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The Killer Kin Series #1
The Unwilling Plus One
A fake boyfriend.
A killer family.
And a deadly wedding.
Maggie Hamilton comes from a long line of people paid to dish out death. Unfortunately, Maggie is a family failure. Age? Twenty-nine. Kill count? Zero. When her father decides to marry her off to her psychotic ex at thirty, Maggie panics and hatches the world’s worst fake a relationship to buy herself some time.
Enter Roman Ellis. Maggie's hot, grumpy neighbour and internet-famous 'celibacy' influencer. Little does he know that Maggie knows all about his secret life. She hears it all through her bedroom wall. He’s gorgeous, insufferable, and wouldn't look at her twice given the chance.
But Maggie isn't giving him the chance; she's taking him home whether he likes it or not.
They just need to make it through an eleven-hour drive to the Highlands for her father’s wedding. With Roman tied to the passenger seat, a suspicious stepmother-to-be who may or may not be poisoning the groom, and a stalker ex lurking in the wings.
All Maggie has to do is survive the week without dying, killing anyone, or falling in love.
Unfortunately, Roman has a talent for making her want to do all three.
Darkly funny, spicy and unhinged, The Unwilling Plus One is a rom-com for truly unconditional love.
A killer family.
And a deadly wedding.
Maggie Hamilton comes from a long line of people paid to dish out death. Unfortunately, Maggie is a family failure. Age? Twenty-nine. Kill count? Zero. When her father decides to marry her off to her psychotic ex at thirty, Maggie panics and hatches the world’s worst fake a relationship to buy herself some time.
Enter Roman Ellis. Maggie's hot, grumpy neighbour and internet-famous 'celibacy' influencer. Little does he know that Maggie knows all about his secret life. She hears it all through her bedroom wall. He’s gorgeous, insufferable, and wouldn't look at her twice given the chance.
But Maggie isn't giving him the chance; she's taking him home whether he likes it or not.
They just need to make it through an eleven-hour drive to the Highlands for her father’s wedding. With Roman tied to the passenger seat, a suspicious stepmother-to-be who may or may not be poisoning the groom, and a stalker ex lurking in the wings.
All Maggie has to do is survive the week without dying, killing anyone, or falling in love.
Unfortunately, Roman has a talent for making her want to do all three.
Darkly funny, spicy and unhinged, The Unwilling Plus One is a rom-com for truly unconditional love.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
190 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
February 10, 2026
For Maggie Hamilton, contract killing is the family business, and that means you can’t bring just anyone as your plus one to your dad‘s wedding. So, when all this fails, you kidnap your sexy neighbor, Roman Ellis, to be your date.
OMG! Unwilling is funny, sweet, bloody, and spicy. The most bizarrely perfect combo!! Easily and unquestionably my second 5⭐️ read of 2026!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🫣🤭🫠🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult, RomCom
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Blackmail, Fake Relationship, Family Saga, Forced Proximity, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Meet Cute(ish), Neighbors
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, “Good Girl”, Reformed Player, Tragic Past
🔆 Character: Contract Killer, Influencer
💋 Kinks: Dirty Talk, Finger Licking Good
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: n/a
⛔️ Safety Squad: Unaliving, Violence and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, and in the past and present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: London 🇬🇧, Family Estate 🏴
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
📣 Type: The Unwilling Plus One is the first book in The Killer Kin series series of interconnected standalones.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
OMG! Unwilling is funny, sweet, bloody, and spicy. The most bizarrely perfect combo!! Easily and unquestionably my second 5⭐️ read of 2026!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🫣🤭🫠🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult, RomCom
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Blackmail, Fake Relationship, Family Saga, Forced Proximity, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, Meet Cute(ish), Neighbors
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, “Good Girl”, Reformed Player, Tragic Past
🔆 Character: Contract Killer, Influencer
💋 Kinks: Dirty Talk, Finger Licking Good
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: n/a
⛔️ Safety Squad: Unaliving, Violence and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, and in the past and present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: London 🇬🇧, Family Estate 🏴
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
📣 Type: The Unwilling Plus One is the first book in The Killer Kin series series of interconnected standalones.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
February 5, 2026
oh my god did i have the best time with this!! not only do i love fake dating, but i love banter and humor that is actually funny, and this delivered on literally every single level. i fear i have a new obsession. roman and maggie were so fun together, but i won't lie i didn't entirely feel the chemistry. it was there, but i think it gets lusty too quick for the tension to truly build and it took me out of it a little bit.
this book isn't going to be for everyone for sure, so check some triggers and just mentally prepare yourself to be a little grossed out at a few points. definitely some wtf moments in here that i didn't see the point of but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story really. i would say if you liked the ruinous love trilogy, then this is right up your alley!!
pre-read:
who doesn't love a dark rom-com? and it's fake dating!!!!
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an arc. all opinions are my own.
this book isn't going to be for everyone for sure, so check some triggers and just mentally prepare yourself to be a little grossed out at a few points. definitely some wtf moments in here that i didn't see the point of but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story really. i would say if you liked the ruinous love trilogy, then this is right up your alley!!
pre-read:
who doesn't love a dark rom-com? and it's fake dating!!!!
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an arc. all opinions are my own.
February 2, 2026
I really enjoyed Roman and Maggies story. They’re an opposite attracts, but are good for each other - kind of couple.
You always need one morally gray person in a relationship and Maggie takes the title, even though she’s not in the family business of killing. Whilst, Roman isn’t entirely an honest person, it’s more that he’s gone down a rabbit hole and doesn’t know how to get out. I really like how Roman supports Maggie in the story, and that causes him to have some reflections of his own.
This book spoke to my dark sense of British humour. I will be coming back for book number 2 in the series.
Also, Roman’s Gran needs 5⭐️ all of her own.
You always need one morally gray person in a relationship and Maggie takes the title, even though she’s not in the family business of killing. Whilst, Roman isn’t entirely an honest person, it’s more that he’s gone down a rabbit hole and doesn’t know how to get out. I really like how Roman supports Maggie in the story, and that causes him to have some reflections of his own.
This book spoke to my dark sense of British humour. I will be coming back for book number 2 in the series.
Also, Roman’s Gran needs 5⭐️ all of her own.
February 27, 2026
It was a fun story. A bit disjointed. The sex scenes felt v forced every time and 1 scene was suppperrr unnecessary (looking at you garda), grossed me out, added literally nothing to the experience except revulsion and almost made me Dnf. Im also not a fan of crude teen boy potty humor so that was a miss for me. And maybe also British humor? Didn’t know they had any but she tried.
The over all plot was kitschy and cute though so that was nice.
The over all plot was kitschy and cute though so that was nice.
February 22, 2026
2,5 ⭐
Мені дуже сподобалась ідея з тим, що нарешті у нас головна героїня - викрадачка, але абсолютно не зайшла реалізація.
Дуже хаотичний, сирий текст, який після себе лишає купу питань. Герої розкриті досить поверхнево - ми дуже мало знаємо про них, їхні переживання і відчуття. Можливо, саме такою була задумка авторки, але мені вона не до вподоби.
Ну і хімії між героями я, на жаль, не відчула. Це було занадто вимушено.
Мені дуже сподобалась ідея з тим, що нарешті у нас головна героїня - викрадачка, але абсолютно не зайшла реалізація.
Дуже хаотичний, сирий текст, який після себе лишає купу питань. Герої розкриті досить поверхнево - ми дуже мало знаємо про них, їхні переживання і відчуття. Можливо, саме такою була задумка авторки, але мені вона не до вподоби.
Ну і хімії між героями я, на жаль, не відчула. Це було занадто вимушено.
March 12, 2026
4.25/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
When I read the blurb for The Unwilling Plus One, I knew I had to read this book. It sounded right up my alley. I love a good dark romcom, and this one promised a super fun twist on fake dating. Plus, the FMC is the morally grey one? We love to see the feminism, babe.
Maggie Hamilton comes from a family of assassins, but at twenty-nine with a kill count of zero, she’s basically the disappointment of the dynasty. When her father threatens to marry her off to her terrifying ex if she’s still single at thirty, Maggie does the only sensible thing: kidnaps her grumpy, extremely hot neighbor and forces him to pretend to be her boyfriend for a family wedding in the Scottish Highlands.
Roman Ellis—her neighbor and a supposedly celibate internet influencer—definitely did not sign up for this plan. But after being literally tied into Maggie’s chaos for an eleven-hour road trip and a week with her deeply unhinged family, he’s along for the ride whether he likes it or not.
This book absolutely delivers on the dark comedy. The humor is chaotic, the situations escalate in the most ridiculous ways, and Maggie’s internal narration had me laughing out loud more than once. The tone walks that perfect line between absurd, violent, and genuinely romantic.
I also loved the dynamic between Maggie and Roman. Roman’s grumpy, controlled personality makes the perfect foil for Maggie’s impulsive chaos. Their banter is sharp and funny, and the forced proximity (plus the fact that Roman starts the book literally tied to a car seat) sets up some great tension.
If you enjoy dark romcoms with morally questionable characters, ridiculous situations, and a heroine who is absolutely willing to threaten violence while falling in love, this one is a blast.
The Unwilling Plus One is spicy, chaotic, and a little bit unhinged—in the best way. A perfect pick if you like your romcoms with a body count. 🔪💘
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2.5/5 🌶️
When I read the blurb for The Unwilling Plus One, I knew I had to read this book. It sounded right up my alley. I love a good dark romcom, and this one promised a super fun twist on fake dating. Plus, the FMC is the morally grey one? We love to see the feminism, babe.
Maggie Hamilton comes from a family of assassins, but at twenty-nine with a kill count of zero, she’s basically the disappointment of the dynasty. When her father threatens to marry her off to her terrifying ex if she’s still single at thirty, Maggie does the only sensible thing: kidnaps her grumpy, extremely hot neighbor and forces him to pretend to be her boyfriend for a family wedding in the Scottish Highlands.
Roman Ellis—her neighbor and a supposedly celibate internet influencer—definitely did not sign up for this plan. But after being literally tied into Maggie’s chaos for an eleven-hour road trip and a week with her deeply unhinged family, he’s along for the ride whether he likes it or not.
This book absolutely delivers on the dark comedy. The humor is chaotic, the situations escalate in the most ridiculous ways, and Maggie’s internal narration had me laughing out loud more than once. The tone walks that perfect line between absurd, violent, and genuinely romantic.
I also loved the dynamic between Maggie and Roman. Roman’s grumpy, controlled personality makes the perfect foil for Maggie’s impulsive chaos. Their banter is sharp and funny, and the forced proximity (plus the fact that Roman starts the book literally tied to a car seat) sets up some great tension.
If you enjoy dark romcoms with morally questionable characters, ridiculous situations, and a heroine who is absolutely willing to threaten violence while falling in love, this one is a blast.
The Unwilling Plus One is spicy, chaotic, and a little bit unhinged—in the best way. A perfect pick if you like your romcoms with a body count. 🔪💘
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2026
The Unwilling Plus One
What a story to tell your future grandkids. Your neighbor wanted you as a date to a wedding so badly... She kidnapped you!
star rating: 4 stars
spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Maggie. Failing serial killer. Up and coming stalker, surprisedly.
Roman is a liar. A hypocrite. And that's exactly what's gotten him into this predicament. That and proximity.
Now spending day in and day out with Maggie pretending to be a couple, Roman doesn't know if he's smitten with her or if that's just the Stockholm settling in.
What a story to tell your future grandkids. Your neighbor wanted you as a date to a wedding so badly... She kidnapped you!
star rating: 4 stars
spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Maggie. Failing serial killer. Up and coming stalker, surprisedly.
Roman is a liar. A hypocrite. And that's exactly what's gotten him into this predicament. That and proximity.
Now spending day in and day out with Maggie pretending to be a couple, Roman doesn't know if he's smitten with her or if that's just the Stockholm settling in.
February 8, 2026
Stop this book was soooo good ☺️ I ate this book up so quick. This book is a dark rom-com heavy on the ROM-COM though. It was funny, the characters were so well written. You could feel the confidence or lack their of on the page, you could really feel the emotion and connection and I put that all down to Effie's beautiful, easy going and funny writing.
Unwilling Plus One, is a laugh out loud rom com about Maggie and Roman. Both have secrets that the world definitely can't know about, one being more deadly than the other. Maggie is in a predicament and needs a date so what better to do than kidnap her HOT AF neighbour and force him to fake date her for her father's wedding by blackmailing him.
The vibes:
Fake Dating
Forced proximity
Road Trip
Grumpy X Sunshine
Opposites attract
TW: Killer Family
Overall I loved this book, it was funny, suspenseful and a little spicy which made it so much fun to read. I'm looking forward to continuing the series with Eliza's book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Effie Campbell for this arc ☺️
Unwilling Plus One, is a laugh out loud rom com about Maggie and Roman. Both have secrets that the world definitely can't know about, one being more deadly than the other. Maggie is in a predicament and needs a date so what better to do than kidnap her HOT AF neighbour and force him to fake date her for her father's wedding by blackmailing him.
The vibes:
Fake Dating
Forced proximity
Road Trip
Grumpy X Sunshine
Opposites attract
TW: Killer Family
Overall I loved this book, it was funny, suspenseful and a little spicy which made it so much fun to read. I'm looking forward to continuing the series with Eliza's book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Effie Campbell for this arc ☺️
February 7, 2026
an absolute delight to read.
this book was fun to read it's full of crazy plans, dark family dynasties and family expectations, murder, the coolest pet ever, witty banter and spice so hot.
this is such a good darkish Romcom and the perfect escape from reality.
this book was fun to read it's full of crazy plans, dark family dynasties and family expectations, murder, the coolest pet ever, witty banter and spice so hot.
this is such a good darkish Romcom and the perfect escape from reality.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
This book is wild. Imagine this: You get drugged to be taken as a plus one to a wedding by, I kid you not, a failed contract killer!
Maggie is our failed contract killer, that needs to go home, to Scotland, to attend a whole series of wedding activities. She knows she will be forced to wed someone she doesn't want. So in order to avoid this she drugs, kidnaps and basically forces her neighbor, Roman, to be her fake boyfriend.
The story that follows is hilarious and the banter in it is sharp and sarcastic. Exactly how I like it.
The book is relatively short (not a bad thing), so I do feel we could have a little bit more insight in the family written in the book. Also the 180 Roman did considering his behavior towards Maggie could have been dragged out a bit more.
This book is wild. Imagine this: You get drugged to be taken as a plus one to a wedding by, I kid you not, a failed contract killer!
Maggie is our failed contract killer, that needs to go home, to Scotland, to attend a whole series of wedding activities. She knows she will be forced to wed someone she doesn't want. So in order to avoid this she drugs, kidnaps and basically forces her neighbor, Roman, to be her fake boyfriend.
The story that follows is hilarious and the banter in it is sharp and sarcastic. Exactly how I like it.
The book is relatively short (not a bad thing), so I do feel we could have a little bit more insight in the family written in the book. Also the 180 Roman did considering his behavior towards Maggie could have been dragged out a bit more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
First Effie Campbell book and it did not disappoint! This was such a good dark rom-com. It's funny, a little dark and very chaotic...and I loved it! Can't wait for Eliza's story!
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
First Effie Campbell book and it did not disappoint! This was such a good dark rom-com. It's funny, a little dark and very chaotic...and I loved it! Can't wait for Eliza's story!
February 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️½ | 🌶️ 1
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Unwilling Plus One is a dark rom-com that had some cute moments, but overall it didn’t quite land for me.
The story itself is fun in concept, but the execution felt forced and a little cringey at times. Maggie, unfortunately, was the biggest struggle for me. She’s so hard on herself for almost the entire book that it started to feel like even the author didn’t want the reader to like her. I really wish we had more backstory with her family — even though they kind of suck — because their treatment of Maggie (for a solid 60% of the book) felt excessive and frustrating rather than compelling.
Roman was another miss for me. He comes across as having the hots for basically every woman except Maggie… until suddenly he doesn’t, and now he’s all in. That shift didn’t feel earned, which made the romance harder to buy into.
I’ll be honest: I had to force myself past the 30% mark. That said, the book does improve as it goes on. Once the plot starts coming together, the pacing feels better and the story becomes more enjoyable. The banter has some genuinely cute moments, and while there is some gore, it’s nothing unexpected given the whole family-of-murderers situation.
Also — and I mean this with my whole heart — heck Eddie. Why Maggie’s family would ever want her with him absolutely baffles me.
My favorite character? The crow. No notes.
The ending was cute, but not particularly memorable. Overall, this is a semi-cute book that I’m sure will work for the right reader — it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Unwilling Plus One is a dark rom-com that had some cute moments, but overall it didn’t quite land for me.
The story itself is fun in concept, but the execution felt forced and a little cringey at times. Maggie, unfortunately, was the biggest struggle for me. She’s so hard on herself for almost the entire book that it started to feel like even the author didn’t want the reader to like her. I really wish we had more backstory with her family — even though they kind of suck — because their treatment of Maggie (for a solid 60% of the book) felt excessive and frustrating rather than compelling.
Roman was another miss for me. He comes across as having the hots for basically every woman except Maggie… until suddenly he doesn’t, and now he’s all in. That shift didn’t feel earned, which made the romance harder to buy into.
I’ll be honest: I had to force myself past the 30% mark. That said, the book does improve as it goes on. Once the plot starts coming together, the pacing feels better and the story becomes more enjoyable. The banter has some genuinely cute moments, and while there is some gore, it’s nothing unexpected given the whole family-of-murderers situation.
Also — and I mean this with my whole heart — heck Eddie. Why Maggie’s family would ever want her with him absolutely baffles me.
My favorite character? The crow. No notes.
The ending was cute, but not particularly memorable. Overall, this is a semi-cute book that I’m sure will work for the right reader — it just wasn’t for me.
February 10, 2026
Unhinged dark romcom with delicious banter and ridiculous chaos
I usually don't like written romcoms and I can only stomache them in audio version...
...but the blurb of this one made me make an instant exception.
And booooooooooy, did it deliver!
Some of my favorite LOL moments include:
🤣how she did not think about how she would get him -all drugged up- down the stairs
🤣how she "helps" him take a wee
🤣how she is known by her sister as the pillow humper
My favorite quotes:
What it is about:
Maggie is a wannabe assassin, who cannot stand the sight of blood.
Roman is a blogger who preaches abstinence, after a broken heart, but who actually eases his loneliness through anonymous hookups.
She -desperately- needs a Plus One to her father's wedding and has thought of one solution... 👀
What I loved:
📝the dedication "For my fellow oddballs, who never quite fit. Have you considered kidnapping a hottie to fake date until he falls for you? No? Me either..."
✍️the delicous writing, with little gems like
🌶️the step-by-step buildup to full-on s*x
🐦⬛the one-eyed pet crow that hates all strangers, except Roman
🏃♂️
🔞adult characters (32H, 29h)
➕the extra bonus scene (if you sign up for her newsletter)
🤪the WTF craziness of her deranged ex
🚫how relatable her chaos and messiness is
🖤despite it being a dark romcom, he still has a proper -tragic- background story
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalone
🫂dual pov, 1st person
🗺️London and Scotland
🔄️opposites attract
🔆grumpy x sunshine
💌fake dating
🏡forced proximity (road trip, parents' house)
🔪killer family chaos
🤳influencer MMC x failed contract killer FMC
💏neighbors to captor/captive to lovers
👑he calls her "Princess"
🏍️he rides a bike
💔3rd act breakup
🔥steamy
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🌶️spice
🦺content warnings
I usually don't like written romcoms and I can only stomache them in audio version...
...but the blurb of this one made me make an instant exception.
And booooooooooy, did it deliver!
Some of my favorite LOL moments include:
🤣how she did not think about how she would get him -all drugged up- down the stairs
🤣how she "helps" him take a wee
🤣how she is known by her sister as the pillow humper
My favorite quotes:
It must be so much easier to lure them to their deaths like a siren calling ships to splinter themselves upon rocks than to have to come at them like a rabid little raccoon.
Dear heavens above. What I'd give for thirty minutes of time on that ride. I'd have to gag his lying mouth, but it would be worth it.
'For the next few days, while we're here,' he says, squeezing my fingers, 'it's us verus everyone else.'
'Our odds are horrendous.' I say, pulling my dress down.
'I've always liked an underdog.'
Woof woof.
What it is about:
Maggie is a wannabe assassin, who cannot stand the sight of blood.
Roman is a blogger who preaches abstinence, after a broken heart, but who actually eases his loneliness through anonymous hookups.
She -desperately- needs a Plus One to her father's wedding and has thought of one solution... 👀
What I loved:
📝the dedication "For my fellow oddballs, who never quite fit. Have you considered kidnapping a hottie to fake date until he falls for you? No? Me either..."
✍️the delicous writing, with little gems like
🌶️the step-by-step buildup to full-on s*x
🐦⬛the one-eyed pet crow that hates all strangers, except Roman
🏃♂️
🔞adult characters (32H, 29h)
➕the extra bonus scene (if you sign up for her newsletter)
🤪the WTF craziness of her deranged ex
🚫how relatable her chaos and messiness is
🖤despite it being a dark romcom, he still has a proper -tragic- background story
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalone
🫂dual pov, 1st person
🗺️London and Scotland
🔄️opposites attract
🔆grumpy x sunshine
💌fake dating
🏡forced proximity (road trip, parents' house)
🔪killer family chaos
🤳influencer MMC x failed contract killer FMC
💏neighbors to captor/captive to lovers
👑he calls her "Princess"
🏍️he rides a bike
💔3rd act breakup
🔥steamy
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🌶️spice
🦺content warnings
February 9, 2026
If laugh out loud, over the top, crude humor is your thing then this is a solid 5⭐️ must read!
⚠️ Warning: First thing’s first… this book is graphic. It’s graphic in violent and sexual content. And I’m not just talking spice, it was graphic even when it wasn’t a spicy scene. Much of it was heavily laced with dark humor and it just so happens I found it flipping hilarious. But, I also have a twisted sense of humor so proceed with caution because this book is not going to be for everyone. I’m pretty hard to gross out and even I was like… ok… was that REALLY necessary? Like the👮 “vandalizing” the side of Maggie’s car. 😖
I can’t begin to count all of the times I busted out in laughter while reading this story. Even at the most inopportune times, like sitting in a quiet waiting area with other parents. Maggie is just about as awkward as they come but it was what made this book what it was.
The first 50% of the book was flawless IMO. It was around the halfway mark that the pacing started to get a little wonky but eventually it evened itself out. Judging this book at a romance standpoint is where the rating starts to slip a little. I was enjoying Roman’s hatred for Maggie and was slightly disappointed when he immediately falls into lust and a physical relationship with her so quickly. It’s ok though, it was fun seeing them work as a dynamic duo throughout the rest of the wedding trip charades. I would have liked to see a little more personality from the supporting characters (aside from Granny of course) but honestly the comedy was so dang good that I didn’t really care much about anything else.
There were some grammatical errors, the only reason they bothered me is because I would find myself pausing to reread and make sure I wasn’t reading it wrong. And no, I’m not referring to the British English phrases and spelling.
I am very excited to continue on with the series and I hope Maggie’s tattooed, quiet baby brother, Fraser gets a book in the series after Eliza.
Thank you, NetGalley and Effie Campbell for an e-arc of The Unwilling Plus One! I can’t wait to recommend this to my fellow readers with a twisted sense of humor.
⚠️ Warning: First thing’s first… this book is graphic. It’s graphic in violent and sexual content. And I’m not just talking spice, it was graphic even when it wasn’t a spicy scene. Much of it was heavily laced with dark humor and it just so happens I found it flipping hilarious. But, I also have a twisted sense of humor so proceed with caution because this book is not going to be for everyone. I’m pretty hard to gross out and even I was like… ok… was that REALLY necessary? Like the👮 “vandalizing” the side of Maggie’s car. 😖
I can’t begin to count all of the times I busted out in laughter while reading this story. Even at the most inopportune times, like sitting in a quiet waiting area with other parents. Maggie is just about as awkward as they come but it was what made this book what it was.
The first 50% of the book was flawless IMO. It was around the halfway mark that the pacing started to get a little wonky but eventually it evened itself out. Judging this book at a romance standpoint is where the rating starts to slip a little. I was enjoying Roman’s hatred for Maggie and was slightly disappointed when he immediately falls into lust and a physical relationship with her so quickly. It’s ok though, it was fun seeing them work as a dynamic duo throughout the rest of the wedding trip charades. I would have liked to see a little more personality from the supporting characters (aside from Granny of course) but honestly the comedy was so dang good that I didn’t really care much about anything else.
There were some grammatical errors, the only reason they bothered me is because I would find myself pausing to reread and make sure I wasn’t reading it wrong. And no, I’m not referring to the British English phrases and spelling.
I am very excited to continue on with the series and I hope Maggie’s tattooed, quiet baby brother, Fraser gets a book in the series after Eliza.
Thank you, NetGalley and Effie Campbell for an e-arc of The Unwilling Plus One! I can’t wait to recommend this to my fellow readers with a twisted sense of humor.
February 10, 2026
So you have a wedding to go to and need a date.
Obviously the logical solution is to do what Maggie does.
Stalk your super hot neighbor, learn his routine, kidnap him, and convince him to pretend to be your fake boyfriend for a week to keep your family off your back. No big deal, right?
Unwilling Plus One is very much an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity situation, and watching these two be “thrown” together when they absolutely do not want to be was so much fun.
There’s tension, stubbornness, and that slow shift from irritation to something deeper that felt really natural. I liked that the relationship built up and didn’t feel rushed. You can actually see them softening, opening up, and catching feelings whether they want to or not. Maggie is a special kind of weird that Roman can’t seem to get enough of, while there may be more to Roman than Maggie expected.
The banter between them was the highlight for me, though. I love sarcastic humor, and their conversations were laced with it in the best way.
If slow-burn romance, forced proximity, and characters who fight their feelings every step of the way sounds like your vibe, then this one might be for you.
Obviously the logical solution is to do what Maggie does.
Stalk your super hot neighbor, learn his routine, kidnap him, and convince him to pretend to be your fake boyfriend for a week to keep your family off your back. No big deal, right?
Unwilling Plus One is very much an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity situation, and watching these two be “thrown” together when they absolutely do not want to be was so much fun.
There’s tension, stubbornness, and that slow shift from irritation to something deeper that felt really natural. I liked that the relationship built up and didn’t feel rushed. You can actually see them softening, opening up, and catching feelings whether they want to or not. Maggie is a special kind of weird that Roman can’t seem to get enough of, while there may be more to Roman than Maggie expected.
The banter between them was the highlight for me, though. I love sarcastic humor, and their conversations were laced with it in the best way.
If slow-burn romance, forced proximity, and characters who fight their feelings every step of the way sounds like your vibe, then this one might be for you.
February 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this! I had so much fun with The Unwilling Plus One by Effie Campbell. This was one of those books I picked up thinking it would just be a cute, quick romance… and then suddenly I was fully invested in every awkward interaction, every bit of tension, and every “oh no, they absolutely don’t hate each other” moment.
The forced proximity and plus-one setup could’ve felt predictable, but it never did. The banter was sharp without being over-the-top, and I loved how the chemistry built through irritation first. You could feel that shift from obligation to something real, and it felt earned. I especially appreciated that the emotional beats weren’t glossed over…especially when things got vulnerable, they actually got vulnerable.
And the slow realization that maybe the person you least wanted to be stuck with is the one who sees you the clearest? I ate that up.
It was flirty, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. By the end, I was grinning like an idiot. Exactly the kind of romance that reminds me why I love this trope in the first place.
Effie Campbell absolutely delivered.
The forced proximity and plus-one setup could’ve felt predictable, but it never did. The banter was sharp without being over-the-top, and I loved how the chemistry built through irritation first. You could feel that shift from obligation to something real, and it felt earned. I especially appreciated that the emotional beats weren’t glossed over…especially when things got vulnerable, they actually got vulnerable.
And the slow realization that maybe the person you least wanted to be stuck with is the one who sees you the clearest? I ate that up.
It was flirty, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. By the end, I was grinning like an idiot. Exactly the kind of romance that reminds me why I love this trope in the first place.
Effie Campbell absolutely delivered.
February 20, 2026
The Unwilling Plus One is what happens when dark humor, fake dating, and unhinged family drama collide — and it was SO much fun.
Maggie was born into a family of assassins and is expected to take over the business… small problem: she’s never actually taken a life. Now her father’s wedding is looming, and if she shows up alone, she risks being handed back to her dangerously unstable ex.
So she does the only logical thing — kidnaps her hot neighbor and forces him to pretend to be her boyfriend.
Roman did not sign up for an 11-hour road trip zip-tied to a car door, but honestly? The tension. The banter. The slow shift from “I hate you” to “oh no.”
The wedding weekend at her family estate was absolute chaos. I never knew what was coming next — every scene felt like it could explode in the best way.
What I loved most was how both Maggie and Roman changed. Under all the madness, there’s vulnerability, growth, and a surprisingly sweet payoff.
Dark rom-com lovers? This one is a must.
Maggie was born into a family of assassins and is expected to take over the business… small problem: she’s never actually taken a life. Now her father’s wedding is looming, and if she shows up alone, she risks being handed back to her dangerously unstable ex.
So she does the only logical thing — kidnaps her hot neighbor and forces him to pretend to be her boyfriend.
Roman did not sign up for an 11-hour road trip zip-tied to a car door, but honestly? The tension. The banter. The slow shift from “I hate you” to “oh no.”
The wedding weekend at her family estate was absolute chaos. I never knew what was coming next — every scene felt like it could explode in the best way.
What I loved most was how both Maggie and Roman changed. Under all the madness, there’s vulnerability, growth, and a surprisingly sweet payoff.
Dark rom-com lovers? This one is a must.
February 6, 2026
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Effie Campbell for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was delightfully dark and funny. If you are a fan of dark rom-coms this is a great choice for you. We’ve got fake, forced dating and they’re both freaks. 🥵 Our FMC is a failed contract killer and our MMC is a slightly sleazy “celibacy” influencer who sits on a throne of lies. At least he’s hot. She literally kidnaps him to take him as her date to her father’s wedding! This is unhinged in the best way. There is eyeball stuff and a crow that is not a pet…but basically a pet. These two are really cute together, honestly, and I appreciated the way they overcame their own conflicts. This was a great story and the characters were fleshed out so well. I can’t wait for Eliza’s book!
2/5 🌶️
Thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Effie Campbell for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was delightfully dark and funny. If you are a fan of dark rom-coms this is a great choice for you. We’ve got fake, forced dating and they’re both freaks. 🥵 Our FMC is a failed contract killer and our MMC is a slightly sleazy “celibacy” influencer who sits on a throne of lies. At least he’s hot. She literally kidnaps him to take him as her date to her father’s wedding! This is unhinged in the best way. There is eyeball stuff and a crow that is not a pet…but basically a pet. These two are really cute together, honestly, and I appreciated the way they overcame their own conflicts. This was a great story and the characters were fleshed out so well. I can’t wait for Eliza’s book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first Effie Campbell book and I am hooked. It had the right amount of fun and banter plus a serious side and spice. Maggie is the black sheep of her contract assassin family. She's the eldest and has never been able to finish a job. Roman is her neighbor and she is sure he doesn't know she exists. She decides to kidnap him and blackmail into being her fate for her father's wedding. Their banter and chemistry was so fun. Roman helps her see she's more than the family disappointment and helps her stick up to them.
March 11, 2026
Wow, that was more than I expected to get. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I was getting into, just knew that there was going to be some unwillingness in the book, but that lasted for a shorter period of time than I thought. Maggie and Roman were totally destined for each other, and their chemistry was off the charts. Maggie's sister was by far my favorite member of her family. She was such a badass and didn't care how people saw her, as long as she got the job done. I honestly can't wait for her story to come out next.
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
February 14, 2026
4,25 stars !
February 27, 2026
This is giving Assistant to the Villain but way better. I couldn’t make it through ATTV. I ate this book up in less than 24 hours.
Maggie is funny, borderline a s** addict, and clumsy as all get out. Her family is trying to get her to accept her toll in their contract killing business and to take her spot as next in line. But she can’t quite stomach it. Her sister saves her skin once again and Maggie lets it slip that she has a boyfriend. Now she has to bring him to her dad’s wedding. Except she doesn’t really have a boyfriend and the man she’s claiming as hers, is her “celibate” next door neighbor.
Roman is the next door neighbor that lives a double life, and is a sucker for cookies apparently 😂 little does he know that eating one is going to change his life forever.
I loved everything about this. I will say the “violent” scenes could use a little work to make them more of a “wow factor”. But I don’t think it takes much away from the book at all. I laughed non stop. The authors descriptions for everything were amazingly funny.
The spice, the banter, the plot, it was a deadly chefs kiss! 💋
Also Coffin 🥹 bless his little heart. He knew from the jump he was going to like Roman. It was almost like a dog taking to your special someone 😂
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read the ARC! It definitely won’t be my last Effie Campbell book!
Maggie is funny, borderline a s** addict, and clumsy as all get out. Her family is trying to get her to accept her toll in their contract killing business and to take her spot as next in line. But she can’t quite stomach it. Her sister saves her skin once again and Maggie lets it slip that she has a boyfriend. Now she has to bring him to her dad’s wedding. Except she doesn’t really have a boyfriend and the man she’s claiming as hers, is her “celibate” next door neighbor.
Roman is the next door neighbor that lives a double life, and is a sucker for cookies apparently 😂 little does he know that eating one is going to change his life forever.
I loved everything about this. I will say the “violent” scenes could use a little work to make them more of a “wow factor”. But I don’t think it takes much away from the book at all. I laughed non stop. The authors descriptions for everything were amazingly funny.
The spice, the banter, the plot, it was a deadly chefs kiss! 💋
Also Coffin 🥹 bless his little heart. He knew from the jump he was going to like Roman. It was almost like a dog taking to your special someone 😂
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read the ARC! It definitely won’t be my last Effie Campbell book!
February 8, 2026
3.25⭐️
🌶️
This book has some pretty hilarious moments and I love the concept of it. I think the execution fell a little flat in some parts though.
🌶️
This book has some pretty hilarious moments and I love the concept of it. I think the execution fell a little flat in some parts though.
February 5, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and the author for an EARC of this book. This was my first Effie Campbell book and it was super funny. I read it in one day! loved the humor in the book and thought that the story was fun. I liked that both Maggie and Roman both had secrets that they needed to work in order to end up together! Definitely will read more by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The Unwilling Plus One” brings us a heartfelt and hilarious romance between Maggie, a failed h!twoman and Roman, a celibacy influencer, who practises anything but! Maggie needs to bring a boyfriend to his father’s wedding and Roman is the perfect guy for that! K!dnapping, blac*mail and a lot of this-can’t-be-good-for-you dr*gs, Maggie realizes she doesn’t fit in the family, especially when Roman seems to be killing it! Ok… so not literally, but everyone in the family is loving Roman and Maggie still feels like she doesn’t fit in.
I love Maggie! She' just wants to live her life peacefully, baking cookies with the most boring office job ever, but the pressure to inherit the family’s business drives her to constantly question herself. She’s really easygoing and a fun person to be around, and she’s kind. It was an absolute joy to read her POV, and my heart broke for her several times. She’s got spirit and a very weak stomach!
Roman was completely out of his element, but as soon as he saw how Maggie was treated and how she accepted being “weak” when she was just a regular person made him feel like he needed to defend her. Go Roman! It’s not that Maggie needed someone defending her, she was born into that family, she was expected something, and they still loved her, but the constant jabs were something that, while she dealt with, hurt her in the end. She talked about herself with some self-deprecation, and Roman, my boy, he was not having it! There’s nothing better than a man who accepts you for who you are, faults and all, and still does everything in his power to protect you from the world! The world is mean and sometimes women can be fierce and independent but TIRING! The universe, living is TIRING! So yeah, we just want a guy to hold us against the world.
Roman and Maggie are such cuties, Roman is usually battling his conflicted feelings, but he’s the best abductee ever! Maggie is always trying to make the situation better. Together their chemistry is amazing and the side characters are also a riot!
“The Unwilling Plus One” is Effie more comical side in dark romance, more of a very light rom-com, but it feels amazing to read something so adorable within the dark aspects. It’s very heart warming and I hope to see these two again!
I love Maggie! She' just wants to live her life peacefully, baking cookies with the most boring office job ever, but the pressure to inherit the family’s business drives her to constantly question herself. She’s really easygoing and a fun person to be around, and she’s kind. It was an absolute joy to read her POV, and my heart broke for her several times. She’s got spirit and a very weak stomach!
Roman was completely out of his element, but as soon as he saw how Maggie was treated and how she accepted being “weak” when she was just a regular person made him feel like he needed to defend her. Go Roman! It’s not that Maggie needed someone defending her, she was born into that family, she was expected something, and they still loved her, but the constant jabs were something that, while she dealt with, hurt her in the end. She talked about herself with some self-deprecation, and Roman, my boy, he was not having it! There’s nothing better than a man who accepts you for who you are, faults and all, and still does everything in his power to protect you from the world! The world is mean and sometimes women can be fierce and independent but TIRING! The universe, living is TIRING! So yeah, we just want a guy to hold us against the world.
Roman and Maggie are such cuties, Roman is usually battling his conflicted feelings, but he’s the best abductee ever! Maggie is always trying to make the situation better. Together their chemistry is amazing and the side characters are also a riot!
“The Unwilling Plus One” is Effie more comical side in dark romance, more of a very light rom-com, but it feels amazing to read something so adorable within the dark aspects. It’s very heart warming and I hope to see these two again!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This book was like a lovechild between 'Lights Out' and 'Butcher and Blackbird', it was so funny, messed up and oddly romantic at the most inconvenient of times (who said feeding pigs a deleted body wasn't cute?!)
Both the characters Maggie and Roman were so well written, they both had some things they needed to deal with, and throughout the book we get to see them come to terms with their pasts and struggles. Maggie was absolutely hilarious and so relatable honestly, her family, The Hamiltons, are so interesting too, especially her bloodthirsty sister Eliza- I can't wait for her book! Roman was such a golden retriever, he fell head over heels for Maggie despite being kidnapped and dragged to a wedding filled with contract killers.
The plot was fairly straightforward, I kind of hoped there'd be more mystery and drama unfolding within the family, especially with the hints we get that someone is possibly harming Maggie's dad, but it never led to anything, so the brief hints feel kind of misleading and anti-climatic. Nonetheless, the pacing and comedic timing make this book a blast, and the spice was so well written, plus the romance was sweet and full of banter. Maggie and Roman had serious chemistry.
Overall, this definitely lives up to the dark romcom expectations, with a great mix of humour, gore and a heated, forced proximity, opposites attract, strangers to lovers romance!
This book was like a lovechild between 'Lights Out' and 'Butcher and Blackbird', it was so funny, messed up and oddly romantic at the most inconvenient of times (who said feeding pigs a deleted body wasn't cute?!)
Both the characters Maggie and Roman were so well written, they both had some things they needed to deal with, and throughout the book we get to see them come to terms with their pasts and struggles. Maggie was absolutely hilarious and so relatable honestly, her family, The Hamiltons, are so interesting too, especially her bloodthirsty sister Eliza- I can't wait for her book! Roman was such a golden retriever, he fell head over heels for Maggie despite being kidnapped and dragged to a wedding filled with contract killers.
The plot was fairly straightforward, I kind of hoped there'd be more mystery and drama unfolding within the family, especially with the hints we get that someone is possibly harming Maggie's dad, but it never led to anything, so the brief hints feel kind of misleading and anti-climatic. Nonetheless, the pacing and comedic timing make this book a blast, and the spice was so well written, plus the romance was sweet and full of banter. Maggie and Roman had serious chemistry.
Overall, this definitely lives up to the dark romcom expectations, with a great mix of humour, gore and a heated, forced proximity, opposites attract, strangers to lovers romance!
January 31, 2026
*contains some spoilers*
I’d give this book a solid 4.5 stars. Simply put, I am obsessed. I read this book in a day. I could not put it down!! The writing was so funny, every page had me laughing, and it flowed beautifully. The setting is super toxic - the fmc’s career and the whole kidnapping situation, and normally it would’ve annoyed me but I loved every second.
The world, the characters, the plot… it was all so unique and beautifully crafted.
The first chapter had me hooked. I highlighted so many quotes, and smiled throughout.
However, I think there was a bit too much spice for my liking - the fmc getting off to the sound of the mmc hooking up with another girl gave me a bit of the ick. That being said, the plot was still prominent and it all fit in nicely.
Chapter 41… when he started talking about proposing, I groaned - I am so sick of books ending with a proposal as the happy ever after, and I thought the scene with the Gran was the perfect way to end the book. However, the detour and bit with the sister was a nice, unexpected addition and that made me like the chosen ending.
Overall, I loved this so much and I’m definitely going to check out the authors other books and recommend this one!
I’d give this book a solid 4.5 stars. Simply put, I am obsessed. I read this book in a day. I could not put it down!! The writing was so funny, every page had me laughing, and it flowed beautifully. The setting is super toxic - the fmc’s career and the whole kidnapping situation, and normally it would’ve annoyed me but I loved every second.
The world, the characters, the plot… it was all so unique and beautifully crafted.
The first chapter had me hooked. I highlighted so many quotes, and smiled throughout.
However, I think there was a bit too much spice for my liking - the fmc getting off to the sound of the mmc hooking up with another girl gave me a bit of the ick. That being said, the plot was still prominent and it all fit in nicely.
Chapter 41… when he started talking about proposing, I groaned - I am so sick of books ending with a proposal as the happy ever after, and I thought the scene with the Gran was the perfect way to end the book. However, the detour and bit with the sister was a nice, unexpected addition and that made me like the chosen ending.
Overall, I loved this so much and I’m definitely going to check out the authors other books and recommend this one!
February 1, 2026
The Unwilling Plus One was such a fun, and amusing read!
Maggie is from a family of assassins and is supposed to take over the family business. The problem? She's never made a single kill. On top of that, her father is getting married, and she needs a date to take home - otherwise she'll be married off to her psychotic ex. What else is a girl to do but "borrow" her really hot neighbor...with the help of some sedatives and zip ties?..
I absolutely love Maggie and Roman so much. They're both in situations that aren't ideal... but when Maggie adultnaps Roman, forcing him to be her fake boyfriend for her father's wedding, things start to change.
Watching Maggie's plan to kidnap Roman unfold was very entertaining. Plus the 11 hour car ride with Roman zip tied to the car door was very interesting.
Maggie and Romans time at her family home for the wedding was absolutely insane. I never knew what was going to happen next, and it definitely kept me on my toes!
The Unwilling Plus One is one of my favorite reads. The banter between Roman and Maggie was fantastic. I loved watching both Maggie and Roman changing throughout the book, and I loved the ending!
The spice was incredible and Roman is SO hot!
Maggie is from a family of assassins and is supposed to take over the family business. The problem? She's never made a single kill. On top of that, her father is getting married, and she needs a date to take home - otherwise she'll be married off to her psychotic ex. What else is a girl to do but "borrow" her really hot neighbor...with the help of some sedatives and zip ties?..
I absolutely love Maggie and Roman so much. They're both in situations that aren't ideal... but when Maggie adultnaps Roman, forcing him to be her fake boyfriend for her father's wedding, things start to change.
Watching Maggie's plan to kidnap Roman unfold was very entertaining. Plus the 11 hour car ride with Roman zip tied to the car door was very interesting.
Maggie and Romans time at her family home for the wedding was absolutely insane. I never knew what was going to happen next, and it definitely kept me on my toes!
The Unwilling Plus One is one of my favorite reads. The banter between Roman and Maggie was fantastic. I loved watching both Maggie and Roman changing throughout the book, and I loved the ending!
The spice was incredible and Roman is SO hot!
March 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. This review is voluntary.
This was a quick, entertaining read, but I’m a little conflicted about it. I liked how short it was and how fast the story moved. You get through a lot in not that many pages. At the same time, it somehow felt like a lot was happening while also not much was really happening.
Maggie was fine as a main character, but she wasn’t especially memorable, and I had a harder time warming up to Roman. Because of that, I found it difficult to really root for either of them. The humor also didn’t always land for me, and the romance felt pretty rushed.
I also didn’t love the third act conflict. It felt like something that had been building up for a while but then got resolved very quickly without much consequence.
That said, even with all those criticisms, I was genuinely entertained the entire time. It’s the kind of book you can fly through in one sitting. Fun while you’re reading it, even if it doesn’t leave a huge impression afterward.
This was a quick, entertaining read, but I’m a little conflicted about it. I liked how short it was and how fast the story moved. You get through a lot in not that many pages. At the same time, it somehow felt like a lot was happening while also not much was really happening.
Maggie was fine as a main character, but she wasn’t especially memorable, and I had a harder time warming up to Roman. Because of that, I found it difficult to really root for either of them. The humor also didn’t always land for me, and the romance felt pretty rushed.
I also didn’t love the third act conflict. It felt like something that had been building up for a while but then got resolved very quickly without much consequence.
That said, even with all those criticisms, I was genuinely entertained the entire time. It’s the kind of book you can fly through in one sitting. Fun while you’re reading it, even if it doesn’t leave a huge impression afterward.
February 6, 2026
Oh my GOD this book was feral in the best possible way. Absolute chaos. Unhinged. Sleep-depriving. I finished it at 2am with my brain buzzing, fully aware my kids were going to wake me up in less than three hours (they did, the tiny traitors), and in that delirious, goblin-brained state I would have screamed “FIVE STARS” at anyone who asked.
After a tiny bit of sleep and rational thought, I’m calling it 4.5 stars… but that half-star deduction is pure technicality. Emotionally? I’m still foaming at the mouth about it.
This book is pure dark romantic comedy energy. Drugging. Kidnapping. Forced proximity. Questionable life choices. Elite banter. It takes a setup that should be morally catastrophic and somehow makes it hilarious and wildly addictive. It’s like dark romance got tossed in a blender with a rom-com and set to maximum chaos.
Maggie and Roman? Couple goals, if your goals include felonies and trauma bonding.
Roman is an absolute sweetheart disaster. The patience. The devotion. The way he treats his literal kidnapper like she hung the moon. Stockholm Syndrome or true love? Who really knows Either way I was kicking my feet. Their chemistry is ridiculous, and yes — the spice is HOT hot. Blush-at-2am, “just one more chapter,” full-body-scream levels of heat that somehow stays emotional and tender too.
And then the third-act breakup? RUDE. I was genuinely upset, which just proves how invested I was.
My only reason for docking half a star is wanting more depth. Roman’s celibacy-influencer backstory and Maggie’s family drama both deserved extra meat. I just wanted more time with them.
Still? Completely unbelievable, ridiculously fun, and stupidly bingeable. I devoured it. Would absolutely lose sleep again. 4.5 chaotic stars.
#DarkRomance #RomComReads #SpicyBooks #BookReview #RomanceReaders
After a tiny bit of sleep and rational thought, I’m calling it 4.5 stars… but that half-star deduction is pure technicality. Emotionally? I’m still foaming at the mouth about it.
This book is pure dark romantic comedy energy. Drugging. Kidnapping. Forced proximity. Questionable life choices. Elite banter. It takes a setup that should be morally catastrophic and somehow makes it hilarious and wildly addictive. It’s like dark romance got tossed in a blender with a rom-com and set to maximum chaos.
Maggie and Roman? Couple goals, if your goals include felonies and trauma bonding.
Roman is an absolute sweetheart disaster. The patience. The devotion. The way he treats his literal kidnapper like she hung the moon. Stockholm Syndrome or true love? Who really knows Either way I was kicking my feet. Their chemistry is ridiculous, and yes — the spice is HOT hot. Blush-at-2am, “just one more chapter,” full-body-scream levels of heat that somehow stays emotional and tender too.
And then the third-act breakup? RUDE. I was genuinely upset, which just proves how invested I was.
My only reason for docking half a star is wanting more depth. Roman’s celibacy-influencer backstory and Maggie’s family drama both deserved extra meat. I just wanted more time with them.
Still? Completely unbelievable, ridiculously fun, and stupidly bingeable. I devoured it. Would absolutely lose sleep again. 4.5 chaotic stars.
#DarkRomance #RomComReads #SpicyBooks #BookReview #RomanceReaders
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