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Silver Falls University #3
Loving the Tormentor
A dark bully romance from best-selling author Lola King
She dreams of being noticed by her idol. He needs a muse to torment.
Once a decade, my broken hometown spits out a good girl.
Everyone always made sure to point out that it's me. The violinist who doesn’t belong. The girl mocked for dreaming too big, for believing I can escape the gangs, the debts, and the crimes of the North Shore.
All I want is one a spot at Silver Falls University, where they house the most elite music school in the country. The place where my idol studies.
Achilles Duval is a legend. A genius. A man whose music could break your heart before he ever touched your body. I’ve followed him for years, obsessed with the chance of one day having him hear me play. His notorious arrogance means nothing when I dream of him noticing me.
And he does notice me.
But not in the way I hoped.
Because Achilles isn’t just brilliant. He’s dangerous. Untouchable. A man born with power, privilege, and no limits. His reputation barely scratches the surface of what he really is.
He’s not an idol. He’s a monster.
And once Achilles Duval sets his eyes on you, there’s no walking away unscathed.
They say never meet your heroes.
They should have warned me about Achilles.
Loving The Liar is a dark romance intended for readers over 18. Please, read the CW in the book.
This is the third book in a series of 3 interconnected standalones
She dreams of being noticed by her idol. He needs a muse to torment.
Once a decade, my broken hometown spits out a good girl.
Everyone always made sure to point out that it's me. The violinist who doesn’t belong. The girl mocked for dreaming too big, for believing I can escape the gangs, the debts, and the crimes of the North Shore.
All I want is one a spot at Silver Falls University, where they house the most elite music school in the country. The place where my idol studies.
Achilles Duval is a legend. A genius. A man whose music could break your heart before he ever touched your body. I’ve followed him for years, obsessed with the chance of one day having him hear me play. His notorious arrogance means nothing when I dream of him noticing me.
And he does notice me.
But not in the way I hoped.
Because Achilles isn’t just brilliant. He’s dangerous. Untouchable. A man born with power, privilege, and no limits. His reputation barely scratches the surface of what he really is.
He’s not an idol. He’s a monster.
And once Achilles Duval sets his eyes on you, there’s no walking away unscathed.
They say never meet your heroes.
They should have warned me about Achilles.
Loving The Liar is a dark romance intended for readers over 18. Please, read the CW in the book.
This is the third book in a series of 3 interconnected standalones
576 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2025
481 people are currently reading
5275 people want to read
About the author
Lola King
19 books2,698 followersLola King is a dark, steamy romance author who loves giving happy ever after’s to antiheroes. She writes about flawed and deeply broken characters and the women who bring them down to their knees. Her books are sometimes cute, sometimes angsty, but always sexy!
Lola lives in London and if she isn’t writing, she is most likely keeping her mind busy putting together a play or making music.
Let’s keep in touch on IG @lolaking_author or on FB readers’ group Lola’s Kings !
Lola lives in London and if she isn’t writing, she is most likely keeping her mind busy putting together a play or making music.
Let’s keep in touch on IG @lolaking_author or on FB readers’ group Lola’s Kings !
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 726 reviews
December 12, 2025
Nobody talk to me I need time to just stare at the wall in silence after that masterpiece….
Okay 3 days later and honestly I can’t even form words to do this book justice. Without a doubt my favorite dark romance book of the YEAR!!! This is one of my all time favorite dark romance series and I didn’t know it could get better but it somehow did?!!! Lola king is my dark romance queen. If you want extremely unhinged dark romance with plot, suspense, emotional damage. Yeah yeah yeah she’s your girl.
AND THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE IM SO UNWELL I WILL NEVER GET OVER ACHILLES AND NYX THEIR STORY RIPPED MY HEART OUT!!! The way the last 20% of this had me crying, screaming, pacing, losing my mind!!!! Achilles Duval is now one of my all time favorite dark romance MMCs. He lives in my head rent free. A French violinist who makes her his muse and writes and entire concerto to the rhythm of her heart?!!!! No. It’s always the quiet ones I fear. The mouth on him. THE YEARNING?!!!!!!! No I’m actually sick. His story broke me in pieces. PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS!!! He calls her MON TRESOR?!!!!!! Don’t be fooled he is a psychopath but like he’s a funny psycho with trauma and so much love to give to those he cares about and ya know what I’m sat.
God I genuinely don’t even know what to do with myself. I’m gonna shut up. Like I don’t even know what to say.
Pleaseeeeee check triggers this is dark and won’t be for everyone!
"I think," I say peacefully. "I think there's absolutely nothing I wouldn't do to make her completely mine."
“She takes a step back, and it's worse than a knife through my chest. God, it's painful when she pulls away from me. Can't she stay in my arms? Always?”
“She's the first ray of sunshine through your window after a night full of nightmares. She's reassurance, beauty, and talent. She feels like the freedom of chasing after a butterfly. Like the impossible happiness of finding the end of a rainbow. You keep chasing and chasing…and it keeps getting further away. Because she's everything to me, but nothing I deserve. As she places her palm on my cheek, my heart begs to tear through my chest since hers is a magnet.”
Okay 3 days later and honestly I can’t even form words to do this book justice. Without a doubt my favorite dark romance book of the YEAR!!! This is one of my all time favorite dark romance series and I didn’t know it could get better but it somehow did?!!! Lola king is my dark romance queen. If you want extremely unhinged dark romance with plot, suspense, emotional damage. Yeah yeah yeah she’s your girl.
AND THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE IM SO UNWELL I WILL NEVER GET OVER ACHILLES AND NYX THEIR STORY RIPPED MY HEART OUT!!! The way the last 20% of this had me crying, screaming, pacing, losing my mind!!!! Achilles Duval is now one of my all time favorite dark romance MMCs. He lives in my head rent free. A French violinist who makes her his muse and writes and entire concerto to the rhythm of her heart?!!!! No. It’s always the quiet ones I fear. The mouth on him. THE YEARNING?!!!!!!! No I’m actually sick. His story broke me in pieces. PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS!!! He calls her MON TRESOR?!!!!!! Don’t be fooled he is a psychopath but like he’s a funny psycho with trauma and so much love to give to those he cares about and ya know what I’m sat.
God I genuinely don’t even know what to do with myself. I’m gonna shut up. Like I don’t even know what to say.
Pleaseeeeee check triggers this is dark and won’t be for everyone!
"I think," I say peacefully. "I think there's absolutely nothing I wouldn't do to make her completely mine."
“She takes a step back, and it's worse than a knife through my chest. God, it's painful when she pulls away from me. Can't she stay in my arms? Always?”
“She's the first ray of sunshine through your window after a night full of nightmares. She's reassurance, beauty, and talent. She feels like the freedom of chasing after a butterfly. Like the impossible happiness of finding the end of a rainbow. You keep chasing and chasing…and it keeps getting further away. Because she's everything to me, but nothing I deserve. As she places her palm on my cheek, my heart begs to tear through my chest since hers is a magnet.”
December 7, 2025
♾️⭐️ Now that I’ve picked my jaw up off the floor, my tears have dried and my thoughts are somewhat gathered…
I had such high expectations for this book because the second Achilles was introduced in the series, I fell head over heels for him. I was so ready for his story, and Lola delivered.
He was everything I wanted him to be: manipulative, cunning, controlled yet completely psychotic and delusional… and somehow still super sweet. He was dripping sex appeal and confidence. I couldn’t stop thinking of Damon Salvatore, that same blasé, “fuck everyone but her, consequences be damned” energy. And you already know I’m obsessed with MMCs built like that.
This man was the king of grand gestures and acts of service. He would’ve pulled down the moon and the stars for Nyx if he could’ve. And even though he’s literally insane, behind all that crazy he was actually super fucking sweet. He was giving full lover boy …obsessed, devoted, worshipping the ground she walked on.
And this is such a testament to Lola’s writing. She creates these unhinged, morally grey men, yet they all feel so different. Achilles might be crazy, but he’s crazy in a way that’s entirely his own.
Achilles and Nyx’s dynamic was incredible. A little push and pull, but once they clicked into place it felt so natural. I loved the buildup. There’s just something about an MMC who has never loved anyone before and then falls completely, devastatingly hard for the FMC. The way he helped her work through her trauma… the way they leaned on each other… there were so many genuinely special moments between them, even though things may have started a litttttle crazy 👀
This was definitely my favorite plot in the entire series. You still get that secret-society vibe, but it was so well fleshed out, and the twists and turns had my neck snapping from whiplash. This book was an emotional roller coaster in the best, most gut wrenching way. The last 20%? I was in a constant sob. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t see the words on my Kindle. I was fighting for my fucking life.
And the music aspect? One of my absolute favorite parts. It was so special. She’s his muse. 🥹😭 The way this man knew her heartbeat, YOU’RE JOKING. The concerto. I’ll be crying over that for the next 3 to 6 months at least.
This is easily one of Lola’s most emotional books. There were moments I genuinely couldn’t catch my breath. The way she turns feelings into words is unreal.
The grief in this book felt lived in. It wasn’t polished or pretty it was raw, sudden, and painfully real. Lola captured that quiet, suffocating kind of grief that steals your breath without warning, and it grounded the entire story in such a powerful way. And on top of that, her mental-health representation was handled with so much care. It never felt preachy or forced just honest, compassionate, and deeply human.
This is hands down, my favorite book in the series. A complete masterpiece. The plot, the twists, the boundary-pushing, the intricate characters, THE SPICE?!? Achilles is going to have you absolutely feral. Everything was perfection.
Lola’s writing scratches something in my brain. It’s poetic but still so smooth, and it reads effortlessly. She knows exactly how to capture her audience with the way she tells a story, every line feels intentional and it’s always the perfect mix of unhinged and emotional. She’s gonna make you cry, and she’s also gonna make you blush and sweat, and it just might be in the same chapter.
I always worry how her new characters are gonna stack up against the ones I already know and love so much, and she never disappoints.
I could go on forever about how much I loved this book. You can probably tell by how long this review is. Lola knocked this series out of the park, and this was the perfect conclusion… even though I wasn’t sure I’d survive the ending. But look at me, I did it. I wish I could attach all my crying selfies.
Achilles Duval, you have my heart and soul. 🖤🎻
A standing FUCKING ovation 👏🏻👏🏻
This book is everything to me
I had such high expectations for this book because the second Achilles was introduced in the series, I fell head over heels for him. I was so ready for his story, and Lola delivered.
He was everything I wanted him to be: manipulative, cunning, controlled yet completely psychotic and delusional… and somehow still super sweet. He was dripping sex appeal and confidence. I couldn’t stop thinking of Damon Salvatore, that same blasé, “fuck everyone but her, consequences be damned” energy. And you already know I’m obsessed with MMCs built like that.
This man was the king of grand gestures and acts of service. He would’ve pulled down the moon and the stars for Nyx if he could’ve. And even though he’s literally insane, behind all that crazy he was actually super fucking sweet. He was giving full lover boy …obsessed, devoted, worshipping the ground she walked on.
And this is such a testament to Lola’s writing. She creates these unhinged, morally grey men, yet they all feel so different. Achilles might be crazy, but he’s crazy in a way that’s entirely his own.
Achilles and Nyx’s dynamic was incredible. A little push and pull, but once they clicked into place it felt so natural. I loved the buildup. There’s just something about an MMC who has never loved anyone before and then falls completely, devastatingly hard for the FMC. The way he helped her work through her trauma… the way they leaned on each other… there were so many genuinely special moments between them, even though things may have started a litttttle crazy 👀
This was definitely my favorite plot in the entire series. You still get that secret-society vibe, but it was so well fleshed out, and the twists and turns had my neck snapping from whiplash. This book was an emotional roller coaster in the best, most gut wrenching way. The last 20%? I was in a constant sob. Couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t see the words on my Kindle. I was fighting for my fucking life.
And the music aspect? One of my absolute favorite parts. It was so special. She’s his muse. 🥹😭 The way this man knew her heartbeat, YOU’RE JOKING. The concerto. I’ll be crying over that for the next 3 to 6 months at least.
This is easily one of Lola’s most emotional books. There were moments I genuinely couldn’t catch my breath. The way she turns feelings into words is unreal.
The grief in this book felt lived in. It wasn’t polished or pretty it was raw, sudden, and painfully real. Lola captured that quiet, suffocating kind of grief that steals your breath without warning, and it grounded the entire story in such a powerful way. And on top of that, her mental-health representation was handled with so much care. It never felt preachy or forced just honest, compassionate, and deeply human.
This is hands down, my favorite book in the series. A complete masterpiece. The plot, the twists, the boundary-pushing, the intricate characters, THE SPICE?!? Achilles is going to have you absolutely feral. Everything was perfection.
Lola’s writing scratches something in my brain. It’s poetic but still so smooth, and it reads effortlessly. She knows exactly how to capture her audience with the way she tells a story, every line feels intentional and it’s always the perfect mix of unhinged and emotional. She’s gonna make you cry, and she’s also gonna make you blush and sweat, and it just might be in the same chapter.
I always worry how her new characters are gonna stack up against the ones I already know and love so much, and she never disappoints.
I could go on forever about how much I loved this book. You can probably tell by how long this review is. Lola knocked this series out of the park, and this was the perfect conclusion… even though I wasn’t sure I’d survive the ending. But look at me, I did it. I wish I could attach all my crying selfies.
Achilles Duval, you have my heart and soul. 🖤🎻
A standing FUCKING ovation 👏🏻👏🏻
This book is everything to me
December 10, 2025
“I’m a dreamer. You should try sometime.”
🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am speechless!
I am flabbergasted!
I am shocked!
I am in LOVE!
Because this book managed to dethrone Beautiful Fiend and Lawless God in Lola King universe for me. And no other book was able to do this. ALSO Achilles was able to dethrone Caden and Nate ! 😱😳 I know… shock of all shocks !!!!!
Achilles wasn’t so terrible in my opinion, yes he was a psycho and manipulative but at the same time he was very seductive and smooth….. despite all he does, he is not the type of MMC that makes you hate him to them love him. No you kinda get all his actions and the fact he was seen the bigger picture!
Nyx was cute and relatable . Her struggles made me so sad. She had such a hard life and worked so hard for an opportunity to leave the North Shore….. she is a fighter.
I love the continuation of the Secret Circle and how Achilles was dealing with… I love how he had everything locked and loaded for the end.
I adored the side story with Sophie.
Nyx was the one who was completely obsessed and in love with the idea of Achilles since he was a musical genius so she was the one falling first. But Achilles is the one that falls HARDER and when he starts his obsession and Nyx sees how crazy he is , she was just like : no thanks! 😂😂 too late girly ….
This book gave me everything I needed, the friends group, the characters from the same universe showing up, the giggles and sexy moments but also the dark moments, the crazy ones and the VERY emotional ones. I literally have ZERO complaints about this book ! Zero ! I am excited to see what Lola will bring next to us. Second Gen ??????
🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am speechless!
I am flabbergasted!
I am shocked!
I am in LOVE!
Because this book managed to dethrone Beautiful Fiend and Lawless God in Lola King universe for me. And no other book was able to do this. ALSO Achilles was able to dethrone Caden and Nate ! 😱😳 I know… shock of all shocks !!!!!
Achilles wasn’t so terrible in my opinion, yes he was a psycho and manipulative but at the same time he was very seductive and smooth….. despite all he does, he is not the type of MMC that makes you hate him to them love him. No you kinda get all his actions and the fact he was seen the bigger picture!
Nyx was cute and relatable . Her struggles made me so sad. She had such a hard life and worked so hard for an opportunity to leave the North Shore….. she is a fighter.
I love the continuation of the Secret Circle and how Achilles was dealing with… I love how he had everything locked and loaded for the end.
I adored the side story with Sophie.
Nyx was the one who was completely obsessed and in love with the idea of Achilles since he was a musical genius so she was the one falling first. But Achilles is the one that falls HARDER and when he starts his obsession and Nyx sees how crazy he is , she was just like : no thanks! 😂😂 too late girly ….
This book gave me everything I needed, the friends group, the characters from the same universe showing up, the giggles and sexy moments but also the dark moments, the crazy ones and the VERY emotional ones. I literally have ZERO complaints about this book ! Zero ! I am excited to see what Lola will bring next to us. Second Gen ??????
Currently reading
December 4, 2025Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
https://mybook.to/lovingthetormentor
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4pFHxca
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
https://mybook.to/lovingthetormentor
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4pFHxca
December 10, 2025
I have to change my rating to 5⭐️ because I’m still thinking about this book 4 days later.
Wow, that was a lot and I liked every second of it 🙈
Every single book I’ve read by Lola King I’ve devoured in one sitting, and this one was no different. The way she writes interesting stories and powerful characters puts her up there with my favorite dark romance authors. Plot twist after plot twist after plot twist…by the end my head was spinning, I was crying my eyes out and I genuinely couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. I get that these books aren’t for everyone and I understand it, but they are for me. Every time I’m in a mood for a good dark romance book I know Lola will deliver. And she did it again 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
However this one is very dark and trigger heavy, so please check them all‼️
This book felt like I was reading a mixture of God of Ruin and Lyra and Thatcher from The Hollow Boys series but in the most perfect way.
I was so excited to read about this couple and it was everything I hoped for and even better.
Their backstories and journey throughout this book broke me, but their love for each other put my heart back together.
Achilles is unhinged, arrogant, manipulative and selfish but at the same time so down bad for her and he absolutely loves it.
“She feels like the freedom of chasing after a butterfly. Like the impossible happiness of finding the end of a rainbow. You keep chasing and chasing and it keeps getting further away. Because she’s everything to me, but nothing I deserve.”
Throughout the book he continues to support her, protect her, build her self confidence. He will do anything for her just to keep her safe and happy and by the end of the book he grew as a character so much.
Is he still a sick bastard? Yes, absolutely 😂 and he is completely unapologetic about it.
His love and devotion for the people he cares about is on another level and when you finally learn about his past you start to appreciate him even more.
And Nyx, she is just a girl who loves everyone unconditionally when they absolutely don’t deserve it and thinks she has to work hard to be treated right. She is such a tortured soul and my heart aches for her. Every single fmc in this series is a badass and she is no exception. The struggles she went through her whole life and still managed to look at bright side of things and continued to study and chase her dreams…that alone makes her such a strong character in my book.
“I’m a dreamer. You should try it sometime.”
They healed each other and finally got the happily ever after they truly deserved.
Perfect ending to this series and got all the answers I wanted. But I’m also very sad that this is over because I’ve grown to love every single character in this series.
It was such a fun journey 🥰
Wow, that was a lot and I liked every second of it 🙈
Every single book I’ve read by Lola King I’ve devoured in one sitting, and this one was no different. The way she writes interesting stories and powerful characters puts her up there with my favorite dark romance authors. Plot twist after plot twist after plot twist…by the end my head was spinning, I was crying my eyes out and I genuinely couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. I get that these books aren’t for everyone and I understand it, but they are for me. Every time I’m in a mood for a good dark romance book I know Lola will deliver. And she did it again 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
However this one is very dark and trigger heavy, so please check them all‼️
This book felt like I was reading a mixture of God of Ruin and Lyra and Thatcher from The Hollow Boys series but in the most perfect way.
I was so excited to read about this couple and it was everything I hoped for and even better.
Their backstories and journey throughout this book broke me, but their love for each other put my heart back together.
Achilles is unhinged, arrogant, manipulative and selfish but at the same time so down bad for her and he absolutely loves it.
“She feels like the freedom of chasing after a butterfly. Like the impossible happiness of finding the end of a rainbow. You keep chasing and chasing and it keeps getting further away. Because she’s everything to me, but nothing I deserve.”
Throughout the book he continues to support her, protect her, build her self confidence. He will do anything for her just to keep her safe and happy and by the end of the book he grew as a character so much.
Is he still a sick bastard? Yes, absolutely 😂 and he is completely unapologetic about it.
His love and devotion for the people he cares about is on another level and when you finally learn about his past you start to appreciate him even more.
And Nyx, she is just a girl who loves everyone unconditionally when they absolutely don’t deserve it and thinks she has to work hard to be treated right. She is such a tortured soul and my heart aches for her. Every single fmc in this series is a badass and she is no exception. The struggles she went through her whole life and still managed to look at bright side of things and continued to study and chase her dreams…that alone makes her such a strong character in my book.
“I’m a dreamer. You should try it sometime.”
They healed each other and finally got the happily ever after they truly deserved.
Perfect ending to this series and got all the answers I wanted. But I’m also very sad that this is over because I’ve grown to love every single character in this series.
It was such a fun journey 🥰
January 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
ох лолааааааа, я зла на тебе, жінко! за ці американські гірки та емоційні гойдалки, за ці поетичні, чуттєві, чуйні та болючі слова і вчинки, за травматичне минуле й теперішнє, за мільйон твістів під кінець книги, половина з яких відчувалася зайвою. це що взагалі було. loving the tormentor - люблю і ненавиджу водночас 😅
я пройшла усі стадії від захвату до закочування очей і вирішила, що емоційно історія таки вартує цієї оцінки і першого місця в серії 👏
щодо персонажів.
рен, потримай моє пиво і можеш продовжувати пускати слинки на піч, у мене з'явився новий улюбленець - психопат дедді ахілл 🤤😮💨🥵🔥
чоловік, який жорстоко покарає її кривдників і сам певною мірою буде її одержимим, приємним, але мучителем 😈 який подарує їй дорогущу скрипку і буде персонально тренувати в грі на ній 🎻 який організує обстеження та зробить усе, щоб вилікувати її часткову німоту, аби тільки це не заважало під час гри і в житті ❤️🩹 який влаштує прослуховування у відомому оркестрі, де захоче бачити її першою скрипкою замість себе ��� який покриє її борги, бо просто може, забезпечить лікування її батька, і зробить так, щоб вона нічого не потребувала 🙂↕️
і все тому, що нарешті зустрів музу, яка мотивує його писати нову музику, в яку, звичайно, закохався і не помітив, як вона стала частиною сенсу його життя 🙂↔️
шо тут ще думати, пакуєм, беремо! 💃
нікс ідеально вписується до пари з ахіллом. дівчина зі стержнем, яка, незважаючи на травми, не опускає руки і йде до своєї цілі.
їх насправді багато що об'єднує: болюче минуле, захоплення і любов до музики, мистецтва, прагнення врятувати і захистити близьких понад усе. та навіть сексуальні вподобання, які у цієї парочки теж із родзинками 😏
щодо сюжету.
нарешті в нас відкриваються карти і ми дізнаємось, хто насправді такий гермес. хоча про це викриття і можна здогадатись, але воно більш-менш логічне і має за собою більшу ідею, ніж звичайна публікація пліток про елітну молодь 🌚 тому я радше рада тому, ким виявився гермес 🤓
але разом з цим, гермес - це найменше, що буде хвилювати в цій книзі, бо далі лолочка вивалить таку кількість поворотів, зізнань та відкриттів, що важко встигнути за її темпом. після третього-четвертого такого сюжетного «ходу» хотілося сказати авторці «астанавітєсь» 🫣
серйозно, деякі твісти дійсно круті, додають напруги та емоційних переживань разом з героями, а від деяких я хваталась за голову зі словами «навіщо. так. багато. всього.»
ех, але нічого не можу з собою зробити. бо у фіналі всі гг з цієї серії стали настільки рідними, що я не хотіла з ними прощатись 🥹 а, можливо, ми ще побачимо їх у наступних книгах, оскільки авторка усі їх пише в одному всесвіті і полюбляє додавати камео героїв з попередніх книг. тому дякую за цю чудову серію, а мене ще чекають інші книги лоли кінг, бо її я прочитаю точно всі 😎🍿
ох лолааааааа, я зла на тебе, жінко! за ці американські гірки та емоційні гойдалки, за ці поетичні, чуттєві, чуйні та болючі слова і вчинки, за травматичне минуле й теперішнє, за мільйон твістів під кінець книги, половина з яких відчувалася зайвою. це що взагалі було. loving the tormentor - люблю і ненавиджу водночас 😅
я пройшла усі стадії від захвату до закочування очей і вирішила, що емоційно історія таки вартує цієї оцінки і першого місця в серії 👏
щодо персонажів.
рен, потримай моє пиво і можеш продовжувати пускати слинки на піч, у мене з'явився новий улюбленець - психопат дедді ахілл 🤤😮💨🥵🔥
чоловік, який жорстоко покарає її кривдників і сам певною мірою буде її одержимим, приємним, але мучителем 😈 який подарує їй дорогущу скрипку і буде персонально тренувати в грі на ній 🎻 який організує обстеження та зробить усе, щоб вилікувати її часткову німоту, аби тільки це не заважало під час гри і в житті ❤️🩹 який влаштує прослуховування у відомому оркестрі, де захоче бачити її першою скрипкою замість себе ��� який покриє її борги, бо просто може, забезпечить лікування її батька, і зробить так, щоб вона нічого не потребувала 🙂↕️
і все тому, що нарешті зустрів музу, яка мотивує його писати нову музику, в яку, звичайно, закохався і не помітив, як вона стала частиною сенсу його життя 🙂↔️
шо тут ще думати, пакуєм, беремо! 💃
нікс ідеально вписується до пари з ахіллом. дівчина зі стержнем, яка, незважаючи на травми, не опускає руки і йде до своєї цілі.
їх насправді багато що об'єднує: болюче минуле, захоплення і любов до музики, мистецтва, прагнення врятувати і захистити близьких понад усе. та навіть сексуальні вподобання, які у цієї парочки теж із родзинками 😏
щодо сюжету.
нарешті в нас відкриваються карти і ми дізнаємось, хто насправді такий гермес. хоча про це викриття і можна здогадатись, але воно більш-менш логічне і має за собою більшу ідею, ніж звичайна публікація пліток про елітну молодь 🌚 тому я радше рада тому, ким виявився гермес 🤓
але разом з цим, гермес - це найменше, що буде хвилювати в цій книзі, бо далі лолочка вивалить таку кількість поворотів, зізнань та відкриттів, що важко встигнути за її темпом. після третього-четвертого такого сюжетного «ходу» хотілося сказати авторці «астанавітєсь» 🫣
серйозно, деякі твісти дійсно круті, додають напруги та емоційних переживань разом з героями, а від деяких я хваталась за голову зі словами «навіщо. так. багато. всього.»
ех, але нічого не можу з собою зробити. бо у фіналі всі гг з цієї серії стали настільки рідними, що я не хотіла з ними прощатись 🥹 а, можливо, ми ще побачимо їх у наступних книгах, оскільки авторка усі їх пише в одному всесвіті і полюбляє додавати камео героїв з попередніх книг. тому дякую за цю чудову серію, а мене ще чекають інші книги лоли кінг, бо її я прочитаю точно всі 😎🍿
December 29, 2025
SHUT UPPP, this was so GOOD!!! this had me by the throat, by the neck, by the everything - i was painfully and utterly hooked and clutched and snatched! i need an achilles duval to come ruin my life, only to put it all back together again - it’s a neeeeeeeeeed at this point 😩
i’m gonna try and keep it short and sweet (for me, anyways) - let’s see 💀
first off, this one was the perfect length! i’m starting with this because i had some complaints about the previous ones being too long, but this one was in the sweet spot page-count wise and at no point did i feel like the story ever dragged. i was actively having to pace myself and not devour this too quickly because i knew the hangover would be real once i finished it!
the story…there were tons of gasp-worthy moments, giggle-and-kick-your-feet moments, cackle-out-loud moments and heart-clenching can’t-breathe screaming-into-the-void moments! listen, i really couldn’t get enough of whatever crack was in this!
i have categorically got to put on record that achilles was THEEEEEE best, most captivating mmc of this trio. my unhinged tortured sarcastic babygirl - i love him i love him i love him. a chaos demon down to his core. did he do some irredeemable stuff? sure. and??? his brand of crazy was right up my alley. it’s always those dark sunshine, blasé, a lil (a lot) psychotic but also really soft and vulnerable guys with the funniest quips and tragic backstory and motivations that are going to do it for me every time! i’m just a fan account for him atp. he has my whole heartttttt, especially when you know what you know 🤧
and nyxie - i loved her as well! forever on a struggle bus, my girl was going THROUGH it time and time again but she was also really strong and talented and brave and a survivalist. she’s such an empathy-inducing character. she had the most compelling arc of all the female main characters in this series. the way her character developed and the change in her from the start to the end was evident and so well executed. no notes!
together, these two were so tragically perfect. yes, it was toxic and messy and destructive, but they belonged together! romance ain’t dead with these two. i ate the love story up and licked the spoon clean!!! their classical music connection? urgh. loved. all the ups and downs? yeah, couldn’t not be invested if my life depended on it! the way they fit and had all these points of commonality worked so well! the chemistry, the passion, the obsession - just…*chef’s kiss*
i also loved the focus of this book in that the romance was balanced well with the plot and there wasn’t a lot of repetition from books past (a specific problem i had with the second book). everything was just the right mix development-wise and i never felt like i got too much or too little of one thing. this one also had the best spice 🤭 and the hermes reveal??? i’m so satisfied with it (i guessed it from the second book but i was still really happy about being right and how it made the most sense and how everything played out 😀).
the drama was A+ and i was so engaged throughout the book. the last quarter or so had me so stressed and gripping my edges! i was pacing!!! went through the absolute ringer. the reveals, the angst, the pain - oh i was suffering but in the best way!
also wanted to add that i loved the found family 🥹💜
anyhoo, this is easily the best book of the series for me. lola king, i was NAWT familiar with your game but i’m so happy i read this series just for this book specifically and i have another @Lola to thank for that (you know who you are 😂). thanks for putting me on “sweets” 💜 and @SaraG thank you for indulging all my updates and egging me on with this journey as well 🫶🏾 (i’m too lazy to hyperlink but y’all know 😂).
”i’m a dreamer. you should try it sometime.” to “i’m a dreamer, i’ll keep on dreaming.” staaaaaaaaaaph. tens tens tens across the board!
—————————————————————————————————
lemme also add my rankings!
books (and couples because it’s the same)
🥇loving the tormentor (obvi) - achilles & nyx
🥈loving the liar - chris & ella
🥉loving the reaper - wren & peach
mmc rankings - the same as books and couples
fmc rankings - i rate peach above ella, but nyxie on top!
—————————————————————————————————
pre-read: do i need to read these in order, because i’m kinda just interested in this one…
i’m gonna try and keep it short and sweet (for me, anyways) - let’s see 💀
first off, this one was the perfect length! i’m starting with this because i had some complaints about the previous ones being too long, but this one was in the sweet spot page-count wise and at no point did i feel like the story ever dragged. i was actively having to pace myself and not devour this too quickly because i knew the hangover would be real once i finished it!
the story…there were tons of gasp-worthy moments, giggle-and-kick-your-feet moments, cackle-out-loud moments and heart-clenching can’t-breathe screaming-into-the-void moments! listen, i really couldn’t get enough of whatever crack was in this!
i have categorically got to put on record that achilles was THEEEEEE best, most captivating mmc of this trio. my unhinged tortured sarcastic babygirl - i love him i love him i love him. a chaos demon down to his core. did he do some irredeemable stuff? sure. and??? his brand of crazy was right up my alley. it’s always those dark sunshine, blasé, a lil (a lot) psychotic but also really soft and vulnerable guys with the funniest quips and tragic backstory and motivations that are going to do it for me every time! i’m just a fan account for him atp. he has my whole heartttttt, especially when you know what you know 🤧
and nyxie - i loved her as well! forever on a struggle bus, my girl was going THROUGH it time and time again but she was also really strong and talented and brave and a survivalist. she’s such an empathy-inducing character. she had the most compelling arc of all the female main characters in this series. the way her character developed and the change in her from the start to the end was evident and so well executed. no notes!
together, these two were so tragically perfect. yes, it was toxic and messy and destructive, but they belonged together! romance ain’t dead with these two. i ate the love story up and licked the spoon clean!!! their classical music connection? urgh. loved. all the ups and downs? yeah, couldn’t not be invested if my life depended on it! the way they fit and had all these points of commonality worked so well! the chemistry, the passion, the obsession - just…*chef’s kiss*
i also loved the focus of this book in that the romance was balanced well with the plot and there wasn’t a lot of repetition from books past (a specific problem i had with the second book). everything was just the right mix development-wise and i never felt like i got too much or too little of one thing. this one also had the best spice 🤭 and the hermes reveal??? i’m so satisfied with it (i guessed it from the second book but i was still really happy about being right and how it made the most sense and how everything played out 😀).
the drama was A+ and i was so engaged throughout the book. the last quarter or so had me so stressed and gripping my edges! i was pacing!!! went through the absolute ringer. the reveals, the angst, the pain - oh i was suffering but in the best way!
also wanted to add that i loved the found family 🥹💜
anyhoo, this is easily the best book of the series for me. lola king, i was NAWT familiar with your game but i’m so happy i read this series just for this book specifically and i have another @Lola to thank for that (you know who you are 😂). thanks for putting me on “sweets” 💜 and @SaraG thank you for indulging all my updates and egging me on with this journey as well 🫶🏾 (i’m too lazy to hyperlink but y’all know 😂).
”i’m a dreamer. you should try it sometime.” to “i’m a dreamer, i’ll keep on dreaming.” staaaaaaaaaaph. tens tens tens across the board!
—————————————————————————————————
lemme also add my rankings!
books (and couples because it’s the same)
🥇loving the tormentor (obvi) - achilles & nyx
🥈loving the liar - chris & ella
🥉loving the reaper - wren & peach
mmc rankings - the same as books and couples
fmc rankings - i rate peach above ella, but nyxie on top!
—————————————————————————————————
pre-read: do i need to read these in order, because i’m kinda just interested in this one…
December 6, 2025
4.5 Mon Trésor Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I am... I'm actually mad. Like, I want to cry and scream and break something because of how this story went down. It’s just… fuck me, why did Lola King go and do that? I love her world, I love everything she touches, I love how she makes you care about questionable characters with severely questionable morals and if it's not clear...
I’m addicted to these series!!! Like wanting to shout from the rooftops, if you like dark romance and you haven’t picked up a Lola King book, what the fuck are you doing with your life? BECAUSE HER BOOKS ARE THE BAR for what a dark romance should be.
BUT SOME DECISIONS SHE MADE IN THIS BOOK! LIKE WHYYYYYYY!!! OMG!!!! And I can't even say what it is, because that would be such a spoiler and I don't wanna be that person!
Nyx Mayer has grown up on the North Shore. Her mother abandoned her when she was young and has never looked back, completely cutting contact. Now she’s living with her absentee dad, who is addicted to alcohol and gambling and who constantly puts her in very difficult positions. One such situation was years ago when a loan enforcer came looking for money at their house and didn’t find any, but he found Nyx and took pity on her. Now, Nyx is in a toxic relationship with that very enforcer. Nyx also happens to be an extremely talented violinist and has just been offered a scholarship at Silver Falls University, the first scholarship the school has ever given. Which is AMAZING for Nyx, as this gives her the chance to escape the North Shore… and she’ll be close to her idol, Achilles Duvall. And once Achilles sets his eyes on Nyx, he doesn’t ever plan on letting her go… because why would you ever let your muse go?
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I felt so so sorry for Nyx. She’s a very, very submissive, scared character but she's written that way on purpose. That’s her major flaw, and that’s what Achilles preys on and what makes him addicted to her... because she’s so afraid, and he gets off on making someone afraid. But she's also incredibly strong and a survivor. She’s been used and abused, assaulted, she's poor, and feels completely unloved and ignored by her family. This scholarship is her first real chance to make something of herself, so she really works for it. That’s what I love about her... this dichotomy in submitting and being afraid but being so hardy and strong. She’s endured so much and still manages to smile at the end of the day. ALSO HUGE SHOUTOUT to the hearing-loss rep, as the way her hearing disability is portrayed feels tender and authentic, and I love the way it was woven in the story.
Achilles… he’s scary the same way Wren and Chris were scary, but he might be the biggest dick of them all. And he knows it. Everyone treats him like a god because he’s this musical savant, given that he composed his own concerto as a teenager. But he hasn't been able to write music in a long time, so when his muse (Nyx) finally gives him the ability to write, he quickly becomes obsessed and addicted to her because she's given him that feeling of composing again. There’s a lot of push and pull between them, especially since Nyx has a boyfriend, but like all men in a Dark Romance... he manages to whittle her resolve down until she has no choice but to fall in love with him!
The spice is absolutely delicious. If you’re a fan of dubious consent, or spice that makes you question why you’re turned on, also REALLY turning you on... then this is for you. It’s sexy and dirty and teasing in the best possible way, and it’s one of the best parts of the book!
I love how Lola continued to play with your psychology and emotions and how she manipulates them SO FUCKING WELL! You’re emotionally forced into situations, going up and down and left and right, with twists and turns that flip you over faster than you can keep track! It’s exhilarating. It’s exciting. It’s also stressful for your heart because you don’t know which direction you’ll be thrown next. But that's also why I like reading her books so much.
I honestly was ready to say this was the best one in the series AND I AM OBSESSED WITH WREN AND PEACH... but then the **THING** happened. Yes, there were predictable and unpredictable twists… but what the flying fuck????
𝙊𝙉𝙇𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙄𝙁 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙀𝙉𝘿 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙇𝙀𝘿! 𝙇𝙄𝙆𝙀 𝙄 𝘼𝙈 𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙔𝙊𝙐!!!!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Bully Romance
▶ Secret Society
▶ Rich Boy X Poor Girl
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ University Romance
▶ Fast burn
▶ Stalking
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Potato Sack over his Shoulder
▷ "You taste like", "Mine", "Beg Me", "Look at Me", "Don't Stop" and "Mine"
▷ Cooks her food
▷ Cages her with his arms
▷ Licks her tears
𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨:
➢ Fear Play - Bondage/BDSM Elements and Breath Play (Kinda)
➢ She walks in on him in a compromising position and Voyeurism
➢ Edging
➢ Knife Play (Kinda)
➢ Fun with Toys
➢ Finger Licking Good
I’m sad to bid farewell to this series now that the final story is complete. I’m hoping we get a second-generation set of books, because I need more of this universe. I can’t wait to see what Lola King does next, and even with my personal gripe about this book, I still enjoyed being back in this world and watching how Achilles’ mind works in that fucked-up, chess-master way.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and Lola King for this gift copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I am... I'm actually mad. Like, I want to cry and scream and break something because of how this story went down. It’s just… fuck me, why did Lola King go and do that? I love her world, I love everything she touches, I love how she makes you care about questionable characters with severely questionable morals and if it's not clear...
I’m addicted to these series!!! Like wanting to shout from the rooftops, if you like dark romance and you haven’t picked up a Lola King book, what the fuck are you doing with your life? BECAUSE HER BOOKS ARE THE BAR for what a dark romance should be.
BUT SOME DECISIONS SHE MADE IN THIS BOOK! LIKE WHYYYYYYY!!! OMG!!!! And I can't even say what it is, because that would be such a spoiler and I don't wanna be that person!
"You inspire me, mon trésor. And for that alone, you can be sure I’ll never let you go."𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Nyx Mayer has grown up on the North Shore. Her mother abandoned her when she was young and has never looked back, completely cutting contact. Now she’s living with her absentee dad, who is addicted to alcohol and gambling and who constantly puts her in very difficult positions. One such situation was years ago when a loan enforcer came looking for money at their house and didn’t find any, but he found Nyx and took pity on her. Now, Nyx is in a toxic relationship with that very enforcer. Nyx also happens to be an extremely talented violinist and has just been offered a scholarship at Silver Falls University, the first scholarship the school has ever given. Which is AMAZING for Nyx, as this gives her the chance to escape the North Shore… and she’ll be close to her idol, Achilles Duvall. And once Achilles sets his eyes on Nyx, he doesn’t ever plan on letting her go… because why would you ever let your muse go?
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I felt so so sorry for Nyx. She’s a very, very submissive, scared character but she's written that way on purpose. That’s her major flaw, and that’s what Achilles preys on and what makes him addicted to her... because she’s so afraid, and he gets off on making someone afraid. But she's also incredibly strong and a survivor. She’s been used and abused, assaulted, she's poor, and feels completely unloved and ignored by her family. This scholarship is her first real chance to make something of herself, so she really works for it. That’s what I love about her... this dichotomy in submitting and being afraid but being so hardy and strong. She’s endured so much and still manages to smile at the end of the day. ALSO HUGE SHOUTOUT to the hearing-loss rep, as the way her hearing disability is portrayed feels tender and authentic, and I love the way it was woven in the story.
Achilles… he’s scary the same way Wren and Chris were scary, but he might be the biggest dick of them all. And he knows it. Everyone treats him like a god because he’s this musical savant, given that he composed his own concerto as a teenager. But he hasn't been able to write music in a long time, so when his muse (Nyx) finally gives him the ability to write, he quickly becomes obsessed and addicted to her because she's given him that feeling of composing again. There’s a lot of push and pull between them, especially since Nyx has a boyfriend, but like all men in a Dark Romance... he manages to whittle her resolve down until she has no choice but to fall in love with him!
The spice is absolutely delicious. If you’re a fan of dubious consent, or spice that makes you question why you’re turned on, also REALLY turning you on... then this is for you. It’s sexy and dirty and teasing in the best possible way, and it’s one of the best parts of the book!
I love how Lola continued to play with your psychology and emotions and how she manipulates them SO FUCKING WELL! You’re emotionally forced into situations, going up and down and left and right, with twists and turns that flip you over faster than you can keep track! It’s exhilarating. It’s exciting. It’s also stressful for your heart because you don’t know which direction you’ll be thrown next. But that's also why I like reading her books so much.
I honestly was ready to say this was the best one in the series AND I AM OBSESSED WITH WREN AND PEACH... but then the **THING** happened. Yes, there were predictable and unpredictable twists… but what the flying fuck????
𝙊𝙉𝙇𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙄𝙁 𝙔𝙊𝙐 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙀𝙉𝘿 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙇𝙀𝘿! 𝙇𝙄𝙆𝙀 𝙄 𝘼𝙈 𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙔𝙊𝙐!!!!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Bully Romance
▶ Secret Society
▶ Rich Boy X Poor Girl
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ University Romance
▶ Fast burn
▶ Stalking
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Potato Sack over his Shoulder
▷ "You taste like", "Mine", "Beg Me", "Look at Me", "Don't Stop" and "Mine"
▷ Cooks her food
▷ Cages her with his arms
▷ Licks her tears
𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨:
➢ Fear Play - Bondage/BDSM Elements and Breath Play (Kinda)
➢ She walks in on him in a compromising position and Voyeurism
➢ Edging
➢ Knife Play (Kinda)
➢ Fun with Toys
➢ Finger Licking Good
I’m sad to bid farewell to this series now that the final story is complete. I’m hoping we get a second-generation set of books, because I need more of this universe. I can’t wait to see what Lola King does next, and even with my personal gripe about this book, I still enjoyed being back in this world and watching how Achilles’ mind works in that fucked-up, chess-master way.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and Lola King for this gift copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 5, 2025
This book… I don’t even know if words can do justice to how I’m feeling right now. Wow. What an absolutely wild ride. At first I thought this book wouldn’t hold any surprises for me but I was so wrong. Lola King truly pulled out every stop to close this series in the most unexpected way.
This is a true slow burn—the kind that toys with your nerves, teases your theories, and makes you believe you’ve figured it all out… only to obliterate you with a twist. I was confident, and then Lola hit me with a one–two punch that left my jaw on the floor. Well played.
Achilles…. This psychotic, brilliant, beautifully broken disaster might honestly be one of my favorite MMCs of all time. This whole series is a top-shelf, must-own-every-format kind of obsession. Achilles is uniquely unhinged, dangerously strategic, and captivating. I adored him. His storyline was heartbreaking and his character was so incredibly relatable. His relationship with Nyx? Messy, complex, destructive—and somehow devastatingly beautiful.
This finale was the perfect ending for the series and for the Circle. I loved every minute of it. My heart hurts knowing it’s over and that I will never experience reading it for the first time again. Don’t let it be over.
This is a true slow burn—the kind that toys with your nerves, teases your theories, and makes you believe you’ve figured it all out… only to obliterate you with a twist. I was confident, and then Lola hit me with a one–two punch that left my jaw on the floor. Well played.
Achilles…. This psychotic, brilliant, beautifully broken disaster might honestly be one of my favorite MMCs of all time. This whole series is a top-shelf, must-own-every-format kind of obsession. Achilles is uniquely unhinged, dangerously strategic, and captivating. I adored him. His storyline was heartbreaking and his character was so incredibly relatable. His relationship with Nyx? Messy, complex, destructive—and somehow devastatingly beautiful.
This finale was the perfect ending for the series and for the Circle. I loved every minute of it. My heart hurts knowing it’s over and that I will never experience reading it for the first time again. Don’t let it be over.
December 5, 2025
Of all the feelings I expected to feel, I confess boredom was not one I anticipated. I don't understand why all the potential of this book seemed to die with every page I read—to the point where I couldn't even entertain myself with the toxic drama promised here. All the characters seemed so flat and uninteresting that I even forgot many of them were protagonists from other books; they reminded me of background characters just filling out a story. Everyone seemed like a paper character just checking off a mandatory attendance list because they technically belong to the story's universe. Even the entire ridiculous secret society plot seemed more like a fact than a narrative element—and I never thought I'd make this comparison, but honestly, even the unbearable romance of Wren and Peach managed to entertain me with their chemistry, despite their stupidity.
The romance here is definitely hard to care about—especially the sexual chemistry. The sex scenes are dry, quick, and seem generic—which was even a surprise to me. One of the most openly fetishistic characters in this universe seems more like a typical rich kid with daddy issues, who appeared to promise a lot but deliver little in his sexual tastes. The character is much more vanilla compared to the other heroes from the other books. From what I've read, he doesn't really show strong emotions about seeing Nyx even having sex with her abusive boyfriend, and he doesn't even seem to care much about witnessing it as a voyeur—even though he claims to want her obsessively. The character really isn't the typical intense and possessive hero, but rather a guy who doesn't mind having sex with a committed woman as long as he's interested in her. Maybe this part will generate a wave of disappointment for those who expected a more aggressive and possessive hero, because their scenes are really much more lukewarm and even cliché if you've seen a good dose of dark romance.
To be honest, I found their chemistry quite questionable and the couple even boring. In theory, the elements for good toxic drama were definitely there. But the execution here seems very weak, as if it were a job done on autopilot and in a hurry. The obsession phase was much more subdued compared to the other stories—at one point, Achilles didn't even show attraction to Nyx because he saw nothing special in her, and after he takes sexual advantage of her—as he admits is a situation he's had with other fan girls like her—she suddenly becomes a muse for him that makes him write after years without creativity. There's no explanation, and I feel ideas were abandoned or handled inconsistently in the development of this phase—one moment he even suspects her father sent her, and later that seems to disappear from his mind, to the point where he even buys an expensive violin for her. I didn't even recognize Nyx's character here from the other books, and she seems so generic and strangely paired with Achilles. From a vulnerable teenager who had an almost big-sister bond with Kayla, she's now in this abusive/sadomasochistic relationship with a pedophile boyfriend. How did the girl Kayla fought so hard to protect end up in an abusive relationship for protection, and Kayla didn't even notice? And why is the abusive boyfriend exciting to Nyx one moment for acting according to her fetishes, and the next he's the shitty guy who mistreats her? One moment she feels aroused by him showing possessiveness, and the next he scares her because he's being jealous? (You can't have your cake and eat it too.)
The friendship between the girls from the other books and Nyx is also clearly forced here. They see Nyx and suddenly she's invited into the circle, they care about her, and they even seem to prefer protecting the new poor girl over their problematic friend of many years. It's a dynamic that's much harder to swallow compared to the other books, considering their friendship with each other was already a stated element of the universe, since they're a bunch of rich kids who grew up together.
I just feel the pairing here wasn't good or well-planned, and they almost seem like different characters from the previous books. I was really curious about Achilles's book—considering he's even described as one of the most openly dangerous in the previous stories. But even though I sometimes saw the character's charm, it didn't motivate me to continue with his boring chemistry with Nyx. Everything seems much more superficial and generic here—a shame because, even though I had issues with the other stories, I appreciated Lola King's ability to create toxic drama.
Note: Nyx has a very annoying boyfriend whose role even the author seems uncertain about. Their relationship is full of contradictions, being both romanticized and abusive, and as far as I’ve read, he still appears to serve as the primary device for creating drama in the main couple's romance. So, if you are bothered by abusive boyfriends with whom the heroine still maintains intimate contact while theoretically being involved with the hero—you may find this a genuinely tiresome read.
The romance here is definitely hard to care about—especially the sexual chemistry. The sex scenes are dry, quick, and seem generic—which was even a surprise to me. One of the most openly fetishistic characters in this universe seems more like a typical rich kid with daddy issues, who appeared to promise a lot but deliver little in his sexual tastes. The character is much more vanilla compared to the other heroes from the other books. From what I've read, he doesn't really show strong emotions about seeing Nyx even having sex with her abusive boyfriend, and he doesn't even seem to care much about witnessing it as a voyeur—even though he claims to want her obsessively. The character really isn't the typical intense and possessive hero, but rather a guy who doesn't mind having sex with a committed woman as long as he's interested in her. Maybe this part will generate a wave of disappointment for those who expected a more aggressive and possessive hero, because their scenes are really much more lukewarm and even cliché if you've seen a good dose of dark romance.
To be honest, I found their chemistry quite questionable and the couple even boring. In theory, the elements for good toxic drama were definitely there. But the execution here seems very weak, as if it were a job done on autopilot and in a hurry. The obsession phase was much more subdued compared to the other stories—at one point, Achilles didn't even show attraction to Nyx because he saw nothing special in her, and after he takes sexual advantage of her—as he admits is a situation he's had with other fan girls like her—she suddenly becomes a muse for him that makes him write after years without creativity. There's no explanation, and I feel ideas were abandoned or handled inconsistently in the development of this phase—one moment he even suspects her father sent her, and later that seems to disappear from his mind, to the point where he even buys an expensive violin for her. I didn't even recognize Nyx's character here from the other books, and she seems so generic and strangely paired with Achilles. From a vulnerable teenager who had an almost big-sister bond with Kayla, she's now in this abusive/sadomasochistic relationship with a pedophile boyfriend. How did the girl Kayla fought so hard to protect end up in an abusive relationship for protection, and Kayla didn't even notice? And why is the abusive boyfriend exciting to Nyx one moment for acting according to her fetishes, and the next he's the shitty guy who mistreats her? One moment she feels aroused by him showing possessiveness, and the next he scares her because he's being jealous? (You can't have your cake and eat it too.)
The friendship between the girls from the other books and Nyx is also clearly forced here. They see Nyx and suddenly she's invited into the circle, they care about her, and they even seem to prefer protecting the new poor girl over their problematic friend of many years. It's a dynamic that's much harder to swallow compared to the other books, considering their friendship with each other was already a stated element of the universe, since they're a bunch of rich kids who grew up together.
I just feel the pairing here wasn't good or well-planned, and they almost seem like different characters from the previous books. I was really curious about Achilles's book—considering he's even described as one of the most openly dangerous in the previous stories. But even though I sometimes saw the character's charm, it didn't motivate me to continue with his boring chemistry with Nyx. Everything seems much more superficial and generic here—a shame because, even though I had issues with the other stories, I appreciated Lola King's ability to create toxic drama.
Note: Nyx has a very annoying boyfriend whose role even the author seems uncertain about. Their relationship is full of contradictions, being both romanticized and abusive, and as far as I’ve read, he still appears to serve as the primary device for creating drama in the main couple's romance. So, if you are bothered by abusive boyfriends with whom the heroine still maintains intimate contact while theoretically being involved with the hero—you may find this a genuinely tiresome read.
Want to read
October 14, 2025It’s Achilles and Nyx’s book!!!
I cannot wait to find out who’s behind Hermes’ account 👀
I cannot wait to find out who’s behind Hermes’ account 👀
December 27, 2025
RTC!!! I need a moment😭
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Preread: You’re not ready to meet the person I’m going to become when this book comes out.
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Preread: You’re not ready to meet the person I’m going to become when this book comes out.
December 23, 2025
*Spoilers*
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘳é𝘴𝘰𝘳. 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
“𝘐𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 ? 𝘐 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.”
Everything that happened between these two sentences was pure torture. You can’t even begin to imagine how much I was SOBBING. The joke (well, not joke, but you get the point) was taking so long that I’d really started losing hope. The last 150ish pages were a literal roller coaster of emotions, it’ll take me a while to get over it 😭
Honestly, up until like 70% of the book, I thought of giving it 4.5 stars. I absolutely loved the MCs. I loved their dynamic, the drama, how he helped her, that he literally killed for her. I also loved how unhinged he sound. And when he found out about what she did ? The cherry on top. There weren’t too many details about what went on but it was enough to have the picture.
There’s one thing I still don’t understand. It’s the fact he was mentioned in the prologue that Nyx was as obsessed with Achilles as he was with her but I didn’t really get that vibe from her 😭 like, to me, she’s much calmer — NOT counting her jealousy ofc but she was pushing him away half the time and she wasn’t trying to follow him or anything so I don’t know. I could be wrong but that’s how I felt.. I still loved her though ! I absolutely loved how despite her disability and environment, she didn’t give up on what she loved, how she didn’t give up on her dad, how she took care of her daughter despite what she thought she knew, how she stayed with that shithead of a bf to keep paying her dad’s debts. These and some other things that give her such a strong vibe. I absolutely love her!
Now about Hermes. When I tell you, since I finished book one, and thanks to a note from the author that said we would find out who it was in book three, I WISHED it was Achilles. I told myself I would be disappointed if it were someone else. It wasn’t someone else, and I obviously wasn’t disappointed. And the fact he had a daughter all along ? Those things kept adding up and oh my god, it was just shock after shock!
Anyway, I absolutely LOVED this book and I will miss this series SO MUCH. Btw, my favorite book and favorite couple will always be loving the reaper and Wren and Peach. Their book was perfection!
Omg, btw I almost forgot! I’m french so it was nice seeing Achilles speaking french hehe 🤭
“𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘳é𝘴𝘰𝘳. 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
“𝘐𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 ? 𝘐 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.”
Everything that happened between these two sentences was pure torture. You can’t even begin to imagine how much I was SOBBING. The joke (well, not joke, but you get the point) was taking so long that I’d really started losing hope. The last 150ish pages were a literal roller coaster of emotions, it’ll take me a while to get over it 😭
Honestly, up until like 70% of the book, I thought of giving it 4.5 stars. I absolutely loved the MCs. I loved their dynamic, the drama, how he helped her, that he literally killed for her. I also loved how unhinged he sound. And when he found out about what she did ? The cherry on top. There weren’t too many details about what went on but it was enough to have the picture.
There’s one thing I still don’t understand. It’s the fact he was mentioned in the prologue that Nyx was as obsessed with Achilles as he was with her but I didn’t really get that vibe from her 😭 like, to me, she’s much calmer — NOT counting her jealousy ofc but she was pushing him away half the time and she wasn’t trying to follow him or anything so I don’t know. I could be wrong but that’s how I felt.. I still loved her though ! I absolutely loved how despite her disability and environment, she didn’t give up on what she loved, how she didn’t give up on her dad, how she took care of her daughter despite what she thought she knew, how she stayed with that shithead of a bf to keep paying her dad’s debts. These and some other things that give her such a strong vibe. I absolutely love her!
Now about Hermes. When I tell you, since I finished book one, and thanks to a note from the author that said we would find out who it was in book three, I WISHED it was Achilles. I told myself I would be disappointed if it were someone else. It wasn’t someone else, and I obviously wasn’t disappointed. And the fact he had a daughter all along ? Those things kept adding up and oh my god, it was just shock after shock!
Anyway, I absolutely LOVED this book and I will miss this series SO MUCH. Btw, my favorite book and favorite couple will always be loving the reaper and Wren and Peach. Their book was perfection!
Omg, btw I almost forgot! I’m french so it was nice seeing Achilles speaking french hehe 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
The first half of the book was so engaging—I couldn’t put it down. But in the second half, the author added so many unexpected twists that I started rolling my eyes. It honestly felt like the story turned into a soap opera.
November 24, 2025
INFINITY STARS!!!!!
I swear at this point I’m a broken record, but ONCE AGAIN Lola fucking King has reminded me exactly why she is and will always be, my favorite author 🫶🏼
I genuinely don’t have the words to do this masterpiece justice! My brain and my edits are simply not equipped for what this book did to me… but I’m still going to scream, cry, beg everyone until they read this series and get to this book ASAP!!
Achilles Duval…
You unhinged, psychotic, devastating man 🫠
Lola took my two great loves, Caden King and Nathan White, stitched their best (and worst) parts together, and unleashed Achilles into the world. And now I’m fighting for my life because I don’t know who my favorite is anymore and honestly, I’m not okay!!
I’m obsessed with him. Absolutely gone for him. And the fact that he can make me laugh while also ruining my life? I’m DONE. 💀
Take me out back.
His possessive, obsessive, absolutely feral love for Nyx had me feeling everything all at once. I was overwhelmed in the best way possible!!
And the emotions??? Lola dragged me through the trenches. I went from laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face, to kicking my feet and giggling, to fanning myself, to BAWLING so hard I couldn’t even see my kindle screen.
This is what I love about Lola’s books, everything around me fades and it’s a full blown escape into this world I love so much and hold so close to my heart. It feels like coming home and falling apart all at once!
There’s plot twist, after plot twist, after plot twist in here and just hang on because there is ANOTHER plot twist! I was quite literally getting whiplash!
I genuinely cannot say enough about this book. It ruined me in the most perfect way. And the second I hit the last page, all I wanted was to flip right back to the beginning and live it all over again.
I swear at this point I’m a broken record, but ONCE AGAIN Lola fucking King has reminded me exactly why she is and will always be, my favorite author 🫶🏼
I genuinely don’t have the words to do this masterpiece justice! My brain and my edits are simply not equipped for what this book did to me… but I’m still going to scream, cry, beg everyone until they read this series and get to this book ASAP!!
Achilles Duval…
You unhinged, psychotic, devastating man 🫠
Lola took my two great loves, Caden King and Nathan White, stitched their best (and worst) parts together, and unleashed Achilles into the world. And now I’m fighting for my life because I don’t know who my favorite is anymore and honestly, I’m not okay!!
I’m obsessed with him. Absolutely gone for him. And the fact that he can make me laugh while also ruining my life? I’m DONE. 💀
Take me out back.
His possessive, obsessive, absolutely feral love for Nyx had me feeling everything all at once. I was overwhelmed in the best way possible!!
And the emotions??? Lola dragged me through the trenches. I went from laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face, to kicking my feet and giggling, to fanning myself, to BAWLING so hard I couldn’t even see my kindle screen.
This is what I love about Lola’s books, everything around me fades and it’s a full blown escape into this world I love so much and hold so close to my heart. It feels like coming home and falling apart all at once!
There’s plot twist, after plot twist, after plot twist in here and just hang on because there is ANOTHER plot twist! I was quite literally getting whiplash!
I genuinely cannot say enough about this book. It ruined me in the most perfect way. And the second I hit the last page, all I wanted was to flip right back to the beginning and live it all over again.
December 6, 2025
⭐️Secret Society
⭐️Opposites Attract
⭐️Soft only for her
⭐️MMC/FMC are both OTT Obsessed
⭐️SPICY SPICY SPICY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️Twists and Turns
LOLA DOESN’T MISS. EVER.
I went into this book already knowing I’d love Achilles Duvel, but he still exceeded every expectation.
Achilles and Nyx were everything. This is without a doubt one of my top reads of the year.
I’m always a slave to Lola’s MMCs, and this was no different. From page one, I was swept up in the psychotic madness that is Achilles and Nyx. Their love wasn’t smooth sailing, but it was undeniably beautiful.
The way Lola crafted this story - and how she wove classical music into it - was pure magic. I genuinely thought Achilles would be another unhinged MMC (and don’t get it twisted, he absolutely is), but he’s also so much more. His mind is tormented and dark in a way that made my heart ache for him. It’s hard to even put into words how this book made me feel without giving too much away.
Just go in knowing this: you’re going to fall in love. You’ll have moments where you think “WTF?” because of how insanely obsessed Nyx and Achilles are with each other and the lengths they go to. You’ll laugh, because the comedic moments in such a heavy story are everything. And then - prepare yourself…you’re going to ugly cry. I’m talking full crocodile tears for at least the last 20%. And it is so worth it.
⭐️Opposites Attract
⭐️Soft only for her
⭐️MMC/FMC are both OTT Obsessed
⭐️SPICY SPICY SPICY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️Twists and Turns
LOLA DOESN’T MISS. EVER.
I went into this book already knowing I’d love Achilles Duvel, but he still exceeded every expectation.
Achilles and Nyx were everything. This is without a doubt one of my top reads of the year.
I’m always a slave to Lola’s MMCs, and this was no different. From page one, I was swept up in the psychotic madness that is Achilles and Nyx. Their love wasn’t smooth sailing, but it was undeniably beautiful.
The way Lola crafted this story - and how she wove classical music into it - was pure magic. I genuinely thought Achilles would be another unhinged MMC (and don’t get it twisted, he absolutely is), but he’s also so much more. His mind is tormented and dark in a way that made my heart ache for him. It’s hard to even put into words how this book made me feel without giving too much away.
Just go in knowing this: you’re going to fall in love. You’ll have moments where you think “WTF?” because of how insanely obsessed Nyx and Achilles are with each other and the lengths they go to. You’ll laugh, because the comedic moments in such a heavy story are everything. And then - prepare yourself…you’re going to ugly cry. I’m talking full crocodile tears for at least the last 20%. And it is so worth it.
![Profile Image for ♡Gabi♡ [life & work is chaotic hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1764457886i%2F137459201._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 26, 2025
wow, achilles and nyx were something else!! I love them sm, and they match each other perfectly…I couldn’t imagine them with anyone else. 🥹💜
the plot twists had me speechless, and the ending was perfect.
Lola does not miss!!!! 😍
the plot twists had me speechless, and the ending was perfect.
Lola does not miss!!!! 😍
December 9, 2025
#Review: *Loving The Tormentor* - Lola King - ARC [18+]
5+/5✨
3/5🌶️
[Attention to the triggers of this book! It contains multiple sensitive and violent scenes!]
Even though Nyx Mayer was living in the least privileged side of Silver Falls, she dreamed of being accepted to the Silver Falls University. Nyx was a talented violinist and she worked very hard for her dream of earning that scholarship, despite of being raised only by her unstable father in a poor environment. The fact that she was part of a toxic relationship with Chase, a very creepy guy who was always manipulating and was using her, didn't make things easier for her and had to fight even harder to achieve her dreams. But in all this time she was still idolising Achilles Duval, something she did for a long time now, since she fell in love with the violin. But when they finally met, things weren't that wow, leaving Nyx only with her fantasies. But what happens when things completely shift and from the ignorant Achilles he becomes a man obsessed? Besides that, shady things were still happening at SFU and the famous Hermes was still very present to play with their lives and also the secret society called the Circle. How will this odd love story end?
I can say that this book has completely amazed me!! I was literally glued to this book, the rising suspense slowly killing me! And that incredible tension between Nyx and Achilles - GOD!! It was perfection! This was definitely the first time when I was rooting for the bad and insane guy, which made me understand why the author chose to add that foreword in the beginning of this book.🤭 I was sooo intrigued by this story, even though it was super triggering in many ways. That delulu obsession Achilles had for Nyx wasn't normal at all but somehow made me like him for everything he did for her, because it was kind of sweet in the end. I was completely shocked by the series of events and by all those unfolded secrets from the last part of this story. It was pretty mind blowing because I didn't really saw that coming.
I liked so much the other two books of this 'Silver Falls University' series, but this one had something more, making me fall for it sooo bad!! It was simply UNBELIEVABLE, adoring each detail of this book. This was a super dark and twisted story, but it was sooo addicting and it still made me fall for these characters, despite of their actions and flaws. I definitely recommend this series to all the dark romance lovers, but also to the ones who want to read for the first time. It will make you love these types of stories.🤭
I'm super grateful for being accepted for this e-ARC! It was unbelievable!😍 Sooo, soo good! Thank you Valentine Pr and Lola for the opportunity!!
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#AntiHero
#Blackmail
#Bully
#DarkAcademia
#JealousPossessive
#MorallyGreyMMC
#SecretSociety
#OppositesAttract
5+/5✨
3/5🌶️
[Attention to the triggers of this book! It contains multiple sensitive and violent scenes!]
Even though Nyx Mayer was living in the least privileged side of Silver Falls, she dreamed of being accepted to the Silver Falls University. Nyx was a talented violinist and she worked very hard for her dream of earning that scholarship, despite of being raised only by her unstable father in a poor environment. The fact that she was part of a toxic relationship with Chase, a very creepy guy who was always manipulating and was using her, didn't make things easier for her and had to fight even harder to achieve her dreams. But in all this time she was still idolising Achilles Duval, something she did for a long time now, since she fell in love with the violin. But when they finally met, things weren't that wow, leaving Nyx only with her fantasies. But what happens when things completely shift and from the ignorant Achilles he becomes a man obsessed? Besides that, shady things were still happening at SFU and the famous Hermes was still very present to play with their lives and also the secret society called the Circle. How will this odd love story end?
I can say that this book has completely amazed me!! I was literally glued to this book, the rising suspense slowly killing me! And that incredible tension between Nyx and Achilles - GOD!! It was perfection! This was definitely the first time when I was rooting for the bad and insane guy, which made me understand why the author chose to add that foreword in the beginning of this book.🤭 I was sooo intrigued by this story, even though it was super triggering in many ways. That delulu obsession Achilles had for Nyx wasn't normal at all but somehow made me like him for everything he did for her, because it was kind of sweet in the end. I was completely shocked by the series of events and by all those unfolded secrets from the last part of this story. It was pretty mind blowing because I didn't really saw that coming.
I liked so much the other two books of this 'Silver Falls University' series, but this one had something more, making me fall for it sooo bad!! It was simply UNBELIEVABLE, adoring each detail of this book. This was a super dark and twisted story, but it was sooo addicting and it still made me fall for these characters, despite of their actions and flaws. I definitely recommend this series to all the dark romance lovers, but also to the ones who want to read for the first time. It will make you love these types of stories.🤭
I'm super grateful for being accepted for this e-ARC! It was unbelievable!😍 Sooo, soo good! Thank you Valentine Pr and Lola for the opportunity!!
✨Tropes
#DarkRomance
#AntiHero
#Blackmail
#Bully
#DarkAcademia
#JealousPossessive
#MorallyGreyMMC
#SecretSociety
#OppositesAttract
January 4, 2026
5 ⭐️♾️
“I’m a dreamer. You should try it sometime.”
I chose this as my first read of 2026, not knowing it would become the one that stayed with me. This is, without a doubt, the best lola king book i’ve ever read. Forgive me, Caden and Chris bcs Achilles Duval has claimed my whole heart. I am undone.
Achilles Duval is chaos wrapped in devotion. Unhinged, manipulative, psychotic, obsessive yet willing to set the world on fire for the one he loves, for his mon trésor ❤️🔥 Words fall short when it comes to him, love like this is not meant to be explained, only felt.
Nyx Mayer is soft resilience incarnate. Fragile, aching, yet unbreakable. Even when the world stripped her down to nothing, she clung to her dream—to her violin, to music, to herself 💔 She is his muse, his melody, the reason his madness learned how to breathe.
This story is dark, raw, and emotionally consuming. It does not ask to be romanticized, it asks to be witnessed. The love is disturbing, painful, and deliberately uncomfortable, yet i surrendered to every moment of it. The plot twist was diabolical, and i welcomed it with open arms. I was utterly flabbergasted.
And the music part oh my god. The way he knew her, down to her heartbeat. The way the concerto was written for her alone. Love translated into sound. Proof that he listened, that he memorized her soul. Achilles Duval is hopelessly, irrevocably whipped.
The ending closed the circle perfectly. Saying goodbye hurts, because this series has carved a home in my heart. I will miss these characters deeply. I recommend this series to every dark romance reader who is willing to feel too much, ache deeply, and fall anyway. This is one of my most treasured reads <3
“I’m a dreamer. You should try it sometime.”
I chose this as my first read of 2026, not knowing it would become the one that stayed with me. This is, without a doubt, the best lola king book i’ve ever read. Forgive me, Caden and Chris bcs Achilles Duval has claimed my whole heart. I am undone.
Achilles Duval is chaos wrapped in devotion. Unhinged, manipulative, psychotic, obsessive yet willing to set the world on fire for the one he loves, for his mon trésor ❤️🔥 Words fall short when it comes to him, love like this is not meant to be explained, only felt.
Nyx Mayer is soft resilience incarnate. Fragile, aching, yet unbreakable. Even when the world stripped her down to nothing, she clung to her dream—to her violin, to music, to herself 💔 She is his muse, his melody, the reason his madness learned how to breathe.
This story is dark, raw, and emotionally consuming. It does not ask to be romanticized, it asks to be witnessed. The love is disturbing, painful, and deliberately uncomfortable, yet i surrendered to every moment of it. The plot twist was diabolical, and i welcomed it with open arms. I was utterly flabbergasted.
And the music part oh my god. The way he knew her, down to her heartbeat. The way the concerto was written for her alone. Love translated into sound. Proof that he listened, that he memorized her soul. Achilles Duval is hopelessly, irrevocably whipped.
The ending closed the circle perfectly. Saying goodbye hurts, because this series has carved a home in my heart. I will miss these characters deeply. I recommend this series to every dark romance reader who is willing to feel too much, ache deeply, and fall anyway. This is one of my most treasured reads <3
December 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW
♾️⭐️
Firstly I wanna thank Lola King and Valentines Pr for giving me the Arc of Loving the tormentor i literally feel so lucky and grateful to read this book! I was ecstatic to read this this one of my most anticipated read of the whole year
A MASTERPIECE THAT IS WHAT THIS BOOK IS!
Lola King has done it again she literally writes the best dark romance books! The way this book made me question my sanity made me cry made me laugh and giggle I was feeling all the emotions in 360 degrees
The plot? As always Lola King played with my mind
This literally started as a bully romance and then turned into Achilles simping for Nyx in every page
Achilles omg where do I even start I’m so stunned literally was interested by his character from reading the previous books in the series I will say he served! He served ate and left no crumbs the way this psychopath who’s literally a baby in heart made me cry and blush for him I’m not even joking
I love how Lola writes complex characters and she did a great job with Achilles
The trauma Achilles went through was so sad I felt so bad for him
Also Achilles was so psychotic toxic and manipulative but damn I would be grateful to be manipulated by him
I just couldn’t hate him at all even though he was cocky narcissistic psychopath
Nyx my baby omg she was so strong I loved how she put up with Achilles but also put him in his place
I loved their story so freaking much like literally love them with my own heart
Nyxie is so strong and brave I love her so much
So happy to finally see her happy
“I’m a dreamer you should try it sometime” omg their love I was crashing out so hard literally perfect
*SPOILERS*
Now for the plot twists?!! Hello how many plot twists could I handle it just was plot twist after plot twist after plot twist
Sophie being Achilles kid
Achilles is hermes i would’ve never in a million years would’ve seen that coming wtf?!
Nyxie betraying I kind off saw that coming but I don’t blame Nyx
Achilles pulling dead move and resurrecting back I freaking sobbed for an hour straight not kidding
Lola King sure knows how to play with my heart
*END OF SPOILERS*
Lola King played with my heart like a string made me fall in love with a psychopathic violin prodigy
This book made me fall in love with two dreamers who over came their trauma and struggles and loved each other on the way even though it was toxic in the start it turned out so beautiful at the end
Achilles is literally a simp for Nyx the way he turns into a softie for her calls her “mon tresor” and baby ahh melts my heart!!
I don’t know if I can put into words how much Achilles loves Nyx the way she was his muse the reason to start composing music again
Breaking his hand to save her omg literally sacrificed his passion for her
Achilles literally gave up on his dream for her because he loves Nyx so much
Now the cameos omg literally screamed when Nathan white came into the page like he’s my NO.1 so hello husband also loved how protective Kayla was of Nyx the gun scene was so funny also the twins Lia and Livie ong so cute
Caden and Billie?! Hello it was so funny I loved their cameo!
Ethan Elliot and Jade never would I ever thought Ethan and Achilles would be friends but it was so funny
Chris and Ella!! Ong if I start about it would never end Chris was the first manipulative man by Lola I feel in love in my head we are married
Wren ans peach omgg my badass couple
Also Xi and Alex omggg so freaking cute also the epilogue them being the perfect found family made me so happy and emotional cause Lola verse is literally my home so happy to read about my family being happy
♾️⭐️
Firstly I wanna thank Lola King and Valentines Pr for giving me the Arc of Loving the tormentor i literally feel so lucky and grateful to read this book! I was ecstatic to read this this one of my most anticipated read of the whole year
A MASTERPIECE THAT IS WHAT THIS BOOK IS!
Lola King has done it again she literally writes the best dark romance books! The way this book made me question my sanity made me cry made me laugh and giggle I was feeling all the emotions in 360 degrees
The plot? As always Lola King played with my mind
This literally started as a bully romance and then turned into Achilles simping for Nyx in every page
Achilles omg where do I even start I’m so stunned literally was interested by his character from reading the previous books in the series I will say he served! He served ate and left no crumbs the way this psychopath who’s literally a baby in heart made me cry and blush for him I’m not even joking
I love how Lola writes complex characters and she did a great job with Achilles
The trauma Achilles went through was so sad I felt so bad for him
Also Achilles was so psychotic toxic and manipulative but damn I would be grateful to be manipulated by him
I just couldn’t hate him at all even though he was cocky narcissistic psychopath
Nyx my baby omg she was so strong I loved how she put up with Achilles but also put him in his place
I loved their story so freaking much like literally love them with my own heart
Nyxie is so strong and brave I love her so much
So happy to finally see her happy
“I’m a dreamer you should try it sometime” omg their love I was crashing out so hard literally perfect
*SPOILERS*
Now for the plot twists?!! Hello how many plot twists could I handle it just was plot twist after plot twist after plot twist
Sophie being Achilles kid
Achilles is hermes i would’ve never in a million years would’ve seen that coming wtf?!
Nyxie betraying I kind off saw that coming but I don’t blame Nyx
Achilles pulling dead move and resurrecting back I freaking sobbed for an hour straight not kidding
Lola King sure knows how to play with my heart
*END OF SPOILERS*
Lola King played with my heart like a string made me fall in love with a psychopathic violin prodigy
This book made me fall in love with two dreamers who over came their trauma and struggles and loved each other on the way even though it was toxic in the start it turned out so beautiful at the end
Achilles is literally a simp for Nyx the way he turns into a softie for her calls her “mon tresor” and baby ahh melts my heart!!
I don’t know if I can put into words how much Achilles loves Nyx the way she was his muse the reason to start composing music again
Breaking his hand to save her omg literally sacrificed his passion for her
Achilles literally gave up on his dream for her because he loves Nyx so much
Now the cameos omg literally screamed when Nathan white came into the page like he’s my NO.1 so hello husband also loved how protective Kayla was of Nyx the gun scene was so funny also the twins Lia and Livie ong so cute
Caden and Billie?! Hello it was so funny I loved their cameo!
Ethan Elliot and Jade never would I ever thought Ethan and Achilles would be friends but it was so funny
Chris and Ella!! Ong if I start about it would never end Chris was the first manipulative man by Lola I feel in love in my head we are married
Wren ans peach omgg my badass couple
Also Xi and Alex omggg so freaking cute also the epilogue them being the perfect found family made me so happy and emotional cause Lola verse is literally my home so happy to read about my family being happy
January 2, 2026
Ummm why was this so depressing?! I was expecting a fun time but damn my heart hurt / I felt I pit in my stomach for the last 20% 😭😭😭
I’m not sure how I felt about that 1.8 year time jump and the plot twists that happened within it.. but overall it was a good story!!
It was a very cute end to this trilogy 🥹🥹
I’m not sure how I felt about that 1.8 year time jump and the plot twists that happened within it.. but overall it was a good story!!
It was a very cute end to this trilogy 🥹🥹
January 5, 2026
“I’m a dreamer, you should try it sometime.”
December 6, 2025
5 🌟 TOP DARK ROMANCE READ OF THE YEAR!
Wow. Achilles Duval, Nyx! What a story, the writing was phenomenal, the depth of these characters was incredible, the twist(s) took 10 years off my life.
Absolutely yes. This was the most EPIC conclusion to this series.
Wow. Achilles Duval, Nyx! What a story, the writing was phenomenal, the depth of these characters was incredible, the twist(s) took 10 years off my life.
Absolutely yes. This was the most EPIC conclusion to this series.
December 5, 2025
Lola King really did her BIG one with this book. I’m obsessed—absolutely obsessed. Loving the Tormentor gave me everything I wanted and then somehow gave me more.
Nyx and Achilles… where do I even begin? These two were perfection. Nyx, my girl, has been through it, and she is such a survivor. Watching her heal, grow into her power, and finally receive everything she deserves made my whole heart ache in the best way.
And Achilles—my man, my man, my man. If you want to study the blueprint for an utterly obsessed, down-bad, desperate, pathetically devoted man, look no further than Achilles Duvall. He clears every time.
The plot? INCREDIBLE. This book had me laughing, giggling, kicking my feet under the covers… and then suddenly sobbing, stressed, and on the brink of pulling my hair out. Lola took me through the entire emotional spectrum and I loved every second.
And the found family aspect? Pure perfection. 🥺 I adore every single one of them. I’m going to miss Silver Falls so much it hurts.
I cannot wait to see what Lola King gives us next. 💜
Nyx and Achilles… where do I even begin? These two were perfection. Nyx, my girl, has been through it, and she is such a survivor. Watching her heal, grow into her power, and finally receive everything she deserves made my whole heart ache in the best way.
And Achilles—my man, my man, my man. If you want to study the blueprint for an utterly obsessed, down-bad, desperate, pathetically devoted man, look no further than Achilles Duvall. He clears every time.
The plot? INCREDIBLE. This book had me laughing, giggling, kicking my feet under the covers… and then suddenly sobbing, stressed, and on the brink of pulling my hair out. Lola took me through the entire emotional spectrum and I loved every second.
And the found family aspect? Pure perfection. 🥺 I adore every single one of them. I’m going to miss Silver Falls so much it hurts.
I cannot wait to see what Lola King gives us next. 💜
November 22, 2025
Thanks for the ARC!
Don’t send me another one.
Don’t send me another one.
December 9, 2025
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: N/A
Noteworthy: Book 3 of an completed interconnected standalone trilogy. Dual first-person POV. Check content warnings. Available on KU.
This may be the best dark romance book I've ever read. Both main characters are exactly perfect for the story. Achilles is a degree north of a psychopath but that degree is everything! There is something about seeing a character so damaged that they disconnect from humanity slowly find it again. It just hits everytime! And Nyx is his perfect counterpart. Her character could easily be the cliche poor girl to his rich bad boy but she's not. She has so much depth and definition. This is how you do opposites attract! The way Achilles obsesses over Nyx as his muse will have you giggling and kicking your feet.
The overarching plotlines wrap up in this book and they conclude beautifully. I'm sad that it's over though because I could honestly probably read 10 more in this series. I can't wait to see where Lola King takes us next!
⭐️ 5/5
🌶 3/5
🧠 3/10
Cliffhanger: N/A
Noteworthy: Book 3 of an completed interconnected standalone trilogy. Dual first-person POV. Check content warnings. Available on KU.
This may be the best dark romance book I've ever read. Both main characters are exactly perfect for the story. Achilles is a degree north of a psychopath but that degree is everything! There is something about seeing a character so damaged that they disconnect from humanity slowly find it again. It just hits everytime! And Nyx is his perfect counterpart. Her character could easily be the cliche poor girl to his rich bad boy but she's not. She has so much depth and definition. This is how you do opposites attract! The way Achilles obsesses over Nyx as his muse will have you giggling and kicking your feet.
The overarching plotlines wrap up in this book and they conclude beautifully. I'm sad that it's over though because I could honestly probably read 10 more in this series. I can't wait to see where Lola King takes us next!
January 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
This book completely hooked me because of Achilles and Nyx. Achilles is cruel, controlling, and very much lives up to the “tormentor” title — but he’s also layered, calculating, and clearly driven by his own damage. Nyx, on the other hand, isn’t weak or passive; there’s a quiet resilience to him that makes their dynamic feel tense and dangerous instead of one-sided. Watching Nyx push back in subtle ways while Achilles slowly loses control was easily my favorite part.
Light spoilers: the story thrives on obsession, power, and emotional warfare more than big plot twists. The shift in Achilles doesn’t happen all at once, and I appreciated that — his cracks show gradually, especially when Nyx stops reacting the way he expects. Their connection is messy, intense, and uncomfortable at times, but it feels intentional rather than romanticized.
The chemistry is dark and addictive, the pacing keeps the pressure on, and the character development is what elevates this beyond shock value. I took off half a star only because I wanted a little more time at the end to sit with them once everything settled — but overall, this was a gripping, character-driven read that absolutely delivered.
This book completely hooked me because of Achilles and Nyx. Achilles is cruel, controlling, and very much lives up to the “tormentor” title — but he’s also layered, calculating, and clearly driven by his own damage. Nyx, on the other hand, isn’t weak or passive; there’s a quiet resilience to him that makes their dynamic feel tense and dangerous instead of one-sided. Watching Nyx push back in subtle ways while Achilles slowly loses control was easily my favorite part.
Light spoilers: the story thrives on obsession, power, and emotional warfare more than big plot twists. The shift in Achilles doesn’t happen all at once, and I appreciated that — his cracks show gradually, especially when Nyx stops reacting the way he expects. Their connection is messy, intense, and uncomfortable at times, but it feels intentional rather than romanticized.
The chemistry is dark and addictive, the pacing keeps the pressure on, and the character development is what elevates this beyond shock value. I took off half a star only because I wanted a little more time at the end to sit with them once everything settled — but overall, this was a gripping, character-driven read that absolutely delivered.
January 5, 2026
Ооох, накрутила жінка 😅
Загалом ця пара мені зайшла. Між ними купа милих моментів (нуу… більшу частину часу 🤫) за якими приємно було спостерігати.
Нарешті стало зрозуміло, хто такий Гермес, і це виглядало цілком логічно. Окремий плюс за те, що Лола дала трохи насолодитися появами інших пар, було дуже приємно їх знову побачити.
Сюжет загалом класний, але останні 20% це просто атракціон із сюжетних поворотів 🤯 Їх можна було зробити трохи менше.
Але як завершення серії вийшло класно 🥰
Загалом ця пара мені зайшла. Між ними купа милих моментів (нуу… більшу частину часу 🤫) за якими приємно було спостерігати.
Нарешті стало зрозуміло, хто такий Гермес, і це виглядало цілком логічно. Окремий плюс за те, що Лола дала трохи насолодитися появами інших пар, було дуже приємно їх знову побачити.
Сюжет загалом класний, але останні 20% це просто атракціон із сюжетних поворотів 🤯 Їх можна було зробити трохи менше.
Але як завершення серії вийшло класно 🥰
December 4, 2025
Lola King handed me emotional damage, sexual tension, healing, and chaos wrapped in perfect writing.
From page one, she pulls you so close it feels intimate — like she’s whispering the story directly to you. Her words hit your nerve endings. The tension? The chemistry? The emotions under the darkness? Chef’s kiss.
Nyx is everything. Soft and strong. Broken and rebuilding. I loved watching her grow, step by step, into someone who finally sees her own worth.
And Achilles… God. This man is a walking contradiction — cold to everyone, but burning for her. He’s a mess, a storm, a fire you should not touch…
and yet when he loves, he loves with his whole chest.
His masks fall off one by one, and what’s underneath is devastatingly real.
Their connection is dark, messy, crazy hot, and somehow still tender. It’s not just spice — it’s two damaged people choosing each other again and again, even when it hurts.
And the plot twists? Every time I thought I could breathe, Lola hit me with another blow. This book never lets you go.
I’m still replaying this line in my head:
““I'm a dreamer, mon trésor.
You should try it sometimes.”
Achilles & Nyx… I will think about you forever.
From page one, she pulls you so close it feels intimate — like she’s whispering the story directly to you. Her words hit your nerve endings. The tension? The chemistry? The emotions under the darkness? Chef’s kiss.
Nyx is everything. Soft and strong. Broken and rebuilding. I loved watching her grow, step by step, into someone who finally sees her own worth.
And Achilles… God. This man is a walking contradiction — cold to everyone, but burning for her. He’s a mess, a storm, a fire you should not touch…
and yet when he loves, he loves with his whole chest.
His masks fall off one by one, and what’s underneath is devastatingly real.
Their connection is dark, messy, crazy hot, and somehow still tender. It’s not just spice — it’s two damaged people choosing each other again and again, even when it hurts.
And the plot twists? Every time I thought I could breathe, Lola hit me with another blow. This book never lets you go.
I’m still replaying this line in my head:
““I'm a dreamer, mon trésor.
You should try it sometimes.”
Achilles & Nyx… I will think about you forever.
December 13, 2025
Achilles Duvall ❤️❤️❤️ Best of both worlds. I love how the first 40% is the most unredeemable obsessed psychopathic behaviour dark bully heaven but then last half hero is still unpredictable, but is in protector mode who wants the best for the heroine, so supportive of heroine’s life goals. I liked the twists but the one concerning his dad and his childhood gets one mention before being swept under the rug, that one didn’t seem necessary tbh if it wasn’t really going to contribute to hero’s growth/journey. May add to this review!
Ok some more thoughts:
Ok some more thoughts:
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