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Gods of Ruin MC #1
Beautiful Hate
Zilpha Kensley
My mother has my life mapped out and her plan doesn’t include a boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
Sam doesn’t belong in my world, but one rainy night, our fates collide.
I showed him kindness when no one else ever had.
For that, he worshipped the ground I walked on until I betrayed him.
It’s been three years, and he has a score to settle.
Samuel “Sandman” Hendricks
I’m a stone-cold killer.
I take immense pleasure in watching my victims draw in their last breath.
Death is my constant companion, until Zilpha reappears in my life.
Her treachery destroyed the boy I used to be.
He perished in flames of smoldering rage.
A monster emerged in his place.
The tables have turned, and this time, she’s the one who’s going to get burned.
Warning: This book features an out-of-control, jealous antihero, abuse, graphic language, explicit sex scenes, and other subject matters some readers might find triggering. Samuel “Sandman” Hendricks is not a comfortable antihero to read about. If you expect a redeemable antihero this book is not for you. He does NOT grovel or beg. A detailed content warning will be available on the author's website before release.
Beautiful Hate is the first book in a five-part series and can be read as a standalone.
My mother has my life mapped out and her plan doesn’t include a boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
Sam doesn’t belong in my world, but one rainy night, our fates collide.
I showed him kindness when no one else ever had.
For that, he worshipped the ground I walked on until I betrayed him.
It’s been three years, and he has a score to settle.
Samuel “Sandman” Hendricks
I’m a stone-cold killer.
I take immense pleasure in watching my victims draw in their last breath.
Death is my constant companion, until Zilpha reappears in my life.
Her treachery destroyed the boy I used to be.
He perished in flames of smoldering rage.
A monster emerged in his place.
The tables have turned, and this time, she’s the one who’s going to get burned.
Warning: This book features an out-of-control, jealous antihero, abuse, graphic language, explicit sex scenes, and other subject matters some readers might find triggering. Samuel “Sandman” Hendricks is not a comfortable antihero to read about. If you expect a redeemable antihero this book is not for you. He does NOT grovel or beg. A detailed content warning will be available on the author's website before release.
Beautiful Hate is the first book in a five-part series and can be read as a standalone.
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
About the author
Lorrain Allen
11 books579 followersLorrain Allen, aka Trigger Queen, wrote her first book, The Fox and the Box, at just six years old for a class assignment—and never looked back. In middle school, she joined the poetry club and competed in several poetry slams, further fueling her lifelong love of storytelling. As a young adult, she became a full-fledged romance book junkie. That obsession eventually led her to dark romance, where she discovered a passion for the darker, more twisted side of love.
Noticing the lack of dark romance novels centered around women of color, and inspired by the many creative authors she admired, Lorrain decided to write the kind of stories she wanted to read. While she plans to explore other romance subgenres, her primary focus remains nontraditional dark romance featuring unapologetically flawed, nonredeemable antiheroes.
Lorrain lives on the East Coast with her handsome son. When she’s not writing or devouring books, she enjoys traveling, experiencing different cultures, shopping at the mall, catching a movie, or discovering new-to-her restaurants. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always on the hunt for her next favorite dish.
The themes in her books may be controversial—but what’s life without a little controversy?
Let's connect!
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Noticing the lack of dark romance novels centered around women of color, and inspired by the many creative authors she admired, Lorrain decided to write the kind of stories she wanted to read. While she plans to explore other romance subgenres, her primary focus remains nontraditional dark romance featuring unapologetically flawed, nonredeemable antiheroes.
Lorrain lives on the East Coast with her handsome son. When she’s not writing or devouring books, she enjoys traveling, experiencing different cultures, shopping at the mall, catching a movie, or discovering new-to-her restaurants. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always on the hunt for her next favorite dish.
The themes in her books may be controversial—but what’s life without a little controversy?
Let's connect!
Newsletter - https://subscribepage.io/lorrainallen...
Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/RomanceQueen85/
Dark Diva's Readers' Group - www.facebook.com/groups/darkdivas/
Dark Interracial Romance Readers' Group - www.facebook.com/groups/darkinterraci...
Antiheroes & Chill - www.facebook.com/groups/antiheroesand...
Lorrain Allen's Spoiler Room - www.facebook.com/groups/lorrainallens...
Instagram - www.instagram.com/author_lorrain_allen
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@authorlorrainallen
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/authorlorrainallen
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lorra...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 27, 2026
2.5 because I read to the end. I did a lot of skimming. This guy Sandman is so immature. Is this dark though? I mean it wasn’t very creative darkness. It was non con anal rape everyday—- basically the same scene over and over and then just the tip in the V afterwards because why??? It was just weird considering how unhinged this 20 yo guy was mentally and how obsessed he was with her. I guess it was so the author could get the fmc pregnant with just the tip. The fmc is thrown around a lot, raped every day and then next day she’s up and at the mall or school or breakfast feeling fine and chatting it up with here bbf gf’s. She’s an 18 yo virgin and this is what she gets as her total experience for life… She gets pregnant with twins with no full Penetration— just the tip— and he’s still raping and pillaging her poor a hole. he’s worse than a Viking in a bodice ripper. When he finds out she thought about having an abortion he’s so mad and worried for his unborn child that he finally Vag: rapes her. That makes sense…Also I hate books where the mmc wants to murder the fmc for the entire book… and time flip flops! Give me a time flip Flop and I’ll skim it most every time!This book just came off a bit boring because despite the repetitive anal rape scenes, it did not bring the angst . The scenes were just for shock value and then they’re getting pancakes. Sandman is just a caricature of a dark mmc.-1compared to a truly well written unhinged character like Max in Deathdolls Bought and Paid For. Max is truly a diabolical dark character who doesn’t change…. But the author of that book makes you feel. This book is just like okay copy and paste that non con anal rape scene again over and over again.If you want to read about an over grown teenage man raping his soul mate several times a day because she got him beat up by her brother in high school when she was 15 then go for it. Oh and let’s not forget the last scene when she’s 6 weeks postpartum with twins and caring for her dead mom’s baby— so 3 babies to care for and the dude rapes her again. Like I said shock value and no substance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
LET’S GET THE PSA OUT OF THE WAY:
This book is NOT for the weak. CHECK your triggers, READ the warnings, and if YOU CHOOSE to ignore them, don’t you dare come for the author in the comments because you were warned. MULTIPLE times.
Now that the housekeeping is done: I have been waiting for this book forever. I’m a Lorrain Allen fan club junkie and I’ll scream it loud and proud! 😆
To me, this story kinda reminded me of “Romeo and Juliet’s” story if the original was set between the trailer parks streets and the elite suburban, two kids from different worlds suffering the same brand of hell.
Sam and Zilphia’s connection started in a treehouse, the only safe haven they had from the absolute monsters they called "family." The emotional and physical abuse these two endured made me want to jump through the screen and catch a case. Zilphia’s mother? Pure trash. Her brother? An ass. Her aunt and cousin? Bullying, starving, entitled nightmares.
I’ll be honest: I spent half the book wishing Zilphia would grow a backbone and stop letting these people spit on her. But the betrayal? My heart broke for Sam. He didn’t deserve that. By the end, I felt the punishment Sam doled out didn't fit the "crime" Zilphia committed, his hate definitely outweighed the hurt. You can tell he loved her in his own messed-up way, though. You could feel it coming off of him at times.
That plot twist towards the end? Jaw. Dropped. I didn't see it coming at all.
This was a total rollercoaster, and I’m already dying for the stories for Tulip/Draco, Meela/Jigsaw, and Leah/Snake. Lorrain Allen did it again, I loved everything about this book 💙
*Lemme also say that I think he’s the worst MMC out of all her books. No redemption at all, not even a little bit lol
This book is NOT for the weak. CHECK your triggers, READ the warnings, and if YOU CHOOSE to ignore them, don’t you dare come for the author in the comments because you were warned. MULTIPLE times.
Now that the housekeeping is done: I have been waiting for this book forever. I’m a Lorrain Allen fan club junkie and I’ll scream it loud and proud! 😆
To me, this story kinda reminded me of “Romeo and Juliet’s” story if the original was set between the trailer parks streets and the elite suburban, two kids from different worlds suffering the same brand of hell.
Sam and Zilphia’s connection started in a treehouse, the only safe haven they had from the absolute monsters they called "family." The emotional and physical abuse these two endured made me want to jump through the screen and catch a case. Zilphia’s mother? Pure trash. Her brother? An ass. Her aunt and cousin? Bullying, starving, entitled nightmares.
I’ll be honest: I spent half the book wishing Zilphia would grow a backbone and stop letting these people spit on her. But the betrayal? My heart broke for Sam. He didn’t deserve that. By the end, I felt the punishment Sam doled out didn't fit the "crime" Zilphia committed, his hate definitely outweighed the hurt. You can tell he loved her in his own messed-up way, though. You could feel it coming off of him at times.
That plot twist towards the end? Jaw. Dropped. I didn't see it coming at all.
This was a total rollercoaster, and I’m already dying for the stories for Tulip/Draco, Meela/Jigsaw, and Leah/Snake. Lorrain Allen did it again, I loved everything about this book 💙
*Lemme also say that I think he’s the worst MMC out of all her books. No redemption at all, not even a little bit lol
February 23, 2026
I don’t mind non-con or even r*pe scenes in my books but this was just straight up disgusting. The flashback chapters were really cute. I just don’t think Sam’s behavior was justified. One screw up after the girl practically saved your life and provided you shelter for many years, and you put her through hell. What a loser. 👎🏽 I like my mmc’s completely and utterly obsessed but still unable to harm the fmc. He repeatedly anally r*ped her and gave her no time to heal. Idk how she didn’t end up in the hospital. Eeeeyuckkkkk.
Also he p*ssed on her, like you didn’t even have that much smoke for your bum ass mommy and step sis. 🙄
Still sat for Snake and Leah. I just hope his wrath is logical at least.
Also he p*ssed on her, like you didn’t even have that much smoke for your bum ass mommy and step sis. 🙄
Still sat for Snake and Leah. I just hope his wrath is logical at least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2026
i don't know why we glorify men who rape women and treat them like shit. now I love dark romance but this book was sick. He raped her over and over when she said no and fought him. He never says he loves her, treats her like a prisoner and shows no affection towards the FMC. Definitely not my type of MMC.
February 19, 2026
When you find yourself rolling your eyes more often than not, you know this isn’t the book for you.
April 16, 2026
I love the noncon, but unfortunately, this is her worst comeback yet
January 23, 2026
YES! I’m obsessed with the MMC for this book! The Sandman is unhinged and unapologetic! He’s possessive, obsessive and protective in his own way. Even though he couldn’t care less about redemption, which I LOVE, there is an HEA.
I love Lorrain’s writing! This is the first book I’ve read by her and now I need more! I NEED Meela’s and Jigsaw’s story!!
🖤 Dark Motorcycle Club Romance
🖤 Antihero MMC
🖤 Possessive MMC
🖤 Unhinged MMC
🖤 Serial Unaliver MMC
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 OTT Obsession
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Kidnapping/Captivity
🖤 Hate to Love You
🖤 Hate S*x
🖤 Smut 🔥🔥🔥 (🔪 Play) (Non-con)
🖤 Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🖤 “MINE”
“I’m f*cking obsessed. Obsessed with her tears. Obsessed with her pain. Obsessed with being inside her.”
I love Lorrain’s writing! This is the first book I’ve read by her and now I need more! I NEED Meela’s and Jigsaw’s story!!
🖤 Dark Motorcycle Club Romance
🖤 Antihero MMC
🖤 Possessive MMC
🖤 Unhinged MMC
🖤 Serial Unaliver MMC
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 OTT Obsession
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Kidnapping/Captivity
🖤 Hate to Love You
🖤 Hate S*x
🖤 Smut 🔥🔥🔥 (🔪 Play) (Non-con)
🖤 Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🖤 “MINE”
“I’m f*cking obsessed. Obsessed with her tears. Obsessed with her pain. Obsessed with being inside her.”
February 19, 2026
There was no romance, so I don’t undrestand why is label romance here.
April 21, 2026
First and foremost, this is one of my favorite authors. I read her books without question. This particular book has been on my radar since she first announced it. I am a dark romance girl through and through but this wasn’t it. The story missed the mark.
The FMC was a punching bag. No development whatsoever. She just coasted along with whatever was thrown at her. Never pushing back or making decisions for herself.
Where was the romance? Did I miss something? Maybe I didn’t get the disclaimer about this story not being a romance. That was the biggest disappointment.
It felt like Ms. Allen was thinking, “How far can I push the envelope?” I wasn’t feeling it. I found my self rolling my eyes and smh a lot at some of the antics of the MMC. Some actions should be done for the storyline not purely for the shock value.
The story became very repetitive. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
I really wanted to like this one because I know a lot of work went into it but it just didn’t hit the spot like her other works.
The FMC was a punching bag. No development whatsoever. She just coasted along with whatever was thrown at her. Never pushing back or making decisions for herself.
Where was the romance? Did I miss something? Maybe I didn’t get the disclaimer about this story not being a romance. That was the biggest disappointment.
It felt like Ms. Allen was thinking, “How far can I push the envelope?” I wasn’t feeling it. I found my self rolling my eyes and smh a lot at some of the antics of the MMC. Some actions should be done for the storyline not purely for the shock value.
The story became very repetitive. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
I really wanted to like this one because I know a lot of work went into it but it just didn’t hit the spot like her other works.
March 28, 2026
Spoilers:
If you dont want to waist your time lemme just some up the book for you.
-theyre childhood friends, then she falsely accuses him of sa and he gets beaten badly and has permeant partial hearing loss.
-he rapes,degrades,and beats her for the rest of the book and no I am not joking.
- the book is about 600 pages and he spends about 300 of those pages raping and beating her.
-the final scene of the book she is post partum 6 weeks and he rapes her again after she begs him not to. Then she asks if he loves her (final scene btw) and hes like not rlly lol.
If I could give negative stars I would. How is this even classified as romance, no dates, no nice words, just rape and dv.
If you dont want to waist your time lemme just some up the book for you.
-theyre childhood friends, then she falsely accuses him of sa and he gets beaten badly and has permeant partial hearing loss.
-he rapes,degrades,and beats her for the rest of the book and no I am not joking.
- the book is about 600 pages and he spends about 300 of those pages raping and beating her.
-the final scene of the book she is post partum 6 weeks and he rapes her again after she begs him not to. Then she asks if he loves her (final scene btw) and hes like not rlly lol.
If I could give negative stars I would. How is this even classified as romance, no dates, no nice words, just rape and dv.
April 22, 2026
2.5 stars
I’m all up in my feels regarding this book. I did enjoy it somewhat, but was really peeved that none of the main characters’ sexual interactions were completely consensual, even at the end. In fact, all their interactions were pretty nasty. And not nasty in a kinky way. Nasty, as in cruel and damaging. Which was disappointing because I wasn’t sold on the whole obsessive love angle.
Don’t get me wrong, I do like dark romances, but the problem I had was that there was no romance to be had, except perhaps during the first two parts when the MMCs were children and then young teenagers. Sure, they had some chemistry when they were naive kids, but not after they reconnected three years post separation. By then, the MMC’s hatred for the FMC had become so palpable and all consuming that it tainted any real possibility for romance or emotional connection, particularly because he painfully raped her (anally and then vaginally) throughout the remainder of the book. He didn’t love her. Not really. And she “tolerated” him just to survive. It was kinda sad and reminded me of people who’ve been trafficked and are too traumatized to stand up for themselves.
So, yeah, I enjoyed it but wouldn’t consider it a romance 🤷♀️.
I’m all up in my feels regarding this book. I did enjoy it somewhat, but was really peeved that none of the main characters’ sexual interactions were completely consensual, even at the end. In fact, all their interactions were pretty nasty. And not nasty in a kinky way. Nasty, as in cruel and damaging. Which was disappointing because I wasn’t sold on the whole obsessive love angle.
Don’t get me wrong, I do like dark romances, but the problem I had was that there was no romance to be had, except perhaps during the first two parts when the MMCs were children and then young teenagers. Sure, they had some chemistry when they were naive kids, but not after they reconnected three years post separation. By then, the MMC’s hatred for the FMC had become so palpable and all consuming that it tainted any real possibility for romance or emotional connection, particularly because he painfully raped her (anally and then vaginally) throughout the remainder of the book. He didn’t love her. Not really. And she “tolerated” him just to survive. It was kinda sad and reminded me of people who’ve been trafficked and are too traumatized to stand up for themselves.
So, yeah, I enjoyed it but wouldn’t consider it a romance 🤷♀️.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2026
I don't know how this is classified as "romance." Even the TWs do not prepare you and there's not even a HEA. The FMC is still miserable at the end and is just resigned to her fate. I don't mind a morally black MMC, let him stay that way toward everyone else, but at the end he should at least be softer to the FMC. He was a hurting her until the last page. This should have been labeled horror.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 21, 2026------------------Possibly spoilers------------------
One star goes to the main MMC. Just because he had the bones of a real villain (though he was a bit too uncreative and repetitive in his wickedness...).
The "extremely dark romance" 🙄 here apparently stands for moderate gore and the guy sodomising his love interest. Repeatedly... Like in every chapter ... In the same way ... And she kind of seems to like it or at least be totally ok with it?!?!?! He calls it obsession, she calls it love. And they end up living HEA as a kinky little family. Which is really a miracle considering how many times these characters were physically abused throughout the book... There were some plot twists but at that point (the repetitiveness has dragged on for over 30 chapters), I wasn't invested in following.
I don't understand what authors try to achieve by overhyping their books. Would it be so bad if you just be more moderate in advertising your shades of darkness and simply put the trigger warnings out there for people to decide for themselves if they want to read or not?!
One star goes to the main MMC. Just because he had the bones of a real villain (though he was a bit too uncreative and repetitive in his wickedness...).
The "extremely dark romance" 🙄 here apparently stands for moderate gore and the guy sodomising his love interest. Repeatedly... Like in every chapter ... In the same way ... And she kind of seems to like it or at least be totally ok with it?!?!?! He calls it obsession, she calls it love. And they end up living HEA as a kinky little family. Which is really a miracle considering how many times these characters were physically abused throughout the book... There were some plot twists but at that point (the repetitiveness has dragged on for over 30 chapters), I wasn't invested in following.
I don't understand what authors try to achieve by overhyping their books. Would it be so bad if you just be more moderate in advertising your shades of darkness and simply put the trigger warnings out there for people to decide for themselves if they want to read or not?!
January 8, 2026
It’s been awhile since I read a new book from this author. And let me just say that the wait was worth it. Sam aka Sandman was one possessive and obsessive individual. This man I think that he beats Art,Dom,and Maverick. He sure was one dude that got me all twisted and excited. Just beware of TW because as the name title says Sandman had a beautiful hate.
April 2, 2026
I should’ve stopped reading when he pissed on her but alas I finished it. #nicolandriasamerica.
February 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Beautiful Hate⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have you ever read a book that had you in a chokehold and refused to let go? One that felt like you were trapped in an endless loop with no escape?
Sam’s innocence was destroyed by one selfish act. I honestly thought he wouldn’t survive it. He didn’t rise from the ashes like a phoenix… no. He rose like Satan himself — reborn as Sandman.
And Zilphia? Even though she was a child herself, what she did was beyond wrong. I don’t think I could ever truly forgive her. But since Sandman is absolutely unhinged about her, I guess I’ll have to learn to tolerate her at some point. Their relationship isn’t normal — it will never be normal — and that’s exactly what makes it so twisted and addictive. I do believe one day she’ll fully understand the weight of what she’s done.
I love every mean, dangerous, and dark things about this book. I live for stories like this — the kind you can’t just stumble across anywhere. I’ve been a fan of Lorrain Allen for a long time, and every single time she releases a book, she finds a way to shock me all over again.
And to those who think they’re “dark readers”? You’re not ready. This book will chew you up, swallow you whole, and spit you back out from the pits of hell — and Sandman will be standing right there watching. Consider this your warning.
You will be shocked from beginning to end. But if you’re truly a dark reader like me? You’ll crave the madness. You’ll want more. Because I know I do. I NEED more. Read at your own risk… but honestly, who wouldn’t love an unhinged, deliciously deranged Sandman? 😈
Lorrain Allen absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. Five stars, without question. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you ever read a book that had you in a chokehold and refused to let go? One that felt like you were trapped in an endless loop with no escape?
Sam’s innocence was destroyed by one selfish act. I honestly thought he wouldn’t survive it. He didn’t rise from the ashes like a phoenix… no. He rose like Satan himself — reborn as Sandman.
And Zilphia? Even though she was a child herself, what she did was beyond wrong. I don’t think I could ever truly forgive her. But since Sandman is absolutely unhinged about her, I guess I’ll have to learn to tolerate her at some point. Their relationship isn’t normal — it will never be normal — and that’s exactly what makes it so twisted and addictive. I do believe one day she’ll fully understand the weight of what she’s done.
I love every mean, dangerous, and dark things about this book. I live for stories like this — the kind you can’t just stumble across anywhere. I’ve been a fan of Lorrain Allen for a long time, and every single time she releases a book, she finds a way to shock me all over again.
And to those who think they’re “dark readers”? You’re not ready. This book will chew you up, swallow you whole, and spit you back out from the pits of hell — and Sandman will be standing right there watching. Consider this your warning.
You will be shocked from beginning to end. But if you’re truly a dark reader like me? You’ll crave the madness. You’ll want more. Because I know I do. I NEED more. Read at your own risk… but honestly, who wouldn’t love an unhinged, deliciously deranged Sandman? 😈
Lorrain Allen absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. Five stars, without question. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 26, 2026
Do you love motorcycle clubs?
Do you love trigger warnings?
Do you love an unredeemable MMC?
If you answered yes, then I have a book for you.
Beautiful Hate by Lorrain Allen. 4⭐️
Holy. Sh!t.
We’ve got:
🏍️Murd3r
🏍️Mayhem
🏍️Non-Con
🏍️Betrayal - and our MMC Sam “Sandman” Hendricks is out for bl00d.
This once sweet, caring, loving young man’s whole life was changed in a single night by the person he loved most in this world.. Zilphia Kingsley. The betrayal changed his entire trajectory and now a monster walks in his place. A stone cold killer, with no remorse.
It’s dark, it’s dangerous, when I said unredeemable, I meant it. Sandman loves the control he carries, the power, and has ZERO regrets. This is not meant for the faint of heart. The triggers are to absolutely be taken seriously, the non-con is heavy.
It was intense, had me at the edge of my seat, I didn’t want to put it down, I kept wondering what he was going to do next, and wow did I find out. Lorrain was not kidding when she said jaw dropping.
If this sounds like your kind of story, I encourage you to check it out, it’s out now! Lorrain did not disappoint, and I can’t wait to see where The Gods of Ruin take me next.
Do you love trigger warnings?
Do you love an unredeemable MMC?
If you answered yes, then I have a book for you.
Beautiful Hate by Lorrain Allen. 4⭐️
Holy. Sh!t.
We’ve got:
🏍️Murd3r
🏍️Mayhem
🏍️Non-Con
🏍️Betrayal - and our MMC Sam “Sandman” Hendricks is out for bl00d.
This once sweet, caring, loving young man’s whole life was changed in a single night by the person he loved most in this world.. Zilphia Kingsley. The betrayal changed his entire trajectory and now a monster walks in his place. A stone cold killer, with no remorse.
