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Pandora's Box #1
Vibe
Aura
This wasn’t the life I was meant to live.
No, I should be working on solidifying my ladder of ascension.
No matter what the cost or what I had to give up.
No matter what they made me do.
Their little wildflower, that’s who I am. Quiet, meek, gullible.
Until I met the one person who changed all of it and became something more.
She’s my filthiest secret.
And one I intend on taking to the grave.
Ruby
Another night at the club I work at—Pandora’s Box.
Another dance, another tease, another round of shots and callously thrown dollar bills.
Until her.
Until the energy shifted and one moment became the only thing that mattered.
Because she changed everything, claiming my attention and making it hers.
My dangerous little mistake, my favorite enticing regret.
My Vibe Girl.
Trigger Warning: This book confronts several issues that could be potential triggers. It also contains sexual scenes written in explicit details. It is incredibly dark, please be aware when stepping into this world.
This wasn’t the life I was meant to live.
No, I should be working on solidifying my ladder of ascension.
No matter what the cost or what I had to give up.
No matter what they made me do.
Their little wildflower, that’s who I am. Quiet, meek, gullible.
Until I met the one person who changed all of it and became something more.
She’s my filthiest secret.
And one I intend on taking to the grave.
Ruby
Another night at the club I work at—Pandora’s Box.
Another dance, another tease, another round of shots and callously thrown dollar bills.
Until her.
Until the energy shifted and one moment became the only thing that mattered.
Because she changed everything, claiming my attention and making it hers.
My dangerous little mistake, my favorite enticing regret.
My Vibe Girl.
Trigger Warning: This book confronts several issues that could be potential triggers. It also contains sexual scenes written in explicit details. It is incredibly dark, please be aware when stepping into this world.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2020
1200 people are currently reading
12967 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 951 reviews
January 5, 2021
(1.5)
It was certainly... a book!
It was certainly... a book!
Read
May 2, 2023〝I'll kill you if you fuck her. Or anyone else for that matter,〞she whispers, and the deadly threat of her words only turns me on more.
〝Will you? Because if I find out you're fucking any of them behind my back, your blood will be on my hands,〞I say as I drag my teeth along her jawline.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 25, 2021
❝She's the other half of my soul. The piece they believe corrupted me.
But she's the only one who's ever set me free.❞
what i loved:
✧ the tension!! the chemistry!! ruby and aura's romance was so addicting. i loved how they felt a pull towards one another they couldn't resist. both hs were honestly amazing. i loved them for different reasons but they worked perfectly together. they were hot...but also cute?? 🥺 and aura's quote above about ruby being the only one who's made her feel free, i cried.
✧ writing style/tone. idk how to explain this, but the writing just had this electrifying feel to it. it's kinda like, once you read it, you're just drawn to the story, the characters, the world, until the end. i couldn't put it down bc i wanted to see how the romance would develop between the mcs.
✧ ruby's co-workers. the only side characters that interested me in this book were ruby's co-workers in the strip club. i loved their interactions with one another and they fr made me laugh. 😭
what i didn't love:
✧ cults. well, this is more of a personal preference bc cults, in general, terrify and creep me out (i always think of the kdrama, save me, or the movie, midsommer, when i think of cults lmao) so it's a me thing sjhsgv. yes, i do think the story line with the nation made things interesting, but i was more invested in the romance than the actual story tbh.
✧ side characters (excluding ruby's co-workers). if you know...you know.
overall thoughts:
this book gave me the F E E L S. would i recommend it? 100%! but also be aware going in that it's very dark and not for everyone. ruby and aura were everything to me. ♡
But she's the only one who's ever set me free.❞
what i loved:
✧ the tension!! the chemistry!! ruby and aura's romance was so addicting. i loved how they felt a pull towards one another they couldn't resist. both hs were honestly amazing. i loved them for different reasons but they worked perfectly together. they were hot...but also cute?? 🥺 and aura's quote above about ruby being the only one who's made her feel free, i cried.
✧ writing style/tone. idk how to explain this, but the writing just had this electrifying feel to it. it's kinda like, once you read it, you're just drawn to the story, the characters, the world, until the end. i couldn't put it down bc i wanted to see how the romance would develop between the mcs.
✧ ruby's co-workers. the only side characters that interested me in this book were ruby's co-workers in the strip club. i loved their interactions with one another and they fr made me laugh. 😭
what i didn't love:
✧ cults. well, this is more of a personal preference bc cults, in general, terrify and creep me out (i always think of the kdrama, save me, or the movie, midsommer, when i think of cults lmao) so it's a me thing sjhsgv. yes, i do think the story line with the nation made things interesting, but i was more invested in the romance than the actual story tbh.
✧ side characters (excluding ruby's co-workers). if you know...you know.
overall thoughts:
this book gave me the F E E L S. would i recommend it? 100%! but also be aware going in that it's very dark and not for everyone. ruby and aura were everything to me. ♡
February 2, 2025
*trigger warnings for like almost anything you could think of*
this was good, even though there were some points of the story that maybe just lacked a lil something. i think the story might’ve just fell flat a little bit? other than that it was super fun and intense. i’m definitely reading the second one asap.
this was good, even though there were some points of the story that maybe just lacked a lil something. i think the story might’ve just fell flat a little bit? other than that it was super fun and intense. i’m definitely reading the second one asap.
April 3, 2021
how tf does anyone like this??? bruh, if you want good smut just go to ao3 and spare yourself from having to read whatever tf this is
February 24, 2022
l 43% l
um i have some questions.
1. why were there cults? is this riverdale or some shit?
2. what was that writing style??? you can’t write smut with weirdly purple prose and then swearing every other word, pick one. do you want this to be a trashy smut book or a literary masterpiece? because it can’t be both.
3. why was every single person part of the cult? and then at the end the cult is just *gone*??? what?
4. what was the setting of this, because i’m so confused. how did we get to a club to a cult-y field with sacrifices?
5. why were the characters (first) saying they hated each other and calling each other sluts, (second) fucking in the shower, and (third) saying that they loved each other? all in the span of 5 minutes?
6. why were the smut scenes placed in the most weird and random places throughout the book honestly
7. ummmmm why was this kinda good sometimes 😩
anyways,
that was ~interesting.~
i may or may not read the second book.
2.5 stars
rep:
✔︎ bi mc
✔︎ sapphic relationship
tw for rape, violence, abuse (of a minor), incest, murder, homophobia, etc.
um i have some questions.
1. why were there cults? is this riverdale or some shit?
2. what was that writing style??? you can’t write smut with weirdly purple prose and then swearing every other word, pick one. do you want this to be a trashy smut book or a literary masterpiece? because it can’t be both.
3. why was every single person part of the cult? and then at the end the cult is just *gone*??? what?
4. what was the setting of this, because i’m so confused. how did we get to a club to a cult-y field with sacrifices?
5. why were the characters (first) saying they hated each other and calling each other sluts, (second) fucking in the shower, and (third) saying that they loved each other? all in the span of 5 minutes?
6. why were the smut scenes placed in the most weird and random places throughout the book honestly
7. ummmmm why was this kinda good sometimes 😩
anyways,
that was ~interesting.~
i may or may not read the second book.
2.5 stars
rep:
✔︎ bi mc
✔︎ sapphic relationship
tw for rape, violence, abuse (of a minor), incest, murder, homophobia, etc.
January 13, 2021
actual trigger/content warnings for everyone who needs them (and not the bullshit “general trigger warning” the author gives at the start of the books): rape, pedophilia, statutory rape, misogyny, extreme internalized homophobia, drug use, religious cults
long story short; don’t read this. the characters are awful, aura is treated like an object and something that can be owned by every single person in this book, the relationship is terribly toxic and uncomfortable, the infodumps and writing are just so poor, and the author is literally unable to go a single chapter without the word “fuck” being used at least 10 times (seriously, please learn some other words to describe how your characters are feeling). oh, and the graphic descriptions of rape aren’t making it any better.
long story short; don’t read this. the characters are awful, aura is treated like an object and something that can be owned by every single person in this book, the relationship is terribly toxic and uncomfortable, the infodumps and writing are just so poor, and the author is literally unable to go a single chapter without the word “fuck” being used at least 10 times (seriously, please learn some other words to describe how your characters are feeling). oh, and the graphic descriptions of rape aren’t making it any better.
September 22, 2020
Liza James is the Queen. I am still thinking of Vibe days later. Liza James ripped my heart, kept me on edge, and put my heart back together again. I haven’t read a book From James I didn’t love. I was engrossed from page one and pulled an all-nighter. Vibe took me on a dark, twisted tale.
Aura had escaped from a religious cult, which her mother joined when Aura was a child. Years later , she now lives with her boyfriend of two years, Hawk. Aura, Hawk, and Bethie, Aura's best friend, decide to go to Pandoras for Aura to experience more in life. Enter Ruby on Stage, there is an instant attraction. Aura is confused and trying to fight her feelings, which is against her upbringing and the fact she still has a boyfriend.
I don’t fucking get it, I don’t understand what I’m feeling, but I like what’s happening.
Ruby has her own horrific story, which is just heartbreaking. She has never had a connection with another person like she has with Aura. After struggling to keep Aura at a safe distance, She helps Aura face some cold hard facts. Their chemistry is off the charts. Like Holy Hell hot. I would have loved to have been there for Truth or Dare.
I can't get enough of it, of her sounds blending with mine. We're making music in what's forbidden. Taking these preconceived molds and shattering them to pieces. Fuck forbidden, fuck taboo. We'll take all of it and make it ours.
Aura and Ruby’s story is raw, emotional, gut-wrenching, and dark; I loved every single part of this book. I did have whiplash towards the end and wouldn't change it for the world. The ladies are badass. I loved the guest appearance of one of my favorite couples. If you haven't read F/F romance book, Start with Vibe. Liza James Killed It. She draws you in and you become addicted.
February 16, 2021
DNF at 45%
This is my first FF book and first one by this author. I am in minority here, but just a short explanation of my POV:
This story doesn't have any base, doesn't stand on solid ground. It's some (to me senseless) writing how Ruby and Aura meet with immediate INSTA-LOVE of all insta-loves there are! I couldn't shake a feeling that author wanted to be crass with all fuckery, just to make shocking effect on reader. And here we come to the greatest nonsense: author writes about their feelings, their connection, etc. (a lot of this happens only in their heads), but nothing of this amazing chemistry is reflected in their actions.
This is my first FF book and first one by this author. I am in minority here, but just a short explanation of my POV:
This story doesn't have any base, doesn't stand on solid ground. It's some (to me senseless) writing how Ruby and Aura meet with immediate INSTA-LOVE of all insta-loves there are! I couldn't shake a feeling that author wanted to be crass with all fuckery, just to make shocking effect on reader. And here we come to the greatest nonsense: author writes about their feelings, their connection, etc. (a lot of this happens only in their heads), but nothing of this amazing chemistry is reflected in their actions.
November 19, 2021
Absolutely ridiculous.
on-hold
September 12, 2020On hold at 30%.
It’s a little weird... I really don’t know what to make of this book. I was beyond excited for it, since there aren’t many F/F romances, but yeah... I don’t know. Will probably pick it up again soon.
It’s a little weird... I really don’t know what to make of this book. I was beyond excited for it, since there aren’t many F/F romances, but yeah... I don’t know. Will probably pick it up again soon.
October 2, 2021
TW: sexual assault/abuse
Okay, I was really excited about this at first - I'm always looking for more F/F romance, and I'm not afraid of darker books. My issue with this was that there was no balance. Everything in Aura and Ruby's lives is incredibly rough and brutal, and they're rough and brutal to each other when they're together. There's not a single moment of respite in the entire book, and I think there's more explicit scenes than actual consensual sex. It just seems like the whole book exists for shock value, and it isn't supported by an interesting plot or likable characters. Ruby and Aura didn't even have any actual chemistry - we were just told that they apparently did. I couldn't find myself rooting for literally anyone in the book, and would not be able to recommend this to anyone.
Okay, I was really excited about this at first - I'm always looking for more F/F romance, and I'm not afraid of darker books. My issue with this was that there was no balance. Everything in Aura and Ruby's lives is incredibly rough and brutal, and they're rough and brutal to each other when they're together. There's not a single moment of respite in the entire book, and I think there's more explicit scenes than actual consensual sex. It just seems like the whole book exists for shock value, and it isn't supported by an interesting plot or likable characters. Ruby and Aura didn't even have any actual chemistry - we were just told that they apparently did. I couldn't find myself rooting for literally anyone in the book, and would not be able to recommend this to anyone.
September 8, 2020
HOLY SHIT.
Vibe was nothing like I expected it would be- but it rocked me to my core. Sexy, dark and gritty, deeply provocative, and emotionally powerful- this story has so many layers of meaning, nuances that I'm still unpacking. I cannot stop thinking about it- don't yet fully have words, but I know this- there is nothing like this book. Vibe is so original, so breathtakingly unapologetic and raw about its heart, so disturbingly beautiful that I can't help but feel changed, like I'm now vibrating on a whole new frequency.
Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect- but even so, this was nothing like what I imagined. Darker, grittier, harder, more disturbing and unsettling. But also more meaningful, more complex and more powerful. From the first page I knew this book would be different. This story is teeming with darkness- we have corruption, we have cults, we have trauma and pain, and we have a sweet and engrossing love story all set amidst the seedy neon lights of a strip club. No one is what they seem, nothing is what it seems- and there is only one truth we can rely upon. Aura and Ruby- they vibe.
These characters- my God, these characters. Ruby and Aura own me. I connected to them both so deeply. Both of them are so vividly and lovingly created- they are raw, they are real, authentic and truthful, and they are so complexly and hauntingly beautiful. On the surface, these two women couldn’t be more different. One is secure and strong in her identity- oozing freedom and self-assurance, unflinchingly in touch with who she is. The other is insecure and unsure of who she is- trapped by the chains of her deeply disturbing past and mired down by the toxic dogma she’s internalized from her troubled childhood. But, we soon find that they share the same frequency- a vibe that binds them together heart, body, and soul. Their connection- well, it is transcendent- consuming and transforming. Their growth, their journey- I’m in awe of it. This is some POWERFUL character growth-I’m truly blown away.
Oh my. Aura. Our Vibe Girl. Few characters have moved me, have challenged me, in the way that Aura has. Her story is painful, disturbing, and tragic- and she’s just so well and completely lost. She escaped a hellish existence, being trapped in a way of life- but we find that she’s really only physically escaped that evil. The scars, the indoctrination, the terror and fear all still trap her- still hold her prisoner in the darkness. She’s lost, confused, afraid- and a bit numb- until she’s thrown into the orbit of Ruby. One darkness traps her, but Ruby’s is liberating. Aura struggles with the emotions and feelings that she always thought were bad and wrong, trying to confront how something that brings her to life, that finally gives her power and purpose and clarity can be bad. But Aura needs two things more than anything else- acceptance and trust- and Ruby, Ruby gives those to her.
Ruby is a dark butterfly- captivating and alluring to Aura in her freeness. Her strength and resilience rocked my soul- this woman owns everything about herself, even her pain. Rebellious even in her own suffering. Her journey might not feel as big of a step as Aura’s, but in truth, Ruby is actually using her freedom as a shield. Her indifference to what others think has evolved into her not connecting. She’s free- but she’s alone, completely closed up. So, like Aura, she’s actually lost, too. But Aura inspires her vulnerability, her openness.
Their story is so much more than a FF taboo story- although, that aspect of it is sexy AF. But this is really about two people connecting in a way that most of us can only dream about. It is so powerfully emotional. This is Liza’s love story to the power of connection. The euphoria and freedom that comes when your very spirit, your very being somehow can speak to another. How two souls can connect before words are ever spoken. It is truly breathtaking. Our dark butterfly inspires the metamorphosis of our wildflower- helps her blossom, find her power, find her freedom, find her identity. But this isn’t about the transformation of just one- no, our butterfly is transformed too- because she opens her heart, she gives up control, she connects. And through that connection, these very lost women are found. A beautiful, soul-altering, powerful and unbreakable love grows out of the most toxic, evil darkness. Aura and Ruby confront the demons around them, but most importantly, they confront their own. They find the beauty in their darkness, and they find themselves. And that, well that is worth fighting for.
The story itself is riveting enough on its own- hauntingly beautiful, chaotic, addictive, original and fast paced. But that is just the first layer of this story’s brilliance, because Liza has given us so much more. Underneath this amazing story is a powerful and resonant allegory about our own humanity. Aura is our everyman- she’s all of us. And the cult- the darkness that traps her, that’s a symbol for our culture- and one that is, disturbingly, not that hyperbolic. Vibe is about finding FREEDOM, about realigning, finding a new balance, breaking free of the toxic noise around us to find a new frequency…to find our OWN frequency. This is about confronting ourselves as much as the world around us- confront the metaphorical “Nation” but also our own fears, our own darkness, our own truths. LIFE IS VIBE. And only when we do that can we truly be ourselves- can we truly be free. In whatever way matters to us. And that message of self-transformation, of self-confrontation- WOW, that spoke to me. It challenged me, it moved me, it helped me confront parts of myself that I didn’t even know existed. And I felt awakened.
THIS STORY IS SO IMPORTANT. Even if you think FF isn’t your thing- pick this up. Because that’s kind of the point - our assumptions about what might appeal to us or what we might connect with. What really is shaping our instincts when it comes or a FF romance- that’s the point. And besides, it is so much more than that. And I found myself connecting to these characters and this story more than I have in a long time. VIBE is so unapologetically truthful- it’s raw and it feels so personal. I can practically feel Liza’s heart bleeding out on the page, and it shows- because wow, what an experience this story is.
I know this story will stick with me for a long time. I felt challenged, I felt seen, I felt like I saw myself and the world around me with fresh eyes. Liza James has earned a forever fan in me- and this book, well this book is now one of my all time favorite stories. “I’m being liberated in ways I didn’t realize were possible and I’m addicted to the radical strength of it.” Thank you, Liza, for speaking your truth- and for helping us find our own.
Vibe was nothing like I expected it would be- but it rocked me to my core. Sexy, dark and gritty, deeply provocative, and emotionally powerful- this story has so many layers of meaning, nuances that I'm still unpacking. I cannot stop thinking about it- don't yet fully have words, but I know this- there is nothing like this book. Vibe is so original, so breathtakingly unapologetic and raw about its heart, so disturbingly beautiful that I can't help but feel changed, like I'm now vibrating on a whole new frequency.
Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect- but even so, this was nothing like what I imagined. Darker, grittier, harder, more disturbing and unsettling. But also more meaningful, more complex and more powerful. From the first page I knew this book would be different. This story is teeming with darkness- we have corruption, we have cults, we have trauma and pain, and we have a sweet and engrossing love story all set amidst the seedy neon lights of a strip club. No one is what they seem, nothing is what it seems- and there is only one truth we can rely upon. Aura and Ruby- they vibe.
These characters- my God, these characters. Ruby and Aura own me. I connected to them both so deeply. Both of them are so vividly and lovingly created- they are raw, they are real, authentic and truthful, and they are so complexly and hauntingly beautiful. On the surface, these two women couldn’t be more different. One is secure and strong in her identity- oozing freedom and self-assurance, unflinchingly in touch with who she is. The other is insecure and unsure of who she is- trapped by the chains of her deeply disturbing past and mired down by the toxic dogma she’s internalized from her troubled childhood. But, we soon find that they share the same frequency- a vibe that binds them together heart, body, and soul. Their connection- well, it is transcendent- consuming and transforming. Their growth, their journey- I’m in awe of it. This is some POWERFUL character growth-I’m truly blown away.
Oh my. Aura. Our Vibe Girl. Few characters have moved me, have challenged me, in the way that Aura has. Her story is painful, disturbing, and tragic- and she’s just so well and completely lost. She escaped a hellish existence, being trapped in a way of life- but we find that she’s really only physically escaped that evil. The scars, the indoctrination, the terror and fear all still trap her- still hold her prisoner in the darkness. She’s lost, confused, afraid- and a bit numb- until she’s thrown into the orbit of Ruby. One darkness traps her, but Ruby’s is liberating. Aura struggles with the emotions and feelings that she always thought were bad and wrong, trying to confront how something that brings her to life, that finally gives her power and purpose and clarity can be bad. But Aura needs two things more than anything else- acceptance and trust- and Ruby, Ruby gives those to her.
Ruby is a dark butterfly- captivating and alluring to Aura in her freeness. Her strength and resilience rocked my soul- this woman owns everything about herself, even her pain. Rebellious even in her own suffering. Her journey might not feel as big of a step as Aura’s, but in truth, Ruby is actually using her freedom as a shield. Her indifference to what others think has evolved into her not connecting. She’s free- but she’s alone, completely closed up. So, like Aura, she’s actually lost, too. But Aura inspires her vulnerability, her openness.
Their story is so much more than a FF taboo story- although, that aspect of it is sexy AF. But this is really about two people connecting in a way that most of us can only dream about. It is so powerfully emotional. This is Liza’s love story to the power of connection. The euphoria and freedom that comes when your very spirit, your very being somehow can speak to another. How two souls can connect before words are ever spoken. It is truly breathtaking. Our dark butterfly inspires the metamorphosis of our wildflower- helps her blossom, find her power, find her freedom, find her identity. But this isn’t about the transformation of just one- no, our butterfly is transformed too- because she opens her heart, she gives up control, she connects. And through that connection, these very lost women are found. A beautiful, soul-altering, powerful and unbreakable love grows out of the most toxic, evil darkness. Aura and Ruby confront the demons around them, but most importantly, they confront their own. They find the beauty in their darkness, and they find themselves. And that, well that is worth fighting for.
The story itself is riveting enough on its own- hauntingly beautiful, chaotic, addictive, original and fast paced. But that is just the first layer of this story’s brilliance, because Liza has given us so much more. Underneath this amazing story is a powerful and resonant allegory about our own humanity. Aura is our everyman- she’s all of us. And the cult- the darkness that traps her, that’s a symbol for our culture- and one that is, disturbingly, not that hyperbolic. Vibe is about finding FREEDOM, about realigning, finding a new balance, breaking free of the toxic noise around us to find a new frequency…to find our OWN frequency. This is about confronting ourselves as much as the world around us- confront the metaphorical “Nation” but also our own fears, our own darkness, our own truths. LIFE IS VIBE. And only when we do that can we truly be ourselves- can we truly be free. In whatever way matters to us. And that message of self-transformation, of self-confrontation- WOW, that spoke to me. It challenged me, it moved me, it helped me confront parts of myself that I didn’t even know existed. And I felt awakened.
THIS STORY IS SO IMPORTANT. Even if you think FF isn’t your thing- pick this up. Because that’s kind of the point - our assumptions about what might appeal to us or what we might connect with. What really is shaping our instincts when it comes or a FF romance- that’s the point. And besides, it is so much more than that. And I found myself connecting to these characters and this story more than I have in a long time. VIBE is so unapologetically truthful- it’s raw and it feels so personal. I can practically feel Liza’s heart bleeding out on the page, and it shows- because wow, what an experience this story is.
I know this story will stick with me for a long time. I felt challenged, I felt seen, I felt like I saw myself and the world around me with fresh eyes. Liza James has earned a forever fan in me- and this book, well this book is now one of my all time favorite stories. “I’m being liberated in ways I didn’t realize were possible and I’m addicted to the radical strength of it.” Thank you, Liza, for speaking your truth- and for helping us find our own.
April 5, 2025
Such a good sapphic romance! And it involves a cult!?! I had no idea, and I love dark romances with a cult element.
From the instant the two heroines meet, there is absolutely an instant attraction between the two and I loved how they could not stop thinking about each other or trying to be around each other. One has escaped a cult and the other one is in a pretty bad situation at the club she works at. This is a DARK romance and these two heroines have gone through a lot. As they're growing closer, more dangerous things are thrown their way. I really enjoyed the suspense plot and the romance! I'm excited to try out more from Liza James!
From the instant the two heroines meet, there is absolutely an instant attraction between the two and I loved how they could not stop thinking about each other or trying to be around each other. One has escaped a cult and the other one is in a pretty bad situation at the club she works at. This is a DARK romance and these two heroines have gone through a lot. As they're growing closer, more dangerous things are thrown their way. I really enjoyed the suspense plot and the romance! I'm excited to try out more from Liza James!
February 6, 2021
This book reads like lengthy Tumblr fan fiction brought to life. I found myself cringing at some of the “dialogue” between main characters Aura & Ruby. While there are explicit sex scenes, they’re hard to enjoy given the context of their blooming toxic relationship and repeated scenes of graphic rape & abuse. The storyline is poorly thrown together and the writing is awful. It is not a “dark” story, rather a trash smut novel where queer female characters are repeatedly raped and abused by men. Save yourself the time and skip this all together.
February 25, 2021
Honestly I am shocked beyond belief that this book exists and that I managed to force myself to read it. This book is SO bad that I had to continue I was engrossed in seeing if I could mentally finish this book.
Also trigger warning for this review and trigger warning for the entire book! [rape, murder, blood, peadophilla, bdsm]
I will be honest I barely read the book, I skimmed most of it after 25% as I realised just how fucked it was.
This book is essentially about a weird cult that has no substance or basis for why they do what they do that rapes and manipulates children in killing other children for the sole purpose of ‘cleansing’ themselves ready for ?? God knows what because the writer clearly doesn’t know and neither do I. It was horrific to read and handled badly. The Themes and the ideas were interesting, I’m all up for dark, unsettling literature but my god this was NOT it.
Save yourself from the pain of reading this book, please. I never write reviews like this but I would just hate any person to read this and experience what I did. Also the wlw romance was fetishised and gross and TOXIC as fuck. Like I cannot get my head around one particular part where aura is literally raped and then aura and ruby have sex maybe an hour later? And like aggressive bdsm Sex. The thought process of that entire scene baffles me. The last thing I want to read after a rape scene is a horrifically explicit, DOMINANT sex scene like the parallels are painfully awful.
Don’t get me wrong the premise of this book is interesting and I wanted to read something out of my conform zone but the execution was bad. The themes needed to be dealt with better and the characters were 2 dimensional and bland and none of their actions made sense at all. If this was a book about a women who escaped a cult to find a wlw sex filled romance then that may have been ‘ok...’ but this was just ahhh cult ahh murder ahh lots and lots of Sex with people I don’t know and ahhh rape oh wait more rape and more you guessed it rape. Like seriously there needs to be a major trigger warning for this book.
Also the writing !! Hilarious so bad, typos! The sentence structure hurts my soul! The speech between characters? My entire soul cringed when I heard the name ‘Vibe Girl’ in a serious ‘I wanna f*ck you sentence’ like WHAT ! Also why so much swearing I think the most used word is either ‘f*ck’ or ‘p*ssy’ which are GREAT words but tire very easily in this book. Like cmon change it up a bit, there are many swear words and many words for genitalia.
This review is becoming increasingly sarcastic. I must add some positives ? I like women so seeing wlw in a book was nice but in all honestly I would take heteronormative literature over this any day. In fact Give me back of mice and men !!!
Also why is everyone in the book related to the cult in some way? Illogical? Messy? Bad writing? Yup.
You know? Maybe someone out there will enjoy this book. But myself as a lesbian woman looking for literature that represents myself? Definitely not. Someone with a fetish for lesbianism and blood and murder and rape? Maybe 🤔
Take my advice... give it a miss.
Also trigger warning for this review and trigger warning for the entire book! [rape, murder, blood, peadophilla, bdsm]
I will be honest I barely read the book, I skimmed most of it after 25% as I realised just how fucked it was.
This book is essentially about a weird cult that has no substance or basis for why they do what they do that rapes and manipulates children in killing other children for the sole purpose of ‘cleansing’ themselves ready for ?? God knows what because the writer clearly doesn’t know and neither do I. It was horrific to read and handled badly. The Themes and the ideas were interesting, I’m all up for dark, unsettling literature but my god this was NOT it.
Save yourself from the pain of reading this book, please. I never write reviews like this but I would just hate any person to read this and experience what I did. Also the wlw romance was fetishised and gross and TOXIC as fuck. Like I cannot get my head around one particular part where aura is literally raped and then aura and ruby have sex maybe an hour later? And like aggressive bdsm Sex. The thought process of that entire scene baffles me. The last thing I want to read after a rape scene is a horrifically explicit, DOMINANT sex scene like the parallels are painfully awful.
Don’t get me wrong the premise of this book is interesting and I wanted to read something out of my conform zone but the execution was bad. The themes needed to be dealt with better and the characters were 2 dimensional and bland and none of their actions made sense at all. If this was a book about a women who escaped a cult to find a wlw sex filled romance then that may have been ‘ok...’ but this was just ahhh cult ahh murder ahh lots and lots of Sex with people I don’t know and ahhh rape oh wait more rape and more you guessed it rape. Like seriously there needs to be a major trigger warning for this book.
Also the writing !! Hilarious so bad, typos! The sentence structure hurts my soul! The speech between characters? My entire soul cringed when I heard the name ‘Vibe Girl’ in a serious ‘I wanna f*ck you sentence’ like WHAT ! Also why so much swearing I think the most used word is either ‘f*ck’ or ‘p*ssy’ which are GREAT words but tire very easily in this book. Like cmon change it up a bit, there are many swear words and many words for genitalia.
This review is becoming increasingly sarcastic. I must add some positives ? I like women so seeing wlw in a book was nice but in all honestly I would take heteronormative literature over this any day. In fact Give me back of mice and men !!!
Also why is everyone in the book related to the cult in some way? Illogical? Messy? Bad writing? Yup.
You know? Maybe someone out there will enjoy this book. But myself as a lesbian woman looking for literature that represents myself? Definitely not. Someone with a fetish for lesbianism and blood and murder and rape? Maybe 🤔
Take my advice... give it a miss.
June 15, 2023
This 2⭐️ review has nothing to do with how dark the content is or the fact that it’s a dark romance.
I’m giving it 2⭐️ because there are significant craft issues with the writing.
I’m giving it 2⭐️ because there are significant craft issues with the writing.
September 14, 2020
Vibe by Liza James is my first book from her and also my very first F/F story ever. Liza James knocked this story out of the park. I was intrigued immediately when I read the prologue. Then came the very first meeting between Aura and Ruby and I knew this story was unique. For me Vibe isn’t the story of two women who falls in love. For me it’s all about the connection these two form and the positive things that comes from that. It’s instantly and it’s powerful. The gender is of no importance. I was fascinated with James’ flawless writing and how she executed in portraying such a strong connection and attraction between Aura and Ruby.
The story is dark, gritty and compelling. Aura has been through hell growing up. Not having a say in anything. Other people decided everything for her and deceiving her. Ruby has also had a rough upbringing and still has demons she faces everyday but she’s a fighter. The opposite of Aura who besides discover new sides of herself also breaks free of those chains others have put her in. They bring out the best in one another and change each other irrevocably.
Vibe is such a life affirming story despite it being very dark. What I take away from Vibe is the message the story. Not being labeled or put in boxes. Being free to love who ever you want. No matter the gender. The power of being free and saying no. Having a voice and using it.
4 Wildflower and Butterfly Stars
The story is dark, gritty and compelling. Aura has been through hell growing up. Not having a say in anything. Other people decided everything for her and deceiving her. Ruby has also had a rough upbringing and still has demons she faces everyday but she’s a fighter. The opposite of Aura who besides discover new sides of herself also breaks free of those chains others have put her in. They bring out the best in one another and change each other irrevocably.
Vibe is such a life affirming story despite it being very dark. What I take away from Vibe is the message the story. Not being labeled or put in boxes. Being free to love who ever you want. No matter the gender. The power of being free and saying no. Having a voice and using it.
4 Wildflower and Butterfly Stars
September 28, 2021
4⭐️
i surprisingly liked this WAY more than i thought i would. this would've been a 5 star read if i didn't predict the whole plot in the first 100 pages. idek how i knew but i just did. so all those plot twists at the end didn't really affect me much—i was just like ya ya i know lets be done with this.
i love the characters though. god its so refreshing to read a sapphic book. i mean i rarely get to see people recommending smutty sapphic books, idek why not??? bc they are wild and interesting.
i loved the writing style as well and def will be checking out liza james's other books because damn i liked this a lot.
also can we please appreciate how crazy the main characters are—i mean they seriously were doing it next to a corpse while using a knife 🕊 rip to me.
this book is def 100% dark. a lot of triggering material that i caught on such as
• rape
• abuse
• incest
• blood
• grooming
• emotional manipulation
• murder/death of children
“She's the other half of my soul. The piece they believe corrupted me.
But she's the only one who's ever set me free. ”
i surprisingly liked this WAY more than i thought i would. this would've been a 5 star read if i didn't predict the whole plot in the first 100 pages. idek how i knew but i just did. so all those plot twists at the end didn't really affect me much—i was just like ya ya i know lets be done with this.
i love the characters though. god its so refreshing to read a sapphic book. i mean i rarely get to see people recommending smutty sapphic books, idek why not??? bc they are wild and interesting.
i loved the writing style as well and def will be checking out liza james's other books because damn i liked this a lot.
also can we please appreciate how crazy the main characters are—i mean they seriously were doing it next to a corpse while using a knife 🕊 rip to me.
this book is def 100% dark. a lot of triggering material that i caught on such as
• rape
• abuse
• incest
• blood
• grooming
• emotional manipulation
• murder/death of children
September 6, 2020
What a ride this book is! First off, this is my first FF book ever... cus though I'm not opposed to FF, I usually like a funstick or two in on the action. Liza James has me rethinking every book I've skipped simply because there wasn't any D. I may end up bingeing some FF now! First tiktok, now Liza. I'm seriously reevaluating my life choices. WTH.
This book is hot, the chemistry is off the charts, the vibe is absofreakinglutely REAL.
When all you have ever known is life in a cult, when you have been groomed since childhood to play a part, yet still know when something is wrong... then meeting someone where from the instant you meet you connect on a level that transcends everything... that's effing beautiful.
These two are resilient and strong. They are willing to do anything to protect the other. They are perfect.
In a word, this is ineffable. Even if you aren't into FF books, if you are a fan of dark romance... READ THIS BOOK! I can't recommend it enough. Liza has true talent and she's definitely a one click author.
This book is hot, the chemistry is off the charts, the vibe is absofreakinglutely REAL.
When all you have ever known is life in a cult, when you have been groomed since childhood to play a part, yet still know when something is wrong... then meeting someone where from the instant you meet you connect on a level that transcends everything... that's effing beautiful.
These two are resilient and strong. They are willing to do anything to protect the other. They are perfect.
In a word, this is ineffable. Even if you aren't into FF books, if you are a fan of dark romance... READ THIS BOOK! I can't recommend it enough. Liza has true talent and she's definitely a one click author.
September 28, 2020
This book was like Midsommar but imagine if that movie wasn't scary and was really poorly made. That's basically what you're getting with Vibe.
Also, I wish authors would stop labeling their romances as "dark" when they are barely kinky and are basically just thrillers. Nothing about Nova and Aura's (yes,those are really their names) relationship was dark in any way, so I felt misled.
TW: sexual assault
Also, I wish authors would stop labeling their romances as "dark" when they are barely kinky and are basically just thrillers. Nothing about Nova and Aura's (yes,those are really their names) relationship was dark in any way, so I felt misled.
TW: sexual assault
June 28, 2023
4.5 Stars!
February 7, 2023
*deep sigh* I know people are starved of dark ff romances, but even still I would not recommend this to anybody. It's poorly written trauma porn and an absolute mess of a book. I'm gonna use bullet points to try and organize all my thoughts about Vibe. Mild spoilers ahead btw!
• The Characters: there were no sane characters in this book. All of them were off their rocker right from page one and you have to accept that none of them speak, act, or think like normal human beings. Our two main characters, Aura and Ruby, are also both idiots on top of being insane. They constantly make thoughtless decisions for the sake of moving the plot forward. I can't even count the number of times I rolled my eyes at the choices they made when it was so obvious they'd be walking right into trouble.
• The Romance: insta-love at its worse. Aura and Ruby's romance is based purely off of "vibes" and sex instead of anything solid or real. We're never shown why the two are attracted to each other aside from the both of them consistently remarking on their "energies", "frequency", or "being on the same wavelength". And then they fuck. That's it. That is the romance. I will say the only thing I liked about this book was Ruby's nickname for Aura. She called her "Vibe Girl". Normally I hate nicknames used in romances, but honestly I did think "Vibe Girl" was cute.
• The Plot: trauma porn. Scene after scene of these women being abused or manipulated. And I have never used that term before because I enjoy reading dark, gritty stories that many other people would call trauma porn. But there was just something about all the trauma the characters go through that seems written through an almost fetishy lens. That's not the best way to describe it, but it gets my point across. For example, both girls are SA'd in the book and in both scenes the assaulter's "thick, long cock" is described in the text. 🤢 It was incredibly odd to me.
• The Writing: bruhhhhh. Okay so the writing itself wouldn't be terrible if it weren’t for one glaring issue. The writing read like it was written by a 13 year old who just discovered curse words. I don't have any issues about cussing in general, I really could give a fuck, but omg it was used so so so excessively in this book to a ridiculous degree. The word "fucking" was used an adjective or an adverb in what seemed like every other sentence. And it would be for mundane things too. Like a character's inner dialogue would be like, "I'm going to go on a fucking walk and clear my fucking head out and if anyone tries to stop me, then so help me fucking god." (not a direct quote btw I'm just trying to get a point across). It got so tiring to read 😭
Anyways, I think that about sums up my thoughts and feelings about Vibe. Idk if I got across how truly bizarre this book was. It was definitely a unique reading experience I will give it that 😅
• The Characters: there were no sane characters in this book. All of them were off their rocker right from page one and you have to accept that none of them speak, act, or think like normal human beings. Our two main characters, Aura and Ruby, are also both idiots on top of being insane. They constantly make thoughtless decisions for the sake of moving the plot forward. I can't even count the number of times I rolled my eyes at the choices they made when it was so obvious they'd be walking right into trouble.
• The Romance: insta-love at its worse. Aura and Ruby's romance is based purely off of "vibes" and sex instead of anything solid or real. We're never shown why the two are attracted to each other aside from the both of them consistently remarking on their "energies", "frequency", or "being on the same wavelength". And then they fuck. That's it. That is the romance. I will say the only thing I liked about this book was Ruby's nickname for Aura. She called her "Vibe Girl". Normally I hate nicknames used in romances, but honestly I did think "Vibe Girl" was cute.
• The Plot: trauma porn. Scene after scene of these women being abused or manipulated. And I have never used that term before because I enjoy reading dark, gritty stories that many other people would call trauma porn. But there was just something about all the trauma the characters go through that seems written through an almost fetishy lens. That's not the best way to describe it, but it gets my point across. For example, both girls are SA'd in the book and in both scenes the assaulter's "thick, long cock" is described in the text. 🤢 It was incredibly odd to me.
• The Writing: bruhhhhh. Okay so the writing itself wouldn't be terrible if it weren’t for one glaring issue. The writing read like it was written by a 13 year old who just discovered curse words. I don't have any issues about cussing in general, I really could give a fuck, but omg it was used so so so excessively in this book to a ridiculous degree. The word "fucking" was used an adjective or an adverb in what seemed like every other sentence. And it would be for mundane things too. Like a character's inner dialogue would be like, "I'm going to go on a fucking walk and clear my fucking head out and if anyone tries to stop me, then so help me fucking god." (not a direct quote btw I'm just trying to get a point across). It got so tiring to read 😭
Anyways, I think that about sums up my thoughts and feelings about Vibe. Idk if I got across how truly bizarre this book was. It was definitely a unique reading experience I will give it that 😅
October 7, 2022
2.5 stars
i don't know why but i thought this book would have similar vibes to Tryst Six Venom....... i was very wrong. there's so much that went on this book lmao, it was wild.
we start off with our main character, Aura, having a flashback to when she was in a cult (???? it was so random). we quickly learn that she's escaped the cult, and she's now living with her boyfriend and best friend. although she's escaped, she's still haunted by past trauma and experiences. Ruby, the love interest, is a stripper. on a date gone wrong, Ruby and Aura meet at the club. things then go to shit, pretty much.
firstly, Ruby and Aura were cute, i guess? i love it so much when characters are consumed with each other, to the point of obsession. they're constantly on each other's minds, the dark passion, mutual longing and desire, and just straight up always being horny for one another.... I LOVE IT.
saying that, it did feel slightly rushed?? Ruby and Aura lock eyes at a club, and it is INSTANT attraction and desire. i think i prefer more of a gradual build up, but that is definitely a personal preference thing.
i don't want to get into too much detail, but there are some hyperspecific *points of interest* that i NEED to talk about lmao
- if i hear the term "energy" or "vibe" one more time, i'm gonna bash my head against the wall
i'm alll for cute, unique and original terms of endearment, but WHAT is "vibe girl" 🤨.... what is that? Liza James, i have QUESTIONS.
the characters will be having the most steamy, juicy interaction, and i'll be living my best life reading it. then Ruby calls Aura "vibe girl" out of nowhere and bruh the entire mood is destroyed, obliterated, turned to ashes. it's genuinely one of the cringiest, Wattpad-level terms of endearment. (lol i lie, nothing will ever beat Michael Crist calling Rika: "little monster" in Corrupt 💀).
furthermore, this story played with the concept of people having specific types of energies (or aura's, if you will). i would've liked the concept, if it wasn't mentioned in the most bizarre situations. At one point, Ruby is angry at Aura's shitty boyfriend (we'll talk more about him later because i have THOUGHTS), and she starts channelling her "strength and anger" so the boyfriend can feel the "tension", or something bizarre like that, and i'm just here like??? huh? i like the concept of people having specific energies. but the way the author interacts with this concept, made it feel gimmicky and comedic. i couldn't take it seriously. and i'm sad because it could've been really cool, if done well.
- the insufferable side characters
Hawke (Aura's boyfriend) and Bethie (Aura's best friend), are number 1 on my hit list. genuinely awful awful people. The way that they emotionally manipulate and gaslight Aura..... oooffff i wanna fight them, it's literally on sight. seriously, Aura and Ruby have to be the only valid characters in this entire book. everyone else can cHOKE.
- men suck, queer women rule
i have to say, i love that this book is basically like, "men are scary and gross and creepy,,, so just love women instead"
i mean, it's an incentive. you don't gotta tell me twice. (lmao just kidding. men, please do not come for me). radical feminists will heavily fuck with this book.
- traumaaaa, call my therapist
i feel obligated to say that this story has almost every trigger. there are also multiple instances of on-page rape. please be careful with yourself <3
overall, this book just felt like one big Riverdale episode. it was weird and random and messy. but it also was a quick romance, which is exactly what i was looking for at the time. i don't regret reading it, because it made me laugh (unintentionally lol), but it's not one i would ever recommend
i don't know why but i thought this book would have similar vibes to Tryst Six Venom....... i was very wrong. there's so much that went on this book lmao, it was wild.
we start off with our main character, Aura, having a flashback to when she was in a cult (???? it was so random). we quickly learn that she's escaped the cult, and she's now living with her boyfriend and best friend. although she's escaped, she's still haunted by past trauma and experiences. Ruby, the love interest, is a stripper. on a date gone wrong, Ruby and Aura meet at the club. things then go to shit, pretty much.
firstly, Ruby and Aura were cute, i guess? i love it so much when characters are consumed with each other, to the point of obsession. they're constantly on each other's minds, the dark passion, mutual longing and desire, and just straight up always being horny for one another.... I LOVE IT.
"I'm always going to want you. Always dream of you. You've ruined me for anyone else. Do you know that? I can't fucking think straight when you're around, can't imagine being with anyone else that isn't you."
saying that, it did feel slightly rushed?? Ruby and Aura lock eyes at a club, and it is INSTANT attraction and desire. i think i prefer more of a gradual build up, but that is definitely a personal preference thing.
i don't want to get into too much detail, but there are some hyperspecific *points of interest* that i NEED to talk about lmao
- if i hear the term "energy" or "vibe" one more time, i'm gonna bash my head against the wall
i'm alll for cute, unique and original terms of endearment, but WHAT is "vibe girl" 🤨.... what is that? Liza James, i have QUESTIONS.
the characters will be having the most steamy, juicy interaction, and i'll be living my best life reading it. then Ruby calls Aura "vibe girl" out of nowhere and bruh the entire mood is destroyed, obliterated, turned to ashes. it's genuinely one of the cringiest, Wattpad-level terms of endearment. (lol i lie, nothing will ever beat Michael Crist calling Rika: "little monster" in Corrupt 💀).
furthermore, this story played with the concept of people having specific types of energies (or aura's, if you will). i would've liked the concept, if it wasn't mentioned in the most bizarre situations. At one point, Ruby is angry at Aura's shitty boyfriend (we'll talk more about him later because i have THOUGHTS), and she starts channelling her "strength and anger" so the boyfriend can feel the "tension", or something bizarre like that, and i'm just here like??? huh? i like the concept of people having specific energies. but the way the author interacts with this concept, made it feel gimmicky and comedic. i couldn't take it seriously. and i'm sad because it could've been really cool, if done well.
- the insufferable side characters
Hawke (Aura's boyfriend) and Bethie (Aura's best friend), are number 1 on my hit list. genuinely awful awful people. The way that they emotionally manipulate and gaslight Aura..... oooffff i wanna fight them, it's literally on sight. seriously, Aura and Ruby have to be the only valid characters in this entire book. everyone else can cHOKE.
- men suck, queer women rule
i have to say, i love that this book is basically like, "men are scary and gross and creepy,,, so just love women instead"
i mean, it's an incentive. you don't gotta tell me twice. (lmao just kidding. men, please do not come for me). radical feminists will heavily fuck with this book.
- traumaaaa, call my therapist
i feel obligated to say that this story has almost every trigger. there are also multiple instances of on-page rape. please be careful with yourself <3
overall, this book just felt like one big Riverdale episode. it was weird and random and messy. but it also was a quick romance, which is exactly what i was looking for at the time. i don't regret reading it, because it made me laugh (unintentionally lol), but it's not one i would ever recommend
December 14, 2023
Sapphic dark romance >>>>>>>>>>>>>
September 6, 2020
Most importantly, before I write this review I want to say, take a chance on stories you never think you will read. You might surprise yourself. I had only read one FF story before this and it wasn't my favorite but I knew this author would change my outlook and in true Liza fashion SHE DID. IT WAS INCREDIBLE.
You ever read a book that totally made you rethink your sexual orientation? Yea I hadnt either...until THIS BOOK.
W
O
W
This book started with a culty BANG! I knew from reading about Auras induction ceremony at age 13 I would be in trigger heaven.
This book had 2 of my favorite topics:
Cults and strip clubs. And would you ever imagine those two things mixed together? Hell no. But it was entwined PERFECTLY.
Aura- "Being sexually turned on by women? Not my thing. I just don’t vibe on that wavelength, I guess." <--- HEEHEE WE WILL SEE.
And then she met Ruby. "An esoteric butterfly" I swooned!!!! It was chemistry on crack on fire from the get go! & I loved the whole "Vibe Girl" name.
Aura-"Do you think I'm crazy?"
Ruby- “I think you have a f***ed-up past, Vibe Girl. And I do think you’re crazy. But lucky for you, crazy is my favorite.”
I LOVE THEM!!!
I LOVE THEIR CONNECTION!!!
I LOVE THEIR ENTIRE BEINGS.
Makes me wish I had a connection that intense to someone in my life. It's like they were meant for each other from the very second they laid eyes on one another.
This book gave me EVERY emotion.
Desire ✔
Panic ✔
Excitement ✔
Laughter ✔
ANGST ✔
Utter sadness ✔
Love ✔
I was laughing OUT LOUD in certain parts of the book then suddenly I was high on anxiety in the next moment. Then I was sweating and squirming all over the place because the chemistry was so strong I was all but GUSHING myself HAHA.
In most books, when a big WOW moment comes, I can normally anticipate it. But the OMG moments in this book took me by surprise. There were so many shocking revelations in this book! I was on the edge of my seat (literally) during the entire last 20% of this book. I couldnt get enough!!!! This story will most definitely leave an imprint on my soul. I havent been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it. So far, every book I have read by this author has left me with the worst book hangovers.
She is so underrated.
She is so talented.
She is an instant one-click for me FOREVER.
5 STAR CHARACTERS.
5 STAR STORY.
5 STAR AUTHOR.
You ever read a book that totally made you rethink your sexual orientation? Yea I hadnt either...until THIS BOOK.
W
O
W
This book started with a culty BANG! I knew from reading about Auras induction ceremony at age 13 I would be in trigger heaven.
This book had 2 of my favorite topics:
Cults and strip clubs. And would you ever imagine those two things mixed together? Hell no. But it was entwined PERFECTLY.
Aura- "Being sexually turned on by women? Not my thing. I just don’t vibe on that wavelength, I guess." <--- HEEHEE WE WILL SEE.
And then she met Ruby. "An esoteric butterfly" I swooned!!!! It was chemistry on crack on fire from the get go! & I loved the whole "Vibe Girl" name.
Aura-"Do you think I'm crazy?"
Ruby- “I think you have a f***ed-up past, Vibe Girl. And I do think you’re crazy. But lucky for you, crazy is my favorite.”
I LOVE THEM!!!
I LOVE THEIR CONNECTION!!!
I LOVE THEIR ENTIRE BEINGS.
Makes me wish I had a connection that intense to someone in my life. It's like they were meant for each other from the very second they laid eyes on one another.
This book gave me EVERY emotion.
Desire ✔
Panic ✔
Excitement ✔
Laughter ✔
ANGST ✔
Utter sadness ✔
Love ✔
I was laughing OUT LOUD in certain parts of the book then suddenly I was high on anxiety in the next moment. Then I was sweating and squirming all over the place because the chemistry was so strong I was all but GUSHING myself HAHA.
In most books, when a big WOW moment comes, I can normally anticipate it. But the OMG moments in this book took me by surprise. There were so many shocking revelations in this book! I was on the edge of my seat (literally) during the entire last 20% of this book. I couldnt get enough!!!! This story will most definitely leave an imprint on my soul. I havent been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it. So far, every book I have read by this author has left me with the worst book hangovers.
She is so underrated.
She is so talented.
She is an instant one-click for me FOREVER.
5 STAR CHARACTERS.
5 STAR STORY.
5 STAR AUTHOR.
dnf
September 12, 2020maybe I’ll come back to this later but the first 30% was such a struggle to get through
and the blatant lesbophobia by the others reviewing this saying they’re not interested in f/f... I’m gonna leave
and the blatant lesbophobia by the others reviewing this saying they’re not interested in f/f... I’m gonna leave
September 8, 2020
Reviewed by PussnBooks.net
Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.
Right...well...this one came out of nowhere and carved my heart out of my chest.
With a spoon.
Slowly.
And then made me beg for more.
I have read a lot of books with similar storylines and as much as I’ve enjoyed them, they didn’t make me feel the way this one did.
I felt such intense emotions that I had to put the book down once or twice to detach myself from it.
Now you might be thinking that it’s because of how dark or violent it is - but it’s not.
Well, it is dark and has some seriously violent and disturbing scenes (which I loved) but it was because I felt such rage!
Such uncontrollable fury.
It ripped feelings from me that I thought were well buried and wounds that I thought were healed.
As you may know, I really don’t trigger easily but this one got under my skin and in my head so well that I had to take calming breaths...and yeah, it seems like I may have some issues from the past that I still have to address. *sighs and adds another item to the ‘Sort Your Shit Out’ list.
AURA
Aura’s story is not an easy one to read.
She was raised in a cult by some seriously fucked up people who believe their way is the only way.
Their beliefs are the truth.
They also believe that sexually ‘training’ little girls is okay.
We’re talking ages 8 and upward...by the man her mum is now with.
Showing her how to please him...and also receiving pleasure in return.
And mum was totally on board! *lip curls with disgust*
As she came of age she has to undergo her initiation and what happened there was just...ugh,
So now she’s in her 20s and has escaped and is trying to throw off the cloud that the cult had over her and try to forget, move on and heal.
She has a boyfriend and her best friend is always around too.
She has a job as a photographer and life seems to be getting better...kinda.
One night she decides to try something different and they go to a strip club.
Where she meets Ruby.
Her life just got turned upside down.
RUBY
Ruby is bold, brave, and feckin’ amazing.
She is fierce, proud and strong.
She gives zero fucks what you think and lives her life for her.
Because she too had demons to beat and leave behind.
Except that one of them found her and is a daily torture.
She sees Aura one night and just instantly knows the connection between them is real and it shakes her to her core.
She’s so drawn to Aura she can’t help but engage with her.
But she shouldn’t because if her ‘demon’ realises she cares about someone, he’ll fuck her up just to get to Ruby,
Damn! This girl goes through some shit!
DARK SCENES
As you know, I like to prepare you for what’s in this book. It’s not pretty. This was Aura at 13.
***TRIGGER WARNING***
His hands fall lower, slipping over my bottom until he grips it tightly and pulls my hips against his erect length. He’s shown me how to touch him there, how to give a man pleasure when it’s time I marry someone of The Nation. It’ll be someone they will appoint as my head when I’m ready. He said he has to prepare me, open me fully so I’m already equipped for what I’ll have to give to the right person. He takes my hand and brings it in between us, pressing it against him so that I know what he wants. I grip him through his white slacks, dragging my hand up and down his length even though we’re surrounded by the entire Nation. I don’t care though, I don’t care about much of anything in this moment because I’m so happy. My mother says that it’s okay for her and me to share him. That we were especially given to him by the Omega as gifts for his perseverance and dedication to the faith.
HOT SEX SCENES
“You’re so fucking wet, Aura. God, I want to taste you. Sink my fucking tongue inside your wet cunt. Are you going to come for me when I fuck you?” Just as she says the words, she slips my own fingers inside of me, shoving my own hand so deeply that I cry out in both surprised pain and pleasure, but her other hand is quickly covering my mouth, muffling my moans as she continues fucking me with my own fingers. “Quiet, Vibe Girl. Or your sweet boyfriend will come out here and find you coming against my touch.” Her lips land on my neck again, kissing and then sucking, biting and then grazing the tip of her tongue against my skin. It’s so fucking hot, so erotic to have her controlling my movements, tempting and fucking me in a way that somehow makes this more okay than it should be. It’s definitely not right, it isn’t. But my mind can somehow masque this into me getting myself off, and Ruby just happening to be in the same room. Controlling every action. Speaking filthy words. Stifling my achy cries. Suddenly, she pulls my hand away from me and out of my waistband, releasing her hold on both of my hands. She grips the edges of my shorts and yanks them down my legs quicker than I can protest, until I’m completely bare from the waist down with my shirt still tucked up above my breasts. She pulls my hands up and over my head, pinning them up while her lips fall to my ear again. “Spread those fucking legs for me, baby.” My chest rises and falls in heavy waves, but I do as she says, forcing my legs apart as she watches from behind me. “God, see how fucking wet you are?” she says again while she rolls her pussy against my ass and grinds against me. “That’s mine, Aura. Everything you’re feeling right now, every spark of fire that’s licking against your skin. Every moan you make, that orgasm that’s cresting inside of you. It’s all mine, don’t fucking forget that I’m the one who’s making you feel this.” This time, she keeps a hold of my wrists with one hand, and then drops her other to brush against my core. Her hand, her fingers, slipping through my pussy and coating my clit in my own cum. I roll my hips forward while she slips her hand down, simultaneously pushing two fingers inside of me at the same time. I gasp as she stretches me, knuckle by fucking knuckle until she picks up the pace and I instinctually move to shut my legs. “Don’t fucking do it. Or I’ll yell for Hawk and force him to watch while I give you the best orgasm you’ve ever had— with my fucking hand.”
FINAL THOUGHTS on VIBE by Liza James
What an amazing book! It had me vibrating with anger at the mind games and manipulation but also had me wet AF from the hot sex!
5 stars
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May 3, 2021
Pandora’s Box Series
Vibe ➟ 3.5
Hush ➟ to be read
Book: Vibe
Rating: 3.5 stars
Favorite Quote: “I'm always going to want you. Always dream of you. You've ruined me for anyone else. Do you know that? I can't fucking think straight when you're around, can't imagine being with anyone else that isn't you."
Trigger Warning: Cult, Rape, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse
Summary
Aura is trying to find her freedom. After escaping the cult, she was forced into, The Nation, for the last nine years she has been trying to find herself and leave the past in the past. One night, her boyfriend, Hawk, and friend, Bethie drag her to a club. In all honesty, she didn’t want to go but her luck changes when she notices one of the dancers. Just by one look she was mesmerized by Ruby. Ruby has not had an easy life either, her parents are nowhere to be found and she is alone most of the time. Though, she loves to be alone that night as she dances, she can’t help but be intrigued by Aura. It was an intense and electrifying interaction, but Aura has never been into girls – she’s straight. Regardless, Ruby and Aura can’t seem to stay away from each other even though the odds are against them. Additionally, they both have troubling past that continues to interfere with the possible future they could have together. So, will they make it?
Review
I have not seen or read any f/f dark romances thus when I saw this, I knew I had to read it immediately! I was not expecting much from this and even though, I did not end up loving it, I was still impressed with Liza’s book.
↳Plot. The plot is kind of what made me not enjoy this that much; it was a bit all over the place. I found it hard to follow along at times. Also, the plot was pretty predictable in my eyes. Nothing really surprised me, in that sense. Some of the things that happened just felt a bit ridiculous. However, I did enjoy Liza’s writing. This was my first book from her, and she kept me interested to turn the pages. I just wish we got more of an epilogue at the end, it was so short and a bit abrupt.
↳Characters. I liked both of the female leads. At first, I was not sure I was going to like Aura, but she quickly warmed up to me when I saw her badass side. Aura has been though a lot from being in a cult and she still carries a lot of her trauma with her. I loved her passion and excitement to be a new person – it was inspiring. Ruby was really fun to read! Her energy was fantastic, and I loved how dominant she was; she just did not give a fuck. So, it was hard to read about all she was dealing with at her club as well, but she was a strong and courageous woman! I think that’s what I enjoyed most about the heroines, how strong and uplifting they were!
↳Romance. The romance was okay. Aura and Ruby have a lot of chemistry! The smut in this book was really good! However, there was a lot of telling in this book and not enough showing. By that I mean through different POVs either girl would mention how they can’t stay away from each other or how they are just meant for each other, but I didn’t really feel it. Did I think they had a great attraction to each other? Yes, but I wasn’t feeling the pull that much. Also, it was kind of insta-lovey so that might have added to why I didn’t enjoy that much. Nonetheless, they still had some cute and well written scenes!
↳Ending Thoughts. In all, I did enjoy this. It was a decent steamy enemies to lovers f/f and I can’t wait to read Hush!
Vibe ➟ 3.5
Hush ➟ to be read
Book: Vibe
Rating: 3.5 stars
Favorite Quote: “I'm always going to want you. Always dream of you. You've ruined me for anyone else. Do you know that? I can't fucking think straight when you're around, can't imagine being with anyone else that isn't you."
Trigger Warning: Cult, Rape, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse
Summary
Aura is trying to find her freedom. After escaping the cult, she was forced into, The Nation, for the last nine years she has been trying to find herself and leave the past in the past. One night, her boyfriend, Hawk, and friend, Bethie drag her to a club. In all honesty, she didn’t want to go but her luck changes when she notices one of the dancers. Just by one look she was mesmerized by Ruby. Ruby has not had an easy life either, her parents are nowhere to be found and she is alone most of the time. Though, she loves to be alone that night as she dances, she can’t help but be intrigued by Aura. It was an intense and electrifying interaction, but Aura has never been into girls – she’s straight. Regardless, Ruby and Aura can’t seem to stay away from each other even though the odds are against them. Additionally, they both have troubling past that continues to interfere with the possible future they could have together. So, will they make it?
Review
“What pictures are you trying to take, Vibe Girl?” I taunt, arching my back as I pretend to stretch underneath her. My nipples tighten at both the cold air and the idea of her camera on me.
“The ones I want to keep forever.” Her voice is barely audible, but it screams through my blood as if she’s shouting.
I have not seen or read any f/f dark romances thus when I saw this, I knew I had to read it immediately! I was not expecting much from this and even though, I did not end up loving it, I was still impressed with Liza’s book.
↳Plot. The plot is kind of what made me not enjoy this that much; it was a bit all over the place. I found it hard to follow along at times. Also, the plot was pretty predictable in my eyes. Nothing really surprised me, in that sense. Some of the things that happened just felt a bit ridiculous. However, I did enjoy Liza’s writing. This was my first book from her, and she kept me interested to turn the pages. I just wish we got more of an epilogue at the end, it was so short and a bit abrupt.
↳Characters. I liked both of the female leads. At first, I was not sure I was going to like Aura, but she quickly warmed up to me when I saw her badass side. Aura has been though a lot from being in a cult and she still carries a lot of her trauma with her. I loved her passion and excitement to be a new person – it was inspiring. Ruby was really fun to read! Her energy was fantastic, and I loved how dominant she was; she just did not give a fuck. So, it was hard to read about all she was dealing with at her club as well, but she was a strong and courageous woman! I think that’s what I enjoyed most about the heroines, how strong and uplifting they were!
↳Romance. The romance was okay. Aura and Ruby have a lot of chemistry! The smut in this book was really good! However, there was a lot of telling in this book and not enough showing. By that I mean through different POVs either girl would mention how they can’t stay away from each other or how they are just meant for each other, but I didn’t really feel it. Did I think they had a great attraction to each other? Yes, but I wasn’t feeling the pull that much. Also, it was kind of insta-lovey so that might have added to why I didn’t enjoy that much. Nonetheless, they still had some cute and well written scenes!
↳Ending Thoughts. In all, I did enjoy this. It was a decent steamy enemies to lovers f/f and I can’t wait to read Hush!
"That there isn't anything better than this. Nothing I've experienced, no one I've been with. None of it compares to what I have with Aura. I wish I could understand it completely, but I don't think I ever will. I think once you find that person, you work your ass off to keep them.
Even if it's dangerous.
Even if it's wrong.
Even if we don't make it through this."
September 20, 2020
"Some of the decisions that feel right, the most perfect choices, are the darkest. Sometimes, it's the corruption that fulfills us."
Intense from the get-go and not a little messed up. Aura has been beat down and controlled all her life. Ruby is strong and "free" but at what cost? Both women's lives are wrapped up in a web of evil and depravity that neither of them is fully aware of. Stupid mistakes are made. Lust happens, and love follows. Saw the ending coming but it is nevertheless a nail-biter when it arrives.
This book is graphic. Sex. Violence. Emotional turmoil. Evil. I loved the two leads and felt their pain, and their triumphs. Kudos to Liza James.
On a side note: this book needs the attention of an editor. There are more grammatical errors, mostly of the missing/extra word variety, than a work this good should have. I haven't let it affect my rating, but it is a definite issue.
Intense from the get-go and not a little messed up. Aura has been beat down and controlled all her life. Ruby is strong and "free" but at what cost? Both women's lives are wrapped up in a web of evil and depravity that neither of them is fully aware of. Stupid mistakes are made. Lust happens, and love follows. Saw the ending coming but it is nevertheless a nail-biter when it arrives.
This book is graphic. Sex. Violence. Emotional turmoil. Evil. I loved the two leads and felt their pain, and their triumphs. Kudos to Liza James.
On a side note: this book needs the attention of an editor. There are more grammatical errors, mostly of the missing/extra word variety, than a work this good should have. I haven't let it affect my rating, but it is a definite issue.
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