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Toxic Duet #2
Toxic Desires
**TOXIC DESIRES IS THE SEQUEL NOVELLA TO TOXIC LOVE**
Aaron was my husband—a dangerous man with a hero complex.
Ryan came into my life when I needed him the most. He was different. Kind. Everything about him was not like anything I was used to.
Even though he saved me, I was still fractured. Broken. Craving all the wrong things despite the right thing being in front of me.
I didn’t know how to love or be loved. I wasn’t sure who I was when I was forced to be sober.
I had to be taught my worth when I felt worthless.
But Aaron wasn’t going to give up that easily. He wanted me back, and he would stop at nothing to get me.
Ryan was strong and smart, though, and he made me feel safe.
He was my savior. My hero. At least, that’s what I hoped he’d remain.
Would Ryan be everything I ever needed? Could he outsmart Aaron once more?
Read now to find out if love could be the cure for Scarlett’s toxic desires.
Toxic Desire is the sequel novella to Lauren Biel’s “After Dark” novella, Toxic Love.
This contemporary dark romance novella is strongly recommended for adult readers only. Please refer to my website for content warnings.
SIGN UP on my website for early and free access to future novellas
TW: Exhibitionism, dark sexual situations, jealous/possessive behavior, substance abuse, violence
Aaron was my husband—a dangerous man with a hero complex.
Ryan came into my life when I needed him the most. He was different. Kind. Everything about him was not like anything I was used to.
Even though he saved me, I was still fractured. Broken. Craving all the wrong things despite the right thing being in front of me.
I didn’t know how to love or be loved. I wasn’t sure who I was when I was forced to be sober.
I had to be taught my worth when I felt worthless.
But Aaron wasn’t going to give up that easily. He wanted me back, and he would stop at nothing to get me.
Ryan was strong and smart, though, and he made me feel safe.
He was my savior. My hero. At least, that’s what I hoped he’d remain.
Would Ryan be everything I ever needed? Could he outsmart Aaron once more?
Read now to find out if love could be the cure for Scarlett’s toxic desires.
Toxic Desire is the sequel novella to Lauren Biel’s “After Dark” novella, Toxic Love.
This contemporary dark romance novella is strongly recommended for adult readers only. Please refer to my website for content warnings.
SIGN UP on my website for early and free access to future novellas
TW: Exhibitionism, dark sexual situations, jealous/possessive behavior, substance abuse, violence
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2022
54 people are currently reading
1544 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Biel
37 books4,866 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 80 reviews
January 30, 2023
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 4,4 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |•
This book starts right where the first ended.
A lot of triggers, if you're sensible to some subjects, this book ain't for you.
Deals with violence, non consent sex, drug addiction, domestic abuse.
In this one, we get to know Scarlett past.
After Ryan took her way from Aaron's house, now she was to deal with the consequences.
How to be cleaned.
And more important, how to love herself.
Aaron won't leave them alone, so there will more violence, and at some point, I question if this is not another Aaron's game and Ryan is only taking orders.
I prefer the first book, this becomes a bit boring at some point.
But it's still very dark, so for me, it's a pleasant reading.
May 14, 2022
Really good ending to this story
The 2nd half to the toxic duet.
Starting straight from book 1 finishing.
Its carry on with telling us Scarletts story. Trying to overcome her past and recover.
Heartbreakingly good. So glad I discovered this novella duet.
The 2nd half to the toxic duet.
Starting straight from book 1 finishing.
Its carry on with telling us Scarletts story. Trying to overcome her past and recover.
Heartbreakingly good. So glad I discovered this novella duet.
October 31, 2024
Short and spicy 🌶️
Somewhere around 4-4.25 ⭐️’s
Somewhere around 4-4.25 ⭐️’s
January 8, 2024
I don't even know how to describe all the feelings that went through me while reading..! But some situations just hit the right place in my soul. Really well written coping with trauma. Just a great book as always from this author. 10/10.
May 2, 2022
Lovely continuation of Toxic Love done best in Lauren Biel style. Ryan is the perfect hero for Scarlett. The author depicts drug addiction recovery with sensitivity and delivers a satisfying ending. Truly heed content warning ⚠️
May 7, 2022
Scarlett’s story continues, this book is well written and does talk about some sensitive topics so be wary of your triggers. Scarlett does get her HEA eventually but does has to face her demons to get there
May 10, 2022
perfect follow up
Toxic Desires is exactly the book needed to follow up Toxic Love. As with the first book, Ms Biel manages to pack so much into a shorter length story.
This story picks up right where the first left off, but after the heaviness of book one, the emotional depth of this book is equal but different.
The story of how Ryan helps build Scarlett back into a strong trusting woman, after the trauma of her marriage, follows a very realistic pattern. We have glimpses of how certain trauma can be repaired by creating new memories around the traumatic events. The author explores the psychology of trauma and abuse in a way many authors try, and fail, at.
As much as I loved the first book because it was dark and often hard to read (though spectacularly written), this book is above and beyond the expectations I had for the continuation of the story.
Thank you for doing Scarlett’s story the proper justice she deserved!
Toxic Desires is exactly the book needed to follow up Toxic Love. As with the first book, Ms Biel manages to pack so much into a shorter length story.
This story picks up right where the first left off, but after the heaviness of book one, the emotional depth of this book is equal but different.
The story of how Ryan helps build Scarlett back into a strong trusting woman, after the trauma of her marriage, follows a very realistic pattern. We have glimpses of how certain trauma can be repaired by creating new memories around the traumatic events. The author explores the psychology of trauma and abuse in a way many authors try, and fail, at.
As much as I loved the first book because it was dark and often hard to read (though spectacularly written), this book is above and beyond the expectations I had for the continuation of the story.
Thank you for doing Scarlett’s story the proper justice she deserved!
May 2, 2022
PLEASE read trigger warnings.
After reading the first book with Scarlett I still had so many questions and then Mrs. Biel showed up with this little gem. My heart was still hurting because of the things Scarlett went through in the first book. She never gave up though. Having Ryan there every step of the way helped her to begin to heal. This was dark this was gritty but it's a wonderful read with a happy ending. This book is ugly and yet beautiful. Make sure you read the first book before opening this one.
After reading the first book with Scarlett I still had so many questions and then Mrs. Biel showed up with this little gem. My heart was still hurting because of the things Scarlett went through in the first book. She never gave up though. Having Ryan there every step of the way helped her to begin to heal. This was dark this was gritty but it's a wonderful read with a happy ending. This book is ugly and yet beautiful. Make sure you read the first book before opening this one.
May 7, 2022
Wow!
I'm not usually a fan of sequels because I've found that most of the exciting drama happens in the first book. THIS book... This book was SO good. It kept my attention the whole time.
The writing is really good and the characters were well fleshed-out. That's not always typical for short stories.
I'm not usually a fan of sequels because I've found that most of the exciting drama happens in the first book. THIS book... This book was SO good. It kept my attention the whole time.
The writing is really good and the characters were well fleshed-out. That's not always typical for short stories.
May 16, 2022
THIS STORY!!!!! This is the second book to Scarlett's story and it's something that will grab you all over again.. the roller coaster of emotions has me all over.. absolutely hands down emotionally gripping.. read the trigger warnings before reading.. Its such a great story..
November 6, 2022
A fantastic conclusion to Scarletts story.
She had so much to overcome especially after everything she had been through. Definitely check the trigger warnings before jumping into this, and make sure to read the first book before this.
She had so much to overcome especially after everything she had been through. Definitely check the trigger warnings before jumping into this, and make sure to read the first book before this.
May 10, 2022
MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM. I fucking loved it 🥹.
January 26, 2023
It's about 3.9 stars ngl 🤔 but I loved this duet all the same. 😘
Perfect wrap of the first book. 😩 I mean the way Ryan helped her to heal herself was absolutely beautiful. So well written and explained.
It's way less dark than the first one, which was a tiny bit upsetting 😭 however I understand why. This book was focused on Scarlett getting better which was accomplished.
She learned to love herself and Ryan finally find herself. She managed to not only overcome Aaron but Mark as well.
[𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧]
Perfect wrap of the first book. 😩 I mean the way Ryan helped her to heal herself was absolutely beautiful. So well written and explained.
It's way less dark than the first one, which was a tiny bit upsetting 😭 however I understand why. This book was focused on Scarlett getting better which was accomplished.
She learned to love herself and Ryan finally find herself. She managed to not only overcome Aaron but Mark as well.
[𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧]
December 3, 2025
E-book.
Just smut. I enjoyed this a little less than the first novella. I liked the bits of plot around the FMC's (ex-)husband.
Just smut. I enjoyed this a little less than the first novella. I liked the bits of plot around the FMC's (ex-)husband.
June 13, 2024
Toxic Desires, the sequel novella that Lauren Biel has penned about Scarlett, Aaron and Ryan.
I was impatient to jump into this short story after reading Toxic Love.
Scarlett's past revealed itself in this novella. A disturbing journey, but necessary in order for her to figure out, accept, and like who she is.
Ryan is pivotal in this journey, and I kept waiting for it to play out in a way that Aaron was behind it all! I mean it's a Lauren Biel book, so always expect the unexpected!
Even through all the chaos, I was triumphant in its ending!! Personally I thought death was too good for him and I'm glad Scarlett did too.
Fast paced short read with 🚩🚩🚩 but absolutely worth the read.
I was impatient to jump into this short story after reading Toxic Love.
Scarlett's past revealed itself in this novella. A disturbing journey, but necessary in order for her to figure out, accept, and like who she is.
Ryan is pivotal in this journey, and I kept waiting for it to play out in a way that Aaron was behind it all! I mean it's a Lauren Biel book, so always expect the unexpected!
Even through all the chaos, I was triumphant in its ending!! Personally I thought death was too good for him and I'm glad Scarlett did too.
Fast paced short read with 🚩🚩🚩 but absolutely worth the read.
January 11, 2025
I'd love to know what her life could be like, if she ever moves on from the trauma.
February 9, 2023
A great ending to a traumatic start to this love story!
Scarletts has been through soo much in her life. She is dragged away from her abusive husband by Ryan. She doesn't have the energy to fight him, a little part of her doesn't want to.
Ryan is head over heals for Scalette. He is patient and kind to her. Understanding and loving. He is by her every step of her healing.
4.5/5 STAR
4/5 SPICE
Scarletts has been through soo much in her life. She is dragged away from her abusive husband by Ryan. She doesn't have the energy to fight him, a little part of her doesn't want to.
Ryan is head over heals for Scalette. He is patient and kind to her. Understanding and loving. He is by her every step of her healing.
4.5/5 STAR
4/5 SPICE
February 2, 2023
The perfect follow up. Especially because there is a conversation about why she likes the things she likes in the bedroom.. and it’s due to the trauma she went through. I think that’s a good message and relatable.
If you’re able to get through the craziness of the first half of the duet.. the second half is totally worth it. ❤️
5 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
If you’re able to get through the craziness of the first half of the duet.. the second half is totally worth it. ❤️
5 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
August 12, 2023
DNF. Got bored. 🤷♀️
March 2, 2023
This second part of the duet was so much more satisfying than the first, but I was left with so many questions still.
November 8, 2025
Scarlett went through so much trauma with Aaron, it pissed me off. The way he just used her for his own pleasure and then abused her when she defied him.
This book immediately continues where the first novella left of, which is a nice continuation. Finally someone who shows Scarlett that she is worth loving.
The way Scarlett overcomes her trauma is described beautifully. Where she finds out she got so used to the abuse, it became a part of her. A part she had trouble connecting with, but it was the only thing keeping her interested in sex.
And Ryan is just a little saint for doing as she asks. He's so gentle with her at the start (apart from what happened in book one, which was still kinda gentle). For letting her (not allowing) find herself in the midst of all the turmoil.
Aaron still hasn't learned his lesson, which is not a surprise. I also wouldn't be surprised if this stories continues.
This book immediately continues where the first novella left of, which is a nice continuation. Finally someone who shows Scarlett that she is worth loving.
The way Scarlett overcomes her trauma is described beautifully. Where she finds out she got so used to the abuse, it became a part of her. A part she had trouble connecting with, but it was the only thing keeping her interested in sex.
And Ryan is just a little saint for doing as she asks. He's so gentle with her at the start (apart from what happened in book one, which was still kinda gentle). For letting her (not allowing) find herself in the midst of all the turmoil.
Aaron still hasn't learned his lesson, which is not a surprise. I also wouldn't be surprised if this stories continues.
October 2, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would recommend this to those looking for a quick read that deals with dark themes. This is part two of the story and will satisfy the need for a happy ending.
-----
This is part two of the Toxic Duet and was a perfect conclusion to Scarlett’s story. She is able to close the gap between who she used to be and who she can be now. Ryan proves that he wants to be her protector and help her grow into this new phase of her life. Scarlett gets the opportunity to realize that she can be strong and learn about herself even after the trauma she has been through.
-----
🌶🌶🌶
The spice amount is about equal to the plot. While the characters do have intimate moments throughout, there are other elements to the story besides the spice. Though the spice that does happen is detailed, and different each time.
💀💀💀💀💀
This book contains elements of exhibitionism and aggressive sex. There are also flashbacks to part one which include physical harm befalling Scarlett during a non-consensual sexual encounter.
-----
I would recommend this to those looking for a quick read that deals with dark themes. This is part two of the story and will satisfy the need for a happy ending.
-----
This is part two of the Toxic Duet and was a perfect conclusion to Scarlett’s story. She is able to close the gap between who she used to be and who she can be now. Ryan proves that he wants to be her protector and help her grow into this new phase of her life. Scarlett gets the opportunity to realize that she can be strong and learn about herself even after the trauma she has been through.
-----
🌶🌶🌶
The spice amount is about equal to the plot. While the characters do have intimate moments throughout, there are other elements to the story besides the spice. Though the spice that does happen is detailed, and different each time.
💀💀💀💀💀
This book contains elements of exhibitionism and aggressive sex. There are also flashbacks to part one which include physical harm befalling Scarlett during a non-consensual sexual encounter.
-----
January 3, 2023
So I'm still left with some unanswered questions after reading this book. I still want to know what lead Scarlett to using drugs in the first place. It had to be something in her childhood I guess because it is never revealed in either of the Toxic books. You just learn that the path she took later in life was to feed that habit. I still don't understand her. I guess I really don't have to though. I was glad to see that Ryan was able to help her get sober and to learn to love herself. That she was worth so much more then what she believed she was.
May 31, 2023
4/5 🌟
4/5 🌶
Tropes:
Age Gap
Ex Military
Possessive/Protective MC
Triggers:
Attempted SA
Violence
💊 use
Harassment/St@lking
I'm so happy that Scarlett and Ryan got the ending the deserved in this short novella. I'm also glad that Ryan started showing Scarlett what she was worth so that she didn't think so poorly of herself.
All in all, I do think that both novellas together created a quick/beautiful story about finding love and finding your worth in the darkest times.
Plus, the spice was an added bonus ;)
4/5 🌶
Tropes:
Age Gap
Ex Military
Possessive/Protective MC
Triggers:
Attempted SA
Violence
💊 use
Harassment/St@lking
I'm so happy that Scarlett and Ryan got the ending the deserved in this short novella. I'm also glad that Ryan started showing Scarlett what she was worth so that she didn't think so poorly of herself.
All in all, I do think that both novellas together created a quick/beautiful story about finding love and finding your worth in the darkest times.
Plus, the spice was an added bonus ;)
February 14, 2023
3.5 I can't quite put my finger on what kept this from being as good as I was hoping it would be, other than..it just needed to be a full-blown novel and not a novella duet. I feel like I needed more time with Ryan to really believe in their love. It wasn't bad, though..I'd be interested in seeing some sort of spin off of this duet turned into a full-length novel. Hitched still remains my top read from this author so far!
February 25, 2025
Good short read
Really loving Lauren's writing. Started straight from book one. Such a roller coaster of emotions and I'm not mad about it! Love Ryan and his protective self. His patience and willingness to help Scarlett love herself again.
Oh. That waterfall scene?! Um, yes 🥵
I wish we could know more about Scarlett's future life and if overcomes her trauma.
READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
Really loving Lauren's writing. Started straight from book one. Such a roller coaster of emotions and I'm not mad about it! Love Ryan and his protective self. His patience and willingness to help Scarlett love herself again.
Oh. That waterfall scene?! Um, yes 🥵
I wish we could know more about Scarlett's future life and if overcomes her trauma.
READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️
July 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Great story! Not super dark.
Scarlett is a train wreck. She started using drugs in high school, lost her virginity soon after, and everything went downhill from there. As an adult she makes bad choice after bad choice and ends up with a cr@p life.
Enter Ryan. He's the white knight Scarlett never knew she needed. He saves her from her bad situation and gives her the HEA she needed.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrators are fantastic!
DUET, 2 narrators, 1 POV, first person
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Great story! Not super dark.
Scarlett is a train wreck. She started using drugs in high school, lost her virginity soon after, and everything went downhill from there. As an adult she makes bad choice after bad choice and ends up with a cr@p life.
Enter Ryan. He's the white knight Scarlett never knew she needed. He saves her from her bad situation and gives her the HEA she needed.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrators are fantastic!
DUET, 2 narrators, 1 POV, first person
July 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, intense, and so well written. I loved how the story unfolded—fast-paced but meaningful. The female main character was raw, real, and incredibly courageous. And Ryan? The perfect supportive presence without overshadowing her strength.
Such a powerful short read. I couldn't put it down.
My favourite character just had to be - Ryan.
My favourite quote was - Because pain isn't the only thing that makes you feel alive, and drugs aren't the only things that get you high.
Dark, intense, and so well written. I loved how the story unfolded—fast-paced but meaningful. The female main character was raw, real, and incredibly courageous. And Ryan? The perfect supportive presence without overshadowing her strength.
Such a powerful short read. I couldn't put it down.
My favourite character just had to be - Ryan.
My favourite quote was - Because pain isn't the only thing that makes you feel alive, and drugs aren't the only things that get you high.
May 18, 2022
Toxic Desire picks up where TL left off. I really liked the adventure that Lauren took us on with Ryan and Scarlett. This is a really good book that takes you through the struggles that Ryan and Scarlett have.
Loved all the twists and turns this book took me on. When a story causes you to hold your breath for what is coming next, you know you are reading a good book
Loved all the twists and turns this book took me on. When a story causes you to hold your breath for what is coming next, you know you are reading a good book
July 22, 2022
So this picks up right where the last left off. I was not disappointed at all with how this ended. Again this is very dark with many triggers but it just made me love the story even more!
I fell in love with Ryan and he is a hero like no other! He completely made this story. I love how he has helped Scarlett through the trauma that she endure during the crazy that was Aaron. Loved this story!!!!
I fell in love with Ryan and he is a hero like no other! He completely made this story. I love how he has helped Scarlett through the trauma that she endure during the crazy that was Aaron. Loved this story!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews