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Wanted
Wanted is a DARK GRAY romance novella with high spice and low plot. This home invasion story will leave you questioning if you should leave your door open at night.
I'm wanted. On the lam, running from the law and my mistakes. The house tucked into the trees seems safe—an excellent place to hide out. Once inside, I find something unexpected. A nurse that can do more than heal my wounds. But the longer I'm awake, the more reality starts to blur, and I can't tell what's real and what's not anymore. Plagued by ill fantasies and temptation, I try to keep her safe from me. It works until the lines between us also begin to blur. Vanessa, like her home, will never be the same once I get inside. Wanted is a dark, spicy novella with a plethora of content advisories. It’s part of Lauren Biel's “after dark” collection, and warnings on LaurenBiel . com should be taken seriously.
I'm wanted. On the lam, running from the law and my mistakes. The house tucked into the trees seems safe—an excellent place to hide out. Once inside, I find something unexpected. A nurse that can do more than heal my wounds. But the longer I'm awake, the more reality starts to blur, and I can't tell what's real and what's not anymore. Plagued by ill fantasies and temptation, I try to keep her safe from me. It works until the lines between us also begin to blur. Vanessa, like her home, will never be the same once I get inside. Wanted is a dark, spicy novella with a plethora of content advisories. It’s part of Lauren Biel's “after dark” collection, and warnings on LaurenBiel . com should be taken seriously.
118 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2022
185 people are currently reading
3212 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Biel
37 books4,836 followersLauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
January 21, 2025
Yeah, it's a no from me. It's a three hour long audiobook, and even sped up I kept wishing it would just END. I wanted to dnf multiple times through, but said c'mon it's not that long, you can do this. And getting to the ending wasn't worth it.
This is my second read by this author, but since I previously read the Snowman book, which is different to all her other works, I feel like this is my actual first read by her. I'll give one of her longer books a try and see if that works better for me, but if it's similar to this one...
Also, little girl as a nickname...that was definitely A CHOICE. The audiobook was okay I guess, performance wise I mean, but I hated the male PoV, despite the narrator's effort. Wouldn't recommend unless if you're already a fan of the author.
This is my second read by this author, but since I previously read the Snowman book, which is different to all her other works, I feel like this is my actual first read by her. I'll give one of her longer books a try and see if that works better for me, but if it's similar to this one...
Also, little girl as a nickname...that was definitely A CHOICE. The audiobook was okay I guess, performance wise I mean, but I hated the male PoV, despite the narrator's effort. Wouldn't recommend unless if you're already a fan of the author.
September 1, 2025
I wish it hadn’t ended so abruptly
I was into this, and then, bam… it ended 😒.
Also, I expected it to be a lot more 🔥, but it wasn’t to the degree I was warned 😭🤣 lol.
This is told only in the hero’s, Cole (33? Mid 30s), POV. He’s on the run because he just un alived a couple 😬. He finds a house and basically breaks in… and then he sees the owner, Vanessa 22, is not only a redhead, but she’s curvy as well 👀. A double whammy in the 🔥 department for him 😅.
Cole’s not only technically a murderer, but he’s also a drug addict and needs his next hit 😬 hence why he un alived the couple 🫣. He also got cut up and needs stitches. Good thing the owner of the house he broke into is a nurse right😅.
She’s exactly what the doctor ordered 😅. Now, to get her to stay quiet… 👀
What I liked: possible spoilers
—NGL, I liked the 🔥 hallucinations 🤣. I never thought I’d ever write that in a sentence 😅. The way Cole took Vanessa was 🥵. Too bad it was all in his head 😒😐
—obsessed with her curves 👀. I love me a man that likes handfuls of curves 🤷🏻♀️
—the 🔥. Cole gives no Fs and can be 🥵 when it comes to the 🔥. And, he doesn’t care how diiiirty it gets 😅
—the non dub and CNC vibes 👀. The non was mostly when he would kiss her 😬 and then it would lead to dub 🔥. We end up finding out that Vanessa’s into CNC, so it’s not as bad as it could’ve been 👀. Regardless, it was 🔥
—they both have a past 😅. His is a cheating ex-wife and hers is a deceased boyfriend
—loves pleasing her 😉. He’s not greedy 👏🏻💦
—the realism behind withdrawals. Man, it’s tough. I was pretty realistic (to an extent)
What I didn’t like: spoilers
—the abrupt ending 😐. I wanted a better epilogue 😭. It’s wrapped up way too quickly 😒
—the lack of safety information 😒. I would need a full STD panel being done before the lack of anything is used during 🔥 times 🤦🏻♀️. Even though it’s been a while for both of them, I’d like to know they’re clean
—did he brush his teeth 😬? I’m sorry. I kept thinking the fact that he’s gone days without sleep and then he just kisses her, and she doesn’t comment on his breath? 🫣 I wish I could turn off my brain when it goes down a rabbit hole of thoughts 💀🤣🤣
—it could’ve been spicier 🤷🏻♀️. I expected it to be super 🔥, but it takes a while to get to it (if you don’t include the hallucinations 🤣)
—cops where? It seems like nowhere with the lack of common sense 🤣
Overall, this was a quick read but I wanted more
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-violence/deaths/murders
-drug use/addiction/withdrawals/hallucinations
-noncon/dubcon
-CNC/D-s/role playing/praise kink/
-no virgins/the H was cheated on and is divorced/the h’s boyfriend died in a car accident
-no condoms/no talk about safety
-HEA/epilogue
I was into this, and then, bam… it ended 😒.
Also, I expected it to be a lot more 🔥, but it wasn’t to the degree I was warned 😭🤣 lol.
This is told only in the hero’s, Cole (33? Mid 30s), POV. He’s on the run because he just un alived a couple 😬. He finds a house and basically breaks in… and then he sees the owner, Vanessa 22, is not only a redhead, but she’s curvy as well 👀. A double whammy in the 🔥 department for him 😅.
Cole’s not only technically a murderer, but he’s also a drug addict and needs his next hit 😬 hence why he un alived the couple 🫣. He also got cut up and needs stitches. Good thing the owner of the house he broke into is a nurse right😅.
She’s exactly what the doctor ordered 😅. Now, to get her to stay quiet… 👀
What I liked: possible spoilers
—NGL, I liked the 🔥 hallucinations 🤣. I never thought I’d ever write that in a sentence 😅. The way Cole took Vanessa was 🥵. Too bad it was all in his head 😒😐
—obsessed with her curves 👀. I love me a man that likes handfuls of curves 🤷🏻♀️
—the 🔥. Cole gives no Fs and can be 🥵 when it comes to the 🔥. And, he doesn’t care how diiiirty it gets 😅
—the non dub and CNC vibes 👀. The non was mostly when he would kiss her 😬 and then it would lead to dub 🔥. We end up finding out that Vanessa’s into CNC, so it’s not as bad as it could’ve been 👀. Regardless, it was 🔥
—they both have a past 😅. His is a cheating ex-wife and hers is a deceased boyfriend
—loves pleasing her 😉. He’s not greedy 👏🏻💦
—the realism behind withdrawals. Man, it’s tough. I was pretty realistic (to an extent)
What I didn’t like: spoilers
—the abrupt ending 😐. I wanted a better epilogue 😭. It’s wrapped up way too quickly 😒
—the lack of safety information 😒. I would need a full STD panel being done before the lack of anything is used during 🔥 times 🤦🏻♀️. Even though it’s been a while for both of them, I’d like to know they’re clean
—did he brush his teeth 😬? I’m sorry. I kept thinking the fact that he’s gone days without sleep and then he just kisses her, and she doesn’t comment on his breath? 🫣 I wish I could turn off my brain when it goes down a rabbit hole of thoughts 💀🤣🤣
—it could’ve been spicier 🤷🏻♀️. I expected it to be super 🔥, but it takes a while to get to it (if you don’t include the hallucinations 🤣)
—cops where? It seems like nowhere with the lack of common sense 🤣
Overall, this was a quick read but I wanted more
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-violence/deaths/murders
-drug use/addiction/withdrawals/hallucinations
-noncon/dubcon
-CNC/D-s/role playing/praise kink/
-no virgins/the H was cheated on and is divorced/the h’s boyfriend died in a car accident
-no condoms/no talk about safety
-HEA/epilogue
September 16, 2022
A bad guy can win the girl
Cole, although we don't learn his name until later (which adds to the juicy suspense), is on the run from crime, but also the pain in his past. He takes shelter -- well, let's say he assumes it -- at the home of a young and inherently caring nurse. But the attractive redhead with sparkling green eyes and full figure is no pushover and a beautiful match to Cole. With a bit of push and pull, an angel and a demon are compelled to each other in this story of surprising redemption.
Although a novella, the love story felt like a medium burn, full-length novel, lots of intensity and personal turmoil, as Cole manifested his thoughts and envisioned his twisted desires, many of which are simulations of his crazed, illicit-drug mind. The tension and angst build such that you can't realize if the events are true until after they have transpired, making for a full, often confused immersion into Cole's chaotic psyche. Living in Cole's mind also makes you experience his drug withdrawal, his coming to terms with his past, and his tortured feelings trying to resolve himself with his drug-induced actions. It was interesting as Cole reached lucidity, how the writing matched with his clarity and depicted principled actions. There was a sort of gradual peeling away from the harmful elements of disorder to order.
Besides the psychological factors, which I enjoyed, Cole was a growly, sexy bad boy in his thirties still taming an inner beast. He really wasn't a good person, but you couldn't help but like him, and neither could Vanessa, his "little girl" more than 10 years his junior. Vanessa was a nurturer and disconcerted in her acceptance of Cole, and drawn to him. Besides their heated and unbidden attraction, they shared similarities in work ethic and not taking time to experience life in the now.
The story contained some dark themes, but for my standards, not a dark book. The dubious consent was delectable and demonstrated hotly with animalistic glimpses into Cole's mind all the while as their relationship resolved into clear consent. Again, the story resonated themes of unprincipled actions evolving to principled.
Told in first person solely from Cole's point of view introduced some blindness, maybe purposefully, into where Vanessa stood in the relationship, how she felt, although admittedly some could be intuited. Still, I think "showing" of her behavior, gesturing, expression, etc. even from Cole's point of view would have enriched the storytelling, and provided some contrast and relief after feeling and reading so much of his thoughts. The writing was a bit heavy on his inner thoughts as interesting as they were.
Overall, I really enjoyed Wanted, a happily ever after of redemption and love: An act done during the lowest moments led to heaven instead of the alternative with an angel. 4 ⭐️ 3.75 🌶
Cole, although we don't learn his name until later (which adds to the juicy suspense), is on the run from crime, but also the pain in his past. He takes shelter -- well, let's say he assumes it -- at the home of a young and inherently caring nurse. But the attractive redhead with sparkling green eyes and full figure is no pushover and a beautiful match to Cole. With a bit of push and pull, an angel and a demon are compelled to each other in this story of surprising redemption.
Although a novella, the love story felt like a medium burn, full-length novel, lots of intensity and personal turmoil, as Cole manifested his thoughts and envisioned his twisted desires, many of which are simulations of his crazed, illicit-drug mind. The tension and angst build such that you can't realize if the events are true until after they have transpired, making for a full, often confused immersion into Cole's chaotic psyche. Living in Cole's mind also makes you experience his drug withdrawal, his coming to terms with his past, and his tortured feelings trying to resolve himself with his drug-induced actions. It was interesting as Cole reached lucidity, how the writing matched with his clarity and depicted principled actions. There was a sort of gradual peeling away from the harmful elements of disorder to order.
Besides the psychological factors, which I enjoyed, Cole was a growly, sexy bad boy in his thirties still taming an inner beast. He really wasn't a good person, but you couldn't help but like him, and neither could Vanessa, his "little girl" more than 10 years his junior. Vanessa was a nurturer and disconcerted in her acceptance of Cole, and drawn to him. Besides their heated and unbidden attraction, they shared similarities in work ethic and not taking time to experience life in the now.
The story contained some dark themes, but for my standards, not a dark book. The dubious consent was delectable and demonstrated hotly with animalistic glimpses into Cole's mind all the while as their relationship resolved into clear consent. Again, the story resonated themes of unprincipled actions evolving to principled.
Told in first person solely from Cole's point of view introduced some blindness, maybe purposefully, into where Vanessa stood in the relationship, how she felt, although admittedly some could be intuited. Still, I think "showing" of her behavior, gesturing, expression, etc. even from Cole's point of view would have enriched the storytelling, and provided some contrast and relief after feeling and reading so much of his thoughts. The writing was a bit heavy on his inner thoughts as interesting as they were.
Overall, I really enjoyed Wanted, a happily ever after of redemption and love: An act done during the lowest moments led to heaven instead of the alternative with an angel. 4 ⭐️ 3.75 🌶
December 28, 2024
It wasn't as smoking hot as I had hoped and it ended without giving me a satisfying resolution to their issues.
Cole (drug addict/murderer) used to be a normal guy with a normal life until he walked in on his wife screwing his neighbor. Now he's a crackhead and murderer. He's tripping and ends up in a cabin belonging to Vanessa (nurse, plus size). He holds her hostage and forces her to help him through his withdraws. That entire time he's having hallucinations that he's having sex with her. Don't get your hopes up because none of that happens. There's a little non-con role play, which she feels guilty about. Eventually, I guess they get a HEA?
I've read it and listened to the audio and I definitely recommend reading.
Cole (drug addict/murderer) used to be a normal guy with a normal life until he walked in on his wife screwing his neighbor. Now he's a crackhead and murderer. He's tripping and ends up in a cabin belonging to Vanessa (nurse, plus size). He holds her hostage and forces her to help him through his withdraws. That entire time he's having hallucinations that he's having sex with her. Don't get your hopes up because none of that happens. There's a little non-con role play, which she feels guilty about. Eventually, I guess they get a HEA?
I've read it and listened to the audio and I definitely recommend reading.
June 27, 2025
2.5 rounded down - if i had to read ‘little girl’ one more time i was going to scream
i loved the beginning but it escalated and ended so abruptly. i liked the drug aspect because i haven’t read any dark romance with an emphasis on drug-induced psychosis etc. and once things got softer/love-oriented i lost interest but i guess that’s a me problem
oh, i did appreciate the plus size rep in vanessa
i loved the beginning but it escalated and ended so abruptly. i liked the drug aspect because i haven’t read any dark romance with an emphasis on drug-induced psychosis etc. and once things got softer/love-oriented i lost interest but i guess that’s a me problem
oh, i did appreciate the plus size rep in vanessa
March 22, 2024
So I started reading this and then I started getting little bored I think it was a me think because I couldn’t focus on anything because of work. Anywho it messed up my mojo to like this book.
This book was told from just Coles POV which was okay I love when it’s both so I can see what the other is thinking. Coke is a drug addict and a murder because of the drugs, and he murders a couple he’s injured and running and finds a tiny house to recover in that’s where he meets Vanessa both are stunned but that doesn’t stop Cole from making her his captive, he has hallucinations about all the dirty things he wants to do and he makes her stitch him up and treat him but he’s going through withdraws. Vanessa is hot snd cold she hates him but she does help him since she’s a nurse. They do get closer but both are fighting the pull until they can’t. But cole does leave not wanting to get her more in trouble. But it doesn’t last.. I was sad that’s the ending we got. I wish we had an epilogue.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
POV from MMC
Age gap
22h/32H
Dub con-no con
Violence
Murder
Substance abuse
No condom
HFN/HEA
This book was told from just Coles POV which was okay I love when it’s both so I can see what the other is thinking. Coke is a drug addict and a murder because of the drugs, and he murders a couple he’s injured and running and finds a tiny house to recover in that’s where he meets Vanessa both are stunned but that doesn’t stop Cole from making her his captive, he has hallucinations about all the dirty things he wants to do and he makes her stitch him up and treat him but he’s going through withdraws. Vanessa is hot snd cold she hates him but she does help him since she’s a nurse. They do get closer but both are fighting the pull until they can’t. But cole does leave not wanting to get her more in trouble. But it doesn’t last.. I was sad that’s the ending we got. I wish we had an epilogue.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
POV from MMC
Age gap
22h/32H
Dub con-no con
Violence
Murder
Substance abuse
No condom
HFN/HEA
January 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🔥🔥🔥
🎧🎧
The narrator brought this one down for me, he sounded so smarmy. 🤮
🔥🔥🔥
🎧🎧
The narrator brought this one down for me, he sounded so smarmy. 🤮
November 23, 2022
3.5 stars ✨
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wanted by Lauren Biel is told in Cole's POV (the H), the book itself sitting at about 95 pages.
We begin when a home robbery gone wrong leads Cole to meet our h, Venessa.
You're going to have to go into this book with the blurb because as I mentioned, it's a novella and I don't want to give anything away that I shouldn't.
This book is hard for me to review. Real damn hard.
Because while I have played around with books on dub con, I haven't really grazed non con and I don't know how I feel about it.
This book being in the H's POV made that real hard for me and for the first time, I am genuinely unable to grasp whether this is fucked up or not.
Which is the reason it gets 3.5 stars. Because if a book has me questioning my sanity? The place I go to escape my mind? You best believe its going to be recommend to all (but I strongly encourage your to check the trigger warnings).
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wanted by Lauren Biel is told in Cole's POV (the H), the book itself sitting at about 95 pages.
We begin when a home robbery gone wrong leads Cole to meet our h, Venessa.
You're going to have to go into this book with the blurb because as I mentioned, it's a novella and I don't want to give anything away that I shouldn't.
This book is hard for me to review. Real damn hard.
Because while I have played around with books on dub con, I haven't really grazed non con and I don't know how I feel about it.
This book being in the H's POV made that real hard for me and for the first time, I am genuinely unable to grasp whether this is fucked up or not.
Which is the reason it gets 3.5 stars. Because if a book has me questioning my sanity? The place I go to escape my mind? You best believe its going to be recommend to all (but I strongly encourage your to check the trigger warnings).
July 5, 2024
I don’t know why I keep picking up Lauren Biel’s books expecting to suddenly like them.
Once again, she is incapable of not overusing a nickname. I listened to this via audio and if I had to hear little girl one more time, I was going to projectile vomit.
Once again, she is incapable of not overusing a nickname. I listened to this via audio and if I had to hear little girl one more time, I was going to projectile vomit.
August 7, 2024
Am I okay??? I ate this book up. And goddamn this book was soooo darkly horny!! Heavy emphasis on dark.
The nickname he gave her had me like 🤮🤮🤮 but everything else weirdly had me **warm & tingly**
The audio was v good and a duet!! A quick novella that is a good reset between cutesy romances
The nickname he gave her had me like 🤮🤮🤮 but everything else weirdly had me **warm & tingly**
The audio was v good and a duet!! A quick novella that is a good reset between cutesy romances
November 1, 2024
Not nearly as good as the other books I’ve read by this author..
March 12, 2025
My song for Wanted: I‘m a Wanted Man by Royal Deluxe
‘I couldn't stop the desire to do it. It wasn't the devil on my shoulder. No. It was the devil inside me.
Another great book by Lauren Biel on my mission to read them all 😌
Wanted is on the greyer side of her works and while I prefer her pitch black pieces, it was an enjoyable and good short read!
‘I felt the devil whispering in my ear, his hot breath caressing my neck as he spoke. I heard his demands.
It was from the MMC POV only which was an interesting change and a welcome alternative to going through an internal fight and arch with the FMC that has been experimented with a lot in this genre.
I also loved discovering his demons with him for once instead of focusing on the recipient's perspective of it.
‘It would be absolutely fucking insane to fall for the damsel I put in distress.‘
I loved Cole and am impressed by how vivid Lauren Biel managed to describe his various drug induced versions. But I am even more grateful for the body representation 🖤 I needed that
‘She was the most addictive taste on my tongue. More than drugs. Far more than drugs.'
The spice scenes are surprisingly brief but it matches the style of the book. The writing is flawless as always. Once again I have to applaud Lauren Biel for how much she can pack into just about 100 pages, creating such a level of imagery and detail without it feeling too much or too fast.
‘I couldn't stop the desire to do it. It wasn't the devil on my shoulder. No. It was the devil inside me.
Another great book by Lauren Biel on my mission to read them all 😌
Wanted is on the greyer side of her works and while I prefer her pitch black pieces, it was an enjoyable and good short read!
‘I felt the devil whispering in my ear, his hot breath caressing my neck as he spoke. I heard his demands.
It was from the MMC POV only which was an interesting change and a welcome alternative to going through an internal fight and arch with the FMC that has been experimented with a lot in this genre.
I also loved discovering his demons with him for once instead of focusing on the recipient's perspective of it.
‘It would be absolutely fucking insane to fall for the damsel I put in distress.‘
I loved Cole and am impressed by how vivid Lauren Biel managed to describe his various drug induced versions. But I am even more grateful for the body representation 🖤 I needed that
‘She was the most addictive taste on my tongue. More than drugs. Far more than drugs.'
The spice scenes are surprisingly brief but it matches the style of the book. The writing is flawless as always. Once again I have to applaud Lauren Biel for how much she can pack into just about 100 pages, creating such a level of imagery and detail without it feeling too much or too fast.
January 7, 2026
4.5 - the only thing i did not like was the nickname
September 22, 2022
Book : Wanted
Author : Lauren Biel
CW: long review, spoilers and triggers
One of the many things I admire about Lauren is her diverse writing. She breathes life into her characters- they need no fancy smancy jobs or high title. They are real as you and me. That's how relatable they are. Ever met a character who started making sense when they went about their villain origin internal monologue? Miss Biel makes you shake your head along enthusiastically and even raise a fist in solidarity.
In Wanted, we see a man who's been wronged. He succumbed to drugs, giving into his whims for that momentary escape from his cruel reality. It drives him to do the unspeakable. Maybe I am twisted, I started to feel for this man. The author depicts the harsh parts of drug usage, stripping a character bare for us to see how it alters one's thinking and actions. Her descriptions are always so realistically done and with sensitivity as well.
We have our sassy FC, who doesn't back down. A curvy, red headed Nurse who had her life turned upside down. Even when held hostage, she had her wits about her. I love a strong FC in adversity but don't like it when they are over the top, doing too much. Lauren takes the reader on a roller coaster, blurring the lines between non con and CNC.
I loved, loved the dynamic between the two characters- never mundane, good pacing, chemistry and the "little girl" peppered through made me heart pitter pattern
This is such a well rounded book. Yet another example of how amazing Lauren's writing is. Truly a treat for taboo, dark book lovers.
Author : Lauren Biel
CW: long review, spoilers and triggers
One of the many things I admire about Lauren is her diverse writing. She breathes life into her characters- they need no fancy smancy jobs or high title. They are real as you and me. That's how relatable they are. Ever met a character who started making sense when they went about their villain origin internal monologue? Miss Biel makes you shake your head along enthusiastically and even raise a fist in solidarity.
In Wanted, we see a man who's been wronged. He succumbed to drugs, giving into his whims for that momentary escape from his cruel reality. It drives him to do the unspeakable. Maybe I am twisted, I started to feel for this man. The author depicts the harsh parts of drug usage, stripping a character bare for us to see how it alters one's thinking and actions. Her descriptions are always so realistically done and with sensitivity as well.
We have our sassy FC, who doesn't back down. A curvy, red headed Nurse who had her life turned upside down. Even when held hostage, she had her wits about her. I love a strong FC in adversity but don't like it when they are over the top, doing too much. Lauren takes the reader on a roller coaster, blurring the lines between non con and CNC.
I loved, loved the dynamic between the two characters- never mundane, good pacing, chemistry and the "little girl" peppered through made me heart pitter pattern
This is such a well rounded book. Yet another example of how amazing Lauren's writing is. Truly a treat for taboo, dark book lovers.
May 19, 2023
“i’d never have guessed that an act done during the lowest moment of my life would take me to heaven instead of hell and make an angel fall in love with a demon. or awaken a beast that played so well with hers.”😭🖤✨
we have cole, who’s addicted to mëth, who’s life is spiralling out of control quickly. his marriage failed, his job failed, literally everything. and vanessa, who is getting over her boyfs death by drowning herself in work. so whn he ends up at vanessa’s house after murdering 2 ppl, he doesn’t know wht the future holds but he knows one thing & tht is tht vanessa will be his.
they’re both in so much pain and both so broken. but they find the light in each other🥹his obsession & fantasies 4 vanessa only grew the more he spent time w her🫠🔥
now the writing in this was AMAZING, i loved the mystery element of not knowing cole’s name to for a lot of the chapters. it was dark, it was twisted, it was so freaking entertaining & the spice was literally perfect🤌🏽
all i can say is tht i love cole. even tho i shouldn’t i do🖤🥹
PLS READ THE TRIGGERS if u do read this⚠️
- a dark romance novella
- enemies to lovers
- captive/hostage
- dub con/non con
- age gap
- male pov
rating: 5/5⭐️
spice: 2/5🌶
we have cole, who’s addicted to mëth, who’s life is spiralling out of control quickly. his marriage failed, his job failed, literally everything. and vanessa, who is getting over her boyfs death by drowning herself in work. so whn he ends up at vanessa’s house after murdering 2 ppl, he doesn’t know wht the future holds but he knows one thing & tht is tht vanessa will be his.
they’re both in so much pain and both so broken. but they find the light in each other🥹his obsession & fantasies 4 vanessa only grew the more he spent time w her🫠🔥
now the writing in this was AMAZING, i loved the mystery element of not knowing cole’s name to for a lot of the chapters. it was dark, it was twisted, it was so freaking entertaining & the spice was literally perfect🤌🏽
all i can say is tht i love cole. even tho i shouldn’t i do🖤🥹
PLS READ THE TRIGGERS if u do read this⚠️
- a dark romance novella
- enemies to lovers
- captive/hostage
- dub con/non con
- age gap
- male pov
rating: 5/5⭐️
spice: 2/5🌶
October 24, 2022
This has me hooked from the beginning! Lauren’s work was recommended highly in a group I’m in so decided to branch out to her group and I’m very fortunate to have received an arc while I was on holiday. I just got around to reading it and wooooow.. taboo taboo I love you 🤪, I read it in an hour 😂. Short and sweet but sinfully hot, it’s a must read for people who are into darker fantasies. I would love to tell you what the book is about but because it’s so short I believe anything I could say would ruin it! But I will say it is certainly worth the read. While you should really hate the extremely morally grey male protagonist, you actually don’t.. then your questioning your own morals believe me lol! I will advise that there is a lot of triggers so I would advise people to pay attention to Lauren’s warnings surrounding this.
I kindly received a copy of an arc. Due to this lovely gesture, I decided to leave an honest review on my own accord.
I kindly received a copy of an arc. Due to this lovely gesture, I decided to leave an honest review on my own accord.
March 23, 2024
Such a powerful story 🥹😭 and this audiobook performance was done so very well!
March 13, 2025
I really liked this book. It was completely (or at least mostly - it could be that I'm mistaken) from the pov from the male, Cole, which was so much fun. I really liked that. In my opinion, it was written very well and I was pulled into the story from the start.
(This contains a small spoiler:) Another thing I want to say is that I appreciate that the author acknowledged that your brain starts to play games if you don't sleep for days. And add that the character was hurt and on meds, which makes the effects of not sleeping even more intense! (I can tell, I'm an expert on sleeping problems mixed with pain killers -lol-
Sometimes characters in books are like "I'm awake for X period of time" and then I'm like "Okay sure, but how are you still at your best?", so I found this a very important thing.
I consumed this book by audio, which can be tricky for me because I can't listen to all voices, but I think the narrators did a good job.
If you like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile. I also sometimes post reviews on Instagram and talk about bookish stuff on Threads.
(This contains a small spoiler:) Another thing I want to say is that I appreciate that the author acknowledged that your brain starts to play games if you don't sleep for days. And add that the character was hurt and on meds, which makes the effects of not sleeping even more intense! (I can tell, I'm an expert on sleeping problems mixed with pain killers -lol-
Sometimes characters in books are like "I'm awake for X period of time" and then I'm like "Okay sure, but how are you still at your best?", so I found this a very important thing.
I consumed this book by audio, which can be tricky for me because I can't listen to all voices, but I think the narrators did a good job.
If you like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile. I also sometimes post reviews on Instagram and talk about bookish stuff on Threads.
December 17, 2025
Working my way through Lauren's books. Once again, she knocks it out of the park with characters and a story that draw you in and keep you in the story the entire time. Lauren always does duet narration for which she personally chooses the narrators who she thinks will do the characters justice. Duet narration this time with Angelina Rocca and Kayden Lukakis was amazing. Kayden was a new to me narrator. He did a great job.
March 20, 2024
2.75 stars
August 22, 2024
True Lauren fashion it was off the rocker and a wild ride. Haven’t encountered a book I didn’t like from her yet.
January 23, 2025
wtf. no. just no. forced myself to finish this bc it wasn’t that long. but now I wished i just dnf’d. i need this to be erased from my brain
September 30, 2025
The build up in this book is so good
February 13, 2024
- drugs are as taboo to me as, for example, cheating in books
- I would be happier if more time was devoted to gradually deepening their relationship and feelings for each other rather than withdrawal
- I would simply prefer: more real sex, less fantasies and also hallucinations
But besides that it was exceptional story as always from this author!! 8/10
- I would be happier if more time was devoted to gradually deepening their relationship and feelings for each other rather than withdrawal
- I would simply prefer: more real sex, less fantasies and also hallucinations
But besides that it was exceptional story as always from this author!! 8/10
December 3, 2024
I've heard amazing things about this author and this cover is gorgeous.
It was an interesting book for sure.
Its all about a man hyped up on drugs who broke into her house after killing a couple on a bender.. I thoight id get more of that killer vibe but alas it is more insta lust and forgive me and help me get off drugs .. the time line is also crazy fast maybe 3 days ??
It would have worked better if there was more story to tell.
It was an interesting book for sure.
Its all about a man hyped up on drugs who broke into her house after killing a couple on a bender.. I thoight id get more of that killer vibe but alas it is more insta lust and forgive me and help me get off drugs .. the time line is also crazy fast maybe 3 days ??
It would have worked better if there was more story to tell.
June 22, 2023
Please read TW before reading 🖤
This novella was so much more than I had prepared for. It’s dark, heart wrenching and down right spicy!
Cole became a meth addict after his life flipped upside down. He’ll do anything for his next hit and this lead to him going on the run after a burglary gone wrong.
He finds safety in this random home, where he finds a curvy red head.
Vanessa and Cole’s love story is unconventional, but it’s beautiful in it’s own way.
This novella was so much more than I had prepared for. It’s dark, heart wrenching and down right spicy!
Cole became a meth addict after his life flipped upside down. He’ll do anything for his next hit and this lead to him going on the run after a burglary gone wrong.
He finds safety in this random home, where he finds a curvy red head.
Vanessa and Cole’s love story is unconventional, but it’s beautiful in it’s own way.
December 21, 2023
Nice Read
I've been on a kick with drug addicted MMCs. It's hard, of course, finding recs, but a part of me wants to see the redemption. Problem: I also can't handle books with extended drug use. Imagine my surprise when stumbling on this book. The beginning had me gripped. It teased nonc0n, but I enjoyed it. The short structure works here. We get just enough to fill in pieces. Most of all, despite why he is wanted, I wanted him to win. This one comes with a male POV, which I love and an FMC who just made sense.
I've been on a kick with drug addicted MMCs. It's hard, of course, finding recs, but a part of me wants to see the redemption. Problem: I also can't handle books with extended drug use. Imagine my surprise when stumbling on this book. The beginning had me gripped. It teased nonc0n, but I enjoyed it. The short structure works here. We get just enough to fill in pieces. Most of all, despite why he is wanted, I wanted him to win. This one comes with a male POV, which I love and an FMC who just made sense.
September 15, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Tropes/Triggers: Chəat¡ng—off page, not btwn MCs, D¡v0rcə, Drug Usə/Abusə, W¡thdrawal, Murdər, Thəft, N0n-C0n Fantas¡əs, Dub-C0n, Capt¡və/H0stagə, Pəw-pəw, Mənt¡0n 0f Səx & Drug Traff¡ck¡ng, etc.
•
Wanted is a short, steamy, dub-c0n novella. I had the pleasure of reading the 1st four chapters on Lauren's Patreon and I was hooked from the first chapter. Lauren has such an uncanny knack for writing add¡cts. That might sound weird but it's a compliment. More often than not, depictions of add¡cts are too forced, or over-the-top.
Cole is add¡cted to məth & that is a substance I have some experience w/. It was Carla's drug of choice. And the way Lauren wrote Cole—from Vanessa's perspective—I could see Carla clear as day. Well, I remembered a lot of behaviors she exhibited during her məth stint while reading Cole during his drug induced insomnia.
Cole turns to drugs when his marriage and life falls apart. Vanessa throws herself into school and her work after her own tragedy. Something horrific brings them together. Something Cole never fathomed doing. From the moment he lays eyes on Vanessa, he's borderline obsessed. Okay, maybe he's all the way obsessed. Vanessa not so much.
What I love is while the story is short, there is PROGRESSION to feelings and an HEA. Vanessa doesn't peek a glimpse at Cole's hard on then falls over herself to be his. Cole has to work for her and she's worth it. He knows she's worth it.
Another thing I love is Vanessa is plus sized. And it's mentioned A LOT but not in a fat phobic way—not even internalized—or in a fetishized way. Cole is the only one who remarks on it and he does so with reverence. He touches her with reverence. He makes her feel wanted which is a huge source of shame for Vanessa [bc of what Cole is/does.]
Cole's mind is filthy. I fucking loved his fantasies. I mean, I read them with my stomach up in my throat but they were thigh clenchingly hot—especially if you love dub¡0us consent or C|\|C. The same goes for when Cole's fantasies are made reality.
There's so much I love about these two. And too much I could spoil. It comes out 9/16/22—READ IT! 🖤
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Tropes/Triggers: Chəat¡ng—off page, not btwn MCs, D¡v0rcə, Drug Usə/Abusə, W¡thdrawal, Murdər, Thəft, N0n-C0n Fantas¡əs, Dub-C0n, Capt¡və/H0stagə, Pəw-pəw, Mənt¡0n 0f Səx & Drug Traff¡ck¡ng, etc.
•
Wanted is a short, steamy, dub-c0n novella. I had the pleasure of reading the 1st four chapters on Lauren's Patreon and I was hooked from the first chapter. Lauren has such an uncanny knack for writing add¡cts. That might sound weird but it's a compliment. More often than not, depictions of add¡cts are too forced, or over-the-top.
Cole is add¡cted to məth & that is a substance I have some experience w/. It was Carla's drug of choice. And the way Lauren wrote Cole—from Vanessa's perspective—I could see Carla clear as day. Well, I remembered a lot of behaviors she exhibited during her məth stint while reading Cole during his drug induced insomnia.
Cole turns to drugs when his marriage and life falls apart. Vanessa throws herself into school and her work after her own tragedy. Something horrific brings them together. Something Cole never fathomed doing. From the moment he lays eyes on Vanessa, he's borderline obsessed. Okay, maybe he's all the way obsessed. Vanessa not so much.
What I love is while the story is short, there is PROGRESSION to feelings and an HEA. Vanessa doesn't peek a glimpse at Cole's hard on then falls over herself to be his. Cole has to work for her and she's worth it. He knows she's worth it.
Another thing I love is Vanessa is plus sized. And it's mentioned A LOT but not in a fat phobic way—not even internalized—or in a fetishized way. Cole is the only one who remarks on it and he does so with reverence. He touches her with reverence. He makes her feel wanted which is a huge source of shame for Vanessa [bc of what Cole is/does.]
Cole's mind is filthy. I fucking loved his fantasies. I mean, I read them with my stomach up in my throat but they were thigh clenchingly hot—especially if you love dub¡0us consent or C|\|C. The same goes for when Cole's fantasies are made reality.
There's so much I love about these two. And too much I could spoil. It comes out 9/16/22—READ IT! 🖤
September 14, 2022
Wanted
Lauren Biel
Rate 5/5
*check triggers!!!
“She reeked of temptation.”
So this was such a different story then I have read before. Usually the killer in my stories are not apologetic or remorseful. What I love about this story is it’s showing you someone who hits rock bottom, how they got to where they were and who helped them to get out of that place.
You have a drug addict who who does some horrible things due to a bad high. As he is escaping his crimes he hides out in a home he finds. The owner comes home and she is a full figure hot red head.
Of course their is fear but with some push and pull and a lot of guilt she succumbs to her urges. We get an inside look at what the MMC sees and hears between real life and his psychosis.
This may be a novella but Lauren did such a wonderful job of not only having the suspense aspect but the connection to the characters. I never knew what the male main character was going to do you knew he was not all in his right mind so was he going to do what the Angel or the devil told him to do? The push pull that the female character has within mind and with him really made you see her true struggle.
I really enjoyed this it was not a super fast burn like most novellas end up being and it felt so much longer then a novella. Lauren did another fantastic job with this!
#romance #darkromance #smutty #spicyromance #smuttyromance #killers #gang #mafia #overthetophero #secrets #sjealoushero #books #bookreviews #bookrecomendation
Lauren Biel
Rate 5/5
*check triggers!!!
“She reeked of temptation.”
So this was such a different story then I have read before. Usually the killer in my stories are not apologetic or remorseful. What I love about this story is it’s showing you someone who hits rock bottom, how they got to where they were and who helped them to get out of that place.
You have a drug addict who who does some horrible things due to a bad high. As he is escaping his crimes he hides out in a home he finds. The owner comes home and she is a full figure hot red head.
Of course their is fear but with some push and pull and a lot of guilt she succumbs to her urges. We get an inside look at what the MMC sees and hears between real life and his psychosis.
This may be a novella but Lauren did such a wonderful job of not only having the suspense aspect but the connection to the characters. I never knew what the male main character was going to do you knew he was not all in his right mind so was he going to do what the Angel or the devil told him to do? The push pull that the female character has within mind and with him really made you see her true struggle.
I really enjoyed this it was not a super fast burn like most novellas end up being and it felt so much longer then a novella. Lauren did another fantastic job with this!
#romance #darkromance #smutty #spicyromance #smuttyromance #killers #gang #mafia #overthetophero #secrets #sjealoushero #books #bookreviews #bookrecomendation
March 27, 2024
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
“I did m0nstr0us things, but I'm not a m0nst3r”
“Nurses are horrible patients, & I’m not going to my place of work with a cut on my hand” 🤣💯
"I wasn’t the only one who had a beast, though. Mine roared & hers purred"
"I’d never have guessed that an act done during the lowest moment of my life would take me to heaven instead of he|l & make an angel fall in love with a d3m0n. Or awaken a b3ast that played so well with hers"
oh yes!! def ♥️cole even if "we probably shouldnt". what can i say?! i thoroughly enjoyed this coz a big part of it resonated with me. author lauren biel has a way with words!! she wrote her characters so well!! miss ma'am...u know ur shhht!! fighting against that demon is HARD AF & not everyone who faces it wins. i was at the edge of my seat...idk how something so dark can end. then that plot twist?!? 😱🙌🏽 so its a well-worth xperience!! this is my 1st read of hers...& definitely wont be last!!
𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 is a 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗬 romance novella w/ ⬆️spice & ⬇️plot. This home ınvası0n story will leave u questioning if u should leave ur 🚪open at night.
-------------------
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ‼️ 𝗖𝗪/𝗧𝗪 ‼️ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
✔️ spicy novella
✔️ home ınvası0n
✔️ f0rc3d pr0ximity
✔️ age gap
✔️ drvg abv$ė
✔️ dubc0n/cnc
✔️ ☠️mvrd3r
✔️ xplıcıt s3x scenes
-------------------
I received a free ARC for an honest review.
“I did m0nstr0us things, but I'm not a m0nst3r”
“Nurses are horrible patients, & I’m not going to my place of work with a cut on my hand” 🤣💯
"I wasn’t the only one who had a beast, though. Mine roared & hers purred"
"I’d never have guessed that an act done during the lowest moment of my life would take me to heaven instead of he|l & make an angel fall in love with a d3m0n. Or awaken a b3ast that played so well with hers"
oh yes!! def ♥️cole even if "we probably shouldnt". what can i say?! i thoroughly enjoyed this coz a big part of it resonated with me. author lauren biel has a way with words!! she wrote her characters so well!! miss ma'am...u know ur shhht!! fighting against that demon is HARD AF & not everyone who faces it wins. i was at the edge of my seat...idk how something so dark can end. then that plot twist?!? 😱🙌🏽 so its a well-worth xperience!! this is my 1st read of hers...& definitely wont be last!!
𝓦𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 is a 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗬 romance novella w/ ⬆️spice & ⬇️plot. This home ınvası0n story will leave u questioning if u should leave ur 🚪open at night.
-------------------
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ‼️ 𝗖𝗪/𝗧𝗪 ‼️ ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
✔️ spicy novella
✔️ home ınvası0n
✔️ f0rc3d pr0ximity
✔️ age gap
✔️ drvg abv$ė
✔️ dubc0n/cnc
✔️ ☠️mvrd3r
✔️ xplıcıt s3x scenes
-------------------
I received a free ARC for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews