Sacrificial Sinners

Blackwood Institute #2

by J. Rose

RETURN TO BLACKWOOD INSTITUTE.
RUN BY THE INSANE, FOR THE INSANE.

Monster. Victim. Predator. Prey.

I’ve always been certain of one hard fact – I don’t deserve to live. For all the pain and
suffering I’ve inflicted, I tried to take the ultimate punishment. Anything to escape the
horror of living with my crimes.

Survival wasn’t part of the bargain. The family I never intended to find are determined to
keep me alive, but my mind has been turned against me.
I don’t know what’s real anymore.

When the devil comes knocking, I’m forced to confront the truth. Blackwood Institute is far
from what it seems. Now, I must learn how deep the darkness truly goes.

As our lives are thrown into chaos, harrowing secrets are uncovered and the carefully
constructed illusion begins to unravel. I’ll stop at nothing to protect my family, even if that
means sacrificing myself to the horrors of the Z Wing.

I’ve been running from my demons for a long time, but the truth is about to catch up to me.
Time to become the monster the world thinks I am.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose, Romance, Contemporary, M M Romance, Mental Health

498 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2022

About the author

J Rose is an independent dark romance author from the United Kingdom. She writes challenging, plot-driven stories packed full of angst, heartbreak and broken characters fighting for their happily ever afters.

She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.

Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!

Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com

Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books

Reviews

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrificial Sinners is book two in the Blackwood Institute Series. Book one should be read first. This book reminds me of America’s state asylums that closed their doors.

Brooklyn is back with her men, Eli, Phoenix, Kade, and my favorite Hudson. Book two pick up where book one left off. All is not what it seems In Blackwood, and be prepared to change and not for the better. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, it does-Tenfold.

I want to keep my review vague not to give away any spoilers. First, the book gripped me from page one. It's dark, deep, intense, and brutal—a lot of mind manipulation. As much as I love this book a few times, it was a little hard to read. I still wouldn't change a thing in this book.

The spice is just as steamy as book one, if not spicer. I am now team Eli and Phoenix. These two have such a beautiful love for each other; Kade pissed me off a few times. His vision of black and white drove me nuts. The author didn’t shy away from anything and mental illness is very much present and went into a deep dark place for this book.

I have to say this book is such an incredible read. And words alone can’t express how much I recommend this book.

As I said about book one. Hudson was just misunderstood. I think I love him even more now.

[↬ Ⓛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kind of dragged on. But I’m willing to overlook it because baby girl, this shit is so real & raw. I love every moment this series has given me so much to cherish lol like is that even a thing?

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has officially moved into 2nd place all time for me, beating out the Madison Kate series.

This book takes a turn from the first plot wise and since what I loved so much about the first was the mental health aspect I will say it took me a few chapters to get fully on board. But once I was, man was this good. It only took a few chapters and I was able to enjoy this for the crazy ride it was.

J Rose is an absolutely amazing author. Brooklyn's descend into Augustus' madness was an incredible read. I spent all day counting down the hours till I could read again, cause I could not tear myself away. Her writing makes this such a thrill ride, with so many amazing quotes and one hell of a soundtrack.

Eli is still my favorite, that man has my heart. But I think I fell in love with Seven a little bit, I hope we see more of him in the next book. A book I can't wait to start.

[Kseniia ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Жесть, мені поґано.
Збилася з рахунку скільки людей вбили.
Але в кінці жевріється надія на світле майбутнє.

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

They were inmates not patients

3.5 stars

Brooklyn
Eli, Hudson, Kade, Phoenix
This story picks up from the book 1 and slowly begins to unfold the secrets and horrors of Blackwood Institute while the Brooklyn's relationship with Eli, Hudson, Kade, and Phoenix evolve. It's a trepidatious and psychologically gruesome journey comprised with revelations from personal backgrounds, shattering disconnect and mental lucidity, adaptive vices, and everything one would fear in a questionable mental institution. And outside of those, the storyline also delivered heady spice, camaraderie and connection, and power plays.

