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Pleasure & Prey #3
Vicious
One, two, he’s coming for you
Three, four, better run some more
I never would have accepted his help if I’d known what he’d do.
When the stranger who got me out of a mess in Springwood turns the town into a slaughterhouse in my name, I do the only thing I can do.
I run.
Not far enough, though, because I can feel him in Akron, looking for me. But he wants to take me home, and I can’t go back. Not after what he did.
Especially when I know that more than anything, he wants me home with him.
But when his words betray how he really feels, and instead of violence from the monster of Springwood, I get something completely different. Will I be tricked into going home after all?
Or will he drag me away, kicking and screaming,
with his claws so deep I’ll never be free?
Vicious is a contemporary dark romance standalone set in the Pleasure & Prey universe. This is an MF romance. Please see author’s note at the front of the book using the ‘look inside the book’ feature for a full list of content warnings.
Three, four, better run some more
I never would have accepted his help if I’d known what he’d do.
When the stranger who got me out of a mess in Springwood turns the town into a slaughterhouse in my name, I do the only thing I can do.
I run.
Not far enough, though, because I can feel him in Akron, looking for me. But he wants to take me home, and I can’t go back. Not after what he did.
Especially when I know that more than anything, he wants me home with him.
But when his words betray how he really feels, and instead of violence from the monster of Springwood, I get something completely different. Will I be tricked into going home after all?
Or will he drag me away, kicking and screaming,
with his claws so deep I’ll never be free?
Vicious is a contemporary dark romance standalone set in the Pleasure & Prey universe. This is an MF romance. Please see author’s note at the front of the book using the ‘look inside the book’ feature for a full list of content warnings.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2023
669 people are currently reading
4239 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Merlin
44 books2,043 followersAJ Merlin would rather write epic love stories than live them. I mean, who wants to limit themselves to only falling in love once? She is obsessed with dark fantasy, true crime, and also dogs. From serial killers to voyeurs all the way down to the devil himself, AJ's specialty is in writing irredeemable heroes who somehow still manage to captivate their heroines (and her readers).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
April 5, 2025
Reread this as it's one of my favorite in the series. Still 5 stars ✨️
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I didn't know it was the third book in a series when I bought it but sont think it matters as it feelt very much like a stand alone. This was very dark, toxic and very addicting. This isn't a "romantic" sort of romance in any way, more in the twisted kind of way. It's probably not the darkest romance but one of the more intense if read so far. Very heavy on the stalker throne, but has twist and turns like a thriller.
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I didn't know it was the third book in a series when I bought it but sont think it matters as it feelt very much like a stand alone. This was very dark, toxic and very addicting. This isn't a "romantic" sort of romance in any way, more in the twisted kind of way. It's probably not the darkest romance but one of the more intense if read so far. Very heavy on the stalker throne, but has twist and turns like a thriller.
October 11, 2024
I wasn’t fond of this one!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩵🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗
World building: 🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️😆
The heroine: Quinn - she grew up as a foster kid in Springwood Ohio and had already aged out when something terrible happened. She made a mistake and the cruel son of the owners of the local diner threatened to turn her into the cops. She went straight to her therapist who had been treating her pro-bono for a while. He said he would take care of it for her, though when she went back to the diner, she found the parents and the son slaughtered and blood everywhere.
The Anti-Hero: Gabriel - he was a serial killer and a therapist. He had been getting restless lately so when Quinn brought him the opportunity to delve out a bit of justice on people who deserved it, he did what he was good at. He tortured and killed them all. He expected Quinn to be scared, but also to be grateful, but instead she ran away to college. He has been stalking her ever since. Now that she is done with college, he plans to bring her home to Springwood.
The Story: When Gabriel catches up with Quinn after her graduation from college, she runs again. This time to a social work job in Kentucky lake country. She rents a decent house and starts her job a few days later. It isn’t long before Gabriel shows up and this time, he is not letting her run from him again. I have never been fond of the Therapist falls for his/her patient trope, so that part of the story I did not like at all. Not to mention the fact that Gabriel is obviously crazy.
I just must mention the cover of this book. I like attractive covers, and this one is so ugly. I picked up this book because I liked the first few in this series and I like the psycho in love trope and this series is all about serial killers finding their true love. But seriously, this cover is so wrong. Firstly, you can barely see the man, it looks like someone went crazy with a marker or paint on his face, and secondly, what you can see of his face, looks like he has black hair and a beard and mustache. While in the book he is described as having light brown hair and it never mentions facial hair. It is a pet peeve of mine when the cover photo does not match the description of the character(s).
This book wasn’t as good as the first two books in the series. It was more of a slow burn, and I found myself a bit bored with the way he stalked her. I usually like stalker romance, but he was a bit too cocky with it and too much of a therapist.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩵🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗
World building: 🌏🌍
Character development: ☺️😆
The heroine: Quinn - she grew up as a foster kid in Springwood Ohio and had already aged out when something terrible happened. She made a mistake and the cruel son of the owners of the local diner threatened to turn her into the cops. She went straight to her therapist who had been treating her pro-bono for a while. He said he would take care of it for her, though when she went back to the diner, she found the parents and the son slaughtered and blood everywhere.
The Anti-Hero: Gabriel - he was a serial killer and a therapist. He had been getting restless lately so when Quinn brought him the opportunity to delve out a bit of justice on people who deserved it, he did what he was good at. He tortured and killed them all. He expected Quinn to be scared, but also to be grateful, but instead she ran away to college. He has been stalking her ever since. Now that she is done with college, he plans to bring her home to Springwood.
The Story: When Gabriel catches up with Quinn after her graduation from college, she runs again. This time to a social work job in Kentucky lake country. She rents a decent house and starts her job a few days later. It isn’t long before Gabriel shows up and this time, he is not letting her run from him again. I have never been fond of the Therapist falls for his/her patient trope, so that part of the story I did not like at all. Not to mention the fact that Gabriel is obviously crazy.
I just must mention the cover of this book. I like attractive covers, and this one is so ugly. I picked up this book because I liked the first few in this series and I like the psycho in love trope and this series is all about serial killers finding their true love. But seriously, this cover is so wrong. Firstly, you can barely see the man, it looks like someone went crazy with a marker or paint on his face, and secondly, what you can see of his face, looks like he has black hair and a beard and mustache. While in the book he is described as having light brown hair and it never mentions facial hair. It is a pet peeve of mine when the cover photo does not match the description of the character(s).
This book wasn’t as good as the first two books in the series. It was more of a slow burn, and I found myself a bit bored with the way he stalked her. I usually like stalker romance, but he was a bit too cocky with it and too much of a therapist.
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May 12, 2023
These books just keep on getting better and this was my favourite so far. This book had a different vibe to its predecessors it was less insta and had a more angsty push-pull vibe and Quinn fought her nature and conflicted feelings for DR Gabriel Brooks until the very end. Gabriel was Quinn’s therapist back in Springwood she flees scared at the carnage he carried out in her name. Gabriel has spent the last few years stalking and following his obsession around the country now five years later he’s found her again so Quinn true to form predictably runs this time all the way to Kentucky.
Working as a social worker in a tiny office is far from Quinn’s dream job but she needs to hide not that it works as once again Gabriel predictably pops up to play his games and declare Quinn his. I really liked the relationship dynamic here and these two had plenty of explosive chemistry together. There’s very much a hate/love push/pull vibe going on between these two and despite Quinn declaring she wants Gabriel to leave her alone it’s obvious she’s just as obsessed just also very conflicted. Gabriel well he just wants her to embrace who he knows she truly is instead of hiding behind the mask she’s perfected.
This had some hot kinks Gabriel has some unusual tastes but it all felt very consensual and I did like these two as a couple. Gabriel has never hurt Quinn he just wants to keep her safe and is slightly unhinged when it comes to her. Once again this was well written and an easy read it’s going to be a long wait for the next book in the series but I will definitely be reading it.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 8, 2024
This was so good! Still like book 1 the most. I’m looking forward to the next book. Delicious?! Has to be Jed!
February 13, 2024
Idk how to explain it but I felt really detached when reading this? I didn't connect with the characters despite loving the premise of the book. It was still solid though 🫡.
May 1, 2023
May 2023
Kindle edition
Three things that stopped me rating this one 5 stars
- my snake bungee jumping from his light and scaring the shit out of me
- My declining eyesight
- Sleep deprivation
Any other time and I’d be loving this book and putting it up there with my favourites . As it is I’m looking forward to the audio.
No campsites or mentions of camp to be found. The only link to the other stories is Wren’s cryptic warning to run. He now sounds like the 10th doctor in my head.
