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Vallyn Duet #2
Vallyn Unchained
After the devastation that ended book one, Vallyn & her phantom embark on a journey of healing-one that's anything but ordinary.
Through unconventional means, including exposure therapy & a thirst for vengeance, Vallyn takes control of her shattered world. Determined to confront her demons head-on, she chooses to fight her own battles & quiet the chaos within. With her phantom by her side, offering steadfast support, she becomes a force to be reckoned with, vowing to ensure those who hurt her will never harm anyone again.
As the triggers of trauma hit in unexpected moments & vengeance fuels her resolve, challenges to their romance, friendships, & familial bonds are ignited. Stability becomes an elusive goal as Vallyn struggles to discern what's real & who she can trust in the aftermath of trauma.
This book explores the depths of trauma, the complexities of recovery, & the resilience needed to rebuild.
Graphic violence & emotionally intense themes are integral to the story-please read the author's note before diving in.
Through unconventional means, including exposure therapy & a thirst for vengeance, Vallyn takes control of her shattered world. Determined to confront her demons head-on, she chooses to fight her own battles & quiet the chaos within. With her phantom by her side, offering steadfast support, she becomes a force to be reckoned with, vowing to ensure those who hurt her will never harm anyone again.
As the triggers of trauma hit in unexpected moments & vengeance fuels her resolve, challenges to their romance, friendships, & familial bonds are ignited. Stability becomes an elusive goal as Vallyn struggles to discern what's real & who she can trust in the aftermath of trauma.
This book explores the depths of trauma, the complexities of recovery, & the resilience needed to rebuild.
Graphic violence & emotionally intense themes are integral to the story-please read the author's note before diving in.
Unknown Binding
Published May 15, 2025
10 people want to read
About the author
Maelana Nightingale
16 books62 followersBestselling author Maelana Nightingale writes romance that bleeds, breathes, and burns—stories where love is messy, healing is hard, and desire is sacred.
Come for the orgasms, stay for the healing.
Known for weaving raw emotion with realism, her novels span contemporary found-family romances, dark and taboo tales, and romantic fantasy sagas that defy easy labels.
A nurse by trade and storyteller by soul, she brings authenticity to every page—from medical precision to the psychology of trauma and trust. When she’s not writing, she’s usually wrangling one of her five children or navigating her corporate healthcare day job.
Come for the orgasms, stay for the healing.
Known for weaving raw emotion with realism, her novels span contemporary found-family romances, dark and taboo tales, and romantic fantasy sagas that defy easy labels.
A nurse by trade and storyteller by soul, she brings authenticity to every page—from medical precision to the psychology of trauma and trust. When she’s not writing, she’s usually wrangling one of her five children or navigating her corporate healthcare day job.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 27, 2025
This one was rough! The Vallyn Duet is absolutely phenomenal! Everything that she goes through and everything she over comes is remarkable! Her fight, her spirit, her snark are unmatched and her sexy broody man just makes everything better! Sexy, spicy, heart wrenching and full of action. There are twists that you will never see coming and parts that will have you asking yourself… what did I just read? If this doesn’t make you go absolutely feral…. There is something wrong with you!
May 18, 2025
Vallyn Unchained starts off where book one ends. Blake and his crew have rescued Vallyn from her month long capture and unspeakable torture. Blake, Vallyn and the others spend time letting Vallyn get used to being free. Of course, this is a bit of a struggle. Vallyn has many ups and downs but Blake is there through it all. Vallyn learns how to defend herself and they start to find the men that hurt her. Vallyn seeks her vengeance. Throughout all of this, Vallyn heals and learns more about herself.
February 26, 2025
This was the PERFECT part 2 for this duet! The resolution to the semi-cliffhanger at the end of book 1, the detailed journey the characters go through after intense trauma, the way healing happens inwardly, outwardly, and is never completely finished… Maelana approached this SO WELL!
There are similarities to the Cat & Mouse Duet, but the Vallyn Duet’s MMC doesn’t push his stalking into CNC/NC (iykyk) and the trauma recovery is handled with a LOT more depth.
5⭐️4🌶️ *MUST read Vallyn In Chains first*
***CHECK CW/TW - this is heavy stuff!!!***
As always Mae, thanks for trusting me as an Alpha reader & valuing my feedback. You are an incredibly talented author!
There are similarities to the Cat & Mouse Duet, but the Vallyn Duet’s MMC doesn’t push his stalking into CNC/NC (iykyk) and the trauma recovery is handled with a LOT more depth.
5⭐️4🌶️ *MUST read Vallyn In Chains first*
***CHECK CW/TW - this is heavy stuff!!!***
As always Mae, thanks for trusting me as an Alpha reader & valuing my feedback. You are an incredibly talented author!
May 22, 2025
When I say these characters have a special place in my heart!!! They had me up at 2:00 in the morning crying reading this book! It is definitely worth the time to read!!! It’s at the top of my favs!!!!
October 29, 2025
absolutely feral
Vallyn Unchained completely wrecked me in the best way. After everything they went through, finally seeing their bond deepen and evolve hit all the right emotional notes. He’s still the dark, dangerous protector… but this time, there’s vulnerability beneath it, and that made me love him even more.
She’s stronger here too, stepping into her own power while still holding onto the pieces of her that made her human. Together, they’re chaos and comfort all at once.
This book was tension, emotion, and redemption woven perfectly together… and that ending? Absolutely feral. I was clinging to every page and now I’m just sitting here needing more.
Vallyn Unchained completely wrecked me in the best way. After everything they went through, finally seeing their bond deepen and evolve hit all the right emotional notes. He’s still the dark, dangerous protector… but this time, there’s vulnerability beneath it, and that made me love him even more.
She’s stronger here too, stepping into her own power while still holding onto the pieces of her that made her human. Together, they’re chaos and comfort all at once.
This book was tension, emotion, and redemption woven perfectly together… and that ending? Absolutely feral. I was clinging to every page and now I’m just sitting here needing more.
May 4, 2025
-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I honestly feel this one has me in a chokehold and I will be thinking about this for long time. I love that this starts where the first book ended and not hours or days later. This will make you feel everything, I cried so damn much reading this. The MFC broke my heart but also made me so fcking proud of her and happy FOR her. This is a very deep deep read, make sure to read the TW before reading. But if those warnings are okay then trust me you will love this just as much as I did.
I honestly feel this one has me in a chokehold and I will be thinking about this for long time. I love that this starts where the first book ended and not hours or days later. This will make you feel everything, I cried so damn much reading this. The MFC broke my heart but also made me so fcking proud of her and happy FOR her. This is a very deep deep read, make sure to read the TW before reading. But if those warnings are okay then trust me you will love this just as much as I did.
April 16, 2025
I just want to say that Maelana did an incredible job with this duet series. The books pulled me in and made feel so many emotions. I love the dynamic between vallyn and Blake. This book is about recovery and putting pieces back together. It’s about how trauma can sometimes change who you are and how the people around you might not change with you and that’s okay. Maelana writes the trauma amazingly.
May 15, 2025
This book is truly amazing! Maelana honestly outdid herself with not only this book, but the duet as a whole, and it is one that will stay with me for a long time. It’s powerful, gut-wrenching at times, and had me crying multiple times while reading it. Vallyn’s journey to healing is definitely not easy, and there are for sure some twists along the way. But the way Blake and all her friends support her is amazing. I will forever recommend this duet and this author to anyone I can!!
April 9, 2025
This is book two in the series. I loved how the two connected and the flow of POV as week as how when the pov changed it recaps the previous one from the new perspective it helped to really be able to get into what the characters were thinking and you understand how trauma like this can affect ppl. I can tell there was plenty of research that went into it and definitely loved this book. Just be sure to check triggers as the trauma in this can be triggering for some
May 10, 2025
Equal parts inspiring and sexy!
Vallyn hasn't always had it easy but she's actually a lot stronger and braver than she gives herself credit for.
Her Phantom is always there, hiding in the shadows, to remind her of that.
I love it when a book has all this and yet still gives your plenty of twists and turns that will leave you emotionally damaged with whiplash!
Vallyn hasn't always had it easy but she's actually a lot stronger and braver than she gives herself credit for.
Her Phantom is always there, hiding in the shadows, to remind her of that.
I love it when a book has all this and yet still gives your plenty of twists and turns that will leave you emotionally damaged with whiplash!
May 15, 2025
I think all I can say is Holy S***!!!! book two is just as amazing as book one and I feel like that's really hard to do when your subject matter is as dark as this but Maelana did a fantastic job!!!!
I absolutely loved the fact that it picked up right where book one left off and there wasn't a time jump.
The Phantoms patience with Vallyn just solidified him as a top tier book boyfriend even further.
The last 20% had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I was not expecting one of the twists at all!
if I could give it 10 stars I would because I ate it up!
I absolutely loved the fact that it picked up right where book one left off and there wasn't a time jump.
The Phantoms patience with Vallyn just solidified him as a top tier book boyfriend even further.
The last 20% had me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I was not expecting one of the twists at all!
if I could give it 10 stars I would because I ate it up!
October 4, 2025
I love how this book picks up right where book one stops. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book. I'm ecstatic that it all ended like it did.
May 18, 2025
Amazing conclusion for Vallyn and Blake’s story. It does cover some dark topics so make sure you check the trigger warnings before reading. The way Maelana portrays Vallyn’s struggle with everything she went through and how she dealt with it was beautifully done. I love how supportive Blake was with her healing, letting her choose how she wants to do things. We start where the previous book ends, Vallyn is saved from her captors, but still has a lot of trauma to heal from mentally. It is a heartbreaking story, make sure you have tissues handy. I would definitely recommend this duet.
April 4, 2025
Blake found Vallyn, she’s back home, but the story is only beginning. Vallyn Unchained deals with the aftermath of her abduction and discusses PTSD, trauma, and adult relationships in a very real way. After the last 1/3 of Vallyn in Chains, I really needed this and the conclusion we were given. This duet is dark romance but it also has brutally explicit non-con scenes with the FMC and her abductors. I just FELT for Blake and Vallyn so hard as they navigated post abduction life around her friends and family. Shouldering the social expectation burdens while just trying to survive was captured perfectly.
I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 18, 2025
I really appreciate when authors do due diligence to include heavier themes of life circumstance and while writing a work of fiction, hold respect and care in the themes they write. Maelana has done just that with this second book.
We pick up right where we left off with Vallyn and Blakes journey in the aftermath of trauma. I appreciated that time and consideration was given to her healing journey both within herself and her relationships. Blakes emotional insight into offering choice and control throughout makes him so lovable and top book boyfriend material. Most MMCs would go into rage spirals without consideration for what that would do, and his ability to back up and support Vallyn in the ways needed....beautiful and intensified our connection to them. I don't think I'll look at teddy bears the same, either!
Check your trigger warnings and ensure you are ready for this road to recovery. It's a beautiful ending to a wonderful story!
We pick up right where we left off with Vallyn and Blakes journey in the aftermath of trauma. I appreciated that time and consideration was given to her healing journey both within herself and her relationships. Blakes emotional insight into offering choice and control throughout makes him so lovable and top book boyfriend material. Most MMCs would go into rage spirals without consideration for what that would do, and his ability to back up and support Vallyn in the ways needed....beautiful and intensified our connection to them. I don't think I'll look at teddy bears the same, either!
Check your trigger warnings and ensure you are ready for this road to recovery. It's a beautiful ending to a wonderful story!
September 3, 2025
Darkest Romance - check
SA Trauma Manual - check (No offense to practicing mental health professionals)
Rage Manifestation - check
(This one will remain with me indefinitely) Spice fueled by Rage, Release, and Trust - check
An FMC all of us can relate to, in one way or more - check
An MMC that will give anything, literally himself - check
A friend circle that you will wish you had - check
A story line that felt complete, wholesome, satisfying - check
Little things along the way that will remain in memory - check
Maelana has crafted a masterpiece sequel to the explosive book one that already left me reeling, crying, and feeling for our FMC. The author takes us through stages of trauma without getting clinical or explicitly mentioning clichés and terms that are often misunderstood. She SHOWS us what trauma is beneath the layers, and how a romantic relationship that goes beyond skin and dark romance helps heal her. I love how the author has compiled a recovery pattern that includes romance, friendship, family, rage (yes), and required release. It eventually results in a catharsis that feels more like a psychological orgasm than a physical one!
Every character introduced is relevant and well-rounded - I love how the author did not rush or "smooth over" characters and their parts in the storyline.
The world-building: I can't praise the author enough for this. Whether it's residences or places of torture, the surroundings and context are described thoroughly enough to immerse you in the story.
Little details matter, and we all know that. From choosing underwear to elaborate setups for the thrilling climax (I'm really trying not to spoil anything lol!) - the author has paid close attention to detail. What this did for me was I was walking with Vallyn all along, never losing track of what was happening, which let me feel her surroundings and emotions.
Romance and spice: it’s a slow burn to get spicy, but trust me - it’s worth the wait. When it hits, you won't be able to feel your feet. Romance is the main theme as the MMC and FMC heal together. I loved this in the book - from happy moments to life-threatening trauma and back to happiness and contentment, romance makes it all possible. I also appreciate how the author avoids the typical portrayal of deep bonds between a traumatized person and a struggling one. Mae, take a bow!
The books must be read in order—to fully immerse yourself in the heart-wrenching, soul-filling race to the ending that will leave your heart pounding. Not just out of love for the characters and the plot, but for the way the story is told. I really hope this gets made into a movie—I’ve been imagining it all along.
So, pick up book one first, and you will not regret reading one of the most passionately told stories ever. In my mind, the words of Maelana Nightingale are the winner, and I imagine the characters standing around, admiring her and thanking her for telling their story.
SA Trauma Manual - check (No offense to practicing mental health professionals)
Rage Manifestation - check
(This one will remain with me indefinitely) Spice fueled by Rage, Release, and Trust - check
An FMC all of us can relate to, in one way or more - check
An MMC that will give anything, literally himself - check
A friend circle that you will wish you had - check
A story line that felt complete, wholesome, satisfying - check
Little things along the way that will remain in memory - check
Maelana has crafted a masterpiece sequel to the explosive book one that already left me reeling, crying, and feeling for our FMC. The author takes us through stages of trauma without getting clinical or explicitly mentioning clichés and terms that are often misunderstood. She SHOWS us what trauma is beneath the layers, and how a romantic relationship that goes beyond skin and dark romance helps heal her. I love how the author has compiled a recovery pattern that includes romance, friendship, family, rage (yes), and required release. It eventually results in a catharsis that feels more like a psychological orgasm than a physical one!
Every character introduced is relevant and well-rounded - I love how the author did not rush or "smooth over" characters and their parts in the storyline.
The world-building: I can't praise the author enough for this. Whether it's residences or places of torture, the surroundings and context are described thoroughly enough to immerse you in the story.
Little details matter, and we all know that. From choosing underwear to elaborate setups for the thrilling climax (I'm really trying not to spoil anything lol!) - the author has paid close attention to detail. What this did for me was I was walking with Vallyn all along, never losing track of what was happening, which let me feel her surroundings and emotions.
Romance and spice: it’s a slow burn to get spicy, but trust me - it’s worth the wait. When it hits, you won't be able to feel your feet. Romance is the main theme as the MMC and FMC heal together. I loved this in the book - from happy moments to life-threatening trauma and back to happiness and contentment, romance makes it all possible. I also appreciate how the author avoids the typical portrayal of deep bonds between a traumatized person and a struggling one. Mae, take a bow!
The books must be read in order—to fully immerse yourself in the heart-wrenching, soul-filling race to the ending that will leave your heart pounding. Not just out of love for the characters and the plot, but for the way the story is told. I really hope this gets made into a movie—I’ve been imagining it all along.
So, pick up book one first, and you will not regret reading one of the most passionately told stories ever. In my mind, the words of Maelana Nightingale are the winner, and I imagine the characters standing around, admiring her and thanking her for telling their story.
May 6, 2025
*Review may contain spoilers for the first book in the Duet*
This book starts off exactly where Vallyn In Chains left us, but we get to see the ending from Blake's POV. I really enjoyed this because it was like getting a behind-the-scenes look into what was going on in the background since the ending of book one was told from Vallyn's POV. This shows us how Blake was coping with Vallyn missing and everything he was doing to find her.
We still get dual POV's in this second book. I adore Vallyn and Blake together. Their relationship is a little rocky due to everything that Vallyn had gone through. The relationship had to take a step back for Vallyn to work through her trauma with Blake's help.
You could definitely tell that the author had completed a lot of research into mental health and trauma healing before writing this one, because it felt so real. Every panic attack and trigger Vallyn dealt with made my heart break for her. There were many times that I got teary-eyed.
Blake was going through his own trauma due to feeling so much guilt for not being able to protect Vallyn. He put on a great front for her by staying strong in her presence, but relied heavily on his friend group to help him cope.
Gage is a great friend! He basically put his life on hold while helping Blake & Vallyn. We even get a chapter from his POV!
Throughout this process, Blake & Vallyn had meshed their friend groups together, and they became even closer. Even though Blake & Vallyn were the main plot to the story, we do get to see what is going on in their friends' lives/their relationships.
Please read your triggers before picking this one up! They are a bit different in this book than the first!
This book starts off exactly where Vallyn In Chains left us, but we get to see the ending from Blake's POV. I really enjoyed this because it was like getting a behind-the-scenes look into what was going on in the background since the ending of book one was told from Vallyn's POV. This shows us how Blake was coping with Vallyn missing and everything he was doing to find her.
We still get dual POV's in this second book. I adore Vallyn and Blake together. Their relationship is a little rocky due to everything that Vallyn had gone through. The relationship had to take a step back for Vallyn to work through her trauma with Blake's help.
You could definitely tell that the author had completed a lot of research into mental health and trauma healing before writing this one, because it felt so real. Every panic attack and trigger Vallyn dealt with made my heart break for her. There were many times that I got teary-eyed.
Blake was going through his own trauma due to feeling so much guilt for not being able to protect Vallyn. He put on a great front for her by staying strong in her presence, but relied heavily on his friend group to help him cope.
Gage is a great friend! He basically put his life on hold while helping Blake & Vallyn. We even get a chapter from his POV!
Throughout this process, Blake & Vallyn had meshed their friend groups together, and they became even closer. Even though Blake & Vallyn were the main plot to the story, we do get to see what is going on in their friends' lives/their relationships.
Please read your triggers before picking this one up! They are a bit different in this book than the first!
June 25, 2025
I'm late to post a review, but I had the pleasure of ARC reading this. I devoured this book in less than two days and it was exactly what I needed after the way the first book ended.
This is FMC/female empowering - it's the exact kind of vengeance almost any woman would want after an SA. But even more importantly it's the exact kind of support in a partner any woman would want while recovering from trauma. The MMC reads her so well, he is gentle when she needs it, rough when she needs it and he is willing to do anything (including training her and watching her become violent) to help her get over the loss.
The ending is beautiful, the trauma recovery is realistic. I'm so excited for the interconnected stories of the other characters!
This is FMC/female empowering - it's the exact kind of vengeance almost any woman would want after an SA. But even more importantly it's the exact kind of support in a partner any woman would want while recovering from trauma. The MMC reads her so well, he is gentle when she needs it, rough when she needs it and he is willing to do anything (including training her and watching her become violent) to help her get over the loss.
The ending is beautiful, the trauma recovery is realistic. I'm so excited for the interconnected stories of the other characters!
June 20, 2025
I was a little leery stepping into this book..but I’m so glad I did. The author really stepped it up in here writing and you can tell she was very passionate about this book. I’m so glad I opened this and continued this journey.
If you read the first book you know the ending was very traumatic. This has very sensitive subject matter but the author absolutely nailed the sensitivity with writing on this topic. I absolutely loved every part of this book and I can’t wait to see where this journey goes.
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings. They are not for the faint of heart and could trigger anyone who has ever been in this situation. Great job! Will be patiently waiting for more!
If you read the first book you know the ending was very traumatic. This has very sensitive subject matter but the author absolutely nailed the sensitivity with writing on this topic. I absolutely loved every part of this book and I can’t wait to see where this journey goes.
Please make sure to read the trigger warnings. They are not for the faint of heart and could trigger anyone who has ever been in this situation. Great job! Will be patiently waiting for more!
May 18, 2025
Again, another great book from Maelana Nightingale!
This is a sequel so make sure you read the first book, Vallyn in Chains. And be sure to check your trigger warnings!
Nightingale does such a great job of creating characters that you want to keep reading about. Tension, conflict, everything is so readable!
You will not be disappointed in reading this book or the first one! Actually, go read all of Maelana’s books!
This is a sequel so make sure you read the first book, Vallyn in Chains. And be sure to check your trigger warnings!
Nightingale does such a great job of creating characters that you want to keep reading about. Tension, conflict, everything is so readable!
You will not be disappointed in reading this book or the first one! Actually, go read all of Maelana’s books!
July 9, 2025
This was such a great read. I cannot recommend this book enough. Vallyn's struggle was so heart breaking. i cried, i got mad, i threw the book lol. but this book was so worth the read. I was lucky enough to be able to read this as an ARC reader. I highly recommend reading book 1 first.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews