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I'll Find You

Not yet published
Expected 3 Sep 26

Win a free print copy of this book!

3 days and 21:21:14

2 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
Destined to find you. Damned to love you.

Rose Bennett built her life on distance and control, refusing to love anyone deeply enough to destroy her. She’s seen what possession masquerading as affection can do, and she vows never to become its next victim.

Then she meets Alex. He’s dangerous, magnetic, and relentless.

Every instinct tells Rose to run. Yet something deeper pulls her closer to him, their souls exhaling in recognition of what was always theirs.

When students begin disappearing on campus, Rose discovers that some darkness doesn’t just haunt you, it hunts you.

Some connections are carved in your bones, written in blood, and etched into your heart long before fate calls two souls together. But when destiny claims them at last, will love save them or destroy them both?

*I'll Find You, is a standalone novel in an interconnected series and features Rose’s story after Blood-Stained Kisses. It includes a complete Happily Ever After (HEA) and can be enjoyed on its own. While each book is written to stand alone, reading Blood-Stained Kisses first will enrich your experience by providing additional context and introducing characters who appear throughout the series.

297 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 3, 2026

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About the author

L. Renee Richard

10 books235 followers
L. Renée Richard is a Hispanic author of dark psychological romance and romantic suspense. Born and raised in South Texas, she now lives in rural New England with her family, where misty mornings, winding back roads, and the changing seasons inspire many of the atmospheric settings found in her stories.
Proud of her Hispanic heritage, she enjoys writing diverse, emotionally complex characters whose journeys are shaped by love, loss, resilience, and hope. She’s a romantic at heart who appreciates strong female main characters and unforgettable book boyfriends in both the stories she reads and writes. Her novels blend romance with suspense, morally gray characters, and emotional depth, promising stories where the path to a happily ever after is never easy—but always worth the journey.
When she isn't writing, you'll find her working through an ever-growing TBR, enjoying summers by the water with a good book, driving New England's back roads on crisp autumn evenings, or sipping an iced matcha latte while dreaming up her next story.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for tiffanysreadingnook.
269 reviews7 followers
August 28, 2026
Thank you L Renee Richard for the ARC of this!!
Ok let’s start with what I enjoyed with this…

WATSON and the animal shelter, I adored him!! Like who doesn’t love a grumpy little dog who only likes them. It’s no wonder, he chose them and they chose him😭 he was also such a smart little doggie. I wish I got more of him honestly.

Enzo was such a joy to read about. He was such a flirt and every time he pushed Alex’s buttons just made me laugh.

Alex’s parents. I love them, they were the sweetest and kindest to take Rose into their family, no questions asked. I will say there is a book before this that gives more backstory to Rose that I probably should have read because it may have given me more on how she knows Alex’s family.

Ok now what I did not like or wish was a little different.

The mystery????? Honestly when Enzo said that was “anticlimactic “ I completely agree. I wanted more. It felt like I was missing so much information with that. Like it kept talking about a campus killer but actually gave me no examples of girls that have gone missing, or Rose being nervous about it, or rose feeling scared, or her being stalked. anything to make it make sense that she was targeted. And the whole scene at the end, it just needed more. Maybe more chapters?? Idk it just didn’t feel complete.

The spice scenes were not really for me, they were not like unhinged or crazy or anything it is just how it felt like we were told what happened but not feeling what Rose felt in the moment and I feel they only lasted like a minute? Like she went down on her for a lick and then back up fucking her and she’s like best sex ever😭😭

But overall a fun read. Can be good go between other series or to take a break from fantasy.
Profile Image for Haley Bohme.
19 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2026
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of I’ll Find You, and this story pulled me in with its dark atmosphere, intense connection, and mystery. Rose and Alex have a connection that feels impossible to escape, and I loved watching Rose try to fight something that seems written into her fate. With disappearing students, secrets, danger, and a love that could either save them or destroy them, this book kept me wanting to know what would happen next.

The connection between Rose and Alex was definitely one of my favorite parts. Their chemistry and the feeling that their souls already knew each other added such an intense layer to the story. If you enjoy dark romance with mystery, obsession, danger, and a touch of fate, definitely add I’ll Find You to your TBR! 🖤

Tropes/What to Expect:
🖤 Dark romance
🔮 Fated connection
🔥 Dangerous MMC
🩸 Mystery & suspense
🎓 College/campus setting
👀 Disappearing students
❤️‍🔥 Intense chemistry
✨ Soulmate vibes
🏠 Standalone with interconnected characters
Profile Image for Isabelle Nachtsheim.
32 reviews
August 28, 2026
The premise of this book was so intriguing but the romance felt prioritized to the point that the mystery part of the plot got pushed to the wayside. When the mystery was addressed, it didn’t feel cohesive with the rest of the book and frankly didn’t always make sense. I think there’s a good story here but this unfortunately did not feel well executed to me.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Spice: 2 stars

What I enjoyed:
-I think this was a well executed slow burn romance. There’s a lot of tension building before getting to their eventual intimacy.
-I like the idea of fated love between humans. Usually it’s seen in more of a fantasy setting but it was enjoyable here.
-Watson. We love an adorable pet!

What didn’t work so well for me:
-Rose’s backstory was too unclear. I don’t mind not going into detail about her trauma, but there’s literally no detailed explanation for how she got out of the situation. The lack of exposition makes the character dynamics and Rose’s whole backstory more confusing.
-The mystery aspect of the story was not well integrated. It was ignored for majority of the book with the romance and the drama or interactions between other characters taking priority. When the mystery aspect was addressed it felt completely out of the blue and the explanations made no sense whatsoever. The reader is simply just given an answer they have to accept with no other exposition. The characters actions during some scenes were baffling; they seemed to blatantly ignore the mystery and/or act in ways that did not align with the situation. While I can admit to being surprised but certain parts of the climax, there were so many other parts that did not make any sense that I can’t call it a satisfying or well-executed conclusion. Additionally, I feel like the readers were given too much insight; characters and plot points are blatantly written as suspicious which kind of takes the mystery out of it.
-While I know we typically do not rate ARCs based on editing errors as they are not final copies, I feel compelled to note that there were multiple editing errors that I found distracting. I can completely forgive typos or the occasional awkward phrasing but this ran deeper. Things like repeated lines, calling characters by different names without clarifying, changes in scene without exposition, character dialogue without context, etc. were present throughout the book. While I sincerely hope these things get fixed prior to publication, I received my ARC 10 days prior to release and it seems like too large of an overhaul would have to be performed in order to correct all these points before publication.

Thank you to the author, L. Renée Richard for my ARC!
Profile Image for Charlene's  Bookish  Archives .
2,181 reviews42 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
OMG.OMG.OMG.!! WHAT DID I JUST READ?!

L. RENEE RICHARD HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!! 😱🔥🖤

I swear this author could probably write a grocery list and I’d be sitting there like “ JUST TAKE ALL MY MONEY. I’M INVESTED.” 🤣

But I’ll Find You?! OH. MY. GOD. ( Have I said omg enough, NAH, a few more times won't hurt).

I WAS NOT READY.

Rose and Alex had me absolutely FERAL. 😳🔥 The chemistry, the tension, the pull between them. EXCUSE ME?! How am I supposed to act normal after reading this?!

Rose is determined to keep her walls up, keep everyone at a safe distance and absolutely NOT let anyone get close enough to destroy her.

And then Alex strolls into her life like: “Yeah… about those walls.” 😏 SIR. PLEASE. 😂🔥

Except there is NOTHING simple about these two. Their connection is intense, consuming and feels like something that was written into their souls long before they ever found each other. And I ate up EVERY. SINGLE. SECOND. OFF. IT.

Then throw in students disappearing, secrets, darkness, danger and the feeling that something seriously sinister is lurking just around the corner…

I WAS STRESSED. I WAS SUSPICIOUS. I WAS INVESTIGATING. I KNEW NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. 🤣😂

Every time I thought I had something figured out, the book basically looked at me and said: “Cute theory. Anyway…” 🤣

And THAT is why I love L. Renee Richard’s books! There is something about this author’s storytelling that completely sucks me in. I don’t just read the story, I LIVE IN IT. I get attached to the characters, I become emotionally invested, I start yelling at fictional people like they can actually hear me, and suddenly I’m flying through chapters because THERE IS NO WAY I’M GOING TO SLEEP UNTIL I KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.

And that ending?! HELLO?! EXCUSE ME?! I HAVE FEELINGS!!! 😭😂🖤

This book gave me the darkness, the danger, the obsession, the mystery, the emotional punches and that delicious I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT feeling.

Basically… L. Renee Richard, you have once again ruined me for normal reading. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 😂🖤

If you love dark romance, dangerous men, complicated women, insane chemistry, fate, secrets, suspense and stories that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go…

READ. THIS. BOOK.!!

Seriously.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! 👀🔥

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 MASSIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I LOVED IT. I’M OBSESSED. I’M EMOTIONALLY COMPROMISED. AND YES, I WILL ABSOLUTELY BE READING WHATEVER L. RENEE RICHARD WRITES NEXT. 🖤🔥😱
Profile Image for Katherine.
86 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 29, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book and some spoilers below.

This book is advertised as a dark romance with a bit of a mystery. Unfortunately, I don't think either genre was executed well. I was also excited because the author is Hispanic, so I thought either the characters would be Hispanic or there would be Hispanic elements. The only "Hispanic" element was the MMC's dad's name (Victor Flores).

I would say there's definitely attraction at first sight between Alex and Rose. The author made it seem deeper like they were fated to be together. This might just be me being a pessimist, but I don't believe you know to be fated with someone when you first see them. The "dark" romance part of the book for me would be Alex being possessive, but not overly possessive.

The mystery element of girls disappearing from campus didn't get mentioned until Chapter 25. Note, there are 37 chapters in the book. I wish this mystery element was brought up earlier.

Spoilers ahead! As I was reading, I did get a feeling that something was off about Chelsea. I also suspected that something was going to happen to Rose during the race because she was running it alone in the woods. I rolled my eyes when Rose veered off the race path to follow, who she thought was Watson with someone. Hello, you already had an off feeling before you started the race, so why did you think going onto an unmarked path in the woods away from everyone else is a good idea? So much happened in the last two chapters. For example, Rose got kidnapped, the kidnappers revealed themselves (Chelsea and Dr. Somersworth), we discovered Chelsea is actually Dr. Somersworth's daughter (though I'm still not quite sure how this works because I thought Chelsea and Maxwell were the same age and Maxwell had no idea Chelsea was his sister), Chelsea and Dr. Somersworth dying, and everyone finding Rose. Cramming all of this into the last two chapters was very rushed and felt very disconnected from the story.

Overall, I wouldn't read this book again.
Profile Image for Jackie Carroll.
41 reviews7 followers
August 25, 2026
Finished This One in ONE DAY

There was just something about I'll Find You that completely hooked me. I picked it up and just kept reading until suddenly... I was finished. In ONE DAY. 😂

Alex was easily my favorite. Give me a morally gray man who falls first and I'm probably already sold. 😂 From the moment he and Rose first met and just froze, staring into each other's eyes, you could feel that something had shifted between them. Like somehow they both knew things were never going to be the same after that moment.

And Alex definitely fell first. He realized pretty quickly that whatever he was feeling for Rose was different, while it took Rose a little longer to get there. But considering everything she'd been through growing up, it made complete sense. She had to learn that she was worthy of being loved, and I really loved that part of her journey.

I was SO glad we got our happy ending because after everything these two went through, I needed it.

My only complaint was the kidnapping/campus killer storyline. I really wanted more from that part of the story, and I felt like it wrapped up a little too quickly.

This is technically a standalone in an interconnected series, and I haven't read Blood Stained Kisses, so I didn't have all of Rose's background or know some of the other characters going in. But it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this one. If anything, now I wouldn't mind going back and reading the other book.

Five stars and an entire book devoured in one day. I'd say that pretty much speaks for itself. ❤️

Thank you @l.renee.richard for the opportunity to read I'll Find You as an ARC! 🖤
Profile Image for Dominique.
29 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
This was a dark romance standalone within an interconnected series, and while it can definitely be read alone, I found myself wanting more background throughout the book, so I think I would personally recommend reading the series in order.

I really enjoyed the relationship between the main characters because, despite the darker storyline and trauma surrounding them, their relationship itself never felt dark. There was a deep connection between them from the very beginning that felt almost ancient, like they somehow already knew each other’s souls. While their connection was immediate, the trust between them was something that developed throughout the story.

The MMC was sweet, protective, and completely committed to the FMC from the beginning, and I loved that their relationship didn’t rely on unnecessary drama or constantly trying to leave each other. They genuinely cared for one another, and their connection felt secure even while everything around them was falling apart.

The romance wasn’t heavily focused on spice, but I actually liked that. The intimate moments felt more emotional and connected rather than being there just for the sake of spice. Add in the mystery, secrets, unexpected twists, and underlying trauma, and it kept me interested until the end. I enjoyed this one and loved that it wrapped up with an HEA while still leaving me curious about the other characters and stories in the interconnected series.
Profile Image for Noelle Sideyardbookclub.
50 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
Where to begin? First off, I absolutely devoured this book and almost finished it in one sitting. Having just finished a pitch black book I wasn’t sure if I needed a breather and debated which book to pick up next. I am so glad that this one showed up in my inbox when it did, making my next read selection easy!

This book had everything I was craving in my next read:
🖤 Dark Romance? ✔️
☠️ Fated Mates? ✔️
🔥 Slow Burn? ✔️
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found Family? ✔️
🐾 Adorable Animal Companion? ✔️

There is nothing I love more than an overprotective MMC who gives off touch her and d!e vibes. Their romance was a slow burn but let me tell you, the payoff in the end was absolutely worth the wait! I’m always a sucker for found family and this book delivered, whether it was Alex’s protective and loving parents, or his gaggle of crazy cousins, I yearned to be included in that family dynamic!

I can’t give anything away about the ending, but what I can say is that Ezra (Alex’s cousin) had me laughing because he said exactly what I think we, as readers, were all collectively thinking after everything finally came to a close. I loved the ending and the author made sure to close it up nicely with no loose ends.

Overall, if you’re looking your next quick paced Dark Romance that will have you in a trance, you absolutely must snag this one on pub day!
Profile Image for Gwyn Gable.
239 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
I really enjoyed Rose and Alex’s story. Their inevitability was sweet and their ultimate collision felt natural.

Rose’s character was quite a complex character, with her childhood trauma dictating her life choices. It was something that resonated with me strongly, seeing a bit of myself in her. I will admit I wasn’t expecting Alex to be such an affectionate, caring partner, after his initial introduction to the reader. His care and ability to be there for Rose, even when she doesn’t realize it at first, was endearing. I also loved how he understood when space was necessary. Honestly, I loved everything about his character.

I felt like this book also pointed out a big life lesson. Always trust your gut. If something seems off, then it more than likely is. Don’t please someone just to avoid confrontation, be that inner demon and let your dark side out. The amount of times Rose pushed aside her gut feeling was tragic, even though I know it was absolutely necessary and extremely true to her character.

This was the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be reading more from her
Profile Image for sadgoul.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
I just have to start by saying this book had me so hooked that I finished it in one night!

This is my first book by this author, and I’m definitely going to be reading all of her books now! This story will have you rooting so hard for Alex and Rose while also keeping you on the edge of your seat. Seriously, this book is all about trusting your gut and questioning who you can really trust. The entire time, you’re trying to figure out what’s actually going on!

I can definitely relate to Rose as someone who was abused as a child. Her character made me feel so safe because she experiences so many of the same emotions and thoughts that I do. I also deeply relate to not understanding how someone can suddenly enter your life and make you feel so safe when you’re not used to that feeling.

Alex is going on my book boyfriend list ASAP. He is the kind of man everyone needs! And I have to say, that plot twist at the end had me literally bouncing around saying, “I KNEW IT!!!”

This book was amazing, and I’m just so happy that Rose and Alex get the ending they deserve! 🖤

Thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader!
Profile Image for MP.
43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
This book was absolutely perfect! It had everything I could want: dark romance, fated mates, forced proximity, a slow burn that wasn’t painfully slow, found family, and morally gray characters. Basically, it checked every box and then decided to add more.
I absolutely loved the way he loved her. Watching his feelings grow and seeing how fiercely he cared for her had me completely rooting for them from the beginning. And his family instantly accepting her and making her feel like she belonged? My heart couldn’t handle it.
After everything she had been through, seeing her finally find a place where she felt wanted, loved, and truly belonged was one of my favorite parts of the story. The found-family aspect was everything, and I loved watching her realize she didn’t have to face everything alone anymore.
I was completely invested in these characters and their journey. Getting the opportunity to read this as an ARC is something I’m genuinely so thankful for. Being able to discover these stories early and fall completely in love with the characters and their worlds is such an amazing opportunity.
Profile Image for ChapterAddict Aka Kelly Brewer.
287 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
I got this ebook copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’ll Find You pulled me in with its mix of dark romance, psychological suspense, obsession, and buried secrets. It starts with more of an emotional side but there is always that feeling that something darker is waiting underneath.

Rose was the strongest part of the book for me. She is guarded, stubborn, and independent, and I liked that her past shaped her without completely defining who she was. Her relationship with Alex brings plenty of romance and heat, but also gives the story some heart.

The suspense builds more quietly through the middle before things really start coming apart. Once that darker side takes over, the story gets twisted, dangerous, and mighty hard to put down. I especially liked how some things that seemed small earlier started looking completely different later.

I would have liked a little more suspense mixed into the middle, but the strong final stretch made up for a good bit of that.

Dark, emotional, romantic, and just twisted enough to keep me swiping those pages.

I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
258 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
This is Rose's story, and I'm here for it, even with the darkness lurking in the background. From the previous read, you already know Alex has zeroed in on her, but not to what extent. I can technically say there is OM drama, but not really. Alex is focused on Rose, while Rose is trying her hardest not to fall into him.

Let me first say, this can be read as a standalone but you definitely should read Blood Stained Kisses first or immediately after because things start to make so much more sense when you have that read behind you. I'll admit, I started this first, then paused and went back to the first book, and it was gratifying figuring out who each side character was.

I finished this one in one setting. Whether it was quickly hoping to find when Alex and Rose finally collided or to figure out the resolution to the mystery throughout the book, I couldn't tell you. I can say it was worth every minute.

"People have a habit of mistaking proximity for connection, or sex for intimacy."
Profile Image for Amelia Rachelle.
29 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 29, 2026
Let me start by saying that I went into this book blind. I loved the cover and the title, and was really excited to see what the book would be about. Right from the start of the story, I was hooked in. I was so curious to see if Alexander would find Rose again when they got to Campus in the fall and if anything would happen with their relationship since Rose seemed so reluctant about it all. I loved the animal shelter storyline within the story and how it tied the characters together within the book! I was completely taken by surprise with the plot twist in the third act. I had suspicions that something would happen, but I did not see that specific twist, and it had me on the edge of my seat.

I do wish that we got to see more of Alex and Rose's relationship after the plot twist event happened, and I felt like the book could have been longer, because I wanted to keep reading to know what happened with the other people in Rose's friend group. I really enjoyed this book, and I definitely am interested in checking out other books by this author in the future!
Profile Image for Jasmin.
674 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
I’ll Find You was such a fun, dark, and suspenseful read! I really enjoyed the combination of romance and the campus serial killer storyline. The suspense kept me guessing and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Rose and Alex were definitely the highlight for me. The chemistry, tension, and slow burn between them kept me invested, and when everything finally came together, the payoff was worth the wait. I especially loved Alex’s protectiveness and how committed he was to Rose. I loved watching Rose become part of Alex’s family and find a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected.

And can we talk about Watson?! 🥹🐾 The cutest rescued dog! He was definitely a little scene-stealer for me and added some much-needed sweetness to all the darkness.

If you love dark, suspenseful romance, fated mates, forced proximity, and morally gray characters, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR!

Thank you so much to L. Renee Richard for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review I’ll Find You! 🖤🌹
Profile Image for Reece Andriese.
95 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
I’ll find you
Alex and rose
He’s her protector she was his before she knew it and he was hers before they met!
This was so good, I read it one day practically!
The suspense of who and when, the past trauma/ drama, the mystery of why but yet under all that a there is a beautiful love story.
Alex and rose are perfect for each other. There one another’s everything. First loves and last loves because they were never anyone else’s! There souls were meant to be as if it was written in the stars! The way these two were like magnets and unexpected/unexplainable pull to one another was perfect!
They found one another like missing puzzle pieces! They just fit/ go together!
The found family the cousins in this group will have you laughing!
Roses so called friend group was not it! And Watson he’s too sweet! Who doesn’t love a cute rescue dog❤️ and oh don’t forget there’s a twist at the end! You will be shook!
⭐️/5 stars
🌶️/2.5 on the spice level
Profile Image for The nerdy book girl.
15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Author

This is a standalone, although I’ve seen several reviews recommend reading Blood Stained Kisses first to get more background on the characters. I decided to read this one as a standalone to see if the story would still make sense without reading the previous book first.
That being said, there are bits and pieces of Rose’s past throughout the story, but we never get the full story of what happened. It definitely made me curious about her past and what she had been through, but I still felt like I was able to follow the story without feeling like anything was missing or incomplete.

I did have a hard time connecting with Alex and Rose, but I still very much enjoyed their story! I loved the twist toward the end, and I really enjoyed how the story took on more of a thriller feel. The suspense and unexpected turn made it even more engaging, and it all came together with the perfect ending!
Profile Image for kellyann ☾.
255 reviews115 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 28, 2026
3.75 ✨

first of all this cover? absolutely gorgeous. totally sucked me in the moment i saw it. after finishing this i saw that there was another book that could've been read beforehand to give more context & backstory to rose. i do recommend doing so because i didn't & i wish i had a bit more backstory, but that's definitely on me. i loved the mmc alex from the beginning. the moment him & rose locked eyes ?! i completely melted. obsessed. ATE IT UP! i knew i would love them from that moment on. watching the way alex loved & nurtured rose was so beautiful, & essential to her growth.

the only thing i do wish this book had was a bit more of the serial killer mystery. it was mentioned here & there in the book, but i do wish it was a bigger plot line. i think that really could've added to the story in general.

thank you to the author, l. renee richard for the eARC. 💛 really such a fast, good read!
Profile Image for Zonia H.
99 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advance readers copy

The suspense had me on edge. I really enjoyed the story. The trauma Rose, the FMC, faced growing up is hard to overcome. She has made everything possible to protect herself and her heart. She is not counting on meeting Alex, the MMC. But as the story progresses both characters learn to grow and communicate. The growth for both of them is inspirational especially for Rose.
I really enjoyed watching Alex falling for rose first and hard. I enjoyed reading about him doing everything in his power to protect herself and make her happy. I especially enjoyed that Alex’s family already care for Rose and will help Alex keep her safe.
I was not prepared for the plot twist at the end with who was behind the kidnappings and killings but I can’t say I’m surprised. I wish we would have learned more of the kidnapping/ murder portion of the story, but overall it was a great story.



Profile Image for Livi Anne.
104 reviews
August 26, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for letting me read this ARC!!!

This book follows Rose and Alex through their journey of finding each other. It is insta love from both after a five minute conversation (albeit both felt an instant tug), but circumstances kept them apart until some semi-light stalking put Alex in Rose’s path and then destiny and fate took over! This is not so much a dark romance as there is a subplot of a small mystery going on in the background. The mystery/thriller plot picks up around 90% of the way through and the rest of the book is them falling for each other. I love Alex and how much he loves Rose. I need to find myself an Alex… and maybe an Ezra too?

I (and the author) highly recommend reading the first book before reading this one, even though it is technically a standalone.

A nice and quick love story!

PS I love Watson!

📕 3.25/5 ⭐️
🌶️ 1.5/5
Profile Image for HuskiesAndHardcovers.
12 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
This book has the cutest love story between two morally grey characters. It shows that even if you feel broken you can find love. It is beautifully written with so many memorable quotes. However as much as I loved the chemistry between them the ending felt rushed to include a serial killer on campus. There was a part in the middle towards the end of the book that completely lost me where I was questioning if a chapter was missing or if I zoned out by accident and I went back and that wasn’t the case so I forged ahead to hear the FMC say that she feels like she skipped a chapter I’m not sure if that was intentional or not but the whole serial killer thing just came out of nowhere and felt unnecessary to plot or the motives just didn’t make sense. I still enjoyed the book and plan on reading the first book in the interconnected series to see if that helps but I’m just confused.
Profile Image for BookBaddi.
70 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
This book is the ultimate romantic suspense thriller! From the very first chapter, the intense "meant to find each other" pull between the main characters grabs you and doesn't let go. Even with all the heart-pounding suspense, dangerous twists, and high stakes, the core of this story is a deeply moving, unforgettable love story.

It hits you with the harsh reality that people will only show you what they want you to know about them, keeping you guessing everyone's true motives until the very end. And that quote—"The mind is a vicious traitor"—could not be more accurate for the psychological rollercoaster this book takes you on.

Fast-paced, dark, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down. A total 5-star masterpiece for anyone who loves dark romance mixed with edge-of-your-seat thrillers!
Profile Image for Stormie.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 29, 2026
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Romance
🌹 Fated Mates
🖤 Forced Proximity
🌹 Found Family
🖤 Morally Gray Characters
🌹 Campus Serial Killer
🖤 Medical/Surgical Setting
🌹 Slow Burn

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️

My thoughts:
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🖤

I don’t normally say this, but I needed this story to be longer. I’m IN LOVE with Rose and Alex’s relationship! And his family? 😍
Both main characters were well-developed, providing some backstory as well as internal thoughts/battles that help the reader better understand them.
The plot was paced well and engaging, causing me to not want to put my Kindle down. The foreshadowing was laced throughout and kept me on edge, waiting to see what would happen next.
I throughly enjoyed this read! The medical/surgical setting trope had me a little wary, but I’m SO glad I chose to read, as the medical scenes weren’t what I was expecting. SUCH a great read!
Profile Image for Jenna Robinson.
120 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 25, 2026
✨ARC Review✨

I am OBSESSED with this book 😭🖤 I went in thinking I’d get a dark, mysterious romance, but I was absolutely not prepared for the emotional grip Rose and Alex would have on me.

Their connection?! The tension?! The way they were drawn to each other even when Rose was fighting it every step of the way?! I ate it ALL up. Their chemistry had me completely invested, and I loved the darker mystery woven throughout the story. There was just enough suspense to keep me constantly wondering what was coming next.

There’s something about a love that feels destined, dangerous, and completely unavoidable that gets me every time. And Alex…🥵 Let’s just say I understood Rose’s struggle.

I laughed, I stressed, I swooned, and I definitely got emotionally attached.
Profile Image for Ginny.
22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
Honestly…. Just read this book. Seriously though.

Normally slow burns are not my favorite but this kept me hooked. Reading the connection that Rose and Alex have from the start was fantastic. They built their relationship like a normal couple does they don’t just jump right into bed and build from there they work towards it and it simply was a joy to read.

The character building was well done and at a realistic pace. Building trust doesn’t happen over night and honestly this was a refreshing story line.

I loved the building suspense of a campus killer that is so loosely woven in then starts to build up towards the end of the book made this slow burn worth the wait.

Seriously just read the book!
Profile Image for Kelly Bernhardt.
9 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2026
I was honored to be chosen to read this ARC.

This book was a good read. I love when the guy falls first and Alex fell at first glance. Literally. I was glad when Rose finally knew but also happy she kept her guard up a little. One of my favorite quotes “You’re not the beginning for me,” he murmurs. “You’re the end of everything before it.”
And of course- “destined to find you…damned to love you” 😍

This is an interconnected standalone and I haven’t read the first book yet, but I need to. I’m guessing it goes into more detail about the disappearances because this book only touched on it in passing in the beginning and then everything is found out in the end with no other mention of it in the middle.

Thank you to L. Renee Richard for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kayla.
146 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 28, 2026
Rose Bennett had a tough life and wanted to keep everyone at arm's length, especially when it came to love, because she'd seen firsthand what affection could do. But then her guard started to crumble when she met Alex. The first time she saw him, she felt this undeniable connection, like something was pulling her towards him, and he felt the same way. He never wanted to let her go, seeing her as his.

This was a great read with a decent plot. I liked the pace of how Rose and Alex fell for each other and how that one night changed everything between them, definitely giving off "Lady and the Tramp" vibes. I definitely recommend reading "Blood Stained Kisses" first to get more of Rose's backstory. Thanks to the author for the ARC!
27 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
Oh what a book, it started off a little slow but you turn the page and it all kicked in!
The connection Rose had with the family who helped her, after all those years. Then Alex who was stood oblivious until it clicked.
The timing of everything you would have thought Alex was up to no good but you will have to read to find out ;).
Near the end I clicked who it was but I wasnt expecting the TWIST as to why it happened.
I loved the banter with the cousins, how they care deeply.
And the fireworks with Rose and Alex when they got down and dirty?! Damnnn. "I think we've already established theres nothing little about me"
Profile Image for Nyx.
41 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 23, 2026
I’m glad I read Blood Stained Kisses before starting this book because it gave some good insight to Roses backstory as to why she is how she is.

I was a little disappointed that the whole “campus killer” thing wasn’t as prevalent as the description made it out to be. The storyline seemed to barely be mentioned and then the suspect was revealed out of seemingly nowhere.

I did love Watson lol

Overall, decent book. I had just hoped for a bit more of a fleshed out storyline with the campus killer.
Profile Image for knottychickenafterdark .
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 25, 2026
First off....goodness, gracious GREAT BALLS OF FIRE ☄️ !!! This book literally has it all
🖤dark romance
🖤fated mates
🖤forced proximity
🖤found family
🖤campus serial killer
🖤medical setting
🖤slow burn
🖤touch her and die

it literally lacks NOTHING as there is a trope for everyone!

Rose 🌹 is a heroine in itself and finds her inner flame 🔥 that SHE IS WORTH IT
and Alex 🤤, a man after my own heart who will
FIND YOU and make you fall in love!!!

I thought I had it all figured out, but hot damn
was I wrong!!! Runs and pre-order NOW!!!

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