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by ∆ ∆

She ruined him once. Now he's back to ruin her.

Four years ago, Marianne Sinclair humiliated Ethan Blackwood in front of everyone. One cruel word, and the shy boy who loved her vanished.

But Ethan doesn't exist anymore.
He's Cole now. Hard where Ethan was soft. Dangerous where he was invisible.
And he hasn't forgotten a single thing.

St. Augustine University was supposed to be Marianne's fresh start.
Classes, friends, normal life.
Instead, every corner hides his shadow.
He stalks her. He haunts her. He whispers promises she's terrified to believe.

Cole wants revenge.
Cole wants her obedience.
Cole wants her.

And Marianne can't tell if she's desperate to escape him...
or terrified of a world where he finally lets her go.

"Run, Sinclair... It only makes catching you sweeter."

Dark Academia. Obsessive Love. Addictive.
A dark romance where the boy you broke might be the man who claims you. (Dual POV)

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

Reviews

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes the person you’re lying to isn’t the one you’re protecting. It’s you.”

“And all I could think was how much holier you’d look on your knees. Mouth full. Eyes up. Praying to me instead.”

This book hooked me quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the book. The entire concept was well thought out and well written. Coles morally grey character obviously intrigues me the most. He's creepy yet so hot all at the same time. 🔥 I'm so mad at the ending. I'm not going to lie. It's not because I didn't like the ending it's because that's where it ended and now I have to wait for the next book. I don't have the patience for that 😂 I'm so excited to see how the rest of the story unfolds not only with Cole and Marianne but with the few side plots that appeared in this! I can't wait for the next book!

I received an advanced readers copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Naima · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do I review this novel the best? Well first of all something that always will make me critical is when it’s not stated or made very clear it’s a 2 or more book installment. That just irritates me since now I have to wait for the author actually finishing next book.. another thing I just couldn’t put my finger on what the male lead.. was his anger in proportion of her betrayal? There was a certain lack of background that made it a bit hard to really understand the male lead or the female character as well. Also a bit confusing with the side stories which I am not sure actually contributed towards the story. I also think there were a little to many side characters, that again not really contributed to the story at this stage. They could have been introduced later on. But all in all I was a good read. Some area of improvement especially regarding background story. So that being said I am looking forward reading the next installment.

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is taking slow obsessive burn to a whole new level. Cole is sooo stuck on something that happened with Marianne over 4 years ago, so you know it had to have cut deep. A few moments with some sexual tension but it’s still dangling over our heads. A lot of side characters and events going on at the same time and the ending leaves me ready to dive into book 2. This is a great build up for a series and I’m excited to see where things go.

[Leanne Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book kept you guessing, I wanted to know what the lie was and why she told it. I wanted to know what he was going to do for revenge. And the cliff hanger at the end omg I can’t wait for book 2!

[Jillian Kassela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hooked me right from the start. Marianne’s first year of college takes a sharp turn when her past comes back to tornent her. The story is full of tension and obsession that keeps you guessing about everyone’s true motives.

The connection between Marianne and Cole feels real and messy in the best way. I liked how each scene built more pressure, and the emotional intensity really makes the story addictive. The book ended so suddenly that I wasn’t ready for it to stop, and now I’m counting down the days until book two!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, Cole can hold a grudge. Cole and Marianne's connection is deep, troubled and messy. There is a lot of buildup in the book that has me looking forward to the second installment. Hoping we get some answers and some much-anticipated spice!!

[Atleathe D Dunn]

Need more

The story captured my interest, I needed to know what happened after Cole's attack and what changed Cole"s Dad relationship with hos Son.

[EvermoreReadsandReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a slow slow slow burn. There were some plot twists that I wasn't expecting, especially at the end.

[iluvdarkromanceok · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m intrigued

Well, this was something. I enjoyed it but I also didn’t like the ending but yay for book 2 lmao

[KEEKZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love enemies to lovers, revenge, stalking and a slow slow burn this is for you.
It definitely hooked me from the start.
Cole is out for revenge and has been stuck on something that Marianne did over 4 years ago.
We have some moments of sexual tension as well as a lot of side characters and side plots.
This book definitely made feel like Nancy drew trying to figure out what happened😂, but the lack of background made it a bit confusing to understand Cole and Marianne.
Other than that I actually really enjoyed reading this book.
I can’t wait for the next one, so I can try to understand more of Cole and Marianne’s story as it unfolds.