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Trauma #1
Written in Blood
My first love hurt me, broke me, and left me for dead.
Now, five years later, I wear the scars of my survival. And all is well… or at least under control. Until I meet him.
My dark knight. A man too beautiful to be real.
I try to resist, I do, but he claims me anyway. He’s determined to make me his, to crack me open and let my demons out to play. He’s not afraid of my darkness, of me.
They say that happily ever afters are real. And if mine is made of revenge and blood? All the better.
Warning: Written in Blood is a dark and twisted romance containing triggering and mature content. While there is a HEA, it is bathed in red. 18+ only. Read the warning in the book for more details.
Now, five years later, I wear the scars of my survival. And all is well… or at least under control. Until I meet him.
My dark knight. A man too beautiful to be real.
I try to resist, I do, but he claims me anyway. He’s determined to make me his, to crack me open and let my demons out to play. He’s not afraid of my darkness, of me.
They say that happily ever afters are real. And if mine is made of revenge and blood? All the better.
Warning: Written in Blood is a dark and twisted romance containing triggering and mature content. While there is a HEA, it is bathed in red. 18+ only. Read the warning in the book for more details.
220 pages, ebook
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 5, 2022
Sadie is a serial stalker. She stalked them, fucked them and leave 'em. Until one day, she stalked the wrong person (or perhaps the right man woohoo!). Bastien Aumont is the dimpled businessman who caught her eyes and I have a sneaky suspicion that he liked being stalked by her. Anyhow, this weird courting phase was sadly cut short before the table was turned and now Sadie was at the receiving end and she wanted none of it.
First of all, trigger warning for descriptive sexual assault/rape scene. Right from the get go, you know that this book isn't all that safe anymore. But somehow, in the middle of the book, it kinda turned romcom for my taste (with intermittent scene of tortures and talk of torture of course). Then, at the end, it becomes dark again (curling iron guys?). I don't know about others, but I love this kinda dark/humour vibe and the fact that this is a debut work just makes it more extraordinary for me.
Second, short as it might be, but I also love the banter between Sadie and Bastien. It was actually fun to read their conversation. You never know what kind of quips going to come out from Sadie's mouth and Bastien's besottedness was too cute. They're both too cute sometimes.
Only criticism I have is on the too quickly unraveling plot in the end. I kinda wanted it to stretch out longer so that we can get to really get to know the villain and his heinous plan; and the issue with Sadie's lack of trusts was also solved too hurriedly. I just wanted for it to steam a little longer, you know. But it's still great, Ms Maur!
So yeah, definitely recommended if you're looking for something dark but not too pitch black, scattered with light humour and awesome relationship.
First of all, trigger warning for descriptive sexual assault/rape scene. Right from the get go, you know that this book isn't all that safe anymore. But somehow, in the middle of the book, it kinda turned romcom for my taste (with intermittent scene of tortures and talk of torture of course). Then, at the end, it becomes dark again (curling iron guys?). I don't know about others, but I love this kinda dark/humour vibe and the fact that this is a debut work just makes it more extraordinary for me.
Second, short as it might be, but I also love the banter between Sadie and Bastien. It was actually fun to read their conversation. You never know what kind of quips going to come out from Sadie's mouth and Bastien's besottedness was too cute. They're both too cute sometimes.
Only criticism I have is on the too quickly unraveling plot in the end. I kinda wanted it to stretch out longer so that we can get to really get to know the villain and his heinous plan; and the issue with Sadie's lack of trusts was also solved too hurriedly. I just wanted for it to steam a little longer, you know. But it's still great, Ms Maur!
So yeah, definitely recommended if you're looking for something dark but not too pitch black, scattered with light humour and awesome relationship.
February 1, 2022
I heard “dark romance” and “trigger warnings” and like a sailor bewitched by a siren’s song toward rocky shoals I came running. While the triggers are definitely on-point, and should not be underestimated, I was actually pleasantly surprised to find this, for me, more of a “romance with dark tones” than a “dark romance”. Sadie has endured some intense trauma, but Bastien is just the balm she needs to soothe the scars on her soul. Not necessarily remove them but help fade and blend them to create a new character portrait. The writing is gripping and emotional and keeps you locked in for the ride. Overall, I really enjoyed this dynamic and look forward to reading more from Elle Maur in the future.
April 12, 2022
This book started out so good. I buckled down to read a dark romance, expecting the healing and maybe retribution of a broken woman. Sadie has become a woman of artifice -- cool stuff of trying to overlay her first time by finding nice gentlemen and having (unfulfilling) sex while feigning being a virgin in attempting to heal from the rape at the hands of her first boyfriend -- yeah, that was the good part of the book. Instead of the dark intrigue and compelling plot, I read cliché.
Sadie meets a handsome and wealthy Bastien, who is totally into her -- knows most of her secrets. Bastien kidnaps Sadie and confines her to live in his luxurious estate where she doesn't have to lift a finger. What does she do? Complains yet secretly feels something sexually and emotionally she hasn't never felt since the violent incident. I can't. Bastien, to whom Sadie's wetly attracted -- for the first time in 5 years!
A firstly reticent and annoying Sadie is really a sarcastic, bada$$ unawares killer, tapping into her repressed darkness. *eye roll* Of course, he's dark and recognized hers. They're kindreds.
DNF 47%
Sadie meets a handsome and wealthy Bastien, who is totally into her -- knows most of her secrets. Bastien kidnaps Sadie and confines her to live in his luxurious estate where she doesn't have to lift a finger. What does she do? Complains yet secretly feels something sexually and emotionally she hasn't never felt since the violent incident. I can't. Bastien, to whom Sadie's wetly attracted -- for the first time in 5 years!
A firstly reticent and annoying Sadie is really a sarcastic, bada$$ unawares killer, tapping into her repressed darkness. *eye roll* Of course, he's dark and recognized hers. They're kindreds.
DNF 47%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2022
3 stars
The blurb of this drew me in. This is a new to me author. This book is a mix for me. Some parts I loved and others I struggled with. That is a shame though, because the bones/premise of the story was good. I just wanted more of a connection between the characters and more explanation about Caleb and why he made the decisions that he did.
The blurb of this drew me in. This is a new to me author. This book is a mix for me. Some parts I loved and others I struggled with. That is a shame though, because the bones/premise of the story was good. I just wanted more of a connection between the characters and more explanation about Caleb and why he made the decisions that he did.
February 7, 2022
The story of Sadie Miller, a girl whose life entirely changes after a terrible incident in her eighteen birthday. Years later, she swore that she would have her revenge but a chance encounter with an attractive devilish man, whose secrets are unexpectedly tangled to her, will put her plans in hold.
Exhilarating and captivating are the appropriate words to describe this book. I read it in less than 2 hours and I got completely hooked with the story. I like how the couple understood each other, in their own fuck-up way. Their banter, their intimated and most vulnerable moments. I love when they speak in French or when he called her Little Spider, and she called him his Dark Knight. Their twisted love trapped in a web full of secrets and lies, which left them scars and traumas, survive to fight their demons and leave their mark written in blood. Who doesn't love an unhinged woman seeking revenge?
'Huh, maybe happily ever afters can be real. And if mine is made of orgasms, blood, and revenge? Even better. Even fucking better'.
Exhilarating and captivating are the appropriate words to describe this book. I read it in less than 2 hours and I got completely hooked with the story. I like how the couple understood each other, in their own fuck-up way. Their banter, their intimated and most vulnerable moments. I love when they speak in French or when he called her Little Spider, and she called him his Dark Knight. Their twisted love trapped in a web full of secrets and lies, which left them scars and traumas, survive to fight their demons and leave their mark written in blood. Who doesn't love an unhinged woman seeking revenge?
'Huh, maybe happily ever afters can be real. And if mine is made of orgasms, blood, and revenge? Even better. Even fucking better'.
February 6, 2022
This book is actually pretty good. I wished it was longer
July 1, 2022
I loved everything about this. Patiently waiting for the bonus scene and the sequel 🤗
March 6, 2022
💜💜💜
I went into this knowing little to nothing about it and I’m so glad I did such a unique plot I absolutely loved it 💜💜💜
I went into this knowing little to nothing about it and I’m so glad I did such a unique plot I absolutely loved it 💜💜💜
February 6, 2022
Dnfed at 49% ish. The girl is a r@pe survivor by her moms bfs son and she tries to get over the trauma but cant. then she meets bastien and is interedted in the man until he kidnaps her and she turns into.a raving shrew of a woman 😂😂 I had to quit. Like.....I was too legit to quit
February 20, 2022
The cover here definitely drew me in. Definitely eye catching and honestly a bit grotesque. It kind of gives you a hint of what to expect inside the pages.
This is dark and a bit grotesque at times. There’s a scene near the end involving a curling iron I could have done without and it has unfortunately colored my thoughts on this. That’s the Russian roulette you play with dark romance sometimes. It felt unnecessary and like it was playing for shock factor and that is disappointing to me because the story here is pretty strong otherwise.
The writing is good, there were a few parts that felt a bit forced and clunky but overall the story is well written and interesting. After h’s experience I’m surprised she wasn’t more damaged. Her trying to recreate a nice first time was a bit heart wrenching. Given the cover here, I half expected her to have been killing men.
There’s a captive thing going on here which I appreciate. I wish the story had been more of a straightforward captive romance but there’s a heavy revenge plot at work. Ultimately the revenge is achieved and it’s satisfying though I’m extremely vengeful so it could have been more but what we got was mostly adequate.
I typically include a safety note at the bottom of my reviews but I’m going to put it in here. There’s no cheating in this book but there is on page non con not by H and another vaguely descriptive consensual scene with h OM before meeting H. Neither makes a book I’m unsafe to me specifically but I know some readers don’t like that.
This book contains torture, killing, human trafficking, sexual torture, graphic non con not by H.
Story 3/5, Heat 2/5, Angst 2.5/5
Slow burn, the two scenes I mentioned above take place early in the story but H and h don’t get intimate until just past 65%. Anything beyond 65% is a slow burn to me. There’s some steamy action between H and h starting around 50% but obstacles are interruptions keep popping up. It honestly started to grate on my nerves and felt like author was stalling to extend tension and burn.
Virgin h (virginity not taken by H), no manwhore as best as I could tell, he’s dominant and the steamy scenes weren’t crazy OTT but they were good, no OW drama, some OM drama (described above), push away from h, no breakups or separation. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
This is dark and a bit grotesque at times. There’s a scene near the end involving a curling iron I could have done without and it has unfortunately colored my thoughts on this. That’s the Russian roulette you play with dark romance sometimes. It felt unnecessary and like it was playing for shock factor and that is disappointing to me because the story here is pretty strong otherwise.
The writing is good, there were a few parts that felt a bit forced and clunky but overall the story is well written and interesting. After h’s experience I’m surprised she wasn’t more damaged. Her trying to recreate a nice first time was a bit heart wrenching. Given the cover here, I half expected her to have been killing men.
There’s a captive thing going on here which I appreciate. I wish the story had been more of a straightforward captive romance but there’s a heavy revenge plot at work. Ultimately the revenge is achieved and it’s satisfying though I’m extremely vengeful so it could have been more but what we got was mostly adequate.
I typically include a safety note at the bottom of my reviews but I’m going to put it in here. There’s no cheating in this book but there is on page non con not by H and another vaguely descriptive consensual scene with h OM before meeting H. Neither makes a book I’m unsafe to me specifically but I know some readers don’t like that.
This book contains torture, killing, human trafficking, sexual torture, graphic non con not by H.
Story 3/5, Heat 2/5, Angst 2.5/5
Slow burn, the two scenes I mentioned above take place early in the story but H and h don’t get intimate until just past 65%. Anything beyond 65% is a slow burn to me. There’s some steamy action between H and h starting around 50% but obstacles are interruptions keep popping up. It honestly started to grate on my nerves and felt like author was stalling to extend tension and burn.
Virgin h (virginity not taken by H), no manwhore as best as I could tell, he’s dominant and the steamy scenes weren’t crazy OTT but they were good, no OW drama, some OM drama (described above), push away from h, no breakups or separation. No cheating, no cliffhanger and HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2022
I was fortunate enough to be apart of Elle Maur's ARC team for this book! Often when I read authors that have not published before, I start a book with a very open-mind, and try not to be too picky in reviewing. Authors put so much of their heart and soul into books and naturally develop into their style as they continue to subsequently publish books so I try to not be overly critical of a first-time published writer. I can confidently say that I was over-the-top impressed with Elle's writing style especially as this is her first book published. In my opinion, her writing style is on-par with many of the popular authors I have read and I cannot wait to see how she continues to develop as a writer!
In the ARC group, there were some discussions about how some had read the trigger warnings and perhaps did not realize how much those specific themes/scenes would impact them. While I do not speak for those who were triggered, as that was not my experience, I will say that there are likely many authors that could include similar themes/scenes in a book that cannot touch the depth, description, and understanding of complex issues that unfolds within this story.
I leave a strong 4.5/5 review for Written in Blood. I don't want to say too much as I don't intend to include spoilers in this review but what keeps this from being a 5 star read is the conclusion reached concerning the herione's main goal through the book. How the goal was reached felt a bit too "set up" in that she ended up with closure to an issue in a short-time frame... all the pieces seemed to fall perfectly in place. I would have looooved for this to be a 2 part series as I would have devoured a whole other book with this couple - especially one where the h's justice wasn't so easily obtained at the end.
I can't wait to read another one of Elle's books! She is an author to put on your "must read" list for sure.
In the ARC group, there were some discussions about how some had read the trigger warnings and perhaps did not realize how much those specific themes/scenes would impact them. While I do not speak for those who were triggered, as that was not my experience, I will say that there are likely many authors that could include similar themes/scenes in a book that cannot touch the depth, description, and understanding of complex issues that unfolds within this story.
I leave a strong 4.5/5 review for Written in Blood. I don't want to say too much as I don't intend to include spoilers in this review but what keeps this from being a 5 star read is the conclusion reached concerning the herione's main goal through the book. How the goal was reached felt a bit too "set up" in that she ended up with closure to an issue in a short-time frame... all the pieces seemed to fall perfectly in place. I would have looooved for this to be a 2 part series as I would have devoured a whole other book with this couple - especially one where the h's justice wasn't so easily obtained at the end.
I can't wait to read another one of Elle's books! She is an author to put on your "must read" list for sure.
May 16, 2023
Wow Wow Wow 🖤❤️
I went through it with this one. When I saw it was dark I thought I was ready but dang right from the jump is what got me. However, it was integral to the story and Sadie’s need for revenge, way of living, etc. reading her thoughts and point of view made me feel everything she went through. I just couldn’t stop reading. When she met Bastien, it was like something clicked in her head that she knew this one was intriguing and when he got her he wouldn’t dare let her leave. He was different than the man she hated but just as if not more dangerous. Little did she know he was her safe haven, her equal, her protector, the one to indulge her desires. They were both equally as broken and troubled which made them so so perfect for each other. I can’t wait to read more by Elle and I hope to hear more about these two in the future ❤️🖤 my little dark heart loved this book
I went through it with this one. When I saw it was dark I thought I was ready but dang right from the jump is what got me. However, it was integral to the story and Sadie’s need for revenge, way of living, etc. reading her thoughts and point of view made me feel everything she went through. I just couldn’t stop reading. When she met Bastien, it was like something clicked in her head that she knew this one was intriguing and when he got her he wouldn’t dare let her leave. He was different than the man she hated but just as if not more dangerous. Little did she know he was her safe haven, her equal, her protector, the one to indulge her desires. They were both equally as broken and troubled which made them so so perfect for each other. I can’t wait to read more by Elle and I hope to hear more about these two in the future ❤️🖤 my little dark heart loved this book
November 27, 2024
This was surprisingly good! I found this book just because I wanted to find a no-spice Batman-inspired story for my brother in law, but this was filled with spice so this was for me instead. Anyway, the characters weren't fully fleshed out, only Sadie's backstory and future goal were fleshed out, and as she was the main character, (I don't count Bastien as the main—he was there to support her throughout the story) the story still made sense. I liked Bastien's possessiveness and protectiveness, but I really think he should have had a stronger reason to have become a vigilante. The reason was there, of course, but it was just not shown enough to us. I guess because this was all from Sadie's pov, we didn't get to see anything about Bastien's purpose.
Also, I don't usually like stories in which there's more dialogue than action, but this was still good and kept my attention till the end.
Also, I don't usually like stories in which there's more dialogue than action, but this was still good and kept my attention till the end.
April 17, 2022
Why is this book not talked about more?
Seriously, this book is amazing. I loved every minute of its dark and twisty pages. I am making it my mission to spread the word and get this book the attention it deserves. Elle Maur weaves a story like a master and I was completely emersed the whole time. The hangover from this will be epic. Carved in Stone cannot come quick enough, but also take your time as I know it will be well worth the wait. Bastian is perfection, I love the mystery around him and how he is not just straight Mafia trope. Sadie is a total badass and I love that she is not a weak victim. Well worth a read!
Seriously, this book is amazing. I loved every minute of its dark and twisty pages. I am making it my mission to spread the word and get this book the attention it deserves. Elle Maur weaves a story like a master and I was completely emersed the whole time. The hangover from this will be epic. Carved in Stone cannot come quick enough, but also take your time as I know it will be well worth the wait. Bastian is perfection, I love the mystery around him and how he is not just straight Mafia trope. Sadie is a total badass and I love that she is not a weak victim. Well worth a read!
June 3, 2025
Contains spoilers!
This started off well.
But I was quite bored throughout most of it, right up until it all kicked off, just before the end.
I am really confused about one aspect though 🤔
Other reviewers have said Sadie is a badass serial killer...when was it said that she ever killed anyone? She stalked men, pretended she was a virgin, fu*ked them, then left them. So did I read a different book to others? 🤔
This started off well.
But I was quite bored throughout most of it, right up until it all kicked off, just before the end.
I am really confused about one aspect though 🤔
Other reviewers have said Sadie is a badass serial killer...when was it said that she ever killed anyone? She stalked men, pretended she was a virgin, fu*ked them, then left them. So did I read a different book to others? 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
I expected more from this.
The premise was intriguing. I'm a sucker for dark romance when both of them are murderous monsters perfect for each other. So, yeah, I expected to love this, but the execution was not great. It all felt too forced, too fake. Their connection wasn't believable to me.
The premise was intriguing. I'm a sucker for dark romance when both of them are murderous monsters perfect for each other. So, yeah, I expected to love this, but the execution was not great. It all felt too forced, too fake. Their connection wasn't believable to me.
August 2, 2023
I hate giving such low ratings and I really tried to like this - overall the premise was good but there was no build up. He saw her and they stalked each other a few times and then suddenly he is kidnapping her and saying he loves her - there didn’t seem to be much to get to that point …
Unfortunately I Dnf at 78%… could tell how it was going to end
Unfortunately I Dnf at 78%… could tell how it was going to end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2022
My only issue with this was that it felt like it was too fast-paced. Not like insta-love then big plot then end, it wasn't rushed. It just felt like everything happened too fast... Not sure if that makes sense at all. But other than that I really enjoyed this book!
February 9, 2022
It was a slow start for me but totally ended up loving it and wanting more! I hope there is a second book coming because I felt this one was cut a bit short. Overall enjoyed the plot, loved the characters and steamy romance. Gah Bastien, yummy!
February 4, 2022
Great Debut!
Elle did a great job with her first book! I enjoyed the darkness and action along with the personalities of the characters. She wraps everything up but leaves you wanting more of these characters!
Elle did a great job with her first book! I enjoyed the darkness and action along with the personalities of the characters. She wraps everything up but leaves you wanting more of these characters!
March 7, 2024
Dnf, this book is bad
January 18, 2022
Love love love this book. I couldn’t put it down. I’m not a read anything kind of person so I’m picky about recommending books. This one checked all my boxes for a great read. I felt like I really understood Sadie and saw things through her eyes. It was very well written and had a captivating story line. I really appreciated the trigger warning as I felt like it prepared me for those parts of the story. I hope there is a book 2!
February 2, 2022
This book!!!! I am grieving. It can't be over. Not when I adore the characters and their story so much. That being said, this book has very dark parts. In my opinion it adds so much depth to what you feel for the characters, but check your triggers. Definitely going to reread this book many times! My hat goes off to you Elle Maur. This book is perfection.
March 19, 2023
I wanted to give this book a 5/5 but it was literally just one book. It could have easily been made into 2/3/4 books. The story line was perfect but it felt rushed.
Stockholm syndrome ish. Past trauma
Stockholm syndrome ish. Past trauma
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