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Consumed
From dark romance author Lorrain Allen comes a spicy age-gap romance about an innocent intern and the billionaire who introduces her to a world of sin.
Dominic Stone
I don't have the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other battling for ownership of my soul.
The devil occupies both, continuously whispering in my ear, stirring me towards darkness.
A challenge too tantalizing to bypass appears in the form of twenty-year-old Pepper.
She's too young, too damn pure for the likes of me.
Pepper becomes my prey—I stalk her and gather information to orchestrate her downfall.
I'm surprised to learn she's not as innocent as she seems.
We embark on a series of passionate encounters, each one more intense than the last.
Her descent from grace will be swift, then I'll leave her where she lands.
Pepper Bryant
My father always told me to be aware of wolves in sheep's clothing, but this wolf wore an expensive suit.
Being raised a devout Christian, I'm innocent in the ways of men.
That changes when I meet Dominic.
His goal is to corrupt me, and he uses every weapon in his arsenal to succeed.
When he learns of my dark secret, the mind games begin.
He tests me, plays with me, pushes me, but still he wants more.
He'll only be satisfied once I fall at his feet, broken and damaged beyond repair.
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. Dominic Stone 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 can be found on the author's website.
*This is NOT a BDSM book. Dom and Pepper have their own unique relationship.
This is a standalone book.
Dominic Stone
I don't have the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other battling for ownership of my soul.
The devil occupies both, continuously whispering in my ear, stirring me towards darkness.
A challenge too tantalizing to bypass appears in the form of twenty-year-old Pepper.
She's too young, too damn pure for the likes of me.
Pepper becomes my prey—I stalk her and gather information to orchestrate her downfall.
I'm surprised to learn she's not as innocent as she seems.
We embark on a series of passionate encounters, each one more intense than the last.
Her descent from grace will be swift, then I'll leave her where she lands.
Pepper Bryant
My father always told me to be aware of wolves in sheep's clothing, but this wolf wore an expensive suit.
Being raised a devout Christian, I'm innocent in the ways of men.
That changes when I meet Dominic.
His goal is to corrupt me, and he uses every weapon in his arsenal to succeed.
When he learns of my dark secret, the mind games begin.
He tests me, plays with me, pushes me, but still he wants more.
He'll only be satisfied once I fall at his feet, broken and damaged beyond repair.
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. Dominic Stone 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 can be found on the author's website.
*This is NOT a BDSM book. Dom and Pepper have their own unique relationship.
This is a standalone book.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2020
394 people are currently reading
1364 people want to read
About the author
Lorrain Allen
10 books573 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 232 reviews
May 30, 2021
3.90⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Stalker Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.90/5
Dark Level: 5/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Angry, Sadist & Obsessive
Series: N/A
Pages: 319
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
Before I start, I in no way condone anything that takes place in this book in real life. It is a work of fiction and read it as such. If you have a moral compass with your dark romances, this is not for you.
The story is truly disturbing, twisted, controversial and dark. You are watching the start of a toxic relationship and reading the whole book with your jaw to the floor. I would probably dub this author the Queen of I don’t give a f&$k what I write because I’m going there.
The moment this story started, Dom was always on a 1000 with his intensity and energy. With each page, his obsession and possessive behavior became violent and destructive. I felt that this should have been called Beauty and the Beast a dark stalking tale because he was definitely a beast/hulk and Pepper a beauty.
To best sum up this book, Pepper describes their relationship best when she said “Dom’s a sadist, and I’m a masochist”. The below gives you an idea of what you are dealing with. Seeing the definition and reading the actions are two different things.
Sadist
a person who has the condition of sadism, in which one receives sexual gratification from causing pain and degradation to another.
Masochist
a person who finds pleasure/gratification by pain, degradation, submissiveness etc...
My only reason for doing 3.90 stars, as much as Pepper was weak and a walking doormat and was no match for Dom, I thought Pepper evolved a tiny tiny teeny bit from the beginning of the book, but Dom kept the same tempo right to the very end. Even the epilogue shows her growth and Dom is still Dom.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Their toxic relationship was crazy, so you can only imagine the sex they had. Their sex scenes became intense, and it will be troubling for some. Read at your own risk.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I like that this author throws in sane secondary characters amongst these crazy characters, but they don’t have longevity as I haven’t seen this author done a series yet.
Mia - Pepper’s best friend. I like her but dang with the bedroom scene when they lived together.
Drew - Dom’s brother. I really liked him. Would love to see a full story with he and Mia.
OVERALL:
I personally could not look away and was intrigued by the story unfolding. As I’m sure other reviewers have noted the triggers and the severity of them, take heed. If you are saying it can’t be that bad, it is, especially if you’ve never read anything by this author; so read at your own risk and note this book comes with caution tape wrapped around it.
✰✰TRIGGERS: abuse verbal and physical, degrading moments, humiliation, rough sex, forced intimacy etc...
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Stalker Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3.90/5
Dark Level: 5/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Angry, Sadist & Obsessive
Series: N/A
Pages: 319
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
STORY:
Before I start, I in no way condone anything that takes place in this book in real life. It is a work of fiction and read it as such. If you have a moral compass with your dark romances, this is not for you.
The story is truly disturbing, twisted, controversial and dark. You are watching the start of a toxic relationship and reading the whole book with your jaw to the floor. I would probably dub this author the Queen of I don’t give a f&$k what I write because I’m going there.
The moment this story started, Dom was always on a 1000 with his intensity and energy. With each page, his obsession and possessive behavior became violent and destructive. I felt that this should have been called Beauty and the Beast a dark stalking tale because he was definitely a beast/hulk and Pepper a beauty.
To best sum up this book, Pepper describes their relationship best when she said “Dom’s a sadist, and I’m a masochist”. The below gives you an idea of what you are dealing with. Seeing the definition and reading the actions are two different things.
Sadist
a person who has the condition of sadism, in which one receives sexual gratification from causing pain and degradation to another.
Masochist
a person who finds pleasure/gratification by pain, degradation, submissiveness etc...
My only reason for doing 3.90 stars, as much as Pepper was weak and a walking doormat and was no match for Dom, I thought Pepper evolved a tiny tiny teeny bit from the beginning of the book, but Dom kept the same tempo right to the very end. Even the epilogue shows her growth and Dom is still Dom.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Their toxic relationship was crazy, so you can only imagine the sex they had. Their sex scenes became intense, and it will be troubling for some. Read at your own risk.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
I like that this author throws in sane secondary characters amongst these crazy characters, but they don’t have longevity as I haven’t seen this author done a series yet.
Mia - Pepper’s best friend. I like her but dang with the bedroom scene when they lived together.
Drew - Dom’s brother. I really liked him. Would love to see a full story with he and Mia.
OVERALL:
I personally could not look away and was intrigued by the story unfolding. As I’m sure other reviewers have noted the triggers and the severity of them, take heed. If you are saying it can’t be that bad, it is, especially if you’ve never read anything by this author; so read at your own risk and note this book comes with caution tape wrapped around it.
✰✰TRIGGERS: abuse verbal and physical, degrading moments, humiliation, rough sex, forced intimacy etc...
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
December 13, 2020
Toxic love.
This book took toxicity to another level altogether. I cannot remember the last time that I read such a troubling novel.
It was horrific, grotesque and incredibly difficult to read because the two main characters needs to be committed to a mental ward and be fitted in a straight jacket.
This love of struggle among the main characters can only be described as mentally decaying. Dom's behavior was unjustified and his jealousy was sometimes a huge turnoff.
Pepper was a shy, simple, naive and emotional girl who had many chances to overcome the challenges that Dom put before her. But her blinding love was too irritating and she never seems to learn how unwholesome this unconventional seduction is.
This book is no light reading and I urge anyone to check the triggers before reading it. There are intense and graphical scenes that are painful and hard to overlook, especially the clear violation and non consent scenes.
The storyline is not very memorable because it is a book that I will certainly never return to read again. Although the plot is original and had a crude emotion, I did not feel this connection with the two characters.
This book did not achieve the goal and I did not care much for the characters or their ordeals.
Upon completion I’ll understand why this novel may ignite some people due to the dark theme and the abusive nature. However, I don't believe it's a poorly ill-written book, but it just wasn't connecting with me.
While this is something I will recommend cautiously, I think the author has done a magnificent job with this novel and I congratulate her for it and wish her continued success.
This book took toxicity to another level altogether. I cannot remember the last time that I read such a troubling novel.
It was horrific, grotesque and incredibly difficult to read because the two main characters needs to be committed to a mental ward and be fitted in a straight jacket.
This love of struggle among the main characters can only be described as mentally decaying. Dom's behavior was unjustified and his jealousy was sometimes a huge turnoff.
Pepper was a shy, simple, naive and emotional girl who had many chances to overcome the challenges that Dom put before her. But her blinding love was too irritating and she never seems to learn how unwholesome this unconventional seduction is.
This book is no light reading and I urge anyone to check the triggers before reading it. There are intense and graphical scenes that are painful and hard to overlook, especially the clear violation and non consent scenes.
The storyline is not very memorable because it is a book that I will certainly never return to read again. Although the plot is original and had a crude emotion, I did not feel this connection with the two characters.
This book did not achieve the goal and I did not care much for the characters or their ordeals.
Upon completion I’ll understand why this novel may ignite some people due to the dark theme and the abusive nature. However, I don't believe it's a poorly ill-written book, but it just wasn't connecting with me.
While this is something I will recommend cautiously, I think the author has done a magnificent job with this novel and I congratulate her for it and wish her continued success.
December 17, 2020
This book had a possessive and obsessive H but he was physically abusive and even cut her with a knife when he was angry, which is most of the story. The sex scenes would go from steamy to disgusting. They were really gross. I was also not a fan of some of their sex scenes which would suddenly involve other people walking in on them or the H would "finish" on the h in front of someone else. I didn't see much romance in this book either.
April 21, 2021
This book wasn’t what I thought!
February 1, 2021
The heroine was supposed to be innocent and naive, I found her stupid and pathetic. The hero was too creepy for my tastes, and some sex scenes were simply disgusting. I'm disappointed bc I really liked "I like the way you hurt" by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 27, 2021So that was a whole lot of NOPE. I would give it one star but the epilogue where Pepper comes into her own ends it on a good note so I flirted with two but, in all good conscience, I can't rate this higher than one so I'll leave it unrated. I have read and LOVED all manner of overbearing, possessive, jealous, uber Dominant, asshole, Neanderthal alphas from bikers to mafia to assassins with depravity that made me question my morals lol. Usually I'll be the one reading a blurb that other readers warn people away from while I'm damn near breaking a nail to click 'read now'. This is...not that. It is the WORST book (along those lines) I've ever read. Review to follow but I think, of all the author's warnings (and you should heed them), you need to really heed the one about the hero being irredeemable or something like that. There is no real balance here. There is nothing to endear you to Dom for any sustainable amount of time. He is a cruel, rapey, dangerous, jealous, manipulative, PHYSICALLY abusive psycho that any sane woman with more than two functioning brain cells would LITERALLY run away from. There is sexy depravity that you know is not safe or wholesome or Women's Lib approved, but is hot as hell. Again, this is...not that.
I did make it to the end so that's saying something. There were some fun, good, moments but just when things would start to look up, Dom would go full psycho and ruin any good feelings he'd built up over the last chapter or so. Pepper was literally the stupidest, most shamelessly pathetic heroine I've ever read but then I reminded myself that she was only 20/21 so...
Actually, this is enough of a review lol. Proceed at your own risk. You've been warned lol. Do not even ATTEMPT if you have rape, domestic violence triggers.
I did make it to the end so that's saying something. There were some fun, good, moments but just when things would start to look up, Dom would go full psycho and ruin any good feelings he'd built up over the last chapter or so. Pepper was literally the stupidest, most shamelessly pathetic heroine I've ever read but then I reminded myself that she was only 20/21 so...
Actually, this is enough of a review lol. Proceed at your own risk. You've been warned lol. Do not even ATTEMPT if you have rape, domestic violence triggers.
December 20, 2020
Taken by the devil, consumed by fire
If you were looking for an unrepentant, relentless antihero, you'll meet him in Consumed: Dominic, successful entrepreneur, decides he wants the sweet and slightly naive Pepper. Pepper has an awakened darkness that Dominic will soon set ablaze, plunder in fact, and so the story unfolds.
This story was debauchery incarnate, the kind you secretly wish you could take part in, yes, be consumed by. It told the tale of sexual discovery of a religious young woman, submitting to stalking, jealous possessiveness, and willful deflowering from a predatorily charming alpha male. Entertaining to be sure with scenes that were enjoyable, shocking. I truly could not put this book down, and read it avidly within a few hours. The pace was perfect. Great supporting characters too.
I love a dark romance pushing the envelope of dubious consent and an obsessive antihero, as well as a sweet heroine who realizes herself. This book had those in abundance. My only quips was more range of character. Dominic was linearly an alpha jerk, and nothing more; Pepper was a sweet, sheltered and accepting girl, and nothing more. Not evolution of their personas, no expanded characteristics adopted as an influence of their progressive life experience / encounters with each and others. This doesn't mean the antihero does not stay an antihero, but I would expect him to evolved some. Likewise with Pepper. Additionally, I would favor balance tipped toward the heroine to add complexity to the story. I love a strong alpha bad boy but Dominic's character, the outshoot of his behavior and therefore the dynamics of their relationship would have better showcased with change, some evolution. Given Pepper's accommodating nature, the story could have merited more counter elements, e.g. her pushing back to have made the story more authentic. For example, Pepper just seemed to accept whatever was dished out to her without push back that might naturally occur in cases where a character has been oppressed for some time. These complexities, I think, would have influenced the denouement that would added complexity and challenge to epilogue. And lastly, the language at times was stylistically at odds with the darkness of the story.
Still, without doubt an entertaining read. This author has a talent for capturing and holding the reader's attention the entire story, infused with subliminal dark humor you only recognize after you have been surprisingly struck.
If you were looking for an unrepentant, relentless antihero, you'll meet him in Consumed: Dominic, successful entrepreneur, decides he wants the sweet and slightly naive Pepper. Pepper has an awakened darkness that Dominic will soon set ablaze, plunder in fact, and so the story unfolds.
This story was debauchery incarnate, the kind you secretly wish you could take part in, yes, be consumed by. It told the tale of sexual discovery of a religious young woman, submitting to stalking, jealous possessiveness, and willful deflowering from a predatorily charming alpha male. Entertaining to be sure with scenes that were enjoyable, shocking. I truly could not put this book down, and read it avidly within a few hours. The pace was perfect. Great supporting characters too.
I love a dark romance pushing the envelope of dubious consent and an obsessive antihero, as well as a sweet heroine who realizes herself. This book had those in abundance. My only quips was more range of character. Dominic was linearly an alpha jerk, and nothing more; Pepper was a sweet, sheltered and accepting girl, and nothing more. Not evolution of their personas, no expanded characteristics adopted as an influence of their progressive life experience / encounters with each and others. This doesn't mean the antihero does not stay an antihero, but I would expect him to evolved some. Likewise with Pepper. Additionally, I would favor balance tipped toward the heroine to add complexity to the story. I love a strong alpha bad boy but Dominic's character, the outshoot of his behavior and therefore the dynamics of their relationship would have better showcased with change, some evolution. Given Pepper's accommodating nature, the story could have merited more counter elements, e.g. her pushing back to have made the story more authentic. For example, Pepper just seemed to accept whatever was dished out to her without push back that might naturally occur in cases where a character has been oppressed for some time. These complexities, I think, would have influenced the denouement that would added complexity and challenge to epilogue. And lastly, the language at times was stylistically at odds with the darkness of the story.
Still, without doubt an entertaining read. This author has a talent for capturing and holding the reader's attention the entire story, infused with subliminal dark humor you only recognize after you have been surprisingly struck.
December 11, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: CONSUMED.
Oh my gosh!!!!
This book was everything...Dominic an Alpha, dominating, don't take no for an answer type of a man who is dangerously Obsessed with a young, church-going innocent Pepper...
Pepper was the girl who was just very disconnected from the world...but her innocence is the very thing that arouses animal-like desire in Dom and the rest is history...
Although he did some unspeakable thing to pepper still that man-made me hot and sweaty for him. At first, I thought, no, no he can't be redeemed from the person he was but after knowing his character and the unfortunate past he had with loving someone only to end up betrayed scarred him for life.
In the end, Dom ended up being the savior to the girl who he was bent up on destroying before...
I must warn you that this is not the conventional love story...so keep an OPEN MIND and you will get something worth to read...
Oh my gosh!!!!
