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Monsters & Mayhem
His Darkest Desires
His darkest desires consume him. Soon, he’ll set them free.
Dr. Henry Jekyll is a man consumed by his own hateful nature, a monster hiding behind the mask of a kind-hearted physician seeking only to do right by his patients. However, when a fateful encounter with the beautiful and enigmatic Liam sends his desires spinning out of control, Dr. Jekyll takes measures into his own hands to kill his urges before his urges kill the man he’s come to care for. And everyone else around him. Never before has he wanted someone so badly. For better or for worse.
Dark secrets emerge as Dr. Jekyll creates a potion to alter himself, to build a better, purer man. But what results is instead a more terrifying beast than Jekyll could have ever realized. His darkest desires made flesh.
Madness, murder and mayhem ensue. Horror unlike any before. With the ever-vigilant Detective John Utterson on his tail, Dr. Jekyll must fight both the monster he’s created and the ones inside his head.
His Darkest Desires is an MM horror retelling of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as part of the collaboration Monsters & Mayhem: An MM Horror Collection, adapting some of your favorite classic horror stories with an MM romance twist.
Dr. Henry Jekyll is a man consumed by his own hateful nature, a monster hiding behind the mask of a kind-hearted physician seeking only to do right by his patients. However, when a fateful encounter with the beautiful and enigmatic Liam sends his desires spinning out of control, Dr. Jekyll takes measures into his own hands to kill his urges before his urges kill the man he’s come to care for. And everyone else around him. Never before has he wanted someone so badly. For better or for worse.
Dark secrets emerge as Dr. Jekyll creates a potion to alter himself, to build a better, purer man. But what results is instead a more terrifying beast than Jekyll could have ever realized. His darkest desires made flesh.
Madness, murder and mayhem ensue. Horror unlike any before. With the ever-vigilant Detective John Utterson on his tail, Dr. Jekyll must fight both the monster he’s created and the ones inside his head.
His Darkest Desires is an MM horror retelling of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as part of the collaboration Monsters & Mayhem: An MM Horror Collection, adapting some of your favorite classic horror stories with an MM romance twist.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2022
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![Profile Image for Megan [Gemini Season].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1634561405i/25103878._UY200_CR50,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 24, 2022
MM Romance
Jekyll & Hyde Retelling
5 Stars ⭐️
I absolutely loved this book but there’s not that much I can say about it because I refuse to spoil it for anyone. What I will say is, this book is dark and it would be wise to read the trigger warnings before reading this book because I guarantee this won’t be for everyone. For me though, this was absolute perfection and we all know that I’ve hated this series so far but I am so glad I stuck with it because this was chef’s kiss. 😘
Dr Henry Jekyll comes across as a good man who helps everyone but he has some really dark desires inside him. He tries his hardest to stay away from anything or anyone that may bring them out in him and when he’s at home in his laboratory, he’s trying to create a potion that will kill the darkness inside him and let him live a normal life. He wants a normal life so bad after meeting Liam because there is just something about Liam that speaks to his soul. He wants to love, cherish and care for Liam but he also wants to ”wrench the blade from his hands and use it on him, saw all his limbs off so he can’t get away. Then I want to use his blood to fuck him while he writhes and fails to escape.” Romantic, am I right?” 🤣🤣
Obviously because this a horror story, his potion doesn’t go as planned and when that happens, all hell breaks loose and I was captivated. This was so entertaining like I needed a bowl of popcorn 🍿 because I was just devouring this shit. The pre-Hyde set up was done in a way that had me feeling anxious because I knew shit was going to go sideways at some point but I was not prepared for how far this went. I want to thank the author from not shying away from the horror aspect of this book. I can’t say I was scared because I rarely am by horror but it just gave me everything I was looking for. I stayed up all night reading this book and I can’t remember the last time that has happened. I absolutely loved the epilogue and this is a new author to me but I am going to devour the few books she has out. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
Jekyll & Hyde Retelling
5 Stars ⭐️
I absolutely loved this book but there’s not that much I can say about it because I refuse to spoil it for anyone. What I will say is, this book is dark and it would be wise to read the trigger warnings before reading this book because I guarantee this won’t be for everyone. For me though, this was absolute perfection and we all know that I’ve hated this series so far but I am so glad I stuck with it because this was chef’s kiss. 😘
Dr Henry Jekyll comes across as a good man who helps everyone but he has some really dark desires inside him. He tries his hardest to stay away from anything or anyone that may bring them out in him and when he’s at home in his laboratory, he’s trying to create a potion that will kill the darkness inside him and let him live a normal life. He wants a normal life so bad after meeting Liam because there is just something about Liam that speaks to his soul. He wants to love, cherish and care for Liam but he also wants to ”wrench the blade from his hands and use it on him, saw all his limbs off so he can’t get away. Then I want to use his blood to fuck him while he writhes and fails to escape.” Romantic, am I right?” 🤣🤣
Obviously because this a horror story, his potion doesn’t go as planned and when that happens, all hell breaks loose and I was captivated. This was so entertaining like I needed a bowl of popcorn 🍿 because I was just devouring this shit. The pre-Hyde set up was done in a way that had me feeling anxious because I knew shit was going to go sideways at some point but I was not prepared for how far this went. I want to thank the author from not shying away from the horror aspect of this book. I can’t say I was scared because I rarely am by horror but it just gave me everything I was looking for. I stayed up all night reading this book and I can’t remember the last time that has happened. I absolutely loved the epilogue and this is a new author to me but I am going to devour the few books she has out. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1663899589i/10381707._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
April 23, 2023
This was the most graphic and darkest book I read this year - I will say I did not read a lot of dark stories this year but this is number one. I loved this retelling of Jekyll and Hyde. I know the original tale and was curious to see what this retelling would be like, and I was not disappointed. It had everything you expect when you hear - Monsters & Mayhem. Murder, depravity, graphic violence, and gore.
Dr Jekyll’s obsession and love towards Liam are twisted and sick as his two inner desires compete. He wants to love, protect and treasure Liam, but at the same time, he wants to rip him apart, innards and all, while watching him die. He knows he needs to stay away from Liam as he fears his depraved desire will take over, yet he ends up taking him to the estate to work as a valet.
Liam, goodness. I wanted to protect him from the horrid men who had prayed upon him and the Madam who wanted him to live his life as a prostitute - despite him finding safe work and knowing what happened to him and could happen to him - because all she cared about was the money he would make for her. I also liked how Hellie incorporated victorian era homophobia as well. You see and feel the fear that gay people had to live with. That anyone can turn against you.
It was a thrilling ride from beginning to finish. The way we are inside the mind of Dr Henry Jekyll as Edward Hyde slowly comes to life and takes over is just no words. Hellie is a new author to me, and I’m thinking, how did I never read any of their other works before? That will be rectified.
There is a graphic scene of rape (not between the MCs), dub-con, blood, gore, and violence. So take caution with the trigger warnings. Overall I enjoyed this story and can't recommend the book enough!! Perfect Dark read to start the month of Halloween.
**I received an arc from Hellie Heat for my honest review.**
Dr Jekyll’s obsession and love towards Liam are twisted and sick as his two inner desires compete. He wants to love, protect and treasure Liam, but at the same time, he wants to rip him apart, innards and all, while watching him die. He knows he needs to stay away from Liam as he fears his depraved desire will take over, yet he ends up taking him to the estate to work as a valet.
Liam, goodness. I wanted to protect him from the horrid men who had prayed upon him and the Madam who wanted him to live his life as a prostitute - despite him finding safe work and knowing what happened to him and could happen to him - because all she cared about was the money he would make for her. I also liked how Hellie incorporated victorian era homophobia as well. You see and feel the fear that gay people had to live with. That anyone can turn against you.
It was a thrilling ride from beginning to finish. The way we are inside the mind of Dr Henry Jekyll as Edward Hyde slowly comes to life and takes over is just no words. Hellie is a new author to me, and I’m thinking, how did I never read any of their other works before? That will be rectified.
There is a graphic scene of rape (not between the MCs), dub-con, blood, gore, and violence. So take caution with the trigger warnings. Overall I enjoyed this story and can't recommend the book enough!! Perfect Dark read to start the month of Halloween.
**I received an arc from Hellie Heat for my honest review.**
May 31, 2026
3rd time picking the book up and ive rated it one star higer then before. 4 stars. It feels like ive read this differently. Part of of it might be ive read a lot of dark romance and darker themes then this. But also this time around in was more focused on how diffrent dr Jekyll was to mr Hyde . The darkness how Hydes actions highlights the brightness and difference from Dr Jekyll and its ends in a HEA. While the parts of Liam getting hurt and abused is still hard to read about I still like the book.
---
I'm leaving my "old review" from when I started the book to show kinda my progress. This was a very unique reading experience that I'm surprised but very grateful haven't happened in a dark romance before.
The entire time I read this I was very conflicts and concerned that the story would go where I'm uncomfortable with (rape, assault from "love interest) it didn't luckily but it kept me from fully being invested in it so I might enjoy this more on a Reread. It was an interesting twist that the bad guy and the hero was the same person, just different minds. It felt kinda true to the jekyll and Hyde story and the discussion about male sex workers in the 1800 was rather interesting but I'm very done with at least one of the characters in a dark romance gets raped.
-----
I've read to about page 67. I'm not sure I should continue reading it, would really appreciate if someone who read it would like to message me and tell me how dark the relationship between the couple gets. Like his jekyll/Hyde doing anything harmful without consent, like rape and such? Because it he does its not the book for me. I like dark romance but I have my limits. Otherwise its an addicting story so far but eeh
---
I'm leaving my "old review" from when I started the book to show kinda my progress. This was a very unique reading experience that I'm surprised but very grateful haven't happened in a dark romance before.
The entire time I read this I was very conflicts and concerned that the story would go where I'm uncomfortable with (rape, assault from "love interest) it didn't luckily but it kept me from fully being invested in it so I might enjoy this more on a Reread. It was an interesting twist that the bad guy and the hero was the same person, just different minds. It felt kinda true to the jekyll and Hyde story and the discussion about male sex workers in the 1800 was rather interesting but I'm very done with at least one of the characters in a dark romance gets raped.
-----
I've read to about page 67. I'm not sure I should continue reading it, would really appreciate if someone who read it would like to message me and tell me how dark the relationship between the couple gets. Like his jekyll/Hyde doing anything harmful without consent, like rape and such? Because it he does its not the book for me. I like dark romance but I have my limits. Otherwise its an addicting story so far but eeh
October 3, 2022
Two halves of a whole, torn halves both fit together in one depraved union. Sweet Liam, damaged Henry and Hyde, In the darkness he lurks and waits for signs of weakness.
Murder, mayhem and darkness make up this thrilling story you wouldn’t want to put down. This was dark with so many triggers, heed the warnings if its not for you. So many secrets, twists and turns it’ll leave your head spinning. It did mine, in a good way.
If you like dark tales, come down this rabbit hole with Hellie Heat’s contribution to the multi-author Monster & Mayhem series and satisfy your hearts desire.
Edward Hyde urges you to.
**Thank you Hellie for the ARC.
Murder, mayhem and darkness make up this thrilling story you wouldn’t want to put down. This was dark with so many triggers, heed the warnings if its not for you. So many secrets, twists and turns it’ll leave your head spinning. It did mine, in a good way.
If you like dark tales, come down this rabbit hole with Hellie Heat’s contribution to the multi-author Monster & Mayhem series and satisfy your hearts desire.
Edward Hyde urges you to.
**Thank you Hellie for the ARC.
October 8, 2022
"He's beautiful in the candle's flickering light, wearing only a plain cotton nightshirt, his red hair strewn about the pillow like angel wings, even longer than when we first met."
His Darkest Desires by Hellie Heat is one of the books in the Monsters & Mayhem: An MM Horror Collection collaboration between some of my favourite MM authors. All of the books included are re-tellings of famous horror stories, but with an MM twist.
Hellie Heat's contribution to the series is a stunningly dark, bloody and twisted re-telling of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Henry (Jekyll/Hyde), a respected doctor, landowner and pillar of the community covets Liam, a male prostitute working at La Belle Fleur, ostensibly as serving staff, given the laws against such 'proclivities' at the time the book is set.
Henry rescues Liam after a particularly vicious encounter with a client, and tries to provide him with a better life, in Henry's service, whilst also trying to ignore his growing attraction towards him. Liam quietly returns the good doctor's affections.
But Henry has a monster inside him, and Mr Hyde will not be denied his baser instincts - or anything at all he desires....
This is a dark, violent, gory, horrific, steamy, frantic, delicious MM re-telling of Jekyll & Hyde, with so many red flags and TWs - enter at your own risk.
5 must read steamy stars 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
His Darkest Desires by Hellie Heat is one of the books in the Monsters & Mayhem: An MM Horror Collection collaboration between some of my favourite MM authors. All of the books included are re-tellings of famous horror stories, but with an MM twist.
Hellie Heat's contribution to the series is a stunningly dark, bloody and twisted re-telling of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Henry (Jekyll/Hyde), a respected doctor, landowner and pillar of the community covets Liam, a male prostitute working at La Belle Fleur, ostensibly as serving staff, given the laws against such 'proclivities' at the time the book is set.
Henry rescues Liam after a particularly vicious encounter with a client, and tries to provide him with a better life, in Henry's service, whilst also trying to ignore his growing attraction towards him. Liam quietly returns the good doctor's affections.
But Henry has a monster inside him, and Mr Hyde will not be denied his baser instincts - or anything at all he desires....
This is a dark, violent, gory, horrific, steamy, frantic, delicious MM re-telling of Jekyll & Hyde, with so many red flags and TWs - enter at your own risk.
5 must read steamy stars 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
October 14, 2022
This was a freaking good read! It was dark, grim, harsh, and gore bloody. ALL the stars!
Dr. Henry Jekyll wants to destroy this beautiful, vulnerable young man, but also cherish and care for him.
He wants to bathe in his warm blood, but even more, he wants him to live and be loved.
Everything about Liam speaks to Henry, to his monster and his human. His darkest side wants to take over, and be the violent monster he is.
There’s one big war inside Henry’s head and Liam is the victim.
Liam is a man whore, if the police knew they could hang him. He’s unconscious and in a bad condition because of a bad client, Henry takes him with him to his residence so he can take care of him.
No man will touch him anymore, maybe he can get a place in his household, with his butler Poole and Martha his housekeeper.
Henry is fighting his monster with everything he got. He never wants to hurt his sweet boy!
Liam knows there is something dark in Henry but is convinced he’ll never hurt him. That’s the big question here!
Sooooo, this is just the tip of the iceberg, or should I say volcano!! Because dang dang what a rollercoaster!
There’s so much story, impossible to explain without spoiling the big story, it was way more than I expected!
Prepare yourself for bloody cruelty. The turbulence in Henry’s head is amazingly pictured.
There are many trigger warnings, don’t ignore them!
This was an amazingly strong written story, it was dark, with some feather-light sweet touches.
It was exciting, thrilling, anxious, and bloody gore, I had my nails in my hand because of the suspense.
It’s all extremely entertaining! The build-up was excellently done, we can watch the caring doctor fight to keep his head up and not get drowned by the cruel monster, the clash of the Titans!
Dr. Henry Jekyll wants to destroy this beautiful, vulnerable young man, but also cherish and care for him.
He wants to bathe in his warm blood, but even more, he wants him to live and be loved.
Everything about Liam speaks to Henry, to his monster and his human. His darkest side wants to take over, and be the violent monster he is.
There’s one big war inside Henry’s head and Liam is the victim.
Liam is a man whore, if the police knew they could hang him. He’s unconscious and in a bad condition because of a bad client, Henry takes him with him to his residence so he can take care of him.
No man will touch him anymore, maybe he can get a place in his household, with his butler Poole and Martha his housekeeper.
Henry is fighting his monster with everything he got. He never wants to hurt his sweet boy!
Liam knows there is something dark in Henry but is convinced he’ll never hurt him. That’s the big question here!
Sooooo, this is just the tip of the iceberg, or should I say volcano!! Because dang dang what a rollercoaster!
There’s so much story, impossible to explain without spoiling the big story, it was way more than I expected!
Prepare yourself for bloody cruelty. The turbulence in Henry’s head is amazingly pictured.
There are many trigger warnings, don’t ignore them!
This was an amazingly strong written story, it was dark, with some feather-light sweet touches.
It was exciting, thrilling, anxious, and bloody gore, I had my nails in my hand because of the suspense.
It’s all extremely entertaining! The build-up was excellently done, we can watch the caring doctor fight to keep his head up and not get drowned by the cruel monster, the clash of the Titans!
October 26, 2022
I’ve received an ARC from Hellie Heat and this is my honest review.
This book was a hard but incredible journey... Fear, graphic violence like I've never read... But on the other side of the coin love, faith and the power to control our darkest desires in the name of greater good.
Seeing is not the same as reading and with this book I was absolutely sure of that. The anguish of all the characters, I felt it on my skin, I stopped, shrugged, closed my eyes, opened them again and continued... This era is a really dark era and Hellie really managed to capture that in the story.
The writing is just beautiful and brilliant just as Hellie has accustomed us to.
But we have our HEA fully deserved because Liam and Henry are precious and deserve everything!
This book was a hard but incredible journey... Fear, graphic violence like I've never read... But on the other side of the coin love, faith and the power to control our darkest desires in the name of greater good.
Seeing is not the same as reading and with this book I was absolutely sure of that. The anguish of all the characters, I felt it on my skin, I stopped, shrugged, closed my eyes, opened them again and continued... This era is a really dark era and Hellie really managed to capture that in the story.
The writing is just beautiful and brilliant just as Hellie has accustomed us to.
But we have our HEA fully deserved because Liam and Henry are precious and deserve everything!
November 3, 2022
WHEW, what a ride!
Whoa. I really liked this! I don’t think it necessarily touches DEATH’S BLOOM or BEAUTIFUL ADAM, but it’s nearly there!
This was p dark! And by dark, I mean gory. But also just dark in general. As much as I liked Liam and Henry’s storyline, I was really fascinated by the Jekyll/Hyde dynamic. It felt like a love triangle. Very well done in that sense!
Whoa. I really liked this! I don’t think it necessarily touches DEATH’S BLOOM or BEAUTIFUL ADAM, but it’s nearly there!
This was p dark! And by dark, I mean gory. But also just dark in general. As much as I liked Liam and Henry’s storyline, I was really fascinated by the Jekyll/Hyde dynamic. It felt like a love triangle. Very well done in that sense!
October 26, 2022
4.5-5
This was an amazing re-telling of my favorite Jekyl&Hyde
—
Thanks for the ARC!!
When I saw that there were still ARCs available for this book,
I had to make some space in my TBR for this gem,
bc Jekyll and Hyde are my superabsolutemegaüberfavorite horror characters ever.
I binged this and had so much fun!
with all the story appropriate gore, the v!olence and obviously this beauty of a tortured soul like Henry Jekyll!
Henry always knew that he wasn't like the others, living a live in more isolation than social-interaction he works as a doctor and also treats ppl in one of Londons illegal brothels.
Since he first laid eyes on perfect beautiful Liam he is hellbound to change (only for the better) bc Liam seems to unleash the urge to finally dive into all his darkest desires!
This is set in fictional-historical-London so, it comes with all the periodical homophobia, poverty, social hierarchy and all the struggle
The story is dark!! but don't worry it ends with an HEA
-ARC for honest review-
—-
+ARC received for honest review
+read with t2s
+during kinktober
(sadistic & mrdr thoughts; rough6; 6work, r@pe)
This was an amazing re-telling of my favorite Jekyl&Hyde
—
Thanks for the ARC!!
When I saw that there were still ARCs available for this book,
I had to make some space in my TBR for this gem,
bc Jekyll and Hyde are my superabsolutemegaüberfavorite horror characters ever.
I binged this and had so much fun!
with all the story appropriate gore, the v!olence and obviously this beauty of a tortured soul like Henry Jekyll!
Henry always knew that he wasn't like the others, living a live in more isolation than social-interaction he works as a doctor and also treats ppl in one of Londons illegal brothels.
Since he first laid eyes on perfect beautiful Liam he is hellbound to change (only for the better) bc Liam seems to unleash the urge to finally dive into all his darkest desires!
This is set in fictional-historical-London so, it comes with all the periodical homophobia, poverty, social hierarchy and all the struggle
The story is dark!! but don't worry it ends with an HEA
-ARC for honest review-
—-
+ARC received for honest review
+read with t2s
+during kinktober
(sadistic & mrdr thoughts; rough6; 6work, r@pe)
November 3, 2022
This was dark and sad, but with rays of light and love that shone through. It was hard to read at times, not because of the graphic violence, of which there was plenty, but because the atmosphere was oppressive and I felt so anxious for these characters. Once Hyde made his first true appearance, I truly couldn’t put the book down until I knew everyone would be okay. Hyde was a true villain, not a shade of grey within him, and he torments everyone, especially poor Henry. But Henry is stronger than he thinks, and with Liam he finds his freedom. The scene where Henry reclaims his own self was beautiful to me. And the epilogue was perfect.
November 3, 2022
very dark but very hot
Dr. Jekyll has 2 personalities. Light vs dark. The struggle to control both personalities is hard to achieve.
Liam knows his darkness. Somehow this story ends in an HEA but it’s a dark and murderous journey to get there.
Dr. Jekyll has 2 personalities. Light vs dark. The struggle to control both personalities is hard to achieve.
Liam knows his darkness. Somehow this story ends in an HEA but it’s a dark and murderous journey to get there.
October 23, 2022
4.5 stars
this was so good and dark!! i really enjoyed both characters and how it stayed pretty true to the original work while also being it's own
** ARC received from the author **
this was so good and dark!! i really enjoyed both characters and how it stayed pretty true to the original work while also being it's own
** ARC received from the author **
October 26, 2022
This started a bit slow but then I was really into it. Somewhere just after the halfway mark though I was losing interest. Dark stories are hard sometimes and this felt a bit dragged out and repetitive.
The characters are interesting and the premise is great, everyone knows Jekyll and Hyde. Henry Jekyll is a doctor who has a dark side, one he desperately wants to get rid of. When he meets Liam, a prostitute who is often abused by clients, he hates himself for the thoughts he has of wanting to be the one who hurts Liam. Henry is working on a potion in his lab that will eliminate this evil side and he will be the man Liam deserves.
Liam was a sweet character who I liked a lot. He has a naïveté about him even after all he has been through in his short life. He knows Henry Jekyll is a good man but when he sees another side to Henry he doesn’t know what to think.
Murders start happening and Henry wakes up each day covered in blood and worse. He cannot believe that Hyde has taken over and is threatening to hurt and even kill Liam.
After Hyde’s first murder, which is gruesome and worthy of a dark story like this, each subsequent murder is lackluster and predictable. I loved how dark this got but reading about someone constantly doing the same thing to each victim had me losing my interest. I felt like the story went off the rails once Hyde completely took over and I am sad to say I skimmed the last few chapters.
I would have loved a dark and gruesome ending to this but that wasn’t the case. Overall this would be excellent if this had a faster pace.
If you are wanting to read a horror story this time of year and don’t mind gore I would recommend this!
**ARC provided for review
**All thoughts and opinions are my own
The characters are interesting and the premise is great, everyone knows Jekyll and Hyde. Henry Jekyll is a doctor who has a dark side, one he desperately wants to get rid of. When he meets Liam, a prostitute who is often abused by clients, he hates himself for the thoughts he has of wanting to be the one who hurts Liam. Henry is working on a potion in his lab that will eliminate this evil side and he will be the man Liam deserves.
Liam was a sweet character who I liked a lot. He has a naïveté about him even after all he has been through in his short life. He knows Henry Jekyll is a good man but when he sees another side to Henry he doesn’t know what to think.
Murders start happening and Henry wakes up each day covered in blood and worse. He cannot believe that Hyde has taken over and is threatening to hurt and even kill Liam.
After Hyde’s first murder, which is gruesome and worthy of a dark story like this, each subsequent murder is lackluster and predictable. I loved how dark this got but reading about someone constantly doing the same thing to each victim had me losing my interest. I felt like the story went off the rails once Hyde completely took over and I am sad to say I skimmed the last few chapters.
I would have loved a dark and gruesome ending to this but that wasn’t the case. Overall this would be excellent if this had a faster pace.
If you are wanting to read a horror story this time of year and don’t mind gore I would recommend this!
**ARC provided for review
**All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 23, 2022
My knowledge of the Jeckyll and Hyde story was limited to the one I knew from the movie 'The Extraordinary League of Gentlemen', which is hardly a reference. So when Ms Heat was so kind as to offer me a copy of her newest book for an honest review, I first did my research so that at least I could relate to what it was about.
Horror isn't really my kind of thing, but I have to say that this book totally changed my mind. I loved every bit of it. It was creepy, cruel, dark not only because of the characters of the story, but also because of the era that the story took place at. But there was also tenderness, admiration and above all hope and love.
Dr. Henry Jeckyll is deep down a sweet and caring man, but he's always had this darker side - an alter ego Mr. Hyde - that was cruel, mean. Wanted to hurt and torture, kill and maim people. Ever since he was a young boy there's always been this voice inside his head saying that he didn't have to hold back, to let himself go, but Henry's always been able to control himself. As the years go by though, his other half gets stronger and stronger. Henry's been trying for years to mix a potion that will cure him, but hasn't had any good results yet. When he meets Liam at the brothel, everything changes for him. He's immediately infatuated with the younger man, but denies himself his feelings. He's been repressing his nature - being gay - practically his whole life.
Liam is a real sweetheart, he was taken in by the 'Madame' of the brothel where he secretly works as a 'molly boy', servicing men, as it was forbidden, it could even get him arrested and hanged. When he meets Henry after being very badly mistreated by a client, he's immediately smitten but also knows that a man like Henry will never even look twice at him. He senses that Henry is gay, but not out at all.
Henry however does have strong feelings towards Liam and is even more determined to find a cure to get rid of his alter ego. When one day Liam is so severly wounded by a client, and at the same time there's a raid by the police on the brothel, Henry takes Liam to his home. He's desperate and takes a potion he's made without the consequences and unleashed the beast inside him.
What follows is a path of 'murder and mayhem'.....
I started reluctanctly on this book but the further I got in, the more invested I got. I found myself skipping my other stuff to do just so that I could continue reading this story. I never thought I would love it this much, but Ms Heat has really outdone herself. I was glued to my Kindle!!!
Ms Heat also gives trigger warnings, please do read them carefully.
*I'd like to thank MS Heat again for giving me this opportunity to give an honest review*
Horror isn't really my kind of thing, but I have to say that this book totally changed my mind. I loved every bit of it. It was creepy, cruel, dark not only because of the characters of the story, but also because of the era that the story took place at. But there was also tenderness, admiration and above all hope and love.
Dr. Henry Jeckyll is deep down a sweet and caring man, but he's always had this darker side - an alter ego Mr. Hyde - that was cruel, mean. Wanted to hurt and torture, kill and maim people. Ever since he was a young boy there's always been this voice inside his head saying that he didn't have to hold back, to let himself go, but Henry's always been able to control himself. As the years go by though, his other half gets stronger and stronger. Henry's been trying for years to mix a potion that will cure him, but hasn't had any good results yet. When he meets Liam at the brothel, everything changes for him. He's immediately infatuated with the younger man, but denies himself his feelings. He's been repressing his nature - being gay - practically his whole life.
Liam is a real sweetheart, he was taken in by the 'Madame' of the brothel where he secretly works as a 'molly boy', servicing men, as it was forbidden, it could even get him arrested and hanged. When he meets Henry after being very badly mistreated by a client, he's immediately smitten but also knows that a man like Henry will never even look twice at him. He senses that Henry is gay, but not out at all.
Henry however does have strong feelings towards Liam and is even more determined to find a cure to get rid of his alter ego. When one day Liam is so severly wounded by a client, and at the same time there's a raid by the police on the brothel, Henry takes Liam to his home. He's desperate and takes a potion he's made without the consequences and unleashed the beast inside him.
What follows is a path of 'murder and mayhem'.....
I started reluctanctly on this book but the further I got in, the more invested I got. I found myself skipping my other stuff to do just so that I could continue reading this story. I never thought I would love it this much, but Ms Heat has really outdone herself. I was glued to my Kindle!!!
Ms Heat also gives trigger warnings, please do read them carefully.
*I'd like to thank MS Heat again for giving me this opportunity to give an honest review*
October 1, 2022
Can I give this 6 stars??? 5 isn’t enough!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Hellie Heat for the ARC of this amazing story!!
So I knew when I read Nyte that Hellie Heat was going be an author that I completely loved, and I was SO RIGHT!!
This is a Jeckyll and Hyde retelling like no other. Dr. Henry Jeckyll is a good and solitary man. He helps those in need free of charge, and does his best to do right by his clients. He helps those in need, like the women at the brothel that can’t afford his services. But for all the good Henry tries to do, there’s always been a monster lurking inside of him. He tries everything to kill off Hyde, but to no avail. If anything, he’s only getting stronger.
During one of his calls on the brothel, he meets Liam. The only male worker, Liam is beautiful with his freckles and long red hair. Henry wants him immediately, but he knows it’s not safe for Liam. But when dire circumstances force Liam to flee the brother, Henry takes him into his care. But he’s also losing his grip on the monster inside, and all of his darkest desires are getting harder to resist.
This book is really fast paced and the plot is enthralling. It’s dark and steamy and raw, and Hyde’s actions will absolutely blow your mind.
Hellie Heat absolutely killed this story (No pun intended) and I’m so excited for her next book, and the rest of this series!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Hellie Heat for the ARC of this amazing story!!
So I knew when I read Nyte that Hellie Heat was going be an author that I completely loved, and I was SO RIGHT!!
This is a Jeckyll and Hyde retelling like no other. Dr. Henry Jeckyll is a good and solitary man. He helps those in need free of charge, and does his best to do right by his clients. He helps those in need, like the women at the brothel that can’t afford his services. But for all the good Henry tries to do, there’s always been a monster lurking inside of him. He tries everything to kill off Hyde, but to no avail. If anything, he’s only getting stronger.
During one of his calls on the brothel, he meets Liam. The only male worker, Liam is beautiful with his freckles and long red hair. Henry wants him immediately, but he knows it’s not safe for Liam. But when dire circumstances force Liam to flee the brother, Henry takes him into his care. But he’s also losing his grip on the monster inside, and all of his darkest desires are getting harder to resist.
This book is really fast paced and the plot is enthralling. It’s dark and steamy and raw, and Hyde’s actions will absolutely blow your mind.
Hellie Heat absolutely killed this story (No pun intended) and I’m so excited for her next book, and the rest of this series!!
October 13, 2022
This is brilliantly written retelling of one of the world's most famous horror classics. I've expected great writing from this author but this time she's exceeded herself. The historical setting, language, everything is done just right and you get sucked into the story from page one . It's also hot, whit an added bonus of male love interest, but what made it hard to put it down was dr.Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personality/s, push and pull between both. I loved that some historical facts that occured at about the same time in history were included. It will keep you on your toes even in the epilogue. Keep in mind that you should read the trigger warnings first - it's very dark and violent - maybe you will have a hard time to love or even like Dr. Jekyll but you'll probably love the story - I know I did.
October 16, 2022
You think you know the story of Jekyll and Hyde, (BUT) clutch your pearls people, these characters aren’t them. Do no harm, is just a sentence.
Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, halves of the same whole. Beautiful Liam, Henry ‘s savior or downfall? To bruise or elevate Liam become the doctors choices.
Very dark, bloody, violently graphic, yet at its heart a love story and ultimately some sort of redemption.
I liked the book. It did drag a bit in places though. A lot of sympathy for the important people in Henry’s life that were sacrificed by Hyde. Also I’m not sure where Liam’s strength came from. Overall a successful story with vivid characters.
I received an arc of this book.
Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, halves of the same whole. Beautiful Liam, Henry ‘s savior or downfall? To bruise or elevate Liam become the doctors choices.
Very dark, bloody, violently graphic, yet at its heart a love story and ultimately some sort of redemption.
I liked the book. It did drag a bit in places though. A lot of sympathy for the important people in Henry’s life that were sacrificed by Hyde. Also I’m not sure where Liam’s strength came from. Overall a successful story with vivid characters.
I received an arc of this book.
October 17, 2022
His Darkest Desires is a gruesome retelling of the Jekyll and Hyde story that has some of the familiar points.
Henry is scared of his dark self and tries numerous potions to kill that part of himself only to unleash it. What follows is pretty gruesome in some respects.
I liked Liam with his naivety but also inner strength.
Plenty of violence, blood and gore so please pay attention to the CW
Henry is scared of his dark self and tries numerous potions to kill that part of himself only to unleash it. What follows is pretty gruesome in some respects.
I liked Liam with his naivety but also inner strength.
Plenty of violence, blood and gore so please pay attention to the CW
October 26, 2022
His Darkest Desires was everything I wanted and more. Dark, spellbinding, artfully written with a poetic feel in my opinion. I was riveted and hooked from the start. I loved how Jekyll and Hyde were portrayed and I also loved Liam's character.
A wickedly dark and beautifully retelling of Jekyll and Hyde in this MxM story with a delightful ending. 5+ stars for me, if it were possible. 💗💖🥰🤌😘
A wickedly dark and beautifully retelling of Jekyll and Hyde in this MxM story with a delightful ending. 5+ stars for me, if it were possible. 💗💖🥰🤌😘
September 18, 2022
Oh. My. Gods.
This book was a RIDE and I never wanted to get off. The turmoil of Jekyll and Hyde was PERFECT, and Liam, so sweet and kind despite everything he’s been through in life. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this dark story.
This book was a RIDE and I never wanted to get off. The turmoil of Jekyll and Hyde was PERFECT, and Liam, so sweet and kind despite everything he’s been through in life. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this dark story.
October 28, 2022
...what the f-
This was wild. And I mean that in the best way possible. I'm still coming down from the high of reading this because it was a lot and everything I wanted from this series. It's true horror. It's got a gothic atmosphere and it's graphic in nature but there's still something very authentic and imaginative with it. It even fits the parameters of a romance because it has an HEA.
There's really not much else I can say without spoiling everything. What I can say is that this is the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde story turned up to ten. And queer. This was great deserves all the praise it's getting. If you like queer horror and are looking for something dark, heed the trigger warning and have fun. You won't regret it.
This was wild. And I mean that in the best way possible. I'm still coming down from the high of reading this because it was a lot and everything I wanted from this series. It's true horror. It's got a gothic atmosphere and it's graphic in nature but there's still something very authentic and imaginative with it. It even fits the parameters of a romance because it has an HEA.
There's really not much else I can say without spoiling everything. What I can say is that this is the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde story turned up to ten. And queer. This was great deserves all the praise it's getting. If you like queer horror and are looking for something dark, heed the trigger warning and have fun. You won't regret it.
October 14, 2022
Loved it!!!
November 2, 2022
Ohh, this book was so disturbing! Loved it!
October 11, 2023
Finally a worthy book that delivered on the said theme in this atrocious series. It's a slow burn and i got irritatingly bored at the beginning of the book but half way through it sucked me in especially when Hyde became the star of the show. It's deliciously barbaric in graphic deal of the story and the unhealthy romance adds beauty to the horror.
October 24, 2022
His Darkest Desires is one of the few horror books I’ve ever read so I was a little apprehensive when I started but after I quickly forgot about all of that because it was so captivating!
The horror setting is so good and the gore scenes were terrifying! Even though I can easily be scared, the horror elements didn’t bother me at all. Maybe because we can follow the characters very closely, infiltrate their thoughts, it felt real and human. So, the violent murders didn’t really shock me or upset me. In addition, I love the contextual era and there was a lot of references to The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which were used beautifully. It’s so well-written! I appreciated the pacing and Hellie Heat’s style is so fluent.
There is suspense till the end, and it was so stressful with Utterson trying to find the killer. The way the different viewpoints changed between Hyde and Jekyll felt natural and real. It was so smooth and I couldn’t stop reading. I think the sexual scenes weren’t too much and they were great.
The characters are complex and incredible. I particularly liked Dr Jekyll, because he’s trying so hard to be a good man, to be a better man for Liam. I was so sad to see him feel guilty for all the terrible acts “he” did. Henry fights so hard to eliminate Edward, to make his darkest desires disappear. The way the conflict in his mind between his two personalities is described is fascinating. I liked the fact that Henry doesn’t want to give up his humanity.
Liam is interesting too. Sometimes, it was a little annoying that he was trusting Henry with all his soul despite everything that happened to him. But, his character’s development through the book is good, it’s clear he loves Henry wholeheartedly. I admired his courage when he was trying to protect Henry from Edward. Liam and Henry are so cute together, willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. They really are “soulmates”.
I loved the balance of Liam and Henry’s relationship. I particularly appreciated how everything is explained through the book, their actions and thoughts…
“You are a good man, Henry Jekyll. A good doctor. You’re capable of hurting or healing. You can choose to use these hands for good, to use your desires to better this world”. (Liam to Henry, Chapter 20, His Darkest Desires).
I absolutely love the ending because it’s exactly what I was dreaming, like the ideal ending: Henry using Edward to build a better, safer world. So, I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end and I obviously recommend it, it’s incredible!
The horror setting is so good and the gore scenes were terrifying! Even though I can easily be scared, the horror elements didn’t bother me at all. Maybe because we can follow the characters very closely, infiltrate their thoughts, it felt real and human. So, the violent murders didn’t really shock me or upset me. In addition, I love the contextual era and there was a lot of references to The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde which were used beautifully. It’s so well-written! I appreciated the pacing and Hellie Heat’s style is so fluent.
There is suspense till the end, and it was so stressful with Utterson trying to find the killer. The way the different viewpoints changed between Hyde and Jekyll felt natural and real. It was so smooth and I couldn’t stop reading. I think the sexual scenes weren’t too much and they were great.
The characters are complex and incredible. I particularly liked Dr Jekyll, because he’s trying so hard to be a good man, to be a better man for Liam. I was so sad to see him feel guilty for all the terrible acts “he” did. Henry fights so hard to eliminate Edward, to make his darkest desires disappear. The way the conflict in his mind between his two personalities is described is fascinating. I liked the fact that Henry doesn’t want to give up his humanity.
Liam is interesting too. Sometimes, it was a little annoying that he was trusting Henry with all his soul despite everything that happened to him. But, his character’s development through the book is good, it’s clear he loves Henry wholeheartedly. I admired his courage when he was trying to protect Henry from Edward. Liam and Henry are so cute together, willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. They really are “soulmates”.
I loved the balance of Liam and Henry’s relationship. I particularly appreciated how everything is explained through the book, their actions and thoughts…
“You are a good man, Henry Jekyll. A good doctor. You’re capable of hurting or healing. You can choose to use these hands for good, to use your desires to better this world”. (Liam to Henry, Chapter 20, His Darkest Desires).
I absolutely love the ending because it’s exactly what I was dreaming, like the ideal ending: Henry using Edward to build a better, safer world. So, I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end and I obviously recommend it, it’s incredible!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
💕💕💕
4,25/5
La série "Monsters" & Mahem" revisite certains contes et histoires aux thèmes horrifiques on va dire. Dans "His darkest desires", Hellie Heat nous offre la réécriture du "Dr Jekyll et M. Hyde". Après ma découverte de l'auteur dans "Nyte", j'ai eu vraiment envie de découvrir ce titre !
Tout le monde connait plus ou moins l'histoire du Dr Jekyll et M. Hyde, au moins les grandes lignes. Ce personnage qui souffre du trouble de la double identité, un côté dit "bon" et l'autre "mauvais", qui ne sont pas distincts, mais cohabitent ensemble. Personnellement, je ne vois pas cette histoire comme de l'épouvante, mais vraiment comme le traitement du trouble dissociatif de l'identité.
Honnêtement, j'ai adoré la façon qu'a eu l'auteur de nous décrire déjà les personnages et l'environnement, une ambiance londonienne du XIXème siècle.
Nous faisons la connaissance de Henry Jekyll, un médecin offrant ses services notamment dans une maison close, procurant ainsi des soins aux prostituées de l'établissement. Un jour, Henry va rencontrer Liam, un jeune homme y travaillant également mais de façon illégale. Une connexion va se faire entre les deux personnages, qui n'auront de cesse de vouloir se rapprocher.
Liam est un jeune homme si délicat, gentil. Il est en quelque sorte le précieux diamant que Henry veut à tout prix protéger.
Il y a une telle intensité dans la relation entre Henry et Liam. Elle se ressent entre les lignes... Ces deux hommes s'attirent, cependant nous observons la lutte de Henry face à cette attraction, pour le bien-être de Liam, mais surtout pour sa sécurité. J'ai adoré ce petit slow burn, mais en même temps, on ne peut que s'inquiéter en attendant le moment où Henry va déraper.
Car il y a aussi Hyde, qui ne demande qu'à exister, et à assouvir sa rage de violence.
Hellie Heat a vraiment bien décrit la dualité existant dans ce personnage souffrant de TDI, de ces deux entités qui cohabitent, l'une voulant prendre le contrôle et dessus sur l'autre. C'est vraiment bien décrit et amené. Henry est un personnage complexe, l'auteur nous fait nous attacher à lui, car ce médecin est tout simplement bon. Seulement, on ne peut le dissocier de Hyde, ce qui nous amène à certains questionnements.
Je pense qu'on peut vraiment qualifier ce roman de dark romance, car oui c'est sombre, dark, la romance n'y est pas dérangeante en soi mais assez atypique. La romance est d'ailleurs très lente, elle n'aurait pas pu l'être autrement, c'est ce qui, selon moi, nous fait adhérer à l'histoire du couple.
Pour être honnête, je ne pensais pas aimer autant ce roman. L'auteur s'est vraiment réapproprié l'histoire, tout en prenant soin de développer les lieux, l'époque, mais surtout tous les personnages, principaux comme secondaires. C'est vraiment bien écrit, l'auteur nous immerge complètement dans son univers, ce qui est encore plus déroutant.
Je l'ai lu d'une traite sans pouvoir m'arrêter tellement j'étais happée par l'histoire !
4,25/5
La série "Monsters" & Mahem" revisite certains contes et histoires aux thèmes horrifiques on va dire. Dans "His darkest desires", Hellie Heat nous offre la réécriture du "Dr Jekyll et M. Hyde". Après ma découverte de l'auteur dans "Nyte", j'ai eu vraiment envie de découvrir ce titre !
Tout le monde connait plus ou moins l'histoire du Dr Jekyll et M. Hyde, au moins les grandes lignes. Ce personnage qui souffre du trouble de la double identité, un côté dit "bon" et l'autre "mauvais", qui ne sont pas distincts, mais cohabitent ensemble. Personnellement, je ne vois pas cette histoire comme de l'épouvante, mais vraiment comme le traitement du trouble dissociatif de l'identité.
Honnêtement, j'ai adoré la façon qu'a eu l'auteur de nous décrire déjà les personnages et l'environnement, une ambiance londonienne du XIXème siècle.
Nous faisons la connaissance de Henry Jekyll, un médecin offrant ses services notamment dans une maison close, procurant ainsi des soins aux prostituées de l'établissement. Un jour, Henry va rencontrer Liam, un jeune homme y travaillant également mais de façon illégale. Une connexion va se faire entre les deux personnages, qui n'auront de cesse de vouloir se rapprocher.
Liam est un jeune homme si délicat, gentil. Il est en quelque sorte le précieux diamant que Henry veut à tout prix protéger.
Il y a une telle intensité dans la relation entre Henry et Liam. Elle se ressent entre les lignes... Ces deux hommes s'attirent, cependant nous observons la lutte de Henry face à cette attraction, pour le bien-être de Liam, mais surtout pour sa sécurité. J'ai adoré ce petit slow burn, mais en même temps, on ne peut que s'inquiéter en attendant le moment où Henry va déraper.
Car il y a aussi Hyde, qui ne demande qu'à exister, et à assouvir sa rage de violence.
Hellie Heat a vraiment bien décrit la dualité existant dans ce personnage souffrant de TDI, de ces deux entités qui cohabitent, l'une voulant prendre le contrôle et dessus sur l'autre. C'est vraiment bien décrit et amené. Henry est un personnage complexe, l'auteur nous fait nous attacher à lui, car ce médecin est tout simplement bon. Seulement, on ne peut le dissocier de Hyde, ce qui nous amène à certains questionnements.
Je pense qu'on peut vraiment qualifier ce roman de dark romance, car oui c'est sombre, dark, la romance n'y est pas dérangeante en soi mais assez atypique. La romance est d'ailleurs très lente, elle n'aurait pas pu l'être autrement, c'est ce qui, selon moi, nous fait adhérer à l'histoire du couple.
Pour être honnête, je ne pensais pas aimer autant ce roman. L'auteur s'est vraiment réapproprié l'histoire, tout en prenant soin de développer les lieux, l'époque, mais surtout tous les personnages, principaux comme secondaires. C'est vraiment bien écrit, l'auteur nous immerge complètement dans son univers, ce qui est encore plus déroutant.
Je l'ai lu d'une traite sans pouvoir m'arrêter tellement j'étais happée par l'histoire !
October 27, 2022
I have never been so deeply disturbed, but also intrigued by a book before… Read His Darkest Desires and look forward to…
🎭 A Horrifically Intriguing Jekyll and Hyde Retelling
🎭 Unique Plot
🎭 Historical/Period Piece
🎭 Heavy Blood & Gore
🎭 Spicy M/M Pairing
~ I was given an ARC of His Darkest Desires in exchange for my honest review and opinions! ~
*Plz check your triggers before you read His Darkest Desires!
“I want to destroy this boy. But more than that, strangely, I also want to hold him, to…kiss him. To be gentle.”
This story was very unique… I have never read anything quite like it. I was not prepared for the copious amounts of gore, death and madness, but boy… was I in for a wild ride.
I really enjoyed the writing! I thought Hellie did an amazing job painting the town (red) 😂 no but seriously, she did a fabulous job painting a clear picture of who the characters are, their motivations, and how the world around them influences their actions. I did feel very immersed in this story, and based on my limited knowledge of Jekyll and Hyde, I was very impressed with the way they were portrayed and developed.
I really enjoyed the story, and it is evident that Hellie is a great writer!!
Also the spooky/scary vibes in this story were AMAZING! I was like woah… this is creepy… and very unsettling, so If you are looking for a book like that… this is the one!
With that said, my main criticism is that it did not feel very romantic. I didn’t really feel much romantic development between Liam and Henry… it felt more like lust than love. Additionally, the spicy scenes were not very spicy, and for the better part of the book, they were shrouded with shame on Henry’s part. I know it’s indicative of the time period as well as a key character trait, but it made the spice less spicy, and made me feel even sader for him :(
5/5 ~ Plot ⭐
5/5 ~ Worldbuilding 🌍
2/5 ~ Smut 🌶
3/5 ~ Romance 💘
4/5 ~ Overall
With that said, yes, I enjoyed His Darkest Desires, but I do have to say, it is not for the faint of heart. I tend to read angsty/fluffy fantasy romance, so this was a bit out of my element with all the mentions of disemboweling people… but I did enjoy the story as a whole. Hellie is a great writer and I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read something dark and sinister this spooky season, or whenever the urge to pick up this book calls out to you hehehe. As always, happy reading! 🩸
🎭 A Horrifically Intriguing Jekyll and Hyde Retelling
🎭 Unique Plot
🎭 Historical/Period Piece
🎭 Heavy Blood & Gore
🎭 Spicy M/M Pairing
~ I was given an ARC of His Darkest Desires in exchange for my honest review and opinions! ~
*Plz check your triggers before you read His Darkest Desires!
“I want to destroy this boy. But more than that, strangely, I also want to hold him, to…kiss him. To be gentle.”
This story was very unique… I have never read anything quite like it. I was not prepared for the copious amounts of gore, death and madness, but boy… was I in for a wild ride.
I really enjoyed the writing! I thought Hellie did an amazing job painting the town (red) 😂 no but seriously, she did a fabulous job painting a clear picture of who the characters are, their motivations, and how the world around them influences their actions. I did feel very immersed in this story, and based on my limited knowledge of Jekyll and Hyde, I was very impressed with the way they were portrayed and developed.
I really enjoyed the story, and it is evident that Hellie is a great writer!!
Also the spooky/scary vibes in this story were AMAZING! I was like woah… this is creepy… and very unsettling, so If you are looking for a book like that… this is the one!
With that said, my main criticism is that it did not feel very romantic. I didn’t really feel much romantic development between Liam and Henry… it felt more like lust than love. Additionally, the spicy scenes were not very spicy, and for the better part of the book, they were shrouded with shame on Henry’s part. I know it’s indicative of the time period as well as a key character trait, but it made the spice less spicy, and made me feel even sader for him :(
5/5 ~ Plot ⭐
5/5 ~ Worldbuilding 🌍
2/5 ~ Smut 🌶
3/5 ~ Romance 💘
4/5 ~ Overall
With that said, yes, I enjoyed His Darkest Desires, but I do have to say, it is not for the faint of heart. I tend to read angsty/fluffy fantasy romance, so this was a bit out of my element with all the mentions of disemboweling people… but I did enjoy the story as a whole. Hellie is a great writer and I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to read something dark and sinister this spooky season, or whenever the urge to pick up this book calls out to you hehehe. As always, happy reading! 🩸
September 20, 2022
𝓗𝓮𝓷𝓻𝔂 ∼ “𝓜𝔂 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓼 𝓷𝓸 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓸𝔀𝓷, 𝓸𝓬𝓬𝓾𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 . 𝓐 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮. 𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼?”
𝓛𝓲𝓪𝓶 ∼ “𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓭𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻, 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓿𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓾𝓷𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓱 𝓲𝓽. ”
“𝓗𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓻, 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓸. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓶𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷’𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽.”
Eeekkk!! His Darkest Desires was such an exciting & sordid read. Hellie, in her truest fashion did not hold back with this savage retelling of the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I can't begin to express how much I loved this book. Getting to climb into the mind of Dr Jekyll whilst he battled with his animalistic alter ego Mr Hyde. As Hyde wished to consume him and everybody he held dear to him was a real treat. Mr Hyde's debasement of Henry was pure enthrallment. Poor Henry tried desperately to deny his fate and overwhelming lust for his young molly, Liam. Which made for a story filled with the most depraved, vile acts and thoughts. In this game of emotional and mental tug of war.
My lord, Liam was so precious! I just wanted to bottle him up like one of Henry's potions and keep him safe and away from Hyde's evilness. Henry's desires are potent and deadly and lead us on a violent path. Hold tight and relish in the madness. You won't be disappointed.
His Darkest Desires also features all the grim goings-on of Jack the Ripper and if you are a Ripper and Whitechapel enthusiast like me! You will definitely want to pick this book up because Hellie painted a vivid picture of 19th Century London. All books within the Monsters & Mayhem series feature MM retellings of our favourite tales.
𝓛𝓲𝓪𝓶 ∼ “𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓭𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻, 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓿𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓾𝓷𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓱 𝓲𝓽. ”
“𝓗𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓻, 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓸. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓶𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷’𝓽 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽.”
Eeekkk!! His Darkest Desires was such an exciting & sordid read. Hellie, in her truest fashion did not hold back with this savage retelling of the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I can't begin to express how much I loved this book. Getting to climb into the mind of Dr Jekyll whilst he battled with his animalistic alter ego Mr Hyde. As Hyde wished to consume him and everybody he held dear to him was a real treat. Mr Hyde's debasement of Henry was pure enthrallment. Poor Henry tried desperately to deny his fate and overwhelming lust for his young molly, Liam. Which made for a story filled with the most depraved, vile acts and thoughts. In this game of emotional and mental tug of war.
My lord, Liam was so precious! I just wanted to bottle him up like one of Henry's potions and keep him safe and away from Hyde's evilness. Henry's desires are potent and deadly and lead us on a violent path. Hold tight and relish in the madness. You won't be disappointed.
His Darkest Desires also features all the grim goings-on of Jack the Ripper and if you are a Ripper and Whitechapel enthusiast like me! You will definitely want to pick this book up because Hellie painted a vivid picture of 19th Century London. All books within the Monsters & Mayhem series feature MM retellings of our favourite tales.
October 21, 2022
***ARC Review***
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book through the author.
“His Darkest Desires” by Hellie Heat is a dark romance. It’s a horror story that features romance. So, it’s also a horror romance. It’s part of the Monsters & Mayhem series. It’s a retelling of the Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde story.
This book is dark. Really dark. There are some seriously dark themes in it. Pay attention to the trigger warnings. There’s quite a bit of murder and mayhem. Tons of blood. Violence. Rape. Dubious consent. The darkest desires exposed in this story are disturbing. There are definitely some shocking moments. Yet, I couldn’t put it down. I had to know how it ended. I liked how Dr. Jekyll came into contact with a certain prominent figure from history. No spoilers!
Henry Jekyll fights his urges. Edward Hyde does not. Liam is too sweet for his own good. People aren’t really as they seem in this tale. It was fascinating coming to terms with Jekyll’s descent into madness and depravity. Hyde’s obsession with Jekyll was intriguing. I was a little on edge reading this novel. I read it in the dark while my family was sound asleep, so that heightened the awareness and/or anticipation. Hellie Heat does a wonderful job of dragging the suspense out in this book. The tension and angst is palpable. The steamy scenes in this book are intense. The connection between Henry and Liam is visceral and absolute. Their total acceptance of one another is stunning.
The epilogue made me gasp. This is a fascinating read and it’s the perfect time of year to dive into it!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book through the author.
“His Darkest Desires” by Hellie Heat is a dark romance. It’s a horror story that features romance. So, it’s also a horror romance. It’s part of the Monsters & Mayhem series. It’s a retelling of the Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde story.
This book is dark. Really dark. There are some seriously dark themes in it. Pay attention to the trigger warnings. There’s quite a bit of murder and mayhem. Tons of blood. Violence. Rape. Dubious consent. The darkest desires exposed in this story are disturbing. There are definitely some shocking moments. Yet, I couldn’t put it down. I had to know how it ended. I liked how Dr. Jekyll came into contact with a certain prominent figure from history. No spoilers!
Henry Jekyll fights his urges. Edward Hyde does not. Liam is too sweet for his own good. People aren’t really as they seem in this tale. It was fascinating coming to terms with Jekyll’s descent into madness and depravity. Hyde’s obsession with Jekyll was intriguing. I was a little on edge reading this novel. I read it in the dark while my family was sound asleep, so that heightened the awareness and/or anticipation. Hellie Heat does a wonderful job of dragging the suspense out in this book. The tension and angst is palpable. The steamy scenes in this book are intense. The connection between Henry and Liam is visceral and absolute. Their total acceptance of one another is stunning.
The epilogue made me gasp. This is a fascinating read and it’s the perfect time of year to dive into it!
October 5, 2022
Dark and bloody and also one of the best books I've read this year. If you'd told me before I read this some of the things Henry does I'd have told you he was a character I could never like and want an HEA for. When I read it, however, I understood the character completely and never gave up on him. There are places in this book where you come to understand how a "monster" is made psychologically. Henry and Liam are perfect for each other and there are no illusions between them about what each is and what each has done. The secondary characters are magnificently drawn, they live on the page as much as Henry and Liam. One secondary character in particular delighted me in the way Hellie Heat started out making us view him in one way and gradually as you read more scenes with him the hairs on the back of your neck start to stand up and you begin to think there's something really off about him and he isn't as he is trying to appear. The handling of those increasing suspicions and their horrifying confirmation is a stunner. This entire series has been extraordinary. I received an ARC of this book.
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