edges, and definitely no HEA. Just raw revenge, obsession, and consequences.
⚠️ Again, read the TWs!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
The book opens with Sierra saying that “small towns smell like boredom and bad decisions”. Well this small town is not boring, but clearly Sierra has made some pretty bad decisions there!
Sierra is so entitled and spoiled that you dislike her from the first minute.
Sierra was involved in something 10 years ago that caused her to leave town. She’s returning now, and from the very first minute she is ordering her cousin Tess around. She throws a party where she has sex with a random stranger. That stranger begins blackmailing her with photos, threatening to send them to her wealthy father who will cut her off. Things begin to escalate from there and you realize that this is somehow related to her reasons for leaving town.
She is run off the road by 2 stalkers who attack her.
You eventually find out who they are, and why they are stalking her and honestly it’s kind of justified. These guys were beyond horrible and I was questioning my judgement when I realized I was rooting for them. I guess that says something about how awful Sierra truly is.
Every trigger warning is here – and I found myself thinking “who thinks up this kind of stuff”? There’s no happy ending, but you were warned about that up front!
This was fast paced and had a good plot. I don’t know if I could say I “enjoyed” reading it, but it definitely kept my interest!”
Sierra is so entitled and spoiled that you dislike her from the first minute.
Sierra was involved in something 10 years ago that caused her to leave town. She’s returning now, and from the very first minute she is ordering her cousin Tess around. She throws a party where she has sex with a random stranger. That stranger begins blackmailing her with photos, threatening to send them to her wealthy father who will cut her off. Things begin to escalate from there and you realize that this is somehow related to her reasons for leaving town.
She is run off the road by 2 stalkers who attack her.
You eventually find out who they are, and why they are stalking her and honestly it’s kind of justified. These guys were beyond horrible and I was questioning my judgement when I realized I was rooting for them. I guess that says something about how awful Sierra truly is.
Every trigger warning is here – and I found myself thinking “who thinks up this kind of stuff”? There’s no happy ending, but you were warned about that up front!
This was fast paced and had a good plot. I don’t know if I could say I “enjoyed” reading it, but it definitely kept my interest!”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know where to start, I don't even know how I feel after finishing this book.
I was expecting a romance, a pitch black one yes, but at least a little about love even though I already knew there was no happy ending. I can't say it's a romance, because the subject is not put in the front seat. It is addressed in a way but this book is really dedicated to a thirst for revenge.
I must admit I really liked the twist towards the end of the book and that last chapter which opens the door to so many other things.
I must also say that Sierra wasn't a likeable FMC. Does she deserved everything that happens to her? Probably not, but clearly she's not innocent. I also liked the fact that the two MMCs have really different personalities and seemed to want different things out of Sierra and of course, I loved Tessa!
This book is very violent, you should not mind reading about psychological and physical abuse because it's very present. At times I even found Sierra's fate exaggerated and intense.
I don't know where to stand so I gave it a 3 stars because I enjoyed some elements like the background story, the twist, Cain but on the other hand, I didn't like Dom at all, his impatience and the spicy scenes felt wrong to me.
You're definitely in for a ride full of chaos and depravity with this one.
I was expecting a romance, a pitch black one yes, but at least a little about love even though I already knew there was no happy ending. I can't say it's a romance, because the subject is not put in the front seat. It is addressed in a way but this book is really dedicated to a thirst for revenge.
I must admit I really liked the twist towards the end of the book and that last chapter which opens the door to so many other things.
I must also say that Sierra wasn't a likeable FMC. Does she deserved everything that happens to her? Probably not, but clearly she's not innocent. I also liked the fact that the two MMCs have really different personalities and seemed to want different things out of Sierra and of course, I loved Tessa!
This book is very violent, you should not mind reading about psychological and physical abuse because it's very present. At times I even found Sierra's fate exaggerated and intense.
I don't know where to stand so I gave it a 3 stars because I enjoyed some elements like the background story, the twist, Cain but on the other hand, I didn't like Dom at all, his impatience and the spicy scenes felt wrong to me.
You're definitely in for a ride full of chaos and depravity with this one.
June 11, 2026
***HONEST ARC REVIEW***
My rating is closer to 4.5 stars.
I’m going to start out by saying that this book was further from my normal comfort zone regarding dark “romance” reads. Heavy on the dark & using the term romance as lightly as possible.
Due to this being very dark and heavy, please read ALL trigger warnings before reading this book. It’s drenched in torture and depravity & then some.
It’s not my usual cup of tea HOWEVER the writing and storyline overall was fantastic. The author kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. She kept the element of surprise up for a good portion of the book & even created a huge plot twist I did not see coming. Also did NOT expect a freaking cliffhanger ending. The ending was written so well that I’m now anticipating the next book.
I started the book out absolutely despising the FMC she was obnoxious and full of herself BUT I definitely don’t feel like she deserved over half of what happened to her in the book - but that’s my personal feelings and nothing I’m holding against the author & it didn’t affect my rating.
All in all, this was a solid read. If you’re into masked, cat & mouse chase type stalking & ultimate depravity filled men with no remorse or guilt for their actions - this book is definitely for you!
My rating is closer to 4.5 stars.
I’m going to start out by saying that this book was further from my normal comfort zone regarding dark “romance” reads. Heavy on the dark & using the term romance as lightly as possible.
Due to this being very dark and heavy, please read ALL trigger warnings before reading this book. It’s drenched in torture and depravity & then some.
It’s not my usual cup of tea HOWEVER the writing and storyline overall was fantastic. The author kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. She kept the element of surprise up for a good portion of the book & even created a huge plot twist I did not see coming. Also did NOT expect a freaking cliffhanger ending. The ending was written so well that I’m now anticipating the next book.
I started the book out absolutely despising the FMC she was obnoxious and full of herself BUT I definitely don’t feel like she deserved over half of what happened to her in the book - but that’s my personal feelings and nothing I’m holding against the author & it didn’t affect my rating.
All in all, this was a solid read. If you’re into masked, cat & mouse chase type stalking & ultimate depravity filled men with no remorse or guilt for their actions - this book is definitely for you!
June 12, 2026
I’m not sure where to even begin: Knox writes a truly brutal tale of denied revenge…and what happens when finaly, it’s claimed. Sierra, a rich, arrogant devil in Prada, comes back to town after ten years. Still haughty, still used to getting her own way-sure Daddy’s money can fix all. Submissive Cousin Tess is there to greet her and act as her peon. Tess introduces boyfriend/swim instructor Cain and his older brother Dom to Sierra, to encourage swim lessons. After a near-fatal drowning during swim lessons, the book takes a downward turn for Sierra and starts to be a cat and mouse game for her with a stranger. Sierra is always on the losing end not knowing Dom is the challenger. For a while, I rode along on Knox’s roller coaster of deviance; but, eventually, it hurtled off the tracks and flew past my willing suspension of disbelief. I could kinda see what Knox was going for but, don’t feel that she was able to truly accomplish it for the average reader. Despite the suggestion of exploring the depths of human emotion, I found the book to just be one cruelty after another without any real human emotional insight. In fact, I’d go so far as to say her glimpses into peoples’ psyches are scrambled in regards to the dynamics of mental break down. If you’re a big fan of sadism and the absolute darkness in a psychotic human; however, then, this may be an interesting read for you.
June 13, 2026
If you love a dark thriller that pushes boundaries and leaves your mind completely blown, Asphalt Grave by Nina Knox is an absolute must-read. It is a deeply atmospheric, fast-paced, and pitch-black novella that reads like a high-intensity horror movie, where the characters are unapologetically, genuinely morally black. The story follows Sierra, a wealthy protagonist who thinks her father's money makes her invincible, only to get caught in a terrifying psychological trap of stalking and revenge by torture. Knox's writing is incredibly vivid—so descriptive that I could picture every single scene perfectly. The toxic dynamics and brilliant character layers kept me hooked from the start, especially with Cain not being who he seems, his hostile brother Dom, and Sierra's "best friend" Tessa, who has plenty of secrets of her own.
