His to Keep: A dark psychological romance

by Lydia Goodfellow

Stolen in broad daylight on her way home from school, for Ava Hanlon, the nightmare is only just beginning. So young and achingly naïve, Ava is no match for her depraved new master, Father Mathew Aaron, a well-respected priest, and a man hellbent on consuming her innocence to the very last drop.

There is no hope. No light. There is only Callum. A troubled, tormented young man imprisoned in the same room as her. As each day slips by without rescue, all that is left is this fierce, dark entity stirring between them—something far more threatening to her virtue than even Father Aaron's obsessive game. Something so powerful, it may just make her want to stay for keeps.

A dark psychological romance that's full of twists and turns you won't see coming.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Horror, Abuse, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2013

Reviews

[Ariana Godoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

English: "If your sadness looks that beautiful, then I can't imagine what your happiness looks like.”

Dark. VERY dark, this story comes with many triggers warnings so please heed them. I don't even know where to start. I remember reading this story for the first time on Wattpad on 2014, it became my top favorite. Back then, I fell in love with Lydia's writing style and amazing ability to make you feel so much. And now with this new polished and improved version, the years of waiting to have this book in my hands have paid off.

I felt so much. That's the best way to describe this book. You feel too much, you feel the wrong, the right, the disgust, the forbidden, the gray areas and I think that's increible. Callum and Ava will always have a place in the very dark side of my heart.

Spanish: "Si tu tristeza se ve tan hermosa, entonces no puedo imaginar cómo se ve tu felicidad".

Oscura. MUY oscura, esta historia viene con muchas advertencias, así que no las ignores. Ni siquiera sé por dónde empezar. Recuerdo haber leído esta historia por primera vez en Wattpad en 2014, se convirtió en mi favorita. En ese entonces, me enamoré del estilo de escritura de Lydia y su increíble habilidad para hacerte sentir tanto. Y ahora con esta nueva versión pulida y mejorada, los años de espera para tener este libro en mis manos valieron la pena.

Sentí mucho. Esa es la mejor manera de describir este libro. Sientes demasiado, sientes lo incorrecto, lo correcto, lo desagradable, lo prohibit, las áreas grises y eso es increíble. Callum y Ava siempre tendrán un lugar en el lado más oscuro de mi corazón.

[Chamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is CREEPILY GOOD!

I felt so connected with Ava's emotions & feelings toward Callum, and I was so SHOCKED when she finally knew the truth about Callum, man I didn't see that coming like that AT ALL!

The game those people play to her is SCARY! that family is seriously SICK! if you don't have a strong heart just please don't read this book, because the things that sick priest and family did to their victims is really sickening.

I really love Lydia's writing style, even though this book is scary and beyond horror to be read but I don't know why, I just don't felt shattered at the end of reading. I really love how Julia put the story at the end (especially epilogue)I think it's good to face the truth, rather than living in lie, while the demon eating inside of you. One thing that I also love is that, you WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT! It just had so many twist and horror that make you feel suspicious and unsettled all the time.

So basically, even though this book is creepy, at the end it kinda have a happily ever after in it's own way hahahahaha..

Somehow Imagine Dragon's Demons song is quite suitable for Callum's feeling for Ava ;)

I wanna hide the truth
I wanna shelter you
But with the beast inside
There’s nowhere we can hide

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your eyes, they shine so bright
I wanna save that light
I can't escape this now
Unless you show me how

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When you feel my heat
Look into my eyes
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide
Don’t get too close
It’s dark inside
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide

[Izzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this a shot, I liked the epilogue but I didn’t like this version as much, I liked the previous version of this story.

Triggers: not a romance, it’s a horror/thriller, there is violence and rape.
h meets H and gives him her virginity but is later raped by the evil kidnapper and was not saved on time by the H.

H finally kills the main bad guy but not the other one. So it feels unfinished or maybe there will be a sequel.

Has a happy ending with H and h running away and burning down the evil house and then living finally together after some ups and downs.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I found this book after a friend recommended it to me. I usually don't read horror, never like never ever. But this book seriously blew me off, I had to read it and finished it in 3-4 hours. It was that good, it kept me on the edge the entire time.

So the story starts off with Ava, who is a young, innocent teenager living with her highly religious grandmother in an extremely small town. The beginning of the book gives you the feeling of horror just by the description the small town and the Priest in the Church during Sunday Mass. Later on we realise that the priest called Aaron is the big bad guy who kidnaps Ava.

But the priest was not the only one who was there to torture her. As soon as she reached his home, he locked her up in a room with his son, Callum.

Callum was all kinds of wierd and creepy but we just didn't know it and nor did Ava until she fell in love with him and had sex with him and found out the truth about him!

I loved this book because it showed Callum's character and how he truly didn't want to hurt to anyone but was brought up by such a horrible family; he wanted out and ultimately fell in love with Ava and planned their escape.
This book truly was amazing. So I read the unedited version available on Wattpad but I knocked off a star because I think the author should have written another last chapter describing life after the escape a bit more in detail and the epilogue should have been more decriptive maybe. Either way I would love to read the edited version and if she ever releases a sequel, I will totally buy both His to Keep and its sequel.

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this tonight in one sitting on Wattpad, without breaks, and I just finished now at 2:50am. And it's a school night. So, yes, it was that good. It was f*cking amazing.

More to come.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you make a book this scary?? With only words at your disposal and no visual effects? It’s an art within itself.

[A_Girl_Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I thought I'd like this book more than I did, but well... that's life. The only reason I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected was the constant push-and-pull between the protagonists that became somewhat annoying after a certain point.
I loved all the sexy scenes, the horror and gory elements of the story, and the ending.

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
3.75 Stars



Living with her strict and religious grandmother meant life had not been easy for Ava. But it was nothing compared to what she had to face after being taken against her will. Her only hope for survival was Callum who himself was as trapped as she was.



I liked the premise of the book. However, it felt slow until about 70% of the story. Significant elements were mentioned but never elaborated or resolved. With that said, I was pleased with the darkness and sexiness.

“You turned me into the one person I’ve been trying my hardest not to become.”

Callum was broody and reserved, while Ava was innocent and trusting. I liked how they were bound by their brokenness.

His to Keep is a story of survival and healing. It would appeal to readers who enjoy captive dark romance.




▪️⛓▪️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ▪️⛓▪️



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[ZARIA (Sheldon Cooper lover)]

Did not finish reading this story, but i would recommend it to lovers of horror /dark books.

First things first, I don't like to be scared. In fact, I never dared to read the horror genre until I picked this story. I was intrigued by the synopsis and the writing and thought that it's not as scary on paper as it is on screen.....
This is me after reading couple of chapters



How much gore, and violence can i handle?
None at all, quite frankly!



I know.... i am such a pussy.


That being said, the storyline is: unpredictable, unique, engaging and of course terrifying, perfect choice for horror fans.
Let me warn you, if you do not like intense violence, like me, you might want to skip this one.
You have been warned about it's intensity, so curl up and prepare to be shocked!!
I'll go back to reading about birds singing!

[Vijaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really dark, disturbing and scary so please heed the trigger warnings. The plot is not broad but the book is really well written. Although there were some loose ends but still it had me hooked till the end.

[Zarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I totally read this on wattpad.
But wow, It's better that most paperbacks I've read. (Though this is published now..or getting published...whatever?)

So, I'm freaking out right now.

It was so dark. Twisted. Sick.
And oh man, was it creepy.

I am usually the one to stay far from books like this, but I found it on this very addicting website (Darn you wattpad), and decided to try it out.
And I was hooked.

I wont get into the story line because there's a summary up there, and for once I don't want to spoil anything. It's worth finding out yourself.

It's....dark....yeah I said that already, but I couldnt stop reading it. Like a bad soap opera that you cant seem to stop watching.

But I FELT for ava, I cared what happened to her...which for me is kind of rare when I read. I tend to not get emotional with the characters, but the story line drew me in so well...and man, the twist... FOR ONCE I appreciated the twist. Most of the time during the climax of a book I'll stop caring or I'll think the girls an idiot, but....I kept caring....
and well, I spent my day reading the darn thing. ha.

I like that it wasnt some wanna be horror with a romance thrown in, or kidnapped love story, cause lets be honest, most of those are retarded....not that I read them ...heh.

(I do have to say / warn, I skipped the sexual scenes..NOT that there where a bunch but hey, I for one dont pick up a book to read about that....though I get why it's in the book. I just didnt need the vivid picturing, okay? hahaha. As for the violence, sheesh, but that kinda goes with this type of story.)

Now, why am I giving so much attention to a story I read online...where I never actually comment on any stories even if I like them?

Because, it was really good.

though I feel so weird saying that about such a twisted book...
well, a good writer is a good writer, no matter how I come across their stories.

[Vera Hollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll start off by saying that this book is dark, dark, dark, so please heed the trigger warnings. Once I finished reading it, I felt like I woke up from a nightmare, which only goes to show how good Lydia’s writing is. She didn’t hold back, and it’s a story I’ll remember for a long, long time. The twists and turns are amazing, and the characters are written so well. I really feel for Ava and Callum. What they went through… It’s beyond horrible. As for Father Aaron, he’s one of the most despicable characters I’ve ever encountered. That scene near the end was nauseating, which, I’ll say once more, only goes to prove how talented Lydia is, being able to make a reader feel that strongly about something. An amazing read.

[Jena]

No HEA, I wouldn’t even call this romance. Read PeaceofGod spoilers.

[Jess *lovetolovebooks* · Rating 5 out of 5]

”If your sadness looks that beautiful, then I can’t imagine what happiness looks like.”

His to Keep was a book that sounded like I could enjoy. It ended up grabbing me by the throat with the first chapter and refused to let go until I had consumed every word of Ava and Callum’s story. It is a story full of tragedy, pain, secrets, lies, and trauma. I can’t go into detail about pretty much anything with this story except for the very beginning because there are so many twists and turns and secrets that unfold throughout.

The story starts out with 16 year old Ava. She lives with her grandmother because her parents divorced and pretty much left her with her grandmother “for her own good”. But her grandmother has extreme religious beliefs. She beats Ava when she finds out she kissed a boy, she treats her like a servant, and she is convinced that anything done for pleasure or fun is a sin. Ava is isolated and is afraid of doing anything that might make her grandmother mad. One day the priest of their local church who has been there for a year or so kidnaps Ava. He brings her to his house of horrors and locks her in a room with 19 year old Callum. The story takes off from there. His to Keep messed with my head at almost every turn. It was brutal and would make a great scary movie. I loved the romance that blossomed between Ava and Callum. They only had each other and really started to lean on one another for comfort. Seeing such a beautiful bond form between them while being surrounded by such darkness made my connection with them as a couple that much deeper. My heart constantly broke for the both of them and what they have gone through in the past and what they go through together in that house.

I thought the writing was well paced and quite gripping. It was quite scary and had my anxiety levels on high throughout because I was that invested in our characters making it out alive and there were moments I wasn’t sure that was going to happen.

I will say that there was a character that was introduced early on and I found her to be incredibly annoying. I understood why she was there but I just wish she wasn’t.

TW: kidnapping, rape (both on page and past rape mentioned), murder, physical abuse, violence, self harm, mention of past incest, mention of past childhood abuse, some gory scenes, blood, religion, torture, starvation as punishment

Overall rating 4.5/5 stars
Steaminess 3 stars (kissing, cunnilingus, fingering, consensual penetrative vaginal sex, dry humping)

[Alexandria G · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t think it’s butterflies you’re meant to feel when you kiss someone. It’s fire. Because you’re meant to burn. Burn in the depths of hell like all sinners do.”

I cannot believe how entrapped I was in this story. From the synopsis alone I knew I had to read this book. It sounded dark, twisted, evil and everything I wanted in a read for my mood. This book is definitely not for the faint hearted, it’s very intense and could cause some triggers. I think what I loved the most about this book is how twisted and evil it was though. I was fascinated in how religion and faith are used as a weapon, and how easily manipulating people of higher positions can be. Aside from that, was how amazing the storyline was. Ava was kidnapped by her local priest and literally ever page left me wanting more. Every time I thought I knew what was happening, I was thrown for a loop. This novel is unpredictable, but I loved the main characters Ava and Callum. The other characters, absolutely not at all. The other characters in this book were horrifying. I kept having to disconnect from this book because there were moment that left me uncomfortable. This author didn’t hold back, and I’m glad she didn’t. I want more of her work, and most twisted plots that keep my dark heart at bay🖤

“We continue dancing the silent dance in hell.”

I can’t even piece together everything I want to say about this novel. From the situation Ava was put into, to the abuse, to the history and religious aspect; it was captivating. I wish there was more, but I’m not sure I would be able to take it. My eyes feel like there in a permanent state of shock, my heart is still thumbing and I’m in disbelief. Also, this book was steamy, the relationship building between Ava and Callum was beautiful. So beautiful. Callum has my heart, poor soul.

I would give this novel a 5💀
Steam rating: 2

🏷

#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bibliophile #reading #reader #romancereader #raunchyromance #booklover #bookaddict #bookreview #bookworm #bookreview

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly don't know why I read this all the way through. We, as a culture, really need to stop sanctifying virginity. This book dripped patriarchal-infused prose that quite frankly was unbelievable at times. Ava was generally likable until she started to be physically attracted Callum - who is utter and complete scum. Once Ava started experiencing feelings other than despair and grief, the sex-shaming came out. Once they actually had sex, the author felt the need to pull the old "Hey guess what! He's the bad guy!". As if that doesn't read as a punishment to the main character after all of the suffering she has already endured.

This book could've been really interesting and even good had the second half of the book not happened. the attempt at a happy ending completely ignored both of the trauma that both of the characters went through due to Father Aaron and the super fucked up shit that Callum himself put Ava through. That kind of trauma leaves extremely deep scars that therapy would help but not likely cure completely. I honestly think the book would have had a more satisfying ending if Callum and Ava had died in the fire as well instead of making some fucked up assumption that trauma bonding equals true love.

The writer had a good idea and she even wrote it well at times, it just fell short of what it could have been. I hope the writer keeps writing, however. She has a lot of promise.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING DARK & DISTURBING!
Gasping for breath overcome with shock and overwhelmed with gutt-wrenching emotions. An eye popping double take story that had me re-reading to make sure I was taking the story in, in all it's twisted disturbing detail. It grabs hold of you and binds you to every dark twisted word from beginning to end making sure you feel see and breathe every dark gruelling word. An outstanding story that I will be reading again because the first time had me hesitating on pins and needles and I'm A sucker for torture so I need to read it again just to prove It Is as Good the second time around.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is so good! I finished it in one day, amazing for a mom if two lil kids, I couldn't put it down!
This girl goes threw hell gets her hopes up with a prisoner just like her, then gets a twist thrown at her! She looses hope she looses time and a good friend is thrown in the mix.
A sick family playing a sick game with innocent females is the worst thing she can go threw?!! Soon she realizes she's about to loose the one person she loves the most!

Must read! Totally recommend it!!!!

[Zara · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s hard to enjoy a book when you’re frustrated with the characters.
I can’t get over the ending either??

2/5 stars..

[Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am, in a word, horrified.

I loved this book. It was very Flowers in the Attic meets Still Beating with a cült-ish twist.

True to its tag of a dark, psychological romance, I was psychologically fvcked in the head the entire book. There were so many secrets. So many conflicting things being said. I’m usually good at seeing through lies as the reader but I was just as conflicted as Ava.

I loved the slow burn, somewhat innocent tension between Ava & Callum. I wanted a little more emotional depth between them but I loved that they were the center of this book.

The ending was ridiculous. It could’ve been because I binged it at 4 am but I just want to pretend the book ended at 90% because everything after that was trash.

ALSO, because I know it will be a dealbreaker for some, the FMC is 16😬 it makes sense to the plot as it’s part of the reason she was taken & it didn’t bother me but yeah.

[Kali Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh where do I start with this book?! I would really want this book to become a movie. Like I feel like crying just thinking of Adam. And I felt EVERYTHING the main character, Ava, felt. Like literally. At one point during when she was tied trying to rescue her friend it felt like my skin was burning just like hers as she tried to break out of the ropes. That's how I was so captivated by this book!!! I love it and I would recommend this book to anyone who is willing to get the feels of love and the feels of a good horror book. I think I can even put this at my ultimate favorite book. And if there was a sequel I kindof would be happy but it would have to be a prequel to what Callum had to go through. That would be good. Or a sequel with callum and Ava's little girl getting kidnapped by someone. And experiences the same thing. Idk but I loved the ending so I'm kind of contempt with what there is. But like I said earlier I love this book so much I might read it again just so I can fall in love 2x

[JESSICA · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars - For Giving Me The Feels And Turning Me Into A Brat {That Needs A Frickin' Spankin}

I read this on whattpad.... I really enjoyed this creepy scary tale.. This book was a real page turner and I couldn't put it down. But IT'S NOT FAIR!! *Yup, That's The Sounds Of Me Throwing A Tantrum, Like My Toddler* I need to know what happens to Ana and Callum!! Why are they trapped in that room?! PLEASE!! And what the hell is Father Aaron and John?! Sadistic Bastards, Yes! But I swear they're demons. Omg!! Lydia Goodfellow, you can write!! Kudos to you!! Now Please Update!! Lol.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this is a hard one to describe. It wasn't great but it wasn't awful either. There were some aspects that stood out and others that fell a little flat. The storyline was intriguing, and it did keep me going to the end just to see what hsppens. The characters certainly felt their age for the majority of the story as well; Ava was very obviously only 16 so the depictions were fairly well done as well. The writing itself, I think, is what I struggled most with; it just wasn't quite believable. The writing didn't pull the reader in so fully that anything becomes believable. I didn't believe Ava's fear, I didn't believe Callum's anger, I didn't even really believe in the craziness of the family. Basically, the story had some great potential, it just didn't quite feel completed.

[Hannah]

Umm, this book was really not my favourite... I'm a big fan of dark romance usually, but this was just not it for me sadly.
I didn't feel a connection to the couple, and didn't particularly like either of the main characters.

I understand that the hero was in an extremely abusive and damaging family- but he just didn't feel like a particularly strong hero, and was a constant pushover, doing all the dirty work for his demented, sicko father.😑

The scene where he was forced to whip the heroine left me with a bad taste in my mouth! Who DOES that when they're supposedly crazy about you?!?! 😲🤬 There's just something funny about this relationship...

[Taj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. So I don't usually write reviews for these kinds of books - ESPECIALLY wattpad books - but man. This book changed me. The first time I ever read this book was a while back - we are talking more than two years. The first time I read it I was AMAZED. I really fell in love with Ava, and of course, Callum, and so I've read this book at least 20 times. I'm ready to buy this book a million times over despite it being free on wattpad. That is how much I loved it.

[X_julissa_x · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really amazing book. I loved the romance. But wheat really made the book is the creepy suspense , kept my beart beating and kept my eyes moving. Page after page. ARE THERE ANY BOOKS FOR REAL LIKE THIS ONE ???

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was my first time to read this author and I was taken back! It was a page turner, depraved, exciting and full of angst! Lydia Goodfellow takes you on a wild journey! Taken, trapped and escaped! Such an incredible story that satisfies your inner depravity!

[Katie Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing... Love how dark and twisted it is! Really well written too.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot twist had me shook


5 STARS

[Krista Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way she writes makes you feel as if you’re in the room with her!! This is now a top 5 book for me!! Best book I’ve read in years!!!