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On Your Knees
There’s something dark and twisted in Levi, underneath his innocence. That’s why I fixate on him. That’s why I ask him to pose for me—and that’s why he accepts. He senses something dark and twisted in me too, and he’s curious. He’s never explored his dark side. He’s never known that it’s allowed. But with me, in our sessions, it’s required.
But he’s so inexperienced. His body is entirely foreign to him, and he’s confused by his responses, even embarrassed. He doesn’t understand, at first, that it’s the whole point. But when I tell him to let it happen, he obeys. He’s such a good boy, and he’s been so terribly lonely. He doesn’t understand intimacy. But he wants it—he needs it.
And since God didn’t give it to him, the Devil will.
The trouble is, the deeper I dig into him, the deeper he digs into me. He’s not supposed to learn my secrets. He’s not supposed to see what I really am. No one is allowed to do that. But Levi is changing everything. He’s breaking everything. But maybe…
Maybe I want him to.
Tropes:
Artist and model
Gay awakening/first time
Obsessive and controlling MC
Touch-starved MC
D/s dynamicDubcon
*On Your Knees contains dark and potentially triggering content. A content list can be found in the ebook sample.
But he’s so inexperienced. His body is entirely foreign to him, and he’s confused by his responses, even embarrassed. He doesn’t understand, at first, that it’s the whole point. But when I tell him to let it happen, he obeys. He’s such a good boy, and he’s been so terribly lonely. He doesn’t understand intimacy. But he wants it—he needs it.
And since God didn’t give it to him, the Devil will.
The trouble is, the deeper I dig into him, the deeper he digs into me. He’s not supposed to learn my secrets. He’s not supposed to see what I really am. No one is allowed to do that. But Levi is changing everything. He’s breaking everything. But maybe…
Maybe I want him to.
Tropes:
Artist and model
Gay awakening/first time
Obsessive and controlling MC
Touch-starved MC
D/s dynamicDubcon
*On Your Knees contains dark and potentially triggering content. A content list can be found in the ebook sample.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2026
About the author
Rina Saint
7 books833 followersRina loves her romances dark and dirty. Her books take you into the erotic lives of her complex, morally gray characters. If you love high intensity and fabulous smut, you're in the right place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
Review of advance copy
Ooh, he’s submissive. I can hear it in his voice. I can feel it in my balls. He’s submissive—and I’m cruel.
Ethan and Levi live completely different lives in completely different worlds. Ethan is wealthy while Levi is flat broke. Underneath the class differences however, they have a surprising amount in common. They are both surpassing parts of their sexuality, although Ethan is much more in tune with what he needs than Levi, who appears asexual. Their childhoods were less than ideal, with time spent in foster care. When they meet by happenstance, Ethan offers Levi a job posing as his model.
“What I want, Levi, is your experience. That’s what I want to capture. There’s an innocence to you now, but there’s darkness underneath it. I can see it. I can feel it—and I’m going to draw it out of you.” His lips have parted. He’s not frightened, not at all. He looks, in fact, relieved. A smile creeps across my lips. “You know it, don’t you?”
From there, the book explores the relationship between the two men, and how they navigate a situation where Ethan's past intrudes into the present. Similar to other Rina Saint books, the main characters have both been through an incredible amount of trauma. Bits and pieces of their backstories are revealed throughout the book. I struggled with Ethan’s character because he’s very much still processing and learning to cope with what happened to him. The part that bothered me wasn’t the religious aspects to his childhood- although they weren’t easy to read. It was that unlike Rina’s other MCs, Ethan was a victim who was taught that he was at fault for his own abuse. I don't believe anyone needs to be completely healed to be in a relationship, but it seemed very reckless for Ethan to involve Levi in his life at a time when he's basically spiralling and thinks he deserved what happened to him as a child.
Trust me, Levi, I can handle you. What I’m less sure of is whether you can handle me. But… I think you can.”
The good thing is that for the most part, Levi is up for the challenge of dealing with Ethan. And Ethan can understand what's happening when it's Levi's turn to break. For me, the book focused less on their physical relationship and more on how they related to each other and - at times- how they triggered each other. I actually wanted more sex (Rina teases us with this kinky coffin and a whole bunch of other toys that don't ever get used 😫) but the amount that's there seems appropriate for the story so that's a 'me problem' for sure. Ethan and Levi bonded super quickly and were so loyal to each other, which was lovely to read, but super reckless. They each went into the relationship completely unprepared, with no safe words or even a solid conversation about boundaries etc. Neither of them had any idea what minefields were before them and it stressed me out.
It’s different with Levi. I don’t understand exactly how or why. I don’t want to. I don’t care. It doesn’t matter. Even the consequences don’t matter. This is happening.
My feelings about this book are complicated. I didn't enjoy it, but I'm still glad I read it. Rina Saint's writing and character work were as excellent as always. The characters were kind of stupid to start a relationship the way they did, but who wants to read a book about someone who always does the right thing all the time? If religious undertones are a trigger for you, skip this one. But if you like complex characters diving straight into a ride-or-die relationship with a kinky romance on the side, definitely give it a try!
How can I be ugly with someone I love?
Rating: 4 stars
Angst: 5/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
September 2, 2026
3.5
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, dark, and spicy read, I’d recommend this one.
The emotional connection takes a while to build. At first, this book is mostly about the spice. The plot begins pretty weak. I really enjoyed the dynamic switch up where the Dom likes pain. I don’t think I’ve seen that before.
Ethan’s backstory involving the church and his father was l heartbreaking, and it made the safety these two find in each other feel more satisfying. I also loved the way Ethan helps Levi accept himself and refuses to let him talk negatively about himself. It was incredibly sweet.
It’s a solid pick just for something quick and spicy.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, dark, and spicy read, I’d recommend this one.
The emotional connection takes a while to build. At first, this book is mostly about the spice. The plot begins pretty weak. I really enjoyed the dynamic switch up where the Dom likes pain. I don’t think I’ve seen that before.
Ethan’s backstory involving the church and his father was l heartbreaking, and it made the safety these two find in each other feel more satisfying. I also loved the way Ethan helps Levi accept himself and refuses to let him talk negatively about himself. It was incredibly sweet.
It’s a solid pick just for something quick and spicy.
September 12, 2026
4.5 stars
This was dark, traumatic and super erotic. But I will say at times it felt confusing with both our MCs having so many mental issues. These boys need therapy asafp!!
I read it in one sitting. Not a book to be put down easily.
The dark traumatic theme rubs all the way wrong. A trauma you need to push through to get stronger. A very deserving (and complicated) resolution and HEA.
For all their wickedness, the true evil doers (Ruby, Paul And John) got off too easily (yes, even in death)👿👿👿. I wanted that entire church nuked to smithereens.
WTF is the point if these types of 'institutions' continue to survive. We're way past just exposing them🤬😡🖕
This was dark, traumatic and super erotic. But I will say at times it felt confusing with both our MCs having so many mental issues. These boys need therapy asafp!!
I read it in one sitting. Not a book to be put down easily.
The dark traumatic theme rubs all the way wrong. A trauma you need to push through to get stronger. A very deserving (and complicated) resolution and HEA.
For all their wickedness, the true evil doers (Ruby, Paul And John) got off too easily (yes, even in death)👿👿👿. I wanted that entire church nuked to smithereens.
WTF is the point if these types of 'institutions' continue to survive. We're way past just exposing them🤬😡🖕
September 12, 2026
3.5 stars
Dang. I wanted so bad to love the fuck outta this, but it just doesn't quite live up to the best of what Rina Saint can do. There are things you pick up on when you've read an author's whole catalog (some titles multiple times), and unfortunately, I think RS's weaknesses were very weak here and the strengths couldn't quite save it because I think I'm starting to be slightly over them.
I love the formula of a sad, lonely, castoff boy becoming the sole object of desire and obsession for a rich, tormented, domineering man. I love the D/s relationships, the queer/sexual awakenings, the MC who has been neglected all his life suddenly gaining the smothering attention of a dangerous man who wants to own him. It's delicious and she does it so very well. The problem is... well, it's a formula. Without adding a lot of new pieces or shaking things up a bit, things get stale. Things get boring. If Levi is just another Elias/Tristan/Lucas/even Quinn, and Ethan is just another Andre/Dante/Dominic/Roman/Vitali, then why don't I just go read one of my favorites of those, instead?
Another part of the formula is the insta connection. Again, this is often delicious and works most of the time. And it did work for me here, but it felt much faster than usual - maybe because with her other books there's often a chapter or two of setup, but this begins right with their first interaction. The quickness felt like a mistake because it didn't allow any sense of the MCs individually before throwing us in. She did do enough for me believe why each of them was so instantly drawn to the other, but it was fragile, and a little less believable on Ethan's end.
One last part of the formula that I usually love, is the MC's intuition about the other. There are always a lot of moments in these books where an MC instinctively understands where the other is coming from or what the other is hiding, and it generally comes off as a way to show how deeply connected they are and how perfect they are for each other because there's this understanding that exists on an innate level. Unfortunately, in this one I sometimes felt like it bordered on clairvoyance, and it basically negated the need for certain conversations. And I love those conversations - the intimate ones that her MCs tend to have. It didn't allow for them to happen because they just "knew" what the other meant, they "read between the lines", they "saw it on his face", which is great but like... it leaves them less fleshed out. I don't want to intuit a whole romance.
So, the formula is the strength but that strength has it's limit and I think I've reached it. As for the weakness - I find her to be vague on the details. Like, across the board. She's sparse with details in the MC's backstories (like wtf happened to Ethan on that one night ten years before? How did he and Patrick reconnect? What did their relationship look like during those 3 years when Patrick was in charge? Did Ethan regularly have contracts with models? What did Levi's past "episodes" look like? When did he start having them? What did Ruby tell the church in the years of Ethan's absence? etc), but her plots are also pretty surface/weak. I don't usually care because if I could read stories only about relationships and have no outside plot at all I'd be happy, but if you're going to include something, you have to make it stand up. This one was particularly flimsy to me. And honestly, I'm also over the CSA angle for her traumatized MCs. I beg for her to pivot away from that for a little bit.
It feels like this is almost a rant, but I only feel that way because Possession is one of my favorite books of all time and The Club is also way up there for me. The Club proves that she can write slightly outside of the formula and still come out with a banger, and it is my most ardent wish that she does it more.
Anyway, with all my disappointment, why still 3.5 stars? Because the parts of the formula that worked, still hit, and I liked these guys together. I liked the kink, I did feel the intimacy, and this was a little bit mushier than some of her others in the end (I like mushy). I love to read men saying "I love you" and there was enough time given in this story where they were decently settled and able to be kind of coupley. I loved all the scenes where they each felt safe with the other to be themselves. Also, shout out to the last art scene with the angel wings. So hot.
I will always read what Rina Saint writes, but I really hope that her next releases have something a little more fresh. I'm so grateful she gave me some favorites and I'd love to have some more (DIFFERENT ones).
Pet names: baby, angel
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: Ethan was a victim of CSA. It sounds like between the ages of 11-15/16 he was raped by his adoptive father (head of a megachurch) as well as by at least one or two other church members.
Other person drama: None! Levi had never been with anyone sexually or romantically before. Ethan has obviously had past partners but they're never mentioned (and he's never been in a romantic relationship). Levi feels some insecurity/jealousy over Ethan's relationship with Patrick but they only love each other platonically and had never been sexual or romantic with each other (despite Patrick being Ethan's Dom for years).
Dang. I wanted so bad to love the fuck outta this, but it just doesn't quite live up to the best of what Rina Saint can do. There are things you pick up on when you've read an author's whole catalog (some titles multiple times), and unfortunately, I think RS's weaknesses were very weak here and the strengths couldn't quite save it because I think I'm starting to be slightly over them.
I love the formula of a sad, lonely, castoff boy becoming the sole object of desire and obsession for a rich, tormented, domineering man. I love the D/s relationships, the queer/sexual awakenings, the MC who has been neglected all his life suddenly gaining the smothering attention of a dangerous man who wants to own him. It's delicious and she does it so very well. The problem is... well, it's a formula. Without adding a lot of new pieces or shaking things up a bit, things get stale. Things get boring. If Levi is just another Elias/Tristan/Lucas/even Quinn, and Ethan is just another Andre/Dante/Dominic/Roman/Vitali, then why don't I just go read one of my favorites of those, instead?
Another part of the formula is the insta connection. Again, this is often delicious and works most of the time. And it did work for me here, but it felt much faster than usual - maybe because with her other books there's often a chapter or two of setup, but this begins right with their first interaction. The quickness felt like a mistake because it didn't allow any sense of the MCs individually before throwing us in. She did do enough for me believe why each of them was so instantly drawn to the other, but it was fragile, and a little less believable on Ethan's end.
One last part of the formula that I usually love, is the MC's intuition about the other. There are always a lot of moments in these books where an MC instinctively understands where the other is coming from or what the other is hiding, and it generally comes off as a way to show how deeply connected they are and how perfect they are for each other because there's this understanding that exists on an innate level. Unfortunately, in this one I sometimes felt like it bordered on clairvoyance, and it basically negated the need for certain conversations. And I love those conversations - the intimate ones that her MCs tend to have. It didn't allow for them to happen because they just "knew" what the other meant, they "read between the lines", they "saw it on his face", which is great but like... it leaves them less fleshed out. I don't want to intuit a whole romance.
So, the formula is the strength but that strength has it's limit and I think I've reached it. As for the weakness - I find her to be vague on the details. Like, across the board. She's sparse with details in the MC's backstories (like wtf happened to Ethan on that one night ten years before? How did he and Patrick reconnect? What did their relationship look like during those 3 years when Patrick was in charge? Did Ethan regularly have contracts with models? What did Levi's past "episodes" look like? When did he start having them? What did Ruby tell the church in the years of Ethan's absence? etc), but her plots are also pretty surface/weak. I don't usually care because if I could read stories only about relationships and have no outside plot at all I'd be happy, but if you're going to include something, you have to make it stand up. This one was particularly flimsy to me. And honestly, I'm also over the CSA angle for her traumatized MCs. I beg for her to pivot away from that for a little bit.
It feels like this is almost a rant, but I only feel that way because Possession is one of my favorite books of all time and The Club is also way up there for me. The Club proves that she can write slightly outside of the formula and still come out with a banger, and it is my most ardent wish that she does it more.
Anyway, with all my disappointment, why still 3.5 stars? Because the parts of the formula that worked, still hit, and I liked these guys together. I liked the kink, I did feel the intimacy, and this was a little bit mushier than some of her others in the end (I like mushy). I love to read men saying "I love you" and there was enough time given in this story where they were decently settled and able to be kind of coupley. I loved all the scenes where they each felt safe with the other to be themselves. Also, shout out to the last art scene with the angel wings. So hot.
I will always read what Rina Saint writes, but I really hope that her next releases have something a little more fresh. I'm so grateful she gave me some favorites and I'd love to have some more (DIFFERENT ones).
Pet names: baby, angel
I expect him to flinch. People usually do when I’m like this, even brats. I’m not exactly angry, but I’m something like it. My darkness is showing. But he just watches me, undaunted, and I’m reminded that innocence is merely inexperience. It’s not the same as goodness. Goodness would shrink from me. The fact that he doesn’t means there’s something dark in him too.
“Oh, Levi,” he cuts in. “You can’t be that beautiful and that naïve.”
He says quietly, “I’m going to make you see it. I’m going to show you to yourself.”
“What I want, Levi, is your experience. That’s what I want to capture. There’s an innocence to you now, but there’s darkness underneath it. I can see it. I can feel it—and I’m going to draw it out of you.”
“I’ll break you. Then remake you. You won’t know yourself at the end. Or maybe… you’ll know yourself for the first time.”
I’m drifting in and out, so there’s a dreamlike quality to Ethan’s words when he says quietly, “We’re going to break each other.” I turn my face, blinking up at him sleepily, and there’s a dreamlike quality to my own voice when I whisper, in agreement, or maybe consent, “Yes.”
“There’s something I want to do. Will you do it with me?” “Yes.” I roll onto my back to look up at him. He smiles a little. “You don’t even know what it is.” “It doesn’t matter what it is. The answer is yes, and it always will be.”
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: Ethan was a victim of CSA. It sounds like between the ages of 11-15/16 he was raped by his adoptive father (head of a megachurch) as well as by at least one or two other church members.
Other person drama: None! Levi had never been with anyone sexually or romantically before. Ethan has obviously had past partners but they're never mentioned (and he's never been in a romantic relationship). Levi feels some insecurity/jealousy over Ethan's relationship with Patrick but they only love each other platonically and had never been sexual or romantic with each other (despite Patrick being Ethan's Dom for years).
Review of advance copy received from Author
On Your Knees is an emotional romance between artist Ethan and his muse Levi. These two guys are deeply broken, and seeing them both learn to process their trauma, grief, and pain from their past while also falling endlessly in love with one another made for an intense romance that kept me completely invested in their story.
Both Ethan and Levi are deeply haunted by their pasts, and watching them try to navigate their confusing and surprising feelings for one another made for a beautiful story of redemption and second chances. I love the worlds this author creates, and the found family aspect is very strong in this story, which is also a moving element that offers hope in this dark tale.
Overall, I could not get enough of these two, and I was completely obsessed and captivated by their love, which at times broke every boundary and healed every scar.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Both Ethan and Levi are deeply haunted by their pasts, and watching them try to navigate their confusing and surprising feelings for one another made for a beautiful story of redemption and second chances. I love the worlds this author creates, and the found family aspect is very strong in this story, which is also a moving element that offers hope in this dark tale.
Overall, I could not get enough of these two, and I was completely obsessed and captivated by their love, which at times broke every boundary and healed every scar.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
October 10, 2026
this was one of those books where i’m glad i finally finished, but it wasn’t an awful read. however, not a super memorable couple compared to rina’s other characters :p
September 17, 2026
4.75 - 5 stars!
On Your Knees emotionally decimated me. If you’ve ever read Rina, YOU KNOW she’s the queen of erotic smut with intention. Every intimate scene propels the MCs relationship forward both breaking and putting them back together. This story did just that. The MCs have a lot of traumatic baggage but their demons dance together beautifully.
Ethan sees Levi’s innocence immediately but it’s the darkness beneath the naivety that he wants to exploit for his own pleasure.
Levi has never known true connection until Ethan and he’s both hesitant and exhilarated at the prospect of being with Ethan.
This story is devastating but somehow also endearing and Ethan and Levi learn to lean on each other in the sexiest and most passionate ways. Codependent to the max and I was here for it!
Seriously, while this story does have triggers so mind those I found it to be an exploration of what it means to really find your soulmate. Whether it be fantasy (looking at you Seth and Raider) or dark MM, I will devour anything Rina writes. I adored this story.
On Your Knees emotionally decimated me. If you’ve ever read Rina, YOU KNOW she’s the queen of erotic smut with intention. Every intimate scene propels the MCs relationship forward both breaking and putting them back together. This story did just that. The MCs have a lot of traumatic baggage but their demons dance together beautifully.
Ethan sees Levi’s innocence immediately but it’s the darkness beneath the naivety that he wants to exploit for his own pleasure.
“You don’t need to hide your darkness. That part of you is safe with me, Levi. It’s the rest of you that’s not.”
Levi has never known true connection until Ethan and he’s both hesitant and exhilarated at the prospect of being with Ethan.
This story is devastating but somehow also endearing and Ethan and Levi learn to lean on each other in the sexiest and most passionate ways. Codependent to the max and I was here for it!
“And since God didn’t give it to him, the Devil will. “Get your shit,” I tell him. “You’re mine now, and you’re coming home with me.”
Seriously, while this story does have triggers so mind those I found it to be an exploration of what it means to really find your soulmate. Whether it be fantasy (looking at you Seth and Raider) or dark MM, I will devour anything Rina writes. I adored this story.
September 18, 2026
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 𝟒.𝟒/𝟓 ★ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
true to Rina Saint's style, this book started out as a dark, kinky smut with a mysterious, dangerous undertone, and as the story unfolded, more & more things got revealed👀 that also includes the title itself, On Your Knees has a very clever duality in its meaning - it reflects the initial sensual part of the MCs's BDSM-like dynamic🧎 yet at the same time, it carries a tragic echo of the past.. ✝
both MCs had their own demons, past hurt & trauma, so the story was heavy with the hurt/comfort elements - which Rina always portrays so well, and how the MCs find a safe space in each other. Ethan & Levi taking care of each other the best way they could was achingly heartfelt. one of my fave little soothing things of theirs was Ethan playing with Levi's hair, petting his head, which was often a way of comfort & reassuring..🥹 the needy, possessive vibes, the absolute, dark devotion & love between the MCs were also top notch, as expected from Rina👏❤️🔥
some of the main things i also appreciated was how the artistic parts were so well-portrayed, it carried throughout the book, starting with Ethan asking Levi to model for him - which ends up being very sensual🔥 and then as the story progressed & more things got revealed, more of Ethan's artistic side shone & got unveiled in a sort of cathartic way🪽🖼 and what i especially appreciate was that portrayal of Ethan's artist self felt authentic, it wasn't just a random plot device or trope thrown in, but showed a way of creativity and how Ethan saw the world and processed his emotions & trauma through his art - i connected to this a lot.
this was a unique story in its own way, and despite a few little things, it was still a winner for me overall, i just felt a lot for Ethan & Levi🖤 there was also a very significant side character, Patrick who had a sorta complicated friendship with Ethan🙈🥹💞 i'm veryy hopeful for a next book in this world, i need Patrick to get his own HEA!!👀
(p.s. i'm soo excited that Noah from the Dangerous Games series is finally getting his book next!!!!! aaaaaa)
˚₊‧꒰ა 🤵🏻🎨🖌🖼🩸⛓️⛪🔍📚📖🌓✨🪽✏️ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
【 જ⁀➴ 𝓲 𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓻𝓬 𝓲 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻 𝓿𝓲𝓪 𝓖𝓪𝔂 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀𝓼.ᐟ 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓸𝔀𝓷, 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓾𝓲𝓷𝓮 (𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓬) 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ⊹˙✧ 】
➥ ᴍᴍ { ɢᴀʏ × ɢғʏ/ɢᴀʏ ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ }
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
🀦ᝰ ᴅᴀʀᴋ, ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴇʏ ᴍᴄ(s)
🀦ᝰ (ʀɪᴄʜ) ᴘᴀɪɴᴛᴇʀ × (ᴘᴏᴏʀ) ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ
🀦ᝰ ᴘᴏssᴇssɪᴠᴇ, ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴠᴇ
🀦ᝰ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ- & ʟᴏᴠᴇ-sᴛᴀʀᴠᴇᴅ ᴍᴄs
🀦ᝰ ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ
🀦ᝰ ʜᴀɪʀ ᴘᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🀦ᝰ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs
🀦ᝰ ᴜɴɴᴇɢᴏᴛɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙᴅsᴍ, ᴅ/s ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄs
🀦ᝰ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs, ᴅᴜʙ-ᴄᴏɴ, ᴄᴏᴄᴋ ᴄᴀɢᴇ, ᴍᴀsᴏᴄʜɪsᴛ, sᴀᴅɪsᴛ, ʜᴀɴᴅ-ɴᴇᴄᴋʟᴀᴄᴇs/ᴄʜᴏᴋɪɴɢ, ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴘᴀɴᴛs, ʀᴇsᴛʀᴀɪɴᴛs & ʙᴏɴᴅᴀɢᴇ ᴛᴏʏs (ʙᴀʟʟ sᴛʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇʀ, ᴅɪʟᴅᴏ, ᴡʜɪᴘ, ғʟᴏɢɢᴇʀ), ʙɪᴛɪɴɢ, sᴘᴀɴᴋɪɴɢ, ᴘʀᴀɪsᴇ & ᴅᴇɢʀᴀᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ("ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴡʜᴏʀᴇ")
➽ ᴛᴡ: ᴅᴜʙ-ᴄᴏɴ (ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴍᴄs), ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴠᴇ/ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟʟɪɴɢ ᴍᴄ, ᴜɴɴᴇɢᴏᴛɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙᴅsᴍ, ʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴏғ sᴀғᴇ ᴡᴏʀᴅ, ʀᴏᴜɢʜ sᴇx, ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴀ (ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ & ᴇxᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ), ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜs ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴀ, ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜs ᴛʜᴇᴍᴇs (ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴅᴀʀᴋʟʏ), ᴘᴀsᴛ ᴄʜɪʟᴅʜᴏᴏᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛ & ᴀʙᴀɴᴅᴏɴᴍᴇɴᴛ, ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛ, ᴄsᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʙᴜsᴇ (ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ, ғʟᴀsʜʙᴀᴄᴋs, ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ), ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛ, sᴜɪᴄɪᴅᴇ (ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ), ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ/ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟs, sᴇʟғ-ʜᴀʀᴍ, sᴜɪᴄɪᴅᴀʟ ɪᴅᴇᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, sᴜɪᴄɪᴅᴇ ᴀᴛᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛ, ᴘᴀɴɪᴄ ᴀᴛᴛᴀᴄᴋs, ᴅɪssᴏᴄɪᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴇᴘɪsᴏᴅᴇs, ɢᴜɴ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ (ᴏɴ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ), ᴀʟᴄᴏʜᴏʟɪsᴍ (sᴄ)
ଘଓ 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈, 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔. 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒐 𝒂 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒖𝒑 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌.
𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕’𝒍𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏. ଘଓ
true to Rina Saint's style, this book started out as a dark, kinky smut with a mysterious, dangerous undertone, and as the story unfolded, more & more things got revealed👀 that also includes the title itself, On Your Knees has a very clever duality in its meaning - it reflects the initial sensual part of the MCs's BDSM-like dynamic🧎 yet at the same time, it carries a tragic echo of the past.. ✝
both MCs had their own demons, past hurt & trauma, so the story was heavy with the hurt/comfort elements - which Rina always portrays so well, and how the MCs find a safe space in each other. Ethan & Levi taking care of each other the best way they could was achingly heartfelt. one of my fave little soothing things of theirs was Ethan playing with Levi's hair, petting his head, which was often a way of comfort & reassuring..🥹 the needy, possessive vibes, the absolute, dark devotion & love between the MCs were also top notch, as expected from Rina👏❤️🔥
some of the main things i also appreciated was how the artistic parts were so well-portrayed, it carried throughout the book, starting with Ethan asking Levi to model for him - which ends up being very sensual🔥 and then as the story progressed & more things got revealed, more of Ethan's artistic side shone & got unveiled in a sort of cathartic way🪽🖼 and what i especially appreciate was that portrayal of Ethan's artist self felt authentic, it wasn't just a random plot device or trope thrown in, but showed a way of creativity and how Ethan saw the world and processed his emotions & trauma through his art - i connected to this a lot.
꒰ა 𓂋 ໒꒱ 𝑻𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒑, 𝒍𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒚.
𝑴𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚. 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒊’𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈.
𝑰 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒊 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆, “𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆. ꒰ა 𓂋 ໒꒱
this was a unique story in its own way, and despite a few little things, it was still a winner for me overall, i just felt a lot for Ethan & Levi🖤 there was also a very significant side character, Patrick who had a sorta complicated friendship with Ethan🙈🥹💞 i'm veryy hopeful for a next book in this world, i need Patrick to get his own HEA!!👀
(p.s. i'm soo excited that Noah from the Dangerous Games series is finally getting his book next!!!!! aaaaaa)
˚₊‧꒰ა 🤵🏻🎨🖌🖼🩸⛓️⛪🔍📚📖🌓✨🪽✏️ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
【 જ⁀➴ 𝓲 𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓻𝓬 𝓲 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻 𝓿𝓲𝓪 𝓖𝓪𝔂 𝓡𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀𝓼.ᐟ 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓼𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓸𝔀𝓷, 𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓾𝓲𝓷𝓮 (𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓬) 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ⊹˙✧ 】
➥ ᴍᴍ { ɢᴀʏ × ɢғʏ/ɢᴀʏ ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ }
➥ ғɪʀsᴛ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
🀦ᝰ ᴅᴀʀᴋ, ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴇʏ ᴍᴄ(s)
🀦ᝰ (ʀɪᴄʜ) ᴘᴀɪɴᴛᴇʀ × (ᴘᴏᴏʀ) ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ
🀦ᝰ ᴘᴏssᴇssɪᴠᴇ, ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴠᴇ
🀦ᝰ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ- & ʟᴏᴠᴇ-sᴛᴀʀᴠᴇᴅ ᴍᴄs
🀦ᝰ ʜᴜʀᴛ/ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛ
🀦ᝰ ʜᴀɪʀ ᴘᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🀦ᝰ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs
🀦ᝰ ᴜɴɴᴇɢᴏᴛɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙᴅsᴍ, ᴅ/s ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄs
🀦ᝰ ғɪʀsᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇs, ᴅᴜʙ-ᴄᴏɴ, ᴄᴏᴄᴋ ᴄᴀɢᴇ, ᴍᴀsᴏᴄʜɪsᴛ, sᴀᴅɪsᴛ, ʜᴀɴᴅ-ɴᴇᴄᴋʟᴀᴄᴇs/ᴄʜᴏᴋɪɴɢ, ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴘᴀɴᴛs, ʀᴇsᴛʀᴀɪɴᴛs & ʙᴏɴᴅᴀɢᴇ ᴛᴏʏs (ʙᴀʟʟ sᴛʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇʀ, ᴅɪʟᴅᴏ, ᴡʜɪᴘ, ғʟᴏɢɢᴇʀ), ʙɪᴛɪɴɢ, sᴘᴀɴᴋɪɴɢ, ᴘʀᴀɪsᴇ & ᴅᴇɢʀᴀᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ("ᴘʀᴇᴛᴛʏ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴡʜᴏʀᴇ")
➽ ᴛᴡ: ᴅᴜʙ-ᴄᴏɴ (ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ᴍᴄs), ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴠᴇ/ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟʟɪɴɢ ᴍᴄ, ᴜɴɴᴇɢᴏᴛɪᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙᴅsᴍ, ʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴏғ sᴀғᴇ ᴡᴏʀᴅ, ʀᴏᴜɢʜ sᴇx, ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴀ (ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ & ᴇxᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ), ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜs ʜᴏᴍᴏᴘʜᴏʙɪᴀ, ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜs ᴛʜᴇᴍᴇs (ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴅᴀʀᴋʟʏ), ᴘᴀsᴛ ᴄʜɪʟᴅʜᴏᴏᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛ & ᴀʙᴀɴᴅᴏɴᴍᴇɴᴛ, ᴄʜɪʟᴅ ɴᴇɢʟᴇᴄᴛ, ᴄsᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʙᴜsᴇ (ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ, ғʟᴀsʜʙᴀᴄᴋs, ᴛʀᴀᴜᴍᴀ), ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴏғ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛ, sᴜɪᴄɪᴅᴇ (ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀsᴛ), ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ, ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ/ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟs, sᴇʟғ-ʜᴀʀᴍ, sᴜɪᴄɪᴅᴀʟ ɪᴅᴇᴀᴛɪᴏɴ, sᴜɪᴄɪᴅᴇ ᴀᴛᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛ, ᴘᴀɴɪᴄ ᴀᴛᴛᴀᴄᴋs, ᴅɪssᴏᴄɪᴀᴛɪᴠᴇ ᴇᴘɪsᴏᴅᴇs, ɢᴜɴ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ (ᴏɴ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ), ᴀʟᴄᴏʜᴏʟɪsᴍ (sᴄ)
Review of advance copy
Rina Saint has become an auto Yes source of both intense darkness and reassuring Me safety in a read. Her powerful, feral, damaged, and driven MCs enthrall me and immerse me in her books in that way of reading the first page and looking up hours later, blinking, and thinking….I need more. Now.
Ethan and Levi meet at a charity gala. Levi is an awkward server who got this last-minute temp job and is living on the edge financially, behind on his rent, and has some kind of episodes that caused him to be fired from his last temp job. Ethan is adjacent to the gala hostess in some mysterious way, connected to the church hosting the event.
Ethan takes one look at hesitant yet determined Levi and something in him goes… this man. Yes.
And at the end of a night fraught with insecurity as Levi tries not to screw up this job he’s never done, one filled with some kind of unspoken tension between the charismatic man who helped Levi after a glass broke, and another man at that table, a tension Levi doesn’t understand the source of but senses is dangerous, Levi agrees to pose for Ethan. Nude.
Oh, and, Levi has never been naked with anyone. Ever.
So starts a tale of two men, survivors of different circumstances that damaged them in similar ways, one who yearns to submit, one who punishes himself for dominating, who wind up opening closed doors and healing each other and being oh, so very right together. The intense chemistry shimmers into existence from the first time their eyes meet and grows like a rising tide from first touch into an undeniable passion with a dom-sub dynamic that reveals and changes both men.
You know. Typical Rina Saint!
Their backgrounds are both painful, stained with the worst kinds of abuse. We learn a lot more about Ethan as the main plot focuses on one antagonist’s attempt to bring elements of his past to light and the other antagonists’ determination to stop that from happening no matter what it costs. Levi is caught in the current, and it brings out his own hurts in damaging then healing ways.
Ethan’s driver, Patrick, is a layered and strong character whose history with Ethan adds complexity and interest to the story. I hope he gets his book. Maybe with that first antagonist, reporter Daniel, who also has a painful past…
I don’t need to say much about the story. It was both riveting, and not quite enough. I didn’t have a sense of how often Ethan does this (hires a man to pose for hiim) which, while it was great in that there were no OM thrown in our face, could have added more to romantic tension if Levi first thought he wasn’t anything special and learned…otherwise. I would have also loved to have a longer, richer story (yeah yeah, short and tight pace is good…but I wanted More) that could have explored and made the healing and place Ethan gets to more authentic, because both of these men likely need therapy and support to really understand that none of it was their fault, and I worry their love and understanding of each other will really be more of a bandage—a good strong important one, but, a bandage—rather than a true source of self-acceptance, of knowing that they were not to blame, and that would have required a longer book with more evolution behind the turning points. But I love what’s here, and that didn’t take away any of my enjoyment of loving how these two come together and are right for each other, hence, 5 stars.
The author said this in her note at the end of the book: “There was something necessary and healing about watching these two learn to give and receive love. For me, dark romance can do that in a way that feels more vital and real than anything else.”
She nailed exactly why I loved this book, why I love dark romance so much, and why, so often, I believe in it and want what it delivers more than any other type of read in the romance genre.
She also…and I squealed when I read this…says that Noah of her Dangerous Games series will be her next hero. IYKYK. 🙌🙌🙌🙏❤️🩷💜🩵
HEA. Down on his luck, virgin hero meets mysterious compelling rich man. Nude posing. Explosive chemistry. Some suspense and possible danger. No OM action or drama whatsoever, entirely safe for me. Highly recommended. If you enjoy dark romance, try Rina Saint.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Ethan and Levi meet at a charity gala. Levi is an awkward server who got this last-minute temp job and is living on the edge financially, behind on his rent, and has some kind of episodes that caused him to be fired from his last temp job. Ethan is adjacent to the gala hostess in some mysterious way, connected to the church hosting the event.
Ethan takes one look at hesitant yet determined Levi and something in him goes… this man. Yes.
And at the end of a night fraught with insecurity as Levi tries not to screw up this job he’s never done, one filled with some kind of unspoken tension between the charismatic man who helped Levi after a glass broke, and another man at that table, a tension Levi doesn’t understand the source of but senses is dangerous, Levi agrees to pose for Ethan. Nude.
Oh, and, Levi has never been naked with anyone. Ever.
So starts a tale of two men, survivors of different circumstances that damaged them in similar ways, one who yearns to submit, one who punishes himself for dominating, who wind up opening closed doors and healing each other and being oh, so very right together. The intense chemistry shimmers into existence from the first time their eyes meet and grows like a rising tide from first touch into an undeniable passion with a dom-sub dynamic that reveals and changes both men.
You know. Typical Rina Saint!
Their backgrounds are both painful, stained with the worst kinds of abuse. We learn a lot more about Ethan as the main plot focuses on one antagonist’s attempt to bring elements of his past to light and the other antagonists’ determination to stop that from happening no matter what it costs. Levi is caught in the current, and it brings out his own hurts in damaging then healing ways.
Ethan’s driver, Patrick, is a layered and strong character whose history with Ethan adds complexity and interest to the story. I hope he gets his book. Maybe with that first antagonist, reporter Daniel, who also has a painful past…
I don’t need to say much about the story. It was both riveting, and not quite enough. I didn’t have a sense of how often Ethan does this (hires a man to pose for hiim) which, while it was great in that there were no OM thrown in our face, could have added more to romantic tension if Levi first thought he wasn’t anything special and learned…otherwise. I would have also loved to have a longer, richer story (yeah yeah, short and tight pace is good…but I wanted More) that could have explored and made the healing and place Ethan gets to more authentic, because both of these men likely need therapy and support to really understand that none of it was their fault, and I worry their love and understanding of each other will really be more of a bandage—a good strong important one, but, a bandage—rather than a true source of self-acceptance, of knowing that they were not to blame, and that would have required a longer book with more evolution behind the turning points. But I love what’s here, and that didn’t take away any of my enjoyment of loving how these two come together and are right for each other, hence, 5 stars.
The author said this in her note at the end of the book: “There was something necessary and healing about watching these two learn to give and receive love. For me, dark romance can do that in a way that feels more vital and real than anything else.”
She nailed exactly why I loved this book, why I love dark romance so much, and why, so often, I believe in it and want what it delivers more than any other type of read in the romance genre.
She also…and I squealed when I read this…says that Noah of her Dangerous Games series will be her next hero. IYKYK. 🙌🙌🙌🙏❤️🩷💜🩵
HEA. Down on his luck, virgin hero meets mysterious compelling rich man. Nude posing. Explosive chemistry. Some suspense and possible danger. No OM action or drama whatsoever, entirely safe for me. Highly recommended. If you enjoy dark romance, try Rina Saint.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
September 25, 2026
This was not at all what I expected! There was a lot more emotion and a lot less kink than the blurb led me to believe, but I was not at all disappointed. I loved these two sweet, broken boys. I loved seeing them comfort each other and try to put themselves and each other back together. Realistically, they're gonna need a lot more help than that, but I have faith.
Even though this was kind of a BDSM setting, there was very little kink in it. So, just to warn anyone going into it. The sex scenes were still very spicy and sweet though. It was particularly intriguing that Ethan, the Dom, was wearing a cage for quite a while at the beginning, for reasons. I dunno why, but that was kinda hot... 🤯🔥
Another top notch read from Rina Saint!
Even though this was kind of a BDSM setting, there was very little kink in it. So, just to warn anyone going into it. The sex scenes were still very spicy and sweet though. It was particularly intriguing that Ethan, the Dom, was wearing a cage for quite a while at the beginning, for reasons. I dunno why, but that was kinda hot... 🤯🔥
Another top notch read from Rina Saint!
Did Not Finish
September 15, 202637 cock cage references is about 32 too many for me.
DNF — no rating.
DNF — no rating.
September 23, 2026
So good! I was captivated from the very beginning and found it hard to put down. These lonely, broken boy MCs are clearly meant to be together as they themselves seemed to sense from the moment they met.
September 21, 2026
This book was intense from the very beginning and only got more ardent as you read their story.
Ethan and Levi have serious chemistry and also baggage.
Patrick said it best
“Patrick says, “Ethan, you have to understand that this is new and scary for Levi. And, Levi, you have to understand that this is new and scary for Ethan too. It’s less obvious with him, but he’s totally fucking overwhelmed and has no idea what to do. And you both have some serious fucking baggage. You’re gonna have to carry it together.”
Side note: I hope Patrick gets a book!
These 2 were perfect for each other and they filled in their dark spaces with love and affection. It was beautiful to see them come out the other side of the darkness.
Very very hot sex in this one. Rina is the master of writing such intense emotional sex. Loved this one.
Ethan and Levi have serious chemistry and also baggage.
Patrick said it best
“Patrick says, “Ethan, you have to understand that this is new and scary for Levi. And, Levi, you have to understand that this is new and scary for Ethan too. It’s less obvious with him, but he’s totally fucking overwhelmed and has no idea what to do. And you both have some serious fucking baggage. You’re gonna have to carry it together.”
Side note: I hope Patrick gets a book!
These 2 were perfect for each other and they filled in their dark spaces with love and affection. It was beautiful to see them come out the other side of the darkness.
Very very hot sex in this one. Rina is the master of writing such intense emotional sex. Loved this one.
September 17, 2026
3.75/4⭐
I really loved the first half. The build up between Ethan and Levi was *chefs kiss* 🤌
I'm not hot on religious themes in general...so that was a bit of a thorn for me, but not a total deal breaker here.
I could have handled even more smut x scenes - might just be me, but it felt a little tame given the extensive trigger warnings 😅
The second half fell flat...it felt rushed and wasn't satisfying...meh bummer 💯💀
I really loved the first half. The build up between Ethan and Levi was *chefs kiss* 🤌
I'm not hot on religious themes in general...so that was a bit of a thorn for me, but not a total deal breaker here.
I could have handled even more smut x scenes - might just be me, but it felt a little tame given the extensive trigger warnings 😅
The second half fell flat...it felt rushed and wasn't satisfying...meh bummer 💯💀
September 7, 2026
If Rina Saint writes it, I read it. 😭❤️
I’ve read all of Rina Saint’s books and I absolutely love her writing style. Especially the way she writes broken men. She writes them SO well.
Both of our MCs are broken in completely different ways and somehow they find comfort in each other through well. 👀 I can’t say much without spoiling it but I LOVED their dynamic. I loved these characters. I love this universe and I can’t wait to read more!
One of my favourite moments was this little text exchange:
“Did you find anything in the kitchen?”
“Yes, thanks.”
“Good. Read your book.”
“Okay.”
OH MY GOSH. This made me blush so bad. 😭 It was so cutesy and dreamy. Literally a dream.
I loved this book so much🥹🌸
I’ve read all of Rina Saint’s books and I absolutely love her writing style. Especially the way she writes broken men. She writes them SO well.
Both of our MCs are broken in completely different ways and somehow they find comfort in each other through well. 👀 I can’t say much without spoiling it but I LOVED their dynamic. I loved these characters. I love this universe and I can’t wait to read more!
One of my favourite moments was this little text exchange:
“Did you find anything in the kitchen?”
“Yes, thanks.”
“Good. Read your book.”
“Okay.”
OH MY GOSH. This made me blush so bad. 😭 It was so cutesy and dreamy. Literally a dream.
I loved this book so much🥹🌸
October 16, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
As this book opens, we are put right into the world of Ethan and Levi. Levi is a server at an upscale event and Ethan is a high-profile guest. Ethan is the adopted son of mega-church leaders and even though has tried to distance himself from his adopted mother and the church, sometimes appearances are necessary. Ethan is immediately drawn to Levi and circumstances have them in a close space quickly. Ethan is an artist and sees what he wants in Levi and wants to dominate him. At first glance, Ethan is shown in a specific way, but that is not the full story.
The story goes down a dark place into child abuse and mega church preachers that will protect themselves at all costs. The relationship between Levi and Ethan evolved a lot over the course of the book and they were exactly what the other needed. The framework of the story was a little light for me and the flow just missed the mark at times for me to bring this story fully together. The time I spent with Levi and Ethan was fine, but this will not be an overly memorable story for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
As this book opens, we are put right into the world of Ethan and Levi. Levi is a server at an upscale event and Ethan is a high-profile guest. Ethan is the adopted son of mega-church leaders and even though has tried to distance himself from his adopted mother and the church, sometimes appearances are necessary. Ethan is immediately drawn to Levi and circumstances have them in a close space quickly. Ethan is an artist and sees what he wants in Levi and wants to dominate him. At first glance, Ethan is shown in a specific way, but that is not the full story.
The story goes down a dark place into child abuse and mega church preachers that will protect themselves at all costs. The relationship between Levi and Ethan evolved a lot over the course of the book and they were exactly what the other needed. The framework of the story was a little light for me and the flow just missed the mark at times for me to bring this story fully together. The time I spent with Levi and Ethan was fine, but this will not be an overly memorable story for me.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 12, 2026
"And since God didn't give it to him, the Devil will."
Well this was dark, spicy and surprisingly emotional, so obviously I completely inhaled it!
Ethan and Levi are both damaged in very different ways and I loved the strange, intense connection between them from the beginning.
Levi is so innocent and disconnected from himself, while Ethan is obsessive, controlling and carrying a truly awful amount of trauma, yet somehow together they give each other exactly what the other needs.
The artist/model dynamic works brilliantly, the chemistry is off the charts and there is A LOT of spice, but underneath all of that is a genuinely emotional story about shame, religious trauma, loneliness and learning that wanting something, and being wanted, doesn’t have to be wrong.
Dark, twisted, tender in places I really wasn’t expecting and definitely not for everyone, but it worked for me!
Do check your TW's.
4.5 stars
Well this was dark, spicy and surprisingly emotional, so obviously I completely inhaled it!
Ethan and Levi are both damaged in very different ways and I loved the strange, intense connection between them from the beginning.
Levi is so innocent and disconnected from himself, while Ethan is obsessive, controlling and carrying a truly awful amount of trauma, yet somehow together they give each other exactly what the other needs.
The artist/model dynamic works brilliantly, the chemistry is off the charts and there is A LOT of spice, but underneath all of that is a genuinely emotional story about shame, religious trauma, loneliness and learning that wanting something, and being wanted, doesn’t have to be wrong.
Dark, twisted, tender in places I really wasn’t expecting and definitely not for everyone, but it worked for me!
Do check your TW's.
4.5 stars
September 12, 2026
I really love the way Rina Saint writes dark, possessive men and this one did not stray from her norm. I felt that this one had even darker vibes than her others. Ethan has been through Hell and doesn’t even realize that what he’s endured is not normal. Levi has struggled to survive and been alone his entire life. Together they were rough and broken and intense, but managed to save each other. The first part of the book is spice heavy, the second part is focused more on feelings and redemption. Honestly I would have loved if this book was even longer…I don’t feel like Ethan’s “mother” got the ending she deserved. I also would loved to have seen more of those…props 😉
Also, if I don’t get a book about Patrick ASAP, I will riot!!!! 😍😍 He deserves all the love and a sweet broken boy of his own!
Also, if I don’t get a book about Patrick ASAP, I will riot!!!! 😍😍 He deserves all the love and a sweet broken boy of his own!
September 5, 2026
This book feels very different from Rina Saint’s other books, but it’s so much more. Levi and Ethan are so buried in darkness, it’s no wonder they’re drawn together despite the warning signs. They use each other in many different ways, some healthy and some not. It’s a deep reflection of the good that can come from the bad.
September 15, 2026
This read is a fast pace, near insta love story. It is dark, so make sure you check the TW of this read.
While Rina Saint's books are good, this one just didn't meet up to the expactions of what Rina is known for. This book is dark, which I like in my books, but it lacked a lot of the writing style I'm used to from this author.
There are many times that certain details are repeated (like cockcage...we get it, don't need to keep pushing the idea of them to the reader) and it gets annoying and was hard to keep reading past.
While Rina Saint's books are good, this one just didn't meet up to the expactions of what Rina is known for. This book is dark, which I like in my books, but it lacked a lot of the writing style I'm used to from this author.
There are many times that certain details are repeated (like cockcage...we get it, don't need to keep pushing the idea of them to the reader) and it gets annoying and was hard to keep reading past.
October 11, 2026
I love this author.
This is going to be a rambling review because I just finished the book. I haven't had time to let it process. I absolutely adore this author. Literally everything Rina Saint writes I gobble up. She writes dark romances that have really complex characters that are also very well thought out. I find that most of her books are more character based than plot-based but because they are so complex it's okay that there isn't a mystery to solve, other woman / man drama, no one's being kidnapped or stalked.. (sometimes 🤭) usually it's 2 very damaged men trying to get their broken pieces to fit with each other and I absolutely love it. As a damaged soul myself I like seeing me and people like me portrayed aa not needing someone to save us or some perfect human to be our other half, like it's okay if we choose someone equally damaged, and we heal each other as walk that Journey together. I think this is definitely one of my weirdest reviews but I was having the worst day and I just needed to be in a quiet room with a good book and perhaps the sound of rain falling and lo and behold this book was waiting for me on my Kindle because I had been too busy reading arcs to get to it. It was absolute perfection and an easy five stars from me. Thank you for listening to my rambling and I hope you pick up every single book by Rina Saint because they are amazing and I also hope that Patrick is getting his own book and that it is coming out very very soon! From all of the dark romance girlies who read it because we have a little bit of darkness inside of us thank you so much Ms Saint.
This is going to be a rambling review because I just finished the book. I haven't had time to let it process. I absolutely adore this author. Literally everything Rina Saint writes I gobble up. She writes dark romances that have really complex characters that are also very well thought out. I find that most of her books are more character based than plot-based but because they are so complex it's okay that there isn't a mystery to solve, other woman / man drama, no one's being kidnapped or stalked.. (sometimes 🤭) usually it's 2 very damaged men trying to get their broken pieces to fit with each other and I absolutely love it. As a damaged soul myself I like seeing me and people like me portrayed aa not needing someone to save us or some perfect human to be our other half, like it's okay if we choose someone equally damaged, and we heal each other as walk that Journey together. I think this is definitely one of my weirdest reviews but I was having the worst day and I just needed to be in a quiet room with a good book and perhaps the sound of rain falling and lo and behold this book was waiting for me on my Kindle because I had been too busy reading arcs to get to it. It was absolute perfection and an easy five stars from me. Thank you for listening to my rambling and I hope you pick up every single book by Rina Saint because they are amazing and I also hope that Patrick is getting his own book and that it is coming out very very soon! From all of the dark romance girlies who read it because we have a little bit of darkness inside of us thank you so much Ms Saint.
November 1, 2026
This book deals with some very dark topics. I usually avoid books with CSA because it makes me lose faith in humanity, but I make exceptions for some authors; Rina being one of them.
Because of Levi and Ethan's backstories, this story felt incredibly heavy to me. It is true that plot-wise, there is not much happening during the first half, but this book focused more on falling in love despite all the trauma they endured. Their relationship was very messy and, honestly, toxic. They both had feelings for each other, but they had so much baggage that it was hard to see how they would not destroy each other.
Ethan and Levi's evolution truly shows that trauma doesn't magically disappear. They found each other, they fell in love and are trying to heal. I wish Rina had truly delved into the healing aspect after the HEA, we know that they are working on it, but it could have been more impactful. The HEA has a tentative optimistic feeling to it, but it feels fragile. The only sure thing is the love they have for each other. It needed at least 50 pages more because their story feels unfinished to me.
I hope Patrick will get his own book as well. I'm also happy that the next book in the Dangerous Games series will be Noah's! That man needs all the love.
Because of Levi and Ethan's backstories, this story felt incredibly heavy to me. It is true that plot-wise, there is not much happening during the first half, but this book focused more on falling in love despite all the trauma they endured. Their relationship was very messy and, honestly, toxic. They both had feelings for each other, but they had so much baggage that it was hard to see how they would not destroy each other.
Ethan and Levi's evolution truly shows that trauma doesn't magically disappear. They found each other, they fell in love and are trying to heal. I wish Rina had truly delved into the healing aspect after the HEA, we know that they are working on it, but it could have been more impactful. The HEA has a tentative optimistic feeling to it, but it feels fragile. The only sure thing is the love they have for each other. It needed at least 50 pages more because their story feels unfinished to me.
I hope Patrick will get his own book as well. I'm also happy that the next book in the Dangerous Games series will be Noah's! That man needs all the love.
September 7, 2026
New favorite Rina Saint book coming in HOT! This book broke my physical reading slump and I am truly grateful. I absolutely LOVE the dynamic between Ethan and Levi. This was dom/sub gold. I just love when an author truly knows how to write BDSM. This book is a dark romance that features not one, but two, broken boys. Levi is struggling to get by and stumbles upon Ethan who is living a "luxurious" life. Not everything is always as it appears. Ethan is battling demons that seemed to have the upper hand until Levi enters his life. The protectiveness/possessiveness in this book had me by the NECK! I love how feral these two are for each other.
PATRICK. BABY. I NEED YOU TO GET A BOOK NOW! STAT. The way I KNOW he is the greatest dom to ever walk this earth. I'm picturing him with a broken boy of his own to cherish and I am ready for it. Feral for it. SAT.
PATRICK. BABY. I NEED YOU TO GET A BOOK NOW! STAT. The way I KNOW he is the greatest dom to ever walk this earth. I'm picturing him with a broken boy of his own to cherish and I am ready for it. Feral for it. SAT.
September 18, 2026
I am fine with reading dark romance, but I am not fine with the lack of characterization and zero backstory. The writing style felt rushed and not for me. Also, Levi acted like a girl. He was even worried about I guess in the end, I found Levi annoying, and Ethan had no personality other than
Overall, this wasn't for me.
Overall, this wasn't for me.
![Profile Image for ash[hearts]angst.](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1787864178i/164504656._UY200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
September 18, 2026
This was my first Rina Saint book and it took me a little bit to get into the story but when I did, I was intoooooo it! I love me a good age gap first of all, and I just loved how hyper-fixated Ethan was on little innocent Levi. It was grest watching Levi come into his own and discover all the delicious things he likes. Definitely a darker subject matter with this one but I didn't mind it!
Read
September 17, 2026DNF at 52% 💔
September 15, 2026
🪽🖤He came to find me. No one has ever come to find me before✝️😈
"He's so affected by touch. I love it. It's like a feedback loop, like I experience his response in my own body."
"Last night, I sensed something dangerous in him. I still sense it. I feel like it should scare me, but it doesn't. It makes me feel calm."
"You don't need to hide your darkness. That part of you is safe with me, Levi. It's the rest of you that's not."
"He doesn't understand intimacy. But he wants it. He f****** needs it. And since God didn't give it to him, the Devil will."
"Can I torture you?"
"Wha-what will you do?"
"I'll break you. Then remake you. You won't know yourself at the end. Or maybe...you'll know yourself for the first time."
"I think I am in another world. It's like I've gone through a portal into an entirely different reality. I could be anyone here."
"He's comfortable with my darkness, even relieved by it. He's relaxing into his own darkness, like he's never realized that it's allowed."
"I glance up and find his dark eyes burning down on me. He almost looks demonic. And yet, my God, he's beautiful."
"What a beautiful little sinner you are."
"I would imagine these roots curling around me and pulling me in until I disappeared into the tree and didn't exist anymore."
"That's why I brought Levi here. To confess. To repent. I will make him understand his sin. I will show it to him. I've never drawn any sin but my own. I've never brought anyone here. But Levi is mine. And his sin is mine too."
"He came to find me. No one has ever come to find me before."
"It feels like my soul is lifting from my body. But Levi is there to catch it. He holds it in the safe, warm space of himself as he curls over me and settles against my body, covering me with his wings."
This was a traumatic, emotional, and gut-wrenching story. An intense, erotic and raw journey of self-discovery and healing so many painful demons. When this author releases a book, I immediately buy it. This author does a flawless job mixing dark erotic stories filled with so much pain and trauma. I also love that we always see the rough healing journey it took to get there. This was a dark story with many triggers, especially religious ones. This author did an amazing job handling the sensitive topics and mental health struggles in this story. The spice and kink were written darkly delicious 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I really loved the D/s depictions in this as well. My heart broke for both of these broken men and what they endured 😭. I loved Patrick and how much he helped them both. I really hope he gets his own story.
This story follows Ethan and Levi. Levi is struggling in life and barely surviving on no money. He gets a gig to be a server at a church charity event. He locks eyes with Ethan, who is the adopted son of Ruby and Pastor Paul of the High Castle Church. Ethan sees Levi's innocence and beauty but also some darkness and becomes obsessed. He offers him a lot of money to model for him as he paints. We see them do a few sessions and the sexual tension is off the charts. Ethan carries a darkness from his past demons and wants to capture Levi's descent from innocence and inexperience to more. These two get heated fast and they become codependent. We see their journey of self-discovery through intense and feral sexual acts mixed with violent high emotions. Both of them know they will destroy one another but they can't stay away. Ethan's past trauma continues to haunt him as a journalist is looking into his life and wants to take the church of predators down. This puts a divide between him and Levi as they both shut down. Can these two save and heal each other or will their demons tear them apart? Is Levi the angel and salvation that Ethan needs to finally make him feel safe?
These two beautifully broken men broke me 😭. They were opposites but fit together perfectly. Both were fostered. One was abused and one was neglected. One had no experience and the other had too much. One was rich and one was poor. I love how Ethan forced Levi to shed his repression/innocence so he could become free to explore his new self. Before Ethan, he was very numb and dead inside. This then in turn, made a safe place for Ethan to feel his own emotions that he hid away. The connection and chemistry were soul shattering✨️. The spice and kink between them was darkly beautiful, kinky, intimately raw and intense 🥵🥵. I loved seeing these two evolve together. Levi's vulnerability was beautiful to read. Seeing Ethan shed his past shameful demons was freeing. I loved how Levi became a different version of himself depending on what Ethan needed. They were two forces that kept being pulled toward each other. The trust they had was everything. Their HEA was a beautiful, freeing, and healing one. I also loved Patrick's involvement with both characters. Hope we get a story from him!🪽✝️⛪️🪞⛓️📚🖌🎨😇😈☠️✨️🖤
"He's so affected by touch. I love it. It's like a feedback loop, like I experience his response in my own body."
"Last night, I sensed something dangerous in him. I still sense it. I feel like it should scare me, but it doesn't. It makes me feel calm."
"You don't need to hide your darkness. That part of you is safe with me, Levi. It's the rest of you that's not."
"He doesn't understand intimacy. But he wants it. He f****** needs it. And since God didn't give it to him, the Devil will."
"Can I torture you?"
"Wha-what will you do?"
"I'll break you. Then remake you. You won't know yourself at the end. Or maybe...you'll know yourself for the first time."
"I think I am in another world. It's like I've gone through a portal into an entirely different reality. I could be anyone here."
"He's comfortable with my darkness, even relieved by it. He's relaxing into his own darkness, like he's never realized that it's allowed."
"I glance up and find his dark eyes burning down on me. He almost looks demonic. And yet, my God, he's beautiful."
"What a beautiful little sinner you are."
"I would imagine these roots curling around me and pulling me in until I disappeared into the tree and didn't exist anymore."
"That's why I brought Levi here. To confess. To repent. I will make him understand his sin. I will show it to him. I've never drawn any sin but my own. I've never brought anyone here. But Levi is mine. And his sin is mine too."
"He came to find me. No one has ever come to find me before."
"It feels like my soul is lifting from my body. But Levi is there to catch it. He holds it in the safe, warm space of himself as he curls over me and settles against my body, covering me with his wings."
This was a traumatic, emotional, and gut-wrenching story. An intense, erotic and raw journey of self-discovery and healing so many painful demons. When this author releases a book, I immediately buy it. This author does a flawless job mixing dark erotic stories filled with so much pain and trauma. I also love that we always see the rough healing journey it took to get there. This was a dark story with many triggers, especially religious ones. This author did an amazing job handling the sensitive topics and mental health struggles in this story. The spice and kink were written darkly delicious 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I really loved the D/s depictions in this as well. My heart broke for both of these broken men and what they endured 😭. I loved Patrick and how much he helped them both. I really hope he gets his own story.
This story follows Ethan and Levi. Levi is struggling in life and barely surviving on no money. He gets a gig to be a server at a church charity event. He locks eyes with Ethan, who is the adopted son of Ruby and Pastor Paul of the High Castle Church. Ethan sees Levi's innocence and beauty but also some darkness and becomes obsessed. He offers him a lot of money to model for him as he paints. We see them do a few sessions and the sexual tension is off the charts. Ethan carries a darkness from his past demons and wants to capture Levi's descent from innocence and inexperience to more. These two get heated fast and they become codependent. We see their journey of self-discovery through intense and feral sexual acts mixed with violent high emotions. Both of them know they will destroy one another but they can't stay away. Ethan's past trauma continues to haunt him as a journalist is looking into his life and wants to take the church of predators down. This puts a divide between him and Levi as they both shut down. Can these two save and heal each other or will their demons tear them apart? Is Levi the angel and salvation that Ethan needs to finally make him feel safe?
These two beautifully broken men broke me 😭. They were opposites but fit together perfectly. Both were fostered. One was abused and one was neglected. One had no experience and the other had too much. One was rich and one was poor. I love how Ethan forced Levi to shed his repression/innocence so he could become free to explore his new self. Before Ethan, he was very numb and dead inside. This then in turn, made a safe place for Ethan to feel his own emotions that he hid away. The connection and chemistry were soul shattering✨️. The spice and kink between them was darkly beautiful, kinky, intimately raw and intense 🥵🥵. I loved seeing these two evolve together. Levi's vulnerability was beautiful to read. Seeing Ethan shed his past shameful demons was freeing. I loved how Levi became a different version of himself depending on what Ethan needed. They were two forces that kept being pulled toward each other. The trust they had was everything. Their HEA was a beautiful, freeing, and healing one. I also loved Patrick's involvement with both characters. Hope we get a story from him!🪽✝️⛪️🪞⛓️📚🖌🎨😇😈☠️✨️🖤
September 27, 2026
♡ Ethan + Levi
ᴍᴍ | ᴅᴀʀᴋ(ɪꜱʜ) | ᴀʀᴛɪꜱᴛ x ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ | ɢᴀʏ ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ | ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ | ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴄ | ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ-ꜱᴛᴀʀᴠᴇᴅ ᴍᴄ | ᴅ/ꜱ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄ
𝗢𝗸𝗮𝘆, 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘀...
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ☆☆☆☆.5/5
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: ◇◇◇◇◇/5
ᴀɴɢꜱᴛ: ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎/5
—
𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘶𝘱. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
—
I needed a break from Halloween reads before the influx of new releases...so I returned to Rina Saint and dove into one of her dark romances! And fuck me, this one was intense.
Lord have mercy, I have a weakness for morally gray men who take care of their boys. Something about that dark, obsessive caretaker role that makes me SWOON. Ethan is the epitome of that man. From the moment he sees Levi, he's obsessed. The way he guides Levi through being taken care of and his sexual awakening was AMAZING.
Add in the whole artist/model trope? I was HOOKED. Man, that first scene where Ethan strips Levi bare? The way Levi just lets loose and trust Ethan's darkness? THAT is when teo characters are meant to be.
BUT there was also some pretty fucking intense darkness.
Chapters 20-22 were...heavy as fuck. My heart ACHED. It was raw and visceral and devastating. I was riveted to the pages. I couldn't stop reading because I HAD to know what came next. Wow.
The ending was a bit too abrupt but also SO SWEET. The way these two men needed each other was real. It was codependency in the healthiest form. I do wish we had gotten a bit more. I turned the last page and was like wtf? I could've read 100 more pages. And after all that heaviness it was wrapped up a bit too quickly.
But it was a great dark read and Rina Saint can WRITE. Lol Her formula of traumatized mcs is addictive.
𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: On Your Knees by Rina Saint
2026 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹: 129/150
𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: ebook - KU
𝗼𝘄/𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮: a bit of jealousy
3𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗽: 🚫
𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
His terror is exquisite. There’s no anger in it, no recognition that I’ve done this to him. It’s pure. I don’t know if I want to capture it on canvas, to paint every stroke of wide-eyed horror, or to fuck him until that terror peaks and breaks into bliss. But I would have to hold him still for either of those things, and I don’t have that power right now. He’s not mine, not yet.
—
“What I want, Levi, is your experience. That’s what I want to capture. There’s an innocence to you now, but there’s darkness underneath it. I can see it. I can feel it—and I’m going to draw it out of you.”
—
I scream as I start coming. My cock kicks in his hand and my throats strains against his grip, but it’s the bite I feel the most, like it locks me to him as I thrash and jerk through the most intense physical experience of my life. But it’s more than physical. I feel everything, and yet I’m outside of myself. I’m free of myself.
—
I think he’s bold and even a little wild under his insecurities. He just needs to get used to his body. He needs to experience it. He needs me to show him.
—
My hole is sloppy with cum, and the sound of his cock plunging in it is so filthy and erotic that I clench on him in a swift, hard orgasm.
—
I glance up and find his dark eyes burning down on me. He almost looks demonic. And yet, my God, he’s beautiful.
—
I’ve never drawn any sin but my own. I’ve never brought anyone here. But Levi is mine. And his sin is mine too.
—
ᴍᴍ | ᴅᴀʀᴋ(ɪꜱʜ) | ᴀʀᴛɪꜱᴛ x ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ | ɢᴀʏ ᴀᴡᴀᴋᴇɴɪɴɢ | ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ | ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴄ | ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ-ꜱᴛᴀʀᴠᴇᴅ ᴍᴄ | ᴅ/ꜱ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄ
𝗢𝗸𝗮𝘆, 𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘀...
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ☆☆☆☆.5/5
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: ◇◇◇◇◇/5
ᴀɴɢꜱᴛ: ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎/5
—
𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘶𝘱. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
—
I needed a break from Halloween reads before the influx of new releases...so I returned to Rina Saint and dove into one of her dark romances! And fuck me, this one was intense.
Lord have mercy, I have a weakness for morally gray men who take care of their boys. Something about that dark, obsessive caretaker role that makes me SWOON. Ethan is the epitome of that man. From the moment he sees Levi, he's obsessed. The way he guides Levi through being taken care of and his sexual awakening was AMAZING.
Add in the whole artist/model trope? I was HOOKED. Man, that first scene where Ethan strips Levi bare? The way Levi just lets loose and trust Ethan's darkness? THAT is when teo characters are meant to be.
BUT there was also some pretty fucking intense darkness.
Chapters 20-22 were...heavy as fuck. My heart ACHED. It was raw and visceral and devastating. I was riveted to the pages. I couldn't stop reading because I HAD to know what came next. Wow.
The ending was a bit too abrupt but also SO SWEET. The way these two men needed each other was real. It was codependency in the healthiest form. I do wish we had gotten a bit more. I turned the last page and was like wtf? I could've read 100 more pages. And after all that heaviness it was wrapped up a bit too quickly.
But it was a great dark read and Rina Saint can WRITE. Lol Her formula of traumatized mcs is addictive.
𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: On Your Knees by Rina Saint
2026 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹: 129/150
𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: ebook - KU
𝗼𝘄/𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮: a bit of jealousy
3𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗽: 🚫
𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
His terror is exquisite. There’s no anger in it, no recognition that I’ve done this to him. It’s pure. I don’t know if I want to capture it on canvas, to paint every stroke of wide-eyed horror, or to fuck him until that terror peaks and breaks into bliss. But I would have to hold him still for either of those things, and I don’t have that power right now. He’s not mine, not yet.
—
“What I want, Levi, is your experience. That’s what I want to capture. There’s an innocence to you now, but there’s darkness underneath it. I can see it. I can feel it—and I’m going to draw it out of you.”
—
I scream as I start coming. My cock kicks in his hand and my throats strains against his grip, but it’s the bite I feel the most, like it locks me to him as I thrash and jerk through the most intense physical experience of my life. But it’s more than physical. I feel everything, and yet I’m outside of myself. I’m free of myself.
—
I think he’s bold and even a little wild under his insecurities. He just needs to get used to his body. He needs to experience it. He needs me to show him.
—
My hole is sloppy with cum, and the sound of his cock plunging in it is so filthy and erotic that I clench on him in a swift, hard orgasm.
—
I glance up and find his dark eyes burning down on me. He almost looks demonic. And yet, my God, he’s beautiful.
—
I’ve never drawn any sin but my own. I’ve never brought anyone here. But Levi is mine. And his sin is mine too.
—
September 19, 2026
Oh this one was pure fire! I should be used to Rina’s level of spice and darkness but every book I read from her just gets better and better.
I loved everything about this story. I loved how it started with Ethan’s initial intentions were to use Levi just for fun. He wanted to ruin him for every other man out there, make him his and then move on.
But as soon as he got a closer look at the naive boy, everything in Ethan screamed to protect him, to keep him safe even from him. Levi was too good for this world, especially for a man like him. Yet Ethan couldn’t stay away. He was drawn to Levi like a moth to the flames.
Levi’s life was one step away from falling apart. He could barely make ends meet and keeping a job seemed to be impossible. Basically, he was a complete disaster. So when the sexiest man he’s ever seen pays attention to him, he thinks he’s hallucinating.
Ethan wasn’t just any man. He was the son of the High Castle Church founders. He could have anyone he wanted but for some reason, he wanted Levi. Ethan offering him a way out of his financial problems by simply posing for him seemed too good to be true but something Levi desperately needed.
Levi had no idea what he was getting into when he accepted Ethan’s offer but it certainly wasn’t to be consumed by him in body and soul. Ethan awoke things in Levi’s body that he didn’t know existed. He had never felt desire for anyone the way he felt for Ethan.
He should have been scared. He should have run away the moment he saw the beast lurking underneath Ethan. Instead, he wanted more of him. He wanted to belong to Ethan in every way he’d take him.
Levi wasn’t supposed to get under Ethan’s skin the way he did. He wasn’t supposed to make Ethan want things he had no business wanting. He wasn’t a good man. He was broken and consumed by darkness but when he was with Levi, he could pretend he was good. That somehow Levi could keep his demons away and let the light in.
But Levi had some darkness of his own. He too could channel that side of him if it meant protecting Ethan. After learning about what Ethan went through, Levi just wants to burn the world down for him. He wants all the people who hurt him to pay so Ethan can finally be free.
Ethan had never had any one stand up for him so fiercely. Other than his friend Patrick, nobody had ever cared about what he went through, until Levi. Levi saw the worst of him and still stayed. No way he would let him go after that. Only Levi can understand him at a cellular level simply by being by his side.
𝐇𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m so excited for the next one!
I loved everything about this story. I loved how it started with Ethan’s initial intentions were to use Levi just for fun. He wanted to ruin him for every other man out there, make him his and then move on.
But as soon as he got a closer look at the naive boy, everything in Ethan screamed to protect him, to keep him safe even from him. Levi was too good for this world, especially for a man like him. Yet Ethan couldn’t stay away. He was drawn to Levi like a moth to the flames.
Levi’s life was one step away from falling apart. He could barely make ends meet and keeping a job seemed to be impossible. Basically, he was a complete disaster. So when the sexiest man he’s ever seen pays attention to him, he thinks he’s hallucinating.
Ethan wasn’t just any man. He was the son of the High Castle Church founders. He could have anyone he wanted but for some reason, he wanted Levi. Ethan offering him a way out of his financial problems by simply posing for him seemed too good to be true but something Levi desperately needed.
Levi had no idea what he was getting into when he accepted Ethan’s offer but it certainly wasn’t to be consumed by him in body and soul. Ethan awoke things in Levi’s body that he didn’t know existed. He had never felt desire for anyone the way he felt for Ethan.
He should have been scared. He should have run away the moment he saw the beast lurking underneath Ethan. Instead, he wanted more of him. He wanted to belong to Ethan in every way he’d take him.
Levi wasn’t supposed to get under Ethan’s skin the way he did. He wasn’t supposed to make Ethan want things he had no business wanting. He wasn’t a good man. He was broken and consumed by darkness but when he was with Levi, he could pretend he was good. That somehow Levi could keep his demons away and let the light in.
But Levi had some darkness of his own. He too could channel that side of him if it meant protecting Ethan. After learning about what Ethan went through, Levi just wants to burn the world down for him. He wants all the people who hurt him to pay so Ethan can finally be free.
Ethan had never had any one stand up for him so fiercely. Other than his friend Patrick, nobody had ever cared about what he went through, until Levi. Levi saw the worst of him and still stayed. No way he would let him go after that. Only Levi can understand him at a cellular level simply by being by his side.
𝐇𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m so excited for the next one!
September 6, 2026
“I squeeze my eyes shut, desperate to not cry. I'm shaking so hard that I would probably fall if Ethan weren't holding me. God, he's holding me. I don't remember ever being held in my life." — “Levi's love is stitching my soul back together. But that's painful too, in a different way, and it makes tears spill from my eyes” ❤️🩹😭♾️
————
Phew I need a moment to take a breath. As you all know, I’m always looking for books that make me feel, and this one made me FEEL. Wow the trauma in this book.. I absolutely loved the emotional intensity!!
When I started this book, I thought it was going to be another spicy dom/sub story, something I’ve read plenty of times before. But once I got to know the characters a little better, the story suddenly took a turn and became so good! This was my 5th Rina Saint book and I always love the combination of spice and emotionally layered characters and this book did not disappoint.
Levi and Ethan were both such complex characters. They were both carrying so much deep rooted trauma, but it was so beautiful to see how Ethan became a safe place for Levi, allowing Levi to eventually become that safe place for him too. Even though their traumas clashed with each other in so many ways, it was incredibly beautiful to watch them find their way to each other through all the darkness.😭Yes, this book is DARK and honestly, that’s what made it even more beautiful and intense!!
Something else I absolutely loved was the natural shift into a much more plot-heavy part of the story, with barely any spice. By that point, I was completely invested and genuinely could not put the book down!
This is absolutely my favorite Rina Saint book so far. I did feel like the plot moved a little too quickly toward the end, but that definitely doesn’t take away from how much I loved this book. I rated this book 4.25 stars ⭐️
Thank you so much for the ARC! 🖤
————
Phew I need a moment to take a breath. As you all know, I’m always looking for books that make me feel, and this one made me FEEL. Wow the trauma in this book.. I absolutely loved the emotional intensity!!
When I started this book, I thought it was going to be another spicy dom/sub story, something I’ve read plenty of times before. But once I got to know the characters a little better, the story suddenly took a turn and became so good! This was my 5th Rina Saint book and I always love the combination of spice and emotionally layered characters and this book did not disappoint.
Levi and Ethan were both such complex characters. They were both carrying so much deep rooted trauma, but it was so beautiful to see how Ethan became a safe place for Levi, allowing Levi to eventually become that safe place for him too. Even though their traumas clashed with each other in so many ways, it was incredibly beautiful to watch them find their way to each other through all the darkness.😭Yes, this book is DARK and honestly, that’s what made it even more beautiful and intense!!
Something else I absolutely loved was the natural shift into a much more plot-heavy part of the story, with barely any spice. By that point, I was completely invested and genuinely could not put the book down!
This is absolutely my favorite Rina Saint book so far. I did feel like the plot moved a little too quickly toward the end, but that definitely doesn’t take away from how much I loved this book. I rated this book 4.25 stars ⭐️
Thank you so much for the ARC! 🖤
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