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Hate and Chaos Duet #1
Touch of Hate
Betrayal cuts the deepest.
I would know better than anyone.
They never suspected me to be the villain.
That didn’t matter anymore, though, because I didn’t just want revenge, I needed it.
Leaving my old life behind, I knew I could never return, but there was something… no, someone I had left behind.
Scarlet.
Kind. Innocent. Fragile.
She was a light in the darkness of my life.
Back then, she was always meant to be mine, even if having her meant breaking every single rule.
Now enemies or not, she would still be mine.
I would know better than anyone.
They never suspected me to be the villain.
That didn’t matter anymore, though, because I didn’t just want revenge, I needed it.
Leaving my old life behind, I knew I could never return, but there was something… no, someone I had left behind.
Scarlet.
Kind. Innocent. Fragile.
She was a light in the darkness of my life.
Back then, she was always meant to be mine, even if having her meant breaking every single rule.
Now enemies or not, she would still be mine.
354 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2023
603 people are currently reading
2160 people want to read
About the author
C. Hallman
131 books2,719 followersC. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
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January 23, 2023One of the most complicated books I've ever worked on. I hope you guys enjoy reading and I'm so sorry about that cliffhanger 😅
January 28, 2023
My heart has been racing out of my chest reading this, the tension and raw emotions and twist I was not prepared for. This was such an incredible story that honestly blew my mind and maybe my heart with it too lol. The ending has my mind reeling and a hunger for the next book.
January 5, 2025
A best friend's sister romance, Ren and Scarlett had an affection that transcended the years, but they were unable to be together. Stolen moments, sizzling chemistry, this story follows both their love story, with twists, and the unveiling of Ren's secrets that not only drove his actions but also kept him away.
As much as I wanted to love this story -- as I liked the others in this world -- it wasn't for me. I found the writing style and plot inordinately and tangibly slow to progress, a pace that wasn't called for, rather, forcibly intended. I felt the premise of the story, however, great as well as the characters. It simply didn't hold my attention.
As much as I wanted to love this story -- as I liked the others in this world -- it wasn't for me. I found the writing style and plot inordinately and tangibly slow to progress, a pace that wasn't called for, rather, forcibly intended. I felt the premise of the story, however, great as well as the characters. It simply didn't hold my attention.
December 9, 2023
No he podido terminarlo.
Llevaba un tercio del libro y no me enganchaba.
Los encuentros entre los protagonistas eran extensos, pero el resto de la historia sucedía demasiado deprisa, casi como si no importara nada más.
Ojalá me hubiera atrapado.
Llevaba un tercio del libro y no me enganchaba.
Los encuentros entre los protagonistas eran extensos, pero el resto de la historia sucedía demasiado deprisa, casi como si no importara nada más.
Ojalá me hubiera atrapado.
January 25, 2023
Brothers ex best friend
Enemies to lovers
Secrete relationship
Kidnapping
Touch her and die
Im sitting here hand over mouth taking in everything i just read in this book… talk about an author keeping you on your toes this book was “crazy” good! Young love happens between Ren and Scarlett but this book is so much more then a romance the twist and mind games it throws your way has you wondering if you really even know whats going on!
I love the fact it had smut, action and was packed full of some of my favorite tropes. It does end on a cliffhanger but holy heck what a ride!!
GO READ THIS!!!!
Enemies to lovers
Secrete relationship
Kidnapping
Touch her and die
Im sitting here hand over mouth taking in everything i just read in this book… talk about an author keeping you on your toes this book was “crazy” good! Young love happens between Ren and Scarlett but this book is so much more then a romance the twist and mind games it throws your way has you wondering if you really even know whats going on!
I love the fact it had smut, action and was packed full of some of my favorite tropes. It does end on a cliffhanger but holy heck what a ride!!
GO READ THIS!!!!
February 26, 2023
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4 / 5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Ren
Heroine : Scarlet
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 5/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Overall Opinion :
I have been waiting for this book for so long!! Ren and scarlet have been the side characters in other books of these authors and there was some buildup for their own story and I immediately caught up to that lmao.
When I got this one on my Kindle , I read it immediately and It was good! We got to meet our favorite mafia characters again and a lot of characters from Corium University too ❤️ I liked it a lot!
Definitely recommending this one to one to all the dark romance loving people out there.
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June 8, 2023
I’m beyond obsessed with this book.
It’s dark, thrilling, heartbreaking and spicyyyyy 🔥
I cannot wait for book 2! My mind is filled with questions and I need answers ASAP!
It’s dark, thrilling, heartbreaking and spicyyyyy 🔥
I cannot wait for book 2! My mind is filled with questions and I need answers ASAP!
February 8, 2023
*RECEIVED FREE ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
HOLY MOLY WHAT DID I JUST READ!!
Did I read this book in one go??
Yes
Ren and Scarlet have NOTHING on the other couples!
Don't get me wrong, I love Quinton and Aspen, but Ren and Scarlet were different.
I have loved Ren and Scarlet since the first book and am so happy that their book is out.
Scarlet has been in love with Ren since she was a child.
She is Rossi after all and she will never stop until he is hers.
When Scarlet finally gets her chance, things don't work out.
Ren is on the run, he is on a mission and that includes betraying the Rossi family.
Scarlet was in shock and trying to move on but she couldn't forget him. She loves him and wants to believe that Ren will come back. Even if it has been 2 years! Her emotions and feelings are all over the place, she is torn by her feelings for her family and Ren.
Ren is no longer the same person he was, he is fighting his past and will do anything to succeed in his mission. However, the only thing on his mind is Scarlet.
I have no words to describe this book, without giving spoilers.
It is super dark, dramatic and a complete mind game! Every chapter is a new challenge that is confusing but needs to be solved.
I have to say the book was quite concerning and then the biggest plot twist happens!!!
I need the next book!! I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
HOLY MOLY WHAT DID I JUST READ!!
Did I read this book in one go??
Yes
Ren and Scarlet have NOTHING on the other couples!
Don't get me wrong, I love Quinton and Aspen, but Ren and Scarlet were different.
I have loved Ren and Scarlet since the first book and am so happy that their book is out.
Scarlet has been in love with Ren since she was a child.
She is Rossi after all and she will never stop until he is hers.
When Scarlet finally gets her chance, things don't work out.
Ren is on the run, he is on a mission and that includes betraying the Rossi family.
Scarlet was in shock and trying to move on but she couldn't forget him. She loves him and wants to believe that Ren will come back. Even if it has been 2 years! Her emotions and feelings are all over the place, she is torn by her feelings for her family and Ren.
Ren is no longer the same person he was, he is fighting his past and will do anything to succeed in his mission. However, the only thing on his mind is Scarlet.
I have no words to describe this book, without giving spoilers.
It is super dark, dramatic and a complete mind game! Every chapter is a new challenge that is confusing but needs to be solved.
I have to say the book was quite concerning and then the biggest plot twist happens!!!
I need the next book!! I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
March 17, 2023
DNF 30%
This felt like I was dropped in the middle of an ongoing story but going into it nothing led me to believe this was part of an ongoing series. Lo an behold this is part of the King of Corium world, a book series I have not read.
Now I've read plenty of other books by other authors out of order within the same world. But those books still managed to explain the characters, the world and relevant events that had previously transpired, without assuming prior knowledge.
Instead Touch of Hate hit me with multiple names, relationships and past events with little to no explanation on how they fit in with the current story.
Maybe one day if I read King or Corium I might revisit Touch or Hate but I kind of doubt it.
Between unnatural dialog and the over-telling of the FMC (literally can't even remember her name) thoughts and movements. I think this one might not be for me.
This felt like I was dropped in the middle of an ongoing story but going into it nothing led me to believe this was part of an ongoing series. Lo an behold this is part of the King of Corium world, a book series I have not read.
Now I've read plenty of other books by other authors out of order within the same world. But those books still managed to explain the characters, the world and relevant events that had previously transpired, without assuming prior knowledge.
Instead Touch of Hate hit me with multiple names, relationships and past events with little to no explanation on how they fit in with the current story.
Maybe one day if I read King or Corium I might revisit Touch or Hate but I kind of doubt it.
Between unnatural dialog and the over-telling of the FMC (literally can't even remember her name) thoughts and movements. I think this one might not be for me.
January 28, 2023
Touch of Hate by C Hallman & JL Beck. This is the story of Ren and Scarlet. In addition, this is part of the Corium University series. Ren when they where younger was Quinton's best friend. This is were Scarlet around 12 started to have her crush on Ren. But as we read in the previous book 'Reign of Freedom' Ren was a hard person to like with his dark actions. This book has Scarlet learning more of what her rose color glasses seem to hide from her towards Ren. This book does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment.
March 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It’s Ren and Scarlet’s story. For it all to make sense, I suggest reading books 1-5 of The Corium University series. There’s some characters that appear in this book that were in previous stories. It might be confusing if you didn’t read the others first.
I’m glad we get to find out more about Ren, his life, and the things he’s been through. I was actually surprised by that ending. I didn’t see it coming. It makes me question even more things. I can’t wait for book 2!
I’m glad we get to find out more about Ren, his life, and the things he’s been through. I was actually surprised by that ending. I didn’t see it coming. It makes me question even more things. I can’t wait for book 2!
June 1, 2024
Oooh definitely will be getting the second part, such a sucker for DID/trauma.
October 23, 2024
Hmmm not what I expected but quite good
January 24, 2023
5⭐ 3🌶️
“Ren isn’t the villain. He isn’t. He can’t be, not when he’s played the knight in every memory and thought I’ve ever had about him.”
This was a heartracing, wild, unexpected ride. I had zero expectations for Ren’s redemption after the end of Reign of Freedom and throughout the previous series as a whole, Ren really just hasn’t been my favorite. But Cassy and Josi did what they do and while I still have endless questions, Ren certainly has grown on me and I love him and Scarlet’s story. I absolutely cannot wait for book two to see how it all plays out.
I really appreciated that we got some overlap in the timeline, going back to events that happened in Reign of Freedom, but from Scarlet and Ren’s perspectives. We are then gifted with some time jumps and we get to see just how much Ren’s disappearance has weighed on Scarlet and himself over the years. Honestly, it broke my heart and that was before we even got to the good stuff.
While I had reservations about both of them, I was pleasantly surprised to really enjoy both these MMCs. Scarlet is intelligent, resilient, and resourceful and while her age makes her naive at times, despite growing up in a mafia family, she still really grew on me throughout the book. Ren has such a soft spot for Scarlet and watching him look out for her and pine after her for years really had my heart swelling. I loved the tender moments that these two shared, as well as the dark draw they had toward one another, even when Ren’s possessive side let loose.
We slowly got a whole lot of answers here as to why Ren has acted the way he has and what his endgame is, but we’re still left with a whole lot of questions. Scarlet is right by his side throughout his plot for revenge, even when she starts to realize that things aren’t quite right. This ended in utter chaos with a huge reveal that left my mouth gaping even though I had my suspicions around halfway through. I can’t wait to see how the big twist plays into the rest of this story and in the meantime, I’ll be here with all my thoughts waiting (im)patiently for the conclusion to this duet.
“Ren isn’t the villain. He isn’t. He can’t be, not when he’s played the knight in every memory and thought I’ve ever had about him.”
This was a heartracing, wild, unexpected ride. I had zero expectations for Ren’s redemption after the end of Reign of Freedom and throughout the previous series as a whole, Ren really just hasn’t been my favorite. But Cassy and Josi did what they do and while I still have endless questions, Ren certainly has grown on me and I love him and Scarlet’s story. I absolutely cannot wait for book two to see how it all plays out.
I really appreciated that we got some overlap in the timeline, going back to events that happened in Reign of Freedom, but from Scarlet and Ren’s perspectives. We are then gifted with some time jumps and we get to see just how much Ren’s disappearance has weighed on Scarlet and himself over the years. Honestly, it broke my heart and that was before we even got to the good stuff.
While I had reservations about both of them, I was pleasantly surprised to really enjoy both these MMCs. Scarlet is intelligent, resilient, and resourceful and while her age makes her naive at times, despite growing up in a mafia family, she still really grew on me throughout the book. Ren has such a soft spot for Scarlet and watching him look out for her and pine after her for years really had my heart swelling. I loved the tender moments that these two shared, as well as the dark draw they had toward one another, even when Ren’s possessive side let loose.
We slowly got a whole lot of answers here as to why Ren has acted the way he has and what his endgame is, but we’re still left with a whole lot of questions. Scarlet is right by his side throughout his plot for revenge, even when she starts to realize that things aren’t quite right. This ended in utter chaos with a huge reveal that left my mouth gaping even though I had my suspicions around halfway through. I can’t wait to see how the big twist plays into the rest of this story and in the meantime, I’ll be here with all my thoughts waiting (im)patiently for the conclusion to this duet.
October 20, 2024
4.5 stars! I was totally not expecting this!
A Touch of Hate is the first part of a duet set in the Corium University world and technically can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the previous books for a better comprehension of the background and architecture of the liasons, relationships and the events that brought us right here.
This is Ren and Scarlet's book, a very convoluted story about how it started, developed, strengthened and in the name of the deepest love will see its ties severed, even if temporarily. It's about connection, separation, fleeting trysts in the name of a promise, a long absence to get everything in place for the cause and to get the other half and the ultimate reconnection that will seal their love forever and how the cicle repeats itself, this time, for the unique cause ot saving someone form itself and find that place where their love will survive with no threats or mistrust.
The narrative flows steady, direct and furiously, even if at a slower pace, with a more intimate plotline and focused on character building as it had to be for the simple fact of where it leads. Scarlet was a surprise since I always saw her as soul aware of the family she was part of but pretty much untouched by its seedy side. People might think she cowered at times, for me, she was giving the benefit of the doubt to the boy, now man, she knew would always belong to and would belong to her as well.
We might think that the cause and its foreseen attack would be the central point of this tale along with Scarlet and Ren as a couple after what he did, but IMO, those were just fireworks (despite the reality of Ren's past) to take us where it really mattered, to Ren's 'complex' character and how Scarlet dealt with it. A very interesting twist, that I started to suspect after they went to Reno and saw confirmed at the end of this first installment.
Ingenious, smart and totally unexpected! I had wondered about Ren lots of times, but never in my imagination would I have gone there.
I don't know what we're going to get in the sencond half of the story but I am anxiously waiting to see how everything unfolds for them!
July 7, 2025
Dark, addictive, and emotionally intense.
Touch of Hate delivers a twisted, high-stakes romance that will keep readers glued to the pages. C. Hallman and J.L. Beck craft a gripping enemies-to-lovers tale filled with secrets, obsession, and emotional warfare. The chemistry between the main characters is explosive, and their love-hate dynamic is both maddening and magnetic.
The writing is engaging, the tension is thick, and the darker elements are handled with the kind of raw, unapologetic tone that fans of dark romance crave. The story dives deep into themes of control, trust, and survival, and while some scenes are hard to read emotionally, they serve to strengthen the narrative.
A few pacing issues and character decisions may frustrate readers at times, but overall, the book succeeds in what it sets out to do: deliver a deeply emotional, edgy romance that walks the line between pain and passion.
Perfect for readers who love dark, dangerous love stories with complicated pasts and even more complicated hearts.
Touch of Hate delivers a twisted, high-stakes romance that will keep readers glued to the pages. C. Hallman and J.L. Beck craft a gripping enemies-to-lovers tale filled with secrets, obsession, and emotional warfare. The chemistry between the main characters is explosive, and their love-hate dynamic is both maddening and magnetic.
The writing is engaging, the tension is thick, and the darker elements are handled with the kind of raw, unapologetic tone that fans of dark romance crave. The story dives deep into themes of control, trust, and survival, and while some scenes are hard to read emotionally, they serve to strengthen the narrative.
A few pacing issues and character decisions may frustrate readers at times, but overall, the book succeeds in what it sets out to do: deliver a deeply emotional, edgy romance that walks the line between pain and passion.
Perfect for readers who love dark, dangerous love stories with complicated pasts and even more complicated hearts.
January 23, 2023
I could not put this dang book down. I have loved every book set in the world this stems from and this one did not disappoint. I was always curious about Ren in the other books, and I loved Scarlet in the previous ones as well. Going into this knowing they were the stars of the show had me absolutely giddy.
Finding out what made Ren tick propelled me through this and seeing how he was with Scarlet made my heart squeeze in so much anticipation.
The ending though. Mind blowing.
This book DOES end on a cliffhanger! And I absolutely CAN NOT wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finding out what made Ren tick propelled me through this and seeing how he was with Scarlet made my heart squeeze in so much anticipation.
The ending though. Mind blowing.
This book DOES end on a cliffhanger! And I absolutely CAN NOT wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Bleeding Heart Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
Nothing I can say will adequately prepare you for Ren and Scarlet's story, so just take a deep breath and dive in! I will tell you that you can expect an abundance of raw emotion, juicy drama, sultry heat, taut tension, and tantalizing twists will have you glued to the pages and gasping for breath. There is a cliffy and a desperate craving for book two looming in your future. I am electing to post a forthright review.
January 25, 2023
Wow this book was a ride. Ren and Scarlett’s story was so good and kept me guessing the entire time. This book went in a direction I did not expect and I loved every page. This book has a great kind of recap in the start of this book that you can follow the story of you have not read the first 5 books. However this entire series is fantastic and I highly recommend them all. This also had great spice that I loved!
January 26, 2023
4/ 5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Let’s see, this book took me on a trip. If I’m being honest Scarlet drove me nuts in the beginning. 2 years later she is still crying and hoping he’s watching. Ren on the other hand is unhinged. This book was intense for lack of better terms and I am interested to see what happens next. A great obsessive, stalker(ish) mafia romance.
2/5🌶️
Let’s see, this book took me on a trip. If I’m being honest Scarlet drove me nuts in the beginning. 2 years later she is still crying and hoping he’s watching. Ren on the other hand is unhinged. This book was intense for lack of better terms and I am interested to see what happens next. A great obsessive, stalker(ish) mafia romance.
February 5, 2023
Mixed Emotions
I am a bit disappointed with this story. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the characters, but the pace of the book was drawn out until fifty to sixty percent of the book. I immensely enjoyed the second half of the book when more of Ren's background was shared and his dark side was revealed. This added a twist to Scarlett and Ren's story.
Am I going to read part 2 of this duet? Hell yeah!!
I'm too invested in Scarlett and Ren's dark love affair.
I am a bit disappointed with this story. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the characters, but the pace of the book was drawn out until fifty to sixty percent of the book. I immensely enjoyed the second half of the book when more of Ren's background was shared and his dark side was revealed. This added a twist to Scarlett and Ren's story.
Am I going to read part 2 of this duet? Hell yeah!!
I'm too invested in Scarlett and Ren's dark love affair.
October 21, 2024
I have read books from this author before, and I don't think any of them has been as deep, twisted, dark, mind-blowing, and shocking as this was. Ren is a mess. One minute, he is nice and loving. The next, he is a full-fledged maniac. I could really sense the fear Scarlet felt, but also the joy she felt. I am just blown away by this storyline, and I really can't wait for the next part. The cliffhanger was just wow! This is a definite must-read.
February 8, 2023
What the….?
This book was such a trip for me. I think in order you understand some things, I should have repeat some other books first but I still managed alright. It was a tough read though. I spent a lot of time frustrated with the FMC but then in the final chapters, things started to make more and more sense. And then the cliffhanger had me going “omfg.”
This book was such a trip for me. I think in order you understand some things, I should have repeat some other books first but I still managed alright. It was a tough read though. I spent a lot of time frustrated with the FMC but then in the final chapters, things started to make more and more sense. And then the cliffhanger had me going “omfg.”
February 11, 2023
absolutely loved this book, The tension was overwhelming in a good way. I found myself holding my breath a lot of the time. Dark, twisty, slower paced then usual but with purpose for the tension I'm sure! Definitely recommend, read it in one sitting!
April 1, 2023
Almost DNF'd this so many times. This was a huge let down. I guessed the twist right away. The authors butchered the characters big time!!! Didn't enjoy either characters or the story. Horrible horrible horrible.
April 29, 2024
DNF @30% - unfortunately, i just don't care... there was also a time jump of 2 years from the beginning and not sure about that.
-included in the Audible Plus category until May 3rd, 2024 if you are interested
-included in the Audible Plus category until May 3rd, 2024 if you are interested
February 1, 2023
Man, I just gobble up any story these authors write. Loved it.
January 25, 2023
Love this series
Love the Rossis
Omg that ending i had a feeling
Ren and Scarlets intense emotional broken heartstopping forbidden love story
All the feels
Ready for Touch of Chaos
Gimme
Love the Rossis
Omg that ending i had a feeling
Ren and Scarlets intense emotional broken heartstopping forbidden love story
All the feels
Ready for Touch of Chaos
Gimme
January 28, 2023
Should have DNF. One of the most stupid heroines ever. how you gonna defend and fall in love with the guy that had your SIL r@ped? be fr.
April 10, 2024
Ren and Scarlet's story is only just beginning...I will say before reading this duet I would strongly recommend the Corium Series first. You are going to meet our main characters as background characters there. Truthfully, I don't feel there was anything specific that would need to be known, but mostly because this is a forward moving story line. This book will however give spoilers for that series.
As for this story...I was on the edge of my seat towards the end and it left me with a HUGE PLOT PAUSE. Luckily book two is out and available so I am diving right it.
Ren is/was Scarlet's brother's best friend, until something happens. The turn events forces Ren to basically go on the run and live off grid. Scarlet has always loved Ren and is incredibly hurt that he is not longer there. She still has hope that he will return and come back for her.
Ren loves Scarlet, but she was significantly younger than him. He did not want to cross lines and tries to have a moral compass. Even when it's hard. After he leaves, he can't completely walk away from her. Hiding in the shadows, he still watches her. He knows that one day they can finally be together but before that can happen, he has things he needs to do and he knows that her family will never accept him back. But he can't live without her.
This story has a few plot twist, especially at the end. Slow burn, but she does get spicy. Highly recommend. Can't wait to see how this will all play out.
Happy Reading Ya'll!
As for this story...I was on the edge of my seat towards the end and it left me with a HUGE PLOT PAUSE. Luckily book two is out and available so I am diving right it.
Ren is/was Scarlet's brother's best friend, until something happens. The turn events forces Ren to basically go on the run and live off grid. Scarlet has always loved Ren and is incredibly hurt that he is not longer there. She still has hope that he will return and come back for her.
Ren loves Scarlet, but she was significantly younger than him. He did not want to cross lines and tries to have a moral compass. Even when it's hard. After he leaves, he can't completely walk away from her. Hiding in the shadows, he still watches her. He knows that one day they can finally be together but before that can happen, he has things he needs to do and he knows that her family will never accept him back. But he can't live without her.
This story has a few plot twist, especially at the end. Slow burn, but she does get spicy. Highly recommend. Can't wait to see how this will all play out.
Happy Reading Ya'll!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews