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Vile Saint: A Dark MM Psychological Romance
He kidnapped a journalist to silence a story. He kept him to rewrite it.Calder Ashworth is not a man. He is a monolith. As the head of the Ashworth empire and the youngest chairman of the Thorns Society, he owns the skyline, the politicians, and the silence that covers Requiem City like a shroud. He is controlled, lethal, and incapable of error. When an investigative journalist uncovers the corruption rotting his legacy, the protocol is execution.
Calder breaks the protocol. Instead of a bullet, he offers a cage.
Emeric Fontaine makes a living hunting the untouchable. He spent months tracking the Society’s blood money, preparing to burn their empire to the ground. Instead, he wakes up drugged and locked inside Calder’s sixty-six-floor penthouse.
The door is locked from the outside. The windows are unbreakable glass. But Calder doesn't torture him. He feeds him, houses him, and gives him a desk. There is a traitor in Calder's inner circle, and he wants Emeric’s brilliant mind to find the leak.
It was supposed to be a game of survival. A battle of intellect and observation. But the penthouse is too quiet, and the proximity is too suffocating. As the days bleed into weeks, the monster in the bespoke suit begins to blur into something else. Something fiercely possessive. Something that watches Emeric with an intensity that feels less like surveillance and more like… worship.
Emeric can ruin him with a single sentence. But as the city burns below them, he realizes the most dangerous thing in this penthouse isn't the mafia boss holding the key.
It's the terrifying fact that he no longer wants to leave.
"You keep me here because I'm the only person who's ever seen you scared."
VILE SAINT is Book 1 in the Thorns Society series. It is a high-angst, psychological dark MM romance
A captor/captive dynamicExtreme forced proximityA morally grey KingmakerA journalist who bites backMind the shadows—this isn't a fairy tale.
--- AUTHOR'S NOTE ---
This is a Dark Corporate Romance intended for mature audiences. It contains strong language, high-stakes psychological tension, themes of captivity, and intense M/M intimate scenes (featuring dynamic power exchange). For a detailed list of specific content warnings, please check the "Look Inside" feature. Read responsibly.
Calder breaks the protocol. Instead of a bullet, he offers a cage.
Emeric Fontaine makes a living hunting the untouchable. He spent months tracking the Society’s blood money, preparing to burn their empire to the ground. Instead, he wakes up drugged and locked inside Calder’s sixty-six-floor penthouse.
The door is locked from the outside. The windows are unbreakable glass. But Calder doesn't torture him. He feeds him, houses him, and gives him a desk. There is a traitor in Calder's inner circle, and he wants Emeric’s brilliant mind to find the leak.
It was supposed to be a game of survival. A battle of intellect and observation. But the penthouse is too quiet, and the proximity is too suffocating. As the days bleed into weeks, the monster in the bespoke suit begins to blur into something else. Something fiercely possessive. Something that watches Emeric with an intensity that feels less like surveillance and more like… worship.
Emeric can ruin him with a single sentence. But as the city burns below them, he realizes the most dangerous thing in this penthouse isn't the mafia boss holding the key.
It's the terrifying fact that he no longer wants to leave.
"You keep me here because I'm the only person who's ever seen you scared."
VILE SAINT is Book 1 in the Thorns Society series. It is a high-angst, psychological dark MM romance
A captor/captive dynamicExtreme forced proximityA morally grey KingmakerA journalist who bites backMind the shadows—this isn't a fairy tale.
--- AUTHOR'S NOTE ---
This is a Dark Corporate Romance intended for mature audiences. It contains strong language, high-stakes psychological tension, themes of captivity, and intense M/M intimate scenes (featuring dynamic power exchange). For a detailed list of specific content warnings, please check the "Look Inside" feature. Read responsibly.
- GenresM M Romance
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 8, 2026
It was untypical, strange, disturbing, but good, and bitter, and sweet, so sweet I can still taste it on my tongue. I’m not sure what genre to classify this book as. A noir thriller, I guess, that’s the closest description I can come up with, filled with unresolved sexual tension and power play.
It’s dark, haunting, deeply unsettling, psychological character study that takes you hostage and doesn’t let go until the last page. Emeric and Calder are morally grey, both complex and layered, and it was incredibly satisfying to watch their armour slowly fall apart piece by piece. The performance was brilliant.
Incredible MM slow burn driven by dialogues and monologues rather than action. Even the smut is written in the form of a monologue, and I’ve never read anything like that before. It was interesting experience.
Very promising start of the series. I don’t think this book is for everyone, but if you give it a try, there’s a good chance you won’t regret it.
It’s dark, haunting, deeply unsettling, psychological character study that takes you hostage and doesn’t let go until the last page. Emeric and Calder are morally grey, both complex and layered, and it was incredibly satisfying to watch their armour slowly fall apart piece by piece. The performance was brilliant.
Incredible MM slow burn driven by dialogues and monologues rather than action. Even the smut is written in the form of a monologue, and I’ve never read anything like that before. It was interesting experience.
Very promising start of the series. I don’t think this book is for everyone, but if you give it a try, there’s a good chance you won’t regret it.
March 7, 2026
This is amazing. It isn’t a thriller, or a spy story, or a love story, it’s all of those and none at the same time. It’s feels like a character study. So well done! I love how Emeric nails things so fast, and how we can follow along with his thought process. I loved being able to read the reasons behind their actions, the richness it gives to the story and the characters themselves is incredible. Many times, reading about a character’s thoughts it feels contrived, it feels overdone, and useless, but in this book, it has a reason, it is necessary to understand the reasons behind each of the character’s actions. Learning about who they are, and what made them the men they are today is fantastic. I loved it. It sucked me in from the first page, and the attention to detail such as a fountain pen needing to be refilled, and a house being kept warm for a pocket square… it’s beautiful. Yes, morally grey, leaning towards dark romance, and Stockholm’s syndrome in a way, but… not quite. Because we see them so thoroughly, we get to know them so well, that we are willing to make quite a few concessions for them to reach their HEA. It’s fantastic. I hope there are many more to come, because this was a pleasure to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2026
“…and the lock sounds different when you’ve earned it.”
“Vile Saint,” by Vesper Vane
This book completely surprised me. On paper it looks like it should be a dark romance because of the captivity and forced proximity, but honestly that’s not really how it felt to me. The situation is intense and uncomfortable, but the heart of the story is much more psychological and character-driven than dark or shock-heavy. The story focuses on two men trapped together, and the entire book really leans into their thought processes and conversations. I loved how analytical the writing felt. The characters are constantly examining their own reactions, questioning motives, and trying to understand each other. It made every conversation feel meaningful instead of just moving the plot along. The relationship development was honestly my favorite part. Watching two men slowly learn to trust each other, lower their defenses, and become comfortable with themselves and each other felt incredibly real. It wasn’t rushed, and it wasn’t built on dramatic declarations. It grew through observation, honesty, and vulnerability. The forced proximity really works here because it forces them to confront things they might otherwise avoid. Instead of just creating tension, it creates space for understanding. I also loved how introspective the book was. The dialogue and inner thoughts felt very deliberate, almost philosophical at times, which made the emotional growth between them really satisfying.
5 out of 5 stars. I loved how analytical and psychological this story felt. Watching two guarded men slowly find trust and connection was honestly beautiful.
-MM
-Psychological
-Forced Proximity
-Captive
-Contemporary
Thank you for the ARC, Booksirens.
“…some acknowledgments are too expensive to make in front of witnesses.”
“Some things are better unnamed. Some things survive by not being spoken.”
“Vile Saint,” by Vesper Vane
This book completely surprised me. On paper it looks like it should be a dark romance because of the captivity and forced proximity, but honestly that’s not really how it felt to me. The situation is intense and uncomfortable, but the heart of the story is much more psychological and character-driven than dark or shock-heavy. The story focuses on two men trapped together, and the entire book really leans into their thought processes and conversations. I loved how analytical the writing felt. The characters are constantly examining their own reactions, questioning motives, and trying to understand each other. It made every conversation feel meaningful instead of just moving the plot along. The relationship development was honestly my favorite part. Watching two men slowly learn to trust each other, lower their defenses, and become comfortable with themselves and each other felt incredibly real. It wasn’t rushed, and it wasn’t built on dramatic declarations. It grew through observation, honesty, and vulnerability. The forced proximity really works here because it forces them to confront things they might otherwise avoid. Instead of just creating tension, it creates space for understanding. I also loved how introspective the book was. The dialogue and inner thoughts felt very deliberate, almost philosophical at times, which made the emotional growth between them really satisfying.
5 out of 5 stars. I loved how analytical and psychological this story felt. Watching two guarded men slowly find trust and connection was honestly beautiful.
-MM
-Psychological
-Forced Proximity
-Captive
-Contemporary
Thank you for the ARC, Booksirens.
“…some acknowledgments are too expensive to make in front of witnesses.”
“Some things are better unnamed. Some things survive by not being spoken.”
March 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this! While it’s a MM for me it’s a slow burn in the best possible way! The build up showed how much their relationship changed from prisoner and capture! I loved how emeric helped him go through all the evidence to truly help him
But the best part he saw Calder for who he truly was he just needed someone to break through the armour! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has to bring!
But the best part he saw Calder for who he truly was he just needed someone to break through the armour! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has to bring!
March 10, 2026
The way this was written was so new to me.
It was like witnessing the two MCs talk but with them not knowing you were present.
Thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait for the next.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
It was like witnessing the two MCs talk but with them not knowing you were present.
Thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait for the next.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
April 26, 2026
Review for (Thorne Society-1) Vile Saint by Vesper Vane
Make sure you check the triggers if you have any.
Dark Romance
Forced Proximity
Captivity
Morally grey MC
Psychological
High heat
M/M
Power exchange
I have found that I am addicted to dark romances, especially if they are written like this one. This story starts out with Calder kidnapping a journalist (Emeric) to stop a story that Emeric has written. Things go even further when Calder decides he will not be killing Emeric. He will be keeping him. Emeric wakes up drugged and in Calder's hug in the penthouse. Calder is a dark man; he controls everything he wants in life. He is not only the head of the Ashworth empire, but he is also the youngest ever chairman of the Thorns Society. Most would have thought that after he got the story dropped, he would have gotten rid of the writer. He proves them all wrong. He can't believe that this man doesn't hurt him. In fact, he feeds him and takes care of him really. Calder wants Emeric to help him find the traitor among the people around him. This gets dark at times, but I really got into this story and couldn't put it down. I read it in one day, and when I read the last page, I wanted more, so I was happy there is going to be more in this series. Vesper Vane is a newer author that I have added to my must-read author list. I will be looking for more from them. When you get a writer who can spin a story that keeps you guessing what will happen next, yep, that's my type of story.
Nicole Harvey
Make sure you check the triggers if you have any.
Dark Romance
Forced Proximity
Captivity
Morally grey MC
Psychological
High heat
M/M
Power exchange
I have found that I am addicted to dark romances, especially if they are written like this one. This story starts out with Calder kidnapping a journalist (Emeric) to stop a story that Emeric has written. Things go even further when Calder decides he will not be killing Emeric. He will be keeping him. Emeric wakes up drugged and in Calder's hug in the penthouse. Calder is a dark man; he controls everything he wants in life. He is not only the head of the Ashworth empire, but he is also the youngest ever chairman of the Thorns Society. Most would have thought that after he got the story dropped, he would have gotten rid of the writer. He proves them all wrong. He can't believe that this man doesn't hurt him. In fact, he feeds him and takes care of him really. Calder wants Emeric to help him find the traitor among the people around him. This gets dark at times, but I really got into this story and couldn't put it down. I read it in one day, and when I read the last page, I wanted more, so I was happy there is going to be more in this series. Vesper Vane is a newer author that I have added to my must-read author list. I will be looking for more from them. When you get a writer who can spin a story that keeps you guessing what will happen next, yep, that's my type of story.
Nicole Harvey
March 16, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This MM romance was intellectually and thought provoking! In the world of high power business deals and governmental secrets, a show of no emotion is the standard. One can only glean that from this sentiment, showing emotions deters business from moving forward.
While reading the book, emotions do unfold and I found myself thinking about the analogy "sociopath vs psychopath" and in the business world, the need to avoid emotions is a driving force. Because, as the book suggests, human emtion skews data. But at the pit of this analogy stands the core of it all: loneliness. And the need to control loneliness is exhausting.
Once you take that step toward human emotion and take that person out of your periphery and allow them into your circle, emotion becomes reciprocated. People always disappoint; humans are imperfect. It's how you decide to move on with the "why" that dictates the "how." Then, the comfort of human proximitiy starts to provide comfort and the romance can evolve, to allow forgiveness and acceptance to move towards love and trust.
I strongly feel that's how Emeric and Calder see their relationship; they cannot lose themself in a relationship, even if a heart is broken.
I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, and cannot WAIT for Vesper Vane to continue with this series.
FIVE OUT OF FIVE!!!
This MM romance was intellectually and thought provoking! In the world of high power business deals and governmental secrets, a show of no emotion is the standard. One can only glean that from this sentiment, showing emotions deters business from moving forward.
While reading the book, emotions do unfold and I found myself thinking about the analogy "sociopath vs psychopath" and in the business world, the need to avoid emotions is a driving force. Because, as the book suggests, human emtion skews data. But at the pit of this analogy stands the core of it all: loneliness. And the need to control loneliness is exhausting.
Once you take that step toward human emotion and take that person out of your periphery and allow them into your circle, emotion becomes reciprocated. People always disappoint; humans are imperfect. It's how you decide to move on with the "why" that dictates the "how." Then, the comfort of human proximitiy starts to provide comfort and the romance can evolve, to allow forgiveness and acceptance to move towards love and trust.
I strongly feel that's how Emeric and Calder see their relationship; they cannot lose themself in a relationship, even if a heart is broken.
I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, and cannot WAIT for Vesper Vane to continue with this series.
FIVE OUT OF FIVE!!!
March 11, 2026
I recI'll start by saying that this book is written in a style I've never encountered before, and surprisingly, I really enjoyed it.
I have to admit that at first, I found it a bit of a slog because the book itself is very descriptive, but as the plot unfolds, you realize that this level of detail is necessary, and once you get used to it... everything flows smoothly.
The relationship between Calder and Emeric develops in a believable and very well-handled way, and Calder's evolution thanks to Emeric is truly remarkable.
The underlying plot is very well integrated into the story and leaves you wanting more. The only downside is that the ending is a cliffhanger, and I'm eager to read the next book to see what happens
Thanks to Vesper Vane for let me read the ARC in advance!
I have to admit that at first, I found it a bit of a slog because the book itself is very descriptive, but as the plot unfolds, you realize that this level of detail is necessary, and once you get used to it... everything flows smoothly.
The relationship between Calder and Emeric develops in a believable and very well-handled way, and Calder's evolution thanks to Emeric is truly remarkable.
The underlying plot is very well integrated into the story and leaves you wanting more. The only downside is that the ending is a cliffhanger, and I'm eager to read the next book to see what happens
Thanks to Vesper Vane for let me read the ARC in advance!
April 16, 2026
Book 1 of the Thorns Society series. And a FANtastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'The cage was meant to keep the journalist in. It was never meant to keep the monster out.'
'Author’s Note: VILE SAINT is a Dark Corporate MM Romance. It features forced proximity, captivity, moral ambiguity, high-stakes psychological warfare, and explicit high-heat scenes.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'The cage was meant to keep the journalist in. It was never meant to keep the monster out.'
'Author’s Note: VILE SAINT is a Dark Corporate MM Romance. It features forced proximity, captivity, moral ambiguity, high-stakes psychological warfare, and explicit high-heat scenes.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
This book is very clinical in its presentation, but it fits with the story it tells. I enjoy all things secret society, slow burn between captor and captive, and a layer of mystery/sleuthing. I like how the author started out the characters as two very separate people in the way they think and operate. The dynamic slowly changes within forced proximity to where they almost end up as one. I would have loved to see more romance/spice within the book, but I also see why there wasn't based on who the characters are as individuals and whats happening within the story. Book 2 will definitely be in my TBR.
March 10, 2026
Calder runs a vast, secretive organization and suspects someone on the inside is working against him. He finds an independent journalist Emeric and entices him to find his enemy, all the while keeping him a prisoner. Emeric does a systematic investigation to find the enemy and eventually falls for Calder, though it's mutual. The book is intellectually complex with suppressed emotions and continues to a second book. Fascinating but not for everyone. I received a copy of this through BookSirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
April 17, 2026
After his father's stroke, Calder Ashworth is now the head of the company & a secret society. Emeric Fontaine is a young journalist out to make a name for himself is kidnapped by Calder. While most reviewers, myself included will say that the story is wordy but so needed to feel the complexity of these 2 people. Calder, closed off to "normal" circumstances, locked into a world where no-one only sees what they want to see but never understand. Emeric, the man who sees him in a way no-one ever will. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2026
I loved this MM romance. Calder has drugged Emeric and held him captive. But he was wanting Emeric to help him find the leak in his operation. I loved seeing hire distant and closed off Calder was, and how it changed s as him and Emeric grew closer. Seeing this go from a captive situation to a mutual pairing was great. It showed that Calder was so closed off because feelings had no run in his life. That was, until Emeric. I really loved this story and can’t wait to read the next one.
May 24, 2026
Absolutely amazing mind freak of a book! Kept me guessing, on my toes, and trying to guess the end. So much and not enough. I thought I was done, and wanted more. Calder and Emeric had this twisted connection that had incredibly wild beginnings.
A psychological thriller unlike any other I've read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A psychological thriller unlike any other I've read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews