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Twisted Web #2
Elijah
Some people are players. Others are simply caught up in the game.
Elijah Page has undergone a metamorphosis. It may not have been of his own doing, but he’s happy with the end result. Therefore, when he’s abducted by a shadowy organization, he’s not about to take anything at face value. Who are they? What do they really want from him? And how much of what they’re telling him is the truth, particularly when it comes to Shai? They say they want to help him, to bring the old Elijah back, but that man’s long dead. Isn’t he?
Shai isn’t a man used to being outwitted. Nobody takes what belongs to him and gets away with it. But as the trail grows ever colder, and his fury grows, is he still making the right decisions? Or has Elijah’s presence in his life left him with a weakness that those who oppose him are only too willing to exploit?
Ex-military man Dale Miller is no stranger to unusual jobs, but this one seems more complicated than most. He doesn’t look at Elijah and see a killer. He sees an attractive man who’s been through hell and deserves protection. And he just might be the man for the job. Shai or no Shai.
Everyone’s got secrets. But who’s lying and who’s telling the truth? And how far are they prepared to go to get what they want?
There can be only one winner.
Elijah Page has undergone a metamorphosis. It may not have been of his own doing, but he’s happy with the end result. Therefore, when he’s abducted by a shadowy organization, he’s not about to take anything at face value. Who are they? What do they really want from him? And how much of what they’re telling him is the truth, particularly when it comes to Shai? They say they want to help him, to bring the old Elijah back, but that man’s long dead. Isn’t he?
Shai isn’t a man used to being outwitted. Nobody takes what belongs to him and gets away with it. But as the trail grows ever colder, and his fury grows, is he still making the right decisions? Or has Elijah’s presence in his life left him with a weakness that those who oppose him are only too willing to exploit?
Ex-military man Dale Miller is no stranger to unusual jobs, but this one seems more complicated than most. He doesn’t look at Elijah and see a killer. He sees an attractive man who’s been through hell and deserves protection. And he just might be the man for the job. Shai or no Shai.
Everyone’s got secrets. But who’s lying and who’s telling the truth? And how far are they prepared to go to get what they want?
There can be only one winner.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
16 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Night
2 books52 followersH.L Night is the darker pen name of H.L Day. Therefore, you can find her wherever H.L Day is as the devil on her shoulder.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 25, 2022
3.5 stars
“Who would I fuck if I shot you? Unless of course I shot you in both knees. Then I could still fuck you and you wouldn’t be able to go anywhere. I have to say that that idea holds a certain charm. It’s definitely something to consider for the future.”
I liked this but didn’t love it. The cliffhanger at the end was unexpected so I’m definitely invested in continuing the series. But I admit I had sky-high expectations after the masterpiece of mindfuckery that Shai was so it was a bit of a letdown. It didn’t help that the triple POV was kind of messy, especially when you throw in flashbacks.
Likes
— Seeing Elijah as a badass in his own right.
— Engaging writing.
— Great plot and pacing.
Dislikes
— Dale was too nice and flavorless for a dark romance.
— The plot twist wasn’t thaaat twisty. I kind of figured it out beforehand.
— The graphic, kinky sex meant to titillate left me cold. Maybe I’ve become desensitized.
“I needed to hear Elijah say the words.
“So you never had any feelings for me?”
Blue eyes settled on my face, but where in the past few weeks they’d always been full of life and vitality, there was nothing but ice there. There was my answer.
“Sorry, Dale. You were nothing but a pawn.”
“Who would I fuck if I shot you? Unless of course I shot you in both knees. Then I could still fuck you and you wouldn’t be able to go anywhere. I have to say that that idea holds a certain charm. It’s definitely something to consider for the future.”
I liked this but didn’t love it. The cliffhanger at the end was unexpected so I’m definitely invested in continuing the series. But I admit I had sky-high expectations after the masterpiece of mindfuckery that Shai was so it was a bit of a letdown. It didn’t help that the triple POV was kind of messy, especially when you throw in flashbacks.
Likes
— Seeing Elijah as a badass in his own right.
— Engaging writing.
— Great plot and pacing.
Dislikes
— Dale was too nice and flavorless for a dark romance.
— The plot twist wasn’t thaaat twisty. I kind of figured it out beforehand.
— The graphic, kinky sex meant to titillate left me cold. Maybe I’ve become desensitized.
“I needed to hear Elijah say the words.
“So you never had any feelings for me?”
Blue eyes settled on my face, but where in the past few weeks they’d always been full of life and vitality, there was nothing but ice there. There was my answer.
“Sorry, Dale. You were nothing but a pawn.”
March 8, 2022
RTC but damn this book, I loved it so much.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
March 1, 2022
"No. It's because you're mine and you know it. One hundred percent mine. Mine to fuck. Mine to torment. Mine to kill should I wish. I could murder you, and you'd come back from the afterlife to say thank you. Isn't that right?"
I loved Shai and was very excited for this sequel. Overall, it delivered exactly what I wanted. Like the first novel, it is full of suspense and psychological manipulation. The story is told in two timelines. In the “present”, Elijah is kidnapped by people who try to save him from Shai. The psychological examination to which Elijah is subjected gets very interesting, and, as a reader, I was almost starting to feel conflicted about my feelings about Shai and Elijah together. Elijah is such a great character and I want what’s best for him, which would normally mean free from his unhealthy relationship with Shai... but man, it’s so fun to read about Elijah gaining more power in the criminal world, and his and Shai’s relationship stays very compelling. The plot was super fun and twisted. Like in the first book, I was suspicious of everything and everyone, and I was kept on my toes. Even if Elijah and Shai are separated in the “present” timeline, we still get plenty of moments with them in the “past” timeline, and a lot of sex scenes with plenty of kinks (as a warning and/or an incentive, the dubcon is still very real in this book).
The reason why I didn’t give this 5 stars (plot spoilers, I strongly advise you don't click on this if you plan to read the book),
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review (ARC)
I loved Shai and was very excited for this sequel. Overall, it delivered exactly what I wanted. Like the first novel, it is full of suspense and psychological manipulation. The story is told in two timelines. In the “present”, Elijah is kidnapped by people who try to save him from Shai. The psychological examination to which Elijah is subjected gets very interesting, and, as a reader, I was almost starting to feel conflicted about my feelings about Shai and Elijah together. Elijah is such a great character and I want what’s best for him, which would normally mean free from his unhealthy relationship with Shai... but man, it’s so fun to read about Elijah gaining more power in the criminal world, and his and Shai’s relationship stays very compelling. The plot was super fun and twisted. Like in the first book, I was suspicious of everything and everyone, and I was kept on my toes. Even if Elijah and Shai are separated in the “present” timeline, we still get plenty of moments with them in the “past” timeline, and a lot of sex scenes with plenty of kinks (as a warning and/or an incentive, the dubcon is still very real in this book).
The reason why I didn’t give this 5 stars (plot spoilers, I strongly advise you don't click on this if you plan to read the book),
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review (ARC)
December 27, 2022
This was a compelling continuation of Shai. We get to see Shai and Elijah's relationship with extra kinky flashbacks (heed the content warnings!), the addition of a new POV character, and some answers to questions from the first book. No one is a reliable narrator and you don't know who to trust which kept me on my toes while reading. I am looking forward to what comes next in the series.
One major issue I had (major spoilers!)
One major issue I had (major spoilers!)
March 2, 2022
Mine to please. Mine to torment. To do whatever I pleased to him. And I'd done a lot of things, whether he'd wanted me to or not.
this is a sequel to Shai, one of my favorite dark romance novels i've read so far. - not a standalone, before reading you must read book 1 and also check trigger warnings, please. i wasn't really afraid of disappointment because after my great previous experiences with this author i knew this story was in good hands.
we have here three protagonists with POVs, Elijah, Shai and Dale, and we follow two different narratives: before and present day, and this kind of time division can really get confusing to me but in this book they are very easy to follow which was a big relief. Shai and Elijah are one of my favorite portrayals of an abusive relationship in fiction ever, they keep with their over the top toxicity here and the sex is really hot if you're into dark dynamics like i am.
the unreliable narrator device kept me on my toes and the "everything is not what it seems" vibe that i loved in book 1 is very present here and are one of the major reasons that this sequel was a delight. i enjoy being tricked by the narrative, i understand this book may not work that well for people who don't, but the way the author pulled the strings was totally my jam.
loved the ending, loved how Shai doesn't turn soft on Elijah - he will always be a very abusive partner - and particularly loved seeing how meta the discussions are about the development of their relationship. loved the sex scenes and loved the thriller vibes. a huge win and if there is more to come on this series i will be waiting for it.
ARC provided by the author, this is a honest review.
May 10, 2022
Brilliant 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.
Best read of 2022 and cannot wait for the next book.
Best read of 2022 and cannot wait for the next book.
March 3, 2022
4.5 stars. I wanna start with the advice never ignore trigger warnings:
– murder – sex involving firearms – dubious consent – Stockholm Syndrome – kinky sex practices
We met Shai and Elijah in the first book. Please read that one before you start reading this one.
I really didn’t know what to expect after Shai. So I sat down and dived in.
Living with Shai has its pros, a golden Rolex, the newest phone, unlimited access to sex, not just sex, it was the kinkiest sex.
And yes, Shai has stamina like no other human being.
Shai has the upper hand, always, period, he’s the ruler of his world, Elijah is the closest to him, he’ll protect him at all costs. Elijah is his right hand and his toy to play with, with or without consent.
It’s now that Elijah needs him. Shai has to find his plaything because someone took Elijah.
Let’s talk about being a master manipulator!
Shai and Elijah, Shai loves playing with him, taking him to the edge and further. Think at something extreme and yeah it’s even worse with Shai. Elijah’s life is never really safe, or is it?
We already knew Shai was vicious and manipulative, he got all the characteristics of a psychopath, know one thing: Shai is multiple of it. The games he played, my goodness, ugh!
Only, never underestimate Elijah, never!
Alternating between different timelines, the present and ‘the before’ ánd three (yes three!) different pov’s was original and a great way of putting the picture together. I’m not gonna spoil just read it yourself l The plot was quite genius put together.
Accusing him of Stockholm Syndrome works the opposite to Elijah.
It was hugely intriguing to watch Elijah behave, never knowing what was real or not. Nothing is what it seems like. I loved it all very much. It’s unpredictable af.
The story was maybe a bit less sensational than the first book, but certainly hugely entertaining.
The writing was strong, the story clear and well structured. I love some good-written unpredictable, dark, disturbing stories! This was just my thing!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
– murder – sex involving firearms – dubious consent – Stockholm Syndrome – kinky sex practices
We met Shai and Elijah in the first book. Please read that one before you start reading this one.
I really didn’t know what to expect after Shai. So I sat down and dived in.
Living with Shai has its pros, a golden Rolex, the newest phone, unlimited access to sex, not just sex, it was the kinkiest sex.
And yes, Shai has stamina like no other human being.
Shai has the upper hand, always, period, he’s the ruler of his world, Elijah is the closest to him, he’ll protect him at all costs. Elijah is his right hand and his toy to play with, with or without consent.
It’s now that Elijah needs him. Shai has to find his plaything because someone took Elijah.
Let’s talk about being a master manipulator!
Shai and Elijah, Shai loves playing with him, taking him to the edge and further. Think at something extreme and yeah it’s even worse with Shai. Elijah’s life is never really safe, or is it?
We already knew Shai was vicious and manipulative, he got all the characteristics of a psychopath, know one thing: Shai is multiple of it. The games he played, my goodness, ugh!
Only, never underestimate Elijah, never!
Alternating between different timelines, the present and ‘the before’ ánd three (yes three!) different pov’s was original and a great way of putting the picture together. I’m not gonna spoil just read it yourself l The plot was quite genius put together.
Accusing him of Stockholm Syndrome works the opposite to Elijah.
It was hugely intriguing to watch Elijah behave, never knowing what was real or not. Nothing is what it seems like. I loved it all very much. It’s unpredictable af.
The story was maybe a bit less sensational than the first book, but certainly hugely entertaining.
The writing was strong, the story clear and well structured. I love some good-written unpredictable, dark, disturbing stories! This was just my thing!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
July 20, 2022
Holy crap what a book. This book is seriously the darkest, most bonkers thing I have read in a long time. Unreliable narrator all the way. There are no good guys. Ending was something. I can’t say more without revealing too much.
One star removed for me because of Shai being labeled a psychopath. Unnecessary / loaded mental health terms are bad rep in general. Wasn’t necessary.
Would recommend, if you made it through Shai, you can handle this one.
One star removed for me because of Shai being labeled a psychopath. Unnecessary / loaded mental health terms are bad rep in general. Wasn’t necessary.
Would recommend, if you made it through Shai, you can handle this one.
October 27, 2022
I feel like that Lady Gaga gif: this was great, entertaining, twisty, sexy, creepy, masterful. This really threaded the needle of nailing the POVs (and adding a third in Dale!) as well as incorporating flashbacks (usually not my thing). Really liked this!
February 28, 2022
WOW. Shai was one of my favorite book last year and I couldn't wait for Elijah and to read more in this world. Shai and Elijah are both so twisted and darkly perfect, ahh, I can't with them! Love how dark and deadly they are together, while still romantic in a way?? YES!
"You should know by now to always expect the unexpected."
I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. It was so exciting and full with suspense and action. What is happening with Elijah? How is it possible? What would Shai do? What comes next? Elijah is really 'healing'? OMG, all those questions! And the story was told in two different timelines and with three different POVs. Shai, Elijah and Dale - and one part before and one is present day. SO GOOD.
"You're mine and you know it. One hundred percent mine. Mine to fuck. Mine to torment. Mine to kill should I wish. I could murder you, and you'd come back from the afterlife to say thank you. Isn't that right?"
I loved the different POVs and it was really enjoyable to read from their view, but Elijah was the best. Okay, Shai was awesome too, but he only because of the darkness he gave to the story (and mostly was in the 'before' part of the story). Elijah's scenes were sneaky, because he was either the good or the bad in this story, we didn't know what was real and what wasn't. There were some comments here and there where you could put the pieces together, but you had to wait for the grand reveal to know everything for sure. And I loooooved it.
Dale was okay, but too easyly distracted (or should I say, dickstracted? LOL). Oh and that plus info about him at the end!!!! Where is the next book, I want it now! Oh god, so good.
"And he might be a psychopath, but he was my psychopath. And nobody was taking him away from me without a fight."
I really enjoyed this book, but I think Shai (the first book) was a little bit better then this, on dark and twisted level. Elijah is a really good one too, but I wasn't surprised even a bit at scenes like tormenting or killing someone. The story, the writing style and the characters, everyting is perfect and I really, really highly recommend this series if you love dark stories.
Ahh, how I loved reading it. Give me more!
"You should know by now to always expect the unexpected."
I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. It was so exciting and full with suspense and action. What is happening with Elijah? How is it possible? What would Shai do? What comes next? Elijah is really 'healing'? OMG, all those questions! And the story was told in two different timelines and with three different POVs. Shai, Elijah and Dale - and one part before and one is present day. SO GOOD.
"You're mine and you know it. One hundred percent mine. Mine to fuck. Mine to torment. Mine to kill should I wish. I could murder you, and you'd come back from the afterlife to say thank you. Isn't that right?"
I loved the different POVs and it was really enjoyable to read from their view, but Elijah was the best. Okay, Shai was awesome too, but he only because of the darkness he gave to the story (and mostly was in the 'before' part of the story). Elijah's scenes were sneaky, because he was either the good or the bad in this story, we didn't know what was real and what wasn't. There were some comments here and there where you could put the pieces together, but you had to wait for the grand reveal to know everything for sure. And I loooooved it.
Dale was okay, but too easyly distracted (or should I say, dickstracted? LOL). Oh and that plus info about him at the end!!!! Where is the next book, I want it now! Oh god, so good.
"And he might be a psychopath, but he was my psychopath. And nobody was taking him away from me without a fight."
