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The Dirty Heroes Collection #10
Make Me Real
In the City of Lights, I'm a shadow. I have no substance. I'm the whisper behind you that you think you heard. I'm the one that swallows your light like a black hole. You think you see me, but like my pop says, I'm just a puppet. A blip. Air. A thought gone by.
I'll never be real.
But after twenty-four years of silently watching life in the city pass me by, I hunger for the one thing that beckons me like a lighthouse on a torrential sea: Blue. The girl with glitter eyes, a body spun of sin, and the only soul to make me feel. She terrifies me as much as tempts me... because I know she sees who I could be.
The urge to keep her for my own is strong.
So is the urge to destroy her.
I'll never be real.
But after twenty-four years of silently watching life in the city pass me by, I hunger for the one thing that beckons me like a lighthouse on a torrential sea: Blue. The girl with glitter eyes, a body spun of sin, and the only soul to make me feel. She terrifies me as much as tempts me... because I know she sees who I could be.
The urge to keep her for my own is strong.
So is the urge to destroy her.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2020
64 people are currently reading
1298 people want to read
About the author
Petra J. Knox
25 books147 followersAuthor of Dystopian, Contemporary, and Fantasy romance.
Obsessed with books and cats, respectively.
Want to join my author group, Petra's House of Sinners?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/40365...
Visit my author page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorPetraJ...
Obsessed with books and cats, respectively.
Want to join my author group, Petra's House of Sinners?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/40365...
Visit my author page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorPetraJ...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 28, 2022
Okay. I loved this book and the spice was immaculate
I’m so confused on the ending though. Am I just stupid? Is it what I think it is or did I read it wrong????
I’m so confused on the ending though. Am I just stupid? Is it what I think it is or did I read it wrong????
February 5, 2022
Hm. Really not sure about this one.
June 16, 2020
I will never look at Pinnochio the same way again. Petra Knox turned Pinn into a character that I loved so much. I mean, I always kinda liked the puppet, but Pinn is nothing like the puppet. He's a complex, tormented, beautiful character. He has such a good heart, even if it has taken a beating.
Blue is almost ethereal, and you really get that feeling even through the words. You totally get a feeling that she could just fly away right off the pages, and I loved that so much. She was such a sweet character.
Fantastic book, and I would love so much more of them.
Blue is almost ethereal, and you really get that feeling even through the words. You totally get a feeling that she could just fly away right off the pages, and I loved that so much. She was such a sweet character.
Fantastic book, and I would love so much more of them.
May 24, 2021
Overall, I like how this author brought the Pinnochio story to life in a way that made sense for an adult retelling.
However, I just didn’t really feel like I connected with the characters much, so I gave this one three stars rather than 4. This could be a me thing, so I am eager to give this author another shot.
I also appreciated that the “dark” parts of this were in the world-building rather than in the relationship between the characters.
However, I just didn’t really feel like I connected with the characters much, so I gave this one three stars rather than 4. This could be a me thing, so I am eager to give this author another shot.
I also appreciated that the “dark” parts of this were in the world-building rather than in the relationship between the characters.
January 5, 2025
This book took me by surprise. I knew it was a retelling of the Pinocchio story. It made me wildly curious because I’d seen the movie “AI” which was a loose futuristic retelling of it. That story had elements of the flesh industry so I could see how this could work, but wasn’t sure what angle the author would take. Making Pinn the MMC who had lived a limited life with barely any human connection or emotion until he meets a nightclub singer with bright blue hair and a magical singing voice who brings out emotions and desires he’s never felt before is the angle. More than 30% into the book, it touches my heart with the sweetness. Then at about the 65% mark I started seeing typos which tripped me up and stopped the easy flow of the story:
“Her hair was in up in that same thick braid that made a blue crown on her head. She looked like a fairy, something magical, not earthly. She was early, but so I was I.”
“What the fuck, Blue .?”I rasped.
“Already bad enough they can see these sweet tits bouncing around as you walk around.”
" I the click of his flashlight,heard the creaking of his knees,
Then, things got really confusing. Pinn got drunk, was in an altercation over Blue, wakes up in his old cage in darkness with Pop telling him to come out and upstairs to explain what happened. Crockett, his friend showed up but Pop ends up proving to Pinn that Crockett is a figment of Pinn’s imagination, so Pinn runs away naked, finally ending up at Blue’s place where she keeps repeating, “just breathe. Just breathe.” Then the first “Act” ends and the book starts “Act 2” with different characters who end up being REAL because It was a heartfelt, happy crying end to the story. Thought there were no BDSM elements, which I thought was a requirement of this series, I still thought it was the third best book in the 14 books series. I would like to read more by this author.
“Her hair was in up in that same thick braid that made a blue crown on her head. She looked like a fairy, something magical, not earthly. She was early, but so I was I.”
“What the fuck, Blue .?”I rasped.
“Already bad enough they can see these sweet tits bouncing around as you walk around.”
" I the click of his flashlight,heard the creaking of his knees,
Then, things got really confusing. Pinn got drunk, was in an altercation over Blue, wakes up in his old cage in darkness with Pop telling him to come out and upstairs to explain what happened. Crockett, his friend showed up but Pop ends up proving to Pinn that Crockett is a figment of Pinn’s imagination, so Pinn runs away naked, finally ending up at Blue’s place where she keeps repeating, “just breathe. Just breathe.” Then the first “Act” ends and the book starts “Act 2” with different characters who end up being REAL because It was a heartfelt, happy crying end to the story. Thought there were no BDSM elements, which I thought was a requirement of this series, I still thought it was the third best book in the 14 books series. I would like to read more by this author.
September 18, 2025
⭐ 4.5 stars
I’ve been making my way through the Dirty Heroes Collection for one reason and one reason only: Skeleton King (book nine). I’ve been saving that one for last because, honestly, if I’d read it already, I know myself — I wouldn’t have bothered finishing the rest. That said, Make Me Real by Petra J. Knox surprised me in the best way and ended up being one of my favorites in the lineup so far.
Make Me Real takes the framework of Pinocchio and spins it into a dark romance that’s equal parts gritty, sexy, and haunting. We follow Pinn, a criminal enforcer working for “Pop,” who’s sent to track a man named Pepper. His mission leads him to the club Mesmer, where he encounters Blue, a performer who captivates him instantly. What begins as distraction quickly turns into obsession, and the story dives deep into their chemistry, secrets, and questions of identity.
The biggest shocker? The twist reveal — Pinn has been in a coma, and the entire first half of the book took place in an alternative reality he created for himself called the City of Light. I did not see that coming, and it reframed everything I’d read up to that point in such an unexpected way.
Petra J. Knox does something bold here: she uses a classic fairytale retelling (Pinocchio) but strips it down to its darkest adult themes — what does it mean to be “real”? How do love, autonomy, and identity intersect when someone’s very existence feels constructed? Blue becomes the living embodiment of those questions, while Pinn represents the messy, dangerous pull of love mixed with possession and survival.
The writing style is lean and fast-paced, matching the noir/criminal underworld vibe. The club scenes, the music, the chase — all of it builds atmosphere without ever dragging. And while the romance leans into morally gray territory (which is what Dirty Heroes is all about), the emotional payoff is there.
What I especially liked was that the twist didn’t feel cheap it added another layer of tragedy and surreal beauty. The “City of Light” wasn’t just a setting; it was Pinn’s subconscious building him a place to wrestle with reality and desire.
For me, this one earns 4.5 stars. It’s a strong, well-executed darkish retelling that balanced spice, tension, and symbolism. I went in expecting just another gritty side entry in the series, but Knox delivered something that felt unique.
I’ve been making my way through the Dirty Heroes Collection for one reason and one reason only: Skeleton King (book nine). I’ve been saving that one for last because, honestly, if I’d read it already, I know myself — I wouldn’t have bothered finishing the rest. That said, Make Me Real by Petra J. Knox surprised me in the best way and ended up being one of my favorites in the lineup so far.
Make Me Real takes the framework of Pinocchio and spins it into a dark romance that’s equal parts gritty, sexy, and haunting. We follow Pinn, a criminal enforcer working for “Pop,” who’s sent to track a man named Pepper. His mission leads him to the club Mesmer, where he encounters Blue, a performer who captivates him instantly. What begins as distraction quickly turns into obsession, and the story dives deep into their chemistry, secrets, and questions of identity.
The biggest shocker? The twist reveal — Pinn has been in a coma, and the entire first half of the book took place in an alternative reality he created for himself called the City of Light. I did not see that coming, and it reframed everything I’d read up to that point in such an unexpected way.
Petra J. Knox does something bold here: she uses a classic fairytale retelling (Pinocchio) but strips it down to its darkest adult themes — what does it mean to be “real”? How do love, autonomy, and identity intersect when someone’s very existence feels constructed? Blue becomes the living embodiment of those questions, while Pinn represents the messy, dangerous pull of love mixed with possession and survival.
The writing style is lean and fast-paced, matching the noir/criminal underworld vibe. The club scenes, the music, the chase — all of it builds atmosphere without ever dragging. And while the romance leans into morally gray territory (which is what Dirty Heroes is all about), the emotional payoff is there.
What I especially liked was that the twist didn’t feel cheap it added another layer of tragedy and surreal beauty. The “City of Light” wasn’t just a setting; it was Pinn’s subconscious building him a place to wrestle with reality and desire.
For me, this one earns 4.5 stars. It’s a strong, well-executed darkish retelling that balanced spice, tension, and symbolism. I went in expecting just another gritty side entry in the series, but Knox delivered something that felt unique.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7-tbr-ooit
December 14, 2020▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOnLk...
The DIRTY HEROES COLLECTION (https://www.goodreads.com/series/288664)
Fourteen standalone novels which each follow a well-known hero from favorite Disney classics.
01. The Black Fox
02. Finding His Strength
03. While She Sleeps
04. Bound in Sacrifice
05. Never Lost
06. Curse Behind The Mask
07. Clockwork Stalker
08. Kiss and Tell
09. Skeleton King
10. Make Me Real
11. Cruel Water
12. The Masked Prince
13. Hunted
14. The Lady
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOnLk...The DIRTY HEROES COLLECTION (https://www.goodreads.com/series/288664)
Fourteen standalone novels which each follow a well-known hero from favorite Disney classics.
01. The Black Fox
02. Finding His Strength
03. While She Sleeps
04. Bound in Sacrifice
05. Never Lost
06. Curse Behind The Mask
07. Clockwork Stalker
08. Kiss and Tell
09. Skeleton King
10. Make Me Real
11. Cruel Water
12. The Masked Prince
13. Hunted
14. The Lady
October 22, 2022
This book has come to be my favourite of the series so far, and i honestly don't know how to describe just how much i liked it... loved it even. Because despite the fast pace (since it's kinda like a novella), the storyline still felt like... fitting? and i just love LOVE the way they are made for each other.
Even though the plot twist has been used in many books, i did not see this one coming. It also made my heart ache a little because they deserved so so much more, so i'm glad to see the HEA.
But whY IS THIS NOT FAMOUS UGH. it needs more recognition.
Even though the plot twist has been used in many books, i did not see this one coming. It also made my heart ache a little because they deserved so so much more, so i'm glad to see the HEA.
But whY IS THIS NOT FAMOUS UGH. it needs more recognition.
August 5, 2020
Make Me Real - 5 Stars though I wish I could give it more!
Pinn and Blue’s story ensnared me from page 1. I could not put it down! This was the first book that I have read by Petra Knox but I now want to go back and binge read everything she’s written. The characters were written so well, I loved them and a couple of the secondary ones as well. Twists and turns, pain and love, with enough heat to melt your kindle. One of my favorite 2020 reads!
Pinn and Blue’s story ensnared me from page 1. I could not put it down! This was the first book that I have read by Petra Knox but I now want to go back and binge read everything she’s written. The characters were written so well, I loved them and a couple of the secondary ones as well. Twists and turns, pain and love, with enough heat to melt your kindle. One of my favorite 2020 reads!
August 9, 2025
Make Me Real by Petra Knox. 2.5 ⭐️.
i like that it was an adult retelling of Pinocchio and the spicy scenes were definitely spicy , but other than that i couldn’t really connect with Pinn or Blue. probably would’ve dnf’d if it wasn’t so short. i think i’m done with this collection. i’ve tried , but the only one that’s been really fantastic was skeleton king.
i like that it was an adult retelling of Pinocchio and the spicy scenes were definitely spicy , but other than that i couldn’t really connect with Pinn or Blue. probably would’ve dnf’d if it wasn’t so short. i think i’m done with this collection. i’ve tried , but the only one that’s been really fantastic was skeleton king.
July 1, 2020
Blown away
I’ve been really enjoying this collection of books. There such a wide range of myths and fairytales being retold. Penn and Blue’s story was really touching and sexy, just what I needed to read!
I’ve been really enjoying this collection of books. There such a wide range of myths and fairytales being retold. Penn and Blue’s story was really touching and sexy, just what I needed to read!
September 7, 2020
What did I just read?!??
I’m at lost for words. A sad fairy tale comes to life.
I’m at lost for words. A sad fairy tale comes to life.
March 23, 2023
I liked this one. Had a good twist at the end that I wasn't expecting. The connection between Blue and Pinn was really cute.
December 9, 2023
Eh... not big on Pinocchio but this was ok for me
May 4, 2022
I was kind of meh about This book until the second half. The plot twist hit me like a train and I loved it! Such a sweet twist in the dark romance genre
February 10, 2023
This was pretty good actually. Not my favorite out of the collection but the plot was interesting. Smut wasn’t too bad either. And the connection between the 2 MCs was actually really cute. And the ending. That surprised me there is no way in hell I saw that coming. Which I loved.
July 7, 2020
It was a tender and soft story, I really liked it
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews