The Pulse Within Her: The Pulse Duet Book One

by C.K. Renee

"Our souls were cracked to form together; we just figured it out too late."

She doesn’t remember ruining his life. He can’t forget it. But when vengeance collides with obsession, predator and prey blur into something far more dangerous.

I’ve been running from monsters my entire life. No matter where I go, the memories claw through my dreams, whispering in the shadows I can never escape.

Falling into another world, I’m faced with new monsters. Witches, fae, and shifters are things of nightmares, but here, in Aldure, they’re a reality.

And when a vampire claims me as his prey, I know nothing will ever be as it was before.

Rhenn takes pleasure in my pain. He’s set on breaking me, and I have no idea why.

I’ll do anything to get back to the home I was stolen from. This world is cruel. His words are merciless. But I am not the scared little girl I once was.

Hate, I can handle, it’s all I’ve known, but there’s a darkness in Rhenn that’s more dangerous than my own. And I don’t know what terrifies me more—being devoured by him, or wanting to be.

Two Broken Souls.
One Dangerous Bond.
And A Reckoning To Come.


**This is a dark enemies to lovers romantasy intended for readers 18+. There are subjects in this story that some readers may find triggering.**

473 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2026

Reviews

[Tina Remillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pulse Within Her completely captivated me from the very first page. The author masterfully blends fantasy with the real world, creating a story that feels both magical and believable. Every character is so well developed and relatable that I quickly became emotionally invested in their journey. I found myself forgetting I was reading a book because it felt like I was experiencing their lives alongside them.

If you enjoy immersive storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a perfect balance of fantasy and reality, I highly recommend this book. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Melissa Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, where to begin. This book had me captivated from the very beutiful artwork that lead me into the 1st chapter. This book reminded me of a dark "Alice in Wonderland" meets Dracula meets "10 Things I Hate About You." I lived every emotion the author threw out and desperately wanted more. She vividly portrayed an amazing journey for an enemy to lover duo. The main male character, you hate to love him, but love to hate him, there is no other way to say it. I could not put this book down and read it in 3 days. I am anxiously awaiting the next book. This is by far the BEST book I have read recently.

[Daniella Marchand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, starting with hate that changes to something else. Other worlds, earth/falls heaven/ shadow worlds. A human girl that apparently is sucked into another world to find Rhenn, who for some reason hates her. Her visit to the reapers world, rhenn's uncle, hates what isn't pure blood.

I loved the book very much it was captivating, sometimes I was mad, sometimes I cried.

I hope to read more of those stories in the future, maybe there will be a book 2 ?

Thanks for c.k. to have given me the opportunity to read it

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for your new reading addiction! I’m not a reviewer that says that without cause. The absolute CHOKEHOLD this book has on me, even after finishing it, I’m still reeling from the read. The characters were beautifully written and so relatable some of the scenes actually hurt my heart, as though I was experiencing it myself. I wasn’t ready for the way this book RUINED me, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. HIGHLY recommend.

[Nira King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was funny, emotional, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all in one. The characters are written extremely well and I’ve fallen in love with most of them. I finished in one and a half days because I could NOT put it down. The plot, the characters, the writing, all of it was really, REALLY good. I already cannot wait for the next book to come out 💚

[Dayna Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book and this is my honest review.

I was hooked on this book from the first chapter, I was totally engulfed in the world of Sumner and Rhenn. Its an enemies to lovers, with yearning, hate, a really good story line that will also have you sucked into the world of mystical creatures. Add to your TBR.... its so worth it

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about what was going to happen next. The whole book had been addicted from the very first page.

I’m so happy I was about to read the advanced readers copy before the book has been released

[Kate Anthony · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Advanced Copy Read
I loved the characters and their world. I really enjoyed the classic fairytale/mythical creatures that were described in ways that I think most people understand how wolves, vampires, witches, and faeries are “known” to be. Their world was a magical place that I’d want to visit.
That thin line of love and hate can be so easily blurred and the author did a great job erasing that line. Looking forward to book 2!

[Jody Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book not expecting it to be great, but I couldn't have been more wrong. The storyline is amazing, I was hooked from the very first chapter. Sumner is a survivor in every sense of the word, and Rhenn is my newest obsession. I can't wait for book 2.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Sucked me in from the beginning. Enjoyed meeting the other characters, Ashton needs a spin off 😉
I need book 2 NOW!!

[Jessica Lynn Sehy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pulse Within Her by C.K. Renee is an absolute masterclass in dark romantasy that will leave your heart racing and your bookish soul thoroughly satisfied. From the very first page, the author drags you into the cruel and dangerous world of Aldure, where the stakes are life-or-death, and the tension is high. What makes this book an unforgettable standout is how perfectly it handles the enemies-to-lovers trope, weaving a complex web of vengeance, obsession, and deep-seated trauma between two broken characters who are destined to either destroy each other or heal together. The progression feels earned, intense, and exquisitely slow-burning as the boundary between predator and prey beautifully blurs.

The absolute highlight of this dark journey is the top-notch banter that completely steals the show and keeps you eagerly turning pages long into the night. The sharp-witted dialogue and addictive, snarky push-and-pull between the leads inject an electric energy into the story, acting as the perfect fuel to keep you going through every heavy plot twist. The main characters challenge each other at every turn, trading verbal barbs that are as sharp as any blade, yet underneath the sarcasm lies an evolving layer of mutual respect and undeniable attraction. Watching a merciless vampire and a fiercely resilient heroine clash, compromise, and slowly lower their guards is an absolute thrill that prevents the dark atmosphere from ever feeling sluggish.

Ultimately, The Pulse Within Her delivers everything a dark romance fan could crave: vivid world-building, exceptional emotional depth, and a romance that burns hot enough to melt the coldest heart. C.K. Renee balances the gritty, suspenseful danger of fantasy monsters with raw vulnerability, creating a story where love acts as a hard-won sanctuary. If you are looking for a book filled with magnetic tension, unforgettable comebacks, and a love story born from genuine animosity, this phenomenal release deserves a spot at the very top of your reading list.

[Sweet Wine & Storylines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want to put this book down. Was up all night because I couldn’t get enough. If you’re into dark romance this is a 10/10 do not sleep on this book. I love a book that will sweep you away and make you forget the world you left outside of the pages. I’m not gonna lie I thought this was gonna be just another dark romance like all the others and boy was I wrong. I almost want to read it again because I cannot get enough of Rhenn and Sumner.

[BelleBeBoppin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm so impressed by how quickly this book grabbed me, immersed me in its world, and made me want to stay forever! Not only is the story compelling, and the burn extra hot, but the book is very well written! The structure flows easily, keeping the pacing just right to make you never want to put it down. I guarantee this is going on my reread list, as I EAGERLY await part 2!

[Vibeke Sørlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start to say that this have been a journey I have read this book 3 times because life happens and I was just able to read a page here and there and I wanted the full experience for this story and I finally had the time.

The writing in this book draws me in from the first page. This story is about so much more its not just how to people find one another or how they do bad things not just about trauma but how you can overcome it that you have to find yourself your own family.
This story has buried it self under my skin.


There are some triggers in this book so I f you have any check them out.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a dark read with some sensitive topics, so please check for triggers before diving in. The story was well-written with a great plot, and I especially loved the pacing of the FMC and MMC's relationship – it was perfectly executed! The story allowed us to fully experience the emotions of both characters and understand their connection I'll definitely be reading book 2! Thank you to the author for the ARC

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG such an amazing story. I fell in love with the characters and I wasn't ready for their story to end. I need more of them and I need more of their story. I 10/10 recommend this book if you love fantasy romance enemies to lovers and found family this book is definitely for you, but please read the trigger warnings there are some very dark themes in this story and your mental health matters. If you have no triggers then read this book.

[Brittany Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Sumner had so much trauma and didn't know who to trust. Losing everything. And being in a world she didn't know. Rhenn was also broken and battling his on demon. And they both needed each other.
Going in this book you really didn't know who to trust. But I couldn't put this book down.

[Auj]

Excited to read this because I helped beta read it ;)

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will leave you wanting for more. Asking for part 2. This book had me folding my socks so I didn't have to leave the house lol. So good

[Stacy's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this one surprised me in the best way. 🖤

I went in without really knowing what to expect, and before I knew it, I was completely caught up in the story. It has that perfect “I'll just read one more chapter” quality, and somehow one chapter always turned into several. 😂

The characters were a big part of the experience for me. They have their flaws, make questionable decisions, and occasionally had me wanting to reach through the book and shake them. 😂 But they also felt human, and I found myself genuinely caring about what happened to them.

There’s a really nice balance of emotion and tension throughout the story, and I liked the way things gradually unfolded. It kept me curious without feeling like I needed to rush through just to find out what happened.

The emotional moments were probably what stuck with me the most. There were parts that genuinely got to me, and I appreciated that the story gave those moments room to have an impact.

It wasn't completely perfect for me, though. A few sections felt like they could have been explored a little more, and there were moments where I wanted just a bit more from the story. That's really the only reason this landed at 4.5 rather than a full 5.

Still, when I reached the end, my first thought was basically “Well, now what am I supposed to read?” 😂

A really enjoyable read with plenty of emotion, tension and characters that managed to get under my skin.

4.5 stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Definitely glad I picked this one up and can't wait for the next one.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The voice inside her tells her she’s incomplete, that just being herself isn’t enough. She has no idea how wrong she is.”

Sigh. I hate that the book actually ended. Yeah, there was a lot to unpack. And while the beginning started with a bang and everything happening all at once, it then slowed down way too fast for a bit longer than easily passable in a day’s worth of reading.
HOWEVER. When I pushed through the small slump, I literally finished it within 4ish hours.

‼️ TRIGGER WARNINGS - please keep in mind the list of all warnings is in the beginning of the book. The big ones are CSA (as mentioned in her past), being drugged, endangering violence to the heroine, as well as mentions of suicide.

The trauma Sumner went through in her past, only to have it continue in a place she knew nothing about? And said place was an actual world apart from her own? Then the way she interacted with Rhenn? I mean I definitely wouldn’t say it was all pleasant. You think you guessed the antagonist, until you get so immersed into the book that you’re like wait whaaaat? Actually it makes sense if you’re good with context clues - which I’m not the best at.

Main tropes to expect, that I can remember 🫣:

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Man that spice was spicyyyy
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🛸 Worlds apart
🧚🏼‍♂️ Mystical world
❌ Touch her and die
⁉️ Who hurt you
🏠 Found family

[Daniel Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing you’ll notice in TPWH is the hook, and that you’re drawn in like a moth to a napalm strike. The world of dark romantasy relies heavily on how well the characters are written, and this delivers on all efforts. To have two main characters at opposite ends of a spectrum, while also being able to find the time and accuracy to go between real world and dark realm is engaging, intriguing, and has you wanting to start the next chapter the second the previous one finishes.
For avid lovers of the genre, you will have all your needs and favourite tropes met, and then some more, whilst also in the knowledge that this is just part one.
The characters are likeable, flawed, loveable, and hate-able.
So, if you’re looking for that new, fresh, exciting, and well put together story that melds pacing, character arcs, and a scene that I had to have a shower after… this is for you!

[Alicia Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me a good Bully, enemies to lovers mix. C.A. did a great job with it! You get all the emotions, all the feels, the love, the hate, the pain and more! Great job! Can not wait to read more from this author!!

[Srishti]

Its not what i expected (in a good way) 👍
The world the author created , the creative way she explained each and every character and the main characters, they will captivate you from the very first page . The most interesting parts were the plot in themselves because , most of the books are predictable as to what happens next if this is the plot. BUT NO .... You will go whattt.... This is not what i was expecting. It's totally different 👍 . I loved the book and the way its written. ❤️

[Andrea Freeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was amazing! It started out slow but it picked up quite fast. Sumner was an orphan, her mother disappeared without a trace. She was put into foster care and well you will get to that part in the book. Well eventually she gets kidnapped and taken to a completely different world...one where there are different mythical creatures. Enter Rhenn who instantly hates her because of things from the past..he treats her like absolute garbage and well...we all know how this goes eventually...the book and the characters were well written and it does end in a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read book 2.
I recieved an advance reader copy of this book for an honest voluntary review.

[Tracey Jones · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Loved this book from the very beginning and was captivated with the story and characters. Can't wait to continue the duet......

[Pho Hoang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I expected. Sumner and Rhenn have a very messy, dark relationship, and Rhenn is definitely not an easy character to like, especially at the beginning. But watching their relationship slowly change was probably my favorite part of the book.

The supernatural world also became much more interesting as the story went on, especially once more of Sumner's past started coming together.

My only real issue was the pacing. The middle felt a little long, with some of the same emotional conflict repeating more than necessary. Still, the last part pulled me back in and left me wanting to know what happens next.

I would give it a solid 4.5 stars if Goodreads allowed half-star ratings.

[Kittykat2103 · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Received this as an advance copy.

Can i just saw congratulations to the author for their characters, their story telling & their balance between fantasy & reality.

From page one I was hooked. I kept getting drawn back to keep reading more.

Obsessed & awaiting book 2 please

[Malissa Anderson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It had be non stop turning the page. Cannot wait for book 2. 🤞😍

[Kirsty Perrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read, I am itching for the next book! 🫣😂 What you think is a ‘slow burn’ to begin with, turns into something so intense & heated it’s incredible! Definitely worth reading 😍 (I’ve tried to keep it as minimal in review, to not give away spoilers) x