I really enjoyed this book, but I think Shai (the first book) was a little bit better then this, on dark and twisted level. Elijah is a really good one too, but I wasn't surprised even a bit at scenes like tormenting or killing someone. The story, the writing style and the characters, everyting is perfect and I really, really highly recommend this series if you love dark stories.
Ahh, how I loved reading it. Give me more!
March 3, 2022
Good grief. Have you ever watched a scary movie even when you absolutely hate scary movies and you know you will watch most of it with your hands over your eyes? Well, this book most certainly falls in that category. Knowing it would totally freak me out was secondary to knowing it was written by an author whose books I love so I toughed it out. In the Malicious Gods series (12 books) H.L. Night aka H.L. Day, wrote this book as a sequel to Shai. You don't have to read Shai to understand and enjoy this one but it is a great read and gives some significant background on Elijah. With Elijah, what you see is absolutely NOT what you get.
Lots of mind games, lots of angst, much drama, a few bits of body parts, a couple of extremely deadly pet snakes, creepy smiles, great dialog, and a well-paced story. Heavenly.
Lots of mind games, lots of angst, much drama, a few bits of body parts, a couple of extremely deadly pet snakes, creepy smiles, great dialog, and a well-paced story. Heavenly.
March 5, 2022
omg.. this dark.. twisty.. hott.. action packed... creepy.. sexy.. and horrifying all at one time.. it was wonderfully written with wonderful twists and some amazing characters lumped into so many curious things going on. i loved it
March 15, 2022
Awesome!!!
I can’t wait to read the third story!!
I can’t wait to read the third story!!
March 2, 2022
Just assume massive spoilers.
Well this had the twisty dark unhealthy romance vibe I enjoyed about Shai still, so that was nice. I enjoy Elijah and Shai’s weird dynamic, and I do enjoy them running their criminal empire together. This managed to hit so many kinks in the “before” scenes, it was kind of impressive.
Spoiler warning again. It’s your problem now if you read them.
I did not appreciate the lying to the reader via hiding information in every single characters POV. It happened once in Shai, and that ticked me off…but a whole book? To the point that we rehash scenes from Elijahs POV once we find out he knew what was happening the whole time? It really cheapens the experience. I just feel misled. There are ways to pull this kind of thing off, but not this.
Especially the Dale thing at the end. He spent the whole book having heart eyes at Elijah, even after Elijah does his whole acting and Shai reveal. I’m not buying, or won’t buy since we don’t know for sure, that he’s also been acting the whole time and knew what was going on and wasn’t just a sad little googoo eye puddle at Elijah. He’s firmly entrenched into dingdong territory.
At least I was already suspicious about lying narration, since it happened in Shai. But this…jeez. Too much. This had a lot of good parts, and potential, but now I’m cranky instead.
Overall, while I enjoyed the writing and story and vibes, I was irked by the way the "twist" was handled, and that was a real bummer.
Well this had the twisty dark unhealthy romance vibe I enjoyed about Shai still, so that was nice. I enjoy Elijah and Shai’s weird dynamic, and I do enjoy them running their criminal empire together. This managed to hit so many kinks in the “before” scenes, it was kind of impressive.
Spoiler warning again. It’s your problem now if you read them.
I did not appreciate the lying to the reader via hiding information in every single characters POV. It happened once in Shai, and that ticked me off…but a whole book? To the point that we rehash scenes from Elijahs POV once we find out he knew what was happening the whole time? It really cheapens the experience. I just feel misled. There are ways to pull this kind of thing off, but not this.
Especially the Dale thing at the end. He spent the whole book having heart eyes at Elijah, even after Elijah does his whole acting and Shai reveal. I’m not buying, or won’t buy since we don’t know for sure, that he’s also been acting the whole time and knew what was going on and wasn’t just a sad little googoo eye puddle at Elijah. He’s firmly entrenched into dingdong territory.
At least I was already suspicious about lying narration, since it happened in Shai. But this…jeez. Too much. This had a lot of good parts, and potential, but now I’m cranky instead.
Overall, while I enjoyed the writing and story and vibes, I was irked by the way the "twist" was handled, and that was a real bummer.
March 17, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Elijah is book two in H.L. Night’s Twisted Web series. The book picks up less than a year after Elijah first meets Shai. Like the first book, there is a strong focus on the physical relationship between Elijah and Shai. Night accomplishes this by splicing together two timelines in the story. There is the “now,” which centers on what Elijah, Shai, and newcomer Dale are doing and thinking. Then there is “before,” which is almost exclusively used to highlight the sexual side of Elijah and Shai’s relationship. If you were disappointed (me, I was disappointed) that some of Shai’s threats in book one about just how far he’d push Elijah (inanimate objects, for example) weren’t carried out, then rejoice in the “before” chapters. The intimate scenes are copious in number and almost always include intense sex. If the idea of multiple narrators and multiple timelines sounds like a lot of work, rest assured it was pretty easy to keep everything straight. Elijah and Shai have very distinct narrative voices and the scenes, as well as what tends to happen in them, kept the story flowing seamlessly.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Elijah is book two in H.L. Night’s Twisted Web series. The book picks up less than a year after Elijah first meets Shai. Like the first book, there is a strong focus on the physical relationship between Elijah and Shai. Night accomplishes this by splicing together two timelines in the story. There is the “now,” which centers on what Elijah, Shai, and newcomer Dale are doing and thinking. Then there is “before,” which is almost exclusively used to highlight the sexual side of Elijah and Shai’s relationship. If you were disappointed (me, I was disappointed) that some of Shai’s threats in book one about just how far he’d push Elijah (inanimate objects, for example) weren’t carried out, then rejoice in the “before” chapters. The intimate scenes are copious in number and almost always include intense sex. If the idea of multiple narrators and multiple timelines sounds like a lot of work, rest assured it was pretty easy to keep everything straight. Elijah and Shai have very distinct narrative voices and the scenes, as well as what tends to happen in them, kept the story flowing seamlessly.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
March 6, 2022
Such a good follow-up to the deliciously dark Shai by H L Day writing as H L Night.
Absolutely not a fuzzy romance. Not a traditional romance either. Not morally ambiguous, just fucked up. Eh. I like what I like. It's what I'd call more gay genre fiction for those who like it dark, twisted.
My best advice to get the most out of this story, to really enjoy this book, is to not read spoiler reviews prior.
Non-spoiler review at-
July 2, 2022
4.5 stars - I have to admit, my first reaction to the ending of this book was to be completely pissed off. Then a few days went by and my thoughts settled into this unshakeable longing for more. I had moved on to a fluffier romance novel, but my brain would not let go of Shai and Elijah. I missed them. What the hell is that about? Is this some kind of sympathy Stockholm Syndrome I'm experiencing? I found myself two chapters in to an Actual Love Story and was disappointed that no one would die via snake bite. That the sex, while hot, wouldn't have any elements of torture to it. Who am I now? My sunshine and rainbows have been eclipsed by the darkest cloud and I want to revel and dance in it some more. And I will, eventually, because this was not the end of Shai and Elijah's story. As angry as that cliffhanger made me, I could not be more excited for another book. Give it to me now.
As far as the story was concerned, this book was a little less perfect than the first one. There was some rehashing of events that felt a lot like a villain at the end of a movie spilling all of their diabolical plans and secrets. I'm sure it could have been done differently, but I'm not going to pretend to know how. I won't say anything else, though. Like the first book, if the trigger warnings don't bother you, it's better to go in to this with the least amount of information possible.
As far as the story was concerned, this book was a little less perfect than the first one. There was some rehashing of events that felt a lot like a villain at the end of a movie spilling all of their diabolical plans and secrets. I'm sure it could have been done differently, but I'm not going to pretend to know how. I won't say anything else, though. Like the first book, if the trigger warnings don't bother you, it's better to go in to this with the least amount of information possible.
April 6, 2022
4.5 stars
Yeeesssss 😈 I'm so relieved that this one wasn't disappointing! Although I figured part of it out, it kept me guessing on the rest until the end, and now I can't wait for the next book!
Yeeesssss 😈 I'm so relieved that this one wasn't disappointing! Although I figured part of it out, it kept me guessing on the rest until the end, and now I can't wait for the next book!
March 10, 2022
Oh, what a joy that the mindfuck from book 1 continued in the second book of this series!
Warning: DO NOT read this book if you haven't read the first one and if you don't like dark romance themes! Be aware of the trigger warning!
I really loved this first book and I loved to see the whole story continued in this book.
I don't want to spoil much. So that is why I won't say anything :) You have to read it to find out :P
I have one minor complaint: There were not enough scenes with Elijah and Shai together.
This story is dark, a mindfuck, and absolutely amazing!
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
Warning: DO NOT read this book if you haven't read the first one and if you don't like dark romance themes! Be aware of the trigger warning!
I really loved this first book and I loved to see the whole story continued in this book.
I don't want to spoil much. So that is why I won't say anything :) You have to read it to find out :P
I have one minor complaint: There were not enough scenes with Elijah and Shai together.
This story is dark, a mindfuck, and absolutely amazing!
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
May 22, 2022
I was gagged
There is literally no way to talk about this book without spoiling the previous one. So if you haven't read that go do it now and have your mind blown. For the rest of us babies, oh was this a gag.
I was very much looking forward to this book ever since HL Day said she was going to do it. I knew it was going to be good and I knew I was going to fall over myself but school in life got in the way as it does. But child, this went above and beyond my expectations.
The unanswered question about Shai mom at the end of the previous book does get answered here and I did not see that answer coming at all. I also completely misinterpreted the use of the flashback scenes throughout the book. I thought they were a way to inject smut while showing how sadistic and abusive Shai was. No ma'am, they were there to show us that Elijah truly meant what he said in the previous book and that is that he would do anything for Shai. Even allow what happened in the woods to happen. Dear god, I'm still thinking about that scene.
Look, this one is dark, like really dark. So if that's not your thing don't pick it up. But if you do like dark books I highly recommend this duology. Amongst the (very hot) smut and snark, there are a lot of twists, a lot of moves, and you have to pay attention otherwise you will get left behind. Again, I thought I knew how this book was going to end. I was (happily) very wrong. I would love more than anything to get a third book especially with how the final chapter goes but I don't think we are. This does have an HEA for Shai and Elijah. Or at least as much of an HEA as one could conceivably hope for these two. That's not a spoiler, this is marked a romance so it's going to have a romance ending. Five stars because this ride was wild but so worth it.
There is literally no way to talk about this book without spoiling the previous one. So if you haven't read that go do it now and have your mind blown. For the rest of us babies, oh was this a gag.
I was very much looking forward to this book ever since HL Day said she was going to do it. I knew it was going to be good and I knew I was going to fall over myself but school in life got in the way as it does. But child, this went above and beyond my expectations.
The unanswered question about Shai mom at the end of the previous book does get answered here and I did not see that answer coming at all. I also completely misinterpreted the use of the flashback scenes throughout the book. I thought they were a way to inject smut while showing how sadistic and abusive Shai was. No ma'am, they were there to show us that Elijah truly meant what he said in the previous book and that is that he would do anything for Shai. Even allow what happened in the woods to happen. Dear god, I'm still thinking about that scene.
Look, this one is dark, like really dark. So if that's not your thing don't pick it up. But if you do like dark books I highly recommend this duology. Amongst the (very hot) smut and snark, there are a lot of twists, a lot of moves, and you have to pay attention otherwise you will get left behind. Again, I thought I knew how this book was going to end. I was (happily) very wrong. I would love more than anything to get a third book especially with how the final chapter goes but I don't think we are. This does have an HEA for Shai and Elijah. Or at least as much of an HEA as one could conceivably hope for these two. That's not a spoiler, this is marked a romance so it's going to have a romance ending. Five stars because this ride was wild but so worth it.
September 9, 2022
🤎 Shai + Elijah 💙
★ ‧ ₊ ˗ˏˋ 🖤 ˎˊ˗ ✫ ˚・
"You know he's a psychopath, and you still love him?"
Elijah stood. He rested his hands on the back of the chair for a moment, his blue eyes blazing. "Isn't that what love should be about, accepting people for who they are?"
𓆙𓆗
"Shai squeezed harder, his fingers making indentations in my ass.
"I need someone to fuck."
"There are millions of people in the world you could fuck."
"They don't cry as nicely as you. They don't beg with the same note of desperation in their voice either. And they're not as good at being a whore."
𓆙𓆗
"I can fuck you as many times as I want. Want to know why?"
Elijah raised an eyebrow but played along. "Why?"
"Because" - I grabbed a handful of his hair to jerk his head back, his neck muscles taut - "You're all mine and no one else's. Never forget that."
I let go of Elijah's hair and he relaxed back onto the pillows. "As if I could, with you telling me all the damn time."
𓆙𓆗
"No. It's because you're mine and you know it. One hundred percent mine. Mine to fuck. Mine to torment. Mine to kill should I wish. I could murder you, and you'd come back from the afterlife to say thank you. Isn't that right?" I made an attempt to peel myself away from the shower wall, but Shai held me still. "Tell me you're mine."
The words tumbled far too easily from my mouth. "I'm yours. Nobody else gets to touch me. Only you."
𓆙𓆗
“You’re the only man that can make me feel like this. That’s why…” He stopped suddenly, the flicker of something dark passing across his face.
I prompted him. “That’s why?”
“Why I’d do anything for you.”
𓆙𓆗
★ ‧ ₊ ˗ˏˋ 🖤 ˎˊ˗ ✫ ˚・
★ ‧ ₊ ˗ˏˋ 🖤 ˎˊ˗ ✫ ˚・
"You know he's a psychopath, and you still love him?"
Elijah stood. He rested his hands on the back of the chair for a moment, his blue eyes blazing. "Isn't that what love should be about, accepting people for who they are?"
𓆙𓆗
"Shai squeezed harder, his fingers making indentations in my ass.
"I need someone to fuck."
"There are millions of people in the world you could fuck."
"They don't cry as nicely as you. They don't beg with the same note of desperation in their voice either. And they're not as good at being a whore."
𓆙𓆗
"I can fuck you as many times as I want. Want to know why?"
Elijah raised an eyebrow but played along. "Why?"
"Because" - I grabbed a handful of his hair to jerk his head back, his neck muscles taut - "You're all mine and no one else's. Never forget that."
I let go of Elijah's hair and he relaxed back onto the pillows. "As if I could, with you telling me all the damn time."
𓆙𓆗
"No. It's because you're mine and you know it. One hundred percent mine. Mine to fuck. Mine to torment. Mine to kill should I wish. I could murder you, and you'd come back from the afterlife to say thank you. Isn't that right?" I made an attempt to peel myself away from the shower wall, but Shai held me still. "Tell me you're mine."
The words tumbled far too easily from my mouth. "I'm yours. Nobody else gets to touch me. Only you."
𓆙𓆗
“You’re the only man that can make me feel like this. That’s why…” He stopped suddenly, the flicker of something dark passing across his face.
I prompted him. “That’s why?”
“Why I’d do anything for you.”
𓆙𓆗
★ ‧ ₊ ˗ˏˋ 🖤 ˎˊ˗ ✫ ˚・
February 24, 2022
🔥💝🔥DARK, DEVIANT AND DELICIOUS🔥💝🔥
That’s what you get when you’re craving some dark and get something in return that exceeds your expectations…🥰
A follow up book to Shai.
Elijah’s journey to becoming Shai’s partner is nothing short of astonishing. The author calls it a ‘metamorphosis’ and that word describes Elijah perfectly.
Even after reading ‘Shai’, I thought that Elijah may never be an adequate match for Shai – but that was OK because Shai’s nature is none like any other - boy did Elijah prove me wrong in this book.
Shai is a man of such unimaginable intelligence and inconceivable cunningness that he will put to shame everything you thought you knew about how a dark MC should be.
Practically every sexual interaction between Shai and Elijah was either depraved, terrifying or exhilarating and often left me wondering if there was something wrong with me that I enjoyed them so much. There is one scene in particular that will be subject to intense criticism – but to me, it suited both Elijah & Shai’s characters perfectly.
There is so much more that I want to say but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone – you have to experience this for yourself.
The ending with the mysterious Dale Miller certainly leaves you intrigued for a continuation.
If you can handle the triggers then you absolutely have to read this…I for one am definitely looking forward to more of this Twisted Web series…💙💙
That’s what you get when you’re craving some dark and get something in return that exceeds your expectations…🥰
A follow up book to Shai.
Elijah’s journey to becoming Shai’s partner is nothing short of astonishing. The author calls it a ‘metamorphosis’ and that word describes Elijah perfectly.
Even after reading ‘Shai’, I thought that Elijah may never be an adequate match for Shai – but that was OK because Shai’s nature is none like any other - boy did Elijah prove me wrong in this book.
Shai is a man of such unimaginable intelligence and inconceivable cunningness that he will put to shame everything you thought you knew about how a dark MC should be.
Practically every sexual interaction between Shai and Elijah was either depraved, terrifying or exhilarating and often left me wondering if there was something wrong with me that I enjoyed them so much. There is one scene in particular that will be subject to intense criticism – but to me, it suited both Elijah & Shai’s characters perfectly.
There is so much more that I want to say but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone – you have to experience this for yourself.
The ending with the mysterious Dale Miller certainly leaves you intrigued for a continuation.
If you can handle the triggers then you absolutely have to read this…I for one am definitely looking forward to more of this Twisted Web series…💙💙
March 6, 2022
Shai squeezed harder, his fingers making indentations in my ass. "I need someone to fuck."
"There are millions of people in the world you could fuck."
"They don't cry as nicely as you. They don't beg with the same note of desperation in their voice either. And they're not as good at being a whore."
i devoured this book like nobody's business. it was so engrossing and easy to get lost in shai's world again. BUT. i felt like the first book was a lot stronger than this one, so in a way, i was slightly disappointed. 😞 shai was still a manipulative and interesting character, but he definitely took a backseat in this one to let elijah shine. i liked elijah as well, but shai will always be my favourite and i wanted more of his ruthless mindfuck games. 🙇🏻♂️
it was easy to guess the plot twist from the beginning, so i was basically just waiting for that moment to come. the last plot twist i didn't see coming, but i kinda expected it, so i wasn't too surprised. it definitely ended on a slight cliffhanger though. 😶
i loved shai and elijah, but i definitely don't mind dale stirring the pot in the future. 🤭 i need more answers so i'm looking forward to the next book!!
April 5, 2022
I really enjoyed reading Elijah. He gets taken away from Shai and we see how he reacts when the people who have taken him, try to ‘fix’ him and claim he is suffering from Stockholm syndrome.
It has its twists and turns. You get Shai’s pov, Elijah’s and Dale….. did I like the intro of another potential love interest? Ummm no! Did I think Elijah may have turned his back on Shai?….. not telling!
Shai gives absolutely no F’s to what anyone thinks of him. When a character is written as a psychopath… it is refreshing to actually have that character remain so! The author stays true to the character nature and even though he most assuredly wants Elijah…Shai does not begin to get those romantic feels, that sometimes authors feel us readers might need to cement a relationship. I’m glad this is not the cases here!
We get a good few ‘before’ ( Elijah being taken) scenes in this story. These scenes highlight the type of sexual relationship that Shai and Elijah have… The sex is dark kinky, there’s no vanilla here!!
Over all it’s a well written tale.. but felt just slightly like it was setting the scene for book 3…
Now for that ending….? Umm, yeah so Dale…. Well if he survives Shai’s Mamba… we shall have see what part he plays in book 3!
It has its twists and turns. You get Shai’s pov, Elijah’s and Dale….. did I like the intro of another potential love interest? Ummm no! Did I think Elijah may have turned his back on Shai?….. not telling!
Shai gives absolutely no F’s to what anyone thinks of him. When a character is written as a psychopath… it is refreshing to actually have that character remain so! The author stays true to the character nature and even though he most assuredly wants Elijah…Shai does not begin to get those romantic feels, that sometimes authors feel us readers might need to cement a relationship. I’m glad this is not the cases here!
We get a good few ‘before’ ( Elijah being taken) scenes in this story. These scenes highlight the type of sexual relationship that Shai and Elijah have… The sex is dark kinky, there’s no vanilla here!!
Over all it’s a well written tale.. but felt just slightly like it was setting the scene for book 3…
Now for that ending….? Umm, yeah so Dale…. Well if he survives Shai’s Mamba… we shall have see what part he plays in book 3!
March 1, 2022
Shai was one of the best books from 2021 and Elijah is a worthy book two. It's not often I'm compelled to contact authors about their books but I've joined HL Day's Facebook and need the next book like I need sleep!!!
Dark, s3xy, v1olent, manipulative, coercive, psychopathic, but which one is the best at it?
With the two main characters from book one, a new main character for book two plus the secondary cast carried through and additional characters for book two there are a lot of people to keep track of; but don't worry, you will. The pace of the story is great, it made me read it in one sitting although at first I was put off by the swing between 'before' and 'after' and the three main characters which isn't usually for me. After two or three chapters though I got the hang of it and it wasn't a problem.
I really don't want to say anything else about this book apart from to say if you loved Shai you will love Elijah and you will, like me, be desperate for book three!!
I loved this book and totally recommend you add it to your kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Review and provide my honest review voluntarily
Dark, s3xy, v1olent, manipulative, coercive, psychopathic, but which one is the best at it?
With the two main characters from book one, a new main character for book two plus the secondary cast carried through and additional characters for book two there are a lot of people to keep track of; but don't worry, you will. The pace of the story is great, it made me read it in one sitting although at first I was put off by the swing between 'before' and 'after' and the three main characters which isn't usually for me. After two or three chapters though I got the hang of it and it wasn't a problem.
I really don't want to say anything else about this book apart from to say if you loved Shai you will love Elijah and you will, like me, be desperate for book three!!
I loved this book and totally recommend you add it to your kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Review and provide my honest review voluntarily
March 3, 2022
What a ride! I honestly can’t think of a more apt name for this series than Twisted Web. The number of twists, surprise revelations, and excitement Elijah contains is guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Elijah is the second book in the Twisted Web series and definitely not a standalone. Though the series is decidedly darker than what I normally read, I cannot pass up books by this author and both books have proven to be incredibly addictive. Elijah is no less complex than Shai, often leaving me second guessing what is real and fantasy in this intense world.
I loved seeing a new side of Elijah really come alive in his book, though readers also get to see a bit of a different edge to Shai as well. While this couple is somewhat “twisted”, their story makes for an exciting and steamy read with an ending that leaves you rethinking it all.
If you are looking for a series that is well written, carefully developed, and full of unexpected moments, I’d highly recommend the Twisted Web books.
*eARC received from the author. The author had no influence over this review*
Elijah is the second book in the Twisted Web series and definitely not a standalone. Though the series is decidedly darker than what I normally read, I cannot pass up books by this author and both books have proven to be incredibly addictive. Elijah is no less complex than Shai, often leaving me second guessing what is real and fantasy in this intense world.
I loved seeing a new side of Elijah really come alive in his book, though readers also get to see a bit of a different edge to Shai as well. While this couple is somewhat “twisted”, their story makes for an exciting and steamy read with an ending that leaves you rethinking it all.
If you are looking for a series that is well written, carefully developed, and full of unexpected moments, I’d highly recommend the Twisted Web books.
*eARC received from the author. The author had no influence over this review*
March 8, 2022
Shai was one of my favorite reads from last year, it's been read and reread, so when I learned there was going to be a sequel I was elated. This one did not disappoint either. Here we get to see inside the workings of Shai and Elijah's minds and how they plan and scheme to stay several steps ahead of anyone or any group who would bring them down. Here, we have Elijah "rescued" from Shai by those who want to bring charges and legally destroy Shai's and Elijah's empire. As part of that, one member of the law enforcement team falls for Elijah and attempts to "deprogram" him. You'll have to read this rollercoaster of a story to see how that works out. I loved the jump cut changes in time and POV in this one. Just like the characters in the story, who are disoriented and operating on insufficient information, we the reader are only shown the true state of affairs in stages, initially dimly and confusedly until the end. I could read about Shai and Elijah for many, many books.
March 2, 2022
I couldn't be happier to have more of Elijah & Shai and their dark, twisted, unconventional dynamic. I loved how Elijah grew since we first met him in book 1 and how he fits perfectly in his role in Shai's world. This time we see a new side of Shai, one who admires his lover & partner in crime.
The twist in this story wasn't a complete surprise to me, as I figured it out rather early- though I got a few details wrong- but it still entertained me enough to want to read it non-stop. The writing is excellent and the alternate POVs give a lot of insight that made the twists so interesting.
While I loved the book, I didn't enjoy how it ended, leaving the reader with so many questions about Dale and his motivations.
This book shouldn't be read first, as it follows the story from book 1. It has the same deviant vibe, all the steam, and some really wild kinks. Trigger warnings are there for a reason.
The twist in this story wasn't a complete surprise to me, as I figured it out rather early- though I got a few details wrong- but it still entertained me enough to want to read it non-stop. The writing is excellent and the alternate POVs give a lot of insight that made the twists so interesting.
While I loved the book, I didn't enjoy how it ended, leaving the reader with so many questions about Dale and his motivations.
This book shouldn't be read first, as it follows the story from book 1. It has the same deviant vibe, all the steam, and some really wild kinks. Trigger warnings are there for a reason.
March 4, 2022
This is most certainly not for those who do not enjoy a twisted and deeply disturbing dark romance. Shai and Elijah are back in all their obsessive, toxic, manipulative glory. I couldn’t get enough - and, clearly, neither can they! Their relationship is extremely unhealthy, but so very hot and delicious. And, although, there are some roles they take on in this instalment that made me feel uncomfortable, nothing felt out of place for their characters. It just goes to show the incredible metamorphosis Elijah has undergone. For me, Elijah was the surprise in this book because I hadn’t truly thought he would ever match Shai’s darkness. This new side of him is exciting and unpredictable, and I loved it! So many twists and turns leaving you guessing the entire time!
March 7, 2022
Wow! The first book, Shai, is one of my favorite dark books of all time, so I had seriously high expectations for the sequel. And it did not disappoint! I love the mind games Shai and Elijah play, both with each other and to others. The suspense, the strategic chess play with everyone's lives, thoughts, feelings is mind blowing amazing and this story will play with your brain and suck you in.
You really have to read Shai first and do mind the trigger warnings, there are many and they are true. But if you want a dark, twisted, hot tale of manipulation, possessiveness, love? and just a very well written story, this is it. I cannot recommend this enough, it’s a gem in this genre and I can’t wait to read book 3
You really have to read Shai first and do mind the trigger warnings, there are many and they are true. But if you want a dark, twisted, hot tale of manipulation, possessiveness, love? and just a very well written story, this is it. I cannot recommend this enough, it’s a gem in this genre and I can’t wait to read book 3
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