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Consumed

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A Darkish Romance

Azul Samson and Amber Burton have just suffered the greatest loss of their lives.
Their journey of grief is unhealthy and twisted.
Can they overcome obstacles real and imagined to find happiness?
Or will their grief cripple and consume them?

Contains mature situations, adult language, graphic sexual content, morally compromised decisions and issues that may elicit an emotional response. The story location is set in Canada. That being said, the spelling and word usage contained in the story are also Canadian.

250 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2022

32 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Niccoyan Zheng

21 books65 followers
Niccoyan Zheng is a Canadian wife, mother, and foodie. The written word has always held her captive. Even before her debut novel “Consumed,” her characters have been urging her to write their stories for years. She looks forward to sharing their diversity, complexity and flaws.

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5 stars
74 (55%)
4 stars
36 (27%)
3 stars
17 (12%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Nelly.
333 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2022
Another mediocre book to waste my time on.

A book that started with grief was turned into a book about having humiliating unappealing sex with his dead wife's best friend out of his grief.

My apologies, but Azul and Amber are both boring cardboard characters. He is a firefighter who is dealing with grief at the moment. It seems to me that the author wanted him to come across sympathetic to the reader, but he came across as an asshole.

He treats her like a dog, and then after the small sex scene with three meager paragraphs is over, he leaves the house and starts puking. The reason for this is because he is disgusted by his actions.

His behavior continued until he cowardly left without saying goodbye.

Six years later, he came back into her life with an apology that had been long overdue.

Dark? The author is gravely mistaken if this is what she means by dark.

There was a lot of blah-bland stuff in this book. In addition, there were no dangers, and the process was slow.

I find him to be unattractive and monotonous, not pleasant. At one point, it seemed like they were resisting each other, but it just wasn't realistic.

There wasn't much enjoyment to be found in this book. I found it a bit disinteresting.
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
923 reviews7 followers
April 20, 2022
A second chance so deserved!!

Every once in a while I come upon an author that grabs me by the neck and holds my attention from start to finish. And Niccoyan Zheng has just been added to that list. Her writing is so deep, emotionally mind blowing, thought provoking and so dang good!!
Azul and Amber are struggling through a huge loss that leads to some very very dark decisions, actions and drama. Their road to forgiveness, peace and happiness is long, hard, sad, bitter and filled with angst. But it's oh so sweet, beautiful and filled with enduring love.
This author took me on a journey that led me to reading this book twice. Yes twice. And I enjoyed the second reading just as much as the first. I believe this is Niccoyan Zheng's debut book. And I gladly give it 5⭐'s. I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait to read more of her work in the future.
Profile Image for IRLover.
166 reviews17 followers
March 29, 2022
Consumed by loss then love😘💞🥰
 
What a great debut book for this new author Niccoyan Zheng.  I loved this darkish romance as it had a great mix of emotional, physical, and sexual situations that had you questioning your own moral compass🙂. 
 
Azul and Amber have a chemistry that’s undeniable🥵.  What brought them together may have started out from hurt and anger but physically their bodies held a secret that their heart took a bit longer to catch up to😯.  The anger, pain and actions each time Azul went to Amber was uncalled for, but I can see why it was the only way he could cope😒.   Amber didn’t deserve Azul’s assault especially in her emotional/mental state and, it’s understandable how she questioned her reaction to him😥.  They both needed time to heal individually away from each other and then together to move forward.  I enjoyed their journey of love and forgiveness. The story does end in a HEA and the support they received from their family was welcoming🥰 after the initial shock😛, sadly not everyone could get past the pain to be happy for them.  What all Azul did for Amber in putting together an unforgettable special day was beyond amazing and beautiful💞😘💞
 
I enjoyed the pace and the storytelling with a good mix of humor and anguish. I do look forward to reading more books by this author and hope the next one is about Karissa and Nicco😘. If you are into very dark romance as I am this book would be considered on the milder side.  However, those who are not into dark romance or have never read one this would be a great introduction to it. I highly recommend it🥰🙌🏽🥰
Profile Image for Rosemarie.
2 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2022
I was lucky to get a chance to read an advanced copy of this book.

I loved it!

At first I really hated Azul, but he more than redeemed himself.

Mrs Zheng beautifully portrayed how grief can effect the people who are left behind. Sometimes even in a raw self destructive manner.

It was a pleasure see how these characters grow and evolve.

Very emotional moments throughout the book. After the book was complete, I reflected on some parts nursing a book hangover.

Some questions I have though… Will her cousin Karissa have her own book? I hope so!!!! I wanted to know more about her story.

Also Iso is my super hero, I would love to see more of her. <3

What about Aaron? Will we ever see him again???

I cant wait to see what comes next!!!!
Profile Image for K.L. F..
13 reviews
April 9, 2022
Interesting path to love

"A darkish romance" is a great way to sum up this novel.This was the author's first published novel and she knocked it out of the park! The book swiftly moves from dark to light and the love story between Azul and Amber is unconventional, but also endearing. I'm grateful to the author for making this a pure romance story about a couple that suffered a tremendous tragedy in the beginning, and worked through their grief to find their love. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Zheng's works as I know she will only get better with time.
2 reviews
March 9, 2022
I was lucky to read an advanced copy of this book, and it was such a ride. I'm a definite fan of CONSUMED. I now have a new author to watch.

CONSUMED is the first book by Ms. Zheng, but I have to say I was impressed. The book was unlike any romance I have read before. It's a second chance romance about two lost souls who shouldn't have been together. It is not your typical firefighter romance as we get to explore the hero's mind. The story deals with heavy subjects, and you have to be ready for it. The author shows a mature way to explain how grief can interact with its different hosts.

The book is a conversation regarding acceptable behaviours and someone's headspace when dealing with the passing of a spouse. I have to admit that I was not too fond of Azul. He is a challenging character to like for a firefighter. Azul has some tricks up his sleeves to make you uneasy. He made me want to throw my iPad on my bed every time I read him saying something. However, I was glued to my seat because Azul kept going from shenanigans to shenanigans. One more outrageous than the other. Many times I found myself yelling at my screen: "SAY WHAT NOW???" Keep in mind that nothing is what it seems with Azul.

However, although he had unwanted behaviours because of his grief, I wasn't ready to give him a pass. Let's say that his relationship with the heroine is questionable. Their relationship is very complicated and deals with a lot of complex issues. I think what I liked most was how the author gets into the characters' heads and makes you understand their decisions and feelings.

Now, here comes the heroine, Amber. I wouldn't say that I liked Amber either at the beginning. Both characters were too chaotic for my taste - a perfect storm of people losing their minds and senses together. It is a symphony of conflicted demeanours by two characters. However, they grew on me at the right time and for many reasons.

Lastly, Azul and Amber shouldn't have consummated that kind of intense passion based on popular beliefs. I'm glad they did because the sex scenes were scorching hot, marvellous, and danced on the verge of insanity. I was all here for it. These scenes will make you blush and smile.

I was looking forward to reading this book and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. The author has a way of making you feel like you are in the story. It was amazing. The first paragraphs hooked me into the story. The evolution of the characters was appropriate and didn't feel rushed. It is a "darkish" romance that will taunt your ingrained moral values. I hope you are ready for Azul and Amber because they will make you question your sanity.

I highly recommend this book as it is a must-read. I loved it. I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Zheng.
Profile Image for CLorraine.
1,747 reviews17 followers
April 10, 2022
Sweeping

Wow! Ms. Zheng gives us a sweeping, sweet, sexy, sometimes sad but so satisfying story! When Azul’s wife falls sick he desperately wants her to fight but she is tired. Her best friend Amber supports her in her right to die with dignity and Azul is angry that Amber is not pushing her to fight. When his wife succumbs to her illness, he feels guilt but also blames Amber. This anger comes out in untamed passion. One of the things I loved so much about this story was the time the author took to frame this narrative which was instant and also a slow burn. Amber and Azul have a complicated history and have been friends for most of their lives. The story is told from both points of view and we are even privy to some of the motivations of secondary characters. I believe this is Ms. Zheng’s first book and it is stellar. I hope we get Karissa’s story next!
Profile Image for Debra Crosby.
485 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2022
Great first time book

The story was well written and kept your interest from beginning to the end. I am looking forward to more stories from this author
Profile Image for G.L. Tomas.
Author 42 books544 followers
Read
March 12, 2022
Definitely rare to read a book from a debut author who writes this well! Consumed is a story that follows two broken people filled with grief who manage to make something meaningful and beautiful blossom from it. I loved everything about this couple. Their wedding scene was so touching. But my favorite bits were definitely the smexy bits. The love scenes were in abundance and I was definitely here for it!

Read this book!
6 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2022
Whew, where shall I start?

Azul and Amber's love is a story of pain, loss and a journey which saw them blossom individually into better versions of themselves.

It is a journey that made them see the 'not so nice' aspects of each other, which in my humble opinion, laid the foundation for a stronger relationship.

Having said that, I absolutely struggled to like Azul. He did redeem himself though and as the story unfolded, I understood both him and Amber a lot more.

Some of the secondary characters offered some laughs whilst others made me mad as hell.

I look forward to more from Ms. Zheng....
181 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2022
This story that’s from this new author was a great start. This story is filled with drama, intrigue and comedy to keep you interested from start to finish. This story surrounds Amber and Azul who have experienced a great loss. In their grief they use unconventional means to help them cope. This path will lead them in a new direction that will lead to some being happy and to some not. Give this new story a try you will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Love Journey.
Author 70 books111 followers
February 21, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - and Wow!
Reading this story was truly like watching an elaborate drama unfold.
The characters brought out all the feelings - loss, hurt, pain, blame, punishment, healing, forgiveness, fear, surprise, selflessness, rebirth, dedication, love, and so much more.

Darkish. Azul started off as an ass and made me want to smack the ish out of him in the beginning.
But as more and more layers of Azul and Amber's story unfolded - I found myself riding the rollercoaster of emotions eventually falling in love with this resilient couple.
Complicated circumstances.
Family bonds.
Lifelong friendships.
Raw need.
A journey toward healing.
I highly recommend this AMBW darkish romance.
Profile Image for Cheryl Corbin.
100 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2022
Debut Novel

The prose is truly well put together and layered in a manner that engages the reader and pulls you in. I found it enjoyable.
Profile Image for Black Girl  Tired Energy Book reviews.
232 reviews45 followers
January 22, 2023
Trigger Warnings

Mature Situations
Adult Language
Graphic Sexual Content
Morally Compromised decisions
Issues that may elicit an emotional Response

Grammatical Note
The author is Canadian spelling and word usage contained in the story are also Canadian.


This is a dark romance in the beginning hence why it's called a darkish romance. There's lines that will be crossed that are emotionally overwhelming, morally grey, and toxic as hell. Hence the Darkish part.


Azul Samson is the Chief at the fire station and married to the love of his life. Things couldn't be better until they aren't his wife has been given a death sentence and there is nothing he can do. Even if he tries to make her do more treatments she refuses and she has called her best friend Amber to have her back to stand up to him. After she has made her final decision with the two people she loved the most at her side at the end Azul can't hold his rage towards Amber for allowing her to give up. Not only does he say it he shows it in which puts tension between the families who all are considered family. Azul is in the empty house after the funeral and repass but can't find the strength to lie in the bed that once was shared with his wife. He makes his way to the guest bedroom only to find Amber there and that makes him want to hurt something. Waking her to kick her out his home until he see she's he is in pain as well and when she ask him what can she do to help him... he turns that into a angry sex session with Amber that afterwards makes him physically ill. The thing is his anger continues and so those the random bouts of sex, but each time he becomes physically ill until one night it doesn't. A realization hits him causing him to run away because his emotions aren't to be trusted. Amber has been feeling the pressure and guilt of the situation, but she also has to face some hard truths as well.

This is an HEA second chance romance, but know that its very emotional and dark at the beginning. Azul bruh where can I find me one and do I need to go to canada because I am on thee way! At the end of the day grief is a monster that can ride you to do extreme things when you don't want to face the truth. A amazing read!
Profile Image for Willie-mai.
456 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2022
This is the first book by author Niccoyan Zheng and it was a fantastically well written book! I was very impressed by the author. Her attention to details, her word building and storytelling was amazing and flowed effortlessly! This is a somewhat dark romance and deals with heavy subjects like death and how many people respond differently when dealing with crushing pain. Azul Sampson was a little hard to take in the beginning but once you get into the method behind his madness you understood what he was dealing with and fighting through.

Amber was just as complex as Azul but together I felt like they understood and kinda complimented each other. They helped each other figure things out. It may not be how many of us would deal with grief but everyone grieves differently. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve and I’m glad the author displayed that. Amber and Azul’s chemistry was scorching hot and jumped off the pages. The sex scenes might make some folks clutch their imaginary pearls but I LOVED every second of it! You lived all of their emotions good or bad and I loved that about this book. It’s an emotional roller coaster but not overly emotional that you get lost in your emotions and not enjoy the story.

The evolution of Azul and Amber is a testament to the author’s ability to tell a great story and keep the reader interested from the very first pages to the last. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. I am very impressed and appreciative of her first book. Awesome first time out!!
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,152 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2023
Azul was horrible in the beginning

I didn't like him. The way he treated Amber was horrible. They were both hurting and feeling the pain of grieving Crystal's death. They both wanted to feel anything but the weight of sadness pressing on them. They were both sorry for how they let their grief manifest for them. They were both so overwhelmed with shame for what they'd done, they both ran away to avoid seeing the other. Six years was the time it took before they could forgive each other. What developed was a strong bond and hot romance. Just when they were getting settled in their relationship all hell broke loose. They knew that some of their family and friends wouldn't like their relationship but they were determined to make their relationship work, especially Azul, he was not giving up on Amber no matter who didn't like it, be it her brother or former father-in-law. Amber was his and he wanted the house and white picket fence with children to boot with her. That was just what happened. They got their HEA.
Profile Image for Janet R.
600 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2024
Consumed:From Heartbreak to Bliss⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been sleeping on ✍ Niccoyan Zheng , but that ends now, as I see why she is crowned the 👸of second chance romance 🤗 I loved Consumed so much, that at ~60% in the story, I took a break to buy several more of her 📚😄 Yes , it was that good!!!! Azul & Amber's story is the perfect blend of heartbreakingly sad events, drama, angst , forgiveness, and sweet 🌶🌶🌶🌶 swoon worthy r❤mance. The double epilogues were the chef's 💋Happy Reading🍷
Profile Image for Kenya Wright.
Author 136 books2,646 followers
March 28, 2022
Starts off dark and surprisingly raunchy. I get it because the scene and emotions are so raw due to the great loss the characters experience.
From then on we walk down a rugged path of two lost and mourning people desperately trying to make sense of the loved one they miss so much.
There's a massive theme of healing in this story and I feel the characters get there through a lengthy journey full of obstacles.
68 reviews
October 30, 2022
Not exactly dark

I like this author, she examines the human psych in a unique way.. In both of her books she narrates the mixed up way a person can weave his/her own perceived truths of a situation and allow the darkness and grief of pain into a miserable situation for all. Only when the oldest of therapies is involved called communication can we heel and see the monster for what it truly is.
4 reviews
Read
July 20, 2022
DNF. may come back to it because I want to like this based on the overview and given how many people are so thrilled by it. but the author needs a good editor. the premise seemed like it would be a good one but the writer has no concept of "point of view." this is written like a very messy third omniscient POV and it didn't work for me.
308 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2022
I wasn't sure

I have passed by this author bc I wasn't sure what to expect. But then I read Karissa's story and then I read this one. All I can say is that I'm sure now. I will be reading this author again. This was a really good read. It was worth reading and I recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet read.
Profile Image for Shawn Pinzon.
881 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2022
Consumed is a story that's going to take you on an array of emotions. This book was filled with great characters well-written and entertaining. Now I'm curious about Karissa. Niccoyan Zheng did an amazing job considering it's her debut novel. I loved the story!!
1,850 reviews23 followers
May 11, 2022
Azul and Crystal. A lovely story about grief, love and forgiveness. The things we will do for love.
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,646 reviews32 followers
September 12, 2022
4.5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Once the hero got past his pain and anger ... it was all the way on, like popcorn.

Longer rtf ... soon.
Profile Image for Nubooti.
125 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2022
Solid romance

I love all of the cultural details. And the relationship between the heroine and hero . It was a great story, I really enjoyed
Profile Image for Cleo.
416 reviews
May 5, 2023
Great read!

This is my first novel by this author and it didn’t disappoint. Loved their dynamic. Grief makes us do some strange things and the author handled this beautifully!
Profile Image for Sonya Williams.
920 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2023
Difficult Read

Morning a loss of life is handled differently by everyone. The process the H and h participated in was difficult to read about.
Profile Image for Darie McCoy.
Author 24 books59 followers
March 1, 2022
Loved it! Consumed is a well written story that takes the reader through a range of emotions. Amber and Samson have an unconventional story and I am here for every moment of it. I loved the character growth and seeing how they navigated what was a very emotionally charged beginning. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Vivianne Mclaughlin.
26 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2022
Amazing

I love this book had some sad moments and some twist and turns but they finally found there second chance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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