The relationship was an interesting one. It went from pure terror, moving to acceptance. I liked how Gabriel and Quinn complemented each other and at the same time…haha dude got taken out with a mug.
Compared to the others it was less about killing and more psychological, with Gabe playing therapist until the end. The sleep thing was a bit strange but that was their thing and I liked how easily she kept getting kidnapped whilst she slept. I was expecting cages or a locked room, this somehow felt…sweet.
The whole thing is a grey area and the way serial killers felt like the norm was mind boggling. Nicely done. The foster situations were heart breaking, but everyone got what they deserved so happy endings all round. Clara felt like a loose end but the bluntness of the boss was refreshing.
It was a fun one with no damsel in distress. Gabe and Quinn were equals. I’m looking forward to the next one, even though I’m already grossed out at the thought of cannabalism.
Loving this series.
Kindle edition
Three things that stopped me rating this one 5 stars
- my snake bungee jumping from his light and scaring the shit out of me
- My declining eyesight
- Sleep deprivation
Any other time and I’d be loving this book and putting it up there with my favourites . As it is I’m looking forward to the audio.
No campsites or mentions of camp to be found. The only link to the other stories is Wren’s cryptic warning to run. He now sounds like the 10th doctor in my head.
The relationship was an interesting one. It went from pure terror, moving to acceptance. I liked how Gabriel and Quinn complemented each other and at the same time…haha dude got taken out with a mug.
Compared to the others it was less about killing and more psychological, with Gabe playing therapist until the end. The sleep thing was a bit strange but that was their thing and I liked how easily she kept getting kidnapped whilst she slept. I was expecting cages or a locked room, this somehow felt…sweet.
The whole thing is a grey area and the way serial killers felt like the norm was mind boggling. Nicely done. The foster situations were heart breaking, but everyone got what they deserved so happy endings all round. Clara felt like a loose end but the bluntness of the boss was refreshing.
It was a fun one with no damsel in distress. Gabe and Quinn were equals. I’m looking forward to the next one, even though I’m already grossed out at the thought of cannabalism.
Loving this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was good and I loved the intrigue of trying to figure out what Gabriel would do next. I do wish we had gotten his POV though since some parts would have definitely helped me better understand the obsession if I had gotten it in his own words. But overall, I liked the book.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was good and I loved the intrigue of trying to figure out what Gabriel would do next. I do wish we had gotten his POV though since some parts would have definitely helped me better understand the obsession if I had gotten it in his own words. But overall, I liked the book.
April 7, 2024
I have enjoyed this series, and usually, the only thing that makes me dislike the series is only one pov. But this book I was so excited for since it was giving off Nightmare on elm street vibes. And it crashed and burned for me.
Quinn wad a foster kid turned Social worker and I got annoyed with her so much. Her therapist was Gabriel, who protected her and made sure her foster parents were taken care of or anyone who hurt his girl. He already stake claim of her, and well, she didn't want it he was "evil" and ran away trying to keep a distance between them, and he always found her making her run again. Until her last place she liked her job her boss was nice and wired. But now Gab was there to be a therapist on hand. And a mystery around them. Honest, I wasn't into this mystery.
It was a lot of back and forth from Quinn... we got heated moments but no sex until 60ish %. We also only get a second of a side character. I'm hoping book 4 is better.
Safety wise, he let's a woman flirt with him to make h jelouse, and honestly, it was meh.
Ow drama, slight secondary character, drama, sexh times, no virgins
Recommend-no
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slowburn
Push away from h
Seperation 4 years
Dubcon
Mentioned of assault and abuse
Somnophilia
Cnc
No condom
Violence/murder
Hea
Quinn wad a foster kid turned Social worker and I got annoyed with her so much. Her therapist was Gabriel, who protected her and made sure her foster parents were taken care of or anyone who hurt his girl. He already stake claim of her, and well, she didn't want it he was "evil" and ran away trying to keep a distance between them, and he always found her making her run again. Until her last place she liked her job her boss was nice and wired. But now Gab was there to be a therapist on hand. And a mystery around them. Honest, I wasn't into this mystery.
It was a lot of back and forth from Quinn... we got heated moments but no sex until 60ish %. We also only get a second of a side character. I'm hoping book 4 is better.
Safety wise, he let's a woman flirt with him to make h jelouse, and honestly, it was meh.
Ow drama, slight secondary character, drama, sexh times, no virgins
Recommend-no
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶
Slowburn
Push away from h
Seperation 4 years
Dubcon
Mentioned of assault and abuse
Somnophilia
Cnc
No condom
Violence/murder
Hea
August 27, 2023
Do you ever read something so bad, that you just can't stop reading?
I had really high hopes for this book. It started off normal, but then it got weird - in a bad way. For starters, for someone who spent years running and hiding from her stalker, Quinn does not react like someone should when they come face-to-face with their stalker (who she is convinced is coming to kill her). No, internally she says she's scared (WAY too many internal thoughts btw), but her reactions, both verbal and physical, say the exact opposite. She treats him like an annoying ex-boyfriend, which just DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!
"'Shit,' I whisper, meeting his eyes. 'You're harder to get rid of than a fucking cockroach.'" It's a great line, but makes no sense in the context.
Digressing for a moment to PAGE 16 - we're introduced to a man named Wren who warns Quinn that Gabriel is coming for her. You would think he would be a character brought up again at some point... NOPE! Now, I'm assuming he's a character from another book, but I will never find out. Why is he here? He serves no purpose. Why did she need a warning? He showed up anyway - it's not like the warning helped progress the story.
Now I thought that maybe Wren was going to be the hero in the story and he would have saved Quinn and they would live HEA. Nope - but that would have been a better story.
Diving into the characters:
There was nothing good about Quinn. She was annoying and two-dimensional. The only thing we learned about her interests is that she liked mint milkshakes and has a soft spot for abused kids. Who doesn't?
As she's running for her life, away from her stalker, she gets offered a job - in her field, for the salary she wanted - and she does nothing but bitch about it. It's in a rural town. It's not a 9-5. It doesn't have health insurance. Blah blah blah. I have never met a college student who has been so upset about landing a job in the field of their choosing. Especially when she's on the run and has no other options.
And, turns out, she's just lying to herself and doesn't actually like being a social worker. She walks in and immediately judges the parents, victim-shames the wife for not leaving her husband, and then is horrified that the wife's first thought is for her kids.
Then, Gabriel plants himself into her office and she makes a joke about him hopefully killing her annoying co-worker for her (who has done nothing to her, except exist!).
"Though I somehow don't think he'd kill my co-worker. Unfortunately for me."
Again, that might be funny in a different context, but she is joking about an actual murderer killing an innocent person just because she didn't like her. And we're supposed to believe she's a good person?
She's so annoying and although she is lonely, she actively complains about everyone who is being friendly to her and trying to make her feel welcome.
And while she is "trying to get rid of him," she pulls the whole "I'm not sure you really like me. Are you sure you want me?" shit, like an insecure girlfriend.
My favorite part is when he asks if she trusts him and she says, "Well, you've literally drugged me once already and kidnapped me twice. So, yeah."
Gabriel is not quite as annoying as Quinn, but he still sucks. His murder weapon of choice (which never got any sort of explanation) is a glove with razor-sharp claws... who is he, Wolverine???
This whole book was like watching a train crash. It was so bad, that I couldn't stop reading... safe to say, I will not be reading anything more by this author.
I had really high hopes for this book. It started off normal, but then it got weird - in a bad way. For starters, for someone who spent years running and hiding from her stalker, Quinn does not react like someone should when they come face-to-face with their stalker (who she is convinced is coming to kill her). No, internally she says she's scared (WAY too many internal thoughts btw), but her reactions, both verbal and physical, say the exact opposite. She treats him like an annoying ex-boyfriend, which just DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!
"'Shit,' I whisper, meeting his eyes. 'You're harder to get rid of than a fucking cockroach.'" It's a great line, but makes no sense in the context.
Digressing for a moment to PAGE 16 - we're introduced to a man named Wren who warns Quinn that Gabriel is coming for her. You would think he would be a character brought up again at some point... NOPE! Now, I'm assuming he's a character from another book, but I will never find out. Why is he here? He serves no purpose. Why did she need a warning? He showed up anyway - it's not like the warning helped progress the story.
Now I thought that maybe Wren was going to be the hero in the story and he would have saved Quinn and they would live HEA. Nope - but that would have been a better story.
Diving into the characters:
There was nothing good about Quinn. She was annoying and two-dimensional. The only thing we learned about her interests is that she liked mint milkshakes and has a soft spot for abused kids. Who doesn't?
As she's running for her life, away from her stalker, she gets offered a job - in her field, for the salary she wanted - and she does nothing but bitch about it. It's in a rural town. It's not a 9-5. It doesn't have health insurance. Blah blah blah. I have never met a college student who has been so upset about landing a job in the field of their choosing. Especially when she's on the run and has no other options.
And, turns out, she's just lying to herself and doesn't actually like being a social worker. She walks in and immediately judges the parents, victim-shames the wife for not leaving her husband, and then is horrified that the wife's first thought is for her kids.
Then, Gabriel plants himself into her office and she makes a joke about him hopefully killing her annoying co-worker for her (who has done nothing to her, except exist!).
"Though I somehow don't think he'd kill my co-worker. Unfortunately for me."
Again, that might be funny in a different context, but she is joking about an actual murderer killing an innocent person just because she didn't like her. And we're supposed to believe she's a good person?
She's so annoying and although she is lonely, she actively complains about everyone who is being friendly to her and trying to make her feel welcome.
And while she is "trying to get rid of him," she pulls the whole "I'm not sure you really like me. Are you sure you want me?" shit, like an insecure girlfriend.
My favorite part is when he asks if she trusts him and she says, "Well, you've literally drugged me once already and kidnapped me twice. So, yeah."
Gabriel is not quite as annoying as Quinn, but he still sucks. His murder weapon of choice (which never got any sort of explanation) is a glove with razor-sharp claws... who is he, Wolverine???
This whole book was like watching a train crash. It was so bad, that I couldn't stop reading... safe to say, I will not be reading anything more by this author.
May 17, 2023
2.5 stars. The story is ok but it didn’t wow me. It was a bit predictable in spots which I don’t mind that much but I don’t think it was intended to be predictable. I’m not a girl who tries to figure out mysteries before they are revealed because I’m not interested in thinking too hard about potential plot twists. I just like to go along for the ride
I think the real letdown here is that neither H or h are likable characters. The H was a total disappointment. He was smug and purposefully tried to make h jealous with an OW that he knew liked him even though he had zero interest in the OW. Hs that try to make their heroines jealous with OW are weak and unappealing to me. Just gross behavior.
The h was also really unlikable. She was petulant and defiant but gave in like immediately to H every time he pulled shenanigans. Body betrayal syndrome is so tiresome.
It’s a slow burn. There are some foreplay scenes earlier in the book but no sex until 67%. There’s a pretty heavy somnophilia scene in here that h consented to beforehand.
No virgins
Push away from H
OW drama
No OM drama
No cheating
No scenes with other people
4 year separation
HEA
Safety - the OW drama is fairly mild. H flirts openly with OW who has a crush on him to make h jealous and it works handily. He has zero interest in OW but this behavior is a major turn off for me with an H. It tanked this one for me completely. I’d have been more accepting here if h had been completely unbothered and called his bluff or found an OM to flirt with too.
I think the real letdown here is that neither H or h are likable characters. The H was a total disappointment. He was smug and purposefully tried to make h jealous with an OW that he knew liked him even though he had zero interest in the OW. Hs that try to make their heroines jealous with OW are weak and unappealing to me. Just gross behavior.
The h was also really unlikable. She was petulant and defiant but gave in like immediately to H every time he pulled shenanigans. Body betrayal syndrome is so tiresome.
It’s a slow burn. There are some foreplay scenes earlier in the book but no sex until 67%. There’s a pretty heavy somnophilia scene in here that h consented to beforehand.
No virgins
Push away from H
OW drama
No OM drama
No cheating
No scenes with other people
4 year separation
HEA
Safety - the OW drama is fairly mild. H flirts openly with OW who has a crush on him to make h jealous and it works handily. He has zero interest in OW but this behavior is a major turn off for me with an H. It tanked this one for me completely. I’d have been more accepting here if h had been completely unbothered and called his bluff or found an OM to flirt with too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
3 - 3.25 stars!
Vicious was an interesting installment in this series and I think it would have been a lot better if we had gotten the heroes POV. I needed to know the hero better. Quinn grew up in the foster care system and has a traumatic past. Her therapist, Gabriel, is more than just a therapist and he desperately wants to be there for her and keep her as his.
Vicious had some unique twists and turns but I wanted a little more. The steam was good but I'm not sure I really felt the chemistry between them like the other two books. Maybe it was because I felt like Quinn's past was such a heavy focus of the story rather than their actual relationship development. Overall, not my favorite but still good!
Vicious was an interesting installment in this series and I think it would have been a lot better if we had gotten the heroes POV. I needed to know the hero better. Quinn grew up in the foster care system and has a traumatic past. Her therapist, Gabriel, is more than just a therapist and he desperately wants to be there for her and keep her as his.
“I want… you.” His fingers close around my throat, cradling it gently. “From the first time you opened up to me in my office and showed me how sweet you are, and how funny. From the first time I killed for you, it’s always been you, Quinn.”
Vicious had some unique twists and turns but I wanted a little more. The steam was good but I'm not sure I really felt the chemistry between them like the other two books. Maybe it was because I felt like Quinn's past was such a heavy focus of the story rather than their actual relationship development. Overall, not my favorite but still good!
May 2, 2023
the crack in these books need to be studied
February 27, 2024
Gabriel's definitely my favorite from this series and I don't really want to try to dissect that any further.
April 22, 2023
Oooooo...this has to be my favorite yet! Vicious was absolutely perfect. Gabriel was the perfect, dark, possessive MMC. Yes, he was obsessive, but oh my, he was delicious! And, Quinn, she was a gem. She was strong and absolutely stood her ground when she dealt with Gabriel. Their interactions had the tension on overdrive, as well as being hot. I loved every minute of this story. It will definitely be in my re-read spot, so if you are looking for a dark spicy romance, then this is it!
September 18, 2024
Wow this has been a fun ride. I wasn’t sure about having a series all with similar concepts but each one has been very different and this one even more so. Maybe also my favorite so far??
We meet Quinn as she’s finishing up school to be a social worker. She has a traumatic past being a foster child in the system while also running from her stalker/ therapist who helped her out of some sticky situations. She takes the first job offer she gets in order to try and escape him yet again to no avail.
Once Gabriel has Quinn in one place for a long enough amount of time he won’t be letting her leave that easily again. As much as she rebells against the ideal of their relationship the trust she has in him is unmatched due to their history. As things progress and the twists start turning I was actually pretty surprised to find out who the true monsters were that are lurking in the dark. There was so many laugh out loud moments in this book. I truly connected with both the characters and found their dynamic hilarious and so enjoyable to read.
I really appreciated the slight differences between this book and the first two. While this wasn’t a true second chance romance, it had aspects of it with the familiarity and history of the characters previously. It was also much more realistic in Quinn’s response to her stalker aspect like home girl was not just about to fall in love with this man. She made him WORK for her feelings. And that s0mn0 scene???? WHEWWWWW 😮💨😮💨😮💨
I once again feel like these FMC’s are written 100% for me because mint ice cream is also my favorite….let me love green colored things ok!!! Can’t wait for book four knowing who its about 👀
We meet Quinn as she’s finishing up school to be a social worker. She has a traumatic past being a foster child in the system while also running from her stalker/ therapist who helped her out of some sticky situations. She takes the first job offer she gets in order to try and escape him yet again to no avail.
Once Gabriel has Quinn in one place for a long enough amount of time he won’t be letting her leave that easily again. As much as she rebells against the ideal of their relationship the trust she has in him is unmatched due to their history. As things progress and the twists start turning I was actually pretty surprised to find out who the true monsters were that are lurking in the dark. There was so many laugh out loud moments in this book. I truly connected with both the characters and found their dynamic hilarious and so enjoyable to read.
I really appreciated the slight differences between this book and the first two. While this wasn’t a true second chance romance, it had aspects of it with the familiarity and history of the characters previously. It was also much more realistic in Quinn’s response to her stalker aspect like home girl was not just about to fall in love with this man. She made him WORK for her feelings. And that s0mn0 scene???? WHEWWWWW 😮💨😮💨😮💨
I once again feel like these FMC’s are written 100% for me because mint ice cream is also my favorite….let me love green colored things ok!!! Can’t wait for book four knowing who its about 👀
July 26, 2023
This had me hooked since the start! Loved it!
April 20, 2025
»No matter what we look like to anyone else, we'll always be the monsters that people fear.«
★ ★
❥ 𝑸𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒏 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She was likeable but a little bland and boring as a main character.
❥ 𝑮𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒍 ࣪⋆✮
Psycho therapist who is a serial killer.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Meeeh this felt like it was written by another author. Not a fan. I had a hard time diving into the story and it was not as easy going as the previous books. The vibe from the previous books was gone I think maybe beacuse this was a slow burn and no insta love.
I skimmed a lot of chapters cause I couldn’t get into the book and it couldn‘t held my interest up. The characters were hard to connect with and yeah I don’t know why I didn’t like this book.
Hope the next one is better.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Nope.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 2/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 2/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, slow burn, stalker, he falls first and harder, touch her and die, masked man, serial killer, therapist x patient, age gap
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Depraved ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Brutal ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Vicious ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Delicious ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Heartless ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
★ ★
❥ 𝑸𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒏 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She was likeable but a little bland and boring as a main character.
❥ 𝑮𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒍 ࣪⋆✮
Psycho therapist who is a serial killer.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Meeeh this felt like it was written by another author. Not a fan. I had a hard time diving into the story and it was not as easy going as the previous books. The vibe from the previous books was gone I think maybe beacuse this was a slow burn and no insta love.
I skimmed a lot of chapters cause I couldn’t get into the book and it couldn‘t held my interest up. The characters were hard to connect with and yeah I don’t know why I didn’t like this book.
Hope the next one is better.
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Nope.
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 2/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 2/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, slow burn, stalker, he falls first and harder, touch her and die, masked man, serial killer, therapist x patient, age gap
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Depraved ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Brutal ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Vicious ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Delicious ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Heartless ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 9, 2023
Oh my GOD this book is so deliciously sick and twisted I LOVED it. Definitely read the TWs before going into this but if you’re a dark romance girly like me then you’re gonna have the time of your life reading this book I highly recommend!!
July 22, 2023
3.5 stars
November 24, 2025
Die Idee hat mir an sich gefallen aber irgendwie bin ich nicht so ganz mit den Charakteren warm geworden, leider! Die Szenerie ist dieses Mal eine andere und es geht nicht um die bekannte Gruppe an Mördern, die man bereits kennen und lieben gelernt hat. Unterhaltsam ist es dennoch nur für mich einfach nicht so gut wie dir Vorbände.
Read
November 3, 2024—𝑵𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒂 𝒕𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒋𝒂𝒓é 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓, 𝑸𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒏 —𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒖 𝒗𝒐𝒛 á𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒚 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒂.
—𝑵𝒐 𝒗𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆 𝒅𝒆 𝒎í. 𝑵𝒊 𝒔𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒆ñ𝒐𝒔.
—𝑵𝒐 𝒗𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆 𝒅𝒆 𝒎í. 𝑵𝒊 𝒔𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒆ñ𝒐𝒔.
Read
April 30, 2023DNF37% it’s not giving what I wanted it to give disappointing really
November 5, 2023
Tropes:
🖤Age Gap
🖤Stalker
🖤Dub-Con
🖤Slow Burn
I didn't think I was gonna love this one as much as I did because ever since Gabriel made an appearance In the previous book and he terrified me. But here I loved him!!!!
These books just keep on getting better and this was my favourite so far. This book had a different vibe to its predecessors it was less insta and had a more angsty push-pull vibe and Quinn fought her nature and conflicted feelings for DR Gabriel Brooks until the very end. Gabriel was Quinn’s therapist back in Springwood she flees scared at the carnage he carried out in her name. Gabriel has spent the last few years stalking and following his obsession around the country now five years later he’s found her again so Quinn true to form predictably runs this time all the way to Kentucky.
Working as a social worker in a tiny office is far from Quinn’s dream job but she needs to hide not that it works as once again Gabriel predictably pops up to play his games and declare Quinn his. I really liked the relationship dynamic here and these two had plenty of explosive chemistry together. There’s very much a hate/love push/pull vibe going on between these two and despite Quinn declaring she wants Gabriel to leave her alone it’s obvious she’s just as obsessed just also very conflicted. Gabriel well he just wants her to embrace who he knows she truly is instead of hiding behind the mask she’s perfected.
This had some hot kinks Gabriel has some unusual tastes but it all felt very consensual and I did like these two as a couple. Gabriel has never hurt Quinn he just wants to keep her safe and is slightly unhinged when it comes to her. Once again this was well-written and an easy read it’s going to be a long wait for the next book in the series but I will definitely be reading it. Even though it makes me super nervous because it's Jed's story and as we know he has some extreme tastes.
More detailed review here: https://bookswithnatasa.home.blog/202...
🖤Age Gap
🖤Stalker
🖤Dub-Con
🖤Slow Burn
I didn't think I was gonna love this one as much as I did because ever since Gabriel made an appearance In the previous book and he terrified me. But here I loved him!!!!
These books just keep on getting better and this was my favourite so far. This book had a different vibe to its predecessors it was less insta and had a more angsty push-pull vibe and Quinn fought her nature and conflicted feelings for DR Gabriel Brooks until the very end. Gabriel was Quinn’s therapist back in Springwood she flees scared at the carnage he carried out in her name. Gabriel has spent the last few years stalking and following his obsession around the country now five years later he’s found her again so Quinn true to form predictably runs this time all the way to Kentucky.
Working as a social worker in a tiny office is far from Quinn’s dream job but she needs to hide not that it works as once again Gabriel predictably pops up to play his games and declare Quinn his. I really liked the relationship dynamic here and these two had plenty of explosive chemistry together. There’s very much a hate/love push/pull vibe going on between these two and despite Quinn declaring she wants Gabriel to leave her alone it’s obvious she’s just as obsessed just also very conflicted. Gabriel well he just wants her to embrace who he knows she truly is instead of hiding behind the mask she’s perfected.
This had some hot kinks Gabriel has some unusual tastes but it all felt very consensual and I did like these two as a couple. Gabriel has never hurt Quinn he just wants to keep her safe and is slightly unhinged when it comes to her. Once again this was well-written and an easy read it’s going to be a long wait for the next book in the series but I will definitely be reading it. Even though it makes me super nervous because it's Jed's story and as we know he has some extreme tastes.
More detailed review here: https://bookswithnatasa.home.blog/202...
May 12, 2023
What a turn of events this book brought on & I absolutely loved it all.
The ending was great and I thought the book was great from start to end.
The ending was great and I thought the book was great from start to end.
February 20, 2024
The way I absolutely adored this book. I mean seriously, perfection.
-Stalker
-Therapist/patient
-Unaliver
-Age Gap
-Touch her and die
-Somno
-Stalker
-Therapist/patient
-Unaliver
-Age Gap
-Touch her and die
-Somno
March 25, 2024
This deviates majorly from the previous two in a kinda refreshing way!
November 1, 2023
Vicious by AJ Merlin is a contemporary dark romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Allyson Voller. This is the third book in the Pleasure and Prey series and can be read as standalone.
I love AJ's books. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the relationship between Gabriel and Quinn.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Delicious to be released on January 31, 2024.
Allyson did an amazing job on the narration. She really knows how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, stalker romances, serial killer romances, or romantic suspense.
The Flock Team
I love AJ's books. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the relationship between Gabriel and Quinn.
I can't wait for the next book in the series Delicious to be released on January 31, 2024.
Allyson did an amazing job on the narration. She really knows how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like dark romances, stalker romances, serial killer romances, or romantic suspense.
The Flock Team
June 2, 2025
Not my favorite AJ Merlin read. The book starts in a weird place and I felt more confused than intrigued by the beginning. The story felt choppy too—her dreams, her reminiscing about her past, and what’s happening in the current timeline. It’s clear we’re missing a lot of history and information and it just made the story boring and not suspenseful. The romance was lacking for me here too, I never really felt the chemistry between them. When the book starts they already know each other and the H is already obsessive. The reader doesn’t get to see him falling and the but with her falling wasn’t enjoyable either. The h just runs from him and fights him for half the book.
Overall: 2.5
Overall: 2.5
November 23, 2024
Started well enough but lost me somewhere along the way. It because too cartoonish and exaggerated. Wasn't very dark within the relationship itself. Things were very consensual. The only dark thing was their killing hobby. So we got Joe and Joanna out here living their serial killing life. I loved the therapist angle but it wasn't pursued. Also, what was the point of mentioning that he was a sleep therapist if he was going to do nothing about her nightmares.
#serialkillers #femalekiller #malekiller #murderouscouple #stalker #stalkerromance #consensualsomnophilia #notmykindofsomno
#serialkillers #femalekiller #malekiller #murderouscouple #stalker #stalkerromance #consensualsomnophilia #notmykindofsomno
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