What makes this book so intoxicating is how it perfectly balances sheer cruelty with dark, psychopathic humor. It is hard to review this masterpiece without giving away spoilers, but the psychological tug-of-war completely keeps you on your toes. There is absolutely no happily-ever-after here. It is an amazing, boundaries-free read, but please heed the warnings: if you have ANY triggers, you absolutely must read those first BEFORE diving into this wreckage!
What makes this book so intoxicating is how it perfectly balances sheer cruelty with dark, psychopathic humor. It is hard to review this masterpiece without giving away spoilers, but the psychological tug-of-war completely keeps you on your toes. There is absolutely no happily-ever-after here. It is an amazing, boundaries-free read, but please heed the warnings: if you have ANY triggers, you absolutely must read those first BEFORE diving into this wreckage!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Nina Knox for sending me this e-ARC 🖤 All opinions are my own.
WOW this was depraved and I say that as a compliment since this is a pitch black novella. As expected, there is a lengthy trigger warnings list, but if you’re anything like me you’ll skip the menu and jump right in. But be warned that there is no HEA and I’m fairly certain that this is a standalone. The second half of the book was better than the first half and I do wish some of the logistics of events were better explained.
I will have to check out Nina’s other books because this 222 page novella was not enough 🥀 I need MORE.
Chapters 11 and 12 were 😚👌🏽
Some favorite quotes -
“You sure, princess?” he says softly, though there’s nothing gentle left in the way he says it…
“Don’t forget… you asked for it,” he murmurs.
The grief never left me, the rage never faded, and whatever was left underneath all of it stopped feeling human a long time ago—it just learned how to smile, speak, and pretend to be a man.
I’m obsessed with the tears still clinging to her lashes, with the way she keeps trying not to cry anymore [redacted], and with the look in her eyes that keeps shifting between hatred, fear, and complete fucking exhaustion.
WOW this was depraved and I say that as a compliment since this is a pitch black novella. As expected, there is a lengthy trigger warnings list, but if you’re anything like me you’ll skip the menu and jump right in. But be warned that there is no HEA and I’m fairly certain that this is a standalone. The second half of the book was better than the first half and I do wish some of the logistics of events were better explained.
I will have to check out Nina’s other books because this 222 page novella was not enough 🥀 I need MORE.
Chapters 11 and 12 were 😚👌🏽
Some favorite quotes -
“You sure, princess?” he says softly, though there’s nothing gentle left in the way he says it…
“Don’t forget… you asked for it,” he murmurs.
The grief never left me, the rage never faded, and whatever was left underneath all of it stopped feeling human a long time ago—it just learned how to smile, speak, and pretend to be a man.
I’m obsessed with the tears still clinging to her lashes, with the way she keeps trying not to cry anymore [redacted], and with the look in her eyes that keeps shifting between hatred, fear, and complete fucking exhaustion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am genuinely not okay. I don't know whether to be deeply disturbed by what Nina wrote, or deeply concerned by how much I absolutely loved it.
Let’s get one thing straight: I would not class this as a dark romance. This is a pitch-black, unapologetic revenge story. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you are hoping for a happy ending, walk away right now. But if you are looking for graphic, explicit, violent content featuring multiple utterly unhinged characters and heavy triggers? Welcome to the ride.
The Good, The Bad, and The Unhinged
The FMC: She is a bold, spoiled badass, driving around in her Prada heels like she’s completely untouchable. Some of her comebacks had me laughing out loud.
The Pacing: I read this entire book in a single day. I literally could not put it down.
The Twist: Fast forward to the halfway point, and I was actively messaging the author like, "Excuse me," "There is no way," and "It cannot possibly get any worse." (Spoiler alert: It did).
The Verdict
I think I am still sitting here with my jaw wide open. I feel emotionally stunned. The violence is graphic, the twists are unhinged, and I was entirely unprepared for this journey. I desperately need to know that this isn't how it ends!
Final Warning: I highly recommend this, but only if you are looking for something pitch-black and can handle never-ending emotional and physical blows. Because wow... it is a lot.
Let’s get one thing straight: I would not class this as a dark romance. This is a pitch-black, unapologetic revenge story. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you are hoping for a happy ending, walk away right now. But if you are looking for graphic, explicit, violent content featuring multiple utterly unhinged characters and heavy triggers? Welcome to the ride.
The Good, The Bad, and The Unhinged
The FMC: She is a bold, spoiled badass, driving around in her Prada heels like she’s completely untouchable. Some of her comebacks had me laughing out loud.
The Pacing: I read this entire book in a single day. I literally could not put it down.
The Twist: Fast forward to the halfway point, and I was actively messaging the author like, "Excuse me," "There is no way," and "It cannot possibly get any worse." (Spoiler alert: It did).
The Verdict
I think I am still sitting here with my jaw wide open. I feel emotionally stunned. The violence is graphic, the twists are unhinged, and I was entirely unprepared for this journey. I desperately need to know that this isn't how it ends!
Final Warning: I highly recommend this, but only if you are looking for something pitch-black and can handle never-ending emotional and physical blows. Because wow... it is a lot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Erm.....yeah you emotionally wrecked me with this book Nina!
I need to go book in with a therapist.
I didn't go in blind, I read the blurb and the HUGE TW list, so I knew there were 2 people wanting revenge on Sierra from something that happened 10 years ago.
As soon as I met Sierra I knew I didn't like her. I got the 'rich, entitled vibes' from her as soon as she spoke.
The MMC's had 10 years to plan their revenge, which started teasingly, but the further you get in the book....it was a holy sh!t moment (definitely not for the faint hearted) 👈 SERIOUSLY CHECK THOSE TRIGGERS!
And just when you think you know the flow of the rest of the book you're hit with a twist, which for once I actually didn't see coming.
Technically there isn’t a HEA in this book, but for me, I'd say that depends on who you would want to have it. 😈
If you are after something dark with alot of dark triggers and no HEA go read this book when it's released, it's even one you can read in one sitting like I did.
Now I have to ask Nina..... kage? I seriously need that!
⚠️Please check the full list before reading.
I need to go book in with a therapist.
I didn't go in blind, I read the blurb and the HUGE TW list, so I knew there were 2 people wanting revenge on Sierra from something that happened 10 years ago.
As soon as I met Sierra I knew I didn't like her. I got the 'rich, entitled vibes' from her as soon as she spoke.
The MMC's had 10 years to plan their revenge, which started teasingly, but the further you get in the book....it was a holy sh!t moment (definitely not for the faint hearted) 👈 SERIOUSLY CHECK THOSE TRIGGERS!
And just when you think you know the flow of the rest of the book you're hit with a twist, which for once I actually didn't see coming.
Technically there isn’t a HEA in this book, but for me, I'd say that depends on who you would want to have it. 😈
If you are after something dark with alot of dark triggers and no HEA go read this book when it's released, it's even one you can read in one sitting like I did.
Now I have to ask Nina..... kage? I seriously need that!
⚠️Please check the full list before reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly I want to thank Nina for this opportunity! My first ARC reading and I loved it. And also thank you for your wonderful, chaotic and unhinged mind for creating this brilliant novella.
WARNING - CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!
Unless like me you have no triggers and you love the thrill of diving into the unknown, then sit back and enjoy the chaos. Because Asphalt Grave does not disappoint!
The story gripped me from the start and kept me hooked throughout, so much that I read it in a day! Another first for me.
It's a totally pitch black, no sunshine, rainbows or HEA and I loved every second of it.
From the start you can tell the FMC is a spoilt rich girl and instantly don't like her. The MMC's are totally unhinged, morally pitch black and you can't help wonder how far they will go in the act of vengeance ... But Nina delivers!
This was my first pitch black and no HEA read and it most certainly won't be my last.
Now I think I need to check out some of Nina's other work. New fan over here!
WARNING - CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!
Unless like me you have no triggers and you love the thrill of diving into the unknown, then sit back and enjoy the chaos. Because Asphalt Grave does not disappoint!
The story gripped me from the start and kept me hooked throughout, so much that I read it in a day! Another first for me.
It's a totally pitch black, no sunshine, rainbows or HEA and I loved every second of it.
From the start you can tell the FMC is a spoilt rich girl and instantly don't like her. The MMC's are totally unhinged, morally pitch black and you can't help wonder how far they will go in the act of vengeance ... But Nina delivers!
This was my first pitch black and no HEA read and it most certainly won't be my last.
Now I think I need to check out some of Nina's other work. New fan over here!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book didn’t just cross the line — it burned it to down.
A vicious cat-and-mouse nightmare wrapped in obsession, revenge, and absolute depravity. Every chapter felt like being hunted, every page darker than the last. This had my anxiety through the roof.
“Call me monster, call me sin — still you let the devil in.”
Yeah. That line lives is gonna live in my
Nightmares .. just like the rest of this book.
This is a pitch black horror erotica at its most unforgiving: CNC, somnophilia, forced intoxication, chains, twisted power games, and characters so morally bankrupt- and no- they don’t have redeeming qualities.
The pacing was relentless. No filler, no mercy — just chaos, obsession, and violence spiraling faster and faster until that absolutely INSANE ending. And that cliffhanger? Criminal. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT.
This is DEFINITELY not for the faint of heart. Check trigger warnings before diving in because this one commits to the darkness completely.
Stay safe, sane, and may your day be better than Sierras.
A vicious cat-and-mouse nightmare wrapped in obsession, revenge, and absolute depravity. Every chapter felt like being hunted, every page darker than the last. This had my anxiety through the roof.
“Call me monster, call me sin — still you let the devil in.”
Yeah. That line lives is gonna live in my
Nightmares .. just like the rest of this book.
This is a pitch black horror erotica at its most unforgiving: CNC, somnophilia, forced intoxication, chains, twisted power games, and characters so morally bankrupt- and no- they don’t have redeeming qualities.
The pacing was relentless. No filler, no mercy — just chaos, obsession, and violence spiraling faster and faster until that absolutely INSANE ending. And that cliffhanger? Criminal. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT.
This is DEFINITELY not for the faint of heart. Check trigger warnings before diving in because this one commits to the darkness completely.
Stay safe, sane, and may your day be better than Sierras.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am UNWELL and UNSTABLE because this book fed my pitch black soul.
Hazel Black and AA Dark are my go to authors usually but Nina Knox just entered the chat for me. Because this took the cake.
Like wowwww. I went in semi blind because I love doing that. I was generously given an advanced copy of this book and it did NOT disappoint. The way I hated every character for different reasons but in the best way. The way I had no idea where it was going. And once we hit half way my mouth dropped. By the end my jaw was unhinged on the floor.
I ate this up on a Wednesday morning like I did not have 1000 other things to do. And after I stared at the wall. I immediately crawled into the authors DMs searching for my soul that she now OWNS. Because I loved every minute of this book!!
Seriously if you are a lover of pitch black non redeemable MCs and the torture they can inflict on the FMC this is THE ONE for you.
Be aware it is not a HEA but honestly it was perfect.
5 very messed up and well earned stars!
Hazel Black and AA Dark are my go to authors usually but Nina Knox just entered the chat for me. Because this took the cake.
Like wowwww. I went in semi blind because I love doing that. I was generously given an advanced copy of this book and it did NOT disappoint. The way I hated every character for different reasons but in the best way. The way I had no idea where it was going. And once we hit half way my mouth dropped. By the end my jaw was unhinged on the floor.
I ate this up on a Wednesday morning like I did not have 1000 other things to do. And after I stared at the wall. I immediately crawled into the authors DMs searching for my soul that she now OWNS. Because I loved every minute of this book!!
Seriously if you are a lover of pitch black non redeemable MCs and the torture they can inflict on the FMC this is THE ONE for you.
Be aware it is not a HEA but honestly it was perfect.
5 very messed up and well earned stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whoa! What the actual f**k !! 😳🤯
This book had me hooked, ate in one sitting, like a rat in a dumpster… and left no crumbs!
This story starts with FMC Sierra, her life is all parties and designer clothes, she thinks that she’s untouchable until she is introduced to both the MMC’s Dom and Cain, they begin a plan that destroys her reputation and her life.
Around the halfway mark this book had me shook. I was literally asking myself what just happened 🤯 I had to reread the chapter to check!
The plot twists and turns have you shook until the end.
Speaking of end.. what the actual f**k was that cliffhanger 😳
I seriously thought I was missing a couple of pages!
This book left me feeling shook and bereft but I would absolutely read again in a heartbeat.. don’t know what that says about me 🤣
This was my first read by this author and holy cow I am now exploring the rest!
Thank you for allowing me to ARC read this 🥰
As usual check your triggers! I am not joking… This bitch is dark.. pitch black.
You have been warned Kittens 💋
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Nina for the ARC opportunity 🫶
This novella isn't so much dark, it's more absolutely black 🖤 and then continues on down the dark road!! Understanding the trigger warnings prior to reading are an absolute must - but once you decide that you're completely unhinged, you will not be disappointed!!
The 2 MMC are utterly beyond contempt - yet somehow, the author had me feeling a slight tinge of sympathy for them, whilst I took an instant dislike to the FMC from the off, and would have been quite happy for the tension to build a bit more in terms of the "who are they". This is a book that gently lulls you into the story, before plunging you into plot so twisted you'll probably need therapy, and acts as a reminder that all actions have consequences!!!
I was actually disappointed the book ended where it did - but I think that probably says more about me than the book - which I would heartily recommend if totally dark, unhinged pacy reads are your thing.
This novella isn't so much dark, it's more absolutely black 🖤 and then continues on down the dark road!! Understanding the trigger warnings prior to reading are an absolute must - but once you decide that you're completely unhinged, you will not be disappointed!!
The 2 MMC are utterly beyond contempt - yet somehow, the author had me feeling a slight tinge of sympathy for them, whilst I took an instant dislike to the FMC from the off, and would have been quite happy for the tension to build a bit more in terms of the "who are they". This is a book that gently lulls you into the story, before plunging you into plot so twisted you'll probably need therapy, and acts as a reminder that all actions have consequences!!!
I was actually disappointed the book ended where it did - but I think that probably says more about me than the book - which I would heartily recommend if totally dark, unhinged pacy reads are your thing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've had time to marinate in my thoughts about A.G. and I have to say.... This is one of the best pitch black dark romance books I have ever read. If you've read something dark, times that by 20 and then go darker.
This was my first non-hea that I enjoyed because it was written so well.
I went in fully blind (I don't have any triggers tbh) and I was blown away. The plot to the story was thrilling, gruesome, and just plain disturbing. Nina put so much attention to the details. I devoured every page. I couldn't stop reading it. I loved it so much.
Do I need therapy now. Probably. Would i read it again to emotionally hurt my self? Yes absolutely!!
I'm telling you that you NEED to read this when it comes out. You will not be disappointed. Once you read it, you'll understand why its not hea at all but it kinda is in a messed up way. ( for the MMCs it is atleast)
Omw to read more books by Nina! 🖤
This was my first non-hea that I enjoyed because it was written so well.
I went in fully blind (I don't have any triggers tbh) and I was blown away. The plot to the story was thrilling, gruesome, and just plain disturbing. Nina put so much attention to the details. I devoured every page. I couldn't stop reading it. I loved it so much.
Do I need therapy now. Probably. Would i read it again to emotionally hurt my self? Yes absolutely!!
I'm telling you that you NEED to read this when it comes out. You will not be disappointed. Once you read it, you'll understand why its not hea at all but it kinda is in a messed up way. ( for the MMCs it is atleast)
Omw to read more books by Nina! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I agree with one of the other reviewers that this is NOT a dark romance. There is no love or any kind of romantic relationship/obsession/... in here. This is torture porn.
While there is some backstory as to why the MMC's are taking revenge, this isn't explored enough in my opinion. Also, the unlikable FMC's character/past is only superficially touched upon. Not enough depth for me, and too much repetition at times.
One thing that felt forced to me (spoiler):
The writing was good and fast-paced. I made it to the end in just a few hours, which is an accomplishment in itself because of the plot and the fact that this turned out to be something very different from what I had expected, and that's the only reason why I'm giving it three stars.
I agree with one of the other reviewers that this is NOT a dark romance. There is no love or any kind of romantic relationship/obsession/... in here. This is torture porn.
While there is some backstory as to why the MMC's are taking revenge, this isn't explored enough in my opinion. Also, the unlikable FMC's character/past is only superficially touched upon. Not enough depth for me, and too much repetition at times.
One thing that felt forced to me (spoiler):
The writing was good and fast-paced. I made it to the end in just a few hours, which is an accomplishment in itself because of the plot and the fact that this turned out to be something very different from what I had expected, and that's the only reason why I'm giving it three stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely off the charts!
Asphalt Grave is a pitch-black fast paced novella, and I loved it! Everyone has thought about getting revenge on someone, and this is revenge at its most twisted, with no boundaries. From the beginning it kept me on my toes, and had me hooked wanting to see what happens next. Then I realized what was happening, and wow!
Sierra is the MFC who came off as very full of herself, and seems to think she’s invincible because of her father’s money. As the book goes on, she learns that is not always the case.
Some quotes I loved –
“On the surface, I blend in easily. Underneath, I’m everything they’d never survive.”
“The monster in my head suddenly comes up with another brilliant fucking idea. Brilliant for us. Absolutely horrifying for her.”
If you enjoy dark books, I highly recommend Asphalt Grave! Of course, check the triggers, if you have any. It was hard to review this one, trying to avoid spoilers, but the main point is this is a great read!
Asphalt Grave is a pitch-black fast paced novella, and I loved it! Everyone has thought about getting revenge on someone, and this is revenge at its most twisted, with no boundaries. From the beginning it kept me on my toes, and had me hooked wanting to see what happens next. Then I realized what was happening, and wow!
Sierra is the MFC who came off as very full of herself, and seems to think she’s invincible because of her father’s money. As the book goes on, she learns that is not always the case.
Some quotes I loved –
“On the surface, I blend in easily. Underneath, I’m everything they’d never survive.”
“The monster in my head suddenly comes up with another brilliant fucking idea. Brilliant for us. Absolutely horrifying for her.”
If you enjoy dark books, I highly recommend Asphalt Grave! Of course, check the triggers, if you have any. It was hard to review this one, trying to avoid spoilers, but the main point is this is a great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Nina Knox for the ARC of Asphalt Grave.
4.5 stars!!!
Asphalt Grave pulls you in from the beginning. It is dark, unhinged, and not for the faint of heart. This book was a really good pace without feeling rushed, with a solid plot. Please don't expect to like the FMC, Sierra, because I did NOT. She didn't deserve what she got, as bad as she did, but Karma came for her.
Don't go looking for a HEA because this book will NOT deliver that. The ending left me shook and wanting more, so I hope there is more to come.
If you are looking for a book that has revenge, morally black characters, toxic relationships, obsession, grief, and guilt, twisted power dynamics with a bit of Psychological manipulation and small-town secrets for a little razzle-dazzle, then look no further than Asphalt Grave.
The only reason it took me so long to finish is that life was being well... Life.
Asphalt Grave is a DARK (Pitch Black) read, so please check the trigger warnings, mmkay?
4.5 stars!!!
Asphalt Grave pulls you in from the beginning. It is dark, unhinged, and not for the faint of heart. This book was a really good pace without feeling rushed, with a solid plot. Please don't expect to like the FMC, Sierra, because I did NOT. She didn't deserve what she got, as bad as she did, but Karma came for her.
Don't go looking for a HEA because this book will NOT deliver that. The ending left me shook and wanting more, so I hope there is more to come.
If you are looking for a book that has revenge, morally black characters, toxic relationships, obsession, grief, and guilt, twisted power dynamics with a bit of Psychological manipulation and small-town secrets for a little razzle-dazzle, then look no further than Asphalt Grave.
The only reason it took me so long to finish is that life was being well... Life.
Asphalt Grave is a DARK (Pitch Black) read, so please check the trigger warnings, mmkay?
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.25 stars. Knox means it when she says check your triggers. This is a true pitch black erotica and not a dark romance. There are no happy feelings or “she’s extra pretty so he falls for her” vibes here. I’d recommend this book for folks who like serial killer obsession vibes but not for those who fawned over Zade Meadows... Eww. And honestly? It’s nice to see an author actually deliver pitch black as advertised. That being said the beginning started out a little rough for me. The author obviously wants you to get the gist of how shitty the MFC is and I hated her so much I almost didn’t want to read about her any more. 😂 I did manage to hate her less before the end of the book though. I felt that the characters need a little more depth. The shock factor is in the pages but I needed more to really feel invested in the people.
Shout out to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shout out to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unhinged. Absolutely unhinged in the best way possible. This is my first ever pitch black novella, and I thought I was prepared for the madness. I was wrong. I have read Nina’s other work, so I know how unhinged it can get, but this was NEXT LEVEL. The two MMCs and their revenge plan is so beautifully executed, I have no words. Does the FMC deserve the unhinged debauchery they put her through? You will have to read it and find out! The twists and the turns. The torture. The way I laughed at parts maybe I shouldn’t have…is why I’m calling my therapist. This was beautifully done and I enjoyed every moment of this rollercoaster with Art the clown basically! I’m not asking, I’m telling, read this! Okay, thanks 💚😈
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Nina for the ARC opportunity!
First off, make sure to read the trigger warnings. Honestly though if you like pitch ⚫️ books and you're as deranged as I am, you won't have ANY issue at all. In fact, when I imagine "pitch black novels", THIS is the book I expect, hope for, and want. "Asphalt Grave" was a beautifully crafted dark romance filled with revenge, secrets, and absolutely NO HEA. This is not for the faint of heart. It starts out tame, but the more you read the wilder of a ride you get on and the more you think, "there is definitely something wrong with us, but by god do I love it".
Nina's writing is so gracefully done, the story is fluid, the plot is concise and easy to read, and once you pick this book up, you will not be able to put it down until you'vefinished every last page. This won't be for everyone- pitch black dark romances never are- but for the people it is for, this is the one you've been waiting on and you will not be disappointed.
First off, make sure to read the trigger warnings. Honestly though if you like pitch ⚫️ books and you're as deranged as I am, you won't have ANY issue at all. In fact, when I imagine "pitch black novels", THIS is the book I expect, hope for, and want. "Asphalt Grave" was a beautifully crafted dark romance filled with revenge, secrets, and absolutely NO HEA. This is not for the faint of heart. It starts out tame, but the more you read the wilder of a ride you get on and the more you think, "there is definitely something wrong with us, but by god do I love it".
Nina's writing is so gracefully done, the story is fluid, the plot is concise and easy to read, and once you pick this book up, you will not be able to put it down until you'vefinished every last page. This won't be for everyone- pitch black dark romances never are- but for the people it is for, this is the one you've been waiting on and you will not be disappointed.
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