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Toxic Duet #1
Toxic Love
Meeting Aaron was the biggest mistake of my life. Not the addictions or my career choice, but the man I chose to marry. He wanted men to hurt me so he could ride in on the white horse to rescue me and take me away from the person he commanded to cause me all the pain in the first place. He was no hero. No white knight.
Aaron took it too far when he brought a man to our home who looked past the bruises and saw the broken woman beneath them. Ryan was fiercely protective from the moment he laid his eyes on me and received his assignment. His dark confidence was more intoxicating than any drug, and I found myself wanting more of it.
Would I be able to find my way out of the hell I was forced to call home?
Toxic Love is one of the first stories in Lauren Biel’s “After Dark” novellas. These stories will have more steam or spice in them than her novels.
This contemporary dark romance novella is strongly recommended for adult readers only. Please refer to the Content Advisory page or LaurenBiel.com for content warnings.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2022
119 people are currently reading
2838 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Biel
37 books4,834 followersLauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
January 28, 2023
I just loved this short story.
A easy and fast reading.
A age gap story but not focusing on that, not a typical daddy story, so for the ones who love that kind of story, forget it.
This one is a really dark one, with all the triggers you can imagine, so if it's not your thing, don't even think in reading it.
Scarlett is a prostitute that marries one of her client, Aaron.
But it's not a fairy tale marriage.
Twisted and toxic, like the title says.
It's so damn good!!!
I must confess I was expecting a twisted game from Ryan, I guess it was a bit disappointing.
I can't figured out that yet 😈
May 1, 2023
Toxic Love is a very dark novella. I cannot reiterate this enough. "It's only 76 pages, how bad could it be?" Very. People tend to quit before the savior is even brought into her life. The common thing among readers is that IF you can get past the cruelty, the rest is deeply rewarding.
Aaron is a horrifying man with a hero complex. There is non consensual sharing involved. There's dark dark sexual situations surrounding that. It's a rough story and I strongly advise minding your triggers which can be found on LaurenBiel.com as well.
The good news? There's a delicious ending, AND, because you guys asked for it, Toxic Desires, the sequel novella, is coming 5/2/2022!
Toxic Desires is less heavy. But brings forth answers to questions you all asked. Go add it to your TBR!
Aaron is a horrifying man with a hero complex. There is non consensual sharing involved. There's dark dark sexual situations surrounding that. It's a rough story and I strongly advise minding your triggers which can be found on LaurenBiel.com as well.
The good news? There's a delicious ending, AND, because you guys asked for it, Toxic Desires, the sequel novella, is coming 5/2/2022!
Toxic Desires is less heavy. But brings forth answers to questions you all asked. Go add it to your TBR!
April 13, 2025
У мене на так багато книжок, якім після прочитання першого розділу я одразу можу поставити 1 зірку. Це настільки гидко та жахливо, що аж слів немає. Почнімо з того, що головна героїня, вона працює повією, але на той момент вона обрала сама цей вибір, але далі з'являється член на ніжках на ім'я Аарон, і тут починається повна хуйня. Почнімо з того, що після першого сексу(вона повія нагадую) він став слідкувати з ким вона спить, у нього такий фетіш. Далі він став сутенером, але в книжці про це не кажуть, але по-іншому коли він запрошував чоловіків її бити, гвалтувати та знущатися з неї, не можу назвати. А ще він куколд, який любить спостерігати за тим, як гвалтують та б'ють його дружину. Настільки огидно мені здається ще ніколи не було. 2 зірку я поставила тільки через Райана, він був найбільш адекватним в усьому цьому.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
Spoilerish?
Me: “I really don’t want to like this guy (A-A-ron), but I mean I guess if we’re comparing evils—“ *MY MANS RYAN KICKING DOWN THE DOOR OF BULLSHIT WITH CHAOTIC GOOD* “THERE WE GO BABBBBYYYYYYYY THE HERO OF THIS NOVELLA RIIIGHT THERE”
So like yeah, I liked it. What about it? (Look, between you and me the coke ((clearly the drink 👀)) scene where she’s snorting it off his eggplant and then getting railed with said cokedick was honestly genius I’m bowing down in appreciation)
PS. WHERE THE FAWK DO I GET A PAPERBACK COPY MAAAAAM?!
Me: “I really don’t want to like this guy (A-A-ron), but I mean I guess if we’re comparing evils—“ *MY MANS RYAN KICKING DOWN THE DOOR OF BULLSHIT WITH CHAOTIC GOOD* “THERE WE GO BABBBBYYYYYYYY THE HERO OF THIS NOVELLA RIIIGHT THERE”
So like yeah, I liked it. What about it? (Look, between you and me the coke ((clearly the drink 👀)) scene where she’s snorting it off his eggplant and then getting railed with said cokedick was honestly genius I’m bowing down in appreciation)
PS. WHERE THE FAWK DO I GET A PAPERBACK COPY MAAAAAM?!
September 19, 2023
Just okay for a dark novella. I'm glad the abuser dude wasn't her hea at least
February 2, 2023
This could have been better but still worth a read if you enjoy dark romances. I really like the heroine and her POV so I wish Ryan was more fleshed out. I felt like Ryan’s big speech at the end, while well-intentioned by the author, was too on-the-nose and made the heroine feel like a prop for the two men (It’s the whole hero does BDSM/dark kinks right where it empowers heroine’s sexuality versus OM makes heroine feel dirty for enjoying or expressing a curiosity for said kinks).
September 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
A good quick read
A good quick read
May 14, 2022
Dark and deeply emotional
Wasn't sure what to expect when I was recd this and got told it was the darkest thing they'd read.
Poor Scarlett, working as a sex worker and addicted to drugs meets who Aaron. That's all your getting-no spoilers.
This novella is fast paced, dark and had my heart aching for Scarlett.
Wasn't sure what to expect when I was recd this and got told it was the darkest thing they'd read.
Poor Scarlett, working as a sex worker and addicted to drugs meets who Aaron. That's all your getting-no spoilers.
This novella is fast paced, dark and had my heart aching for Scarlett.
March 1, 2022
Lauren took me on twisted trip with Scarlett’s story.
Scarlett, being a prostitute, learns that money isn’t the solution to everything when she falls under Aaron’s spell and it takes one man to teach her how a real man (and hero) treats his woman.
This is dark..I am talking the type where I even flinched a little. My heart broke for Scarlett, yet I couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages as her torturous journey continued. This woman prevailed thru numerous nightmares and, thankfully, made it to the light with her head held high.
I really enjoyed how Lauren pushed me to limits that I didn’t realize had. She taught me something about myself along while I read this quick, slap you in your face piece of dark erotica. For the first time ever, I feel little dirty for devouring something so quickly as I did with this one and I am not surprised at all that it was this author who got me there. Definitely read the trigger warnings, if you decide to dive into this dark gem.
Scarlett, being a prostitute, learns that money isn’t the solution to everything when she falls under Aaron’s spell and it takes one man to teach her how a real man (and hero) treats his woman.
This is dark..I am talking the type where I even flinched a little. My heart broke for Scarlett, yet I couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages as her torturous journey continued. This woman prevailed thru numerous nightmares and, thankfully, made it to the light with her head held high.
I really enjoyed how Lauren pushed me to limits that I didn’t realize had. She taught me something about myself along while I read this quick, slap you in your face piece of dark erotica. For the first time ever, I feel little dirty for devouring something so quickly as I did with this one and I am not surprised at all that it was this author who got me there. Definitely read the trigger warnings, if you decide to dive into this dark gem.
April 7, 2022
Good short story
This was a fantastic story. It was dark and gritty and heartbreaking but it offers a satisfying conclusion. Excellent writing.
This was a fantastic story. It was dark and gritty and heartbreaking but it offers a satisfying conclusion. Excellent writing.
May 15, 2024
3.5
Good writing, as always.
Super dark.
Not my fave but that’s ok. Still enjoyed it very much
Good writing, as always.
Super dark.
Not my fave but that’s ok. Still enjoyed it very much
March 26, 2022
Toxic Love
This was not a usual read for me. I didn't read the author's description of the contents, just read it on a whim after reading a brief excerpt.
This book dives right in and it's different in that way. I'm usually more of a slow burn romance type of reader but Toxic Love sucks you in, chews you up, and spits you right out. Much like actual toxic love in that way.
This was not a usual read for me. I didn't read the author's description of the contents, just read it on a whim after reading a brief excerpt.
This book dives right in and it's different in that way. I'm usually more of a slow burn romance type of reader but Toxic Love sucks you in, chews you up, and spits you right out. Much like actual toxic love in that way.
March 27, 2022
WHAT AN INTENSE RIDE
This novella is dark… with red flags and triggers throughout but an intense and amazing HEA! Love the thought of the veteran white knight riding in to save the day and protect the beautiful princess.
If you are looking for a quick, yet dark read… this is definitely the story for you!
This novella is dark… with red flags and triggers throughout but an intense and amazing HEA! Love the thought of the veteran white knight riding in to save the day and protect the beautiful princess.
If you are looking for a quick, yet dark read… this is definitely the story for you!
April 12, 2022
A must read Novella , WOW
If you don’t have triggers and you like Dark, this is the book for you , my only issue is it wasn’t long enough !! WOW dark but so so good !! 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you don’t have triggers and you like Dark, this is the book for you , my only issue is it wasn’t long enough !! WOW dark but so so good !! 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥
January 8, 2024
After reading this novella, I admit that my mind must be twisted in some way. 😄 Otherwise, I couldn't look forward to reading the sequel... And other works by this author.🔥 Lauren Biel is simply the goddess of the 'horror erotica' genre. 🖤 9/10.
P.S.- Really don’t underestimate TW!!
P.S.- Really don’t underestimate TW!!
October 31, 2024
This was a short but traumatic read! I didn’t enjoy the first half of the story, but my feelings about the book changed when Ryan arrived 😁.
Somewhere between 3.75-4.5 ⭐️’s
Somewhere between 3.75-4.5 ⭐️’s
March 31, 2023
SOLID 4 STARS!!! 😩
Now wait y'all cause this book had me like SIDE EYE 👀 at some of the portions because WHAT????
Lauren put her whole existence into this book 🧘🏽♀️.
I should also stop my habit of going into books blind 🤔 but something about being majorly surprised as I read just does it for me. 🥵
- “He tapped on his lap again, as if calling over a child. I sat down on the soft, pleated fabric of his suit pants. “That’s my girl,” he whispered”
The story surrounds, Scarlett who was hung up on a former sex partner ✨ she was desperate to recreate that feel, leading her to sell her body to get that seem feel. 💁🏽♀️ Unfortunately in an effort to do so she meets her match, a man who resembles her past lover but is the absolute opposite. Aaron appears nice until he makes Scarlett's share herself unwillingly for him to get himself off and it all goes downhill...📉📉📉
• Mono POV (From Scarlett)
• Abuse
• Non Con + Dub Con
• Non Con Sharing
• Drugs
One thing I've learnt? The moment you lower one rule about yourself or your standard for a man? You'll keep doing it, he's going to use it to his advantage and manipulate you til you're absolutely nothinggggggggg. 🤡🤡
I will say it's been so long since I've had ranting review, but OH. MY. GOSH! 🤣 I got bamboozled. 💀 At first I thought it was a one time sharing and then I got bitch slapped with the time skip and I was like 😮. I was rooting for Aaron being different but Lord did he surprise 😭.
Scarlett was shocked and so was I. 🧍🏽♀️ We must have been in the book together because girlie pop...what???? That man did her dirty until 😩 UNTIL BAD BOY RYAN!!! Oh he showed Aaron how it was done and I'm like 🥰 ME NEXT MISTEERRR
Absolutely loved this, well written and beautiful! 🥵💗
Now wait y'all cause this book had me like SIDE EYE 👀 at some of the portions because WHAT????
Lauren put her whole existence into this book 🧘🏽♀️.
I should also stop my habit of going into books blind 🤔 but something about being majorly surprised as I read just does it for me. 🥵
- “He tapped on his lap again, as if calling over a child. I sat down on the soft, pleated fabric of his suit pants. “That’s my girl,” he whispered”
The story surrounds, Scarlett who was hung up on a former sex partner ✨ she was desperate to recreate that feel, leading her to sell her body to get that seem feel. 💁🏽♀️ Unfortunately in an effort to do so she meets her match, a man who resembles her past lover but is the absolute opposite. Aaron appears nice until he makes Scarlett's share herself unwillingly for him to get himself off and it all goes downhill...📉📉📉
• Mono POV (From Scarlett)
• Abuse
• Non Con + Dub Con
• Non Con Sharing
• Drugs
One thing I've learnt? The moment you lower one rule about yourself or your standard for a man? You'll keep doing it, he's going to use it to his advantage and manipulate you til you're absolutely nothinggggggggg. 🤡🤡
I will say it's been so long since I've had ranting review, but OH. MY. GOSH! 🤣 I got bamboozled. 💀 At first I thought it was a one time sharing and then I got bitch slapped with the time skip and I was like 😮. I was rooting for Aaron being different but Lord did he surprise 😭.
Scarlett was shocked and so was I. 🧍🏽♀️ We must have been in the book together because girlie pop...what???? That man did her dirty until 😩 UNTIL BAD BOY RYAN!!! Oh he showed Aaron how it was done and I'm like 🥰 ME NEXT MISTEERRR
Absolutely loved this, well written and beautiful! 🥵💗
March 31, 2022
This is my first time reading this author and omg from the start of the story was spicy all u can say wow it a short novella and I can't wait to ead more of her books and it took me just less then 1 hour to read this .
Scarlet is the lady of the night and when she meets Aaron hires her for the evening and she completely shocked non her demsnds and she vows to never see him again until the call her and he ignore his call and finds her to set up another night and when things happen she regret and this was the beginning of her new life and she will be regretting it.
Aaron like to see her get abuse and used my different men and until one man he forced to be with wife and he didn't want to be with her until he know that they need to be together or Aaron would of hurt us and now he wanted to save her and help her to get out the life she living and he fall for her and so does she what do u think going to happen next
Scarlet is the lady of the night and when she meets Aaron hires her for the evening and she completely shocked non her demsnds and she vows to never see him again until the call her and he ignore his call and finds her to set up another night and when things happen she regret and this was the beginning of her new life and she will be regretting it.
Aaron like to see her get abuse and used my different men and until one man he forced to be with wife and he didn't want to be with her until he know that they need to be together or Aaron would of hurt us and now he wanted to save her and help her to get out the life she living and he fall for her and so does she what do u think going to happen next
March 1, 2022
Scarlett is a damsel in distress but don't confuse her distress as weakness. No, Scarlett is strong but drug addiction and an abusive John-turned-husband keeps her stuck in a never-ending nightmare.
Aaron is a villain who wants to be a hero but never will be. He is a bad man and puts Scarlett in terrifying situations with even worse men just to pretend to save her in the end.
Who will save Scarlett?
I really liked this novella. I was looking for a woman who needed saving and the man who could save her and I found it here. Scarlett's terror is palpable and when she finally meets the one person who can save her, even though she wasn't convinced, I felt relieved myself. Books are enjoyable but the best ones make you feel.
I hope you give this book a chance and that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Warning, this book has triggers: noncon, abuse, dubcon, drug use
Aaron is a villain who wants to be a hero but never will be. He is a bad man and puts Scarlett in terrifying situations with even worse men just to pretend to save her in the end.
Who will save Scarlett?
I really liked this novella. I was looking for a woman who needed saving and the man who could save her and I found it here. Scarlett's terror is palpable and when she finally meets the one person who can save her, even though she wasn't convinced, I felt relieved myself. Books are enjoyable but the best ones make you feel.
I hope you give this book a chance and that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Warning, this book has triggers: noncon, abuse, dubcon, drug use
February 5, 2023
3.5 overall rating for me.
This book is full of triggers so do your part and look over them.
I was warned that this book was not for the faint of heart and I would 100% agree. I’m not sure how this book is being marketed because I kind of just went in blind after seeing a small teaser. But to me it’s definitely not a romance (it has the potential to turn into one in the next book I feel)
Rather it felt like to me that this book felt like it was written from a place of trauma and healing (and if so Kudo’s to the author because this is a heavy topic) . As I do not personally know the author I obviously don’t know it’s just how I perceived it. That being said the writing was great and I am holding out hope that the disgusting pathetic waste of space man (talking about you AAAARONNN) gets what’s coming to him in the next book.
This book is full of triggers so do your part and look over them.
I was warned that this book was not for the faint of heart and I would 100% agree. I’m not sure how this book is being marketed because I kind of just went in blind after seeing a small teaser. But to me it’s definitely not a romance (it has the potential to turn into one in the next book I feel)
Rather it felt like to me that this book felt like it was written from a place of trauma and healing (and if so Kudo’s to the author because this is a heavy topic) . As I do not personally know the author I obviously don’t know it’s just how I perceived it. That being said the writing was great and I am holding out hope that the disgusting pathetic waste of space man (talking about you AAAARONNN) gets what’s coming to him in the next book.
March 11, 2022
4.5 rating rounded up to 5
Scarlett is a “lady of the night”. She meets Aaron when he hires her for an evening. She is completely shocked with his demands. She vows never to see him again; however, he finds her after she has been ignoring his calls. She agrees to another night with apprehension and regrets it. This is the beginning of her new life.
Aaron has been using her body for his own pleasure for years. She experiences dub con abuse from him and his “guests”.
This is super dark and extreme at times but I found it intriguing and emotional. Please check trigger warnings before reading. I wanted more from this story! More about her HEA! But I will be adding more from this author to my TBR!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
🌶🌶🌶🌶.5 /5
Scarlett is a “lady of the night”. She meets Aaron when he hires her for an evening. She is completely shocked with his demands. She vows never to see him again; however, he finds her after she has been ignoring his calls. She agrees to another night with apprehension and regrets it. This is the beginning of her new life.
Aaron has been using her body for his own pleasure for years. She experiences dub con abuse from him and his “guests”.
This is super dark and extreme at times but I found it intriguing and emotional. Please check trigger warnings before reading. I wanted more from this story! More about her HEA! But I will be adding more from this author to my TBR!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
🌶🌶🌶🌶.5 /5
March 1, 2022
This is such a great little novella! Please pay attention to the trigger warnings as this isn’t for the faint of heart. Aaron abuses and treats Scarlett like garbage even though he says he loves her but Ryan comes into the picture and is not having it. The plot of the story is fantastic and you can tell that even though it’s short, thought went into making sure each character was seen for who they are. Will definitely be reading future work!
I received an ARC of this book but it no way influenced my review.
I received an ARC of this book but it no way influenced my review.
April 1, 2022
ToxicLove by @laurenbielauthor is unlike any other book I have ever read. This is not a book for the faint of heart. It was banned from the Zon but it's back now. There are warnings in the book and on Lauren's website. Full transparency, I almost DNF. It is brutal and violent. But I powered through and I'm so glad I did. I need to know how to get a Ryan. He swoops in like the White Knght he is and saves the day! I hope we get more of their story. I have this horrible gut feeling that leaving Aaron alive could turn out to be a horrible mistake.
April 23, 2022
Holy f******* what did I just read? Um, so I actually want more of this story.
Scarlett, oh you poor thing, but you still held your shit together when all I wanted to do was cry for you. This girl was hate fucked, beat, and broken all because of a wonderful man named Aaron, who ends up becoming her husband. Then, walks in, Ryan (oh bless you), and he is like, nope, I have performance anxiety. That is when he starts calculating a plan. Now, for the opening of Heavens Gates, Scarletts walks out with Ryan, leaving Satan behind. Tada!
Scarlett, oh you poor thing, but you still held your shit together when all I wanted to do was cry for you. This girl was hate fucked, beat, and broken all because of a wonderful man named Aaron, who ends up becoming her husband. Then, walks in, Ryan (oh bless you), and he is like, nope, I have performance anxiety. That is when he starts calculating a plan. Now, for the opening of Heavens Gates, Scarletts walks out with Ryan, leaving Satan behind. Tada!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2022
Dark, twisted, and delicious in a short bit captivating read. Scarlet is a broken heroine that is resigned to the life she is living until her true dark knight comes along and saves her. Ryan is the hero we all want in our lives…gorgeous, possessive and will stop at nothing to make us his! Lauren has a knack for packing a punch quickly! But be aware of the triggers, this is a dark book and should be taken seriously!
March 16, 2022
This is dark, there is drug use and other triggers. Scarlett is a call girl and likes her cocaine. She has a bad experience with a client which leads to more bad experiences in exchange for money and her drug use she does things that make feel shame. If you are sensitive you may want to read the warning. However I will say she is redeemed.
I received this copy from the author and my honest review is voluntary
I received this copy from the author and my honest review is voluntary
October 7, 2023
Dark start!
Contains drug, abuse, and rape. The trifecta when it comes to dark stories.
Loved the hero. Again, like another review I made for one of Lauren Biel's books, I only wish we got to see a little more between the male and main female character. A little time jump maybe, or epilogue.
Overall it was a quick and short read, perfect if you're looking for a quick dark romance hit. But again, it's a DARK romance. It can be hard to get through some parts.
Contains drug, abuse, and rape. The trifecta when it comes to dark stories.
Loved the hero. Again, like another review I made for one of Lauren Biel's books, I only wish we got to see a little more between the male and main female character. A little time jump maybe, or epilogue.
Overall it was a quick and short read, perfect if you're looking for a quick dark romance hit. But again, it's a DARK romance. It can be hard to get through some parts.
April 1, 2022
Why Did It Have To Be So Short?
Gah! I hated it and loved it! I hated it for how Scarlett was treated by Aaron and his sick cohorts, but I loved it for Ryan being her knight in shining armor! I wish Scarlett and Ryan could have their own book where they fall deeper in love and go out righting social injustices for other abused women!
Gah! I hated it and loved it! I hated it for how Scarlett was treated by Aaron and his sick cohorts, but I loved it for Ryan being her knight in shining armor! I wish Scarlett and Ryan could have their own book where they fall deeper in love and go out righting social injustices for other abused women!
March 16, 2022
Scarlett’s story will take you on a wild ride. Her fear and vulnerability is palatable. The story will twist you up, and have you on bated breath as she finds her will to fight. Check the trigger warnings. I loved this novella and can’t wait to read more of her story.
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