This book was everything...Dominic an Alpha, dominating, don't take no for an answer type of a man who is dangerously Obsessed with a young, church-going innocent Pepper...
Pepper was the girl who was just very disconnected from the world...but her innocence is the very thing that arouses animal-like desire in Dom and the rest is history...
Although he did some unspeakable thing to pepper still that man-made me hot and sweaty for him. At first, I thought, no, no he can't be redeemed from the person he was but after knowing his character and the unfortunate past he had with loving someone only to end up betrayed scarred him for life.
In the end, Dom ended up being the savior to the girl who he was bent up on destroying before...
I must warn you that this is not the conventional love story...so keep an OPEN MIND and you will get something worth to read...
December 26, 2020
It was crazy.
I have read this writer before so i know she definitely could do better.
I could be wrong ofcourse but when reading this i could see that author was writing for pleasing and not for the sake of story.
Trope's and stuff that readers like were thrown together and it ended up becoming a mess.
I hope she doesnt do it again because sure i finished it but i will never read it again.
And again like i said i know she can do much better.
I have read this writer before so i know she definitely could do better.
I could be wrong ofcourse but when reading this i could see that author was writing for pleasing and not for the sake of story.
Trope's and stuff that readers like were thrown together and it ended up becoming a mess.
I hope she doesnt do it again because sure i finished it but i will never read it again.
And again like i said i know she can do much better.
January 2, 2022
This is a super toxic sadistic hero! I love🖤
December 15, 2020
I'm just not sure.
I'm really just not sure.
Now I've read my fair share of dark reads, intense reads, pitch black reads.. But I feel, despite the "dark themes" presented in this book ... the book wasn't dark per say, to me. I also felt, after stewing a bit on it, the book remained on a much more superficial level than other books that label themselves as dark.
The cover model is just absolutely gorgeous. This is without a doubt. If this is meant to represent Pepper, no wonder Dom couldn't take his eyes off the prize.
Her past, kind of sets her up for her future. Dom's past ... well, he takes it out on his future.
I mean, the author's warning in the blurb says it all:
Warning: This book features an out of control jealous anti-hero, abuse, graphic language, and explicit sex scenes. If you expect a redeemable anti-hero this book isn't for you. It's not for the faint of heart, so PLEASE proceed with caution.
So, because of this warning and caution, how do we as readers feel? how are we expected to feel? how should we feel? how DO we feel? Our feelings becomes tumultuous indeed.
I am trying hard to see this story through the eyes of one that may enjoy it, through the eyes of one that's just here as a spectator, and through the eyes of one that may not enjoy it.
I am still just not sure. I think ... if the story went somewhere deeper, I might have felt more for it? I felt ... there was no fluctuation, no change, no growth, no ... actual climax? to the story. The characters continue to just be who they are since the beginning. I find that strange, for they both "discovered" their love for each other along the way. The only constant in life IS change, so how can this be? We are never who we were in the beginning, you know what I'm saying?
Sure Dom's brothers and such pointed out that Dom has become more .. volatile since Pepper came into his life. But that was it. .... I mean, he was always volatile though after the prologue. So, I am unsure if this qualifies as some sort of change. Is it just me?
Pepper, has become a little more emotional. This is understandable because she loves the foo. But at the base of it all ... she's still who she was in the beginning. We kind of see her strength shine through towards the end. Kind of. It was so small of a change, some of us readers might have missed it.
The epilogue .. this was the only change to the story. Truly. Even saying that, they didn't change THAT much but seem to have come to love their love dynamic more... expressing their love of the dynamic they have, more. But imagine, if you may, ... if the story was JUST IS minus the epilogue. How would we as readers feel about the story then? Something to consider, as I feel these last few pages drastically change the flavor to the story we've been observing.
The discovery of ... familial cycles came as no surprise. And I don't even think it made the story any deeper as.. we as readers, already kind of guessed it since the beginning.
Where do I stand? I am still not sure. But in regards to a deeper/intense/dark read ... I think this book almost made it..but still fell off the mark.
If someone asked for recommendations similar to what this book is about, sure I'd recommend it. But if someone asked me for a story to really connect to .. to be drowned in emotions .. this book would not be it.
3.75 stars
I'm really just not sure.
Now I've read my fair share of dark reads, intense reads, pitch black reads.. But I feel, despite the "dark themes" presented in this book ... the book wasn't dark per say, to me. I also felt, after stewing a bit on it, the book remained on a much more superficial level than other books that label themselves as dark.
The cover model is just absolutely gorgeous. This is without a doubt. If this is meant to represent Pepper, no wonder Dom couldn't take his eyes off the prize.
Her past, kind of sets her up for her future. Dom's past ... well, he takes it out on his future.
I mean, the author's warning in the blurb says it all:
Warning: This book features an out of control jealous anti-hero, abuse, graphic language, and explicit sex scenes. If you expect a redeemable anti-hero this book isn't for you. It's not for the faint of heart, so PLEASE proceed with caution.
So, because of this warning and caution, how do we as readers feel? how are we expected to feel? how should we feel? how DO we feel? Our feelings becomes tumultuous indeed.
I am trying hard to see this story through the eyes of one that may enjoy it, through the eyes of one that's just here as a spectator, and through the eyes of one that may not enjoy it.
I am still just not sure. I think ... if the story went somewhere deeper, I might have felt more for it? I felt ... there was no fluctuation, no change, no growth, no ... actual climax? to the story. The characters continue to just be who they are since the beginning. I find that strange, for they both "discovered" their love for each other along the way. The only constant in life IS change, so how can this be? We are never who we were in the beginning, you know what I'm saying?
Sure Dom's brothers and such pointed out that Dom has become more .. volatile since Pepper came into his life. But that was it. .... I mean, he was always volatile though after the prologue. So, I am unsure if this qualifies as some sort of change. Is it just me?
Pepper, has become a little more emotional. This is understandable because she loves the foo. But at the base of it all ... she's still who she was in the beginning. We kind of see her strength shine through towards the end. Kind of. It was so small of a change, some of us readers might have missed it.
The epilogue .. this was the only change to the story. Truly. Even saying that, they didn't change THAT much but seem to have come to love their love dynamic more... expressing their love of the dynamic they have, more. But imagine, if you may, ... if the story was JUST IS minus the epilogue. How would we as readers feel about the story then? Something to consider, as I feel these last few pages drastically change the flavor to the story we've been observing.
The discovery of ... familial cycles came as no surprise. And I don't even think it made the story any deeper as.. we as readers, already kind of guessed it since the beginning.
Where do I stand? I am still not sure. But in regards to a deeper/intense/dark read ... I think this book almost made it..but still fell off the mark.
If someone asked for recommendations similar to what this book is about, sure I'd recommend it. But if someone asked me for a story to really connect to .. to be drowned in emotions .. this book would not be it.
3.75 stars
October 30, 2022
Not a read for most
Okay so I am a freak for a controlling alpha male . That was not what Dom was . He wasn’t just dominant or alpha . He was abusive . He straight up beat Pepper. This wasn’t rough sex because if it had been I would he all for it . I’m not sure what the author was trying to achieve other than showing a highly toxic relationship . That being said I’m okay with toxic relationships . 😂 Mind your triggers and if you are in the mood for a toxic love this is a decent read.
Okay so I am a freak for a controlling alpha male . That was not what Dom was . He wasn’t just dominant or alpha . He was abusive . He straight up beat Pepper. This wasn’t rough sex because if it had been I would he all for it . I’m not sure what the author was trying to achieve other than showing a highly toxic relationship . That being said I’m okay with toxic relationships . 😂 Mind your triggers and if you are in the mood for a toxic love this is a decent read.
February 17, 2021
I reserve one star ratings for my DNF but since I finished it in the hope that this dude would get stabbed in his sleep by the h I had to give it a 2. This wasn’t for me. I’m not into the so called “hero” throwing the h against walls, choking, cutting almost drowning her in puddles etc. There was nothing romantic or sexy in any encounter they had. It was just abuse plain and simple.
June 1, 2021
That warning is there for a reason.
I won't say much, let the⭐ do the speaking for me 😂😂.
I won't say much, let the⭐ do the speaking for me 😂😂.
May 25, 2021
This was horrible. I am horrible...because I didn't hate it.
Definitely heed the author's trigger warnings. Believe them; they are accurate and necessary. For me, this was a truly dark, disturbing, crude, and upsetting read. Annnnd still, I didn't hate it. I had to question my myself and my morals multiple times while reading.
Dominic is a psychopath. Period. I couldn't pinpoint the catalyst of his issues; maybe it was just in his nature? Pepper has issues of her own as well. She nosedived into an abusive relationship while plotting liberation from her controlling and abusive father. She was beyond naive and overdue for therapy. This was not my story to tell so I can't say what should and shouldn't have happened but it was funny how I can't imagine how I'd handle a loved one like Pepper in the real world. But I'd probably never know because these are likely the kinds of situations people keep to themselves so as not to upset their love ones.🤔🤷🏾♀️
There were times that the writing and dialogue seemed a bit–inconsistently–formal, but I chalked it up to code switching. My personal dialogue and thought process can be like that. The characters' personal thoughts were lengthy at times but I may have just been impatient for dialogue and interactions between characters.
All in all, I enjoyed this sick and twisted piece of work! I'll be reading more Lorrain Allen soon, for sure.
Definitely heed the author's trigger warnings. Believe them; they are accurate and necessary. For me, this was a truly dark, disturbing, crude, and upsetting read. Annnnd still, I didn't hate it. I had to question my myself and my morals multiple times while reading.
Dominic is a psychopath. Period. I couldn't pinpoint the catalyst of his issues; maybe it was just in his nature? Pepper has issues of her own as well. She nosedived into an abusive relationship while plotting liberation from her controlling and abusive father. She was beyond naive and overdue for therapy. This was not my story to tell so I can't say what should and shouldn't have happened but it was funny how I can't imagine how I'd handle a loved one like Pepper in the real world. But I'd probably never know because these are likely the kinds of situations people keep to themselves so as not to upset their love ones.🤔🤷🏾♀️
There were times that the writing and dialogue seemed a bit–inconsistently–formal, but I chalked it up to code switching. My personal dialogue and thought process can be like that. The characters' personal thoughts were lengthy at times but I may have just been impatient for dialogue and interactions between characters.
All in all, I enjoyed this sick and twisted piece of work! I'll be reading more Lorrain Allen soon, for sure.
December 20, 2020
Felt more like shock value
I thought this was gonna be a dark, tortured anti-hero meets innocent virginal heroine... that’s what it was supposed to be. Instead what I got was shock value for shock value.
The author did warn that the hero was “an out of control jealous anti-hero, abuse, graphic-language, and explicit and taboo s—x scene.” And she was true to her word with the explicitness and the abuse. I’d say she also forgot to add non-con and dub-con though that can fit into the “abuse” label.
I just, I don’t know, I’ve read similar books, and this is the first where I just couldn’t get behind the psychotic anti-hero, where all I saw was the abuse from a rich man-child and a doormat heroine, whose only reason for “liking it” is her abusive childhood.
I guess what I’m saying is it really wasn’t for me. I found myself cringing more often than not and I’m disappointed because I really wanted to love this.
I thought this was gonna be a dark, tortured anti-hero meets innocent virginal heroine... that’s what it was supposed to be. Instead what I got was shock value for shock value.
The author did warn that the hero was “an out of control jealous anti-hero, abuse, graphic-language, and explicit and taboo s—x scene.” And she was true to her word with the explicitness and the abuse. I’d say she also forgot to add non-con and dub-con though that can fit into the “abuse” label.
I just, I don’t know, I’ve read similar books, and this is the first where I just couldn’t get behind the psychotic anti-hero, where all I saw was the abuse from a rich man-child and a doormat heroine, whose only reason for “liking it” is her abusive childhood.
I guess what I’m saying is it really wasn’t for me. I found myself cringing more often than not and I’m disappointed because I really wanted to love this.
January 24, 2021
What a dark romance should be.
One thing I love about this genre is that you can indulge toxic fantasies in a safe manner. Lord knows that if this were real life, 911, protective orders, and a good handgun would be involved. The trigger warnings on abuse, dubious consent, stalker fantasy, and etc. should be heeded. I must say I enjoyed this book! I loved how dark and sexy it was. The book is definitely over the top, but again, it is what made it so much fun. There are transitional problems with character development that broke the illusion, but I still enjoyed myself immensely. I will be reading others from this author.
One thing I love about this genre is that you can indulge toxic fantasies in a safe manner. Lord knows that if this were real life, 911, protective orders, and a good handgun would be involved. The trigger warnings on abuse, dubious consent, stalker fantasy, and etc. should be heeded. I must say I enjoyed this book! I loved how dark and sexy it was. The book is definitely over the top, but again, it is what made it so much fun. There are transitional problems with character development that broke the illusion, but I still enjoyed myself immensely. I will be reading others from this author.
January 8, 2021
Have some dignity girl!!! You are so doormat pepper!!! The girl as literally garbage!
November 24, 2020
Ohh lawd, I don't know where to start on this book! Let me tell you, author Lorrain Allen took me on one of those once in a lifetime outta body experience when I read Consumed. I was flip upside down, side ways, I laugh, I cuss, I got mad, and I've had a lot of oh snap moments, Yes y'all know what I'm talking about. Now let me sit back and tell you about this book cause it's gonna take me a while. Now Dom? He's not your typical playboy billionaire, no uh uh he's the sadistic, stalker deviant type that will rip your whole world apart and spit you out like nobody's business. And the man set his eyes on the good girl, like really Dom? Her? You couldn't have gone for one of those that's up to your level of sickness? It had to be Pepper😩poor girl didn't know what hit her and before you know it she's sinning all over the place. This book isn't a love a story okay, their love is like Harley and Joker, yes y'all know what I'm saying, it's not a normal love, but a gut wrenching in your face and I ain't going nowhere kind of love. But for some reason they mesh very well, she's that light that's missing from his life that he needs, he knows without Pepper he's nothing, she balances him out, I love them together, it's not easy to find their kind of love, it's crazy but it's them. ⚠️Now let me give you readers some warning, if you can't read dark theme books please don't read this book, don't say I love dark reads but when you start reading this one and you're in shock. It's very dark dark, this book went over the line dark⚠️and you know what? I LOVE IT AND LIVE FOR THESE TYPE OF BOOKS, THEY'RE MY ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE THEME. But I think you should give this book a chance, just keep an open mind about it, I don't know what else to say about this book without spoiling it for others, but trust me you do not want to miss out. Author Lorrain Allen you really are a phenomenal author, thank you!
January 10, 2021
I don’t even know how to start this review😭😭 The “hero” is a fucking psycho & not the cute kind!! He literally abuses & rapes the heroine 😳!! Look, I’m all for dark romances & I literally have no triggers, but this book is crazy. And this book would have gotten a higher rating from me if the hero had some character development! He stayed abusive throughout the whole book! He literally cut the heroine with a knife before he said that he loves her 🤣 I’m sorry but this book is fucked up🤦🏽♀️ & the writing wasn’t the best! It was like I was reading a book from Wattpad! But nonetheless, It kept me on the edge of my seat which has to count for something right🤣, so I’m giving it a 2.5 stars!
February 4, 2021
This book is WILD!!!
Read the trigger warnings before you decide to proceed. I find it funny that there is a warning and people still wrote comments about how they didn’t finish the book due to being disgusted. 🙄
This is a dark read. I’ll say it, Dom is not an alpha. He is a rapist. Pepper is so naive, it’s pretty pathetic. Pepper is attracted to chaos due to her issues. The only stable person in her life is her brother, Patrick. Mia, Pepper’s friend, chalked up her “entanglements” with Dom as “kink”. No ma’am.
The scene in the alley tho......😬😮🤭😱
With that being said, I did enjoy the book. I enjoy dark reads. If you can handle dark, read this book.
Read the trigger warnings before you decide to proceed. I find it funny that there is a warning and people still wrote comments about how they didn’t finish the book due to being disgusted. 🙄
This is a dark read. I’ll say it, Dom is not an alpha. He is a rapist. Pepper is so naive, it’s pretty pathetic. Pepper is attracted to chaos due to her issues. The only stable person in her life is her brother, Patrick. Mia, Pepper’s friend, chalked up her “entanglements” with Dom as “kink”. No ma’am.
The scene in the alley tho......😬😮🤭😱
With that being said, I did enjoy the book. I enjoy dark reads. If you can handle dark, read this book.
March 9, 2021
This book was recommended to me and I'm glad I read it.
Dom is a billionaire and he is over the top possessive when it comes to Pepper. The push and pull of this relationship had my head spinning at times, but some of the scenes made up for that.
Dom is a billionaire and he is over the top possessive when it comes to Pepper. The push and pull of this relationship had my head spinning at times, but some of the scenes made up for that.
August 21, 2023
I cant believe this guy beat her in the street with his belt. like shes a dog. I cant stand weak female characters. 2.5 stars
November 24, 2020
All consuming
Lorrain Lorrain... aka Ms snatcher of edges and breath lol. Girllllll you did not come to play when you wrote consumed!!!
In my eyes Dom could literally be the older brother for Art. Dom is oh so sexy with his demented self. As for Pepper, I think she’s one strong black woman because it takes a strong ass woman to be with Dom. Lol there were times throughout this book that my claws wanted to come out at Dom. He really thought he held the power in the relationship but i knew better.
Now the sex scenes, 😅 🥵 🔥. My my was the book on fire. I honestly have a hard time deciding which was my favorite scene.
All I’m going to say is Book Karens.... RUN🤣🤣🤣🤣. If you’re not open minded this book is not for you‼️
Lorrain Allen, you did a fantastic job and I must say you outdid yourself with this book and it’s definitely on my reread list.
To my fellow readers, this book is a must have ‼️
Lorrain Lorrain... aka Ms snatcher of edges and breath lol. Girllllll you did not come to play when you wrote consumed!!!
In my eyes Dom could literally be the older brother for Art. Dom is oh so sexy with his demented self. As for Pepper, I think she’s one strong black woman because it takes a strong ass woman to be with Dom. Lol there were times throughout this book that my claws wanted to come out at Dom. He really thought he held the power in the relationship but i knew better.
Now the sex scenes, 😅 🥵 🔥. My my was the book on fire. I honestly have a hard time deciding which was my favorite scene.
All I’m going to say is Book Karens.... RUN🤣🤣🤣🤣. If you’re not open minded this book is not for you‼️
Lorrain Allen, you did a fantastic job and I must say you outdid yourself with this book and it’s definitely on my reread list.
To my fellow readers, this book is a must have ‼️
April 5, 2024
Where was the romance? 😭
I have read 3 books by Lorrain and have always enjoyed them no matter how morally grey they are.
However this one was just so bland. While it was consuming, it just wasn’t GIVINGG.
The H and h were both absolutely trash. Dom never treated her right, hell he even gave the h’s brother better treatment than the h lol.
The h, Pepper was pathetic. HOW DID SHE FALL IN LOVE SOMEHOW EXPLAIN PLS!!! And the way she just forgave him, girl is the biggest doormat I’ve ever read.
Epilogue was literally NOTHING.
The only character I enjoyed was Drew, the H’s brother.
I have read 3 books by Lorrain and have always enjoyed them no matter how morally grey they are.
However this one was just so bland. While it was consuming, it just wasn’t GIVINGG.
The H and h were both absolutely trash. Dom never treated her right, hell he even gave the h’s brother better treatment than the h lol.
The h, Pepper was pathetic. HOW DID SHE FALL IN LOVE SOMEHOW EXPLAIN PLS!!! And the way she just forgave him, girl is the biggest doormat I’ve ever read.
Epilogue was literally NOTHING.
The only character I enjoyed was Drew, the H’s brother.
November 23, 2020
Dang!
Lorraine did it again this book had a little bit of everything. Dominic was a man who had been hurt in the past who was scared to trust love again. Pepper saw past Dominic's scars and loved him anyway. This book may not be for everyone. If you don't like out of control sex and abuse then this isn't for you. I know at times I wanted to beat some sense in Dominic and Pepper. I can't say which character I like the best between Art and Dominic. But I do love both characters.
Lorraine did it again this book had a little bit of everything. Dominic was a man who had been hurt in the past who was scared to trust love again. Pepper saw past Dominic's scars and loved him anyway. This book may not be for everyone. If you don't like out of control sex and abuse then this isn't for you. I know at times I wanted to beat some sense in Dominic and Pepper. I can't say which character I like the best between Art and Dominic. But I do love both characters.
June 10, 2021
Absolutely lovedddddd!!! Dom was 🔥🥵!
February 8, 2021
I was recommended this book by a Facebook group I am in. Consumed is loved by some and I can see how many would find this disturbing as well. At times I wasn’t sure if this would even have a HEA. I figured I’d put that in right away because that’s important to many readers. It has a HEA.
I went in without any expectations other than smut and a dominant possessive hero. I’ve read a read a Lorraine Allen book before and had no idea what I was getting myself into.
In the beginning I laughed a lot because I found the quick escalation of Dom’s obsession to be unrealistic but the fast pace, twists and turns, realistic writing as far as how young people in their 20’s actually talk as well as the extreme shock of it all kept me CONSUMED with this book! See what I did there?
Dom, the hero doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings. He is dominant and pushes everyone in his life around. He has money and with that, he can do whatever he wants. He can also treat people however he wants. The way he choses to go about that is with complete disregard for anyone in terms of both respect AND physical safety.
Dom also doesn’t seem to care about Pepper, the heroine. This book will deal with her past childhood trauma and relationship with her family a bit. We mainly get a focused relationship between Pepper and Dom. The secondary characters added a sweet touch to the book without being overbearing.
The thing is, I can’t give you too many details because it will spoil the story. I will say that if you cannot read gruesome books or books with violence, I wouldn’t read this. That being said, please don’t misunderstand. It isn’t THAT bad. We’ve all read worse. There were just certain scenes that were a lot.
A writer is creative and has a free platform to make all of our desires come true. I LOVE things other women probably don’t. I say that because while I don’t personally like sadomasochism, I know a lot of people do.
Lovers of the Kane Series from Stylo Fantome would most likely love this book. Anyone who likes a dominant and abusive hero will definitely like this book. Dom reminds me of Kane because he is unapologetic.
I am also not personally into stalker heroes. I get my kicks with aloof heroes that don’t pay attention to the heroine. A hero ignoring a heroine is a turn on for me. So, this being the exact opposite case, didn’t turn me on whatsoever. Still, from being very active in the romance novel community, I know that dark readers crave an unapologetic hero. I’ve read posts in which women search for this exact book and I am so happy that there are books out there that fit everyone’s desires.
Still, you get a VERY interesting story, sadomasochism to the utmost extreme and a HEA. I’m giving this a high review because lovers of violent heroes, toxic relationships, unapologetic heroes, crazy stalker possessive heroes and HEAVY sadomasochism will enjoy this book. I bet if you love sadomasochism this is the golden ticket lol.
I went in without any expectations other than smut and a dominant possessive hero. I’ve read a read a Lorraine Allen book before and had no idea what I was getting myself into.
In the beginning I laughed a lot because I found the quick escalation of Dom’s obsession to be unrealistic but the fast pace, twists and turns, realistic writing as far as how young people in their 20’s actually talk as well as the extreme shock of it all kept me CONSUMED with this book! See what I did there?
Dom, the hero doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings. He is dominant and pushes everyone in his life around. He has money and with that, he can do whatever he wants. He can also treat people however he wants. The way he choses to go about that is with complete disregard for anyone in terms of both respect AND physical safety.
Dom also doesn’t seem to care about Pepper, the heroine. This book will deal with her past childhood trauma and relationship with her family a bit. We mainly get a focused relationship between Pepper and Dom. The secondary characters added a sweet touch to the book without being overbearing.
The thing is, I can’t give you too many details because it will spoil the story. I will say that if you cannot read gruesome books or books with violence, I wouldn’t read this. That being said, please don’t misunderstand. It isn’t THAT bad. We’ve all read worse. There were just certain scenes that were a lot.
A writer is creative and has a free platform to make all of our desires come true. I LOVE things other women probably don’t. I say that because while I don’t personally like sadomasochism, I know a lot of people do.
Lovers of the Kane Series from Stylo Fantome would most likely love this book. Anyone who likes a dominant and abusive hero will definitely like this book. Dom reminds me of Kane because he is unapologetic.
I am also not personally into stalker heroes. I get my kicks with aloof heroes that don’t pay attention to the heroine. A hero ignoring a heroine is a turn on for me. So, this being the exact opposite case, didn’t turn me on whatsoever. Still, from being very active in the romance novel community, I know that dark readers crave an unapologetic hero. I’ve read posts in which women search for this exact book and I am so happy that there are books out there that fit everyone’s desires.
Still, you get a VERY interesting story, sadomasochism to the utmost extreme and a HEA. I’m giving this a high review because lovers of violent heroes, toxic relationships, unapologetic heroes, crazy stalker possessive heroes and HEAVY sadomasochism will enjoy this book. I bet if you love sadomasochism this is the golden ticket lol.
December 7, 2020
Love between two broken people set in dark tones is catnip to me. CONSUMED is very much a story centered around those elements. If you like erotica, dark romance, and domination elements then this is a book for you.
Pepper Bryant is a young woman with dreams who harbors a painful past and unfulfilled desires when she begins a job at a company owned by Dominic Stone. She is smart but awkward in her relations with people. Shelled by a strict father, Pepper is about placating and hoping things will eventually change in time. When Dominic storms in to her life, he doesn’t take maybe or no for an answer. He seems her hesitance and fears then steamrolls right over them. A man haunted by his own recent past and circumstances, he sees at first a challenge in claiming Pepper that quickly becomes much more.
Dominic is definitely an anti-hero character. He wants Pepper and nothing & no one will stop him from making her his woman. She is unlike women he has been with prior and her unique, very heated reaction to him goes to his head quickly. Pepper is a young woman coming in to her own. Quickly she is, well consumed, by the power of her feelings for Dominic in which she will battle for his heart and his soul because is Dominic she has found her soulmate.
I enjoyed this story. It is dark and spicy, which is something I like but may not be for people looking for lighthearted fare. This story is intense and engrossing, which as I said above, is catnip for me. If you have read this author before, you know her writing strengths and her alpha anti-heroes. New reader to the author or return reader, Dominic & Pepper’s story is totally worth checking out.
Pepper Bryant is a young woman with dreams who harbors a painful past and unfulfilled desires when she begins a job at a company owned by Dominic Stone. She is smart but awkward in her relations with people. Shelled by a strict father, Pepper is about placating and hoping things will eventually change in time. When Dominic storms in to her life, he doesn’t take maybe or no for an answer. He seems her hesitance and fears then steamrolls right over them. A man haunted by his own recent past and circumstances, he sees at first a challenge in claiming Pepper that quickly becomes much more.
Dominic is definitely an anti-hero character. He wants Pepper and nothing & no one will stop him from making her his woman. She is unlike women he has been with prior and her unique, very heated reaction to him goes to his head quickly. Pepper is a young woman coming in to her own. Quickly she is, well consumed, by the power of her feelings for Dominic in which she will battle for his heart and his soul because is Dominic she has found her soulmate.
I enjoyed this story. It is dark and spicy, which is something I like but may not be for people looking for lighthearted fare. This story is intense and engrossing, which as I said above, is catnip for me. If you have read this author before, you know her writing strengths and her alpha anti-heroes. New reader to the author or return reader, Dominic & Pepper’s story is totally worth checking out.
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