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koistyfishy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4 Scream Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
If you're into Dark Romance Stalker books, this book is definitely the book for you!
If you want something that not only scratches the surface of the dark aspects but dives deep, this book is for you!
If you're like me and get turned on by a list of trigger warnings a page long. THIS. IS. THE. BOOK. FOR. YOU!!!!! It's fun, jaw-dropping, panty-ripping, dark and orgasmic that I wanted to inject into my veins. It was one of the first books in a long time I found staying up late to read and is going to leave you feeling really satisfied at the end of reading.
Note: This book can be pretty triggering so if you are sensitive to certain triggers, please go in with caution. This is not an "intro" to Dark Romance. It's IN THERE and some aspects of the book are pretty graphic. So be careful with what you read. Stay safe! Look out for your own mental health.
This is a Dual POV Story that follows Echo and her stalker Declan and I really loved the way this book was structured. You could very distinctly hear the differences in characterisation between the two characters, which I adore! Not once did I feel confused about whose POV I was in. There are a few scenes played out twice, but from the perspective of each character; and I lapped it up, being able to see what each of them was thinking when these scenes were being played out.
Echo was a difficult character for me to understand at the start. She did a couple of things that I didn't fully understand what drove or what motivated her. But through unravelling her story and seeing the journey she has taken to be where she is, explained why she acted the way she did. She's not perfect and she doesn't claim to be, but she's incredibly strong, even if she doesn't always believe it herself. It was utterly heartbreaking to see all the emotional and physical abuse she had to endure.
Declan is very much a wildcard. He is blasé and a badass and knows his way around unaliving people, but the way that he cares for Echo is JUST SO SWEET!!! It was endearing to see how thoughtful, protective and possessive he was while still being a little kinky devil.
This didn't read like a debut. It had a superb balance of plot vs. characterisation and the action and descriptions of things were done really well. It was well-rounded and had a good foundation with writing that was easy to read and get lost in. There was also incredible care put into how the trauma was dealt with for both characters and I loved seeing them heal their demons and fractured parts.
Tropes
▶ He Falls First
▶ Possessive and Dominating MMC who also is also caring and thoughtful
▶ Stalker Romance
▶ Dual POV
▶ Blood Play
▶ Knife Play
▶ Revenge Plot
I was undeniably hooked and completely sucked into the world of Havok Hills. I cannot wait to see what else comes out of the mind of H.C Riley because she definitely is an author to watch! I have become her biggest fan and I have to say well done on this book! I wish it every success because it deserves it! I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!!
So many thanks to H.C Riley for the gifted ARC!
All thoughts and feelings in this review are my own
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
If you're into Dark Romance Stalker books, this book is definitely the book for you!
If you want something that not only scratches the surface of the dark aspects but dives deep, this book is for you!
If you're like me and get turned on by a list of trigger warnings a page long. THIS. IS. THE. BOOK. FOR. YOU!!!!! It's fun, jaw-dropping, panty-ripping, dark and orgasmic that I wanted to inject into my veins. It was one of the first books in a long time I found staying up late to read and is going to leave you feeling really satisfied at the end of reading.
Note: This book can be pretty triggering so if you are sensitive to certain triggers, please go in with caution. This is not an "intro" to Dark Romance. It's IN THERE and some aspects of the book are pretty graphic. So be careful with what you read. Stay safe! Look out for your own mental health.
This is a Dual POV Story that follows Echo and her stalker Declan and I really loved the way this book was structured. You could very distinctly hear the differences in characterisation between the two characters, which I adore! Not once did I feel confused about whose POV I was in. There are a few scenes played out twice, but from the perspective of each character; and I lapped it up, being able to see what each of them was thinking when these scenes were being played out.
Echo was a difficult character for me to understand at the start. She did a couple of things that I didn't fully understand what drove or what motivated her. But through unravelling her story and seeing the journey she has taken to be where she is, explained why she acted the way she did. She's not perfect and she doesn't claim to be, but she's incredibly strong, even if she doesn't always believe it herself. It was utterly heartbreaking to see all the emotional and physical abuse she had to endure.
Declan is very much a wildcard. He is blasé and a badass and knows his way around unaliving people, but the way that he cares for Echo is JUST SO SWEET!!! It was endearing to see how thoughtful, protective and possessive he was while still being a little kinky devil.
This didn't read like a debut. It had a superb balance of plot vs. characterisation and the action and descriptions of things were done really well. It was well-rounded and had a good foundation with writing that was easy to read and get lost in. There was also incredible care put into how the trauma was dealt with for both characters and I loved seeing them heal their demons and fractured parts.
Tropes
▶ He Falls First
▶ Possessive and Dominating MMC who also is also caring and thoughtful
▶ Stalker Romance
▶ Dual POV
▶ Blood Play
▶ Knife Play
▶ Revenge Plot
I was undeniably hooked and completely sucked into the world of Havok Hills. I cannot wait to see what else comes out of the mind of H.C Riley because she definitely is an author to watch! I have become her biggest fan and I have to say well done on this book! I wish it every success because it deserves it! I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!!
So many thanks to H.C Riley for the gifted ARC!
All thoughts and feelings in this review are my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Vomit
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