Pretty Little Mess

by Bethanie Loren

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2026

Reviews

[Alexis Miller]

Super spicy and I was here for all the spicy scenes. Loved watching these two together and seeing how accepting they are of one another. Enjoyed how they met and couldn’t stay away. Lots of action, love, obsession and so much more. Ending was fantastic

[Kalene]

I need more!!! This step sibling forbidden romance was everything!!!! I absolutely love how this went and I was wanting to smack the MMC at times and my heart went out to the FMC

[Gabby Wentworth]

ooooooh i love this man’s obsession with our girl!! spicy and firey! a quick must read! 🖤

[The Affable Bibliophile]

First and foremost, thank you so much to the author for the ARC! I appreciate it so much 💜

Actual rating is 3.75 out of 5!

PLM was a good book! I was into it while I was reading it. I did speed read through the last five percent because I was just like “yup yup yup HEA cool!”

Nova was an awesome plus size FMC rep and had relatable moments of both confidence and self doubts though it was minimal.

Knox is a tatted up red flag 🤣 true dark romance book boyfriend. He definitely also had his cute moments, especially with what he named his pet tarantula lol.

Now some thoughts below that contain SPOILERS so please do NOT continue if you do not want to read any spoilers!!
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1)please do not have my reading a NSFW scene and have her describe him squeezing her face as “fishy face”. I will no longer be able to to take that scene seriously, and I think that is now a new reading ick for me lol

2) I wanted to see more into Knox’s job honestly! Like see him interacting more with it! But this book seems to be written more for spice than plot which is good too! I’m just curious lmao.

3) The jump between some scenes and chapters just felt choppy to me. Like when Knox is missing and she tries to send him a message through her phone, and then when he frees himself he just happens to grab his knife and phone from the corner of the room where they’ve been sitting for a week. Though it’s the first this is mentioned. And he doesn’t even check his phone?! Cause like what if it worked and he saw the message?! I think it would’ve added to the emotional plot of the book 😭 but oh well lmao.

4) at the end when their mom comes in to Knox’s apartment going “hey everyone!” then two sentences later goes “oh, Novalie, I didn’t know you were already here!” Well then who was the everyone you were referring to Ms. Mom?! Cause then it would’ve been just Knox in the apartment if Nova wasn’t there cause your husband arrived with you lmao. Idk why that irked me haha.


Anyways yea. Good book. Not amazing. Not I’m obsessed. But good!

[Kayleigh Owen]

ARC REVIEW
Pretty little mess
Bethanie Loren
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chilli 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes
🖤 Forbidden romance
🔪 Stalking
🖤 Lust to love
🔪 One bed
🖤 plus size FMC

First. I read this within 45 minutes of it hitting my inbox. This was fast paced and full of suspense and tension. Knox is obsessed with Nova from the beginning. Nova is the plus size FMC baddie we all want to be. Knox is a walking red flag. Let’s be fair we would all fall to our knees for him.
This story flows so good and each chapter pulls you in more.
This cover is absolutely everything. A slutty tank top with a knife? Erm yes
An overprotective stabby MMC who would do anything for HIS girl. There’s no doubt he wouldn’t do anything for his girl. A bit of 🔪 play? Are you kidding me right now?
I can’t wait to read more of Knox and Nova
I loved how happy their parents knew immediately without them even fully going into detail!

“She’s mine, and I’ll make sure no one goes near her again”

“I killed every other fucking date you had from the last two months because I told you that you were mine. Every fucking fiber of your being is mine. I warned you, and I wasn’t about to let anyone get in the way of that. It just so happened this motherfucker had it coming anyways. I’m paid to fucking kill, and I won’t apologize for it.”

““If you want my cock, you’re going to keep that blade against my throat. Are we clear?”

[Veronica Turner]

Pretty Little Mess by Bethanie Loren, this is a Forbidden, Dark Stalker Romance follow Knox and Nova. 🚩🚩This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark and heavy themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩🚩

💭 My thoughts 💭
This is such a quick and fun read. I sat down and didn’t get back up until I was done. Nova, a single, independent, beautiful woman is in South Carolina to be part of her mother’s wedding. The night before rehearsal she has the best one night stand thinking she will never see this amazing hot man again….that is until she is introduced to her new stepbrother Knox who just happened to be the amazing hot guy she met the night before. When I say Knox fell in love with her immediately, that is an understatement. He is shamelessly obsessed and not a single person will keep him from getting the one he wants most. This man is unhinged in all the best ways hahaha if you like quick, spicy books with an unhinged MMC absolutely obsessed with his step sister then you will devour this in one sitting. So good.

✨I would like to thank Author Bethanie Loren and Dark Romance Team for the opportunity to read and review Pretty Little Mess.

[Caitlin]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this before release.

In theory, this book has so many great tropes: taboo romance, stalking, possessive mmc, plus size fmc, etc

However, this doesn't feel like a full book, and instead almost read like the idea of a book. Here are the overarching tropes, here are the events for the book, and then stopped without adding any actual substance beyond that.

FMC and MMC hookup for a one night stand, turns out their parents are getting married, oops. MMC is immediately obsessed with fmc, kind of bullies her, kills all her dates, proclaims his obsession with her. FMC is reluctant but aroused and eventually goes with it. And that's it. There's nothing there that makes either character special or memorable, and the 'relationship ' is instaneous and unfounded.

The words fap fodder come to mind for this book. Not my thing but I guess if you want something that's quick, unserious, and spicy this could be for you.

[Merissa]

Bethanie is a new-to-me author, and I had the pleasure of receiving an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, so let’s jump in!
I was instantly drawn into this story. It moves fast and is definitely a quick read, but the author still did a really good job with the plot and keeping me hooked. It was basically instant love for the MMC for me. 😂
I feel like this book had a little bit of everything from stalking, spice, unaliving, forbidden romance… you name it. And I’m not going to lie, I actually laughed when I found out he was unaliving all the men the FMC went on dates with. Like sir… completely unhinged, but okay. 😂 I can dig it.

Overall, this was definitely worth the read, and Bethanie has officially landed on my radar!

[Anne]

Pretty Little Mess is exactly what I was in the mood for: a pacy, smutfest packed with tension, angst, and plenty of spice. The taboo stepbrother/stepsister dynamic absolutely carries the book, and if that's your thing, Bethanie Loren delivers.

The plot felt a little thin at times, but honestly, this is a very short book and it knows exactly what it is. I wasn't here for a sprawling storyline, I was here for the chemistry, the drama, and the steam, and it delivered on all counts.

Not the deepest read, but definitely an enjoyable one-sitting binge that kept the pages turning. If you're after a quick, spicy, taboo romance, this is well worth picking up.

Thank you to The Dark Romance Team for the ARC.

[A. Adams]

I gave this 3.5 🌟. This is a taboo, stepsibling, stalking, dark romance. This story is more for the spice and taboo aspect rather than a complex and detailed storyline. That's perfectly ok. Sometimes I just want a quick spicy read and that's what this is. I will give some inconsistencies a pass because this was a quick and enjoyable read. Knox is obsessed right away. Nova is representing the curvy girls. I didn't like Nova referring to her stomach apron. I feel like there's a better way to get that point across. Technically Nova and Knox meet before their parents get married. It doesn't make a difference to the characters or me.

I received an ARC and voluntarily left this review. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Alicia S]

🖤 Pretty Little Mess 🖤

ARC 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

I was a sucker for this book before I even read the words inside of it. Have you SEEN the cover? 🥵

But I loved every 🌶️ 🥵 💦 moment of this book. I loved how many 🚩 Knox had and how myself and Nova were just like “Oh, piece of candy!” And ate them all up.

Who doesn’t enjoy a 🤪 OTTP MMC? Cause I know I sure do. And who cares if his biggest 🚩 is mürder? Not me.

Seriously this was such a fun ride - I loved every moment of it. I loved that Nova was a curvy girl and had the same body type as I did. I loved that Knox loved that about her. Gahhhh give me more!

📖

[readersinthedark_]

Very spicy, fast pace and amazing characters! I love the the characters so much. Knox is obsessed with Nova since their one night stand and when Nova first describe Knox without knowing who he was in the first place was hot. Tattoos, black nail polish and piercings. Yes, definitely a main character. I love the one bed situation they had when they followed their parents to their honeymoon. Nova is this badass FMC where she knows what she wants and the fact that she's not annoying? Plus point! Love everything about this book and how fast paced it was. Thank you for the opportunity for me to ARC read this.

[Sabrina]

4.5⭐️

Thank you so much Bethanie Loren for the ARC!💕

This book starts off spicy 🌶️ from page one, and I’m so here for it.

Nova is our plus size FMC, and I feel like she was represented really well. While she was confident in her body, she still had moments of self doubt.

Knox is our tatted up, possessive, obsessed bad boy. He’s standoffish toward pretty much everyone except Nova. I loved that he would do anything for her, and seeing him be sweet and caring toward her was perfect.

If you like step siblings, touch her and 💀, one bed, and a plus size FMC, then you will absolutely love this! 🔥

[TheCaffeinatedTBR]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Honestly, this one is best described as short, sweet, and a little bit dangerous.

The pacing was just perfect. Because it’s a shorter, fast-paced story, it flies by without any unnecessary filler, keeping you hooked from the very first few pages where we start off right away with the FMC's best night of her life. 

We get a hot professional unaliver MMC who's obsessed and takes following our FMC to the next level. Add in the fact that they’re newly step-siblings, and the tension is immediately high. Plus, the smut was truly smutting!

If you like your romance fast-paced, forbidden, and just a little bit dark, definitely check this one out!

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily)]

Do you like a man obsessed? If the answer is yes, then this is the book for you!

🖤Stepsiblings
🖤Obsessed MMC
🖤Plus size FMC
🖤St@lking
🖤So much spice

Knox and Nova had a one night stand, only to find out shortly later that they are becoming step siblings.

But this doesn’t deter Knox. Not one bit. When I say this man is obsessed, he will go to the end of the earth for her.

I loved the push and pull from Nova’s end. She really tried hard not to fall for her stepbrother, but there was nothing she could do.

This is hands down my favorite Bethanie Loren book to date.

[Kathleen Lacoursiere]

Sometimes ya just need a shot of dark, hot and dirty that burns like bourbon...and Pretty Little Mess delivers. Knox is 🥵🔥 (sorry to my friends finding out exactly how unhinged my tastes run...well...not really...y'all know me 🤣), unhinged, possessive and singularly devoted. The spice threatened to melt my phone screen, and Nova was such a baddie as FMC, taking what she wanted with no apology. If you need a quick read to ramp up the heat...this'll do it (and as always, mind your triggers ❤️)

Thank you to the author for ARC opportunity

[Ambreezy83]

A fantastic one-night stand, to wedding bells? It’s not what you think, Nova and Knox have an amazing night of lust and feral fun, only to meet at a wedding. Their parents’ wedding!! His dad and her mom tie the knot, so now they are brother and sister. Oh what fun?! Nothing like an insta-lust/obsession story with a forbidden element. They are step siblings now but why would that stop a possessive and obsessive Knox. Super secretive, multi-millionaire murderer Knox. It’s a quick insta love read with some dark themes.

[JaxM]

This book is HOT. If you like obsession, morally grey MMCs, FMCs who *know* their worth, and a little forbidden/taboo action, then this is perfect for you.

Knox is the just the right level of unhinged and obsessive, and Nova's personality is amazing. The one night stand into the forbidden trope is done so so well. It is a very quick, addictive read. I wish the book never had to end and that I could just keep reading it.

I'm a huge fan of Bethanie Loren already, but this might just be my favorite book I've read of hers so far.

[Ananya]

Pretty little mess by bethanie loren is a fast-paced dark romance, i literally finished it in two days and oh mhy god it was really good although i did feel like at some point it got too fast without any depth to it but i liked how there was a plus sized character i really wanted to love this boook but honestly i did not feel much chemistry between the characters , probably because it was infact too fast paced and maybe because the fmc gave into him too quick . i think it just didnt work for me

[Alina Jenkins]

This was such a quick read and it got me hooked almost instantly! I tend to shy away from the “step-sibling” trope but took a chance and I am soo glad I did! I loved the story line and the way the way that Nova and Knox interacted with each other. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that she was plus size but that didn’t stop Knox from throwing her around! It was a good book and if you’re anything like me, the chapters were short and sweet and to the point which made the story fly by!!

[Sherry James]

Thanks so much for the advance copy.

Loved the idea of the story, taboo relationship and super spicy however it felt rushed and as if parts were missing. It was ok for what it was, a quick spicy read but I feel like it could have been so much more if we learned more about Knox and they had more of a relationship other than sex every other page but of course if you enjoy super spicy reads i'm sure you'll love this one!

[Payton]

Knox is a big red flag that I’m here for

I love Knox. Love him. His obsession. His possessiveness. His care. He’s a just recipe of pure yummy to me. The only thing I could do without is Duchess Fluffang… that’s a hard pass for me. I just love that Knox is all in and from the go. He just bides his time until he makes his presence known to again to his precious little grape goddess. And baby once he’s back there is nothing stopping him… not even an unexpected side quest.

[Lidia]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pretty Little Mess by Bethanie Loren

I really enjoyed this book! I absolutely LOVE a forbidden romance, and Knox and Nova definitely kept me invested.

Knox is such a dark golden retriever MMC, which is honestly such a good combination. 😂 He’s dark and dangerous but still has that golden retriever side, and I ate it up.

And Nova?? I really liked her. She’s a strong FMC with an attitude, which I fucking LOVE in my FMCs. She definitely isn’t afraid to stand her ground, and I loved that about her.

And Chapter 41??? Easily my favourite chapter of the whole book. 👀

I will say, some things happened SO fast, and there were definitely a few moments where I was sitting there like… wait, WHAT?? I just wish some things had been explained a little more because I definitely finished this book with some questions.

I also really liked the forbidden aspect of their relationship, and I didn’t mind the family dynamic at all. I thought it worked for the story and didn’t feel weird to me.

Overall, I really enjoyed the characters, the forbidden romance, the dark golden retriever MMC, and Nova’s attitude. I just wanted a little more explanation in some areas because I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go yet!

Pretty Little Mess by Bethanie Loren releases October 1st! 🖤

[Amanda]

I loved the "forbidden" atmosphere to this one. Steps is one of my favorite tropes and this book did it right. I loved how Nova and Knox met and how their relationship came about. He was obsessed from the get-go and there were absolutely no obstacles gonna stand in his way. I loved how accepting their parents were too, that was actually a very pleasant surprise!

[Blake]

An interesting read about a serial killer who’s obsessed with a spunky woman. They find out their parents are getting married, making them technically step siblings. There’s an extra plot twist, tons of spice, and ultimately you find out if the FMC objects to dating her now step brother or if she catches feelings too.

[Stephanie Farmer]

Wow- this book packed a lot of punch in a short amount of time. SPICE, GORE, TABOO, and completely unhinged. I enjoyed it all and the curvy girl rep was phenomenal. I would love more/a longer story in this world. I feel like there is so much more to unpack with these characters and their history, but I loved all of it!! 🤩

[⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ e l i ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆]

i went into this from a bit of a book slump, so the beginning was rough for me, but i won't blame that on the book. once i got into it though, i ate it up quite quickly and really enjoyed it! this was a fun, very spicy little read and i really enjoyed knox and nova's relationship!!

[Rachel]

This was a fun quick spicy read, can definitely devour it within a couple of hours. I would have liked to have learned more about Knox but I still enjoyed the story for what it was. Quick, a little dark and spicy 🖤

[Drie Corley]

Loved this! Knox is definitely one of my new favorite MMC’s!

[Ivy Olivia]

✨ ARC Review ✨

It’s such a quick, spicy read about a very obsessive stepbrother and his stepsister.

So unhinged, toxic, messy, and addictive! 👀🔥

Thank you for the ARC! 💛