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Crooked Cove

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Our parents sent me away because they're terrified that I'll corrupt their only daughter.
They should be.
I've returned for summertime on the cove.
My restraint is hanging by a thread.
All it takes is one taste and I'm hooked.
I'm the monster under her bed and her saving grace all rolled into one.
And I'll stop at nothing to claim what's mine.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2022

50 people are currently reading
1323 people want to read

About the author

Rory Ireland

26 books1,086 followers
no longer writing. my books are not available anywhere. if you are reading them anywhere they have been illegally pirated.

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5 stars
227 (27%)
4 stars
219 (26%)
3 stars
247 (29%)
2 stars
91 (10%)
1 star
47 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
Profile Image for Kursed Reads.
802 reviews9,335 followers
October 7, 2022
Holy shiz. I’m still a newb on the TÄBÓÒ front and I definitely read CC looking over my shoulder because damn if it wasn’t hot AF… I’m not gonna lie, I feel a little awkward that I was so taken with these two.  
 
That said, while Crooked Cover is a novella length, it was not short on substance. Or heat. Did I mention it’s smokin’ hot?  
 
Powerless to stop the trajectory of their relationship, Cole and Harper Crawford are no longer content with the publicly acceptable looks and touches. But just as things begin to progress, Cole is sent away in an attempt to thwart his untoward feelings for his sister. When he returns two years later, he’s set on exacting vengeance on everyone who played a part in his banishment with no fcuks given.  
 
What I loved most was the way their emotions jumped off the page. Their affection and connection were undeniable. Their pain was palpable. This wasn’t a story written for the sake of being TÄBÓÒ, it was a story of unconventional love, but love all the same. 

PSA: I do not condone this pairing in real life.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥵😭🤬😳😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗂 Genre: TÄBÓÒ Romance

✨ Tropes: Alphahole Hero, OTT J/P, Enemies-to-Lovers, Kidnap/Captive, Miscommunication, Revenge, Second Chance, Small Town, Touch-Her-and-💀Virgin h

👄 Kinks: TÄBÓÒ {🩸}, Dirty Talk

⛔️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It’s definitely NSFW or with a kiddo by your side. In fact, I would highly recommend you read this one after dark to avoid side eye or awkward conversations.

⚠️ Safety Squad: TÄBÓÒ {🩸}, Non-Con, VîoIencė and other triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Crooked Cove is a standalone.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Profile Image for Fre06 Begum.
1,260 reviews205 followers
Read
September 29, 2022
This taboo thing called incest is one thing I cannot get into in a dark read. I tried but honestly I felt too uncomfortable so I had to stop. Shame as if it wasn’t the whole sibling thing I would have loved the psycho anti hero because he was truly nuts!
362 reviews
October 1, 2022
I almost gave this 5 stars out of spite since it got banned, but it’s a 3 star book. That makes it even more ridiculous, since it’s a dark read, yes, but it’s FAR from the darkest or most depraved thing I’ve ever read. On a scale of 1-10, it’s a 5. It’s mid!

Anyway, this is a short dark taboo read with some dub con / non con. If you’ve read other Rory Ireland stories, it’s similar: the hero is obsessed with the heroine, and willing to literally murder anyone who stands in his way. Unlike her other stories, this one involves a taboo that’s NOT my jam: I tried it anyway because I like this author.

The story opens when Harper is 18 and Cole is 20, and they both acknowledge their feelings for each other. It’s not some hidden thing they’re tortured about, they’re both like, But then, he gets sent away to an asylum where rich parents can send their kids who aren’t behaving. When he returns a couple years later, he’s angry and unhinged from getting tortured, and hell bent on revenge against everyone who was involved in sending him away. He wrongfully believes that Harper was part of it.

She’s the reason I got sent away. She’s the reason my whole life changed. I’ll make her pay. She’s my only thought, my only obsession, and my only pleasure is her pain.

The reason I gave this 3 stars is that it has the “misunderstanding” trope. This part of the story is irritating, and their misunderstanding goes on for too long.

So, because of that, and the (but I knew about it going in, so it IS on me that I read a book knowing that it has a trope I dislike) this is my least favorite book from this author. That said, it’s not bad. And since all of her books have a shared world, there are some character cameos.

Even though I didn’t love this book, it sucks that it got booted off of the Zon because people apparently reported it due to the incest part. (Which doesn't even make sense, because they carry the book Flowers in the Attic and all the Game of Thrones books). If you don’t like a trope, why try to get it taken down and police what other people read? Simply don’t read it! Or, read it, and then go give the book a negative review, like a normal person!
Profile Image for Neelakshi.
511 reviews393 followers
July 22, 2023
“Toys don’t cry, little sister. I want your tears.”
“I can’t.”
“You can’t take your big brother’s dick?” I gasp, pounding inside her harder. “Yes you will. You will take every inch I give you.”


LOURRRRVEEE unhinged heroes that will kill everyone and anyone.
And lourrvee heroines that don't really care about the killings honestly.

Such a perfect couple of siblings 🥺
Profile Image for Jena .
2,313 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2022
Taboo blood siblings (not step sibs), dark, crazy trainwreck incest romance.
It was emotional porn.

Kudos to the author for having the balls to write something like this.

I liked it, not sorry.🤷🏻‍♀️

- both virgins. Each other’s one and only.
18/20 sis/bro
Profile Image for ari.
409 reviews105 followers
December 31, 2022
i wanted a short taboo, toxic and antihero filled novella and that is exactly what i got. everything about this novella was hot and it got better and better as i turned the pages.
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,556 reviews82 followers
October 2, 2022
***3,5 "Babygirl!!!" stars***



"I hope you're sleeping well, babygirl. I'm your biggest nightmare and I'm on my way."

A day and half after I finished reading this story and still I can not fully combrehend my frustrated feelings...
This was a taboo novella... I am talking for real taboo!!! The biggest of all and even though this is not my first rodeo with this kind of taboo, my morals are still fighting with my heart...
Nobody can deny the connection that Harper and Cole were having, but it was really the right thing or the wrong one???

"She was never supposed to be my downfall. She was supposed to be the only one I could count on, but instead she chose to ruin me."

Harper and Cole were having feelings toward each other from very early in life and as the time was passing by, their feelings were only growing bigger... and the touches between them started to become bolder and lingering...
And then, one night, Cole left Harper behind, without a word and Harper was devastated!!!

"I'm mad at him. I'm afraid of him. But I still want him."

Two years forward and Cole is back and determined to extract his revenge to everyone that had a hand on sending him away to be cured and whoever had stood between him and his true love...
Harper betrayed him as well and she is going to pay for her mistake!!!

"She'sthe reason my whole life changed. I'll make her pay..."

Cole is not the same person anymore!!! His love for Harper had become an obsession and as a possessive male, he had gone too far in here without even hearing a word by Harper...
Harper was happy that Cole came back but she wasn't recognizing this cruel and lethal man in front of her...
Is there a hope for these two when the whole world is against a relation like that???

"I've always been your favorite toy, haven't I, big brother?"
"Toys don't cry, little sister. I want your tears."


Honestly, this kind of stories are making me feel awkward and frustrated....
Of course, this couple had given us some dark and very hot moments, but still my morals were making me question myself!!!
I am a person that is not having triggers in books and in the fictional world, I am enjoying any insane thing that the authors can throw my way and I really liked this story!!!
I just felt that something was missing... The abrupt changes were giving me whiplashes and I was feeling like something was really missing, even though I still enjoyed this quick paced, naughty and very forbidden story!!!

"There will never be anything protecting you from me. You're mine."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for warhawke.
1,555 reviews2,233 followers
December 29, 2022
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone novella
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
2.75 Stars



Cole Crawford knew his love for his sister Harper was not going to be easy, but he never expected it would send him to the deep end. Now back in town, he vowed to right all the wrongs and claim what was rightfully his.



I had high expectations before starting this one due to the raving reactions I saw on social media. Unfortunately, this one fell short for me. Being novella length doesn't excuse the lack of story development, which led to the lack of connections between the characters and me as a reader.

I hate what he’s become, but I could never hate who he used to be.


Even the taboo aspect didn't help. And my biggest issue is how unrealistic and easily things happened to favor the main character. This is my second book by the author, and I can safely say the writing is not for me.





🔸🍆🔸. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .🔸🍆🔸



For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,772 reviews175 followers
October 1, 2022
Wow this was a super taboo forbidden romance it’s a quick read but holy smokes do the words on the pages set you on fire! One of the things I love about Rory Ireland’s writing is her ability to tell a story in just a few chapters you are always guaranteed a possessive alpha hole who’s hot af and a lovable heroine who’s super sweet but has a backbone with a satisfying plot the perfect example is Harper and Cole’s story but be forewarned this book is very taboo which has me questioning myself and my morals but I absolutely loved it !
Profile Image for Ive.
591 reviews27 followers
February 27, 2023
3⭐️ not that dark as I expected, yes forbidden cause of the incest…but the dark murder incest vibe wasn’t transported…for me it was too short and the misunderstanding between them both was unrealistic. I mean they are closer as close (fmc and her brother) and then he believes his brother (they didn’t share a connection) and his parents instead his sister… then he hates her… and kills people standing between them because he is still obsessed with her… okay this sounds better than it is 😂
Profile Image for Rachel (rachellynnreadss🪩🩵) Hunt.
838 reviews182 followers
September 27, 2022
4.5⭐️
3.5🌶️

TROPES: tab00 (siblings), revenge plot, second chance

Rory just knows how to write some damn good stories. Of course I absolutely loved & devoured this one. If you like spicy tab00 novellas then do yourself a favor and read this! We get some fun cameos from other characters of Rory’s which of course I adored. The spice was great & the little bit of angsty tension we got from the hero & heroine added a nice bonus to the story. I just really enjoy how Rory writes and I cannot wait for more of her books to release.
Profile Image for disha.
196 reviews15 followers
November 24, 2022
Rating: ★★★★
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Heat: 🌶🌶🌶

“𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡.”

I finished this book within 24 hours. Honestly, the taboo made me unstoppable. Seriously as soon as I got to know the relation between the characters I'm like gimme all of it!! This is my first time reading Rory Ireland's book and I can guarantee this won't be the last.

It's fast-paced, short read, dark, and filled with spice. More than that it's filled with the warm connection between them. I was so happy when Cole finally took his revenge and that he didn't spare anyone who wronged him and Harper.

Yes, I hated Cole for not listening to her but once he understood I again melted for him 💦 He's so protective of her.

“𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.”

Absolutely recommend this book!

I seriously wish this book was long :(

Okay, one thing I wanna be clear, I enjoyed every single part of this book ride and I'M NOT ASHAMED OF A SINGLE BIT!!
Profile Image for c a r í.
917 reviews176 followers
October 16, 2022
At this point, @irelandxowrites is definitely one of my favorite dark romance/romances author in general! I love every single novella she's written 🖤. They're dark and streamy 🔥.

Her storytelling and characterization especially her MC's are the epitome of OTT J/P - super obsessed!!!

I just wished she will write a full-length in the future 🥺🖤

PS: This book comes with TWs ‼️
Profile Image for CC.
1,257 reviews724 followers
December 31, 2022
2.5★

Harper and Cole have always been connected, but when circumstances separate them, Cole is determined to exact revenge on those that wronged him.

“No one can protect what’s mine, except for me.”

Going into this story, the taboo nature was well known, but given the relationship, the development really didn’t enhance their relationship. Additionally, Cole’s actions do not have any repercussions, whether it is his own reactions or by Harper. Actions happen but without any substance. As a result, I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. Actually, the one character that is supposed to be despised has the strongest appeal.

Overall, this book felt like an outline rather than a layered plot. There are taboo and dark situations but they really aren’t supported. With lots of potential, this one fell flat for me.


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

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Profile Image for Marcia.
496 reviews83 followers
October 24, 2022
I guess this was taboo enough to get banned on Amazon, so go to www.BannedBaddies.com (Ireland and Tate Monroe's website) to purchase this book.

I've enjoyed Ireland's books so far and this one was no different. Ireland writes FMCs that aren't afraid to stand up to their psychotic love-interest nor shy-away from a relationship, taboo or not. After now reading 5 of her books, I do look forward to a longer story as most of these all follow the same formula. It's not bad, but it's starting to feel a bit repetitive. A taboo relationship, psychotic H, misunderstanding-driving-conflict, and relatively quick/easy resolution.

Although there was a really dark scene, I don't think their relationship (taboo element, I guess) should be a reason for this to be banned from, for example, Amazon. I think this worked, or I wasn't bothered by the relationship because there wasn't a significant age gap. I think it would be a little more concerning if both elements were present, but a two year difference is negligible.
Profile Image for Jenny.
144 reviews
September 29, 2022
“I hope you’re sleeping well, babygirl. I’m your biggest nightmare and I’m on my way.”

Rory has easily become a one click author for me. I love all her stuff so when I saw she was putting out a taboo book I was jumped at reading it.
Heads up taboo as in blood relation so check triggers and stuff.

Cole and Harper have a different relationship from most siblings. They are a couple years apart in age and have always been super close. Close enough that their parents show concern and often get mad and Cole’s friends joke about it as well. They have fought their attraction and love for one another for a while now and for obvious reasons try to stop themselves. One night they start to take it a little further then usual. Cole leaves that night and doesn’t come back breaking Harpers heart.
Fast forward two years later and he is back but is a completely different person. He is angry and dangerous and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. There are a lot of secrets to unravel. The tension between them is insane but a lot has changed in those 2 years.

Rory did a great job of showing you how strong the connection is between them and how heartbroken both were without the other. The world is against them but boy are they both just crazy enough to not care! Ialso love how we see characters from her other books. I get so excited for that!
Profile Image for samantha ఌ.
343 reviews449 followers
February 15, 2023
No because I went into this book thinking they were adoptive step-siblings but it turns out they're actually blood related 😭
Profile Image for Justine.
313 reviews127 followers
September 29, 2022
I hope you're sleeping well, babygirl. I'm your biggest nightmare and I'm on my way.

Obsession. Submission. Vengeance. Crooked Cove is yet another smoldering morsel straight from the inky depths of author Rory Ireland's dark and twisted mind. What a story, guys…what a story. This is the tale of Harper and Cole, and their forbidden love with levels of violence and depravity that are not for the faint of heart. On the evening they finally give in to the yearning that has consumed them both for years, they're torn apart by those they should be able to trust. After years of physical and emotional torment, retribution comes a'knockin' and the chaos that ensues is gloriously delicious.

The scorching chemistry between Harper and Cole is built upon a mutual respect they have for one another, which is why the concept of betrayal lies heavily at the center of this devastating narrative. Miscommunication rears its ugly head, jump-starting a wild ride of death and degradation that never lets up off the gas. Describing the two as toxic for each other is an understatement, but you can't help hoping they find their happily ever after in the ashes of the destruction that lies in their wake.

Ireland knows how to hook her readers with quick, filthy reads, and Crooked Cove is definitely no exception. Her writing style is the type where you lose yourself in the pages, finding yourself turning the final page craving more. This book will 100% obliterate any boundaries of your comfort zone with a plethora of heavy themes, so please be sure to heed the content warnings. If you're not afraid of a little (ok, a lot) taboo, then I recommend giving this one a read. Loved it.

Side note: I really enjoyed the inclusion of the Ravens, which got me even more excited for the full-length version of F*ckboys in Flannel – I need this book in my life as soon as possible, Rory!

––

Note: A huge thank you to the author for an early complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Eunoia.
206 reviews54 followers
October 16, 2022
2.5 twisted stars

Holy molly. The H was so freaking sick and twisted but h was the same in a different way. I mean, I am still shock wth. And I am so guilty bc I find the smut parts well-written. well, except the one where H took h's v, infront of his then friends, then forced her to suck his d in front of them and then basically forced her to show his c*m in her mouth to one of the friends. ( Admit, I really hated all that part) 💀 I mean, no twist at all in this. I was waiting for an adopted or step sis-bro confession moment to come in, So I was at the edge of my seat most of the time. But guess what, it never came. But omg, this is the first time I've read a real incest novel. Moreover, I just wanted to tell everyone who would read this review that I would NEVER in a million years tolerate, encourage nor accept incest in real life. I believe it was wrong in all ways irl specially morally, and everyone around you would suffer while you're c*mming in ur sister's mouth. Also, what I read doesn't reflect me as a person nor reflect on my moral compass, It was just sometimes, I read purely for fun and giggles. and it was one of those. Anw, I just feel the need to explain for some reasons. 💀

Please do read the trigger warnings before proceeding to read the whole novel. It also includes on-page murders by H. So if it would be triggering, I suggest u pass on this one.

So is it a safe read?

Honestly, I was having mixed opinion abt it. Since, I mentioned there is some sort of voyeurism. But then, H was so overly obsessed and possessive of h. The trauma led him to act so recklessly and harshly towards everyone and h wasn't an exception to his wrath. But still, what a sick, and twisted ass. 💀

Each other's first and only ( Ik, ik. This was a DARK romance and both leads love in their own twisted way. But bro, they were faithful with each other. )

Two years of separation ~ no others. No ow drama / some om drama - If you would consider basically all the guys hitting up on h. She never returned the feelings though. and that part I mentioned which I hated the most.

Ended with HEA but epi. Only a year later.

On the side note : I liked how well the author write. Props to them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for whorefortyler.
486 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2023
1 star - *obviously i don’t condone incest irl, this is jus a book*
this novella really fell short. the prologue was super interesting, and i was excited to see the future and follow up on the mmc + fmc’s fucked up and codependent relationship, but it wasn’t.
the writing was kinda bad quality, and the pacing was really weird. the mmc was a murderer but no-one really acknowledged it? no one was like omggg a murderer - it was kinda just mentioned and jo one ever reacted to it at all?? it was hard to follow what was happening as well, and where we even were in the story since nothing was described.

the mmc is supposed to be crazy obsessive or whatever after he was taken away from his sister for 2 years, but he is just so stupid in the way he believes shit that he should know that he wouldn’t do. he isn’t even possessive (even though he describes himself as that) and forces his sister to suck him off in front of his friend ???? then while she begs him not to, he rapes her on the group in front of his friends, calling her a slut etc, and then when he pulls out he finds out she’s a virgin.

the way i’m delusional bc tell me why i was okay w the incest - but rape is too mf far for me. EVEN WORSE, the mmc doesn’t even regret it at all?? he only regrets that she didn’t cum while he jammed his dick in her, not that she was shown naked to his friends, cried and begged him to believe her ab not lying and getting trains ran on her, and then raping her on the floor WHILE SHES A VIRGIN??

the mmc was just a horrible person. he was such a loser. he was so abusive to the fmc, so idek why we got introduced to a likeable character when he’s literally evil (and not in a cool mafia guy way) after the first 15 pages.

he doesn’t even fully believe her until THE EPILOGUE THAT IS SET ONE YEAR LATER. THEY MOVE AWAY TOGETHER AS A COUPLE AND HE STILL BLAMES HER UNTIL A UEAR LATER. SHE LITWRALLY SAYS HOW SHES GLAD SHE DOESNT FEEL HIS RESENTMENT ANYMORE. OMG
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marcie.
1,123 reviews57 followers
September 29, 2022
Rory has reminded me why I love the darkly twisted and completely off-limits taboo type of romances with this read. Check your triggers at the door because this sweetly twisted and talented author takes no prisoners in this one.
Harper won my heart with her fight and fearless approach with handling situations that she had no control over. She's loyal, compassionate, and has a love that never fully dies.
Cole is a completely obsessive, and slightly insane, alphahole that I couldn't stop myself from falling in love with...even when I didn't want to. He's on a mission to destroy everyone that tore him away from the one person that kept him going. He will do any and everything to get the revenge that he has earned and to get his girl back.
Their chemistry and tension, no matter how forbidden it may be, will set even the coldest of hearts on fire.
Once I started this, I seriously couldn't stop. It's toxic, banned book level taboo, hot, and action packed. Rory packed a punch at every turn and I loved every second that's packed with vengeance and claiming. I really enjoyed the friends to enemies to lovers aspect set at a fast pace that didn't feel rushed at all and the cameos of past characters I love and have revisited more than once. I can't wait to see what this talented author brings to the mountain next!
Profile Image for Erin Rogoff.
491 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2023
Setting aside the blood-relation aspect of this novel, I'm giving this book a solid five-out-of-five stars rating. The character development was quick and cool; warm and stoic boy Cole to a cold and demanding man version of himself, and Harper from the lovesick little sister to a strong, enduring heroine we can’t help but love--or who I can't help but love, anyways. I'm a bit homicidal towards fictional-only, overcontrolling parental characters, and that was the case here; I despised Cole and Harper's parents and didn't shed a single tear over their off-screen demises by Cole's hands. In the end, Griffin got what he deserved, but even that fictional death was too quick; make him suffer, Cole! The steam in this novel was so great in quantity and quality that it had my panties dropping every other page--not literally, but you get what I mean, right? I had to go... relieve tensions... from this book being so steamy and forbidden and perfect in the darkest, most taboo sense. Give me more, Rory Ireland and Tate Monroe, because I'm dying to read all your other books! Make this book an indie film with all the filth and smut, because I'm a messed-up girl who wants this to be a movie yesterday!
224 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2022
I am one of the people who shamelessly love taboo stories! I can’t get enough of them. So this is your warning that if you don’t like them, this is not the story for you. This is Rory’s first taboo book and I couldn’t have been happier with it. While she has walked the edge with her forbidden stories she finally leaped over that line and dived into the taboo head first. And it did not disappoint! Cole is OTT J/P and makes no apologies for it. This may be a novella, but it was HOT and had everything I wanted in it. Harper doesn’t care what others think and Cole is who she wants. Just when they are ready to admit it to each other the unthinkable happens. Cole comes back with two things on his mind…..revenge against all those who hurt him and finally claiming Harper. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
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