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elena_rosa's review
dark
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? Yes
3.25
tj_darkreads's review against another edition
5.0
This was something different from Mallory she had said it wasn't as dark as she normally writes shoot this book was up there on a fine line for Jaxon he hides a secret between good & evil. Lainey is the only survivor of the "Ripper" 9 year's ago when her and her best friend fell victim to him, and she disappeared only to come back to get the revenge against those responsible. But when she comes back she starts getting letter's either from her killer or the stalker she now realizes she has.
This story took me on a ride of 2 people who definitely need each other. I had to laugh at Lainey sometimes her conversations in her head and with her friends Nola and Sage were to funny. I must warn you though, if you've not read this arthurs book's before there are triggers so check them before reading.
This story took me on a ride of 2 people who definitely need each other. I had to laugh at Lainey sometimes her conversations in her head and with her friends Nola and Sage were to funny. I must warn you though, if you've not read this arthurs book's before there are triggers so check them before reading.
thewitchykitty's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75/5 ⭐️ 2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
Stalker
Serial killer
Enemies to lovers
Revenge plot
Knife play
Blood play
Secret organization
This was a thrilling first book to the Villainous Delights series and I’m glad I picked it up. The writing was pretty solid and there were plenty of tense moments to make your heart pound and wonder what’s going to happen next.
I will say that Laine got on my nerves and aggravated me a lot throughout the book. She’s extremely indecisive and makes ignorant decisions that help move the plot along.
I loved Jaxon as a character though. A tortured soul with blood on his hands is exactly what I was looking for when I picked this book up.
I felt like there were some points in the story when it should have slowed down and there were some moments that were unrealistic. I also didn’t really buy into Laine and Jaxon’s chemistry either.
Overall a decent stalker and serial killer novel. I may check out the second book when it releases.
Tropes:
Stalker
Serial killer
Enemies to lovers
Revenge plot
Knife play
Blood play
Secret organization
This was a thrilling first book to the Villainous Delights series and I’m glad I picked it up. The writing was pretty solid and there were plenty of tense moments to make your heart pound and wonder what’s going to happen next.
I will say that Laine got on my nerves and aggravated me a lot throughout the book. She’s extremely indecisive and makes ignorant decisions that help move the plot along.
I loved Jaxon as a character though. A tortured soul with blood on his hands is exactly what I was looking for when I picked this book up.
I felt like there were some points in the story when it should have slowed down and there were some moments that were unrealistic. I also didn’t really buy into Laine and Jaxon’s chemistry either.
Overall a decent stalker and serial killer novel. I may check out the second book when it releases.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Death, Gun violence, Murder, and Stalking
Moderate: Alcohol and Drug use
Minor: Sexual assault
noellelovesbooks's review
3.25
Content Warnings: sexual content, blood play, violence, gun violence, blood, torture, kidnapping, stalking, murder, mutilation, sexism, classism, toxic relationships, PTSD, and grief.
Mention of: sexual assault, rape, and child abuse.
Ngl the summary pulled me in but as I was reading the summary didn't seem to fit until later in the book. In the beginning she has no idea who the Ripper is, and though she does have some anger towards Jaxon it's for a completely different reason. Might sound weird...but I think I would have enjoyed the book more had the summary been a bit more accurate and didn't spoil a big part of the book 🤷🏽♀️
Individually I enjoyed getting to know the characters but...I feel like I needed more to show why their love/obsession with each other made sense...especially from Jaxon's POV. Also, when exactly did the Ripper decide he no longer wanted to murder Laine? It seems like he went from wanting to mutilate her to BAM wanting to destroy anyone that touched her...
I still plan to read more from this author and hope to connect better with the characters they write.
Mention of: sexual assault, rape, and child abuse.
Ngl the summary pulled me in but as I was reading the summary didn't seem to fit until later in the book. In the beginning she has no idea who the Ripper is, and though she does have some anger towards Jaxon it's for a completely different reason. Might sound weird...but I think I would have enjoyed the book more had the summary been a bit more accurate and didn't spoil a big part of the book 🤷🏽♀️
Individually I enjoyed getting to know the characters but...I feel like I needed more to show why their love/obsession with each other made sense...especially from Jaxon's POV. Also, when exactly did the Ripper decide he no longer wanted to murder Laine? It seems like he went from wanting to mutilate her to BAM wanting to destroy anyone that touched her...
I still plan to read more from this author and hope to connect better with the characters they write.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Stalking, Classism, Sexual violence, Gun violence, Blood, Murder, Body horror, Sexual content, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Grief, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Rape
jktran_'s review against another edition
3.0
"Don't fall in love with a ripper. Your heart won't survive."
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Format: ARC - ebook
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
-"I love that she's a psycho. I've found myself a twisted little soulmate."
-"If my life is worth anything, killing men who deserve to die is all I have."
-"Because I'm just as full of darkness, and like attracts like."
What I liked about the book:
-Dual POV and you get some flashbacks from both perspectives (I wish there were more!)
-Badass, Asian FMC
-Writing was fast-paced and felt like a quick read
-Plot twists were predictable (Some may say that's a bad thing but I'm a sucker for figuring it out!)
What I disliked about the book:
-I think Laine and Jaxon needed a bit more chemistry. It is obvious Laine knows better but can't help herself when it comes to Jaxon but why? I feel like more background context from their past/more flashbacks would've been nice.
-And a little side note: This was also my first dark romance with a serial killer/stalker. Maybe not my cup of tea but I didn't hate it...? You might love it though!
I recommend From Hell if you like the following tropes:
-Serial killer romance
-Jack The Ripper Retelling (and huge Jekyll & Hyde vibes!)
-Enemies to Lovers
-Billionaire Romance
-Badass FMC (and Asian rep!)
-Possessive MMC
Please check TWs before reading this book!
Thank you Mallory Fox and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC copy of this title!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Format: ARC - ebook
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
-"I love that she's a psycho. I've found myself a twisted little soulmate."
-"If my life is worth anything, killing men who deserve to die is all I have."
-"Because I'm just as full of darkness, and like attracts like."
What I liked about the book:
-Dual POV and you get some flashbacks from both perspectives (I wish there were more!)
-Badass, Asian FMC
-Writing was fast-paced and felt like a quick read
-Plot twists were predictable (Some may say that's a bad thing but I'm a sucker for figuring it out!)
What I disliked about the book:
-I think Laine and Jaxon needed a bit more chemistry. It is obvious Laine knows better but can't help herself when it comes to Jaxon but why? I feel like more background context from their past/more flashbacks would've been nice.
-And a little side note: This was also my first dark romance with a serial killer/stalker. Maybe not my cup of tea but I didn't hate it...? You might love it though!
I recommend From Hell if you like the following tropes:
-Serial killer romance
-Jack The Ripper Retelling (and huge Jekyll & Hyde vibes!)
-Enemies to Lovers
-Billionaire Romance
-Badass FMC (and Asian rep!)
-Possessive MMC
Please check TWs before reading this book!
Thank you Mallory Fox and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC copy of this title!
verozan's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
vivi_reads_writes's review against another edition
2.0
I had no idea what the fuck was happening in this book.
poupimali's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I have a strange feeling after closing this book.
There are many really good ideas and plots, I was hooked and I read this book within 24 hours. So I can assure that the story is good.
And there are as much as inconsistencies.
I cannot tell about the ideas and the plots because of “no spoil” mandatory but sometimes the timeline is blurry, the characters have strange behavior like illogical regarding the situation that they are involved.
Regarding the TW, Jaxon is a killer and a “dedicated” one. So there is a lot of blood, blood play…
The spice is light: 🌶️.5/5
There are many really good ideas and plots, I was hooked and I read this book within 24 hours. So I can assure that the story is good.
And there are as much as inconsistencies.
I cannot tell about the ideas and the plots because of “no spoil” mandatory but sometimes the timeline is blurry, the characters have strange behavior like illogical regarding the situation that they are involved.
Regarding the TW, Jaxon is a killer and a “dedicated” one. So there is a lot of blood, blood play…
The spice is light: 🌶️.5/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Blood, Body horror, Murder, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Stalking, and Gore
Minor: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Death of parent, Vomit, and Sexual assault
foreign_bookstagram's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!! Just Wow!!
This book kept me captivated the whole time, I have read Dark Romance before but I loved this one so much, first because the characters are Morally Grey, respectable to the tropes. It's slow-burn which makes every detail connected to the story without getting out of the main tropes.
"PLEASE READ THE TRIGGERS AND WARNINGS BEFORE READ IT"
Jaxon: Sit down
Me: Yes sir
Laine is not the typical damsel in distress of some dark books where they only show the vulnerable woman. Her past didn't hold her back and I loved that. The details the author considered to make her make sense as a Badass I loved. It is independent and brave and without a doubt, the characters' tension kept me desperate without stopping to read.
Jaxon can take me right now if he wants, I am his :) (Yes I need help) after this book of course.
Maybe some people didn't like that the story was slow, maybe they felt it lacked more details, but I think it was good. Again it's a slow burn, I'm used to reading a lot of Dark romance but this one left me wanting more. No complains. Thank you for this ARC <3
This book kept me captivated the whole time, I have read Dark Romance before but I loved this one so much, first because the characters are Morally Grey, respectable to the tropes. It's slow-burn which makes every detail connected to the story without getting out of the main tropes.
"PLEASE READ THE TRIGGERS AND WARNINGS BEFORE READ IT"
Jaxon: Sit down
Me: Yes sir
Laine is not the typical damsel in distress of some dark books where they only show the vulnerable woman. Her past didn't hold her back and I loved that. The details the author considered to make her make sense as a Badass I loved. It is independent and brave and without a doubt, the characters' tension kept me desperate without stopping to read.
Jaxon can take me right now if he wants, I am his :) (Yes I need help) after this book of course.
Maybe some people didn't like that the story was slow, maybe they felt it lacked more details, but I think it was good. Again it's a slow burn, I'm used to reading a lot of Dark romance but this one left me wanting more. No complains. Thank you for this ARC <3