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Club Pétale
Don't Leave Me
I am a professional liar.
But not because I like to lie...
because people don’t like the truth.
I did what I had to survive, but I made a promise once.
There was a single person on this earth
that I could never lie to.
My step-sister, Lillian.
The problem is that along the way
I began to lie to myself.
I’m a good person.
I am happy with my life.
And lastly... I am not in love with Lilian.
It has been nine years since I last saw her and twelve since I confessed my love.
This time will she finally believe me?
But not because I like to lie...
because people don’t like the truth.
I did what I had to survive, but I made a promise once.
There was a single person on this earth
that I could never lie to.
My step-sister, Lillian.
The problem is that along the way
I began to lie to myself.
I’m a good person.
I am happy with my life.
And lastly... I am not in love with Lilian.
It has been nine years since I last saw her and twelve since I confessed my love.
This time will she finally believe me?
292 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2023
514 people are currently reading
4469 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
January 14, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
SQUEALS IN SAPPHIC DELIGHT!!! Where do I begin? This is everything I could’ve wanted in a dark romance with a HEA. Eden Emory does NOT miss and certainly doesn’t skimp out on the spice.
The characters in the Club Pétale series are relatable. They are so vulnerable which makes the reading experience that much more enjoyable. Emory’s characters are multidimensional. You are left at the end wanting more because you know you’ll miss reading about them. Sloan and Lillian? These two really make you feel all the emotions. Angst, sadness, love, happiness, and hope. I could go on and on.
Emory’s story telling is incredible. The writing is accessible and it reads like candy. I tend to fly through their books because of this. The way this author crafts a story is like trying to finish a difficult puzzle. Never sure where the pieces are going to fit, but once you complete it, the reward makes you feel elated with joy.
I cannot wait for the next book. Please, if you are looking for a sapphic dark romance, you need to pick up this series. Each book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read the first book in the series, Don’t Stop Me.
4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
SQUEALS IN SAPPHIC DELIGHT!!! Where do I begin? This is everything I could’ve wanted in a dark romance with a HEA. Eden Emory does NOT miss and certainly doesn’t skimp out on the spice.
The characters in the Club Pétale series are relatable. They are so vulnerable which makes the reading experience that much more enjoyable. Emory’s characters are multidimensional. You are left at the end wanting more because you know you’ll miss reading about them. Sloan and Lillian? These two really make you feel all the emotions. Angst, sadness, love, happiness, and hope. I could go on and on.
Emory’s story telling is incredible. The writing is accessible and it reads like candy. I tend to fly through their books because of this. The way this author crafts a story is like trying to finish a difficult puzzle. Never sure where the pieces are going to fit, but once you complete it, the reward makes you feel elated with joy.
I cannot wait for the next book. Please, if you are looking for a sapphic dark romance, you need to pick up this series. Each book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read the first book in the series, Don’t Stop Me.
August 23, 2024
Can’t wait for the day they invent technology that allows you to travel into fictional worlds so I can go into this book and punch Lillian in the face.
January 12, 2023
somewhere between angst and frustration...
Held back by their false perceptions of each other, step-sisters Lillian and Sloan find themselves living alone n their family's house in the woods together attempting to navigate a new relationship whilst falling in the pitfalls of the past.
I absolutely adored being back in this world and adored seeing Ax and Nyx again in this book but the true centrepiece of this story is Sloan. Sloan, like in Don't Stop Me, was a joy to read. In this book, we see a more vulnerable and emotional side to her character that is often disguised by her confidence. And her commitment to years of yearning and devotion to Lillian was both tragic and endearing.
look okay... was it entertaining? yes. was I engaged throughout? yes. was it hot? yes. suspense? yes. but bro, just talk to each other! and moreover, LISTEN. The angst of this book hinged on the miscommunication trope and seeing the characters repeatedly hurt each other without correcting the misconception was heartbreaking, not to mention toxic. And I love a bit of toxicity in my dark romance but this continued miscommunication by the end didn't convince me that they truly belonged together if that is the foundation of their relationship. I would've liked more grovelling to repent for their past actions, especially from Lillian 👀, for me to fully trust that their HEA is really happy.
4 stars from me. I love this series and can't wait for future instalments, I mean, stalker romance next??? absolutely YES, please. And an assassin you say? gimme.
- second chance romance
- stepsisters
- forced proximity
- mutual pining over the span of years
- angst galore
- a sprinkling of suspense
- second in the series, but can be read as a standalone
.
Held back by their false perceptions of each other, step-sisters Lillian and Sloan find themselves living alone n their family's house in the woods together attempting to navigate a new relationship whilst falling in the pitfalls of the past.
I absolutely adored being back in this world and adored seeing Ax and Nyx again in this book but the true centrepiece of this story is Sloan. Sloan, like in Don't Stop Me, was a joy to read. In this book, we see a more vulnerable and emotional side to her character that is often disguised by her confidence. And her commitment to years of yearning and devotion to Lillian was both tragic and endearing.
look okay... was it entertaining? yes. was I engaged throughout? yes. was it hot? yes. suspense? yes. but bro, just talk to each other! and moreover, LISTEN. The angst of this book hinged on the miscommunication trope and seeing the characters repeatedly hurt each other without correcting the misconception was heartbreaking, not to mention toxic. And I love a bit of toxicity in my dark romance but this continued miscommunication by the end didn't convince me that they truly belonged together if that is the foundation of their relationship. I would've liked more grovelling to repent for their past actions, especially from Lillian 👀, for me to fully trust that their HEA is really happy.
4 stars from me. I love this series and can't wait for future instalments, I mean, stalker romance next??? absolutely YES, please. And an assassin you say? gimme.
- second chance romance
- stepsisters
- forced proximity
- mutual pining over the span of years
- angst galore
- a sprinkling of suspense
- second in the series, but can be read as a standalone
.
November 18, 2023
i love them but lord, they stressed me out
June 14, 2024
Sloan, you deserve better than Lillian. I said what I said.
Onto the next one though because it’s a stalker romance apparently 👀👀👀
Onto the next one though because it’s a stalker romance apparently 👀👀👀
June 3, 2023
similarly to what happened with the previous book being the counterpart of the first installment of the salacious players club series, this one shared similarities with "eyes on me" - bdsm club setting, step-sisters, forced proximity, unrequited love. this time around the dark romance undertones that differentiates the two (aside from the predominantly female world setting) steemed more so from trauma than just the criminal underworld.
this book was all sloan to me. i really had a hard time with lillian, maybe it was my similarities and attachment to sloan, but i believe she deserved better. lillian felt too juvenile for her age, both at 17 and 29, reducing sloan to a fuck toy.
in the wise words of ax “if you had real therapy, maybe you and sloan would finally make up,” . yes, lillian's actions were founded in her trauma, but that's not an excuse and the stereotype of "hurt people hurt people" villainizes trauma. furthermore, we had the other side of the coin, case in point sloan. nevertheless, i appreciate ax and nyx trying to repay sloan the gesture of bringing them together by doing the same for her (otherwise how would the sharing be possible). but avery was to "don't leave me" what sloan had been to "don't stop me", so it's no surprise i am positively obsessed with her.
*i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for a honest review
this book was all sloan to me. i really had a hard time with lillian, maybe it was my similarities and attachment to sloan, but i believe she deserved better. lillian felt too juvenile for her age, both at 17 and 29, reducing sloan to a fuck toy.
in the wise words of ax “if you had real therapy, maybe you and sloan would finally make up,” . yes, lillian's actions were founded in her trauma, but that's not an excuse and the stereotype of "hurt people hurt people" villainizes trauma. furthermore, we had the other side of the coin, case in point sloan. nevertheless, i appreciate ax and nyx trying to repay sloan the gesture of bringing them together by doing the same for her (otherwise how would the sharing be possible). but avery was to "don't leave me" what sloan had been to "don't stop me", so it's no surprise i am positively obsessed with her.
*i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for a honest review
March 7, 2024
5 stars
i looooved this book. so much. it's my favorite in the series and i'm still obsessed with it even months after i've finished the book. i truly loved ax and nyx. their relationship and chemistry was off the charts and i became obsessed with them and their story. the twists and turns kept me up all night trying to finish the book and i already want to reread it again pretty soon. i just can't help myself. i ate. this. up. eden emory knows how to write dark romance and does it amazingly. this series is soooo hot (especially this book in my opinion) and the spice is just SO. GOOD. if you love sapphic dark romance you'll loove this series <3
i looooved this book. so much. it's my favorite in the series and i'm still obsessed with it even months after i've finished the book. i truly loved ax and nyx. their relationship and chemistry was off the charts and i became obsessed with them and their story. the twists and turns kept me up all night trying to finish the book and i already want to reread it again pretty soon. i just can't help myself. i ate. this. up. eden emory knows how to write dark romance and does it amazingly. this series is soooo hot (especially this book in my opinion) and the spice is just SO. GOOD. if you love sapphic dark romance you'll loove this series <3
September 5, 2023
2.5/5⭐️
Second chance stepsisters… sounds great right?
Wrong.
I’ve never hated two characters so much at the same time this book was a waste of my time and was a disappointment all the way through.
Second chance stepsisters… sounds great right?
Wrong.
I’ve never hated two characters so much at the same time this book was a waste of my time and was a disappointment all the way through.
December 8, 2025
Lillian got on ALL of my nerves…. I felt like the storyline was kinda similar to other books and to be quite frank I skimmed over a large majority of the book. I felt like I had already read this once before so it didn’t hold my interest much. Sloan deserved so much more.
June 10, 2023
What an incredible second book in this series. Step siblings is one of my favourite tropes, and these girls did not disappoint 😈
As soon as Sloan was introduced in the book one, I knew I had a soft spot for her.
She is a wild and untamed force, and together with Lil, they are hurricane of emotions. You feel them both through each page. Their love, frustration, hurt, lust... Their characters were really well written.
Through the glimpses of the past, we see the full picture of girls' relationship. It give us a chance to understand them both properly. Their fears and reasons behind their actions. Slowly but surely, the relationship that shouldn't happen in the first place bloom but don't get too comfortable. There will be a time for a heartbreak... There will be moments when the push and pull energy and miscommunication will want you to shake them both lol but I live for the angst 😉
I loved it when the strong Sloan took a chance to express her feelings and finally let someone in and become happy.
The story gave you the tastes of everything. It balanced out some seriously kinky moments with cute love situations.
I'm really excited to see what book 3 has to offer ❤️
As soon as Sloan was introduced in the book one, I knew I had a soft spot for her.
She is a wild and untamed force, and together with Lil, they are hurricane of emotions. You feel them both through each page. Their love, frustration, hurt, lust... Their characters were really well written.
Through the glimpses of the past, we see the full picture of girls' relationship. It give us a chance to understand them both properly. Their fears and reasons behind their actions. Slowly but surely, the relationship that shouldn't happen in the first place bloom but don't get too comfortable. There will be a time for a heartbreak... There will be moments when the push and pull energy and miscommunication will want you to shake them both lol but I live for the angst 😉
I loved it when the strong Sloan took a chance to express her feelings and finally let someone in and become happy.
The story gave you the tastes of everything. It balanced out some seriously kinky moments with cute love situations.
I'm really excited to see what book 3 has to offer ❤️
December 16, 2023
i didn’t expect this book to blow me away because come on LMAO. it was written like a fan fiction and i kept reading bc it would make me giggle at how wattpad-y it was written. lily is your typical “im not like other girls, i have curly hair!” type girl and sloan is the “i can’t love i just like to fuck” masc lesbian. it’s very corny and cliche and i expected nothing less. one star for the smut! it was just weird that they were step sisters.
December 26, 2023
A SAPPHIC DARK, STEP SISTER ROMANCE - need I say fkn MORE?
I’ll need time to recover from this because it was wild. It was a perfect second chance romance but it was jam packed, our two FMCs were interesting characters and made a wild, hot couple.
Another big, huge love for this author. So dang good.
I’ll need time to recover from this because it was wild. It was a perfect second chance romance but it was jam packed, our two FMCs were interesting characters and made a wild, hot couple.
Another big, huge love for this author. So dang good.
June 4, 2023
Overall, it was a solid read. Eden is amazing when it comes to writing steamy scenes, and I love the cast. I felt like the plot sagged. Luckily, the characters really helped me stay engaged with the story.
Overall rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4
Characters: 4.5/5
Prose: 3/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4
Characters: 4.5/5
Prose: 3/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 24, 2024
MOTHER SLOAN
but
MY WOMAN AVERY 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🔒🔒🔒🔒
but
MY WOMAN AVERY 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🔒🔒🔒🔒
December 15, 2022
I received this as an ARC!
I love that the author is creating stories for WLW that aren’t told as often. This attracted me to this author in the first place! The first installment in this stand alone series was stellar. I didn’t know how much I needed to see these characters.
On that note, I loved the chemistry created between Lillian and Sloan. Their history was vital to the development and returning to the past (while this can be a tired style of storytelling) was absolutely necessary to capture the fallout in their relationship.
While they have both been hurt by their late parental figures there’s a hole that they each fill for each other on their journey to love. Also the smut was fucking fantastic. I was so in for the piercing scenes and all around tension between them.
While I really enjoyed the story there were some small spelling and punctuation errors that took me out just a little. We also got a lot of explanations of everyday outfits that weren’t very necessary. I also wish that we got to spend more time with them together, but that’s just because I enjoyed their interactions. I could have spent another 30 pages of their back and forth, flirty conversations and had the time of my life.
Overall a high 3.95 stars!!
I love that the author is creating stories for WLW that aren’t told as often. This attracted me to this author in the first place! The first installment in this stand alone series was stellar. I didn’t know how much I needed to see these characters.
On that note, I loved the chemistry created between Lillian and Sloan. Their history was vital to the development and returning to the past (while this can be a tired style of storytelling) was absolutely necessary to capture the fallout in their relationship.
While they have both been hurt by their late parental figures there’s a hole that they each fill for each other on their journey to love. Also the smut was fucking fantastic. I was so in for the piercing scenes and all around tension between them.
While I really enjoyed the story there were some small spelling and punctuation errors that took me out just a little. We also got a lot of explanations of everyday outfits that weren’t very necessary. I also wish that we got to spend more time with them together, but that’s just because I enjoyed their interactions. I could have spent another 30 pages of their back and forth, flirty conversations and had the time of my life.
Overall a high 3.95 stars!!
October 2, 2023
Excellent.
Tension. Forced Proximity. Stepsisters.
My first book by Eden Emory and it was an absolute slay. Sloan and Lillian were straight up addicting. The angst was so solid…I nearly had a heart attack. This hit so many checkboxes. The tension was so GOOD.
You do not have to read book one to enjoy this one.
Previous characters are mentioned, but it is not detrimental to the story. In saying that, I’ll definitely be reading anything Eden writes…so to the backlist I go!
Tension. Forced Proximity. Stepsisters.
My first book by Eden Emory and it was an absolute slay. Sloan and Lillian were straight up addicting. The angst was so solid…I nearly had a heart attack. This hit so many checkboxes. The tension was so GOOD.
You do not have to read book one to enjoy this one.
Previous characters are mentioned, but it is not detrimental to the story. In saying that, I’ll definitely be reading anything Eden writes…so to the backlist I go!
dnf
November 16, 2023DNF @ 43% because I realised that I just don’t care about these characters at all. Also, Lillian made a false police report against her fck buddy just for lols?! Nope 🙅🏻♀️
I might pick this up again at some point as I really do want to get into more sapphic romances, perhaps I’m just not in the mood for this now.
I might pick this up again at some point as I really do want to get into more sapphic romances, perhaps I’m just not in the mood for this now.
January 14, 2023
Hot
Eden Emory has done it again, if you havn't read her work yet you are missing out. This one was worth the wait, loving the Club Pétale series.
Eden Emory has done it again, if you havn't read her work yet you are missing out. This one was worth the wait, loving the Club Pétale series.
June 19, 2023
Second book in the Club Pétale series follows up with Sloane and doesn’t disappoint. I really don’t have many notes on this one I liked it maybe more than the first which I wasn’t expecting to.
September 23, 2023
Honestly, the plot wasn’t that bad, it was the
supposed to dirty talk makes me CRINGE every time
supposed to dirty talk makes me CRINGE every time
April 7, 2024
I think more than anything I was frustrated reading this because why are these grown women acting like young adults with all this miscommunication going on. It's actually quite a shame because the set up of this book is so enticing. BDSM club as the backdrop and a boudoir photographer + step sibling dynamic + ! and make it sapphics ?! How was I let down.
"“We’re kinda stupid,” she said. “I fear we made the problems ourselves.”
Honestly more than anything I think it should've leaned a lot more into that than the whole "I can't love you nooooo" - lack of communication is just not sexy - especially in your 30's. I think equally as much as not communicating, I do not particularly enjoy the "this was a mistake" thing that characters do after making the said "mistake" and also full well knowing it's gonna happen again. Babes who are we kidding here?
Lost chance of the very attractive character of Sloan. The glimpses of her dominant side and her actually living up to what people say she is was so fun! I wish we got more of that than 70% bleeding heart nurturing the lost love side of her that we did see.
"Can you just admit that you want to fuck me and get over this insane little world you’ve made for yourself?”
Literally - all of their problems were just? Nonproblems. Nothing to worry about at all. Literally one singular hour long conversation could have solved everything and we all could've enjoyed ourselves more!
Disappointed that this wasn't everything I wished, but if anything I wished we at least saw more of them after everything was resolved... but not even that...
Also I think this could've benefitted with another read over because of the amount of repetition or typos.
I don't wanna be too mean - redeeming points for Sloan's mom - she was a sweetheart. And I think Sloan and Lil's life is going to be super interesting together... just a shame we have to fill those empty blanks ourselves.
"“We’re kinda stupid,” she said. “I fear we made the problems ourselves.”
Honestly more than anything I think it should've leaned a lot more into that than the whole "I can't love you nooooo" - lack of communication is just not sexy - especially in your 30's. I think equally as much as not communicating, I do not particularly enjoy the "this was a mistake" thing that characters do after making the said "mistake" and also full well knowing it's gonna happen again. Babes who are we kidding here?
Lost chance of the very attractive character of Sloan. The glimpses of her dominant side and her actually living up to what people say she is was so fun! I wish we got more of that than 70% bleeding heart nurturing the lost love side of her that we did see.
"Can you just admit that you want to fuck me and get over this insane little world you’ve made for yourself?”
Literally - all of their problems were just? Nonproblems. Nothing to worry about at all. Literally one singular hour long conversation could have solved everything and we all could've enjoyed ourselves more!
Disappointed that this wasn't everything I wished, but if anything I wished we at least saw more of them after everything was resolved... but not even that...
Also I think this could've benefitted with another read over because of the amount of repetition or typos.
I don't wanna be too mean - redeeming points for Sloan's mom - she was a sweetheart. And I think Sloan and Lil's life is going to be super interesting together... just a shame we have to fill those empty blanks ourselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
So…there were a lot of typos in this book. And it was also hard to track passage of time (how long is this weekend? Was Sloan there for 3 weeks or 3 days?) The spice was indeed 🔥 but mostly hate sex (which is not my thing.) The characters hated themselves and were fiercely pretending to hate each other while trying and failing to act nonchalant about the encounters. And this book is part of a series so there some plot points that maybe came from the other books but were just thrown in here that were hard to follow. The phrase “I swallowed thickly” was uttered 20 times (!!) across this relatively short novel. All this adds up to I was struggling to stay in the story and connect to the characters. This is the alter ego for Elle Mae who penned Contract Bound. This book is a “forbidden” romance and instead of vampires and stockholm syndrome you get stepsisters and BDSM. Acquired for free during the stuff your Kindle event.
March 26, 2023
okay yeah i liked this one way more than book one
October 23, 2023
Tbfh Sloan deserved better 😭😭
November 14, 2023
Yeah this one hit
July 10, 2024
thought Lilian would be princess unfortunately she isn’t
February 19, 2023
oh my ...
May 14, 2025
This book is so poorly written it feels like trying to read Latin while high. I did seriously enjoy it, though, and I always had heinous plot points to relay to my unsuspecting friends.
January 5, 2023
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received this ARC from the author. All thoughts are my own, not sponsored! As always check TWs before reading!
Plot:
This book is the second in the club pétale series and once again Eden has my heart bound up with the story and the characters! Whilst there isn’t as much of an over arcing plot as the first one, there is still a prominent story. The time changes between the present and the past gave us soo much more information on the characters and why they are the way they are!! This book had me going from blushing like a teenager to crying for the characters. The way our girls got to their happy ever after (HEA) was filled with turmoil, pain and angst but the payoff was definitely worth it!
Characters:
Sloan- Honestly she needs therapy she has soooo many issues and so much trauma but I love her for that, it makes her more relatable and human. I loved Sloan when we met her in book 1 and this book just solidified that love for her.
Lillian- She also has a lot of trauma. We love a brat in this house(as does Sloan)!! I loved her from the moment I saw her in her first chapter. She definitely has abandonment issues tho as we discover through the story! But I love her none the less! She has one of my favourite quotes which is: “I would love recklessly and with all that I had” I don’t know why that stuck with me but it did!
Overall:
Honestly another phenomenal book and I appreciate the sapphic love story as I don’t feel we get enough to be quite honest! This story has the greatest combination of heartbreak and squishy happiness. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a darker WLW romance, about stepsisters, with spice and heartache and some pining all rolled into one!
I am so ready for Avery and (going by that bonus epilogue) Willow’s story in the next book!
4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received this ARC from the author. All thoughts are my own, not sponsored! As always check TWs before reading!
Plot:
This book is the second in the club pétale series and once again Eden has my heart bound up with the story and the characters! Whilst there isn’t as much of an over arcing plot as the first one, there is still a prominent story. The time changes between the present and the past gave us soo much more information on the characters and why they are the way they are!! This book had me going from blushing like a teenager to crying for the characters. The way our girls got to their happy ever after (HEA) was filled with turmoil, pain and angst but the payoff was definitely worth it!
Characters:
Sloan- Honestly she needs therapy she has soooo many issues and so much trauma but I love her for that, it makes her more relatable and human. I loved Sloan when we met her in book 1 and this book just solidified that love for her.
Lillian- She also has a lot of trauma. We love a brat in this house(as does Sloan)!! I loved her from the moment I saw her in her first chapter. She definitely has abandonment issues tho as we discover through the story! But I love her none the less! She has one of my favourite quotes which is: “I would love recklessly and with all that I had” I don’t know why that stuck with me but it did!
Overall:
Honestly another phenomenal book and I appreciate the sapphic love story as I don’t feel we get enough to be quite honest! This story has the greatest combination of heartbreak and squishy happiness. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a darker WLW romance, about stepsisters, with spice and heartache and some pining all rolled into one!
I am so ready for Avery and (going by that bonus epilogue) Willow’s story in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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