While the story, especially the first half, felt as if little transpired, flowing at a slower pace than I felt warranted, the writing was good. The plot felt more characteristic of a psychological thriller than a romance as the plot revolved mostly around the happenings and disquieting discoveries of the institution, its atrocity and interplay with Brooklyn and her attachment to the guys, as well as their histories. Uniqueness to be sure from the romantic relationship angle, but some similarities to be found in perverse, asylum-themed plots.

Character development was strong; main characters were distinctive. It was clear which guy was which, although aside from the main ones, there was a lot polarity -- only evil and good, even if broken.

Disturbing at times and quite graphic, a psychological horror with some gore tempered with some serious spice and close, loving relationships. The storyline was intriguing though I wouldn’t label it dark romance; rather, a distinctive thriller with spice.

Dean Koontz, watch out.

[Zoe_isreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, I honestly don't even know where to start with a review for this. It's brutal, painful, emotional and in typical J. Rose fashion, I've fallen more in love with the characters in this book and her incredible writing style.

Blackwood Institute is thrown into more chaos in this with Brooklyn and her boys in the center of it. This book really got to me, and all I wanted to do was make these characters real so I could give them a hug. Everyone goes through something in this, all are brutal and it's not an easy ride for anyone even the reader.
I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away - but this book will definitely give you a mix of feelings. (And yes, the sex scenes in this are incredibly hot still! I'm very team Eli and Nix.)

I can't express how amazing this book is and how brutally honest it is with mental illnesses. There's no sugar coating anything. I can't fault the book in anyway, it's just an incredible read.

Bring on book three!
(Eli is mine.)

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️

I won’t lie, I was a bit flabbergasted when something traumatic would happen and one of the guys would be there to support her and suddenly it would turn sexual? It felt a bit unnecessary at times and like the moments should’ve been deeper and more loving at times rather it immediately going into spicy time? Otherwise still enjoying the series.

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two upped the pressure and the Blackwood Institute is a place that is now just waiting to erupt. If the first book had dark themes this managed to completely surpass it and this had double the darkness. At times the oppressive hopelessness of the residents made for some hard reading. But what this definitely was unputdownable and I just couldn’t stop reading.

This was like a runaway train that was on a course of total annihilation and I was so along for the ride. As events steadily got worse unravelling and escalating the trauma and aftermath for Brooklyn is not pretty. She's being subjected to the institute’s demands and unravelling being remade in a stranger's image. As for her men well without their glue they are all floundering.

The finale was chefs kiss and I was cheering from the sidelines as it all went down. I'm now looking forward to jumping into the conclusion and getting some closure. Totally recommend this trilogy but do check your triggers as it’s a dark one.

[mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m her protector. Phoenix, her reason to smile. Kade is her certainty. And Eli… her equal in the dark

Every time I read this book I felt mentally exhausted, not gonna lie. This dragged on for too long it only got interesting around the 31st chapter which is at the 75% mark of the book and that says a lot about the pace already.

I didn't fancy Brooklyn in this book, I get that she has trauma but being an asshole to others who wanted to help her isn't justified. I was real annoyed with her in this book and that is why I gave a low rating for this book.

The little family dynamics they built felt nice to see in this book with everyone having each other's back more and also going for each other's throats more often. There was also explanation about the Zimbardo experiment (a basic for every psychology student like me out there) at the start of the book which explains the content a little more so I liked that aspect. In a sense, you don't go into this dark book blindly.

⚠️ The blood, fire and knife play in this book was so much more intense than the first book so consider yourself warned if you're thinking of picking this up. These are the trigger warnings that you should know: self-harm, suicide, violence, sexual assault and psychological torture.

I like where the book ends though so I'm not going to pick up the third book (controversial, yes). I think the end of this book tied the ribbon to the series nicely so I'm just going to move on.

Blackwood Institute series ratings
Twisted Heathens

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved how Brooklyn's perspective of herself changed in the end of the book compared to how she thought of herself for most of the book. In the beginning of the book she had negative influences that surrounded her and I think that's why she thought negatively about herself for most of the book but by the end of the book she is leaving those negative influences behind which I think helped her feel more confident. I am really enjoying this series and I think J. Rose is starting to become a favorite author. I definitely want to check out more of her other books after I finish this series. I can't wait to see what happens in book 3!

[Gyan ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the middle of this book a bit repetitive with really not much going on. I ended up not picking it up for over a week, but I’m so glad I pushed through. The ending was wild.

This is a superrrrrr dark why choose. Lots of triggers and heavy themes so it is a rough read at times.
I am about to jump straight into the third & final book though, so that’s telling!

[Britney ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this one way faster than book one 😍.

So much happened that I was just NOT expecting?? I really liked seeing more of the guys in this one. Hudson is off my I hate you list for now.

Another criminal cliffy 😭. Thankfully I have book three 😌.

[Saraya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75✨ ok but I love Seven already, other than that Eli & Phoenix carried this one for me

[Irenepa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrificial Sinners dials up the depravity and insanity that we experienced in book one. Gone are any illusions that The Blackwood Institute is actually a decent place doing good and rehabilitating young adults. Brooklyn becomes a pawn to a twisted madman. At times it was both frustrating beyond belief the things the characters are forced to do. Literally pushed to the edge…..to the brink of their sanity. While the group has finally established themselves as a family unit with Brooklyn at the center, each are tested and those in charge have no problem using them against one another. All the feels, drama and insanity is dialed up a hundred notches in this book and I wasn’t nearly prepared. Personally I felt for Kade the most as he was the only one without an actual violent or harmful episode in his past. Just being there for his brother puts him in a world of danger. One they’ll all be lucky to survive. The book has a happy-ish ending for now but their story is by no means over or are their trials done. I’m honestly afraid of what’s in store next for the gang. Broken down to bare bones each of them is barley hanging on and I really hope they get a chance to breathe and just live. Hopefully they’ll be able to take this place down along with the rich megalomaniacs funding without anymore Serious injuries, not holding my breath. This has been a wild and truly fucked up series so far and I really hope the group has a HEA in their future. I need it for my mental health 🤪

[annasbook nookk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrificial Sinners - Book 2 in The Blackwood Institute Series by J. Rose.
Genre - Dark Romance
J Rose never ceases to amaze me with her writing. I've been eagerly awaiting Sacrificial Sinners since finished Twisted Heathen.
The plot was amazingly written, thoroughly thought out and gripping.
I cried in some parts. Laughed in others. My heart breaking as well.
J. Rose takes you right into the institute walls making you feel like your right there with the characters.
I adore Brooklyn and her boys.
Leaving on a cliffhanger and eager for the next book in the series.
Take note of trigger warnings.

[Vero Exposito · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.98 Stars

I liked the plot in this one but I did not like Hudson very much. I felt like he needed to do a lot more groveling and I didn’t like the way he treated Kade.

On the other hand Nix and Eli are amazing. I also ship them with my whole heart. I think Brooke had a lot of character development in this book and I support her for that.

I didn’t love this one as much but I enjoyed it and I want to know what happens next. I do recommend. Toodles!

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's alright. I tend to like more unhinged in insane asylums LOL

[ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brain almost can't compute for this review.

For one, I'm so glad there's another book because I'm definitely not ready for this to be over
and for two, Y'ALL that bonus scene? To it's core - holy crap. Too much to dissect.

I think J. Rose has an impeccable mind to create this, and more since her other books are in the same universe. I saw the name for Harrowdean Manor & I squealed. However, in the paragraph it's contained in, I nearly wanted to vomit.

I'm a fan of going in blind with these kind of books, however it's not always the easiest task SO, like I say with most reviews of books I read, your mental health really does matter, if you're sensitive to certain content please read the trigger warnings and don't read the book if it's not a fit for you.

[old account · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh my god.

[Fabienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrificial sinners

I don’t even know where to start. This book, the second in the Blackwood Institute series, it blew my mind. I thought Twisted Heathens was already f*cked up but boy—Sacrificial Sinners is truly something else.

The book itself begins with a very intriguing prologue which you won’t understand the importance of up until later in the story as the information that’s given in that short chapter is one big mindf*ck. The actual story takes place pretty much right after where the TH ended, and right from the beginning you’re on the edge of your seat. You need answers, Brooklyn needs answers, practically everybody from her little harem needs answers but nobody has them and the people who do are the most dangerous and twisted bunch you’ll ever meet.

Saying that this book was then “tremendously captivating” and “psychologically corrupt” doesn’t even come close to what Sacrificial Sinners actually was but I have no other words so.. deal with it.

I loved the research in this one, like the actual the factual details. And yes—I am talking about the Zimbardo prison experiment (Zimbardo and his colleagues were interested in finding out whether the brutality reported among guards in American prisons was due to the sadistic personalities of the guards (i.e., dispositional) or had more to do with the prison environment (i.e., situational) BUT I DIGRESS) This was so well-done and it felt so organic how it was implemented in the story that I was *makes mindblowing noises* 

Aside from the pycho-suspense, the dynamic among Brooke and her men was one big *ss emotional rollercoaster. The lengths that she would go on to protect the people she loves? Out of this world and it was so godd*mn well written.

I don’t want to give too much away because being in the dark and not knowing what’s happening alongside the Brooke is what makes this book so incredibly fascinating. 

Anyways—a truly great second book in a series. Loved the multiple perspectives and the the emotional and romantic dynamic among the group as it was so naturally written. Actions have consequences; that’s what this book is about. Will forever recommend J Rose. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

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[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters and plot, though lagging in some places, kept me very engaged as a reader, and equally as murderous as the characters, ready to burn their world down and rise from the ashes. I got to love a few of the characters even more, especially Eli (still one of my faves from the 1st book!), Phoenix, and surprisingly, Hudson. There’s another character that I AM OBSESSED WITH but saying their name would be a spoiler…..

However, I will say it was a very topsy-turvy read for me. Every time I was getting bored and kind of wanting to DNF something would happen and I’d be sucked right back in. I almost want to say it might’ve been a better read if it wasn’t an RH. Maybe. Idk. I just feel like the characters and plot are missing something. Although, I will say she pulled the RH off better than I have seen executed, and it was still a good read. I won’t say fun because my heart was torn from my chest. Multiple times.

[Shoshana Y · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only exciting thing about this book was the ending. At first I thought I wasn’t in the mood for this so I put it down. But turns out that was not it. I just feel like this book was trying to give mysterious and suspenseful vibes but it gave plot holes. The main source of conflict IMO was communication. If Brooke had come clean about literally anything and everything perhaps they could’ve avoided some of the events throughout the book. I don’t find lack of communication and “the big secret” as a plot driver.

I read the first book because I thought it would be a dark and twisty story but it just seems like this story had a lot of potential but fell flat.

[La-Lionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dedication in this book:

“This book is for all the victims.
May we see them.
May we hear them.
May we fucking believe them.”

Brilliant continuation of the story. Just as dark and disturbing. It has a lot of triggers, like A LOT.
They are all still pretty much insane, literally and figuratively. In this book, you start to question everyone, even the characters you liked the most in the first one. You get the feeling that you can’t trust anyone. You’re not sure what is happening, but something is about to go down for sure.
The author did something in the first book, I’m still not sure what or how it happen. I’m guessing it’s a small things mentioned here and there, that is made everyone a suspect. In the second book I got this feeling than you can’t trust anyone anymore, suspecting even all the main characters, questioning their roles in the story. Like, things are not how they look like. Yet you have no evidence to support it. I don’t know. It was weird, yet captivating and engrossing.

It’s difficult to describe this book without spoiling it. I’ll just say that the way the main characters indulge in and encourage each other’s insanity is like nothing I’ve ever read before. In any other dark books that I’ve read before. It’s described in a way that makes you want to crawl into a corner and hide. But after a while you think “Aw, that’s sweet.” And then “What am I thinking? It is not sweet. It’s not even a little bit normal!”
I’m reading the final book and things are not, even though they should, looking any better. When will they get a break?!

[Bookswithambs · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5

“Plenty of humans are monstrous, and plenty of monsters know how to play at being human.”

Damn book 2 is a WILD ride! The mental health representation is HUGE in these books and with it comes numerous tr!gger warnings so please keep that in mind if entering this series. The development of each of our characters in this one - Brooklyn, Kade, Hudson, Eli, and Phoenix - was so good and I really enjoyed how the author gave each of them a different voice and allowed us to dive further into each of them. You get more of their backstory - particularly Brooklyn’s - and it was devastating. This book was brutal on all the characters. The spice was hitting more in this one, though at times it maybe felt un-needed or that the story was coming a little repetitive. BUT the twists and cliffhanger again?! I’m obsessed.

“There's no room for hope here, that's the most dangerous of all emotions for the incarcerated and insane.”

🖤 book 2 in a trilogy
💀 reverse harem
🖤 mental institute setting
💀 found family

[Alex Mullinix · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 Spice

HOLY B@LLS!!!! SO F#%KING GOOD!!

I am so impressed with where this book went. All of the references to Zimbardo’s Prison Study were PHENOMENAL! While I was studying for my psych degree, Zimbardo’s study was one I was always fascinated with so I can appreciate the parallels and references.

Have you ever been reading a book, knowing that something was coming that you felt was going to break you? That’s how I felt through a good portion of this one. I was going along waiting for it to happen, trying to steel myself against so many emotional moments, until the final one that sent me over the edge and had me just this side of sobbing.

This book begins where Twisted Heathens left off, with Brooklyn and the guys dealing with the aftermath of the what happened on the roof and Rio. New leadership soon takes over and things at the Blackwood Institute start to devolve. Secrets about the origin of BI and its benefactors start to unravel alongside Brooklyn as her history becomes more and more clear.

Sacrificial Sinners was thrilling and spicy as well. I loved getting to know all of the guys better as well. But none more than my sweet guy, Eli. Every chapter from him perspective had me wanting more and more from him. Of course all of the guys have their own attractiveness, but Eli is something else.

"I'm the sick boy she fell involve with.

She's the sick girl I'm obsessed with.

Perhaps, we're each other antidotes."

When book one ended, I was not happy with Hudson, but as this book progressed he grew on me. I was happy to see the growth of his character as more than pretty much a f#%kboy.

"I f#%king hate him and everything he represents. But goddammit, if I don't want to crawl inside his body and die there just so we will never be parted."

Phoenix and Kade but tried my patience in this one, at one time or another. But, they are still near and dear to my heart.

There were times when I was supremely mad at some of the characters, and I love when a book can pull that out of me, as long as the story is good. And I am telling you, this story is GREAT.

There is violence and mindf#%kery and mysteries waiting to be discovered. Oh, plus some super spiciness, which does bear repeating.

Seriously, if you are a reverse harem and dark romance lover, you need to get started on this series. It will take you for a ride.

I am so excited to see where the final book (Desecrated Saints) is going to take us.

[Siobhan (Bookish Vibes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrificial Sinners is book two in the Blackwood Institute series and is every bit as dark and all consuming as the first.

This intense and often brutal story is set in a mental institution where patients are left to be forgotten and those in power are up to all kinds of sinister things. Through it all the main characters form a bond so strong it is the only thing stopping them from succumbing to the darkness completely.

I can't quite remember the steam level of book one but I feel like it was taken up a notch with this book. A couple of scenes in particular, holy hotness!! The whole dynamic between Brooklyn, Hudson, Kade, Phoenix and Eli is intriguing to say the least and I was 100% a fan! These beautifully broken characters are drawn to each other and protect one another at any cost. I am in love with Phoenix and Eli. These two and their relationship is my favourite part of the story.

I also love the way the story ended. While not necessarily a cliffhanger, it does leave the reader wanting so much more and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.

Sacrificial Sinners is a chaotic, disturbing rollercoaster ride of a story and if you are a fan of darker stories then I would definitely recommend checking it out.

[Ashily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5☆ to 5☆

Wow. Our character's stories got even more dark and intense here in book 2. The plot has thickened, and the suspense was built!

I'm so excited to dive into book 3 and see how it all ends 👀

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this.

The knife/blood play made me soooo queasy. I found myself saying, "What even is the plot of this book/series?" so many times because I felt like the focus kept shifting and is ultimately not what I thought I signed up for.

[Chlo (Taylor's Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC