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Torment: Dark Hearts Duology Book 1
My name is Rahovart - Demon of Torment.
A close companion of Satan himself, I’m one of the most feared presences in all the pits of Hell. Cruel, sadistic, insane - I live for pain, I yearn for fear; I love to torture.
So, what is it about this little human that stops me from fulfilling my duties? Why can I not forget her eyes, her breasts, her ass?
I’m a demon. You think I’d be looking at her smile?
Satan is watching me closely, and there are more than enough demons here to take my place. Either I conquer the power that she holds over me, or I lose everything I’ve ever fought for.
A close companion of Satan himself, I’m one of the most feared presences in all the pits of Hell. Cruel, sadistic, insane - I live for pain, I yearn for fear; I love to torture.
So, what is it about this little human that stops me from fulfilling my duties? Why can I not forget her eyes, her breasts, her ass?
I’m a demon. You think I’d be looking at her smile?
Satan is watching me closely, and there are more than enough demons here to take my place. Either I conquer the power that she holds over me, or I lose everything I’ve ever fought for.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2023
13 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 30, 2024
PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNINGS: TORTURE, GORE, DEATH, SELF HARM, ABUSE, LOSS OF A CHILD, EXPLICIT SCENES
Every once in a while, a book comes up that blows your mind, a book that has you clutching said book (or Kindle) to your chest while the events spin round in your head and you're in a complete daze, gazing into space at the emotions the read has evoked. Well, this is one of those! A superbly writing, highly emotional and utterly unputdownable read! Set in a dual timeline, flitting between both seemlessly, is done to perfection.
The vividry of the writing is utterly incredible, you feel EVERY pain, EVERY horror, EVERY. SINGLE. EMOTION! Even now, as I'm writing my review of this book, my brain wants to shy away, wants to mull over the events and when I say it's compelling reading, I mean that in the truest sense. I HAD to know what was going to happen next, I HAD to know what was going on with Julianna and Rahovart, where they would end up, as if I was superglued to my kindle.
Ok, so after all the gushing, you ask, what's it about? Wellllllll..... About a love that transcends worlds and realms, a love so pure and intense yet so very forbidden, a soul trapped in the bowels of hell, a soul trapped in visions. The two MC's are probably the most complex characters I've come across, there are layers upon layers that need exposing to get to the crux of who they are and it's done with such excellent penmanship. The prose is breathtakingly descriptive, peeling the layers back one by one, until the raw emotions and nature of the character is fully exposed. The journey to that point is one of such intense emotions, with many unexpected developments, which I confess had me even more agog! Rahovart and Julianna are two characters that captured me from the very beginning, she for her desperate painful situation, he for his supposed brutally. Which he is, don't misunderstand, he's Satan's right hand man so brutality and torture are the norm for him. Everything has been taken from him, even who he was, his memories gone. Even through all the brutally he relishes, the true person is fighting to get through. I loved how bit by bit his true identity is exposed and we get to see a very kindhearted, loving and loyal personna emerge.
We all dream right? We all have nightmares from time to time but what if your dreams are so vivid, so real, so familiar, you know they are more than dreams. They completely rattle you as you try make sense of them. You'd think you've lost your mind so you withdraw, further and further into yourself, which is exactly what Julianna does. Abandoned by her parents to an institution, Julianna is almost in a vegetative state, which Nathaniel tries to draw her out of. He's one of the nicest, warmest, most beautiful characters, his genuine concern is so touching but boy was I not expecting THAT revelation! When you read it, you'll get it, it felt like an explosion went off in my head! My heart was in agony for Julianna, for what she endured but she's far from meek and downtrodden, she has a fire in her, a determination that no one can extinguish. Superb character.
This is hell like I've never seen it described before, not only the Realm of hell, but the hell of the mind, totally horrific, total depravity, total anguish. But please don't think it's all doom and gloom, there's hope, there's the most exquisite love story, there's strength of character, and a promise that not everything is as it seems. The race is on, who will outwit whom? Obviously I'm rooting for Rahovart and Julianna! The next book can't come fast enough for me to find out!
Every once in a while, a book comes up that blows your mind, a book that has you clutching said book (or Kindle) to your chest while the events spin round in your head and you're in a complete daze, gazing into space at the emotions the read has evoked. Well, this is one of those! A superbly writing, highly emotional and utterly unputdownable read! Set in a dual timeline, flitting between both seemlessly, is done to perfection.
The vividry of the writing is utterly incredible, you feel EVERY pain, EVERY horror, EVERY. SINGLE. EMOTION! Even now, as I'm writing my review of this book, my brain wants to shy away, wants to mull over the events and when I say it's compelling reading, I mean that in the truest sense. I HAD to know what was going to happen next, I HAD to know what was going on with Julianna and Rahovart, where they would end up, as if I was superglued to my kindle.
Ok, so after all the gushing, you ask, what's it about? Wellllllll..... About a love that transcends worlds and realms, a love so pure and intense yet so very forbidden, a soul trapped in the bowels of hell, a soul trapped in visions. The two MC's are probably the most complex characters I've come across, there are layers upon layers that need exposing to get to the crux of who they are and it's done with such excellent penmanship. The prose is breathtakingly descriptive, peeling the layers back one by one, until the raw emotions and nature of the character is fully exposed. The journey to that point is one of such intense emotions, with many unexpected developments, which I confess had me even more agog! Rahovart and Julianna are two characters that captured me from the very beginning, she for her desperate painful situation, he for his supposed brutally. Which he is, don't misunderstand, he's Satan's right hand man so brutality and torture are the norm for him. Everything has been taken from him, even who he was, his memories gone. Even through all the brutally he relishes, the true person is fighting to get through. I loved how bit by bit his true identity is exposed and we get to see a very kindhearted, loving and loyal personna emerge.
We all dream right? We all have nightmares from time to time but what if your dreams are so vivid, so real, so familiar, you know they are more than dreams. They completely rattle you as you try make sense of them. You'd think you've lost your mind so you withdraw, further and further into yourself, which is exactly what Julianna does. Abandoned by her parents to an institution, Julianna is almost in a vegetative state, which Nathaniel tries to draw her out of. He's one of the nicest, warmest, most beautiful characters, his genuine concern is so touching but boy was I not expecting THAT revelation! When you read it, you'll get it, it felt like an explosion went off in my head! My heart was in agony for Julianna, for what she endured but she's far from meek and downtrodden, she has a fire in her, a determination that no one can extinguish. Superb character.
This is hell like I've never seen it described before, not only the Realm of hell, but the hell of the mind, totally horrific, total depravity, total anguish. But please don't think it's all doom and gloom, there's hope, there's the most exquisite love story, there's strength of character, and a promise that not everything is as it seems. The race is on, who will outwit whom? Obviously I'm rooting for Rahovart and Julianna! The next book can't come fast enough for me to find out!
September 6, 2024
Reread review: yeah still absolutely sobbing at this one, it makes my soul ache. It’s one of the darkest reads I’ve personally read and it’s one of my favorite reads. I love this book and recommend it with caution.
***
Absolutely Gutted
This book destroyed me. It’s heavy, it’s emotional, it’s dark, it’s beautiful. This book. I don’t have words. 15 pages in and it had me wanting to sob. I in fact sobbed a few times reading this. The ending is a killer, huge cliff, huge swan dive. I highly, highly recommend this read, if you can get past the triggers. AND PLEASE LOOK OVER THE TRIGGERS WELL. This is a very dark book. It’s is going to live rent free in my head forever. I cannot wait for the next one. I’m a wreck. It’s worth it.
***
Absolutely Gutted
This book destroyed me. It’s heavy, it’s emotional, it’s dark, it’s beautiful. This book. I don’t have words. 15 pages in and it had me wanting to sob. I in fact sobbed a few times reading this. The ending is a killer, huge cliff, huge swan dive. I highly, highly recommend this read, if you can get past the triggers. AND PLEASE LOOK OVER THE TRIGGERS WELL. This is a very dark book. It’s is going to live rent free in my head forever. I cannot wait for the next one. I’m a wreck. It’s worth it.
December 29, 2022
Holy Smokes! This story is one emotional journey that you feel right alongside these amazing characters. Let me start with that there are possibly triggers for some. This is a very dark, emotional, painful journey for Julianna and Rahovart. We can see, feel, and experience their pain and suffering throughout the entire story. This really is an amazing story that is extremely well written and developed. The story is of a lost life and love that can transcend anything. The journey that we get to experience is one roller coaster of a ride. I absolutely love Harper Shay’s work as you can always feel the depth of the story as if you were walking alongside her characters. This one is definitely one of those moments. I absolutely couldn’t put the story down. As we progress through the story you get more and more drawn in. The we see the twists and turns of who is who in the story that you feel the shock and awe of it all. This story ends in a pretty big cliffhanger that has me absolutely excited to see the next book.
December 25, 2022
This was an interesting first book. It has a dual timeline and povs looking into nasrins and kians past life. Julianna is in a mental facility because her parents didn't want her anymore after she started having these dreams that felt like another life. She was haunted by them for years and didn't understand why. Then she meets Dr asher, a demon in disguise that looks like the man from her dreams. Things escalate and they realize who they are to each other but it's too late. Satan wants her and will do whatever it takes to have her and break her. Can Julianna save both herself and her beloved?
December 29, 2022
This book was HEARTBREAKING! The story switches from past and present and shows us what happened and happens to the main characters. Jules and Ray go through SO MUCH between their past life and their current. Watching them navigate both almost brought me to tears. Almost because the END... the FREAKING cliffhanger hurt me so dang bad. I wanted to simultaneously push their faces together to kiss but also hold my hands between them so they couldn't touch for fear of their future. le sigh. If you like being put through the wringer for all of your emotions, this book is for you. Be sure to check out the triggers though beforehand! Can't wait to see the rest of their journey in book 2!
January 3, 2023
Torment: A Dark Hearts Duology is book one of the two by Harper Shay. It’s considered a dark PNR romance. So, there are trigger warnings at the beginning of the story. If you have any triggers, then please read those and take note.
💜 strong FMC
💜 dark PNR romance
💜 angels, demons, reapers
💜 🌶🌶 spice
How do I start? I would say this story is what I would consider dual point of view and dual timelines. Are soulmates real? Will they always find each other if separated? Then you add into the mix Emperors, Angels, Demons, Reapers, the Devil, and a sanatorium and you have one heck of a story.
This one does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’m ready to see what happens next in this story and how it will all turn out.
💜 strong FMC
💜 dark PNR romance
💜 angels, demons, reapers
💜 🌶🌶 spice
How do I start? I would say this story is what I would consider dual point of view and dual timelines. Are soulmates real? Will they always find each other if separated? Then you add into the mix Emperors, Angels, Demons, Reapers, the Devil, and a sanatorium and you have one heck of a story.
This one does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’m ready to see what happens next in this story and how it will all turn out.
January 9, 2023
This book is unlike anything that you think it will be. Every step takes you further down the rabbit hole. Rahovart has worked as Satan’s best torturer for souls for years. He excels and enjoys it, and it’s all he knows…until he is told to bring Julianna’s soul to him. All humans have a price for their soul, right? They’re weak, and they don’t understand that one misstep can bring everything in Satan’s favor.
Honestly, satan seems like he’s a little hard up for souls to feed his power source. Poor guy. This is about souls that were dated to be together until things all went wrong. Seriously pick this up, it’s so good.
Honestly, satan seems like he’s a little hard up for souls to feed his power source. Poor guy. This is about souls that were dated to be together until things all went wrong. Seriously pick this up, it’s so good.
January 1, 2023
Wow!
What a roller-coaster of emotions I felt for this book. It's definitely a darker read, but there is also a powerful love story within. The twist and turns and things revealed definitely kept me reading. I didn't want to put it down. I couldn't help but cheer for Julianna and Rahovart. I don't want to give anything away so I won't go in further details. Julianna is such a strong and beautiful character.
I think this was a great start to this duology and I cannot wait to see where the rest or the story goes in the next book!
What a roller-coaster of emotions I felt for this book. It's definitely a darker read, but there is also a powerful love story within. The twist and turns and things revealed definitely kept me reading. I didn't want to put it down. I couldn't help but cheer for Julianna and Rahovart. I don't want to give anything away so I won't go in further details. Julianna is such a strong and beautiful character.
I think this was a great start to this duology and I cannot wait to see where the rest or the story goes in the next book!
January 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this emotional, and a little dark, story of Julianna and Rahovart! I really felt like I was experiencing the same emotional journey that they were on. Some definite plot twists, and major suspense really drew me in, and made it impossible for me to put the book down. I love stories with past lives, and I definitely loved getting to see both their views, as well as past and present views, which added so much more depth, and many more layers to the story. Definitely check trigger warnings, but amazing read!
December 28, 2022
(PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!)
I about killed my chromebook trying to finish this book. I just didn't want to put it down! I absolutely love it when I verbally react while I read and this one definitely did that for me. The journey they go on to uncover their pasts literally takes you on it with them. I really wish I had the next one so I could go ahead and dive into that one!! I highly recommend--but please read the trigger warnings <3
I about killed my chromebook trying to finish this book. I just didn't want to put it down! I absolutely love it when I verbally react while I read and this one definitely did that for me. The journey they go on to uncover their pasts literally takes you on it with them. I really wish I had the next one so I could go ahead and dive into that one!! I highly recommend--but please read the trigger warnings <3
January 1, 2023
Please check the CWs: Non-con, MM scene, Gore, Death, Violence including Torture, Loss of a child, Mention of sexual assault, Suicide Attempt, Abuse during pregnancy.
I loved this book.
The story is told through dual storylines. We see our two main characters, Juliana and Rahovart, and the story of Nasrin and Kian. I loved every single thing about this book, so much so that I am having a hard time putting it into words.
The book does have a cliffhanger ending, but I can't wait for book 2.
I loved this book.
The story is told through dual storylines. We see our two main characters, Juliana and Rahovart, and the story of Nasrin and Kian. I loved every single thing about this book, so much so that I am having a hard time putting it into words.
The book does have a cliffhanger ending, but I can't wait for book 2.
January 8, 2023
This title definitely fits this amazing book! A love that transcends time , I love it . I was so in there with kian and nasrin from the start. Then to reincarnate into Juliette in a hospital unable to speak. Kian who suffered so much he became a high level demon rahovart. I loved the journey with then even though they end up in hell. I can’t wait to see what happens next for these two and if Satan will let up on them.
January 3, 2023
This book was an amazing read that will grab you and take you away to another world. It moves along at a speed that is perfect for the flow of this story. It has interesting characters that you want to know and you want to see them overcome everything in their way. This book needs to be read, no doubt about it.
January 9, 2023
This was an emotional journey with dual timelines and POV. I recommend checking trigger warnings before hand if you have triggers. I enjoyed the story even though I usually hate the back and forth between time lines. I didn’t feel disconnected when going between the past and present within this story and I also felt the characters emotions while reading.
January 2, 2023
This is the story of Julianna and Rahovart who are soulmates from a past life. Rahovart is now a demon who works for the devil who wants Julianna for himself. There are a lot of twists, turns, and betrayals in this book and it defiantly keeps you on your toes.
January 4, 2023
At the beginning of this I was kind of confused but then realized the main characters were mates in a past life. I enjoyed reading all about Julianna and Rahovart fighting to save their love. Once you get through a little bit of it and understand what is going it is a great read.
January 6, 2023
Torment is the beginning of the Dark Hearts Duology featuring Julianna and Rahovart. This story really sucked me in and had me hooked. I enjoyed how the dual POV and timelone was written. There are some great twists and I was left with some questions that I can't wait to find out the answers to.
February 1, 2024
This story was fantastic!! Highly recommend reading. I will say there are definite trigger warnings. So check those out first. Loved reading about Juliana. To me was an emotional story. With such a good storyline. Thrilled this one is part of a duology so more is coming. Definitely a must read.
December 28, 2022
Oohh this one is dark, but oh so good. It kept me guessing the whole time! Such a complex love story, full of pain and turmoil but still beautiful! Can't wait for the rest of this series. 👏🏻
January 6, 2023
This book is about Julianna and Rahvonhart. She dreams of a man and based on her dreams is admitted to a psych ward because she just finds it better not to speak. There are twists to the story that will take a bit to discover and more to come.
January 6, 2023
Wow! This is a dark ride! Great storytelling! I enjoyed the different takes on their past lives. Take note of the trigger warnings, it is a dark tale but so well-written with fantastic main characters that you can’t help but root for from the start. Very curious to see what happens in the next book!!
January 29, 2023
Good story with a unique premise. Absolutely worth the read. Mind the trigger warnings this is a dark and spicy story!
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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