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Behind Bars #2
Psychopath
No two criminals are alike, and Quinn knows this more than most. After months of stress and pleading, his study has been approved. His participants all reside under one Greenwood Prison.
The men sitting opposite him have done awful things, but Quinn’s not there to judge; he’s there to work through a psychopath checklist.
He needs psychopaths for his study, and one participant fills him with more unease than the others.
Zane Black wears many faces, and Quinn has a hard time finding the real man behind the masks. He flirts, he manipulates, and boasts. He’s clever and takes control of their sessions. With all Quinn knows about psychopaths, he can’t stop his heart being seduced by this one.
When the study finishes, will Zane let Quinn go and move on, or will he leave Quinn with more questions?
The men sitting opposite him have done awful things, but Quinn’s not there to judge; he’s there to work through a psychopath checklist.
He needs psychopaths for his study, and one participant fills him with more unease than the others.
Zane Black wears many faces, and Quinn has a hard time finding the real man behind the masks. He flirts, he manipulates, and boasts. He’s clever and takes control of their sessions. With all Quinn knows about psychopaths, he can’t stop his heart being seduced by this one.
When the study finishes, will Zane let Quinn go and move on, or will he leave Quinn with more questions?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2019
91 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Louise Collins
47 books624 followersWriter of mm romance and erotica.
I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
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I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
October 15, 2021
this was overwhelmingly bad. i hated it.
✦ this book had an absurd plot, that barely made any sense.
✦ this also had the most disappointing psychopath of all time, as in, he’s not even a psychopath.
if i’m promised a story featuring a psychopath - i want a fucking psychopath.
✦ this book was super unrealistic. i can usually suspend my disbelief a lot when it comes to romance books, but apparently that only works if the book is actually good in some ways.
✦ the mc is supposed to be this amazing psychologist, but he reminded me more of a pathetic, whiny, snivelling child, who has no idea what he’s even doing most of the time. he had no logic and zero self preservation instincts.
✦ the actual romance was SO unsatisfying. i barely felt any connection between the mcs. HOW and WHY are you two so in love now? because y’all find each other hot??
✦ the plot twist/ending was weak and got zero reaction out of me.
if you can handle insanely absurd plot lines, that make basically zero sense, and don’t mind dealing with A LOT of unrealistic situations, you might enjoy this book more than me.
✦ this book had an absurd plot, that barely made any sense.
✦ this also had the most disappointing psychopath of all time, as in, he’s not even a psychopath.
if i’m promised a story featuring a psychopath - i want a fucking psychopath.
✦ this book was super unrealistic. i can usually suspend my disbelief a lot when it comes to romance books, but apparently that only works if the book is actually good in some ways.
✦ the mc is supposed to be this amazing psychologist, but he reminded me more of a pathetic, whiny, snivelling child, who has no idea what he’s even doing most of the time. he had no logic and zero self preservation instincts.
✦ the actual romance was SO unsatisfying. i barely felt any connection between the mcs. HOW and WHY are you two so in love now? because y’all find each other hot??
✦ the plot twist/ending was weak and got zero reaction out of me.
if you can handle insanely absurd plot lines, that make basically zero sense, and don’t mind dealing with A LOT of unrealistic situations, you might enjoy this book more than me.
January 24, 2019
The Psychologist and The Psychopath...
What would you do,if you found yourself attracted to a man convicted of a violent crime?
THE SETTING:
Greenwood prison,home to some of the most dangerous men.
THE CHARACTERS:
It's taken Quinn months of planning but he's finally got approval for a case study of seven men who have committed some of the worst crimes.
Zane has been in prison for seven years for a crime he claims he has no recollection of.
THE PLOT:
Right from the start it's obvious there's a lot more to Zane than has been reported.A classic manipulator or is he something else? The more Quinn gets to know him,the more he isn't sure.....
This is one of those books where you have absolutely no idea what the outcome will possibly be.I wouldn't say it's particularly dark but it's extremely suspenseful. Told only from Quinn's POV, the reader has no idea who Zane really is right up until the end.
Is there romance?....kind of but not conventional.
Is it a love story?....most definitely.
Review copy.
March 27, 2022
I must confess that I was a bit afraid to read this book and be boring and a waste of time, but... As always, I gave a try, and... I was really surprised how Louise played so well the mind games.
Zane was an amazing character, Quinn on the other hand, not that great but together they connected.
Psychological thriller, secretly I was hoping for an HEA, but secretly hoping too for Zane to snap out and kill Quinn.
Don't want to spoil the story so I won't tell what wish did come true.
Quinn is a psychologist and goes to a high security prison to test serial killers and if they have traces of psychopaths.
There he meets Zane. They click, but Zane is a prisoner and Quinn a psychologist that wants to prove he's a psychopath.
Zane is a master in mind games... Who murdered three people...
February 14, 2019
While I really enjoyed reading this story, comparing with the glory of “The Freshman” by the same author, I would have to say that this is not as good as “The Freshman”. 😌 I kinda wish I read this one first instead of reading “The Freshman” because I would have way more enjoyed this one then. 🙂
P
I never really felt like Zane was a dangerous psychopath criminal in this book. And I loved the emotional manipulation but I just felt like Zane was a very clever guy, not a violent, psychopath criminal. And I guessed correctly about what actually happened very early in the book. I think about 20% mark and I knew so it was a bit anticlimactic. 🤷♀️ Still, I loved the romance between Zane and Quinn and I especially enjoyed Quinn’s adorable bashfulness. ❤️ And the epilogue was a nice touch. All in all, it was an interesting storyline with uncommon MCs but the execution could be a bit better.
3.75 you make me want to be human again stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
P
I never really felt like Zane was a dangerous psychopath criminal in this book. And I loved the emotional manipulation but I just felt like Zane was a very clever guy, not a violent, psychopath criminal. And I guessed correctly about what actually happened very early in the book. I think about 20% mark and I knew so it was a bit anticlimactic. 🤷♀️ Still, I loved the romance between Zane and Quinn and I especially enjoyed Quinn’s adorable bashfulness. ❤️ And the epilogue was a nice touch. All in all, it was an interesting storyline with uncommon MCs but the execution could be a bit better.
3.75 you make me want to be human again stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
January 28, 2019
3.5 Trickster Stars
I don’t know what really bothered me more in this story; maybe it was the insta-love/lust if I could name it insta. It was like from the beginning we knew Zane wanted Quinn and it didn’t really work out for me. Another thing, I wanted to know what’s going on in Zane’s mind, I wanted to hear his thoughts, I wanted to know where his attraction toward Quinn came from. So if we could have had Zane’s POV it would be much better. But my main issue was the similarities between this story and "The Freshman" (the previous book by the author). Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they are exactly the same, no, not at all! But there are things that were alike. So it took some of the excitement! But I liked its ending more than "The Freshman", it was much better and I still enjoyed the writing and I loved their sessions with each other. Told in single POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novella, almost angst-free and a cute one. Overall, despite the issues, I liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
I don’t know what really bothered me more in this story; maybe it was the insta-love/lust if I could name it insta. It was like from the beginning we knew Zane wanted Quinn and it didn’t really work out for me. Another thing, I wanted to know what’s going on in Zane’s mind, I wanted to hear his thoughts, I wanted to know where his attraction toward Quinn came from. So if we could have had Zane’s POV it would be much better. But my main issue was the similarities between this story and "The Freshman" (the previous book by the author). Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they are exactly the same, no, not at all! But there are things that were alike. So it took some of the excitement! But I liked its ending more than "The Freshman", it was much better and I still enjoyed the writing and I loved their sessions with each other. Told in single POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novella, almost angst-free and a cute one. Overall, despite the issues, I liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
June 19, 2019
Quinn and Zane
Sublime written story, sublime plot!!
Greenwood Prison... the place to be for Quinn to start his research for his study.
Seven psychopaths to interview and test.
All have commit heavy crimes, one even worse than the other.
Among them there is Zane.
Quinn is intrigued by the big, beautiful, impressive and imposing Zane and his heart does strange things. Zane is intrigued by Quinn and Zane is a master manipulator... throughout their sessions Zane takes control.
Zane is notorious, renown and highly intelligent... sees through everything like it’s glass...
That was clever done ... very clever... a psychologic war...
“Sometimes they see what I can’t.”....
I love the intellectual level of this read... the mindf*ck ... like the program on tv.
Looking at body language and taking notice of... everything.
The buildup was unbelievable well done.... the dark environments, the psychologic aspects, the longing, the anticipation, the tension, all the details...
I had to stop to put my head and heart together ... stunning done...
My heart hammered at the outcome!
Master developed story with very intriguing characters.
Highly recommended
Kindly received an arc from the author
Sublime written story, sublime plot!!
Greenwood Prison... the place to be for Quinn to start his research for his study.
Seven psychopaths to interview and test.
All have commit heavy crimes, one even worse than the other.
Among them there is Zane.
Quinn is intrigued by the big, beautiful, impressive and imposing Zane and his heart does strange things. Zane is intrigued by Quinn and Zane is a master manipulator... throughout their sessions Zane takes control.
Zane is notorious, renown and highly intelligent... sees through everything like it’s glass...
That was clever done ... very clever... a psychologic war...
“Sometimes they see what I can’t.”....
I love the intellectual level of this read... the mindf*ck ... like the program on tv.
Looking at body language and taking notice of... everything.
The buildup was unbelievable well done.... the dark environments, the psychologic aspects, the longing, the anticipation, the tension, all the details...
I had to stop to put my head and heart together ... stunning done...
My heart hammered at the outcome!
Master developed story with very intriguing characters.
Highly recommended
Kindly received an arc from the author
May 1, 2025
4.5***** stars
That was a real good one, too. The topic, Quinn, a young psychologist, analyzing psychopathic traits in violent murderers in a prison, was absolute fascinating.
The plot twist was only kind of surprising. I honestly suspected as much. Still, I enjoyed the hell out of this story. It was probably not quite the 5 star I deemed it, but hell, this re-edited version desperately needs an up. It deserves it.
And god, is it wrong of me that I would totally read a story about Virgil and Luca if there was a HEA possible (and someone would write it)?? But damn, I would!!
***********
Behind Bars Series
Book 1 - Freshman - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Psychopath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Rat - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Butterfly - 4.5 stars
That was a real good one, too. The topic, Quinn, a young psychologist, analyzing psychopathic traits in violent murderers in a prison, was absolute fascinating.
“It’s inappropriate.”
Zane tipped his head back and barked a laugh. “There it is. Your favourite word.”
The plot twist was only kind of surprising. I honestly suspected as much. Still, I enjoyed the hell out of this story. It was probably not quite the 5 star I deemed it, but hell, this re-edited version desperately needs an up. It deserves it.
And god, is it wrong of me that I would totally read a story about Virgil and Luca if there was a HEA possible (and someone would write it)?? But damn, I would!!
***********
Behind Bars Series
Book 1 - Freshman - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Psychopath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Rat - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Butterfly - 4.5 stars
March 31, 2021
Who got bigger bags under his eyes? Definitely me. I love how the story overflows with tension that screams danger and highly sexual. Collins’ three books revolving around prison romance are so underrated. With regards to the story, I thought I was going to give it a good 4. It takes place in an interview type of setting. But when Zane and Quinn started outsmarting each other, I was just so focused already. Who bows to whom? The psychologist or the psychopath? Zane is such a dream!
ahh-how-about-no
January 23, 2019YAAAAAS GURRRL
THIS BOOK SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GONNA BE HELLA SMOKIN HAWT, AND THIS BITCH IS HERE FOR ITTT
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November 16, 2021
Eu com o plot twist desse livro
Foi uma coisa tão absurda que ainda estou tentando processar. Será que Zane black não tinha um jeito menos complicado de parar de ser atormentado pelos povo do TMZ? Precisou ter criado um plano cabuloso para ser esquecido pelo povo do TV fama kkkkkkkkkk
Virava monge na Tailândia, mas achou melhor ir passar férias na prisão. Coisas que só acontece em livros mesmo ( querem subestimar minha inteligência... Se eu tivesse uma 😅).
Gostei de The freshman e gostei de The psychopath ( por mais absurdo e estranho que tenha sido o plot twist).
Se o cara fosse realmente um psicopata, eu não teria visto problema nenhum, o próprio Quiin não viu, ou não teria se envolvido com Zane antes mesmo de saber toda estranha verdade de sua opção de vida. Falando no psicólogo, Quinn era um psicólogo que claramente tava precisando de um terapeuta, achou isso no Zane que demostrou ser um psicólogo melhor que ele.
Foi uma coisa tão absurda que ainda estou tentando processar. Será que Zane black não tinha um jeito menos complicado de parar de ser atormentado pelos povo do TMZ? Precisou ter criado um plano cabuloso para ser esquecido pelo povo do TV fama kkkkkkkkkk
Virava monge na Tailândia, mas achou melhor ir passar férias na prisão. Coisas que só acontece em livros mesmo ( querem subestimar minha inteligência... Se eu tivesse uma 😅).
Gostei de The freshman e gostei de The psychopath ( por mais absurdo e estranho que tenha sido o plot twist).
Se o cara fosse realmente um psicopata, eu não teria visto problema nenhum, o próprio Quiin não viu, ou não teria se envolvido com Zane antes mesmo de saber toda estranha verdade de sua opção de vida. Falando no psicólogo, Quinn era um psicólogo que claramente tava precisando de um terapeuta, achou isso no Zane que demostrou ser um psicólogo melhor que ele.
June 1, 2021
I’m liking Louise Collins’ writing style and subject matter, a bit different to my usual type of mm books. Whilst these ones (The Freshman, The Psychopath and The Rat) are all standalone, they’re also all set in prison but all with different storylines. On to book 3 😊.
December 29, 2020
Quinn is doing a study about psychopaths, and has seven volunteer participants in jail. Zane is one of those participants, and he is sexy, flirty and infuriating. Quinn is terrified of Zane at first, but the more time they spend together, the more Zane gets under his skin and in his fantasies.
Let’s forget the unrealistic parts and research ethics (Quinn and Zane chatting for most of the sessions about their lives, lack of cameras and security, doing this kind of research without a team, not recording the chats, etc). Zane and Quinn were great together. It was less angsty and sweeter than the other books in the series.
As with The Rat, the ending wrapped up a bit too nicely for me. I know I complained about the rushed ending in The Freshman, so maybe I’m impossible to please.
Let’s forget the unrealistic parts and research ethics (Quinn and Zane chatting for most of the sessions about their lives, lack of cameras and security, doing this kind of research without a team, not recording the chats, etc). Zane and Quinn were great together. It was less angsty and sweeter than the other books in the series.
As with The Rat, the ending wrapped up a bit too nicely for me. I know I complained about the rushed ending in The Freshman, so maybe I’m impossible to please.
July 21, 2022
2nd read
*swoon* i was actually hoping for some psycho characters tonight but pseudo psycho was enough ig🌚.
*swoon* i was actually hoping for some psycho characters tonight but pseudo psycho was enough ig🌚.
April 1, 2021
Intrigued. That’s what I am.
I love a good psychologist -psychopath romance. But in this case; I felt like the tables were turned.
“You’re my reset, and every time I walk back through the door, and see you, I’ll push everything else away. I swear to you, Quinn, I’m not going to take you for granted, I’m gonna love you how you deserve to be loved.”
Absolutely loved the conversations the characters had.
I love a good psychologist -psychopath romance. But in this case; I felt like the tables were turned.
“You’re my reset, and every time I walk back through the door, and see you, I’ll push everything else away. I swear to you, Quinn, I’m not going to take you for granted, I’m gonna love you how you deserve to be loved.”
Absolutely loved the conversations the characters had.
August 20, 2024
Really enjoyed this. The tension between Quinn and Zane was so good, I didn't want to put the book down until I'd finished.
Again, it's probably not that realistic, but it had my attention from the first page. I'd love to see more of what happens with their relationship too. I would have liked to see Damon realise that he wasn't god's gift and I totally would have gone with Zane's idea of burning his stuff too!
Ready for Rat next!
Again, it's probably not that realistic, but it had my attention from the first page. I'd love to see more of what happens with their relationship too. I would have liked to see Damon realise that he wasn't god's gift and I totally would have gone with Zane's idea of burning his stuff too!
Ready for Rat next!
May 27, 2025
This did not work for me at all 🥲 Maybe it was a me not the book situation? I don't know. Either way, it was not a win, sadly.
Book one in the series captured my attention straight away, but this one was a drag in every respect. The story started off slow and never really picked up a great deal of steam. I was bored most of the time and probably should have dnf'd when I wasn't feeling anything. Instead, I slowly made my way to 70% and started skimming because I no longer cared, but I wanted to find out the details about why Zane was in jail. It didn't help that when I did find out, I wished I hadn't. What a dumb series of events all around 😑 I don't even want to think about it because the whole thing was so stupid and convoluted.
On top of the dumb plot, I couldn't feel any chemistry between the MCs at all. Sparks flew between Alfie and Nate right from the beginning in The Freshman, but here, with Quinn and Zane, it was just lukewarm nothing. Even when stuff did start to happen between them, I was so bored, I no longer cared. I was not invested in their relationship at all. I skimmed right over the last 30% in an effort to just be done with the book 🫠 I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. I hope the next one is better 🤞🏻
Book one in the series captured my attention straight away, but this one was a drag in every respect. The story started off slow and never really picked up a great deal of steam. I was bored most of the time and probably should have dnf'd when I wasn't feeling anything. Instead, I slowly made my way to 70% and started skimming because I no longer cared, but I wanted to find out the details about why Zane was in jail. It didn't help that when I did find out, I wished I hadn't. What a dumb series of events all around 😑 I don't even want to think about it because the whole thing was so stupid and convoluted.
On top of the dumb plot, I couldn't feel any chemistry between the MCs at all. Sparks flew between Alfie and Nate right from the beginning in The Freshman, but here, with Quinn and Zane, it was just lukewarm nothing. Even when stuff did start to happen between them, I was so bored, I no longer cared. I was not invested in their relationship at all. I skimmed right over the last 30% in an effort to just be done with the book 🫠 I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. I hope the next one is better 🤞🏻
September 25, 2021
Nice cover. Kinda predictable. But still interesting.
October 31, 2024
i really enjoyed this one 😭 ngl i was expecting more erotica in this erotica but it was really steamy still. Loved Zane so much, my favourite character so far on this series! can't wait for the next book!
May 14, 2021
~4.25/4.5~
I really enjoyed this book. I read it all in one sitting. There’s just something about this series....
I am familiar with how the stories in the series end so I didn’t have any expectations on the HEA being realistic and I knew it wouldn’t end tragically. Was I sold on the believability of the ending? No.
Another thing with this series is that the MCs are never equals. I want a hard criminal matched with a seasoned officer or psychologist, but in all three books we get a young, inexperienced, naive, nervous protagonist, which can be fun and realistic, but I wanted something different in the 2nd and 3rd book. Here especially since I expect a psychologist to have better boundaries and understand the psyche and manipulations of an inmate very well in order to conduct a study on them.
But Quinn answered honestly too often and opened up too quickly in their sessions. I know it’s meant to be a short story so I won’t begrudge that the events moved fast, especially with the added stories of the other psychopaths (which I loved and glad was added) but I would’ve loved a gradual progression in the beginning to develop the trust and/or manipulation before Quinn just told everything. I wanted Quinn to be a tad bit smarter/perceptive/cunning. If I can figure out Zane’s game, Quinn should’ve been able to as well.
I always like the back and forth, quid pro quo mind games in this series, but it’s a game that the inmate always has an upper hand in and it would be more exciting if if there was more mystery and challenge between the two. Hell, if the stories were even darker and the good guy was corrupted, that would be interesting. But I’m definitely not criticizing the story, because while not dark, they are suspenseful and I’m literally glued to the pages so the sweetness of it all does not turn me off in any way.
Zane was fascinating. He’s like a beginners Sherlock Holmes with his deductions and I loved them. I could always see his mind turning, observing and putting the pieces together. Every question from day one was calculated and I kept screaming at Quinn to shut up.
The story is fun, the MCs have great chemistry Expect the unexpected, enjoy the ride and you won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it all in one sitting. There’s just something about this series....
I am familiar with how the stories in the series end so I didn’t have any expectations on the HEA being realistic and I knew it wouldn’t end tragically. Was I sold on the believability of the ending? No.
Another thing with this series is that the MCs are never equals. I want a hard criminal matched with a seasoned officer or psychologist, but in all three books we get a young, inexperienced, naive, nervous protagonist, which can be fun and realistic, but I wanted something different in the 2nd and 3rd book. Here especially since I expect a psychologist to have better boundaries and understand the psyche and manipulations of an inmate very well in order to conduct a study on them.
But Quinn answered honestly too often and opened up too quickly in their sessions. I know it’s meant to be a short story so I won’t begrudge that the events moved fast, especially with the added stories of the other psychopaths (which I loved and glad was added) but I would’ve loved a gradual progression in the beginning to develop the trust and/or manipulation before Quinn just told everything. I wanted Quinn to be a tad bit smarter/perceptive/cunning. If I can figure out Zane’s game, Quinn should’ve been able to as well.
I always like the back and forth, quid pro quo mind games in this series, but it’s a game that the inmate always has an upper hand in and it would be more exciting if if there was more mystery and challenge between the two. Hell, if the stories were even darker and the good guy was corrupted, that would be interesting. But I’m definitely not criticizing the story, because while not dark, they are suspenseful and I’m literally glued to the pages so the sweetness of it all does not turn me off in any way.
Zane was fascinating. He’s like a beginners Sherlock Holmes with his deductions and I loved them. I could always see his mind turning, observing and putting the pieces together. Every question from day one was calculated and I kept screaming at Quinn to shut up.
The story is fun, the MCs have great chemistry Expect the unexpected, enjoy the ride and you won’t be disappointed.
January 23, 2019
This was a cute short story. I liked the innocent Quinn taken in by Zane. I was expecting it to be more dark given the name but all in all an enjoyable story.
Read
August 6, 2021around 2.5 🌬
Zane being compared to Loki?? me-likey
“I thought you weren’t gonna come.”
“Sorry, I was in confession…”
“Confession? Do you pray?”
“No, the vicar makes really good tea if we look particularly troubled.”
yea i liked him. but Quinn felt sorta flat, ain't what i wanted from one of the mc's character essentially. overall i kinda got bored most of the times & just wanted more (spice etc)
“Come on, Quinn, he’s only messing with you. You could be the one…”
“The one?”
“Who gets him to admit what he did. That uncovers his secrets, that alone is worth keeping him on the study. You could be the one to break Zane Black.”
“Not if he breaks me first.”
i did really like the conversations between Quinn & the other psychos
October 12, 2019
Kad gaidi traku, shizo stāstu, bet saņem romantiku ar nelielu mistērijas devu.
May 7, 2021
3.5 stars
While I enjoyed this one (I read it in one go!), I believe that it would have been more satisfying if it was longer. Everything happened instantly that a lot of scenes felt lacking. The ending wrapped up a bit too nicely for me too... tho this is a common issue for me with all the books in this series...
This book isn't dark but it was interesting. Also a bit too sweet if I were to compare it to the other two books.
My least favorite in the series but definitely still very enjoyable and recommended!
While I enjoyed this one (I read it in one go!), I believe that it would have been more satisfying if it was longer. Everything happened instantly that a lot of scenes felt lacking. The ending wrapped up a bit too nicely for me too... tho this is a common issue for me with all the books in this series...
This book isn't dark but it was interesting. Also a bit too sweet if I were to compare it to the other two books.
My least favorite in the series but definitely still very enjoyable and recommended!
April 29, 2019
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Oh, I enjoyed this one!
For once, I started reading without checking it out first and I’m glad I did. I went into this blind and I really liked what I got in the end.
This isn’t Dark. But it sure was interesting.
Because I read it blind, I didn’t really know what to expect about Zane and really, that’s the best way to do this one.
It made me wonder how far the aspect of “mind-games” went in this story and there were moments I was seriously hoping that Zane wasn’t going to end up giving us a brutal unexpected and bloody ending here.
My mind was all over the place.
I enjoyed the little tidbits about the other prisoners, Harry with his shoe fetish.. URG! How bizarre! But so interesting.
Quinn was sweet and not what I expect in a psychologist at all. I had the feel that Zander was leading him around and not the other way around, which I also enjoyed immensely.
Lots of little things I found entertaining and interesting in this one and it’s my first Louise Collins, so I’m looking forward to more of this in the future.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Oh, I enjoyed this one!
For once, I started reading without checking it out first and I’m glad I did. I went into this blind and I really liked what I got in the end.
This isn’t Dark. But it sure was interesting.
Because I read it blind, I didn’t really know what to expect about Zane and really, that’s the best way to do this one.
It made me wonder how far the aspect of “mind-games” went in this story and there were moments I was seriously hoping that Zane wasn’t going to end up giving us a brutal unexpected and bloody ending here.
My mind was all over the place.
I enjoyed the little tidbits about the other prisoners, Harry with his shoe fetish.. URG! How bizarre! But so interesting.
Quinn was sweet and not what I expect in a psychologist at all. I had the feel that Zander was leading him around and not the other way around, which I also enjoyed immensely.
Lots of little things I found entertaining and interesting in this one and it’s my first Louise Collins, so I’m looking forward to more of this in the future.
December 27, 2020
UST is real! You could cut the tension with a medieval battle-axe!
I completely enjoyed reading this book while trying to figure out where the plot was going, even though it was not dark as I was expecting given the title. It was too light for my liking. There was little to no angst on this one, this story isn't overly complicated, but a sharp and interesting read without being too heavy.
The buildup was superb and as much as I enjoyed reading The Freshman, I have to say that this book had more of a satisfying ending than the first book, 4 stars because it has better ending.. The epilogue was really nice!
I completely enjoyed reading this book while trying to figure out where the plot was going, even though it was not dark as I was expecting given the title. It was too light for my liking. There was little to no angst on this one, this story isn't overly complicated, but a sharp and interesting read without being too heavy.
The buildup was superb and as much as I enjoyed reading The Freshman, I have to say that this book had more of a satisfying ending than the first book, 4 stars because it has better ending.. The epilogue was really nice!
March 15, 2025
I'm enjoying this series so far. They are easy reads and keep me interested. Collins has an accessible writing style.
I enjoyed the taboo element which was similar to that of Book 1, Freshman where the couple is staff and a prisoner. This one is about a meek mild-mannered psychologist doing research about psychopaths in the prison who forms a forbidden connection with one of the inmate subjects, a famous hot rich dude who he used to JO over as a teen.
I'll definitely read the rest of the series when my brain needs to chill out from heavy reads.
I enjoyed the taboo element which was similar to that of Book 1, Freshman where the couple is staff and a prisoner. This one is about a meek mild-mannered psychologist doing research about psychopaths in the prison who forms a forbidden connection with one of the inmate subjects, a famous hot rich dude who he used to JO over as a teen.
I'll definitely read the rest of the series when my brain needs to chill out from heavy reads.
February 20, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Louise Collins does a bang up job painting Quinn as a rather green professional. We are introduced to Quinn as he makes his first visit to the prison to interview potential study subjects and the man is as nervous as can be—partly because he’s put himself in a position to require dangerous criminals as test subjects and partly because if this study goes tits up, he’ll have wasted the opportunity to get a jump start on his career as a professional. Throughout the book, Quinn is consistently described as being rather milquetoast—he works, he goes home, he hangs out with his cat. Yet he manages to snag the attention of Zane Black.
On the down side, there is a huge “interest” gap between Zane and Quinn. The former is this enigmatic character who charms and fascinates.The latter doesn’t even seem to have a last name or professional ethics. Despite having low-level exasperation at Quinn, the trained psychologist, falling for every trick Zane throws at him, I enjoyed watching these two characters interact.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Louise Collins does a bang up job painting Quinn as a rather green professional. We are introduced to Quinn as he makes his first visit to the prison to interview potential study subjects and the man is as nervous as can be—partly because he’s put himself in a position to require dangerous criminals as test subjects and partly because if this study goes tits up, he’ll have wasted the opportunity to get a jump start on his career as a professional. Throughout the book, Quinn is consistently described as being rather milquetoast—he works, he goes home, he hangs out with his cat. Yet he manages to snag the attention of Zane Black.
On the down side, there is a huge “interest” gap between Zane and Quinn. The former is this enigmatic character who charms and fascinates.The latter doesn’t even seem to have a last name or professional ethics. Despite having low-level exasperation at Quinn, the trained psychologist, falling for every trick Zane throws at him, I enjoyed watching these two characters interact.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
September 10, 2024
It was ok ish I guess. The epilogue helped a bit. But overall felt mechanical and forced.I couldn’t connect with either of them and kept comparing them to the couple in the previous book, which is so unfair, because Nate and Alfie were exquisite.
And the reason Zane was in prison? 🙄
And the reason Zane was in prison? 🙄
January 27, 2019
I could not put this down! Very interesting with a surprising ending!
September 9, 2024
Tropes: prisoner/psychologist, forbidden relationship, age gap
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: semi-public sex
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: murder, psychopaths, rapists, a cheating ex, death of parents, assault (not sexual)
Zane is 33, bi, a former rebellious rich kid of a billionaire who is in prison for two murders. He's been locked up for 2 years. Quinn is 23, gay, a psychologist doing a study on killers at Zane's prison. Zane signs up to be a participant. Quinn is entertainment to Zane. Zane is attracted to him and plays a little game of cat and mouse trying to draw him in to a sexual relationship, using their weekly one hour sessions as an opportunity to pull in closer and try to find out more about him. Quinn is in the middle of a breakup with his cheating ex. Zane used to be in the tabloids a lot and Quinn saw the risque pictures of him and had a crush as a teen.
There were some things that I enjoyed about this book. I enjoyed the sexual tension between Zane and Quinn. I enjoyed the witty banter that they had. There was some moments that really shone, and some nice twisty moments that came out of the prison life, but as a whole I didn't like their relationship or Zane.
I didn't like Zane's character as a person. It's not that he's evil, hesitate to even call this book a dark romance when it truly comes down to the actions of the characters. He just wasn't book boyfriend material. He kept saying he becomes whatever the media accuses him of being, and that that's how he developed all his vices. I know it's a lot of pressure living under the microscope the way he did, but he doesn't show a lot of strength of character, backbone, and he doesn't have his own identity and likes and dislikes. If you stand for nothing and cave to everything and can't be yourself even in the face of superficial annoying media pressure, I don't have a ton of respect for you, because other people have a lot worse problems than being a poor little Rich Boy. Zane was also putting on an act for almost all of the book, so I feel like we never got to know him and I couldn't be attached to him as a result.
I didn't enjoy how this book handles the passage of time. Or that they're interactions only happen on Fridays for an hour. The author quickly skips over the passage of time from one Friday to another. I feel like it messes with the pace of the story and the relationship development. So much is supposed to be jammed into that hour that they get. Them only seeing each other once a week just seems like a stop and go stop and go dynamic. You don't get enough of them together.
I didn't like that at 85%, Quinn makes a throwaway comment that he can't believe he's f****** the Zane Black. It makes him sound like he's still caught up on the crush that he had on Zane from his teens. I wish that his first thought was not that. It makes Quinn's feelings not seem that deep, that moment was like popping a balloon out of nowhere, stupid choice by the author. Throw away moments matter.
I didn't like the real reason that Zane was in prison when it was revealed, it just seemed like no one would do what he did and that it wasn't necessary, and that a smart person could have figured a different way out of things.
Some notable moments:
"“I’d rather be someone’s last kiss than their first. I would rather be the last to fuck someone than the first.” Quinn raised his hand. “Inappropriate…”"
I kind of wish we had had more of this vibe, but Zane's protective moments were not pervasive. "Quinn stopped abruptly and pinched the back of his hand. The sharp pain pulled his focus back, and he looked at Zane. “Your relationships.” Zane’s smirk had gone, and instead, he narrowed his eyes. “Don’t do that…” “What?” Quinn asked. “Hurt yourself.” He glanced down at Quinn’s hand. “It didn’t hurt. It was just to get me focused.” “I don’t like it.”"
I did enjoy the sexual tension between them! ""Come on Quinn, you've got an itch you want scratching and I'm begging to scratch it.""
"“Word association now.” “Hit me with it.” “Autumn,” Quinn said. Zane tilted his head. “Change.” “Sweet.” “Your.” “Umbrella. “Locks.” “Zane,” Quinn groaned."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: semi-public sex
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: murder, psychopaths, rapists, a cheating ex, death of parents, assault (not sexual)
Zane is 33, bi, a former rebellious rich kid of a billionaire who is in prison for two murders. He's been locked up for 2 years. Quinn is 23, gay, a psychologist doing a study on killers at Zane's prison. Zane signs up to be a participant. Quinn is entertainment to Zane. Zane is attracted to him and plays a little game of cat and mouse trying to draw him in to a sexual relationship, using their weekly one hour sessions as an opportunity to pull in closer and try to find out more about him. Quinn is in the middle of a breakup with his cheating ex. Zane used to be in the tabloids a lot and Quinn saw the risque pictures of him and had a crush as a teen.
There were some things that I enjoyed about this book. I enjoyed the sexual tension between Zane and Quinn. I enjoyed the witty banter that they had. There was some moments that really shone, and some nice twisty moments that came out of the prison life, but as a whole I didn't like their relationship or Zane.
I didn't like Zane's character as a person. It's not that he's evil, hesitate to even call this book a dark romance when it truly comes down to the actions of the characters. He just wasn't book boyfriend material. He kept saying he becomes whatever the media accuses him of being, and that that's how he developed all his vices. I know it's a lot of pressure living under the microscope the way he did, but he doesn't show a lot of strength of character, backbone, and he doesn't have his own identity and likes and dislikes. If you stand for nothing and cave to everything and can't be yourself even in the face of superficial annoying media pressure, I don't have a ton of respect for you, because other people have a lot worse problems than being a poor little Rich Boy. Zane was also putting on an act for almost all of the book, so I feel like we never got to know him and I couldn't be attached to him as a result.
I didn't enjoy how this book handles the passage of time. Or that they're interactions only happen on Fridays for an hour. The author quickly skips over the passage of time from one Friday to another. I feel like it messes with the pace of the story and the relationship development. So much is supposed to be jammed into that hour that they get. Them only seeing each other once a week just seems like a stop and go stop and go dynamic. You don't get enough of them together.
I didn't like that at 85%, Quinn makes a throwaway comment that he can't believe he's f****** the Zane Black. It makes him sound like he's still caught up on the crush that he had on Zane from his teens. I wish that his first thought was not that. It makes Quinn's feelings not seem that deep, that moment was like popping a balloon out of nowhere, stupid choice by the author. Throw away moments matter.
I didn't like the real reason that Zane was in prison when it was revealed, it just seemed like no one would do what he did and that it wasn't necessary, and that a smart person could have figured a different way out of things.
Some notable moments:
"“I’d rather be someone’s last kiss than their first. I would rather be the last to fuck someone than the first.” Quinn raised his hand. “Inappropriate…”"
I kind of wish we had had more of this vibe, but Zane's protective moments were not pervasive. "Quinn stopped abruptly and pinched the back of his hand. The sharp pain pulled his focus back, and he looked at Zane. “Your relationships.” Zane’s smirk had gone, and instead, he narrowed his eyes. “Don’t do that…” “What?” Quinn asked. “Hurt yourself.” He glanced down at Quinn’s hand. “It didn’t hurt. It was just to get me focused.” “I don’t like it.”"
I did enjoy the sexual tension between them! ""Come on Quinn, you've got an itch you want scratching and I'm begging to scratch it.""
"“Word association now.” “Hit me with it.” “Autumn,” Quinn said. Zane tilted his head. “Change.” “Sweet.” “Your.” “Umbrella. “Locks.” “Zane,” Quinn groaned."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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