It’s dark, it’s dangerous, when I said unredeemable, I meant it. Sandman loves the control he carries, the power, and has ZERO regrets. This is not meant for the faint of heart. The triggers are to absolutely be taken seriously, the non-con is heavy.
It was intense, had me at the edge of my seat, I didn’t want to put it down, I kept wondering what he was going to do next, and wow did I find out. Lorrain was not kidding when she said jaw dropping.
If this sounds like your kind of story, I encourage you to check it out, it’s out now! Lorrain did not disappoint, and I can’t wait to see where The Gods of Ruin take me next.
March 2, 2026
OMG... I WAS WARNED!!!!!!
I had a hard time reading this story but I made a promise to myself to finish every book I read, to give a book a chance until the very end. This was definitely a dark romance, darker than I 'm used to. The author was very imaginative with the details of this dark romance was well plotted.
Both Zelphia and Sam were products of dysfunctional families. Both mothers were selfish narcissist. But karma caught up with them both. The plot took a twist with Zelphia father. I was not expecting that.
Sam's decent into Sandman is heartbreaking. He was such a sweet kid but Zelphia's betrayal hurt him to his core. He just could not resurrect Sam. He was just too hurt to let his heart love again. I was hoping to see some kind of humanity in how he treated Zelphia. She is just stuck now. There is no HEA for them as a couple.
There was nothing beautiful about this hate.
I had a hard time reading this story but I made a promise to myself to finish every book I read, to give a book a chance until the very end. This was definitely a dark romance, darker than I 'm used to. The author was very imaginative with the details of this dark romance was well plotted.
Both Zelphia and Sam were products of dysfunctional families. Both mothers were selfish narcissist. But karma caught up with them both. The plot took a twist with Zelphia father. I was not expecting that.
Sam's decent into Sandman is heartbreaking. He was such a sweet kid but Zelphia's betrayal hurt him to his core. He just could not resurrect Sam. He was just too hurt to let his heart love again. I was hoping to see some kind of humanity in how he treated Zelphia. She is just stuck now. There is no HEA for them as a couple.
There was nothing beautiful about this hate.
April 21, 2026
wtf did I just read?
Seriously how is the book published? He rapes her on basically every page. She did one thing while messed up but not worthy of the level of hate. This whole story is f*cked up.
Seriously how is the book published? He rapes her on basically every page. She did one thing while messed up but not worthy of the level of hate. This whole story is f*cked up.
February 22, 2026
jezus christ! I love a good dark romance but this honestly terrible and depressing. Our female lead Zilphia comes from a broken home and has been abused by her narcissistic mother since she was born. she's always had a relatively cushy if hollow life, only brightened by her friendship with Sam, the orphan boy she finds holed up in her treehouse.... adorable right???
NO. Not at all.
see things go MAJORLY down hill. her dad gets busted for fraud, she's off the her aunts house where everyone hates her and her mother and when she meets sam again, he's harder and a trainer killer.
look, I love dark romance but this was just obscene at times. the FL is VIOLENTLY RAPED by the "love interest" MULTIPLE times in every chapter..... I expect one time because of the book warnings but it was honestly gratuitous. I could never root for this couple and poor Zilphia deserved so much better and a man who'd love and keep her safe, not brutalize her like an animal. Yeah he was betrayed but him raping her before and after pregnancy??? nah. that doesn't fix anything. this isn't a romance it's gore imo
NO. Not at all.
see things go MAJORLY down hill. her dad gets busted for fraud, she's off the her aunts house where everyone hates her and her mother and when she meets sam again, he's harder and a trainer killer.
look, I love dark romance but this was just obscene at times. the FL is VIOLENTLY RAPED by the "love interest" MULTIPLE times in every chapter..... I expect one time because of the book warnings but it was honestly gratuitous. I could never root for this couple and poor Zilphia deserved so much better and a man who'd love and keep her safe, not brutalize her like an animal. Yeah he was betrayed but him raping her before and after pregnancy??? nah. that doesn't fix anything. this isn't a romance it's gore imo
April 12, 2026
Absolutely loved this story. This author knows how to create anti-heroes that I love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a glutton reader, I devoured Beautiful Hate, in one sitting, the way people consume sugar knowing it’s too much, but unable to stop lol.
Authoress Ms. Allen unapologetically wrote Beautiful Hate raw and unfiltered, no hand holding, trigger-buffering, no romantic clean-up crew, no moral babysitting. What you see is what you get, and if it makes you uncomfortable, that’s a personal problem and or discomfort that’s yours to sit with. That’s intentional. It forces accountability on the reader. You can’t hide behind “but it’s a romance” when the behavior on the page is clearly depraved and ugly. It exposes how easily people will excuse harm when it’s packaged as trauma, desire, or passion.
Beautiful Hate was no slow burn at all. What the book calls “romance” skips real emotional connection and jumps straight into control and manipulation. Sandman wasn’t some misunderstood, complex character—he was straight-up diabolical. But Z wasn’t on equal footing with him. She was groomed a patsy, shaped and pushed into going along with things long before anything physical ever happened with Sandman.
Beautiful hate is diabolical. It looks good, feels good, and poisons you quietly. The plot and mayhem pull you in so effortlessly that you consent to the chaos as you read clearly and fully aware Sandman is a sadistic heathen from the pits of hell. How about when he told her he would go drag her to hell with him if they die and reside in two different places. OMG!!
My heart broke for both Sam and Z. They came from abusive childhoods, and that kind of trauma doesn’t simply disappear, it embeds itself, shaping how you move through the world. Watching Sandman unload all of that rage onto Z was difficult to sit with. It made me wonder whether he was damaged as a child himself (in the way he abused Z) or if cruelty had simply become second nature to him. I know this is a novel, but words carry emotion. What I felt was unfiltered anger (heartbreaking, soul shaking) because what he inflicted to Z felt intentional and relentless. It was done to someone who was his saving grace when he (Sam) was most vulnerable. Someone who could have been his soulmate. Still, one violent act committed by Z’s brother and friends, no matter how brutal, does not exonerate the years of harm Sandman endured at the hands of those who were supposed to protect him. Trauma doesn’t excuse what he became, but it does explain how the cycle started. I digress.
Notes to Self:
***Let’s be clear and I maybe wrong but Authoress Allen didn’t redeem Sandman, didn’t rescue Z, didn’t correct the imbalance for you. Instead, she said: Here it is. Decide what you’re willing to tolerate, excuse, or romanticize. That’s it that’s all!
***Some truths don’t reveal themselves until you live them.
***What feels good to you but harms you quietly can mirror what feels hard but heals you.
Z and Sandman developed an attachment to something or someone that felt good for that brief period of time but wasn’t good long-term betrayal and consequences of that betrayal and I’m honest enough to admit it.
***Once you see it, you can’t unsee it and that’s what makes this book dangerous in the best way.
My heart broke for SAM AND Z, but "Sandman" and others close to Z deserved all the smoke.
Authoress Ms. Allen unapologetically wrote Beautiful Hate raw and unfiltered, no hand holding, trigger-buffering, no romantic clean-up crew, no moral babysitting. What you see is what you get, and if it makes you uncomfortable, that’s a personal problem and or discomfort that’s yours to sit with. That’s intentional. It forces accountability on the reader. You can’t hide behind “but it’s a romance” when the behavior on the page is clearly depraved and ugly. It exposes how easily people will excuse harm when it’s packaged as trauma, desire, or passion.
Beautiful Hate was no slow burn at all. What the book calls “romance” skips real emotional connection and jumps straight into control and manipulation. Sandman wasn’t some misunderstood, complex character—he was straight-up diabolical. But Z wasn’t on equal footing with him. She was groomed a patsy, shaped and pushed into going along with things long before anything physical ever happened with Sandman.
Beautiful hate is diabolical. It looks good, feels good, and poisons you quietly. The plot and mayhem pull you in so effortlessly that you consent to the chaos as you read clearly and fully aware Sandman is a sadistic heathen from the pits of hell. How about when he told her he would go drag her to hell with him if they die and reside in two different places. OMG!!
My heart broke for both Sam and Z. They came from abusive childhoods, and that kind of trauma doesn’t simply disappear, it embeds itself, shaping how you move through the world. Watching Sandman unload all of that rage onto Z was difficult to sit with. It made me wonder whether he was damaged as a child himself (in the way he abused Z) or if cruelty had simply become second nature to him. I know this is a novel, but words carry emotion. What I felt was unfiltered anger (heartbreaking, soul shaking) because what he inflicted to Z felt intentional and relentless. It was done to someone who was his saving grace when he (Sam) was most vulnerable. Someone who could have been his soulmate. Still, one violent act committed by Z’s brother and friends, no matter how brutal, does not exonerate the years of harm Sandman endured at the hands of those who were supposed to protect him. Trauma doesn’t excuse what he became, but it does explain how the cycle started. I digress.
Notes to Self:
***Let’s be clear and I maybe wrong but Authoress Allen didn’t redeem Sandman, didn’t rescue Z, didn’t correct the imbalance for you. Instead, she said: Here it is. Decide what you’re willing to tolerate, excuse, or romanticize. That’s it that’s all!
***Some truths don’t reveal themselves until you live them.
***What feels good to you but harms you quietly can mirror what feels hard but heals you.
Z and Sandman developed an attachment to something or someone that felt good for that brief period of time but wasn’t good long-term betrayal and consequences of that betrayal and I’m honest enough to admit it.
***Once you see it, you can’t unsee it and that’s what makes this book dangerous in the best way.
My heart broke for SAM AND Z, but "Sandman" and others close to Z deserved all the smoke.
April 16, 2026
I went into this expecting dark romance. I like dark romance. I’m not someone who gets scared off by trigger warnings or morally gray characters. But this? This was exhausting, and not in a good way.
The story follows a formula that’s honestly starting to feel overused, especially from this author. You can predict it almost beat for beat: the male lead starts off soft or tolerable, the female lead does something he “can’t forgive,” and suddenly everything spirals into revenge, cruelty, and control. He becomes spiteful, possessive, and vicious—inflicting harm under the excuse of anger, while still claiming her in that toxic “I hate you but you’re mine” way.
And the cycle just… repeats.
The female lead is no better. She barely defends herself, barely pushes back, and just absorbs the abuse scene after scene. It stops feeling like a story and starts feeling like a cycle, hurt, repeat, hurt again, repeat. There’s no growth, no shift, no payoff.
Then there’s the jealousy trope, which gets taken to an extreme. Another male character gets dragged in, purely to trigger the main character’s rage, leading to more violence and—again—more harm toward the heroine. It stops feeling like plot progression and starts feeling like repetition.
It’s not tension, it’s lazy writing.
And the chemistry? Nonexistent.
Dark romance only works when there’s a pull between the characters, something that makes you understand why they keep choosing each other despite everything. Here, there’s nothing. No spark, no emotional connection, no reason to care. Just toxicity with no substance behind it.
I don’t mind dark. I don’t mind messed up. What I do mind is when cruelty replaces storytelling. This book doesn’t push boundaries—it just repeats the same harmful dynamic over and over without adding anything new, interesting, or meaningful.
Honestly, it reads like every other book this author has written, just louder and more excessive.
If you’re looking for dark romance with depth and chemistry, this does even come close. For me, it missed the mark completely because it’s empty, repetitive, and completely devoid of depth.
The story follows a formula that’s honestly starting to feel overused, especially from this author. You can predict it almost beat for beat: the male lead starts off soft or tolerable, the female lead does something he “can’t forgive,” and suddenly everything spirals into revenge, cruelty, and control. He becomes spiteful, possessive, and vicious—inflicting harm under the excuse of anger, while still claiming her in that toxic “I hate you but you’re mine” way.
And the cycle just… repeats.
The female lead is no better. She barely defends herself, barely pushes back, and just absorbs the abuse scene after scene. It stops feeling like a story and starts feeling like a cycle, hurt, repeat, hurt again, repeat. There’s no growth, no shift, no payoff.
Then there’s the jealousy trope, which gets taken to an extreme. Another male character gets dragged in, purely to trigger the main character’s rage, leading to more violence and—again—more harm toward the heroine. It stops feeling like plot progression and starts feeling like repetition.
It’s not tension, it’s lazy writing.
And the chemistry? Nonexistent.
Dark romance only works when there’s a pull between the characters, something that makes you understand why they keep choosing each other despite everything. Here, there’s nothing. No spark, no emotional connection, no reason to care. Just toxicity with no substance behind it.
I don’t mind dark. I don’t mind messed up. What I do mind is when cruelty replaces storytelling. This book doesn’t push boundaries—it just repeats the same harmful dynamic over and over without adding anything new, interesting, or meaningful.
Honestly, it reads like every other book this author has written, just louder and more excessive.
If you’re looking for dark romance with depth and chemistry, this does even come close. For me, it missed the mark completely because it’s empty, repetitive, and completely devoid of depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book, and it left a lasting impression on me. The connection between Sam “Sandman” and Zilphia is unexpectedly sweet, even as it’s layered with sadness and longing for what might have been. Their story carries a deep sense of nostalgia—painful, raw, and emotionally heavy—while never shying away from the darker, more twisted edges of their world.
Sandman is a hardened, scarred, and unrepentant man, shaped by trauma that came far too early in his life. There is a razor‑thin line between love and hate running through him, and while he is often hard, mean, and difficult to care about, there are moments where his buried capacity for love shines through. His relentless pursuit of vengeance and the way he lives his life make him a complex and compelling character, and I find myself needing to know more—not only about him and Zilphia as a couple, but about how they will continue to evolve in their relationship.
The supporting cast is just as captivating. Characters like Leah and Snake, and Meela and Jigsaw, frequently steal the scene and add depth and intrigue to the story. They are fascinating in their own right, and I’m already eager for their books to be released.
This book has earned a permanent place on my personal bookshelf, and it’s one I know I’ll return to again. Dark, emotional, and unforgettable, it left me wanting more in the best possible way.
Sandman is a hardened, scarred, and unrepentant man, shaped by trauma that came far too early in his life. There is a razor‑thin line between love and hate running through him, and while he is often hard, mean, and difficult to care about, there are moments where his buried capacity for love shines through. His relentless pursuit of vengeance and the way he lives his life make him a complex and compelling character, and I find myself needing to know more—not only about him and Zilphia as a couple, but about how they will continue to evolve in their relationship.
The supporting cast is just as captivating. Characters like Leah and Snake, and Meela and Jigsaw, frequently steal the scene and add depth and intrigue to the story. They are fascinating in their own right, and I’m already eager for their books to be released.
This book has earned a permanent place on my personal bookshelf, and it’s one I know I’ll return to again. Dark, emotional, and unforgettable, it left me wanting more in the best possible way.
March 10, 2026
Gods of Ruin-5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Top Tier Darkness
Lorrain Allen is the undisputed 👸🏽of dark 🖤😍Despite clutching my invisible pearls & my mouth hanging out numerous times, I would give this book 10⭐️s if I could🥳. If you thought Dom, Maverick & Art were utterly irredeemable in their OTT psychotic madness, they are so tame compared to Sandman😳- (AKA Sam). He takes revenge, retribution, abject cruelty, obsessive, possessive, sociopathic insanity to defcon 10 level, pitch black- complete darkness 🤯 Zelphia, the MFC did betray him in the worst possible way, and my heart broke for both of them, but he did not have to make her suffer so much 😨, considering he still loved her in his own insane way. The story arc, nevertheless is exciting, filled with tightly woven drama, suspense, MC violence, spice 🥵🥵🥵& is totally captivating from word 1 to the end. Don’t expect a sweet ❤️, however, as Sandman is a stone cold hitman, dangerously ruthless, spiteful & vengeful on a good day- deadly every day. He does not change or soften -not even a little bit🫣. I feel so bad for poor Zelphia. Do heed the ✍️s CWs & TWs as this 📕 is darkness personified & not for the feint of heart. If you’re easily triggered, do your self a favor & bypass this one 😉. Connoisseurs of dark romance will be thrilled with this story- I’m patiently waiting for the other Gods of Ruin MC📚in the series to drop! Enjoy🍷
Lorrain Allen is the undisputed 👸🏽of dark 🖤😍Despite clutching my invisible pearls & my mouth hanging out numerous times, I would give this book 10⭐️s if I could🥳. If you thought Dom, Maverick & Art were utterly irredeemable in their OTT psychotic madness, they are so tame compared to Sandman😳- (AKA Sam). He takes revenge, retribution, abject cruelty, obsessive, possessive, sociopathic insanity to defcon 10 level, pitch black- complete darkness 🤯 Zelphia, the MFC did betray him in the worst possible way, and my heart broke for both of them, but he did not have to make her suffer so much 😨, considering he still loved her in his own insane way. The story arc, nevertheless is exciting, filled with tightly woven drama, suspense, MC violence, spice 🥵🥵🥵& is totally captivating from word 1 to the end. Don’t expect a sweet ❤️, however, as Sandman is a stone cold hitman, dangerously ruthless, spiteful & vengeful on a good day- deadly every day. He does not change or soften -not even a little bit🫣. I feel so bad for poor Zelphia. Do heed the ✍️s CWs & TWs as this 📕 is darkness personified & not for the feint of heart. If you’re easily triggered, do your self a favor & bypass this one 😉. Connoisseurs of dark romance will be thrilled with this story- I’m patiently waiting for the other Gods of Ruin MC📚in the series to drop! Enjoy🍷
March 16, 2026
How dare I not know this new book had dropped?!
I wait breathlessly for ANYTHING Lorraine Allen writes. Maverick was my 1st but absolutely wasn’t my last obviously since I’m reviewing this amazing 4.5 star read right now.
This one was a lot darker than any that I’ve read before. Unquestionably so. What would happen if”here and there” in her other books was the absolute norm in this book. The amount of violence was a bit jarring (don’t worry, no spoilers). Once I wrapped my head around that I was good to go.
Of course the spïce level was off the hook and almost gratuitously so. Me who LIVES for the hot stuff (and yes they were hot AF scenes, all of them!!) almost skipped over 1 or 2 to get back to the plot. The storyline itself had me so invested I just needed to know what happened next or how our characters were going to deal with that situation, etc. So there is super smütty McSmütterson parts heavily sprinkled throughout so enjoy!
All in all, this was an awesome read and totally in line with her writings. The only thing I didn’t like was the level of groveling NOT done by the MMC. He could have given a little bit right?
I wait breathlessly for ANYTHING Lorraine Allen writes. Maverick was my 1st but absolutely wasn’t my last obviously since I’m reviewing this amazing 4.5 star read right now.
This one was a lot darker than any that I’ve read before. Unquestionably so. What would happen if”here and there” in her other books was the absolute norm in this book. The amount of violence was a bit jarring (don’t worry, no spoilers). Once I wrapped my head around that I was good to go.
Of course the spïce level was off the hook and almost gratuitously so. Me who LIVES for the hot stuff (and yes they were hot AF scenes, all of them!!) almost skipped over 1 or 2 to get back to the plot. The storyline itself had me so invested I just needed to know what happened next or how our characters were going to deal with that situation, etc. So there is super smütty McSmütterson parts heavily sprinkled throughout so enjoy!
All in all, this was an awesome read and totally in line with her writings. The only thing I didn’t like was the level of groveling NOT done by the MMC. He could have given a little bit right?
February 24, 2026
What a wild ride
Two kids from opposite worlds finding a "neutral zone" (the treehouse). The trailer trash" boy vs. the wealthy girl whose life is curated by a status-obsessed mother. The MMC having escaped horrific family abuse only to find his first taste of love in secret.
Years later : The MFC she doesn't just break his heart—she essentially hands him over to be destroyed.
What does he want ? Revenge !
He wants her to feel as discarded as he felt that night
He’s no longer the boy in the treehouse; he’s the son of an MC President. He has the backup, the muscle, and a massive chip on his shoulder.
She’s stripped of her high-society protection and thrust into his world now …..
•classism
•severe bullying
• HEA-hard earned
•MC
•revenge romance
• second chance
• secret friends
If you love a MMC who is genuinely broken and a mfc who has to crawl through glass to earn forgiveness, this hits the spot. It’s a great look at how the people who give us the most light can also cause the darkest shadows!!
Two kids from opposite worlds finding a "neutral zone" (the treehouse). The trailer trash" boy vs. the wealthy girl whose life is curated by a status-obsessed mother. The MMC having escaped horrific family abuse only to find his first taste of love in secret.
Years later : The MFC she doesn't just break his heart—she essentially hands him over to be destroyed.
What does he want ? Revenge !
He wants her to feel as discarded as he felt that night
He’s no longer the boy in the treehouse; he’s the son of an MC President. He has the backup, the muscle, and a massive chip on his shoulder.
She’s stripped of her high-society protection and thrust into his world now …..
•classism
•severe bullying
• HEA-hard earned
•MC
•revenge romance
• second chance
• secret friends
If you love a MMC who is genuinely broken and a mfc who has to crawl through glass to earn forgiveness, this hits the spot. It’s a great look at how the people who give us the most light can also cause the darkest shadows!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
PSA * - the reading of the trigger list has to be read before proceeding with this book. Because all I thought it was a typical morally grey/morally black story. OH I WAS SOOOOOOO WRONG!
Sam. SANDMAN U are wow... ust wow! My girl Zilphia, how u stood up for yourself? Yesss character growth!!
This story was definitely friends to enemies to lovers! The plot twists, the characters, the PLOT!! The second chance at love! The obsession possessiveness!!! TOUCH HER AND U GOODBYE TO THIS WORLD????? Omig! This book is so bingeable! I couldn't put this book down, I need to be forced to put my phone down at the dinner table just to get food inside me. I loved everything about this book. I actually thought this book was not gonna finish on a good note. But all wounds must heal, all sadness will disappear and happiness will follow
This book 5 stars! I will be rereading it soon!
PSA * - the reading of the trigger list has to be read before proceeding with this book. Because all I thought it was a typical morally grey/morally black story. OH I WAS SOOOOOOO WRONG!
Sam. SANDMAN U are wow... ust wow! My girl Zilphia, how u stood up for yourself? Yesss character growth!!
This story was definitely friends to enemies to lovers! The plot twists, the characters, the PLOT!! The second chance at love! The obsession possessiveness!!! TOUCH HER AND U GOODBYE TO THIS WORLD????? Omig! This book is so bingeable! I couldn't put this book down, I need to be forced to put my phone down at the dinner table just to get food inside me. I loved everything about this book. I actually thought this book was not gonna finish on a good note. But all wounds must heal, all sadness will disappear and happiness will follow
This book 5 stars! I will be rereading it soon!
February 23, 2026
Thank you Lorrain for another great story. Highly recommend this book & author.
The beginning broke my heart 😢 poor little Sam. Adult Sam is very very very toxic. Probably in my top ten of toxic mc's.
Content Warning with spoilers - please heed!!!
The beginning broke my heart 😢 poor little Sam. Adult Sam is very very very toxic. Probably in my top ten of toxic mc's.
Content Warning with spoilers - please heed!!!
March 2, 2026
Beautiful Hate is such a wild ride. I love that the story spans quite a few years. It’s definitely a darkly unique twist on the motorcycle club romances. This story is very dark and is not for the weak and also it’s probably the reason why it’s so great. Because where other dark romances stop this one goes full speed ahead. Sandman is definitely the darkest MMC I have come across. He definitely has good reason, but also this man definitely needs some intense therapy. Zilphia is a sweet yet naïve FMC. She was brought up to be a certain way and sticks to that no matter who gets hurt in the process. She definitely stressed me out and some of the decisions she was making knowing full well that there would be negative consequences was driving me up the wall. Beautiful Hate it’s an absolute must read, but only if you can handle it.
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