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betwixt_the_pages's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: morally grey characters bordering on unhinged made for delicious reading; STEAMY STEAMY STEAMY; mind the triggers; watch for some gore; side characters were more "side" than "characters" for me; DEVOURED this read!
Triggers: serial killers; murder; stalking; torture; child abuse and neglect; manipulation and narcissistic behaviour; drug addiction; mental health issues; knife play; blood play; graphic violence.
HUGE thanks to Mallory Fox, Black Jade Publishing, and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC copy of this title! My review of this book is voluntarily written and in no way altered or impacted by this gesture.
"I didn't need rescuing," I declare, tearing my gaze away to reopen my notebook on the right page.
"They don't act like a fucking damsel." His soul-sucking eyes give me one last look before he turns away. Dismissed.
This read. THIS READ! I have read SOME dark romance/dark erotica before...but THIS. This took me to a whole other level, and I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the journey. These characters are deliciously morally grey, believably human while still pushing the limit to how far most people would be willing to go under not-so-ordinary circumstances. Some of the... "secrets"...to who certain characters were and what backstory would unfold was, for myself personally at least, easy to spot from almost the get-go....but Mallory Fox considered all contingencies, and took steps to play with red herrings just enough that by halfway through I was questioning what I THOUGHT I knew from the start.
This journey was wild from beginning to end, fraught with a lucid-dreaming sort of feel. I connected easily with our FMC, Laine. I struggled, unfortunately, to really connect with her two best friends--they felt more like "sides" in the story than the bigger picture they really played, and I had a hard time imagining them beyond the in the moment scenes they played a role in. Still, there were some twists and turns I didn't expect throughout the read. AND THE STEAM. I don't know that a chili-pepper rating could do the steam in this book justice, honestly. That said...please please PLEASE mind the triggers--they're listed above for a reason.
When she's passed out, and her breathing deepens, I tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear and mutter, "Don't fall in love with a ripper. Your heart won't survive."
I don't know who I'm warning, myself or Laine.
I really enjoyed this read and this journey! The characters are wonderfully morally grey; the motivations are believable, though bordering the line; the steam was beyond deviously delicious. I definitely recommend to other dark romance/dark erotica girlies; readers who enjoy some "kinkier" play; and those who love to see the "villain" get the girl (or the guy? the villains get each other?) Please mind the triggers, Penguins...and only read if you're 18+. Do YOU have what it takes to hunt a killer, or will you end up the hunted? Open these pages if you dare to find out!
Quick Reasons: morally grey characters bordering on unhinged made for delicious reading; STEAMY STEAMY STEAMY; mind the triggers; watch for some gore; side characters were more "side" than "characters" for me; DEVOURED this read!
Triggers: serial killers; murder; stalking; torture; child abuse and neglect; manipulation and narcissistic behaviour; drug addiction; mental health issues; knife play; blood play; graphic violence.
HUGE thanks to Mallory Fox, Black Jade Publishing, and Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC copy of this title! My review of this book is voluntarily written and in no way altered or impacted by this gesture.
"I didn't need rescuing," I declare, tearing my gaze away to reopen my notebook on the right page.
"They don't act like a fucking damsel." His soul-sucking eyes give me one last look before he turns away. Dismissed.
This read. THIS READ! I have read SOME dark romance/dark erotica before...but THIS. This took me to a whole other level, and I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the journey. These characters are deliciously morally grey, believably human while still pushing the limit to how far most people would be willing to go under not-so-ordinary circumstances. Some of the... "secrets"...to who certain characters were and what backstory would unfold was, for myself personally at least, easy to spot from almost the get-go....but Mallory Fox considered all contingencies, and took steps to play with red herrings just enough that by halfway through I was questioning what I THOUGHT I knew from the start.
This journey was wild from beginning to end, fraught with a lucid-dreaming sort of feel. I connected easily with our FMC, Laine. I struggled, unfortunately, to really connect with her two best friends--they felt more like "sides" in the story than the bigger picture they really played, and I had a hard time imagining them beyond the in the moment scenes they played a role in. Still, there were some twists and turns I didn't expect throughout the read. AND THE STEAM. I don't know that a chili-pepper rating could do the steam in this book justice, honestly. That said...please please PLEASE mind the triggers--they're listed above for a reason.
When she's passed out, and her breathing deepens, I tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear and mutter, "Don't fall in love with a ripper. Your heart won't survive."
I don't know who I'm warning, myself or Laine.
I really enjoyed this read and this journey! The characters are wonderfully morally grey; the motivations are believable, though bordering the line; the steam was beyond deviously delicious. I definitely recommend to other dark romance/dark erotica girlies; readers who enjoy some "kinkier" play; and those who love to see the "villain" get the girl (or the guy? the villains get each other?) Please mind the triggers, Penguins...and only read if you're 18+. Do YOU have what it takes to hunt a killer, or will you end up the hunted? Open these pages if you dare to find out!
lashaesenpaii's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
elliereadings's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: 2,5☆
⬥︎ Arc Review
⬥︎ You know when you have high expectations for a book and then it turns out to be a disappointment? That's what happened when I read From Hell. When I saw the synopsis I thought I was going to love it, but it fell far short of my expectations
⬥︎ The premise of the book was very good, but its execution wasn't well done in my opinion, not to mention that I managed to guess the "plot" before the middle of the book.
⬥︎ I couldn't connect with the main characters, Laine and Jaxon.
I found Laine a bit irritating and too much of a pushover, and I didn't think she should have gone down the murderous path, because she was very sloppy and if it had been real life she would have been found out in no time.
And Jaxon's only personality trait was to cover up and protect our heroine.
⬥︎ When I read this book, I didn't feel that anxiety of not knowing what was going to happen next, I didn't feel suspense or tension throughout the story. The chemistry that should have existed between the main characters was non-existent. How do you expect me to believe that they were madly in love? I didn't feel any tension between Laine and Jaxon, only moments when he gave her the creeps, and that should have been a sign for her to flee to the mountains xD.
⬥︎ The only thing that saved this book from getting a dnf were the secondary characters, who seemed to have more interesting lives than the main couple.
⬥︎ Still, I want to thank you Valentine PR and the author for providing this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
⬥︎ Arc Review
⬥︎ You know when you have high expectations for a book and then it turns out to be a disappointment? That's what happened when I read From Hell. When I saw the synopsis I thought I was going to love it, but it fell far short of my expectations
⬥︎ The premise of the book was very good, but its execution wasn't well done in my opinion, not to mention that I managed to guess the "plot" before the middle of the book.
⬥︎ I couldn't connect with the main characters, Laine and Jaxon.
I found Laine a bit irritating and too much of a pushover, and I didn't think she should have gone down the murderous path, because she was very sloppy and if it had been real life she would have been found out in no time.
And Jaxon's only personality trait was to cover up and protect our heroine.
⬥︎ When I read this book, I didn't feel that anxiety of not knowing what was going to happen next, I didn't feel suspense or tension throughout the story. The chemistry that should have existed between the main characters was non-existent. How do you expect me to believe that they were madly in love? I didn't feel any tension between Laine and Jaxon, only moments when he gave her the creeps, and that should have been a sign for her to flee to the mountains xD.
⬥︎ The only thing that saved this book from getting a dnf were the secondary characters, who seemed to have more interesting lives than the main couple.
⬥︎ Still, I want to thank you Valentine PR and the author for providing this arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
read_on_reader's review against another edition
4.0
What an intense ride with so many twists that will shred your heart and leave you stunned. After an incident that has left it’s horrible mark on Laine she more determined than ever to never be a victim again and by doing so she is out for vengeance,but what happens when things start to take some twisted detours leaving her shattered and just as twisted? This story kept me on the edge of my seat because I was cheering for Laine and her determination. She was incredibly strong looking for a way out of her own darkness only to be thrown in an even darker situation. Jaxon is an incredibly complicated character that has his own demons that he fights everyday and Laine is someone who has always been on his radar as one he is obsessed with, but there are so many roadblocks and thing that stand in his way. This dark and twisted tale is one that I devoured and loved, but check the trigger warnings before jumping in. This journey will take you on a h3ll of a ride leaving you consumed loving every second and realizing that Laine isn’t a damsel needing to be saved.
billiepariseau's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️
This is a dark romance so make sure you read trigger warnings before embarking on this reading journey.
If you like dark romance, than this is the place to be!! Jaxon, Laine, the Ripper, and bad men. Laine was a victim, a victim who decided she was not going to be a victim forever. So she started the hunt, she became what tried to take her. Men that hurt women, hurt her, hurt her friend, they were going to be the prey for the first time in their lives.
Jaxon does things for the foundation, unspeakable things. Him and Laine went to school together before the Ripper changed her life. Jaxon is back and sees a change in Laine. A change that intrigues him. It brings out the predator side of him.
Two killers, both killing for a purpose. A wild ride. Who knew you’d be rooting for a serial killer??
This is a dark romance so make sure you read trigger warnings before embarking on this reading journey.
If you like dark romance, than this is the place to be!! Jaxon, Laine, the Ripper, and bad men. Laine was a victim, a victim who decided she was not going to be a victim forever. So she started the hunt, she became what tried to take her. Men that hurt women, hurt her, hurt her friend, they were going to be the prey for the first time in their lives.
Jaxon does things for the foundation, unspeakable things. Him and Laine went to school together before the Ripper changed her life. Jaxon is back and sees a change in Laine. A change that intrigues him. It brings out the predator side of him.
Two killers, both killing for a purpose. A wild ride. Who knew you’d be rooting for a serial killer??
dana_loves_books's review against another edition
5.0
From Hell
By Mallory Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 stars
This, oh my goodness y’all, this was my first dark romance book! I don’t even know where to begin! This was a retell of the Jack the Ripper.
I think I have whiplash in the best way possible. This plot had me shocked, I was absolutely glued to the book. I devoured it, completely enthralled from start to finish. I found myself picking my jaw up off the floor a few times.
The main characters Laine and Jaxon they were written so beautifully, sexy, dark and dangerous.
Mallory Fox knocked this one out of the park. This was my first book by her and definitely will not be my last. I am so impressed by her writing she had me coming back for more repeatedly. I could literally feel the words she written, what a feeling.
By Mallory Fox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 stars
This, oh my goodness y’all, this was my first dark romance book! I don’t even know where to begin! This was a retell of the Jack the Ripper.
I think I have whiplash in the best way possible. This plot had me shocked, I was absolutely glued to the book. I devoured it, completely enthralled from start to finish. I found myself picking my jaw up off the floor a few times.
The main characters Laine and Jaxon they were written so beautifully, sexy, dark and dangerous.
Mallory Fox knocked this one out of the park. This was my first book by her and definitely will not be my last. I am so impressed by her writing she had me coming back for more repeatedly. I could literally feel the words she written, what a feeling.
hopeluvsreading's review against another edition
4.0
"It was only a matter of time before he found me. Watching, stalking. But I'm not his prey anymore; I'm his retribution. And I'm going to make him pay."
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice level:
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice level:
sambartley's review against another edition
4.0
His name is Jack... but I'm the real ripper.
My rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Morally grey characters (okay, they are probably dark, dark grey with a little redemption), steeeeeeeamy, lots of trigger warnings, friends to enemies to lovers.
Okay let's get into it. This is a multi POV book that really builds the world around you the deeper you go. This book is DARK, and I have read some steamy erotic chaos before. I LOVE Laine and Jack. That's the sentence. I am not posting any spoilers in this one, but I adore their banter, her strengths, the way he just exists, and gosh the freaking nicknames will always be a micro trope that just gets me. I love nicknames, and I love more when the author is so clever with choosing them.
I really really enjoyed this one, and devoured it in two nights (it would have been one if that pesky job didn't get in the way ;) ) and if you are looking for a dark romance with some dark play, this one is one I would HIGHLY recommend. I loved this book, PLEASE read the trigger warnings, don't read this if you're under 18 for the love of all things good in this world, and have fun little bird.
Massive thanks for Mallory Fox and Valentine PR & Literary Management for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My rating: 4.5/5
Tropes: Morally grey characters (okay, they are probably dark, dark grey with a little redemption), steeeeeeeamy, lots of trigger warnings, friends to enemies to lovers.
Okay let's get into it. This is a multi POV book that really builds the world around you the deeper you go. This book is DARK, and I have read some steamy erotic chaos before. I LOVE Laine and Jack. That's the sentence. I am not posting any spoilers in this one, but I adore their banter, her strengths, the way he just exists, and gosh the freaking nicknames will always be a micro trope that just gets me. I love nicknames, and I love more when the author is so clever with choosing them.
I really really enjoyed this one, and devoured it in two nights (it would have been one if that pesky job didn't get in the way ;) ) and if you are looking for a dark romance with some dark play, this one is one I would HIGHLY recommend. I loved this book, PLEASE read the trigger warnings, don't read this if you're under 18 for the love of all things good in this world, and have fun little bird.
Massive thanks for Mallory Fox and Valentine PR & Literary Management for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.