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There's a monster inside of us all, waiting to come out and play.

My trust is broken. I should be angry, I know. Locked away in this house, with these men all wanting to use me in their own way; I should fight them, deny them.

But I can't, because I want them just as much as they want me.

Markus Scott has destroyed me, annihilated me completely. The girl I used to be is gone, deader than dead. I'm at home in the darkness with him by my side. If this love is sick and wrong, I don't want to be right.

Let them take me. Let them claim me. Let them consume everything I am and spit out my bones.

My innocence is gone, but these men and their obsession with me is only just beginning.


**The Desecration of Innocence series will contain triggers. By now I hope you know the drill. This is the third book in a RH/Why Choose series, meaning our girl will not have to choose in the end. The men here don't play nice; they're not heroes. If you need that, don't pick this up.**

503 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

260 people are currently reading
422 people want to read

About the author

Candace Wondrak

116 books1,843 followers
Hey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.

Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!

If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.

Happy reading!

Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v

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Community Reviews

5 stars
372 (47%)
4 stars
240 (30%)
3 stars
128 (16%)
2 stars
38 (4%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
August 24, 2022
It's weird because while I can't say I'm loving this series, I am hella invested at this point. Perhaps its because Juliet has been a prisoner at Markus' home now for a few months and she knows almost all that goes on there that makes everything less tense. Markus seems to be a character I now understand more than I did in book one where he honestly came off like garbage. There's less shock value but still insane characters who do insane things. I still can't figure out why everyone is so obsessed with Juliet though, she's not my favorite heroine by far. She does seem to be making slow but small amounts of progress on becoming her own person. Even with Markus she's less intimidated and finally realizes she holds some power too. We eventually get more background on her father and it's good to finally have that cat out of the bag. Curious to see what Bennett's true plans are in the end as it's almost as if he's hunting Juliet and for the Scott family, that's a likely possibility.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,344 reviews203 followers
June 7, 2023
Sick Love is the third installment of The Desecration of Innocence series.

Okay, so I did it. I finally dove into book 3 and ghosted writing the review. Typical Alaina move at the moment and I have zero regrets. I also don't really have anything to say about ghosting the series either. It happened and I'm not sure when I will pick up the next book... or if I ever will.

At the moment, I can honestly say that I understand Markus more than ever. As for Juliet, the girl still annoys me. You know that whole nails on a chalkboard kind of sound? That's what I hear whenever Juliet comes into the book. Not exactly sure what they are seeing in her but that's their problem.

Other than that, we do get some more information into her father which piqued my interest. Yet here I am, sitting and writing the review months later, and I still haven't read the next book. Maybe one day I will want to finish this series but today is not that day.
Profile Image for Vivien R..
17 reviews
March 4, 2022
I had to DNF after 250 pages because it’s way too infuriating. The male characters (especially Marcus) are misogynistic and horrible, I was waiting for Juliet to stand up for herself but she was so sheltered all her life that she just didn’t see how badly they treated her. At 60%, still nothing changed so I wasn’t interested in continuing this.
14 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2022
🔥 Hot Read 🔥

Holy smoke!
I definitely recommend this book but only if you're into dark themes cause this book covers dark and degrading on a few levels. It is also highly recommended that you read the first two books of the series before this one.
Where to start, Juliet grows into her own some, but I feel like we aren't getting the full story of her and her "daddy." I feel like there's something darker in Juliet that's being held back for the suspense, which I'm totally game for figuring out. And her men. ..🔥 My favorites keep changing! I'm a sucker for Markus & Jaxon, ready for more Will, and still debating on Theo since he's not given enough story time and curious if he is holding back with a darker side. But Bennet. ..oh dear Bennet you are officially my favorite psychopath in what I'm hoping becomes her harem! And that ending. ..
Hook, Line, Sinker and can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Kasumatata.
1,140 reviews23 followers
August 2, 2022
Sick love

I am not a fan of the mandatory length of a review when I just want to scream from the top of the world that I love this series, this universe, ... Candace brings us amazing psych0s and the one girl to rule them all!
455 reviews
August 6, 2022
loved!

Man this story is a wild ride. I almost never know what is coming next and am always on the edge of my seat. Love, love, live!
Profile Image for dais.
851 reviews95 followers
March 3, 2025
Goddamn. This series is so freakin’ good!
8 reviews
February 1, 2022
Decadently Twisted Wild Ride!

* If dark reads aren’t your preference than it’s not for you. For lovers of dark and twisted romance it’s dynamite!
I love these dark books by Candace Wondrak. Welcome back to Juliet’s tale of twisted obsession and love. She starts to discover who she is and go for what she wants. Marcus is so dark but you can’t help but enjoy his character. Will Markus learn to share? Juliet will also discover her fathers dark secret that leads to a major cliffhanger. I need the next book now lol! A super hot dark read! I highly recommend this series.


Profile Image for Ash.
176 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2022
nope 👎

This series is god awful. God. Awful. There aren’t enough words in existence to accurately describe how horrible these books are. Every. Single. Character. Sucks. All of them. Their personas are awful, their cruelty, actions, and thoughts are awful, their unwillingness to intervene/change/grow a backbone is awful, and the things they do are beyond awful.

This entire series is thousands of pages of trauma p 0rn, r-a pe, mur-der, and so much worse. It’s disgusting. There’s dark romance, and then there’s just straight abuse. This is straight abuse being billed as “romance.” It’s not. I hate these characters, even the ones who are ‘good’ to Juliet, because none of them stand up and protect her from the abuse she’s forced to endure. They all stand by, watch, and let it happen.

I hate this series, and by god, I wish I never read book 1 to begin with. Give me back my hours and time. I cannot believe I’ve wasted so much time waiting for this awful series to turn itself around. It doesn’t turn around, and after the book 4 ending, I’m just flat-out furious. We have made NO PROGRESS with these characters. None. They don’t grow, and it’s beyond the pale, at this point.

And what is with the NEVER-ENDING INTERNAL DIALOGUE? I’m screaming mad. It. Never. Ends. This ENTIRE series is just rambling, stupid, and useless internal dialogue. It could have—and should have—been edited and condensed into 2 books. Don’t cut corners and be lazy if you’re writing a series that adds up to thousands of pages. If you want readers to invest in your stories, invest in an editor. Get an editor and copy editor, and use them. There are so many spelling errors and mistakes in every book 1-4. It’s so disappointing.

I don’t get the high reviews, and you know what? That’s okay, because everyone has different tastes. But to give these books a high review after the crappy editing and ridiculous prose style? No. Just no. I think it’s fairly obvious at this point that I will never read book 5. I’d rather tear my own nails out.
Profile Image for Elise Jordan.
610 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2023
I have grown into loving her books!

I'm so wound up right now! The books in her other series are interconnected to other series. I read Cruel Black Hearts first and met Stella, Edward, Lincoln and Killian and briefly Tori their dtr. These guys are the family of Lincoln, the Scotts, of this series. Tori has a huge role and she's just so courageous and she stands up to everyone and becomes Juliet's friend, at her young age she is far beyond her years and living, not just surviving in a family of brutal murderers! Marcus is changing but not into a loving forgiving man but with Juliet he's softening... Even Stella is beginning to see her in a different light, luckily for Juliet because Stella is a cold blooded killer! Juliet's changing but how? Still not sure... This book is leading up to the reverse harem but we're not there yet...this cliffhanger is well done and exactly where the next book starts...Candice brings me not just to the edge but dangling over it! It's not a romance like many dark and twisted series are but its about this twisted family.. Many of us have families that we never fit in with, I did. The Scotts are a place for those of us who fit that criteria... I'm beginning to find that this isn't just about ruthless killers...what they are beyond that, I'm still not there but this is a well written book that many writers couldn't pull off. I'm so into these books and enjoying what I'm going to discover next! Pay attention to her warnings because if you don't and read this series and get all freaked its because you didn't read her warnings and triggers! I love this series and the other one I read! I'm planning on reading Dollhouse next and whatever else she writes! Dark and twisted is exactly what I love to read! Not disappointed, for sure!
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
April 26, 2022
The truth finally comes out

I have been coming up with all kinds of theories as to why Juliet had to be kidnapped and what her father had done to warrant his punishment from Markus. Finally, we have an answer and it’s kinda twisted.

Juliet is definitely a naive and innocent character and honestly, those aren’t really my favorite types of characters but it works here given the plot and storyline. With all the psychos and murderers in this story, we needed a little bit of innocence.

I am a little taken aback by how Markus is behaving in this book when compared to previous books. He seems like he is settling into domestic bliss with Juliet which doesn’t match his personality and what he says. I also feel like things are starting to get pretty long and drawn out so I’m struggling to maintain interest and my attention. Then again, I have always struggled with reading contemporary so that could also be a reason.

My interest is intrigued enough that I do want to see the ultimate outcome of Juliet and the Scott men so I will continue the series.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,118 reviews77 followers
May 29, 2023
Book 3 was just like the first two, nothing really happened. The most information we get is at the very end, the last chapter- which is Bennet’s POV, finally we get one from him. But there’s been no real plot, just 4 guys who all want Juliet, but only one can have her- according to Markus. Other than that there’s nothing really happening.
Before book 3, I didn’t not like Juliet, but I didn’t like her either. But after book 3, I fully don’t like her. I can’t stand how she never stands up to Markus, she allows him to use her to punish the other guys, and she just goes along with it. It’s freaking annoying, just like her. And don’t even get me started on Markus, as much as I wanted to like him, I don’t. There’s no redeeming himself.
I do however like Will, Theo, Jaxson, and yes even Bennet. Honestly those 4 should just team up and take her away, and just say screw Markus. Well onto book 4, which hopefully gets better.
Profile Image for Gina M..
32 reviews
February 3, 2022
Absolutely love this series

This series starts out with Juliet being kidnapped from her boarding overly excessive sheltered life. But as Juliet learns more about herself and having some mild freedom away from her daddy the more she opens up. And the more she opens up the more obsessed these killers become with owning her heart mind and soul. Marcus is determined to be the only one to own her but after meeting Zoey Juliet has decided its time for her to start making her own decisions. And that she don't just want Marcus she finally decided she wants to be greedy and have them all!! I can not wait for the next book I truly hate cliffhangers but especially when they leave you stuck because you have no idea how everything will go because in a world full of crazy obsessive killers you just truly never know what will happen next.
Profile Image for K.L. Taylor-Lane.
Author 15 books618 followers
February 3, 2022
Loved it. It's that simple. Just as much as a review needs to be.

I've been reading Ms Wondrak's work since the begining, since Stella warped my twisted mind and made me fall head over heels in love with serial killers. I mean, it was bound to happen eventually...

I am obsessed with the Scott family and have been since 2019. Ever since we met Lincoln, then Markus and then Travis (swoon). Also, totally cannot forget Vaughn 💔 And now I'm not so silently obsessed with Bennet...

Candace Wondrak's books are stories I read over and over again. I recommend her to everyone. I own every ebook and most paperbacks and everytime I pick one up I get utterly lost in the delicious psychotic depravity.

So, even though some days are rough, keep writing Candace, you will forever have my love and support. 🖤
Profile Image for Kimmi.
56 reviews
February 6, 2022
Candace Wondrak 🥰

I can’t even explain how much I love her books! I love that we get a whole bunch of different story lines and characters but get some cross overs as well. I usually wait for a series to be completed before I start but I just can’t help myself with her books. ESPECIALLY the desecration of innocence. This series is seriously so amazing. I binged this book and read it in less than a day. Seriously such a good book and one of my favorite authors. I recommend her books to anyone and everyone that will listen
Profile Image for S.
Author 11 books20 followers
April 6, 2022
I don’t know

It took me longer to read Sick Love than most novels do. Not because it was bad, not at all, but it felt like one long drawn out season of a show I only kinda liked. Most of it was internal dialogue, quite a few moments of ellipses that just felt awkward, and too long dream sequences that I couldn’t figure out why they were included.

The writing style is great, especially how it changed for each character. I KNEW who’s POV I was in based on what I was reading. Spicy scenes were incredibly detailed and worked well.
Profile Image for LeiT.
382 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2022
so yeah I’m back

Soooo I gave this book a higher rating because I’m more interested now. There is something about Bennett that I was just hoping he would be more present and I guess I’m getting that the next book.

The first two books were hard because poor girl.. But worst of all is Markus literally I cannot with him. Hopefully he fades into the back or chills a bit. At this point I don’t think there is anything that would redeem him.

I’ll keep reading
Profile Image for Kelly Bugler.
1,865 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2022
Brilliant read. loving this series.
Markus has been keeping Juliet captive although for juliet this isn't new as she was sheltered heavily by her father. But Living with Markus has really opened her eyes to new experiences but she craves more. But to achieve this she must make Markus see her side and get her way, although getting her way is easy for some things at least but for others she is still waiting.
Brilliant read. Cant wait for the next.
Profile Image for M.
822 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2022
I skimmed through all the books except the first and I've found this is a common theme for me with this author. Repetitive and constant inner monologue when we could be having dialog. And when I say repetitive, I mean the character talking about the same thing in the same inner monologue then again, and again, and again through all of the books. I was able to skip nearly 50% of the book and STILL follow the story and understand what was happening. I'm not even going to bother with my normal spoiler to myself reminding me what was in the book because this series was not for me and I think the author is not for me as well.
Profile Image for thebookcritic_.
860 reviews24 followers
February 4, 2024
DNF

The series was ultimately too slow for me. Although Will hadn’t made an appearance from what I read in this book, I’m still not over what he did. I wish Juliet would’ve felt SOMETHING! She didn’t care one bit. Although, I DNF’d this book I’m sure triggers warnings were probably still necessary. I’m glad Juliet was starting to find herself but I just didn’t feel motivated to finish the book or series. I still wanted to know what her dad was doing but I have a clue.
Profile Image for Sinead.
20 reviews
February 1, 2022
Have been waiting for this, and read in one go! 😍 Book 3 continues on the story of Juliet and her journey of self discovery and the guys around her. What I wasn't expecting but delighted with is the direction of certain black sheep of the family 🖤

As always, getting to snippets of other characters from Candace's world is another favourite of mine. Seeing the last bit of Zoey's story was great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mihaela Cristina.
760 reviews5 followers
February 2, 2022
Another good one

I have to say Candace doesn’t disappoint with this 3rd instalment. While most series I’ve recently read tend to go down hill for book 3 or 4 she keeps doing an amazing job. Equally I am intrigued, all of these men lurking around Juliet, the revelation at the end. No idea how this will end. A great story and good execution.
Profile Image for Natasha.
226 reviews
February 7, 2022
so in love with this series

I love this book series and Bennett I know he is crazy but still I like his crazy a** I hated how fast it went it was blink and I was at the end lol I so ready to find out more about her crazy father and how they guys will handle her being kidnapped again lol so yes to the hunt lol happy hunting lol
288 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2023
Addicted

I got so addicted to this series, and this book is sort of bringing all the main players to the stage in the best and worst ways. Bennet is not at all a favorite character of mine! I don't like him, and I don't like what he did at the end of this book. But will I keep reading this series? Hell yes, I will! I can't not keep reading; I'm addicted!
Profile Image for JP.
1,826 reviews14 followers
November 2, 2023
GREAT Story 😁

I really Love this story, but sometimes it's a bit long winded with explanations 🤔. The characters are certainly certifiable, but easy to understand cuz each are so damaged 😲. I'm hoping this next book will go a bit faster and I'd Love to see our heroine take over, wouldn't that blow your mind 😉. Thanks again Candace, I can't wait to see what happens 🤓.
Profile Image for jamies_bookreads.
1,285 reviews19 followers
February 6, 2022
Love this series!

Love seeing Juliet coming into her own…changes are happening for Juliet. She is learning what her mind and body want plus Markus is agreeing to let her attend college. Now she has an outside friend in Zoey (which is a crazy choice to introduce her to the world). Juliet is learning what it means to voice her opinion. Just as she is starting to find herself, the obsession in one of the guys turns a little dark. TW/18+
Profile Image for Laurenloveslit81 .
524 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2022
Another hit!

I swear Candace can do no wrong and this book is just another example! I love how she brings all her series together and how she makes you love characters that you definitely shouldn’t. I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Bianca M.
918 reviews10 followers
February 7, 2022
Woah!

Poor Juliet. Her world is getting all sorts of shook up and the hits just keep coming. Bennet is a whole ball of surprise. I like the various cameos of Zoey and Stella. I’m very excited to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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