A review by roksyreads
Depraved by A.J. Merlin

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

After being kidnapped by her stepfather as a child, Sloane will never truly escape the anxiety that plagues her every day. Without her dogs, she believes she’d fall apart—until a masked stalker slides into her room at night, only to bring her pleasure unlike she’s ever known. He’s unhinged, psychotic, and utterly obsessed, and whilst Sloane knows those things should scare her, she can’t help thinking that maybe they aren’t so bad. Not when she’s just as addicted, no matter what it might mean for her sanity or safety. 

This is my first dive into this particular dark romance subgenre, and I have to say I enjoyed it. The mental health aspect was refreshing, if lacking a bit of depth. I do understand comments about Sloane being unrealistic, especially given her background and her willingness to accept Virgil, but frankly, mental health isn't predictable. A person's reactions aren't predictable. The fact is, we are all uniquely flawed as individuals, and that's what makes us interesting; it's what made Sloane and Virgil interesting, and my only real complaint is that we didn't get further insight into both of them. And, frankly, I'd trust a dog's judgement about a person's character long before I'd trust mine. I'm not one for fast-burns, but this provided a pleasant and tantalising escape. Add to that a morally grey MMC who is absolutely ravenous for the curvy, damaged FMC and who wants her as is, it was a fun ride and I definitely want to continue with the series.