Melt Away

by Arabella Black

You belong to us now, pretty girl.

August Scott stole me.
To protect me, he claims.
But it’s a lie.
Without any remorse, he took away my innocence.
He claimed me as his pet.
And then he shared me with his family.
I’m theirs to use.
A prey they hunger for.
When there’s nowhere left to run, their sinful secrets come to light.
Something wicked tore these men apart.
It’s up to me to reconcile them.
Because now they crave me.
And they refuse to let me go.

A complete dark reverse harem standalone. The main character has four love interests. Please read the TW before attempting this story. Not for the faint of heart.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Erotica, Abuse, BDSM, Mental Health, Menage

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2022

About the author

Best known for her dark and edgy style, Arabella Black specializes in genres like dark romance and reverse harem. Her stories often feature toxic book boyfriends and strong, rebellious heroines, designed to push the boundaries of traditional romance narratives. Her work appeals to fans of darker, more intense romance, often filled with high-stakes emotional drama and complex characters.

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Reviews

[Arabella Black]

This is a more extensive list with triggers. This one includes spoilers. I can't avoid it. I'm sorry. If reading any of the following triggers you, consider this your warning.


Multiple love interests
Breeding kink
Taboo (cousins, uncle - not blood-related)
Heroine being held captive
Noncon (she's forced to have s*x with hero)
Degradation
Somnophilia
R*pe on-page
Abortion
Humiliation
Narcissist hero
Parental neglect
Parental abuse (molestation, off-page)
Child abuse (off-page)
Sex work
Exhibitionism
Voyeurism
Dubious consent (it's unclear how much she likes it)
FFM scene (other woman, heroine, one of the heroes)
Spanking
Blackmail
Obsession
Surveillance
Ownership
Smoking cigarettes

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

KC Rating: 3.5🍁 /🌶

This is the first time I read this author's work, and to be honest, I was expecting a bit more, based on the book description, and the teasers I was expecting something way more! I was even not sure how to rate this book, as on one hand, I liked it, but at the same time once I finished the book I wasn't sure what was going on. In addition, I received an ARC, so maybe it was not yet fully edited hence some parts didn't make sense because of that.

This is a complete standalone, however, the way it ended, I do believe that another book or 2 would be a good addition to show the life after, and how everyone is coming together, as there was no full "coming together" as one harem. There was a small "reunion" however it was not fully elaborated on, considering that not everyone came to terms with "new" rules in the relationship.

The book is an RH taboo romance and has quite a few trigger and content warnings that you should be aware of before diving in, so be sure to check Arabella's review with all of them on GR. I liked it in the beginning, probably because the main "taboo" was happening then, as well as all the non-consent and kidnapping, however, the more the book was progressing the more I wasn't sure whether I was enjoying it or not. Everything was chaotic, and none of the characters were making sense (well except for Mae, she was the only one who was "normal" and that's considering that she was contemplating selling her body to pay off her debt!)

One thing that I honestly loved, was the twist closer to the end, specifically who Mae preferred and "confessed" to. I wasn't overly happy with how the ending worked (and as I've mentioned I do believe it needs another book to kind of smooth out some of the edges), but more on that in my Rant/Spoiler zone below!

Overall, this was a good book provided that the arc copy that I had went thought edits then it'll be great, and for all my RH lovers it may not be full of many group scenes, but it does have good spicy scenes!

Rant/Spoiler Zone

The rant below is completely up to anyone to read, but do note that it contains spoilers, as I'm discussing plot and characters, hence read at your own discretion!

So first of all, Alfie's potential was thrown down the drain! Literally, when the guy got pissed off somewhere in the beginning of the book and showed a stapler in Mae's mouth, I was like: ah, so this is our resident psycho, but honestly first of all their spicy scenes were so close to the end and so vanilla, that I was disappointed. Hence I petition for a second book so that we can get more of the psycho nature that we got a glimpse of.

August, the resident a-hole, I actually liked the guy in the beginning even if he r*ped Mae, he was just taking what he believed was his, but the more the book progressed the less sense his actions were making. Also, i didn't get what his problem with his father and brother was. He was the king of a-holes, and considering that we get to know that it was actually him being the criminal and not Lake his behaviour was making even less sense. His duality in saying that he will be gentle and protect Mae, but at the same time calling and treating her as HIS property was pissing me off! I would have understood if he referred to her as THEIR property, but no, he wasn't acknowledging that they were in a harem, and that's another reason why I believe that the book needs a bit more editing, maybe I just didn't get those parts!

As a fan of RH mostly for the group scenes, I was disappointed as there were no real group scenes here. Yes we get Lake & Isaac and Mae in a group scene, but I wanted more of them in the same scene, and while we get a snippet for at least 3 men and Mae at the end of the book, it was not expanded, hence I once again petition for the next book. There is a bonus scene (which I have yet to read), but if that one has the group scene then my initial point still stands!

Lastly, there was no mending of relationships between anyone if I'm honest. The blurb promised us that Mae would mend the broken links between our guys, but let's be honest even if she did, we don't really see it and that's a loss in character/plot development and considering my understanding of the end, not much really changed, hence I'll be like a broken telephone but we really need a second book!

I don't have much of an opinion on Isaac and Lake, as they were quite likable characters, and I guess that should conclude my rant.

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Connect with me!

[Lilith Vincent]

Arabella always writes the most delicious and twisted DARK reverse harem romances. If you like your RH beautifully written with anti-heroes who give no fucks, you will love this and all her over RH stories too.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the tropes and triggers listed for this book were calling to me, instantly making me request an ARC. I'm always a little hesitant with new to me authors, but with that blurb, how could I resist? Unfortunately, it all just didn't come together how I needed it to. I never felt a connection between any of the characters, which may have been due to the lack of depth and explanation of their histories, both as individuals and within the family. I don't recall if this was listed as RH or WhyChoose, but I would definitely classify it as the latter as there were basically only one-on-one scenes, the only full group scene happening at the very end of the book, and not at all detailed. If I'm reading a RH, I want everyone together for most of the book. And wouldn't mind some MM on page as well, especially since only 2 of the 4 guys were related, that still left potential for groups of 3 to happen. And while we're on the related topic...this book was classified as taboo. And while I suppose it is on some people's scale, for me it would fall more under 'forbidden' since there were not actual relations. Which was beat into our heads over and over, getting mentioned what felt like at least every other page throughout most of the book. And add in that this girl had no idea that these people even existed until well into her kidnapping, they aren't family to her in any way that matters. If you're going to call it taboo, make it taboo!

As far as the writing goes, there were a lot of errors, mostly incorrect words being used (ones instead of once, cue instead of queue, that type of thing) and it really took me out of the story. This author has really good ideas, though this was my first book by her, I have a few that were on my TBR. I'm honestly not sure if the other plot ideas are enough for me to want to pick them up now, knowing how the writing style is.

[Lesley Pitre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melt Away by Arabella Black
This book has the longest list of trigger warnings, … which is the reason I read it! It was spicy, and delicious, and twisted, and dark. Definitely not your typical reverse harem romance, and I liked it a lot. This is the first time reading anything from this author, and it won’t be the last.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miss Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some good levels of intrigue but was also quite scrappy and a little disjointed. It could have been fleshed out a bit more, to give the characters a more finished feel. Not a bad read, but not my favourite.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sitting here still trying to process what I just read, because it was DARK. I have a serious book hangover after reading this incredibly dark and twisted RH romance. The story had me hooked from the very beginning, and I listen found myself flustered reading it. The story of Mae, August, Lake, Alfie, and Isaac isn't for everyone, but if you like your stories dark, I highly recommend this one!

Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a DARK reverse harem with taboo elements. Make sure you read and heed the TW/CW found at the beginning of the book. With that said, I enjoyed reading it. It was a true dark romance, definitely in the darker region of this sub-genre.

Everyone is broken. Even before her abduction, Mae is broken – her mother’s death from cancer left her alone and responsible for over $500k of debt. August, her captor, has demons that equate the claiming of Mae to saving her. He owns her because he has paid off her debts. All her firsts are his to claim. The whole family is bound by secrets that keep them together but make them abhor one another.

I think this is where the author did well – she wrote some great broken characters. Their initial interactions pulled me into the story because there were indications that they knew who Mae was from before her abduction, but we needed to wait for the answer. That kept me turning the pages. Then, there is the reveal of the secret that has been both tearing the family apart and keeping them together.

Now for the darker bits. I thought these were well done. Specifically, with the non-con scenes - I thought they were well written, neither crass nor vulgar. The taboo relations were also handled well. We got to see the push/pull attraction from multiple POVs.

It did feel like the story ended abruptly. It is billed as a standalone, but it seems to be missing the culminating piece. I would classify it as ending in a HFN rather than a HEA.

[Katie Ankrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved a ARC copy of this book. So this book kept me awake till early in the morning. I fell for all the characters and my heart broke for each of them!! You have Issac, August, Lake, and Alfie and the Mae! August is dominating and crazy and possessive. He kidnaps Mae and brings her to all of them and things don't go the way he planned it would! I was rooting for him more than anyone. I was just there for his dominating energy. And then there is Alfie!! At first with him I did not like him. He is that shady character that you feel like is going to be the one to turn on you in a bad way. But then it turns into something totally different that you didn't see coming and your heart breaks for him. And I loved how his relationship forms with Mae. And Lake!! He gave me so many mixed signals and kept me guessing on how he was going to be. And I loved it. Issac I didn't connect with so well. I wanted to smack him more than anything!! And then we have Mae.. innocent Mae. Who's life has taken a bad turn after another bad turn. And the weight of the world her young shoulders. She is forced into their world and takes things left and right for awhile. Especially dealing with August, Lake and Issac. Then she finds her footing and holds her own with Alfie behind her. And you realize she needed Alfie and he needed her. It's such a great book. They are all still together but on her terms...... for now! August will eventually get his way!! 😁

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up for the RH and pseudo-taboo aspects. Read the full list of warnings before proceeding because they are all relevant.

Mae, the FMC, was all over the place. I liked her character and background but she comes off as a very TSTL character. Especially in the beginning when she keeps saying Marcus is her best friend and then she's scrubbing bathrooms for his mom for pennies to try to clear the 500k hospital bill debt she has. Being treated like trash is not being a best friend.

Lake and Isaac were my favorite characters. August was ok at first but then mehhh and Alfie, I think needed a bit more development. I was hoping for more group scenes but the guys are all sorta disjointed and not quite in harmony with each other, so not as much sharing going on.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.

[Tmarie.0 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried to like this, I really did since I received an arc copy. But for some reason it just wasn’t for me. Nothing on the writing, it was ok. I just didn’t enjoy what I read. I love dark and taboo books, but this one is lacking something for me. The characters were meh. I would have loved to see more from each of the men. I would have enjoyed some group scenes. I could have done with out the FFM scene. I have nothing against Ffm and have read a good amount of books that make it work, but I didn’t enjoy it in this one. Some will, just not me.

[Glowstars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like When the Sun Goes Down before it, Melt Away is a story that showcases the best of Arabella Black. Forbidden delights, complicated circumstances, secrets to be revealed, and a filthy dose of steam. They’re all packed into the book’s 329 pages and brilliantly woven together.

After having been assaulted by her best friend Mae finds herself halfway across the world, held captive by the dangerously possessive and demanding August. He’s determined to take all her firsts and doesn’t care whether she’s on board with his plan. Monaco is a place filled with the model types that she obsesses over and aspires to be like and as she attends the parties of the rich and famous, Mae formulates a plan of escape using the skills August taught her.

At one of these events, she meets Lake and Isaac. Unbeknownst to her they’re August’s family; a family with deep secrets and a dark past. Mae comes to learn more about the Scott family as she tries to escape August’s clutches but he’s purchased her and he’s unwilling to let her go. She could choose to stay with them, but at what cost?

The story is more at the forbidden end of the scale than taboo – the main characters have no activity between blood relatives – but it plays on that forbidden aspect to increase the filth level. Black could have brought Mae one step closer in terms of the family tree but that slight removal works well in the detail of the story. The family connection comes across as more of an interesting backstory than a driving force to the plotline in the present and, if I had to pick between that and the father, two brothers and the best friend (who might as well be a brother) combo, I’d definitely go for the four men. I loved how radically different each of the MMCs was and how they complemented each other as a whole. Mae was the perfect woman for each of them, crafted to begin healing their wounds and bring their fractured family back together. At the same time, she held her own away from the group, both young and naive yet surprisingly switched on about how some aspects of her new world worked.

Melt Away is a rollercoaster of emotions and while the characters are predictable and keep to their type, how they interact with each other offsets this and keeps you guessing how the story will play out. Towards the end of the book, there are a couple of curve balls which you won’t see coming; along with some inevitable events, they all build to the perfect epilogue.

[Kylie Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars. Divided Harem. Tab00. Lots of Plot Holes.

I didn't like how divided the harem was. I didn't like that there was one guy in the harem who always takes the FMC away from the others even up until the end. The FMC had no other personality other than letting her adopted family members have their way with her. She was too naive,, h0rny and weak. I honestly don't know why the guys were obsessed with her. The guys were just obsessed with getting the FMC pregnant and don't have much personality beyond that. The harem consisted of a father with ex-wife issues, a somnophiliac ex-fighter, a m*rd3rer, and a shy and awkward bodyguard. It sounds interesting, but I ended up getting disappointed with how the book progressed. Lots of issues were left unresolved in the end. Lots of stuff that happened in the book did not make sense. As for lovers of spicy scenes, this book has lots of them, but the scenes were not that creative. With how dangerous the guys were supposed to be, the spicy scenes could've been more creative. This focused more on one on one rather than a group scene. This book is recommended for readers who don't mind lots of plot holes and for those who love age-gap, taboo, br33ding, and pure er0tica.

[Booksta · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 𝕖𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📖

· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘺
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: 𝘈𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘙𝘏
𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨: 329
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝘒𝘪𝘮 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘴 - 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·

*** Thank you to the author @arabellablackauthor and 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴 for giving me a change to read this book.***


__________💭𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜💭___________


"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳."

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:🫦
🔥Four love interests
🔥Breeding kink
🔥OTP obsessive/possessive heroes
🔥2 brothers, their dad, & their bestie share
🔥Taboo relations
🔥Noncon
🔥Captive heroine
🔥Age Gap
🔥 Enemies to lovers

𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙮 is the first book ever that I read by Arabella. This story is a Dark Reverse Harem taboo romance and has quite a few triggers and content warnings that you should be aware of before diving in. So, before you read this story, please be sure to go check Arabella's review on Goodreads. She listed all of the triggera there.

This one is a dark taboo kind of story. Mae, our FMC, has hit rock bottom and finds herself at the mercy of her best friend. She was saved, but now she is being shared amongst the family (NOT blood related). I don't wanna reveal too much, but just know that this story will take you on a wild ride FOR SURE!!!


⚠️ 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. ⚠️

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it to be a inky dark WC story. One thing, for me, this is not a taboo story. It should be labeled something akin to taboo adjacent. The TW/CW are THICK in this one, so make sure you check them before you dive in. No joke.

As much as I tried, I just couldn't make this book work for me. It was sort of like reading a story on fractured glass. However, it does have some pretty redeeming qualities. The author did manage to make me feel for Mae, in as far as her brokenness. Mae's mental health was a big thread in this storyline for me, so emotional and mental void was relatable. She also had some sass to her, so I liked that.

There is not a lot of spice going on in the group department. The spice otherwise is great. I don't know. It feels so disjointed that it has all the parts to be a WC story, especially a taboo one, but it just didn't get there. I needed more filled out characters. Oh, and there is no traditional HEA in this book. Just a heads up. However, there is a download that may give you what you're looking for.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa Khang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book written by Arabella. The teasers and the short snippet gave away a great hook to reel me in. Beginning of the book was good but once I hit the middle of it, at some point in time, I got confused. I feel like there was a plot, but at the same time, there wasn't. There was too much back and forth and I couldn't really understand or explain what was going on. The character traits were written well and it suited them. The steam was good and constant. As the story progresses, it does become a bit steamier. The plot also develops but it somehow doesn't necessarily leave you handing on the edge of a cliff either. I think the ending could have worked better or when they come together again, there should have been more angst. I felt like there wasn't much of that and the female lead was a bit weak. The way the men are portrayed in the book doesn't really align with how they ended. I felt like there wasn't much for her to blame on the men.

Overall, this was a good story line and hope to see if this will eventually become a series. I would recommend as a short read to occupy the time away.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the storyline, with the integration of the characters and plot slowly through the first half of the book. It helped to build anticipation about why Mae was kidnapped and the connections between characters. But I did feel a little frustrated with Mae initially, she seemed to just be surrendering to everything that was happening to her so quickly.

It was certainly a darker story and I found August to be just an a-hole and not in a good way! Aside from Isaac, I found the men didn’t have a real possessive, protective or caring demeanour towards her and found it hard see how they would redeem themselves.

There wasn’t an overwhelmingly clear resolution arc between Mae and the men, I feel the story would benefit from an extended epilogue or novella to explain how their relationship would look moving forward and how the relationship between all the characters would (or would not) have changed.

This was my first book by Arabella Black and I would recommend readers check out her Goodreads reviews for a trigger warning list before reading. I look forward to reading more of her writing.

I received a free ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[No Book Behind · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★/5
3.5🌶/5

First Of All, please read TW before diving into this book. The list is quite long, but trust me, it’s relevant and reflects perfectly on what to expect, impact on dynamics. On the level of darkness, taboo and spice.
Melt away is an age gap, reverse harem romance with multiple love objects. Mae, August, Lake, Alfie, and Isaac are well written characters, so different and on opposite borderlines, giving impression they could not work together, with their such intense dynamics. There was so much going on in so many aspects that keeps me glued to the pages, in suspense what’s gonna happen next. But there were also those moments that wanted me to throw my kindle away, as I got frustrated with how the storyline was going. Few twists that I didn’t expect at all, but had a great impact on viewing the characters, getting different perspectives. Reading from multi pov was a massive plus as well, to get a better picture and definitely more interesting.
I'm fully aware this book is not for everyone, with all those TW listed together, but if you are looking for addictive and intense read, look no further.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
I’m not sure what to say about this one! My mind is boggled! I’m literally torn. I definitely didn’t hate it, or dislike it, but I’m not sure I loved it either. It felt like there was something missing. What I did love was the taboo/forbidden/age-gap trope, and the huge plot twist/revelation that’s dropped. I liked the forbiddeness of it all, uncle and cousins (not blood related), that I liked! But I wasn’t crazy about Mae, especially after she decided to live with Alfie. I got being mad at August, but Lake and Isaac didn’t really do anything to her. Yet she shut them out. August deserved her attitude, what he allowed to happen with Noemie, was totally inexcusable. But I still kinda loved him! And I absolutely loved and adored Alfie, my heart broke for him. He deserves all the happiness in the world.
I would’ve liked to have seen a better ending, HEA. Something that showed them resolve their issues and coming together as one family and team.
**Definitely read the TW’s AND READ THE BONUS CHAPTER!!!!**

[Vicki]

DNF @ 28%

This book has several advertising and trigger warning bullet points that appeal to me so I requested an ARC and am grateful to have received one.

Unfortunately, the reading of it has been a struggle for me. I find the writing to be choppy and disjointed, with plenty of things that do not make sense. If the intent is for it to be a mystery with reveals and explanations to come later, it has not worked for roping me into wanting to keep going until those happen. Sometimes if I’m not into a story I can still skim and enjoy the DC/NC sexy scenes, but in this case those scenes suffer from the same disjointed writing and underdevelopment, so I’m not going to keep trying to force it. I’ll leave this review unrated unless I come back and skim further if the mood strikes me.

I have purchased other books from this author but have not read them yet. I will, and can then determine if it is just the style of this particular book that is not working for me, or if it is a case of overall author style/reader mismatch.

[Kenzlie Andresen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

This is definitely a dark romance for sure! Definitely read the trigger warnings before deep diving into this world. That being said, I really did enjoy the book and it’s not something that I’ve ever read before. I mean I’ve read ALOT of kidnapping, taboo, possessive, etc. books but this had a lot of twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. This doesn’t have the HEA that we were all were hoping for unless you read the bonus scene you can download after. Even for me, it wasn’t enough😂 I really wanted to see August beg!

Fav Quotes:
- “During a short and spontaneous break, I chose to study, and she acted like I squirted over her imported hand-sewn towels.” (I thought this was so funny, I was laughing so hard!)
- “One of these days, she’ll say good morning, and I’ll melt for her.”
- “I’ll lie on my back while they f**** me, Daddy Alfie. Like a very good girl!” (Daddy Alfie for life🖤)

[Chubby Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw the all the triggers and tropes that the author had listed for the book I was immediately, "That is one book I IMMEDIATELY want to read now." Arabella did not disappoint me with bringing exactly what she promised with the triggers and you should not brush them off if they are something you are not comfortable with. August wasn't really redeemable somewhat with his actions and I wanted him to be smacked upside the head with something as I understand being OTT possessive but he goes waaaaaay overboard but I still like him so I don't know what that says about me LMAO. In my opinion this wasn't really a why choose in the end as she somewhat mainly chose one guy to live with and just has smexy time with the other guys as well. I get Arabella said this was a standalone but I feel like this should have been 2 books as it ended abruptly. Overall, LOVED it and will come back to it multiple times when I'm craving some insane OTT guy and some dark.

[Wendelina (Wendy) Zwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

I received this book as an ARC reader.
Please read all TW before reading this book becous its dark and taboo.

I really liked Mae. She was a girl you could relate to. Her struggles and heartbreak felt real to me.
In the beginning of the story it felt a little bit out of context. This can be becouse it was an ARC and wil be edited later?

I liked how the story progressed and you get to know the mmc a bit more.
Like I said before, please read the TW (trigger warnings)
I really like to read taboo but I noticed that R@pe by a mmc is a no for me.
That being said, the rest of the males I liked very much.

The end was said to be HEA but felt more as a HFN becouse there was no forgiveness.
I reslly liked the twist with whom she ended up in confiding and letting take care of her.

So I hope we get a part to for some groffeling and clossure

[Berry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it shouldn't have been a standalone but at the same time I would not read book 2.

Honestly I am still trying to process what happened because this was on the darker side of dark.
The writing was kind of choppy and predictable, and there was really only 1 group scene and it wasnt even that good and original. I also just hate RH where people in the group are related it just makes me feel icky.
There were so many trigger warnings it was legit like a shopping list.
It is also listed as taboo and I am like... WHERE??? where is the taboo???
It was too basic for me which is funny.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maybe I would read it again in a hate watch kind of way.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well written and the characters well flushed out. I found that some of the kinks in this book weren’t for me, though I do tend to like darker themes with forbidden being pretty high on that list. However, even knowing that I did enjoy the push and pull of the emotions of the main female character.

I very rarely drive a 5 star review. I give 4 star reviews on books I enjoy but only give 5 star reviews for books that will stick with me, I will think about often, and plan on reading on again in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Read_With_Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first the story was a little awkward to me. Not the content but how it was written. But once I got about 30-40% of the way in I couldn’t put the book down. This is definitely a taboo read and very spicy. I enjoyed most of the book except for the part with Noami. I felt like that part was extra and wasn’t really needed. Even the part with Marcus wasn’t really needed. I really enjoyed Mae and Alfie. This was my first book by Arabella Black and I will for sure be reading her back list.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say this book has lots of triggers so read them before starting this book!! This book is dark and taboo but so so good. Mae is the FMC and she has hit Rick bottom on to find herself at the mercy of her best friend. She is saved only to be at the mercy of another who shares with his family. Poor Mae takes you on a roller coaster until the very eve of the book! This is a HEA standalone! Highly recommend!!

[caroline girard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I DNF this book at 69%.

Not because it's bad, but I don't feel the tropes are in my liking. I usually like dark romance, but the Trigger Warning on this one are heavy and are a must read.

The author did a great job at warnings and I wanted to be open minded so I kept going.

I can appreciate the writing, the characters because i try to be objective. But I can't say I got attached to them and I definitely hated every male characters in the book… Again, the writing is good, maybe that's why I hate them 😉

Its a twisted reverse harem story with… Words are failing me. It's twisted alright!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Gaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

she did it again

Arabella …. You did it again… I love your writing style and you are twisted and dark and this one has some jaw dropping moments and I seriously appreciate and applaud you!!! I’m am so her for this and I didn’t even realize it before I read it!!! So glad I bought this and look forward to reading more by you in the future ….. for any newbies out there this is a readers beware there are definitely triggers for people …. But NOT FOR ME I so here for it!!!!!!!

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I got an ARC copy of this book.

While this book wasn’t bad, it was a bit disjointed for me. I love the premise and story line, I thought it was interesting. It was just a bit jumpy for me. I didn’t hate it not did I love it.

I will say the spice was there and those scenes were.

Story 3⭐️
Spice 4⭐️