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The Purgatory
Being a neuroscientist means I understand how the mind works, how obsession takes root, and how desire rewires us in ways we can't control.
I just never expected to become someone else's experiment.
On a dark night in May, a man broke into my lab, searching for something that didn't belong to him. He didn't find what he came for. Instead, he found me.
He should have disappeared after that night.
He didn't.
Now he keeps returning, appearing where he shouldn't, at moments that feel too precise to be coincidence. Watching. Waiting. Studying me in ways no one ever has.
He isn't a villain. Not by my standards, anyway.
Neither am I.
We both live in the dark. We both cross lines we can't uncross and justify them anyway.
What started as curiosity has become something far more dangerous. Because when obsession is mutual, it stops being a game.
It becomes a collision.
And when darkness finally meets its equal, will it destroy or bind us together in ways we can never escape?
I just never expected to become someone else's experiment.
On a dark night in May, a man broke into my lab, searching for something that didn't belong to him. He didn't find what he came for. Instead, he found me.
He should have disappeared after that night.
He didn't.
Now he keeps returning, appearing where he shouldn't, at moments that feel too precise to be coincidence. Watching. Waiting. Studying me in ways no one ever has.
He isn't a villain. Not by my standards, anyway.
Neither am I.
We both live in the dark. We both cross lines we can't uncross and justify them anyway.
What started as curiosity has become something far more dangerous. Because when obsession is mutual, it stops being a game.
It becomes a collision.
And when darkness finally meets its equal, will it destroy or bind us together in ways we can never escape?
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Purgatory was such a fascinating read. This story felt so different. It was incredibly original, and I really loved the psychological elements woven throughout.
Melania, the FMC, is a neuroscientist, both brilliant and cunning. Her character journey was such an interesting one. After the devastating trauma she experienced as a teenager, she essentially “leaves” her old self behind and rebuilds who she is. I thought Valerie did such a great job showing the mental strength behind that transformation.
Melania’s lessons at the university genuinely made me feel like I was sitting in her classroom learning about the human brain myself. I was completely fascinated by the things she was teaching and the way Valerie incorporated psychology, obsession, desire, trauma, and the workings of the mind into the actual story. It added such a unique layer to the book.
The spice between Corvin and Melania was SPICY! These two are dark, complicated, obsessive, and kinky. Their relationship is definitely unconventional and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
This moment between Corvin and Melania really stayed with me:
“Peonies symbolize tenderness and love, just like you, Elina… Burgundy symbolizes passion and strength, just like you, Melania.”
There was something about him recognizing both Elina and Melania that really got me. He saw the woman she had become while still recognizing the girl she once was.
And their relationship has plenty of moments that remind you exactly what kind of book you’re reading.
“Seriously? Are you collecting my ripped clothes as trophies now?”
I mean… that pretty much sums up Corvin and Melania🤣
The pacing was fantastic, the story was constantly moving, and I never felt like the plot was dragging. There was always something happening… something that made me want to keep turning the page. Valerie did such a great job balancing the spice, psychological elements, and darker themes while keeping the story moving.
The cliffhanger left me with so many unanswered questions. I’m both excited and curious to see where Valerie takes this series next.
Overall, The Purgatory was dark, psychological, unique, incredibly spicy, and unpredictable. I really enjoyed Valerie’s storytelling and the way she incorporated the psychology of the human mind into the story.
4 ⭐️ from me, and I’ll definitely be watching for what comes next!
Melania, the FMC, is a neuroscientist, both brilliant and cunning. Her character journey was such an interesting one. After the devastating trauma she experienced as a teenager, she essentially “leaves” her old self behind and rebuilds who she is. I thought Valerie did such a great job showing the mental strength behind that transformation.
Melania’s lessons at the university genuinely made me feel like I was sitting in her classroom learning about the human brain myself. I was completely fascinated by the things she was teaching and the way Valerie incorporated psychology, obsession, desire, trauma, and the workings of the mind into the actual story. It added such a unique layer to the book.
The spice between Corvin and Melania was SPICY! These two are dark, complicated, obsessive, and kinky. Their relationship is definitely unconventional and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
This moment between Corvin and Melania really stayed with me:
“Peonies symbolize tenderness and love, just like you, Elina… Burgundy symbolizes passion and strength, just like you, Melania.”
There was something about him recognizing both Elina and Melania that really got me. He saw the woman she had become while still recognizing the girl she once was.
And their relationship has plenty of moments that remind you exactly what kind of book you’re reading.
“Seriously? Are you collecting my ripped clothes as trophies now?”
I mean… that pretty much sums up Corvin and Melania🤣
The pacing was fantastic, the story was constantly moving, and I never felt like the plot was dragging. There was always something happening… something that made me want to keep turning the page. Valerie did such a great job balancing the spice, psychological elements, and darker themes while keeping the story moving.
The cliffhanger left me with so many unanswered questions. I’m both excited and curious to see where Valerie takes this series next.
Overall, The Purgatory was dark, psychological, unique, incredibly spicy, and unpredictable. I really enjoyed Valerie’s storytelling and the way she incorporated the psychology of the human mind into the story.
4 ⭐️ from me, and I’ll definitely be watching for what comes next!
August 13, 2026
I thought I knew what I was getting myself into… but I guess I didn’t.
From beginning to end, this book kept me on my toes, constantly analyzing and questioning everything. Just when I thought I had things figured out, I found myself second-guessing everything all over again.
Melania & Corvin… I’m OBSESSED. Their relationship, their obsession with each other, the way their story unfolds—I genuinely couldn’t get enough of them. I swear I became just as obsessed with their story as they are with each other… which is probably a little concerning.
This book is kinky, action-packed, and filled with psychological twists that keep you hooked from the very beginning.
I also need to talk about my favourite scene without giving too much away…
Lake + ring + woods = chef’s kiss. 💋 That’s all I’m saying.
My mind is STILL reeling after that ending, and I can’t stop thinking about everything that could happen next. Fourteen days ago i didn’t know this book existed… now the only thing i can think about is the next one.
Go read it. 🖤
From beginning to end, this book kept me on my toes, constantly analyzing and questioning everything. Just when I thought I had things figured out, I found myself second-guessing everything all over again.
Melania & Corvin… I’m OBSESSED. Their relationship, their obsession with each other, the way their story unfolds—I genuinely couldn’t get enough of them. I swear I became just as obsessed with their story as they are with each other… which is probably a little concerning.
This book is kinky, action-packed, and filled with psychological twists that keep you hooked from the very beginning.
I also need to talk about my favourite scene without giving too much away…
Lake + ring + woods = chef’s kiss. 💋 That’s all I’m saying.
My mind is STILL reeling after that ending, and I can’t stop thinking about everything that could happen next. Fourteen days ago i didn’t know this book existed… now the only thing i can think about is the next one.
Go read it. 🖤
October 10, 2026
Tropes:
🖤Morally Gray FMC/MMC
🐦⬛Slow Burn
🐈⬛ Fated Connection
🖤Anti-Villain FMC/MMC
🐦⬛Kink Romance
🐈⬛Secret Identity
The Purgatory is the first book in the Omens Of Death series. I have to say it was quite captivating, I really enjoyed learning some things about psychology and neuroscience through Melania. The author sounded well educated on the topics which was actually so cool! I think this was the first book that I read that the setting took place in Toronto. The Purgatory was different in many ways, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Melania’s character was my favourite, it’s not often you get such a strong morally gray female lead. She comes with scars, and trauma that made her extra ruthless when it came to ruining someone’s day. That woman didn’t give a rats ass. She’s highly educated and honestly a breath of fresh air.
Corvin’s character was more on the mysterious side. You don’t get a full description of him which leaves you to use your imagination on who he actually is and what he looks like. Ultimately the perfect match for the FMC because of her energy and attitude.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the series progresses, and how it’ll unfold.
🖤Morally Gray FMC/MMC
🐦⬛Slow Burn
🐈⬛ Fated Connection
🖤Anti-Villain FMC/MMC
🐦⬛Kink Romance
🐈⬛Secret Identity
The Purgatory is the first book in the Omens Of Death series. I have to say it was quite captivating, I really enjoyed learning some things about psychology and neuroscience through Melania. The author sounded well educated on the topics which was actually so cool! I think this was the first book that I read that the setting took place in Toronto. The Purgatory was different in many ways, and I enjoyed every second of it.
Melania’s character was my favourite, it’s not often you get such a strong morally gray female lead. She comes with scars, and trauma that made her extra ruthless when it came to ruining someone’s day. That woman didn’t give a rats ass. She’s highly educated and honestly a breath of fresh air.
Corvin’s character was more on the mysterious side. You don’t get a full description of him which leaves you to use your imagination on who he actually is and what he looks like. Ultimately the perfect match for the FMC because of her energy and attitude.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the series progresses, and how it’ll unfold.
August 15, 2026
I loved this!
The FMC was breathtakingly refreshing, surprising me in ways I found myself always excited for. I spent so long integrated into the plot-line that I was stressing even when she wasn’t, which in itself is a credit to the author’s astoundingly immersive writing.
The book is spicy, and definitely worth the trickling pace it takes. You reveal so many layers of the anti-hero protagonists, rooting for them even while you question your own root of morality. The very concept of justice is rewired along the way, or at least, it was for me. I learned so much about neuroscience, a field I know little to nothing about, which serves as a testament to the research that is lovingly laid into the book.
Overall, The Purgatory is a book that will crawl into the deepest parts of your brain and stay there, urging you to remember it and let it rewire your neural network in all the best ways. I’m so excited for the next one, you have no idea.
The FMC was breathtakingly refreshing, surprising me in ways I found myself always excited for. I spent so long integrated into the plot-line that I was stressing even when she wasn’t, which in itself is a credit to the author’s astoundingly immersive writing.
The book is spicy, and definitely worth the trickling pace it takes. You reveal so many layers of the anti-hero protagonists, rooting for them even while you question your own root of morality. The very concept of justice is rewired along the way, or at least, it was for me. I learned so much about neuroscience, a field I know little to nothing about, which serves as a testament to the research that is lovingly laid into the book.
Overall, The Purgatory is a book that will crawl into the deepest parts of your brain and stay there, urging you to remember it and let it rewire your neural network in all the best ways. I’m so excited for the next one, you have no idea.
September 18, 2026
This book was truly unique in a good way - the characters are mysterious and keep you wanting to know more! I can't wait for the next boo to come out so we can get more of Melania and Corvin!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews