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Wallflower
714 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 12, 2026
“I may be a wallflower, but even pretty things can bite back”
5/5 stars
⅘ spice
Maren truly grabbed me by the c!it for this ride because what the actual hell did I read, and why are things added to my shopping list (iykyk). Flabbers have been gasted. It was so worth the read and had me thrown around like a ragdoll, almost starting to feel sea sick (will be sending a bill for the whiplash). I truly dont know how many times i said “oh fuck you bud” to a few characters (I know, felt very Canadian of me). I think it truly takes a skilled writer to be able to write such a dark, heavy themes yet create such a beautiful well written book and i loved the moments of banter, Maren you knocked it out of the fucking park.
The trauma and betrayal that Rose faced throughout this book was so gruelling but she stood on business even if it hurt, which I can appreciate (I will support rights and wrongs). But damn, HOW MUCH DID SHE HAVE TO GO THROUGH, i was ready to be tagged in to relive somethings, my heart ached for her. Thank god Ripley took things into his own hands and resolved conflict where he saw fit with no hesitation mind you. I don't want to spoil any of the fun, all I can say is maybe don't book that cruise, and pick up this book ASAP!!
Please remember to check the trigger warnings & content warnings!!
5/5 stars
⅘ spice
Maren truly grabbed me by the c!it for this ride because what the actual hell did I read, and why are things added to my shopping list (iykyk). Flabbers have been gasted. It was so worth the read and had me thrown around like a ragdoll, almost starting to feel sea sick (will be sending a bill for the whiplash). I truly dont know how many times i said “oh fuck you bud” to a few characters (I know, felt very Canadian of me). I think it truly takes a skilled writer to be able to write such a dark, heavy themes yet create such a beautiful well written book and i loved the moments of banter, Maren you knocked it out of the fucking park.
The trauma and betrayal that Rose faced throughout this book was so gruelling but she stood on business even if it hurt, which I can appreciate (I will support rights and wrongs). But damn, HOW MUCH DID SHE HAVE TO GO THROUGH, i was ready to be tagged in to relive somethings, my heart ached for her. Thank god Ripley took things into his own hands and resolved conflict where he saw fit with no hesitation mind you. I don't want to spoil any of the fun, all I can say is maybe don't book that cruise, and pick up this book ASAP!!
Please remember to check the trigger warnings & content warnings!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2026
In the nicest possible way… what the fuck did I just read, and where do I even start?!
I love a book that plays with your mind, gives you that false sense of security and makes you question absolutely everything. And this book did exactly that and delivered.
This book was undeniable from start to finish.
We’re thrown straight into Rose being groomed and kidnapped alongside her sister to be trafficked, the horrors that await, meeting Ripley, and everything that comes in between. This book was captivating and gripping and just held me there. Like the rest of Maren’s books, I genuinely couldn’t stop reading.
Rose and Ripley were made for each other. They were perfect, the dark and the light together. The banter, their love, their connection, their everything. Did one redeem the other, or did they simply bring out what was already there? Either way, I was here for it.
And the side characters, the good, the bad and the downright ugly. All added something to the story. This whole book rode the waves, constantly keeping you needing more and wondering where it was going next.
I loved Rose. She thought she was weak, but she was anything but. She was strong, determined and dark, fitting perfectly into Ripley’s world.
And Ripley… Mouth watering, dinosaur obsessed Ripley. I’m genuinely not sure I’ll ever watch Jurassic Park the same way again. He was dark, cold and completely obsessed with Rose. He would destroy anyone who tried to hurt her, and honestly, that man was EVERYTHING.
And then came the ending.
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
It genuinely felt like the author ripped my heart out, even if she gave me a warning, and then expected me to decide whether I actually wanted to carry on. Which I spent far too long debating whether I should heed the warning. Obviously, I did not.
Then I was left sitting there thinking, what did I just read?
But that mind twist? I loved it. It felt fresh and completely unexpected. I went into this book ready to be taken for a ride and what a ride it was.
Honestly, this book was amazing. I loved every minute
I love a book that plays with your mind, gives you that false sense of security and makes you question absolutely everything. And this book did exactly that and delivered.
This book was undeniable from start to finish.
We’re thrown straight into Rose being groomed and kidnapped alongside her sister to be trafficked, the horrors that await, meeting Ripley, and everything that comes in between. This book was captivating and gripping and just held me there. Like the rest of Maren’s books, I genuinely couldn’t stop reading.
Rose and Ripley were made for each other. They were perfect, the dark and the light together. The banter, their love, their connection, their everything. Did one redeem the other, or did they simply bring out what was already there? Either way, I was here for it.
And the side characters, the good, the bad and the downright ugly. All added something to the story. This whole book rode the waves, constantly keeping you needing more and wondering where it was going next.
I loved Rose. She thought she was weak, but she was anything but. She was strong, determined and dark, fitting perfectly into Ripley’s world.
And Ripley… Mouth watering, dinosaur obsessed Ripley. I’m genuinely not sure I’ll ever watch Jurassic Park the same way again. He was dark, cold and completely obsessed with Rose. He would destroy anyone who tried to hurt her, and honestly, that man was EVERYTHING.
And then came the ending.
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
It genuinely felt like the author ripped my heart out, even if she gave me a warning, and then expected me to decide whether I actually wanted to carry on. Which I spent far too long debating whether I should heed the warning. Obviously, I did not.
Then I was left sitting there thinking, what did I just read?
But that mind twist? I loved it. It felt fresh and completely unexpected. I went into this book ready to be taken for a ride and what a ride it was.
Honestly, this book was amazing. I loved every minute
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌸 Wallflower By Maren Riley 🌸
⛓️ ARC REVIEW
🖤 Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg I’m gonna strangle Maren with my broken heart 💔
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, from start to finish . When I say I wasn't prepared for the twists and turns boy did I get the wind knocked out my lungs.
From the very first page I was hooked and couldn’t put this down. The plot , the characters , the spice and twists had me on the edge of my seat begging and racing to the next page !
My poor sweet Rose goes through so much but never breaks , never gives up. Her character development and her deadly little quirk made me fall in-love with her straight away. Oh Ripley you dangerous gaint sexy dinosaur nerd . How you could no wrong . The devotion he had for rose from the start is magical . !!
This book will always now have a piece of my soul and heart. ❤️
This is not a gentle love story. It is a volatile, high-stakes collision of complex characters, razor-sharp plot turns, and heavy, intoxicating spice that lingers long after you’ve closed the back cover. My mind is still trapped in its shadows, replaying the devastating emotional beats and the blistering chemistry between two people who were always meant to destroy—and save—one another.
If your reading tastes lean toward dark romance that tests the boundaries of obsession, suffering, and undeniable devotion, you need to pre order this immediately.
Just be sure to check the content warnings before you dive into the abyss... 😏
⛓️ ARC REVIEW
🖤 Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg I’m gonna strangle Maren with my broken heart 💔
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, from start to finish . When I say I wasn't prepared for the twists and turns boy did I get the wind knocked out my lungs.
From the very first page I was hooked and couldn’t put this down. The plot , the characters , the spice and twists had me on the edge of my seat begging and racing to the next page !
My poor sweet Rose goes through so much but never breaks , never gives up. Her character development and her deadly little quirk made me fall in-love with her straight away. Oh Ripley you dangerous gaint sexy dinosaur nerd . How you could no wrong . The devotion he had for rose from the start is magical . !!
This book will always now have a piece of my soul and heart. ❤️
This is not a gentle love story. It is a volatile, high-stakes collision of complex characters, razor-sharp plot turns, and heavy, intoxicating spice that lingers long after you’ve closed the back cover. My mind is still trapped in its shadows, replaying the devastating emotional beats and the blistering chemistry between two people who were always meant to destroy—and save—one another.
If your reading tastes lean toward dark romance that tests the boundaries of obsession, suffering, and undeniable devotion, you need to pre order this immediately.
Just be sure to check the content warnings before you dive into the abyss... 😏
September 2, 2026
“To my readers, I’m sorry. I don’t know what the f u c k I was thinking when I wrote this.”
Oh look it’s just Maren giving us another complete Mind f u c k of a book. Wallflower follows Rose who has found herself on a cruise from hell with her family she can’t stand only for it to get so so so much worse.
“F u c k, this hot cruise worker I’m trapped with for a week might just be the death of me.”
Trust you don’t even know the half of it Rose. Shit goes down. But when Ripley enters the chat everything changes.
“There’s no escape, flower,” I drawl. “Crawl to me.”
“You seem to have this arrangement confused, flower. You do as I say, not the other way around.”
“Hold tight, I won’t be gentle,”
“Swollen lips and running mascara, ruining yourself for a monster like me,”
My kinda guy 🫦 Ripley is morally grayish leaning toward black but the way he’ll do anything for his flower and that mouth on him. 😮💨
If you can get down with:
A good mind f u c k
Vacay romance
Dinosaur as a safe word
Morally black characters
Foosball table play
Non traditional HEA
Intrigued? Then Wallflower is for you. Check your triggers and enjoy the ride. Available now on KU and in paperback.
Oh look it’s just Maren giving us another complete Mind f u c k of a book. Wallflower follows Rose who has found herself on a cruise from hell with her family she can’t stand only for it to get so so so much worse.
“F u c k, this hot cruise worker I’m trapped with for a week might just be the death of me.”
Trust you don’t even know the half of it Rose. Shit goes down. But when Ripley enters the chat everything changes.
“There’s no escape, flower,” I drawl. “Crawl to me.”
“You seem to have this arrangement confused, flower. You do as I say, not the other way around.”
“Hold tight, I won’t be gentle,”
“Swollen lips and running mascara, ruining yourself for a monster like me,”
My kinda guy 🫦 Ripley is morally grayish leaning toward black but the way he’ll do anything for his flower and that mouth on him. 😮💨
If you can get down with:
A good mind f u c k
Vacay romance
Dinosaur as a safe word
Morally black characters
Foosball table play
Non traditional HEA
Intrigued? Then Wallflower is for you. Check your triggers and enjoy the ride. Available now on KU and in paperback.
September 4, 2026
Wallflower follows Rose on a family vacation but everything gets turned upside down and she has to do whatever it takes to get her and her sister out alive...
Wallflower is one of my favorite reads of 2026! It is a whirlwind, one of the biggest emotional rollercoasters I have ever been on. I experienced every emotion at least 5 times throughout this book, no joke.
Maren's writing in Wallflower is absolutely incredible! I really felt like I was there the whole time and the writing really keeps you captivated. I shed many tears and have many pieces of my broken heart, all for Maren, from this book.
Wallflower is literally the definition of two-faced, twisted, and dark. It's a story that instantly hooks you and makes you not want to stop until you're finished.
One of the reasons I love this book so much is because Maren did a stunning job of writing these characters and making you so unsure of who you can trust and who you can't.
Wallflower was an 11/10 read for me, hands down. I think about it every single day!
* This is a dark and twisted read, please check your triggers prior to reading!
Wallflower is one of my favorite reads of 2026! It is a whirlwind, one of the biggest emotional rollercoasters I have ever been on. I experienced every emotion at least 5 times throughout this book, no joke.
Maren's writing in Wallflower is absolutely incredible! I really felt like I was there the whole time and the writing really keeps you captivated. I shed many tears and have many pieces of my broken heart, all for Maren, from this book.
Wallflower is literally the definition of two-faced, twisted, and dark. It's a story that instantly hooks you and makes you not want to stop until you're finished.
One of the reasons I love this book so much is because Maren did a stunning job of writing these characters and making you so unsure of who you can trust and who you can't.
Wallflower was an 11/10 read for me, hands down. I think about it every single day!
* This is a dark and twisted read, please check your triggers prior to reading!
August 26, 2026
Wallflower dives into some seriously dark territory with trafficking at the center of the story, so I went into this fully prepared to be disturbed. And I was, but apparently my dark romance brain is broken because I actually wanted it to push the disturbing elements even further. There were moments where the story could have gone completely off the rails into the darkness, and I would have lapped it up all the same.
There is also something deeply satisfying about watching people who absolutely deserve consequences finally discover that actions do, in fact, have them. Honestly, my favorite quote perfectly sums up the energy: “Gaze upon my field of fucks and see that it is barren.” THAT. That is the vibe. No spoilers, but sometimes fictional karma just needs to show up, choose violence, and get the job done. Dark, uncomfortable, and twisted enough to keep me invested, even if my apparently questionable reading tastes were still sitting in the corner whispering, “But… could we have gone darker?”
There is also something deeply satisfying about watching people who absolutely deserve consequences finally discover that actions do, in fact, have them. Honestly, my favorite quote perfectly sums up the energy: “Gaze upon my field of fucks and see that it is barren.” THAT. That is the vibe. No spoilers, but sometimes fictional karma just needs to show up, choose violence, and get the job done. Dark, uncomfortable, and twisted enough to keep me invested, even if my apparently questionable reading tastes were still sitting in the corner whispering, “But… could we have gone darker?”
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is the literary equivalent of grabbing someone by the shoulders and screaming “ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION!?!?!?”
Because it never lets up. Every time I thought, “Okay, surely we get a minute to recover now,” Maren said “Absolutely the fuck not,” and launched me headfirst into the next round of chaos.
I don’t know how she did it but every chapter somehow had its own personality. The imagery was vivid, the romance was filthy, the creepy bits were delightfully uncomfortable, and there were so many weird little moments that made this world feel like its own.
I was horrified, I was cackling, I was emotionally ruined, I was actively rooting for certain people to become snacks (not in a sexy way. Well….sometimes in a sexy way)
And when I closed the book? All I could think was “Well…that was unhinged.” Maren writes like she woke up one day and chose violence…and somehow turns it into art.
Respectfully Maren…do it again! 🥹🫶🏻
Because it never lets up. Every time I thought, “Okay, surely we get a minute to recover now,” Maren said “Absolutely the fuck not,” and launched me headfirst into the next round of chaos.
I don’t know how she did it but every chapter somehow had its own personality. The imagery was vivid, the romance was filthy, the creepy bits were delightfully uncomfortable, and there were so many weird little moments that made this world feel like its own.
I was horrified, I was cackling, I was emotionally ruined, I was actively rooting for certain people to become snacks (not in a sexy way. Well….sometimes in a sexy way)
And when I closed the book? All I could think was “Well…that was unhinged.” Maren writes like she woke up one day and chose violence…and somehow turns it into art.
Respectfully Maren…do it again! 🥹🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
Please make sure you pay attention to the signs, keep hands & feet inside at all times, do not remove seat belts until instructed, but most importantly please do enjoy this roller coaster. When it comes to the mind of Maren, nothing is going to be as straight forward as it seems. This book as well as her others is a perfect example of that.
I thought I was ready only to be hit with a "wtf" moment, then another, possibly another, and then lasly, the biggest one of them all. Just when you think the ride is over there is another drop up ahead.
From the very beginning you are pulled into the world of Rose and what you think might be a semi normal vacation (its Maren). However, you quickly get immersed into something bigger and darker that leaves you wanting more and speed reading to find out what is next.
If you want something that's a little mind bending with a strong FMC, a 🥵 MMC, and a dash of humor then this is definitely it.
I thought I was ready only to be hit with a "wtf" moment, then another, possibly another, and then lasly, the biggest one of them all. Just when you think the ride is over there is another drop up ahead.
From the very beginning you are pulled into the world of Rose and what you think might be a semi normal vacation (its Maren). However, you quickly get immersed into something bigger and darker that leaves you wanting more and speed reading to find out what is next.
If you want something that's a little mind bending with a strong FMC, a 🥵 MMC, and a dash of humor then this is definitely it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5🌟
First off…. WTF?!!!
Second… no really WTF did I just read and wtf was that ending?!!! 😂
I truly think Maren is such an underrated author. Her books are DARK and so F’d up and honestly this one I feel like really shined through on those talents.
This is probably not the book to skip your trigger warnings. There are a LOT of intense, heavy, traumatic moments. Please know that your mental health matters. I had to take some breather moments throughout this book.
With that being said this solidified me never going on a cruise lol. What already started as a vacation from hell (with some spicy moments that gave reprieve) quickly went to the absolute depths where like the worst of the worst demons lay. Kidnapped and sold off, there are so many players involved in this book with dark and twisted minds that you truly do not know who to trust. My cortisol levels were RAMPED UP throughout this whole book. I wanted to fight some people lol. Maren warned us in the tropes we were working with Morally BLACK characters and she wasn’t lying. I cannot imagine what her search engine looks like!
This book disturbed me but I think I’ve made it clear by now that I enjoy books that do this. I should probably look into what’s wrong with me there but this was a truly wild ride and the fact that this was just a vision in her head that she brought to life amazes me.
Thank you for the opportunity to arc read this!
First off…. WTF?!!!
Second… no really WTF did I just read and wtf was that ending?!!! 😂
I truly think Maren is such an underrated author. Her books are DARK and so F’d up and honestly this one I feel like really shined through on those talents.
This is probably not the book to skip your trigger warnings. There are a LOT of intense, heavy, traumatic moments. Please know that your mental health matters. I had to take some breather moments throughout this book.
With that being said this solidified me never going on a cruise lol. What already started as a vacation from hell (with some spicy moments that gave reprieve) quickly went to the absolute depths where like the worst of the worst demons lay. Kidnapped and sold off, there are so many players involved in this book with dark and twisted minds that you truly do not know who to trust. My cortisol levels were RAMPED UP throughout this whole book. I wanted to fight some people lol. Maren warned us in the tropes we were working with Morally BLACK characters and she wasn’t lying. I cannot imagine what her search engine looks like!
This book disturbed me but I think I’ve made it clear by now that I enjoy books that do this. I should probably look into what’s wrong with me there but this was a truly wild ride and the fact that this was just a vision in her head that she brought to life amazes me.
Thank you for the opportunity to arc read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What did I just read?! First of all, the trigger warnings were screaming sirens. 😂😂 This book was gruesome, traumatizing, degrading, and so incredibly mysterious. This is one of those books that hooks you from page 1 and never lets you go. I still don’t even know what to think about the ending. SPEAKING OF THE ENDING…👀 I’m not gonna lie, I almost abandoned the alternative ending. Every alternative ending I’ve ever read has ruined me. This one though only intrigued me even more and brought the whole story full circle. Given the statement at the bottom of that news report, I’d say this story ends exactly how I’d want it to. I have only previously read a novella by Maren Riley, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect from a longer story. Boy, when I tell you she delivered, that is probably an understatement. Easiest 5⭐️ ever.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy moly, @maren.riley.author - this book was mind-f**** at it's finest and I was here for every single second of it!
I was hooked right off the hop from chapter one, and in all honesty, I could not stop - this book consumed me the past 4 days!!
Dinosaur loving Ripley 💯 has my heart. Rose was such a badass, I loved her so much too. All of the side characters were written so well! Speaking of writing, Maren did an outstanding job of getting you oriented to the plot before throwing in other POVs. I loved that it was short action packed chapters with continuous twist and turns throughout. I went in completely blind, besides loving Maren's previous work and by going in blind, it made this read so much fun and likely the twists way more jaw-dropping!
NOTE: This read is not for everyone, please check trigger and content warnings prior to reading.
I was hooked right off the hop from chapter one, and in all honesty, I could not stop - this book consumed me the past 4 days!!
Dinosaur loving Ripley 💯 has my heart. Rose was such a badass, I loved her so much too. All of the side characters were written so well! Speaking of writing, Maren did an outstanding job of getting you oriented to the plot before throwing in other POVs. I loved that it was short action packed chapters with continuous twist and turns throughout. I went in completely blind, besides loving Maren's previous work and by going in blind, it made this read so much fun and likely the twists way more jaw-dropping!
NOTE: This read is not for everyone, please check trigger and content warnings prior to reading.
August 29, 2026
Check your triggers!!! This book is pitch black. This is a god book that will blow your mind. And leaving jaw dropped.
We follow Rose who is on a "family" cruise which she doesn't want to be on. There her and her sister meet Sam and Brad "workers" on the boat.
Some stuff goes down and the guys kidnap the girls. Later to find out the step-monster sold them off. The stuff Rose goes through will break your heart and leave your mind out of sorts.
During this time, she gets bought by Ripley. Who is a psycho in his own right. But they are instant to one another. Ripley has a plan and all Rose wants is to be free, find her sister and be with Ripley.
This book will leave you questioning things. The characters will confuse you in ways. The unhingedness will have you gob smacked and the spice will have you hot.
Will Rose and Ripley succeed? Or is everything destined to rip them apart?
We follow Rose who is on a "family" cruise which she doesn't want to be on. There her and her sister meet Sam and Brad "workers" on the boat.
Some stuff goes down and the guys kidnap the girls. Later to find out the step-monster sold them off. The stuff Rose goes through will break your heart and leave your mind out of sorts.
During this time, she gets bought by Ripley. Who is a psycho in his own right. But they are instant to one another. Ripley has a plan and all Rose wants is to be free, find her sister and be with Ripley.
This book will leave you questioning things. The characters will confuse you in ways. The unhingedness will have you gob smacked and the spice will have you hot.
Will Rose and Ripley succeed? Or is everything destined to rip them apart?
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of Wallflower, and I’m still thinking about it. For a book of this size, the pacing is seriously impressive. It moves so fast and keeps you hooked the entire time without ever slowing down.The atmosphere is dark and intense, and the survival elements keep you constantly guessing. But what really made the book for me were the characters. The dynamic between the leads is great, but the side characters absolutely steal the show. Karson is an instant favorite, and Bucky brings the perfect amount of humor exactly when you need a break from the tension.Maren did an amazing job balancing the heavy, dark themes with characters you actually care about. If you love unpredictable dark romance with great suspense, you definitely need to pre-order this one.
August 5, 2026
I had the wonderful pleasure of beta reading this thickkk book from Maren. I should know better, I really should. I pride myself on trying to figure out what is going to happen next in a book yet Maren has always been able to shock me. I was in a constant state of wtf is going to happen next and yelling at my kindle. May have stared off into space questioning and pondering things quite a few times.
So we start off with Rose on a cruise ship with her family, which I shall now never be able to ride on (thanks Maren). Things get a little steamy aboard and there may or may not be a foosball table involved. This is where your fun stops.
I won’t spoil anything for you because you honestly just need to read this. It may wreck you but like in the best way. We get to meet so many interesting characters along the way, some die, some don’t. You just never know what’s going to happen.
Be prepared to question everything.
So we start off with Rose on a cruise ship with her family, which I shall now never be able to ride on (thanks Maren). Things get a little steamy aboard and there may or may not be a foosball table involved. This is where your fun stops.
I won’t spoil anything for you because you honestly just need to read this. It may wreck you but like in the best way. We get to meet so many interesting characters along the way, some die, some don’t. You just never know what’s going to happen.
Be prepared to question everything.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Respectfully, wtf did I just read and where can I get more?
Gaze upon my field of fucks and see that it is barren.
🔪Dark Vacation Romance
⛓️Careful Who You Trust
🔪Morally Black
⛓️If I Can't Have You, No One Can
🔪Flower Weapons
⛓️Knife Play
🔪Dino Loving MMC
I started this book after only reading 3 sentences from the blurb and skipping the TWs (not the right approach for all, so mind your mental health). I wanted the rollercoaster of emotions and the constant question of "it can't get any worse, right?" I was absolutely ravenous for this book. Never knew what was going to happen, but knew it was bad every time. Side note: I've never taken a cruise and now never will.
This book starts off hot and heavy fast. Have never needed a post-spice smoke by chapter 2 before! I adored the sisterly relationship Chelsea and Rose have. But Rose, girl, giiiiiirrrrrllllll, listen to your gut next time. Ripley is impossible not to love. Besides, who doesn't love some good old fashioned Jurassic role play. It was so nice not to dislike one or both lead characters.
So what if I want to explore the darker side of my desires?...I'll be damned if a man makes me feel bad about it anymore.
The side characters are well written, and you either love them immediately or wish for their demise. The last few chapters and epilogues really screwed with my brain. The kind where you question what's real. I did appreciate the "choose your own adventure" ending of sorts.
Overall, so worth the read! Not once did I feel like this thicc book was moving slowly along. Something is always happening, whether it be spice or plot.
Gaze upon my field of fucks and see that it is barren.
🔪Dark Vacation Romance
⛓️Careful Who You Trust
🔪Morally Black
⛓️If I Can't Have You, No One Can
🔪Flower Weapons
⛓️Knife Play
🔪Dino Loving MMC
I started this book after only reading 3 sentences from the blurb and skipping the TWs (not the right approach for all, so mind your mental health). I wanted the rollercoaster of emotions and the constant question of "it can't get any worse, right?" I was absolutely ravenous for this book. Never knew what was going to happen, but knew it was bad every time. Side note: I've never taken a cruise and now never will.
This book starts off hot and heavy fast. Have never needed a post-spice smoke by chapter 2 before! I adored the sisterly relationship Chelsea and Rose have. But Rose, girl, giiiiiirrrrrllllll, listen to your gut next time. Ripley is impossible not to love. Besides, who doesn't love some good old fashioned Jurassic role play. It was so nice not to dislike one or both lead characters.
So what if I want to explore the darker side of my desires?...I'll be damned if a man makes me feel bad about it anymore.
The side characters are well written, and you either love them immediately or wish for their demise. The last few chapters and epilogues really screwed with my brain. The kind where you question what's real. I did appreciate the "choose your own adventure" ending of sorts.
Overall, so worth the read! Not once did I feel like this thicc book was moving slowly along. Something is always happening, whether it be spice or plot.
August 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was so beautifully unhinged! And I love books that make me want to throw my kindle 🤭 Dark, spicy, laugh out loud moments and parts where I was like WTF but in a good way! Do you like Jurassic Park? “Dinosaur” is the safe word and it’s so fun! This kept me on the edge of my seat, scared to turn each page but I could not stop! A wild ride with plot twists and an “omg what?!” ending. I might be traumatized but I definitely want to read this again!
🥀Vibes 🥀
Sharks
Dinosaurs
Dark Vacation romance
Hero or Villain
Morally Black
Knife play
Daddy Ripley 🥵
Non traditional HEA
“Flower?”
“It’s fitting, don’t you think? Something beautiful I can crush beneath my shoe.”
“Touch me.”
“Touch yourself. I want to watch.”
August 11, 2026
“ℑ 𝔪𝔞𝔶 𝔟𝔢 𝔞 𝔴𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔣𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔢𝔯, 𝔟𝔲𝔱 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔫 𝔭𝔯𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔶 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔰 𝔠𝔞𝔫 𝔟𝔦𝔱𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨.”
Wallflower is a dark romance full of twists and turns that will have you questioning what you just read by the end. This one surprised me in the best way. I was hooked from the very beginning and could not get enough of this story! There’s such a great mix of characters, some you will absolutely love and others you will completely hate. The ending was beyond wild and left my brain melted 🫠 If you’re looking a wild and dark emotional roller coaster ride with an ending you’ll never see coming, this is definitely the one to add to your tbr!
⛓️Hero or villain
🦈Flower bouquets
🌸Midnight rendezvous
🔪Vacation romance
🦖Knife play
🩸Torture
⛓️Non traditional HEA
🦈Breath play
“𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲… 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗸.”
“𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘆. 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂.”
“𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗜 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱? 𝗜 𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗶𝘁.”
“𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱. 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿
Wallflower is a dark romance full of twists and turns that will have you questioning what you just read by the end. This one surprised me in the best way. I was hooked from the very beginning and could not get enough of this story! There’s such a great mix of characters, some you will absolutely love and others you will completely hate. The ending was beyond wild and left my brain melted 🫠 If you’re looking a wild and dark emotional roller coaster ride with an ending you’ll never see coming, this is definitely the one to add to your tbr!
⛓️Hero or villain
🦈Flower bouquets
🌸Midnight rendezvous
🔪Vacation romance
🦖Knife play
🩸Torture
⛓️Non traditional HEA
🦈Breath play
“𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲… 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗸.”
“𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝘆. 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂.”
“𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗜 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱? 𝗜 𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗶𝘁.”
“𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱. 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wallflower @maren.riley.author is an emotional rollercoaster. Family, what family? Betrayal, manipulation, love, loyalty, pain, survival and a crazy ending!
There is just so much to take in, yet every word has been written perfectly. It is not what I expected, it’s so much more.
Yet again Maren has me invested in characters I don’t even know but feel like I do. Never have I rooted more for a shark attack 🦈 Although we meet plenty of characters throughout, Rose and Rip are our power couple! Could definitely see a short read of all their ‘trips’ in the future.
Please do check the triggers before diving in but honestly, an unreal read!
There is just so much to take in, yet every word has been written perfectly. It is not what I expected, it’s so much more.
Yet again Maren has me invested in characters I don’t even know but feel like I do. Never have I rooted more for a shark attack 🦈 Although we meet plenty of characters throughout, Rose and Rip are our power couple! Could definitely see a short read of all their ‘trips’ in the future.
Please do check the triggers before diving in but honestly, an unreal read!
August 13, 2026
This is my favorite book from 2026! Hands down!
It's so crazy good, like insane! It's dark, check your trigger warnings before you start reading because you're in for a very wild ride and i literally mean this! Just like a ship i floated from left to right, up and down, the waves were crazy! I felt so many emotions reading this book. Rose my girl, you are the strongest, hottest fmc, like incredible. The amount of pain and hurt and betrayal she went through only to come out of it with Rip. Rip my man, my man, my man! I love you I love you I love you, i can't say it enough. I respect your darkness, both of them. I freaking love them. Rose and Rip end goals!
It's so crazy good, like insane! It's dark, check your trigger warnings before you start reading because you're in for a very wild ride and i literally mean this! Just like a ship i floated from left to right, up and down, the waves were crazy! I felt so many emotions reading this book. Rose my girl, you are the strongest, hottest fmc, like incredible. The amount of pain and hurt and betrayal she went through only to come out of it with Rip. Rip my man, my man, my man! I love you I love you I love you, i can't say it enough. I respect your darkness, both of them. I freaking love them. Rose and Rip end goals!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What the f did I just read! Did Maren wake up and choose violence against her readers? In the best way mind you! 😂😍 my god this book was INCREDIBLE I don’t even know where to start without any spoilers! Who do you trust? Who are you meant to like and not like, this had me questioning literally everything and everyone and then you know what Maren’s like let’s throw another plot twist right before the end! 👏🏻 now I’m sitting in bed questioning my life and how to process this amazing read!
Ps. The spice was cooking! Daddy Ripley is to die for and his obsession with dinosaurs 😂
Ps. The spice was cooking! Daddy Ripley is to die for and his obsession with dinosaurs 😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Maren's writing! She is actually one of the few authors that I will read books from that are over 450 pages. In my personal opinion this story was different from her other stories. There was definitely a lot of emotions wrapped up in this one and there are some plot twists in there too. Maren did an amazing job with all the characters, and I don't think I can just one as my favorite! There wasn't a dull moment and I just wanted to keep reading! I can't wait to see what Maren gives us next!
Review of advance copy
ARC review!
Wallflower is a DARK romance that will leave you mindfucked, crying, screaming, laughing and make you question everything.
This one is DARK but in the best type of way. As always Maren have the perfect amount of darkness and still can make you crack a laugh after you just bawled your eyes out.
Oh yeah, and ofc the spice is always 😙🤌🏼 *chefs kiss*
You’ll meet some strong AF characters, some broken ones and some who are morally BLACK.
Remember to read your trigger warnings! And happy reading loves 🖤
Wallflower is a DARK romance that will leave you mindfucked, crying, screaming, laughing and make you question everything.
This one is DARK but in the best type of way. As always Maren have the perfect amount of darkness and still can make you crack a laugh after you just bawled your eyes out.
Oh yeah, and ofc the spice is always 😙🤌🏼 *chefs kiss*
You’ll meet some strong AF characters, some broken ones and some who are morally BLACK.
Remember to read your trigger warnings! And happy reading loves 🖤
August 10, 2026
This was my first book by Maren and I have to say it blew my mind. Going in I knew the tropes but hot damn this book had so many twist and turns I wasn't expecting everything I read. My emotions are all over the place and still processing what I just read. This story was dark, emotional, suspenseful, and spicy. I will say that Rose is a strong character and she surprised me at every turn. As for Ripley ... he is who I would want to save me over and over again. The book is heavy so please check your triggers but I will say Maren is a great job and really scrambled my brain in a good way.
August 15, 2026
traumatic, exciting, and intoxicating!
The story is immediately exciting. It hooked me from the first page. She’s on a cruise with her family but nothing is really as it seems. The more you learn about the characters the more you’re protective of the FMC. I connected to her quite easily. Throughout her journey she has so many ups and downs, never on solid footing. Her connection and dynamic with Ripley was intoxicating. I could not get enough. Their k!nks and vibes fit so perfectly. The trauma she goes through and is able to adapt she shows so much strength and resilience. I was the one on an emotional roller coaster that never ended. So many unexpected twists and turns. That ending will knock you right over. Check your TWs.
The story is immediately exciting. It hooked me from the first page. She’s on a cruise with her family but nothing is really as it seems. The more you learn about the characters the more you’re protective of the FMC. I connected to her quite easily. Throughout her journey she has so many ups and downs, never on solid footing. Her connection and dynamic with Ripley was intoxicating. I could not get enough. Their k!nks and vibes fit so perfectly. The trauma she goes through and is able to adapt she shows so much strength and resilience. I was the one on an emotional roller coaster that never ended. So many unexpected twists and turns. That ending will knock you right over. Check your TWs.
August 26, 2026
ARC Review
“Gaze upon my field of f*cks and see that it is barren.”
Omg...What The F did I just read?! I have far too many words that will get me in trouble on alll the apps! WALLFLOWER WAS SO DANG GOOD!!! There were so many twists and turns in this book I didn't know which way to look! Every time I thought I had something figured out I was THROWN in a different direction! If you like suspense and being caught off guard you HAVE to read Wallflower!! It is a book you have to experience for yourself! 2 thumbs up!! I absolutely loved it!!
“Gaze upon my field of f*cks and see that it is barren.”
Omg...What The F did I just read?! I have far too many words that will get me in trouble on alll the apps! WALLFLOWER WAS SO DANG GOOD!!! There were so many twists and turns in this book I didn't know which way to look! Every time I thought I had something figured out I was THROWN in a different direction! If you like suspense and being caught off guard you HAVE to read Wallflower!! It is a book you have to experience for yourself! 2 thumbs up!! I absolutely loved it!!
August 18, 2026
What the hell just happened??
I don't know what I expected going into this book but I should never doubt Maren for having me second guess everything near the end. What a ride!
While this book wasn't nearly as dark as I was expecting, it's impossible not to love the main characters and even the side characters.. well some.. some can go down a slide of spikes. Well written, funny banter, funny inner monologue.
Loved the low key tongue in cheek plug for Wrong Turn too 🤣
I don't know what I expected going into this book but I should never doubt Maren for having me second guess everything near the end. What a ride!
While this book wasn't nearly as dark as I was expecting, it's impossible not to love the main characters and even the side characters.. well some.. some can go down a slide of spikes. Well written, funny banter, funny inner monologue.
Loved the low key tongue in cheek plug for Wrong Turn too 🤣
August 22, 2026
Im addicted!!!
WTF moments. Dark. Deranged. Unforgiving.
Trauma carved into every page, survival born from things no one should ever have to live through—and revenge simmering beneath it all, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
It’s disturbing. Devastating. Addictive.
An emotional roller coaster through pain, rage, vengeance, and the desperate need to survive.
Because sometimes surviving isn’t enough.
Sometimes you need to make them pay.
An easy 5 star rate from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WTF moments. Dark. Deranged. Unforgiving.
Trauma carved into every page, survival born from things no one should ever have to live through—and revenge simmering beneath it all, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
It’s disturbing. Devastating. Addictive.
An emotional roller coaster through pain, rage, vengeance, and the desperate need to survive.
Because sometimes surviving isn’t enough.
Sometimes you need to make them pay.
An easy 5 star rate from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 27, 2026
First book I've read by Maren Riley and respectfully... WTAF did I read???!!!
Like how was something so twisted written beautifully and leaving me wanting more whilst questioning my life!!!?
On a lighter note. I thouroughly enjoyed this book! Yes, I knew the content warnings before going in.. but I still felt blind-sighted the whole way through. It was totally unhinged, buy in the absolute best way!!!
This is definitely one of my top favourite reads and I cannot wait for!!
Like how was something so twisted written beautifully and leaving me wanting more whilst questioning my life!!!?
On a lighter note. I thouroughly enjoyed this book! Yes, I knew the content warnings before going in.. but I still felt blind-sighted the whole way through. It was totally unhinged, buy in the absolute best way!!!
This is definitely one of my top favourite reads and I cannot wait for!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
At no point did I know what was coming. Kinda felt like emotional warfare at one point. In the best possible way, of course. Action, drama, plot, spice, twists, men involved without morals… like, any. Oh and an ending of all endings. So good and so worth the rollercoaster of feelings you’ll feel. 10/10 no notes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, but I wasn't prepared for the twists and turns that would lead me into a full on temper tantrum. When I tell you I needed to take two days to get myself together before I could finish it...This story has all the spice, feels, and crazy twists that you could possibly want. The plot keeps you intrigued with banter and obsession. Highly recommend. 🖤
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