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Unhinged
You’d have to be crazy to want a killer.
I was nobody. A deranged widow.
He was a psychopath with me as his next target.
When he took me from my home, he planned to kill me. The creepy room I woke up in with fluorescent lighting and an assortment of knives was evidence enough.
Then he saw my scars, and something changed.
Instead of killing me, he wants to fix me.
I might be crazy, but he’s completely Unhinged.
I was nobody. A deranged widow.
He was a psychopath with me as his next target.
When he took me from my home, he planned to kill me. The creepy room I woke up in with fluorescent lighting and an assortment of knives was evidence enough.
Then he saw my scars, and something changed.
Instead of killing me, he wants to fix me.
I might be crazy, but he’s completely Unhinged.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2019
83 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 14, 2020
Terrific story of psychos in love!.
I really enjoy stories about crazy people. They can be hilarious in their own way even in the blood and gore of a serial killer, we can often find a likeable character. Dexter proved that to the masses. We all loved him and pulled for him to never get caught, didn’t we?
James and Holly are both crazy, each in their own ways. Holly is agoraphobic and has OCD. She has been so beaten down by her husband that she killed him. She won’t stand for being treated like that anymore, even from a guy that has her strapped to a table and is holding a knife. James, like Dexter, is a serial killer who kills killers, pedophiles and rapists. James has researched Holly and knows what she did. He learned to kill at the hand of his Grandfather.
The characters are well developed as are their manias. The romance is not insta-love and it is soooo very interesting to watch develop. James and Holly are certainly two unbelievably compelling and provocative individuals. They seemed to fit perfectly together and be exactly what each other needed to help fix the broken pieces.
I was enthralled by their journey and waiting to see what would happen next. Every time something new would happen it would surprise the heck out of me and it just kept getting better and better. I was thinking “how did these people go from being so crazy to so awesome so quickly?”
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I really enjoy stories about crazy people. They can be hilarious in their own way even in the blood and gore of a serial killer, we can often find a likeable character. Dexter proved that to the masses. We all loved him and pulled for him to never get caught, didn’t we?
James and Holly are both crazy, each in their own ways. Holly is agoraphobic and has OCD. She has been so beaten down by her husband that she killed him. She won’t stand for being treated like that anymore, even from a guy that has her strapped to a table and is holding a knife. James, like Dexter, is a serial killer who kills killers, pedophiles and rapists. James has researched Holly and knows what she did. He learned to kill at the hand of his Grandfather.
“I supposed I could’ve told them both the truth. Holly, this is my grandfather. He helps me cover up evidence when I kill people. Oh, and Grandfather, this is Holly. She’s a botched target who won’t leave my home because she’s more afraid of the outdoors than she is of me… Also, we’re fucking.”
The characters are well developed as are their manias. The romance is not insta-love and it is soooo very interesting to watch develop. James and Holly are certainly two unbelievably compelling and provocative individuals. They seemed to fit perfectly together and be exactly what each other needed to help fix the broken pieces.
“He moved the hair off my shoulder and bent so that his lips were pressed to my collar bone. He kissed along the bone to my shoulder, and then, without any warning, he bit down. Hard.”
I was enthralled by their journey and waiting to see what would happen next. Every time something new would happen it would surprise the heck out of me and it just kept getting better and better. I was thinking “how did these people go from being so crazy to so awesome so quickly?”
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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September 2, 2019
I had so much fun reading this! This is a lovely story about a psychopath and a woman with agoraphobia finding a connection. A great psychologically driven dark erotic thriller.
I get nervous with the psychopath trope. I roll my eyes when they're written as these immoral, brutal killers and then their behavior does a 180 after they meet a Mary Sue heroine. Well, this wasn't the case in Unhinged. James had dark urges but he always lived by his own moral code. His treatment of Holly wasn't out of character for him.
Holly was likable and actually kind of a badass. She had a good mix of strengths and vulnerabilities...I have to say I found her reactions when confronted with abuse, evil, or dangerous situations refreshing.
There was also plenty of dark humour! I was chuckling to myself often while reading this and I loved that this book didn't take itself too seriously.
Triggers:
Safety:
Hea:
Random thoughts:
“Do you still not know?’ “Not know what?” “Why you.”
But the answer was the same for both of us. I cared for him because he understood me when no one else did. He accepted me for who I was while helping me become who I wanted to be. There was no difference in the way he saw me. That was the point—he saw me. And I saw him.
I really enjoyed this story of two oddballs finding love. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I get nervous with the psychopath trope. I roll my eyes when they're written as these immoral, brutal killers and then their behavior does a 180 after they meet a Mary Sue heroine. Well, this wasn't the case in Unhinged. James had dark urges but he always lived by his own moral code. His treatment of Holly wasn't out of character for him.
Holly was likable and actually kind of a badass. She had a good mix of strengths and vulnerabilities...I have to say I found her reactions when confronted with abuse, evil, or dangerous situations refreshing.
There was also plenty of dark humour! I was chuckling to myself often while reading this and I loved that this book didn't take itself too seriously.
Triggers:
Safety:
Hea:
Random thoughts:
“Do you still not know?’ “Not know what?” “Why you.”
But the answer was the same for both of us. I cared for him because he understood me when no one else did. He accepted me for who I was while helping me become who I wanted to be. There was no difference in the way he saw me. That was the point—he saw me. And I saw him.
I really enjoyed this story of two oddballs finding love. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 17, 2020
So rather than a dark romance, this is a book with dark themes and triggers.
Holly's older husband Richard is a cruel and abusive spouse when he supposedly dies of a heart attack leaving behind his young wife with deep scars inside and out from the past six years living with a monster.
James is an estate lawyer by day and a punishing killer by night.
He uses his compulsion for death to punish what he perceives as the guilty and the predators of this world who prey on the weak.
Holly comes to his attention as a murderer and he abducts her to use as his next purge, This purge to quieten his own personal demons from the past but when he realises she is a victim herself he's a bit of a loss with what to do with her, he doesn't kill the innocent.
So this was a dexter type scenario and both James and Holly have there own personal brand of cray cray.
She's not his usual purge and though their brands of crazy differ slightly they each see in the other someone who sees them in their entirety and their similarities help to connect them on a deeper level.
This was definitely an intriguing read quite the page-turner but myself I would have prefered a complete immersion in all there shared depravities rather than the redemption we were then offered.
Despite that, I still enjoyed this one very much and would definitely recommend.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
August 1, 2019
Nicole Cypher has done it again!
It’s dark,and it’s delicious.
It keeps you on your toes,and it holds you in its grip until the last page.
It’s......Unhinged,and i loved it!
It tells the story of Holly,who’s trapped in a marriage to the much older Richard. He abuses her,and because nobody intervenes in all those years,Holly finally decides she’s suffered enough. She’s smart,though. Smart enough to get away with murder......
James is an estate attorny that has a double life. He hunts killers and carries out his own brand of justice. When it’s Holly’s turn,she doesn’t act as she should. Showing no fear,she seems a puzzle. And when he finds her scars,he starts to wonder. But what to do with this intriguing woman?
James frightens Holly at first,but after her marriage to Richard,she knows she can’t show any weakness. But there’s more to James. And she starts to wonder. What to do with this intriguing man?
Both suffer from scars left by their past. Can these two damaged people help eachother?
A real pageturner,one i’m very glad Nicole was generous enough to share with me!
It’s dark,and it’s delicious.
It keeps you on your toes,and it holds you in its grip until the last page.
It’s......Unhinged,and i loved it!
It tells the story of Holly,who’s trapped in a marriage to the much older Richard. He abuses her,and because nobody intervenes in all those years,Holly finally decides she’s suffered enough. She’s smart,though. Smart enough to get away with murder......
James is an estate attorny that has a double life. He hunts killers and carries out his own brand of justice. When it’s Holly’s turn,she doesn’t act as she should. Showing no fear,she seems a puzzle. And when he finds her scars,he starts to wonder. But what to do with this intriguing woman?
James frightens Holly at first,but after her marriage to Richard,she knows she can’t show any weakness. But there’s more to James. And she starts to wonder. What to do with this intriguing man?
Both suffer from scars left by their past. Can these two damaged people help eachother?
A real pageturner,one i’m very glad Nicole was generous enough to share with me!
September 7, 2019
I've not read many books where I don't know what I want to say in my review of it, but this one has me floundering.
This was chosen as the Book Of The Month (BOTM) over in the Dark Erotica on Goodreads. I'm fairly certain it was the one I voted for, though that was mainly because unlike most of the options, this was a stand alone story. I don't have issues with duets, trilogies and series', I just didn't want to have yet another story to keep in my head until a later date. Plus this was a new-to-me author and the whole point of joining in with the BOTM is to try new things.
So, on to the book review. There wasn't any occasion, whilst reading this book, that I got bored or contemplated not finishing it. The plot was engaging and the characters charming, captivating and utterly crazy. However it never really engaged my emotions, so it didn't quite hit the full 5 stars. It's still one fantastic book that has a story unlike any other I've read and really should be a must read for all lovers of dark, psychological romances.
In some ways the story had everything and yet went nowhere, which isn't actually a criticism. Whilst there isn't a great deal that happens 'physically', this is very much a story about mental and personal growth, about facing ones demons, followed by understanding, accepting and loving oneself. There are some quite profound moments, the story definitely has hidden depths, though it can also be enjoyed at surface value as a tale of two crazy individuals fitting their broken pieces together to make a beautiful whole.
It was occasionally a little more tell than show for my liking, but the plot was intricate and the writing good enough that it didn't become a problem. I would also place it towards the lighter end of the dark read spectrum, similar in intensity to a gritty mafia story, rather than plunging the true depths of darkness.
I'm surprised I haven't heard of this author before, just how have I missed hearing of her? I will definitely be checking out more of her work now that I do know her name.
This was chosen as the Book Of The Month (BOTM) over in the Dark Erotica on Goodreads. I'm fairly certain it was the one I voted for, though that was mainly because unlike most of the options, this was a stand alone story. I don't have issues with duets, trilogies and series', I just didn't want to have yet another story to keep in my head until a later date. Plus this was a new-to-me author and the whole point of joining in with the BOTM is to try new things.
So, on to the book review. There wasn't any occasion, whilst reading this book, that I got bored or contemplated not finishing it. The plot was engaging and the characters charming, captivating and utterly crazy. However it never really engaged my emotions, so it didn't quite hit the full 5 stars. It's still one fantastic book that has a story unlike any other I've read and really should be a must read for all lovers of dark, psychological romances.
In some ways the story had everything and yet went nowhere, which isn't actually a criticism. Whilst there isn't a great deal that happens 'physically', this is very much a story about mental and personal growth, about facing ones demons, followed by understanding, accepting and loving oneself. There are some quite profound moments, the story definitely has hidden depths, though it can also be enjoyed at surface value as a tale of two crazy individuals fitting their broken pieces together to make a beautiful whole.
It was occasionally a little more tell than show for my liking, but the plot was intricate and the writing good enough that it didn't become a problem. I would also place it towards the lighter end of the dark read spectrum, similar in intensity to a gritty mafia story, rather than plunging the true depths of darkness.
I'm surprised I haven't heard of this author before, just how have I missed hearing of her? I will definitely be checking out more of her work now that I do know her name.
He didn't feel love because he'd never had it, and he never felt he'd deserved it.
But he did. Despite the depravity, there was good underneath. The kind you spend your whole life searching for. The kind that would see a broken woman's scars and think they were beautiful. The kind that would never hurt an innocent person, even if it meant putting themselves through turmoil. The kind that could love me , regardless of my past.
I didn't run from him because he didn't run from me.
He was my safety.
I was his safety.
And all was not lost for either of us.
"What if I told you there was a way for you to stop."
September 5, 2019
This was one crazy read and this was my was my first time reading this author. Holly has been married to a man twice her age for six years Richard who also beat her. When she kills him it puts her on a list of a psychopath James. James has been killing people that were guilty of crimes that they got away it. When he kidnapped Holly he had know idea that she was just as crazy as he is. Holly has agoraphobia and other forms of OCD. What I liked about Holly is that she wasn't afraid to stand up to James and when he realized that she was a victim he decided not to kill her. These two fell in love in a weird twisted way. The twist of it was that his grandfather made him the way he is. The old man was controlling and just has crazy and maybe more. This was my first time reading this author but not my last. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 12, 2022
I would have given this book a higher rating if it wasn't for few things which annoys me. 1. Holly sleeping with someone before she met James ya they aren't together but naww. And no it wasn't the abusive husband. I'm glad she killed him. It was the "meat" boy. And James knew since he was spying/stalking her so he got to see that.
James stole the show for me he was a good psycho/stalker he had his own demons but he wasn't half bad. With him taking Holly and her reacting different then his other prisoners he was alittle stunned.
The relationship between them was hot and cold since both didn't know how to handle the other and Holly can't run away because she's afraid to go outside. So that's a win in James book when he tries to help her with her own messed up problem.
Few times I did get annoyed at both with how "crazy" they tried to do over one another.
No ow drama/tiny om drama, no cheating, Drama, sexy times, no virgins (h has sex with some random man)
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push/pull from both
26h/
Violence
Murder
Torture
Abuse
Agoraphobia
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
James stole the show for me he was a good psycho/stalker he had his own demons but he wasn't half bad. With him taking Holly and her reacting different then his other prisoners he was alittle stunned.
The relationship between them was hot and cold since both didn't know how to handle the other and Holly can't run away because she's afraid to go outside. So that's a win in James book when he tries to help her with her own messed up problem.
Few times I did get annoyed at both with how "crazy" they tried to do over one another.
No ow drama/tiny om drama, no cheating, Drama, sexy times, no virgins (h has sex with some random man)
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push/pull from both
26h/
Violence
Murder
Torture
Abuse
Agoraphobia
No condom
Hea
Epilogue
September 15, 2019
Holy Moly...friends, this a dirty, bloody, twisted tale of everything abhorrent brutal and some serious psycho-sexual hell but what a love story...I loved it!!! Excuse me I need to go to my psychiatrist now... 🤣 When I get my life back...I need to really review this.!!!
June 13, 2025
Going through Nicole Cypher’s back catalogue after falling in love with her bratva and mafia series. I remember Unhinged got positive reviews from GR mutuals, and I tried to read it at the time but I hadn’t yet developed an appetite for dark romances with violence and gore.
James is a Dexter type. A killer who only kills killers. He believes Holly killed her husband, however she turns out to be innocent. Not of killing him lol but innocent in James’ definition.
The most interesting parts of the story are when the characters are caught in tight fixes or jams. Cypher truly excels writing these scenes!
As an earlier work, this is a very strong work but you can certainly see an improvement comparing Unhinged to her more recent works.
After having read like 3 of her stories, she has a distinctive style that is already present in Unhinged but in her later works, she’s improved upon the readability, the prose is tighter.
In her recent works, Cypher has a handle on the romance storyline and the overall plot, and is able to juggle both of them. She has also strengthened her ability to write in a way that cleaves right to the heart of the matter, getting right to the emotional kicker.
It’s not that things in Unhinged felt repetitive or we were hit over the head with navel-gazing internal monologues, but the romance felt muted, in some ways, and the pacing felt like it slowed down at around the 40% mark, although it does pick up for the ending.
Signature touches of Nicole Cypher’s writing style:
-Starts with an interesting bang.
-Something violent being done is described, not in graphic detail but explicit.
-Heroine can pull up her feisty side and is such a good wild card in every scene. She is a survivor. She is plucky. It is never Mary Sue, but due to her wits and a little bit of luck and timing.
-Some witty exchanges.
-Hero is a bad guy but he is never a sexist. There is always a scene where he notes she’s crazy but by god he loves her 🤭 seriously I LIVE FOR THIS. It feels so genuine.
-Despite a violent plot, the romance between the H+h feels earned, soft, and gentle. There are good psychological insights on both the MCs.
-I’m noticing in her Las Vegas crime books that she’s loosened up with more dark romance sex scenes. In this one, the sexy scenes happen but they don’t leave an impression, at least for me 😅🤷🏻♀️
And there is humour in this book, unexpected. The awkward dinner scene between James, his grandfather, and Holly. As well as in Holly’s climatic scene.
James is a Dexter type. A killer who only kills killers. He believes Holly killed her husband, however she turns out to be innocent. Not of killing him lol but innocent in James’ definition.
The most interesting parts of the story are when the characters are caught in tight fixes or jams. Cypher truly excels writing these scenes!
As an earlier work, this is a very strong work but you can certainly see an improvement comparing Unhinged to her more recent works.
After having read like 3 of her stories, she has a distinctive style that is already present in Unhinged but in her later works, she’s improved upon the readability, the prose is tighter.
In her recent works, Cypher has a handle on the romance storyline and the overall plot, and is able to juggle both of them. She has also strengthened her ability to write in a way that cleaves right to the heart of the matter, getting right to the emotional kicker.
It’s not that things in Unhinged felt repetitive or we were hit over the head with navel-gazing internal monologues, but the romance felt muted, in some ways, and the pacing felt like it slowed down at around the 40% mark, although it does pick up for the ending.
Signature touches of Nicole Cypher’s writing style:
-Starts with an interesting bang.
-Something violent being done is described, not in graphic detail but explicit.
-Heroine can pull up her feisty side and is such a good wild card in every scene. She is a survivor. She is plucky. It is never Mary Sue, but due to her wits and a little bit of luck and timing.
-Some witty exchanges.
-Hero is a bad guy but he is never a sexist. There is always a scene where he notes she’s crazy but by god he loves her 🤭 seriously I LIVE FOR THIS. It feels so genuine.
-Despite a violent plot, the romance between the H+h feels earned, soft, and gentle. There are good psychological insights on both the MCs.
-I’m noticing in her Las Vegas crime books that she’s loosened up with more dark romance sex scenes. In this one, the sexy scenes happen but they don’t leave an impression, at least for me 😅🤷🏻♀️
And there is humour in this book, unexpected. The awkward dinner scene between James, his grandfather, and Holly. As well as in Holly’s climatic scene.
November 13, 2019
3.75 stars
January 7, 2020
The premise of this book intrigued me, although I have to admit I didn't actually expect to like it. Generally I'm never satisfied with dark romance—either they're poorly done, or they're just so over-the-top I can't take them seriously.
Well, I didn't like this, but not for the reasons I thought.
As far as killers go, James was a bit of a mishmash. Normal by day, but unfeeling, driven by the need for blood, meek, jealous stalker, and occasionally psychotic. As Nenia mentioned in her review, it seemed like the author tried to make him too many things, resulting in uneven characterization. He also has mommy issues, which is always super fun.
The glimpses of Holly's "unhinged" side were really interesting, but they never really went anywhere. She was calm and rational when James needed her to be, but completely bonkers other times. Nenia also mentioned that the characters' actions didn't quite fit with their morals, and I agree. There was just a little too much disparity there. As a bonus, Holly has daddy issues! Oh, and their sex was supposed to be wild and showcase their darkness, I think??? But it was kind of cringey instead.
Another thing that bothered me was the writing. On the surface it wasn't bad, but the author has this weird habit of using "is" instead of "was" on occasion. The book was written in first person past tense, but "is" was always used to refer to the characters, even though in the telling of the story they weren't "aware" that everything has already happened. Just one example (not a direct quote because I can't be bothered looking it up): "Arabesque was the name of the position, and it's always been my favorite." So awkward, especially since arabesque is still the name of that position. Anyway, it drove me bonkers while reading.
I ended up skimming after about the 60% mark, even though I wanted to DNF much earlier than that (at like, 35%). I think the saccharine ending fit the story, even though I didn't like anything about any of this.
I guess I just can't win with dark romance.
Well, I didn't like this, but not for the reasons I thought.
As far as killers go, James was a bit of a mishmash. Normal by day, but unfeeling, driven by the need for blood, meek, jealous stalker, and occasionally psychotic. As Nenia mentioned in her review, it seemed like the author tried to make him too many things, resulting in uneven characterization. He also has mommy issues, which is always super fun.
The glimpses of Holly's "unhinged" side were really interesting, but they never really went anywhere. She was calm and rational when James needed her to be, but completely bonkers other times. Nenia also mentioned that the characters' actions didn't quite fit with their morals, and I agree. There was just a little too much disparity there. As a bonus, Holly has daddy issues! Oh, and their sex was supposed to be wild and showcase their darkness, I think??? But it was kind of cringey instead.
Another thing that bothered me was the writing. On the surface it wasn't bad, but the author has this weird habit of using "is" instead of "was" on occasion. The book was written in first person past tense, but "is" was always used to refer to the characters, even though in the telling of the story they weren't "aware" that everything has already happened. Just one example (not a direct quote because I can't be bothered looking it up): "Arabesque was the name of the position, and it's always been my favorite." So awkward, especially since arabesque is still the name of that position. Anyway, it drove me bonkers while reading.
I ended up skimming after about the 60% mark, even though I wanted to DNF much earlier than that (at like, 35%). I think the saccharine ending fit the story, even though I didn't like anything about any of this.
I guess I just can't win with dark romance.
August 20, 2019
This was a trip into the darkness of two tormented beings. The male MC, James, kept reminding me of Dexter (from the TV show) and his dark passenger...I never expected for this book to be such an insight into the minds of the two profoundly damaged MCs, I expected a dark read but nothing so psychological as this.
Unhinged is a romance, not very conventional but a romance with a HEA and all, but it's in no way sweet...Although there are sex scenes, this is not an erotic story (at least not for me).
Nicole Cypher writes fluidly, it's a pleasure to read with an author like this. She captures perfectly the different states of mind, the moods, and with characters like these, their emotions keep flowing, or rather surging. At the beginning of the book, I disliked the MCs, they were pathetic in their craziness, but they started to feel more vulnerable than anything else, and by the end I was glad they had their happy ending.
I will be reading more of Nicole's books
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unhinged is a romance, not very conventional but a romance with a HEA and all, but it's in no way sweet...Although there are sex scenes, this is not an erotic story (at least not for me).
Nicole Cypher writes fluidly, it's a pleasure to read with an author like this. She captures perfectly the different states of mind, the moods, and with characters like these, their emotions keep flowing, or rather surging. At the beginning of the book, I disliked the MCs, they were pathetic in their craziness, but they started to feel more vulnerable than anything else, and by the end I was glad they had their happy ending.
I will be reading more of Nicole's books
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2019
3.5 rounded up for originality.
Kudos to the author for taking the serial killer/captive romance in a new direction. Well, maybe not new-new, but interestingly twisted.
Both MCs were intriguing. Norman...er, I mean James was screwed in the head, needing to purge with the blood of the guilty. Rose...er, I mean Holly was screwed in the head, needing the security of being alone to put off her brand of nutty.
Their meet-cute was sorta cute. If you're okay with a li'l kidnap with intention to torture. Their developing relationship was sweet. If you're okay with one nut saying to another nut, 'it's okay that you're bat shit. I am too.'
The writing was good, at times fab. I read this while staying awake to hear about a family member's flight through the snow storm, so I didn't have the eye strength to highlight, but there were some gem phrasing.
My hesitation in giving this a higher rating is that it did have some repetition and show v tell. And I felt like some of the characterizations weren't kept authentic when the relationship took over the plot. Holly's transformation is one example of this.
And tbh, I felt a li'l let down by the ending. It was sweet. I wanted something tangier. But this is definitely an author I will read again.
Kudos to the author for taking the serial killer/captive romance in a new direction. Well, maybe not new-new, but interestingly twisted.
Both MCs were intriguing. Norman...er, I mean James was screwed in the head, needing to purge with the blood of the guilty. Rose...er, I mean Holly was screwed in the head, needing the security of being alone to put off her brand of nutty.
Their meet-cute was sorta cute. If you're okay with a li'l kidnap with intention to torture. Their developing relationship was sweet. If you're okay with one nut saying to another nut, 'it's okay that you're bat shit. I am too.'
The writing was good, at times fab. I read this while staying awake to hear about a family member's flight through the snow storm, so I didn't have the eye strength to highlight, but there were some gem phrasing.
My hesitation in giving this a higher rating is that it did have some repetition and show v tell. And I felt like some of the characterizations weren't kept authentic when the relationship took over the plot. Holly's transformation is one example of this.
And tbh, I felt a li'l let down by the ending. It was sweet. I wanted something tangier. But this is definitely an author I will read again.
November 29, 2019
Serial killer romance!
I love dark stories, especially about serial killers finding their humanity. This one isn't too dark though. It's actually pretty mild, but it is good.
Holly, the agoraphobic widow, is kidnapped by a vigilante serial killer for murdering her abusive husband. James, the vigilante serial killer, realizes there's more to Holly than just a murderess.
Stand alone, HEA, kinda dark but a little gory too. Definitely worth reading!
I love dark stories, especially about serial killers finding their humanity. This one isn't too dark though. It's actually pretty mild, but it is good.
Holly, the agoraphobic widow, is kidnapped by a vigilante serial killer for murdering her abusive husband. James, the vigilante serial killer, realizes there's more to Holly than just a murderess.
Stand alone, HEA, kinda dark but a little gory too. Definitely worth reading!
January 21, 2021
Trama interessante, esecuzione povera e personaggi di poco conto che non mi hanno trasmesso sintonia e complicità. Buone le scene hot.
Il libro è comunque corto se si ha voglia di una storia un po' dark che tenga compagnia per poche ore ma senza aspettarsi un capolavoro.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
Il libro è comunque corto se si ha voglia di una storia un po' dark che tenga compagnia per poche ore ma senza aspettarsi un capolavoro.
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
November 25, 2019
“She was crazy. I could never deny that. Broken, but strong. Crazy, but fierce. She laughed instead of screamed. Smiled instead of cried. She was a poison to my life, and the antidote to my darkness.”
“He was a monster. There was really no other way to see it. Call it damaged, disturbed, deranged, but those didn’t quite cut it.”
This book isn’t bad, well not as bad as I wanted it to be, anyway. James is dark and twisted and Holly is content being damaged, that is until they meet each other. They both have sound justifications for the way they are and these are reasons why they are likable as characters. I think they are both strong characters even though they deal with their baggages differently. Their ‘meeting’ and being in each other’s lives is what forces them to face and deal with their issues and make it to the other side.
What I didn’t like
- It is too simple and straight forward, no major plot twists. This, for me, is what I actually look forward to from this genre, those “Oh” and “Ah” moments.
- Not enough blood and gore, especially because there is an opportunity for it to be. And this made the book quite mild for me.
What I liked
- No magical cure for them, they have to work through their issues
- No black and white view of wrong and right
“He wasn’t a monster… I’m not sure anyone really was. He was a man motivated by all the wrong things, and he was willing to hurt people to get them.”
“Because he was an abuser in James’s eyes. He was, but there were more types of abuse than physical, and if we searched for everyone guilty, there would be no one left on the planet. Schoolyard bullies, wives that emasculate their husbands, online trolls, cheaters, liars, crooks. The list was endless. It included the entire world’s population. We’d end up killing ourselves when all was said and done.”
All in all, it is a good read!
“He was a monster. There was really no other way to see it. Call it damaged, disturbed, deranged, but those didn’t quite cut it.”
This book isn’t bad, well not as bad as I wanted it to be, anyway. James is dark and twisted and Holly is content being damaged, that is until they meet each other. They both have sound justifications for the way they are and these are reasons why they are likable as characters. I think they are both strong characters even though they deal with their baggages differently. Their ‘meeting’ and being in each other’s lives is what forces them to face and deal with their issues and make it to the other side.
What I didn’t like
- It is too simple and straight forward, no major plot twists. This, for me, is what I actually look forward to from this genre, those “Oh” and “Ah” moments.
- Not enough blood and gore, especially because there is an opportunity for it to be. And this made the book quite mild for me.
What I liked
- No magical cure for them, they have to work through their issues
- No black and white view of wrong and right
“He wasn’t a monster… I’m not sure anyone really was. He was a man motivated by all the wrong things, and he was willing to hurt people to get them.”
“Because he was an abuser in James’s eyes. He was, but there were more types of abuse than physical, and if we searched for everyone guilty, there would be no one left on the planet. Schoolyard bullies, wives that emasculate their husbands, online trolls, cheaters, liars, crooks. The list was endless. It included the entire world’s population. We’d end up killing ourselves when all was said and done.”
All in all, it is a good read!
September 19, 2019
This is the story of Holly and James....
Holly:
“He was a monster. There was really no other way to see it. Call it damaged, disturbed, deranged, but those didn’t quite cut it.
I should run.
Hide.
Scream.
But I didn’t want to”
James:
“It wasn’t murder. It was justice.”
James has been taught to calm the chaos in his mind by, “purging“. When choosing his targets, James is always careful to pick a perpetrator: someone who deserves to die. He is always careful, researching his targets, yet once he has Holly confined in his vault, he discovers that he may have made a mistake.
“She wasn’t a predator. She was a victim.”
Holly is unlike any other captive James has abducted and the opposite of every abductee I’ve ever read about!!! In fact, I’ve read tons of kidnapping books but none with characters like either of these two!! There’s even more to these captivating characters, but I don’t want to keep posting spoilers! Just know that UNHINGED is a total a mindfu
Holly:
“He was a monster. There was really no other way to see it. Call it damaged, disturbed, deranged, but those didn’t quite cut it.
I should run.
Hide.
Scream.
But I didn’t want to”
James:
“It wasn’t murder. It was justice.”
James has been taught to calm the chaos in his mind by, “purging“. When choosing his targets, James is always careful to pick a perpetrator: someone who deserves to die. He is always careful, researching his targets, yet once he has Holly confined in his vault, he discovers that he may have made a mistake.
“She wasn’t a predator. She was a victim.”
Holly is unlike any other captive James has abducted and the opposite of every abductee I’ve ever read about!!! In fact, I’ve read tons of kidnapping books but none with characters like either of these two!! There’s even more to these captivating characters, but I don’t want to keep posting spoilers! Just know that UNHINGED is a total a mindfu
January 7, 2020
Holly and James were a rendition of my wet dish towels after I've finished my dishes for the day; they sort of cling together in a sad pile in my sink after I'm done. I found them both very tame and wanted more insanity (the book is titled 'Unhinged' after all) however I feel like I will have to title this one on my shelf as 'Unloved' instead. Sorry Holz and J xo
2 stars for the writing as it was OK.
2 stars for the writing as it was OK.
August 4, 2019
I haven't read This authors work before but was drawn to the book description. This was a different take on dark romance to what I'd previously read. I found it enjoyable with a interesting and different storyline with a decent length. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down, being easily drawn into the lifes of these two characters.
I liked both the deeply traumatised main characters of James and Holly and found their story I interesting with some intrigue, with some great descriptions of both characters responses.
There were a few areas I felt could have been developed further, Holly seemingly got over her extreme agoraphobia which she had for years very quickly, I thought there was a couple of vague areas towards the end that could have been explained better. It felt almost as though the ending was rushed.
That said, I would read this authors work again.
I liked both the deeply traumatised main characters of James and Holly and found their story I interesting with some intrigue, with some great descriptions of both characters responses.
There were a few areas I felt could have been developed further, Holly seemingly got over her extreme agoraphobia which she had for years very quickly, I thought there was a couple of vague areas towards the end that could have been explained better. It felt almost as though the ending was rushed.
That said, I would read this authors work again.
August 14, 2019
Well it's a pretty crazy world if you are Rose/Holly or James, I'm not sure about unhinged these two crazy MF's are certifiably deranged! This is a romance with dark undertones, not necessarily something that is going to keep you up for nights afterwards. The Plot grows well and pulls you in along the way, I found some of it quite heartbreaking that 2 lost souls could be so damaged by the actions of those around them. There are also some funny and quirky parts, although James is one scary dude at times.
Overall the book is well written and keeps a good pace, however I have given it 4 stars as I feel the problem of Holly's agoraphobia was overcome way too quickly and easily. The last part of the book where everything comes together felt a little vague and maybe rushed, especially Holly's kidnap (the second one!)
I would definitely read books by this author again.
Overall the book is well written and keeps a good pace, however I have given it 4 stars as I feel the problem of Holly's agoraphobia was overcome way too quickly and easily. The last part of the book where everything comes together felt a little vague and maybe rushed, especially Holly's kidnap (the second one!)
I would definitely read books by this author again.
January 2, 2024
January 2024: It wasn't until I went to add this book to GR that I found out I had already read it! 🤣 That's the beauty of a poor memory: you can enjoy the same book twice! 😆
September 2019: What an amazing story! If you like dark books: just read this one!!
Although this was definitely NOT a funny story, the way Holly reacted to and interacted with James made me laugh! Both main characters are crazy in their own way and because of that they were a perfect match! Loved this book!
Dark Erotica; BotM September 2019.
September 2019: What an amazing story! If you like dark books: just read this one!!
Although this was definitely NOT a funny story, the way Holly reacted to and interacted with James made me laugh! Both main characters are crazy in their own way and because of that they were a perfect match! Loved this book!
Dark Erotica; BotM September 2019.
September 3, 2019
i just finished the book and i like it, was good, my first time reading this author
September 6, 2019
"She was a poison to my life, and the antidote to my darkness."
I likely wouldn't have come across this one but thankfully it was the BOTM in my Dark Romance group, because it was definitely an experience. Everything you expect for this one.....throw it out the window. Its dark in subject matter, but trust me when I say it will have you in tears from laughing so hard. These two, well lets say that they are VERY special....its easy to love a vigilante serial killer and a deranged widow.
“You’re one to talk. Why don’t you start listing off the presidents again and calm the fuck down.”
Told in dual POV, this is a story about how a killer fell for his botched target. It is a standalone and does have a HEA (with an opportunity for a bonus chapter at the end). It is considered a dark romance and does cover some sensitive subject matter (domestic abuse, mental illness, torture, stalking, murder).
"Whether she was a predator or prey, there was one thing for certain— she was even crazier than me."
Holly Rose survived the worst. After killing her abusive (yet wealthy) husband, she spends her days locked inside his home living a life with almost no physical connections. She hasn't left the home in years, absolute terror of the outside world has made her a prisoner in her own home. Until one night when a man kidnaps her, waking up tied to a table in some kind of torture room. Well, he picked the WRONG woman if he is looking for fear....her late husband's abuse conditioned that right out of her.
“Careful there, Norman, you might cut yourself.”
James is a vigilante of sorts, torturing and killing those who escape the law's justice for awful crimes they are guilty of. Holly was supposed to be his next target, but it isn't long before he discovers she is a victim....he can't kill her, he has a set of rules to follow afterall. She can't leave....seriously, her irrational fear of the outside keeps her from running.
"He had a faint smile on his face, and a glint in his eyes. His crazy was showing."
Both think the other is absolute bonkers. Both think they have the cure to fix one another. But together? Together they could find the happiness they both so desperately need but didn't know was possible. All they have to do is make it out the front door and fight off the urge to kill someone.
There is a HEA, one that is perfect for these two. There isn't some magical perfect"normal" for them but instead a beautiful balance they find in each other.
"He needs a therapist. And while he’s at it, maybe he could get one for me, too."
I am a sucker for the crazy ones. Seriously, Sick Fux is one of my absolute favs. But what makes this so unique is the fact that Nicole was able to pull geniune laughs from me in times that felt mildly inappropriate. These two both have their issues, both stemming from past traumas and tragedies, but they both look at the other as the "crazy" one they don't understand. Seeing these two navigate around each other trying to understand the other while also beginning to fall for one another is like being a scientist monitoring test subjects. Its wildly entertaining. Of course there are parts that are heartbreaking while others are disturbing, but the love story being told about a pair of "unlovable" people was as much beautiful as it was fascinating.
"But instead, he was here, living his life with only the goal of ending others’, and having the deranged widow as the only person he could talk to, the only one who could handle it."
Overall, it is 100% a must read. Its as authentic feeling as a story like this can be and it proves that love comes from unexpected places and can conquer all. Give it a shot, I PROMISE you won't regret it.
"I didn’t run from him because he didn’t run from me. He was my safety. I was his safety."
I likely wouldn't have come across this one but thankfully it was the BOTM in my Dark Romance group, because it was definitely an experience. Everything you expect for this one.....throw it out the window. Its dark in subject matter, but trust me when I say it will have you in tears from laughing so hard. These two, well lets say that they are VERY special....its easy to love a vigilante serial killer and a deranged widow.
“You’re one to talk. Why don’t you start listing off the presidents again and calm the fuck down.”
Told in dual POV, this is a story about how a killer fell for his botched target. It is a standalone and does have a HEA (with an opportunity for a bonus chapter at the end). It is considered a dark romance and does cover some sensitive subject matter (domestic abuse, mental illness, torture, stalking, murder).
"Whether she was a predator or prey, there was one thing for certain— she was even crazier than me."
Holly Rose survived the worst. After killing her abusive (yet wealthy) husband, she spends her days locked inside his home living a life with almost no physical connections. She hasn't left the home in years, absolute terror of the outside world has made her a prisoner in her own home. Until one night when a man kidnaps her, waking up tied to a table in some kind of torture room. Well, he picked the WRONG woman if he is looking for fear....her late husband's abuse conditioned that right out of her.
“Careful there, Norman, you might cut yourself.”
James is a vigilante of sorts, torturing and killing those who escape the law's justice for awful crimes they are guilty of. Holly was supposed to be his next target, but it isn't long before he discovers she is a victim....he can't kill her, he has a set of rules to follow afterall. She can't leave....seriously, her irrational fear of the outside keeps her from running.
"He had a faint smile on his face, and a glint in his eyes. His crazy was showing."
Both think the other is absolute bonkers. Both think they have the cure to fix one another. But together? Together they could find the happiness they both so desperately need but didn't know was possible. All they have to do is make it out the front door and fight off the urge to kill someone.
There is a HEA, one that is perfect for these two. There isn't some magical perfect"normal" for them but instead a beautiful balance they find in each other.
"He needs a therapist. And while he’s at it, maybe he could get one for me, too."
I am a sucker for the crazy ones. Seriously, Sick Fux is one of my absolute favs. But what makes this so unique is the fact that Nicole was able to pull geniune laughs from me in times that felt mildly inappropriate. These two both have their issues, both stemming from past traumas and tragedies, but they both look at the other as the "crazy" one they don't understand. Seeing these two navigate around each other trying to understand the other while also beginning to fall for one another is like being a scientist monitoring test subjects. Its wildly entertaining. Of course there are parts that are heartbreaking while others are disturbing, but the love story being told about a pair of "unlovable" people was as much beautiful as it was fascinating.
"But instead, he was here, living his life with only the goal of ending others’, and having the deranged widow as the only person he could talk to, the only one who could handle it."
Overall, it is 100% a must read. Its as authentic feeling as a story like this can be and it proves that love comes from unexpected places and can conquer all. Give it a shot, I PROMISE you won't regret it.
"I didn’t run from him because he didn’t run from me. He was my safety. I was his safety."
October 10, 2019
3 stars
This was different than what I was expecting. I wanted to get inside the minds of the characters. I wanted more backstory. I liked her previous book but this was just okay for ,e.
This was different than what I was expecting. I wanted to get inside the minds of the characters. I wanted more backstory. I liked her previous book but this was just okay for ,e.
September 6, 2019
3.5 stars
March 31, 2020
This is an intense look at seriously broken people. James is a serial killer who purges his darkness by killing those guilty of harming women and children. Holly is a woman who was abandoned by her mother by dying, her father by leaving and then viciously abused by her husband until she killed him. After James kidnaps her, and realizes it was a mistake, he's ready to let her go, until he talks himself out of it. But it wouldn't matter, she's agoraphobic, she's not going anywhere. They start to have a very tentative relationship, one where they each want to help the other. They both have issues, he kills people, she's not quite mentally stable, but underneath they are people that deeply hurt and don't know how to help themselves. It's hard to put this down once you pick it up, it's so intense, emotional and engrossing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
July 23, 2025
I was expecting something different when I started this. I thought that this book was going to be dark and while there were some dark elements, it was more about the main characters’ craziness and them deciding that they want to be together. They do work through their problems, but it was quick and kind of easy – .
June 25, 2022
A serial killer is out for more blood and she is shocked when he takes her. She fully expected to be next when she woke in a room with knives everywhere. It all changes when he see the scars she already bears. What will he do now? Will he try to help her? Will he keep her alive? See just what is going to happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2022
a very interesting book indeed. one where you need to have your wits about yourself. I liked it, but defiantly could see more potential of the characters and story.
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